diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:15:56 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:15:56 -0700 |
| commit | 4862114c098166d0c48937b95545b8b2841be68b (patch) | |
| tree | b9906e75af462858b5b7cfab5e0e4c725bbf89db /old/files | |
Diffstat (limited to 'old/files')
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| -rw-r--r-- | old/files/relative.htm | 47021 |
81 files changed, 47021 insertions, 0 deletions
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float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dombey and Son, by Charles Dickens + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Dombey and Son + +Author: Charles Dickens + + +Release Date: February, 1997 [EBook #821] +Last Updated: July 28, 2014 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOMBEY AND SON *** + + + + +Produced by Neil McLachlan, Ted Davis, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + DOMBEY AND SON + </h1> + <h2> + By Charles Dickens + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0008m.jpg" alt="0008m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0008.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0009m.jpg" alt="0009m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0009.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. Dombey and Son </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. In which Timely Provision is made for + an Emergency that will sometimes arise in the best-regulated Families. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. In which Mr Dombey, as a Man and a + Father, is seen at the Head of the Home-Department </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. In which some more First Appearances + are made on the Stage of these Adventures </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. Paul's Progress and Christening </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. Paul's Second Deprivation </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. A Bird's-eye Glimpse of Miss Tox's + Dwelling-place: also of the State of Miss Tox's Affections </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Paul's Further Progress, Growth and + Character </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. In which the Wooden Midshipman gets + into Trouble </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Containing the Sequel of the + Midshipman's Disaster </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Paul's Introduction to a New Scene + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. Paul's Education </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. Shipping Intelligence and Office + Business </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. Paul grows more and more + Old-fashioned, and goes Home for the Holidays </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. Amazing Artfulness of Captain Cuttle, + and a new Pursuit for Walter Gay </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16. What the Waves were always saying + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER 17. Captain Cuttle does a little Business + for the Young People </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER 18. Father and Daughter </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER 19. Walter goes away </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER 20. Mr Dombey goes upon a Journey </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER 21. New Faces </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER 22. A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker + the Manager </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER 23. Florence solitary, and the Midshipman + mysterious </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER 24. The Study of a Loving Heart </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER 25. Strange News of Uncle Sol </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER 26. Shadows of the Past and Future </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER 27. Deeper Shadows </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER 28. Alterations </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER 29. The Opening of the Eyes of Mrs Chick + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER 30. The interval before the Marriage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER 31. The Wedding </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER 32. The Wooden Midshipman goes to Pieces + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER 33. Contrasts </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER 34. Another Mother and Daughter </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER 35. The Happy Pair </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER 36. Housewarming </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER 37. More Warnings than One </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER 38. Miss Tox improves an Old Acquaintance + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER 39. Further Adventures of Captain Edward + Cuttle, Mariner </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER 40. Domestic Relations </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER 41. New Voices in the Waves </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER 42. Confidential and Accidental </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER 43. The Watches of the Night </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER 44. A Separation </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER 45. The Trusty Agent </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER 46. Recognizant and Reflective </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER 47. The Thunderbolt </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER 48. The Flight of Florence </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER 49. The Midshipman makes a Discovery </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER 50. Mr Toots's Complaint </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER 51. Mr Dombey and the World </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER 52. Secret Intelligence </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER 53. More Intelligence </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER 54. The Fugitives </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER 55. Rob the Grinder loses his Place </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER 56. Several People delighted, and the + Game Chicken disgusted </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER 57. Another Wedding </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER 58. After a Lapse </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER 59. Retribution </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER 60. Chiefly Matrimonial </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER 61. Relenting </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER 62. Final </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE OF 1848 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF2"> PREFACE OF 1867 </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1. Dombey and Son + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>ombey sat in the corner of the darkened room in the great arm-chair by + the bedside, and Son lay tucked up warm in a little basket bedstead, + carefully disposed on a low settee immediately in front of the fire and + close to it, as if his constitution were analogous to that of a muffin, + and it was essential to toast him brown while he was very new. + </p> + <p> + Dombey was about eight-and-forty years of age. Son about eight-and-forty + minutes. Dombey was rather bald, rather red, and though a handsome + well-made man, too stern and pompous in appearance, to be prepossessing. + Son was very bald, and very red, and though (of course) an undeniably fine + infant, somewhat crushed and spotty in his general effect, as yet. On the + brow of Dombey, Time and his brother Care had set some marks, as on a tree + that was to come down in good time—remorseless twins they are for + striding through their human forests, notching as they go—while the + countenance of Son was crossed with a thousand little creases, which the + same deceitful Time would take delight in smoothing out and wearing away + with the flat part of his scythe, as a preparation of the surface for his + deeper operations. + </p> + <p> + Dombey, exulting in the long-looked-for event, jingled and jingled the + heavy gold watch-chain that depended from below his trim blue coat, + whereof the buttons sparkled phosphorescently in the feeble rays of the + distant fire. Son, with his little fists curled up and clenched, seemed, + in his feeble way, to be squaring at existence for having come upon him so + unexpectedly. + </p> + <p> + 'The House will once again, Mrs Dombey,' said Mr Dombey, 'be not only in + name but in fact Dombey and Son;' and he added, in a tone of luxurious + satisfaction, with his eyes half-closed as if he were reading the name in + a device of flowers, and inhaling their fragrance at the same time; + 'Dom-bey and Son!' + </p> + <p> + The words had such a softening influence, that he appended a term of + endearment to Mrs Dombey's name (though not without some hesitation, as + being a man but little used to that form of address): and said, 'Mrs + Dombey, my—my dear.' + </p> + <p> + A transient flush of faint surprise overspread the sick lady's face as she + raised her eyes towards him. + </p> + <p> + 'He will be christened Paul, my—Mrs Dombey—of course.' + </p> + <p> + She feebly echoed, 'Of course,' or rather expressed it by the motion of + her lips, and closed her eyes again. + </p> + <p> + 'His father's name, Mrs Dombey, and his grandfather's! I wish his + grandfather were alive this day! There is some inconvenience in the + necessity of writing Junior,' said Mr Dombey, making a fictitious + autograph on his knee; 'but it is merely of a private and personal + complexion. It doesn't enter into the correspondence of the House. Its + signature remains the same.' And again he said 'Dombey and Son,' in + exactly the same tone as before. + </p> + <p> + Those three words conveyed the one idea of Mr Dombey's life. The earth was + made for Dombey and Son to trade in, and the sun and moon were made to + give them light. Rivers and seas were formed to float their ships; + rainbows gave them promise of fair weather; winds blew for or against + their enterprises; stars and planets circled in their orbits, to preserve + inviolate a system of which they were the centre. Common abbreviations + took new meanings in his eyes, and had sole reference to them. A. D. had + no concern with Anno Domini, but stood for anno Dombei—and Son. + </p> + <p> + He had risen, as his father had before him, in the course of life and + death, from Son to Dombey, and for nearly twenty years had been the sole + representative of the Firm. Of those years he had been married, ten—married, + as some said, to a lady with no heart to give him; whose happiness was in + the past, and who was content to bind her broken spirit to the dutiful and + meek endurance of the present. Such idle talk was little likely to reach + the ears of Mr Dombey, whom it nearly concerned; and probably no one in + the world would have received it with such utter incredulity as he, if it + had reached him. Dombey and Son had often dealt in hides, but never in + hearts. They left that fancy ware to boys and girls, and boarding-schools + and books. Mr Dombey would have reasoned: That a matrimonial alliance with + himself must, in the nature of things, be gratifying and honourable to any + woman of common sense. That the hope of giving birth to a new partner in + such a House, could not fail to awaken a glorious and stirring ambition in + the breast of the least ambitious of her sex. That Mrs Dombey had entered + on that social contract of matrimony: almost necessarily part of a genteel + and wealthy station, even without reference to the perpetuation of family + Firms: with her eyes fully open to these advantages. That Mrs Dombey had + had daily practical knowledge of his position in society. That Mrs Dombey + had always sat at the head of his table, and done the honours of his house + in a remarkably lady-like and becoming manner. That Mrs Dombey must have + been happy. That she couldn't help it. + </p> + <p> + Or, at all events, with one drawback. Yes. That he would have allowed. + With only one; but that one certainly involving much. With the drawback of + hope deferred. That hope deferred, which, (as the Scripture very correctly + tells us, Mr Dombey would have added in a patronising way; for his highest + distinct idea even of Scripture, if examined, would have been found to be; + that as forming part of a general whole, of which Dombey and Son formed + another part, it was therefore to be commended and upheld) maketh the + heart sick. They had been married ten years, and until this present day on + which Mr Dombey sat jingling and jingling his heavy gold watch-chain in + the great arm-chair by the side of the bed, had had no issue. + </p> + <p> + —To speak of; none worth mentioning. There had been a girl some six + years before, and the child, who had stolen into the chamber unobserved, + was now crouching timidly, in a corner whence she could see her mother's + face. But what was a girl to Dombey and Son! In the capital of the House's + name and dignity, such a child was merely a piece of base coin that + couldn't be invested—a bad Boy—nothing more. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey's cup of satisfaction was so full at this moment, however, that + he felt he could afford a drop or two of its contents, even to sprinkle on + the dust in the by-path of his little daughter. + </p> + <p> + So he said, 'Florence, you may go and look at your pretty brother, if you + like, I daresay. Don't touch him!' + </p> + <p> + The child glanced keenly at the blue coat and stiff white cravat, which, + with a pair of creaking boots and a very loud ticking watch, embodied her + idea of a father; but her eyes returned to her mother's face immediately, + and she neither moved nor answered. + </p> + <p> + 'Her insensibility is as proof against a brother as against every thing + else,' said Mr Dombey to himself He seemed so confirmed in a previous + opinion by the discovery, as to be quite glad of it.' + </p> + <p> + Next moment, the lady had opened her eyes and seen the child; and the + child had run towards her; and, standing on tiptoe, the better to hide her + face in her embrace, had clung about her with a desperate affection very + much at variance with her years. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh Lord bless me!' said Mr Dombey, rising testily. 'A very ill-advised + and feverish proceeding this, I am sure. Please to ring there for Miss + Florence's nurse. Really the person should be more care-' + </p> + <p> + 'Wait! I—had better ask Doctor Peps if he'll have the goodness to + step upstairs again perhaps. I'll go down. I'll go down. I needn't beg + you,' he added, pausing for a moment at the settee before the fire, 'to + take particular care of this young gentleman, Mrs ——' + </p> + <p> + 'Blockitt, Sir?' suggested the nurse, a simpering piece of faded + gentility, who did not presume to state her name as a fact, but merely + offered it as a mild suggestion. + </p> + <p> + 'Of this young gentleman, Mrs Blockitt.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir, indeed. I remember when Miss Florence was born—' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, ay,' said Mr Dombey, bending over the basket bedstead, and + slightly bending his brows at the same time. 'Miss Florence was all very + well, but this is another matter. This young gentleman has to accomplish a + destiny. A destiny, little fellow!' As he thus apostrophised the infant he + raised one of his hands to his lips, and kissed it; then, seeming to fear + that the action involved some compromise of his dignity, went, awkwardly + enough, away. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Parker Peps, one of the Court Physicians, and a man of immense + reputation for assisting at the increase of great families, was walking up + and down the drawing-room with his hands behind him, to the unspeakable + admiration of the family Surgeon, who had regularly puffed the case for + the last six weeks, among all his patients, friends, and acquaintances, as + one to which he was in hourly expectation day and night of being summoned, + in conjunction with Doctor Parker Pep. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' said Doctor Parker Peps in a round, deep, sonorous voice, + muffled for the occasion, like the knocker; 'do you find that your dear + lady is at all roused by your visit?' + </p> + <p> + 'Stimulated as it were?' said the family practitioner faintly: bowing at + the same time to the Doctor, as much as to say, 'Excuse my putting in a + word, but this is a valuable connexion.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was quite discomfited by the question. He had thought so little + of the patient, that he was not in a condition to answer it. He said that + it would be a satisfaction to him, if Doctor Parker Peps would walk + upstairs again. + </p> + <p> + 'Good! We must not disguise from you, Sir,' said Doctor Parker Peps, 'that + there is a want of power in Her Grace the Duchess—I beg your pardon; + I confound names; I should say, in your amiable lady. That there is a + certain degree of languor, and a general absence of elasticity, which we + would rather—not—' + </p> + <p> + 'See,' interposed the family practitioner with another inclination of the + head. + </p> + <p> + 'Quite so,' said Doctor Parker Peps, 'which we would rather not see. It + would appear that the system of Lady Cankaby—excuse me: I should say + of Mrs Dombey: I confuse the names of cases—' + </p> + <p> + 'So very numerous,' murmured the family practitioner—'can't be + expected I'm sure—quite wonderful if otherwise—Doctor Parker + Peps's West-End practice—' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you,' said the Doctor, 'quite so. It would appear, I was observing, + that the system of our patient has sustained a shock, from which it can + only hope to rally by a great and strong—' + </p> + <p> + 'And vigorous,' murmured the family practitioner. + </p> + <p> + 'Quite so,' assented the Doctor—'and vigorous effort. Mr Pilkins + here, who from his position of medical adviser in this family—no one + better qualified to fill that position, I am sure.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' murmured the family practitioner. '"Praise from Sir Hubert + Stanley!"' + </p> + <p> + 'You are good enough,' returned Doctor Parker Peps, 'to say so. Mr Pilkins + who, from his position, is best acquainted with the patient's constitution + in its normal state (an acquaintance very valuable to us in forming our + opinions in these occasions), is of opinion, with me, that Nature must be + called upon to make a vigorous effort in this instance; and that if our + interesting friend the Countess of Dombey—I beg your pardon; Mrs + Dombey—should not be—' + </p> + <p> + 'Able,' said the family practitioner. + </p> + <p> + 'To make,' said Doctor Parker Peps. + </p> + <p> + 'That effort,' said the family practitioner. + </p> + <p> + 'Successfully,' said they both together. + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' added Doctor Parker Peps, alone and very gravely, 'a crisis might + arise, which we should both sincerely deplore.' + </p> + <p> + With that, they stood for a few seconds looking at the ground. Then, on + the motion—made in dumb show—of Doctor Parker Peps, they went + upstairs; the family practitioner opening the room door for that + distinguished professional, and following him out, with most obsequious + politeness. + </p> + <p> + To record of Mr Dombey that he was not in his way affected by this + intelligence, would be to do him an injustice. He was not a man of whom it + could properly be said that he was ever startled, or shocked; but he + certainly had a sense within him, that if his wife should sicken and + decay, he would be very sorry, and that he would find a something gone + from among his plate and furniture, and other household possessions, which + was well worth the having, and could not be lost without sincere regret. + Though it would be a cool, business-like, gentlemanly, self-possessed + regret, no doubt. + </p> + <p> + His meditations on the subject were soon interrupted, first by the + rustling of garments on the staircase, and then by the sudden whisking + into the room of a lady rather past the middle age than otherwise but + dressed in a very juvenile manner, particularly as to the tightness of her + bodice, who, running up to him with a kind of screw in her face and + carriage, expressive of suppressed emotion, flung her arms around his + neck, and said, in a choking voice, + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul! He's quite a Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well!' returned her brother—for Mr Dombey was her brother—'I + think he is like the family. Don't agitate yourself, Louisa.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's very foolish of me,' said Louisa, sitting down, and taking out her + pocket-handkerchief, 'but he's—he's such a perfect Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey coughed. + </p> + <p> + 'It's so extraordinary,' said Louisa; smiling through her tears, which + indeed were not overpowering, 'as to be perfectly ridiculous. So + completely our family. I never saw anything like it in my life!' + </p> + <p> + 'But what is this about Fanny, herself?' said Mr Dombey. 'How is Fanny?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' returned Louisa, 'it's nothing whatever. Take my word, + it's nothing whatever. There is exhaustion, certainly, but nothing like + what I underwent myself, either with George or Frederick. An effort is + necessary. That's all. If dear Fanny were a Dombey!—But I daresay + she'll make it; I have no doubt she'll make it. Knowing it to be required + of her, as a duty, of course she'll make it. My dear Paul, it's very weak + and silly of me, I know, to be so trembly and shaky from head to foot; but + I am so very queer that I must ask you for a glass of wine and a morsel of + that cake.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey promptly supplied her with these refreshments from a tray on the + table. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall not drink my love to you, Paul,' said Louisa: 'I shall drink to + the little Dombey. Good gracious me!—it's the most astonishing thing + I ever knew in all my days, he's such a perfect Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Quenching this expression of opinion in a short hysterical laugh which + terminated in tears, Louisa cast up her eyes, and emptied her glass. + </p> + <p> + 'I know it's very weak and silly of me,' she repeated, 'to be so trembly + and shaky from head to foot, and to allow my feelings so completely to get + the better of me, but I cannot help it. I thought I should have fallen out + of the staircase window as I came down from seeing dear Fanny, and that + tiddy ickle sing.' These last words originated in a sudden vivid + reminiscence of the baby. + </p> + <p> + They were succeeded by a gentle tap at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Chick,' said a very bland female voice outside, 'how are you now, my + dear friend?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' said Louisa in a low voice, as she rose from her seat, + 'it's Miss Tox. The kindest creature! I never could have got here without + her! Miss Tox, my brother Mr Dombey. Paul, my dear, my very particular + friend Miss Tox.' + </p> + <p> + The lady thus specially presented, was a long lean figure, wearing such a + faded air that she seemed not to have been made in what linen-drapers call + 'fast colours' originally, and to have, by little and little, washed out. + But for this she might have been described as the very pink of general + propitiation and politeness. From a long habit of listening admiringly to + everything that was said in her presence, and looking at the speakers as + if she were mentally engaged in taking off impressions of their images + upon her soul, never to part with the same but with life, her head had + quite settled on one side. Her hands had contracted a spasmodic habit of + raising themselves of their own accord as in involuntary admiration. Her + eyes were liable to a similar affection. She had the softest voice that + ever was heard; and her nose, stupendously aquiline, had a little knob in + the very centre or key-stone of the bridge, whence it tended downwards + towards her face, as in an invincible determination never to turn up at + anything. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox's dress, though perfectly genteel and good, had a certain + character of angularity and scantiness. She was accustomed to wear odd + weedy little flowers in her bonnets and caps. Strange grasses were + sometimes perceived in her hair; and it was observed by the curious, of + all her collars, frills, tuckers, wristbands, and other gossamer articles—indeed + of everything she wore which had two ends to it intended to unite—that + the two ends were never on good terms, and wouldn't quite meet without a + struggle. She had furry articles for winter wear, as tippets, boas, and + muffs, which stood up on end in rampant manner, and were not at all sleek. + She was much given to the carrying about of small bags with snaps to them, + that went off like little pistols when they were shut up; and when + full-dressed, she wore round her neck the barrenest of lockets, + representing a fishy old eye, with no approach to speculation in it. These + and other appearances of a similar nature, had served to propagate the + opinion, that Miss Tox was a lady of what is called a limited + independence, which she turned to the best account. Possibly her mincing + gait encouraged the belief, and suggested that her clipping a step of + ordinary compass into two or three, originated in her habit of making the + most of everything. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure,' said Miss Tox, with a prodigious curtsey, 'that to have the + honour of being presented to Mr Dombey is a distinction which I have long + sought, but very little expected at the present moment. My dear Mrs Chick—may + I say Louisa!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick took Miss Tox's hand in hers, rested the foot of her wine-glass + upon it, repressed a tear, and said in a low voice, 'God bless you!' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa then,' said Miss Tox, 'my sweet friend, how are you now?' + </p> + <p> + 'Better,' Mrs Chick returned. 'Take some wine. You have been almost as + anxious as I have been, and must want it, I am sure.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey of course officiated, and also refilled his sister's glass, + which she (looking another way, and unconscious of his intention) held + straight and steady the while, and then regarded with great astonishment, + saying, 'My dear Paul, what have you been doing!' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Tox, Paul,' pursued Mrs Chick, still retaining her hand, 'knowing + how much I have been interested in the anticipation of the event of + to-day, and how trembly and shaky I have been from head to foot in + expectation of it, has been working at a little gift for Fanny, which I + promised to present. Miss Tox is ingenuity itself.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa,' said Miss Tox. 'Don't say so.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is only a pincushion for the toilette table, Paul,' resumed his + sister; 'one of those trifles which are insignificant to your sex in + general, as it's very natural they should be—we have no business to + expect they should be otherwise—but to which we attach some + interest.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Tox is very good,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'And I do say, and will say, and must say,' pursued his sister, pressing + the foot of the wine-glass on Miss Tox's hand, at each of the three + clauses, 'that Miss Tox has very prettily adapted the sentiment to the + occasion. I call "Welcome little Dombey" Poetry, myself!' + </p> + <p> + 'Is that the device?' inquired her brother. + </p> + <p> + 'That is the device,' returned Louisa. + </p> + <p> + 'But do me the justice to remember, my dear Louisa,' said Miss Tox in a + tone of low and earnest entreaty, 'that nothing but the—I have some + difficulty in expressing myself—the dubiousness of the result would + have induced me to take so great a liberty: "Welcome, Master Dombey," + would have been much more congenial to my feelings, as I am sure you know. + But the uncertainty attendant on angelic strangers, will, I hope, excuse + what must otherwise appear an unwarrantable familiarity.' Miss Tox made a + graceful bend as she spoke, in favour of Mr Dombey, which that gentleman + graciously acknowledged. Even the sort of recognition of Dombey and Son, + conveyed in the foregoing conversation, was so palatable to him, that his + sister, Mrs Chick—though he affected to consider her a weak + good-natured person—had perhaps more influence over him than anybody + else. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' that lady broke out afresh, after silently contemplating + his features for a few moments, 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry when + I look at you, I declare, you do so remind me of that dear baby upstairs.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well!' said Mrs Chick, with a sweet smile, 'after this, I forgive Fanny + everything!' + </p> + <p> + It was a declaration in a Christian spirit, and Mrs Chick felt that it did + her good. Not that she had anything particular to forgive in her + sister-in-law, nor indeed anything at all, except her having married her + brother—in itself a species of audacity—and her having, in the + course of events, given birth to a girl instead of a boy: which, as Mrs + Chick had frequently observed, was not quite what she had expected of her, + and was not a pleasant return for all the attention and distinction she + had met with. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey being hastily summoned out of the room at this moment, the two + ladies were left alone together. Miss Tox immediately became spasmodic. + </p> + <p> + 'I knew you would admire my brother. I told you so beforehand, my dear,' + said Louisa. Miss Tox's hands and eyes expressed how much. 'And as to his + property, my dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said Miss Tox, with deep feeling. + </p> + <p> + 'Im-mense!' + </p> + <p> + 'But his deportment, my dear Louisa!' said Miss Tox. 'His presence! His + dignity! No portrait that I have ever seen of anyone has been half so + replete with those qualities. Something so stately, you know: so + uncompromising: so very wide across the chest: so upright! A pecuniary + Duke of York, my love, and nothing short of it!' said Miss Tox. 'That's + what I should designate him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, my dear Paul!' exclaimed his sister, as he returned, 'you look quite + pale! There's nothing the matter?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sorry to say, Louisa, that they tell me that Fanny—' + </p> + <p> + 'Now, my dear Paul,' returned his sister rising, 'don't believe it. Do not + allow yourself to receive a turn unnecessarily. Remember of what + importance you are to society, and do not allow yourself to be worried by + what is so very inconsiderately told you by people who ought to know + better. Really I'm surprised at them.' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope I know, Louisa,' said Mr Dombey, stiffly, 'how to bear myself + before the world.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nobody better, my dear Paul. Nobody half so well. They would be ignorant + and base indeed who doubted it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ignorant and base indeed!' echoed Miss Tox softly. + </p> + <p> + 'But,' pursued Louisa, 'if you have any reliance on my experience, Paul, + you may rest assured that there is nothing wanting but an effort on + Fanny's part. And that effort,' she continued, taking off her bonnet, and + adjusting her cap and gloves, in a business-like manner, 'she must be + encouraged, and really, if necessary, urged to make. Now, my dear Paul, + come upstairs with me.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, who, besides being generally influenced by his sister for the + reason already mentioned, had really faith in her as an experienced and + bustling matron, acquiesced; and followed her, at once, to the sick + chamber. + </p> + <p> + The lady lay upon her bed as he had left her, clasping her little daughter + to her breast. The child clung close about her, with the same intensity as + before, and never raised her head, or moved her soft cheek from her + mother's face, or looked on those who stood around, or spoke, or moved, or + shed a tear. + </p> + <p> + 'Restless without the little girl,' the Doctor whispered Mr Dombey. 'We + found it best to have her in again.' + </p> + <p> + 'Can nothing be done?' asked Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor shook his head. 'We can do no more.' + </p> + <p> + The windows stood open, and the twilight was gathering without. + </p> + <p> + The scent of the restoratives that had been tried was pungent in the room, + but had no fragrance in the dull and languid air the lady breathed. + </p> + <p> + There was such a solemn stillness round the bed; and the two medical + attendants seemed to look on the impassive form with so much compassion + and so little hope, that Mrs Chick was for the moment diverted from her + purpose. But presently summoning courage, and what she called presence of + mind, she sat down by the bedside, and said in the low precise tone of one + who endeavours to awaken a sleeper: + </p> + <p> + 'Fanny! Fanny!' + </p> + <p> + There was no sound in answer but the loud ticking of Mr Dombey's watch and + Doctor Parker Peps's watch, which seemed in the silence to be running a + race. + </p> + <p> + 'Fanny, my dear,' said Mrs Chick, with assumed lightness, 'here's Mr + Dombey come to see you. Won't you speak to him? They want to lay your + little boy—the baby, Fanny, you know; you have hardly seen him yet, + I think—in bed; but they can't till you rouse yourself a little. + Don't you think it's time you roused yourself a little? Eh?' + </p> + <p> + She bent her ear to the bed, and listened: at the same time looking round + at the bystanders, and holding up her finger. + </p> + <p> + 'Eh?' she repeated, 'what was it you said, Fanny? I didn't hear you.' + </p> + <p> + No word or sound in answer. Mr Dombey's watch and Dr Parker Peps's watch + seemed to be racing faster. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, really, Fanny my dear,' said the sister-in-law, altering her + position, and speaking less confidently, and more earnestly, in spite of + herself, 'I shall have to be quite cross with you, if you don't rouse + yourself. It's necessary for you to make an effort, and perhaps a very + great and painful effort which you are not disposed to make; but this is a + world of effort you know, Fanny, and we must never yield, when so much + depends upon us. Come! Try! I must really scold you if you don't!' + </p> + <p> + The race in the ensuing pause was fierce and furious. The watches seemed + to jostle, and to trip each other up. + </p> + <p> + 'Fanny!' said Louisa, glancing round, with a gathering alarm. 'Only look + at me. Only open your eyes to show me that you hear and understand me; + will you? Good Heaven, gentlemen, what is to be done!' + </p> + <p> + The two medical attendants exchanged a look across the bed; and the + Physician, stooping down, whispered in the child's ear. Not having + understood the purport of his whisper, the little creature turned her + perfectly colourless face and deep dark eyes towards him; but without + loosening her hold in the least. + </p> + <p> + The whisper was repeated. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' said the child. + </p> + <p> + The little voice, familiar and dearly loved, awakened some show of + consciousness, even at that ebb. For a moment, the closed eye lids + trembled, and the nostril quivered, and the faintest shadow of a smile was + seen. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' cried the child sobbing aloud. 'Oh dear Mama! oh dear Mama!' + </p> + <p> + The Doctor gently brushed the scattered ringlets of the child, aside from + the face and mouth of the mother. Alas how calm they lay there; how little + breath there was to stir them! + </p> + <p> + Thus, clinging fast to that slight spar within her arms, the mother + drifted out upon the dark and unknown sea that rolls round all the world. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 2. In which Timely Provision is made for an Emergency that will + sometimes arise in the best-regulated Families. + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> + shall never cease to congratulate myself,' said Mrs Chick,' on having + said, when I little thought what was in store for us,—really as if I + was inspired by something,—that I forgave poor dear Fanny + everything. Whatever happens, that must always be a comfort to me!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick made this impressive observation in the drawing-room, after + having descended thither from the inspection of the mantua-makers + upstairs, who were busy on the family mourning. She delivered it for the + behoof of Mr Chick, who was a stout bald gentleman, with a very large + face, and his hands continually in his pockets, and who had a tendency in + his nature to whistle and hum tunes, which, sensible of the indecorum of + such sounds in a house of grief, he was at some pains to repress at + present. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't you over-exert yourself, Loo,' said Mr Chick, 'or you'll be laid up + with spasms, I see. Right tol loor rul! Bless my soul, I forgot! We're + here one day and gone the next!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick contented herself with a glance of reproof, and then proceeded + with the thread of her discourse. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure,' she said, 'I hope this heart-rending occurrence will be a + warning to all of us, to accustom ourselves to rouse ourselves, and to + make efforts in time where they're required of us. There's a moral in + everything, if we would only avail ourselves of it. It will be our own + faults if we lose sight of this one.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Chick invaded the grave silence which ensued on this remark with the + singularly inappropriate air of 'A cobbler there was;' and checking + himself, in some confusion, observed, that it was undoubtedly our own + faults if we didn't improve such melancholy occasions as the present. + </p> + <p> + 'Which might be better improved, I should think, Mr C.,' retorted his + helpmate, after a short pause, 'than by the introduction, either of the + college hornpipe, or the equally unmeaning and unfeeling remark of + rump-te-iddity, bow-wow-wow!'—which Mr Chick had indeed indulged in, + under his breath, and which Mrs Chick repeated in a tone of withering + scorn. + </p> + <p> + 'Merely habit, my dear,' pleaded Mr Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense! Habit!' returned his wife. 'If you're a rational being, don't + make such ridiculous excuses. Habit! If I was to get a habit (as you call + it) of walking on the ceiling, like the flies, I should hear enough of it, + I daresay.' + </p> + <p> + It appeared so probable that such a habit might be attended with some + degree of notoriety, that Mr Chick didn't venture to dispute the position. + </p> + <p> + 'Bow-wow-wow!' repeated Mrs Chick with an emphasis of blighting contempt + on the last syllable. 'More like a professional singer with the + hydrophobia, than a man in your station of life!' + </p> + <p> + 'How's the Baby, Loo?' asked Mr Chick: to change the subject. + </p> + <p> + 'What Baby do you mean?' answered Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'The poor bereaved little baby,' said Mr Chick. 'I don't know of any + other, my dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'You don't know of any other,' retorted Mrs Chick. 'More shame for you, I + was going to say.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Chick looked astonished. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure the morning I have had, with that dining-room downstairs, one + mass of babies, no one in their senses would believe.' + </p> + <p> + 'One mass of babies!' repeated Mr Chick, staring with an alarmed + expression about him. + </p> + <p> + 'It would have occurred to most men,' said Mrs Chick, 'that poor dear + Fanny being no more,—those words of mine will always be a balm and + comfort to me,' here she dried her eyes; 'it becomes necessary to provide + a Nurse.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Ah!' said Mr Chick. 'Toor-ru!—such is life, I mean. I hope you + are suited, my dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed I am not,' said Mrs Chick; 'nor likely to be, so far as I can see, + and in the meantime the poor child seems likely to be starved to death. + Paul is so very particular—naturally so, of course, having set his + whole heart on this one boy—and there are so many objections to + everybody that offers, that I don't see, myself, the least chance of an + arrangement. Meanwhile, of course, the child is—' + </p> + <p> + 'Going to the Devil,' said Mr Chick, thoughtfully, 'to be sure.' + </p> + <p> + Admonished, however, that he had committed himself, by the indignation + expressed in Mrs Chick's countenance at the idea of a Dombey going there; + and thinking to atone for his misconduct by a bright suggestion, he added: + </p> + <p> + 'Couldn't something temporary be done with a teapot?' + </p> + <p> + If he had meant to bring the subject prematurely to a close, he could not + have done it more effectually. After looking at him for some moments in + silent resignation, Mrs Chick said she trusted he hadn't said it in + aggravation, because that would do very little honour to his heart. She + trusted he hadn't said it seriously, because that would do very little + honour to his head. As in any case, he couldn't, however sanguine his + disposition, hope to offer a remark that would be a greater outrage on + human nature in general, we would beg to leave the discussion at that + point. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick then walked majestically to the window and peeped through the + blind, attracted by the sound of wheels. Mr Chick, finding that his + destiny was, for the time, against him, said no more, and walked off. But + it was not always thus with Mr Chick. He was often in the ascendant + himself, and at those times punished Louisa roundly. In their matrimonial + bickerings they were, upon the whole, a well-matched, fairly-balanced, + give-and-take couple. It would have been, generally speaking, very + difficult to have betted on the winner. Often when Mr Chick seemed beaten, + he would suddenly make a start, turn the tables, clatter them about the + ears of Mrs Chick, and carry all before him. Being liable himself to + similar unlooked for checks from Mrs Chick, their little contests usually + possessed a character of uncertainty that was very animating. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox had arrived on the wheels just now alluded to, and came running + into the room in a breathless condition. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa,' said Miss Tox, 'is the vacancy still unsupplied?' + </p> + <p> + 'You good soul, yes,' said Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Then, my dear Louisa,' returned Miss Tox, 'I hope and believe—but + in one moment, my dear, I'll introduce the party.' + </p> + <p> + Running downstairs again as fast as she had run up, Miss Tox got the party + out of the hackney-coach, and soon returned with it under convoy. + </p> + <p> + It then appeared that she had used the word, not in its legal or business + acceptation, when it merely expresses an individual, but as a noun of + multitude, or signifying many: for Miss Tox escorted a plump rosy-cheeked + wholesome apple-faced young woman, with an infant in her arms; a younger + woman not so plump, but apple-faced also, who led a plump and apple-faced + child in each hand; another plump and also apple-faced boy who walked by + himself; and finally, a plump and apple-faced man, who carried in his arms + another plump and apple-faced boy, whom he stood down on the floor, and + admonished, in a husky whisper, to 'kitch hold of his brother Johnny.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0028m.jpg" alt="0028m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0028.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa,' said Miss Tox, 'knowing your great anxiety, and wishing + to relieve it, I posted off myself to the Queen Charlotte's Royal Married + Females,' which you had forgot, and put the question, Was there anybody + there that they thought would suit? No, they said there was not. When they + gave me that answer, I do assure you, my dear, I was almost driven to + despair on your account. But it did so happen, that one of the Royal + Married Females, hearing the inquiry, reminded the matron of another who + had gone to her own home, and who, she said, would in all likelihood be + most satisfactory. The moment I heard this, and had it corroborated by the + matron—excellent references and unimpeachable character—I got + the address, my dear, and posted off again.' + </p> + <p> + 'Like the dear good Tox, you are!' said Louisa. + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all,' returned Miss Tox. 'Don't say so. Arriving at the house (the + cleanest place, my dear! You might eat your dinner off the floor), I found + the whole family sitting at table; and feeling that no account of them + could be half so comfortable to you and Mr Dombey as the sight of them all + together, I brought them all away. This gentleman,' said Miss Tox, + pointing out the apple-faced man, 'is the father. Will you have the + goodness to come a little forward, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + The apple-faced man having sheepishly complied with this request, stood + chuckling and grinning in a front row. + </p> + <p> + 'This is his wife, of course,' said Miss Tox, singling out the young woman + with the baby. 'How do you do, Polly?' + </p> + <p> + 'I'm pretty well, I thank you, Ma'am,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + By way of bringing her out dexterously, Miss Tox had made the inquiry as + in condescension to an old acquaintance whom she hadn't seen for a + fortnight or so. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm glad to hear it,' said Miss Tox. 'The other young woman is her + unmarried sister who lives with them, and would take care of her children. + Her name's Jemima. How do you do, Jemima?' + </p> + <p> + 'I'm pretty well, I thank you, Ma'am,' returned Jemima. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm very glad indeed to hear it,' said Miss Tox. 'I hope you'll keep so. + Five children. Youngest six weeks. The fine little boy with the blister on + his nose is the eldest. The blister, I believe,' said Miss Tox, looking + round upon the family, 'is not constitutional, but accidental?' + </p> + <p> + The apple-faced man was understood to growl, 'Flat iron.' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Sir,' said Miss Tox, 'did you—' + </p> + <p> + 'Flat iron,' he repeated. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes,' said Miss Tox. 'Yes! quite true. I forgot. The little creature, + in his mother's absence, smelt a warm flat iron. You're quite right, Sir. + You were going to have the goodness to inform me, when we arrived at the + door that you were by trade a—' + </p> + <p> + 'Stoker,' said the man. + </p> + <p> + 'A choker!' said Miss Tox, quite aghast. + </p> + <p> + 'Stoker,' said the man. 'Steam ingine.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh-h! Yes!' returned Miss Tox, looking thoughtfully at him, and seeming + still to have but a very imperfect understanding of his meaning. + </p> + <p> + 'And how do you like it, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'Which, Mum?' said the man. + </p> + <p> + 'That,' replied Miss Tox. 'Your trade.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Pretty well, Mum. The ashes sometimes gets in here;' touching his + chest: 'and makes a man speak gruff, as at the present time. But it is + ashes, Mum, not crustiness.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox seemed to be so little enlightened by this reply, as to find a + difficulty in pursuing the subject. But Mrs Chick relieved her, by + entering into a close private examination of Polly, her children, her + marriage certificate, testimonials, and so forth. Polly coming out + unscathed from this ordeal, Mrs Chick withdrew with her report to her + brother's room, and as an emphatic comment on it, and corroboration of it, + carried the two rosiest little Toodles with her. Toodle being the family + name of the apple-faced family. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey had remained in his own apartment since the death of his wife, + absorbed in visions of the youth, education, and destination of his baby + son. Something lay at the bottom of his cool heart, colder and heavier + than its ordinary load; but it was more a sense of the child's loss than + his own, awakening within him an almost angry sorrow. That the life and + progress on which he built such hopes, should be endangered in the outset + by so mean a want; that Dombey and Son should be tottering for a nurse, + was a sore humiliation. And yet in his pride and jealousy, he viewed with + so much bitterness the thought of being dependent for the very first step + towards the accomplishment of his soul's desire, on a hired serving-woman + who would be to the child, for the time, all that even his alliance could + have made his own wife, that in every new rejection of a candidate he felt + a secret pleasure. The time had now come, however, when he could no longer + be divided between these two sets of feelings. The less so, as there + seemed to be no flaw in the title of Polly Toodle after his sister had set + it forth, with many commendations on the indefatigable friendship of Miss + Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'These children look healthy,' said Mr Dombey. 'But my God, to think of + their some day claiming a sort of relationship to Paul!' + </p> + <p> + 'But what relationship is there!' Louisa began— + </p> + <p> + 'Is there!' echoed Mr Dombey, who had not intended his sister to + participate in the thought he had unconsciously expressed. 'Is there, did + you say, Louisa!' + </p> + <p> + 'Can there be, I mean—' + </p> + <p> + 'Why none,' said Mr Dombey, sternly. 'The whole world knows that, I + presume. Grief has not made me idiotic, Louisa. Take them away, Louisa! + Let me see this woman and her husband.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick bore off the tender pair of Toodles, and presently returned with + that tougher couple whose presence her brother had commanded. + </p> + <p> + 'My good woman,' said Mr Dombey, turning round in his easy chair, as one + piece, and not as a man with limbs and joints, 'I understand you are poor, + and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy, my son, who has been so + prematurely deprived of what can never be replaced. I have no objection to + your adding to the comforts of your family by that means. So far as I can + tell, you seem to be a deserving object. But I must impose one or two + conditions on you, before you enter my house in that capacity. While you + are here, I must stipulate that you are always known as—say as + Richards—an ordinary name, and convenient. Have you any objection to + be known as Richards? You had better consult your husband.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well?' said Mr Dombey, after a pretty long pause. 'What does your husband + say to your being called Richards?' + </p> + <p> + As the husband did nothing but chuckle and grin, and continually draw his + right hand across his mouth, moistening the palm, Mrs Toodle, after + nudging him twice or thrice in vain, dropped a curtsey and replied 'that + perhaps if she was to be called out of her name, it would be considered in + the wages.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, of course,' said Mr Dombey. 'I desire to make it a question of wages, + altogether. Now, Richards, if you nurse my bereaved child, I wish you to + remember this always. You will receive a liberal stipend in return for the + discharge of certain duties, in the performance of which, I wish you to + see as little of your family as possible. When those duties cease to be + required and rendered, and the stipend ceases to be paid, there is an end + of all relations between us. Do you understand me?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Toodle seemed doubtful about it; and as to Toodle himself, he had + evidently no doubt whatever, that he was all abroad. + </p> + <p> + 'You have children of your own,' said Mr Dombey. 'It is not at all in this + bargain that you need become attached to my child, or that my child need + become attached to you. I don't expect or desire anything of the kind. + Quite the reverse. When you go away from here, you will have concluded + what is a mere matter of bargain and sale, hiring and letting: and will + stay away. The child will cease to remember you; and you will cease, if + you please, to remember the child.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Toodle, with a little more colour in her cheeks than she had had + before, said 'she hoped she knew her place.' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope you do, Richards,' said Mr Dombey. 'I have no doubt you know it + very well. Indeed it is so plain and obvious that it could hardly be + otherwise. Louisa, my dear, arrange with Richards about money, and let her + have it when and how she pleases. Mr what's-your name, a word with you, if + you please!' + </p> + <p> + Thus arrested on the threshold as he was following his wife out of the + room, Toodle returned and confronted Mr Dombey alone. He was a strong, + loose, round-shouldered, shuffling, shaggy fellow, on whom his clothes sat + negligently: with a good deal of hair and whisker, deepened in its natural + tint, perhaps by smoke and coal-dust: hard knotty hands: and a square + forehead, as coarse in grain as the bark of an oak. A thorough contrast in + all respects, to Mr Dombey, who was one of those close-shaved close-cut + moneyed gentlemen who are glossy and crisp like new bank-notes, and who + seem to be artificially braced and tightened as by the stimulating action + of golden showerbaths. + </p> + <p> + 'You have a son, I believe?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Four on 'em, Sir. Four hims and a her. All alive!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, it's as much as you can afford to keep them!' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I couldn't hardly afford but one thing in the world less, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is that?' + </p> + <p> + 'To lose 'em, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Can you read?' asked Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, not partick'ler, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Write?' + </p> + <p> + 'With chalk, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'With anything?' + </p> + <p> + 'I could make shift to chalk a little bit, I think, if I was put to it,' + said Toodle after some reflection. + </p> + <p> + 'And yet,' said Mr Dombey, 'you are two or three and thirty, I suppose?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thereabouts, I suppose, Sir,' answered Toodle, after more reflection + </p> + <p> + 'Then why don't you learn?' asked Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'So I'm a going to, Sir. One of my little boys is a going to learn me, + when he's old enough, and been to school himself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' said Mr Dombey, after looking at him attentively, and with no + great favour, as he stood gazing round the room (principally round the + ceiling) and still drawing his hand across and across his mouth. 'You + heard what I said to your wife just now?' + </p> + <p> + 'Polly heerd it,' said Toodle, jerking his hat over his shoulder in the + direction of the door, with an air of perfect confidence in his better + half. 'It's all right.' + </p> + <p> + 'But I ask you if you heard it. You did, I suppose, and understood it?' + pursued Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I heerd it,' said Toodle, 'but I don't know as I understood it rightly + Sir, 'account of being no scholar, and the words being—ask your + pardon—rayther high. But Polly heerd it. It's all right.' + </p> + <p> + 'As you appear to leave everything to her,' said Mr Dombey, frustrated in + his intention of impressing his views still more distinctly on the + husband, as the stronger character, 'I suppose it is of no use my saying + anything to you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not a bit,' said Toodle. 'Polly heerd it. She's awake, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'I won't detain you any longer then,' returned Mr Dombey, disappointed. + 'Where have you worked all your life?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mostly underground, Sir, 'till I got married. I come to the level then. + I'm a going on one of these here railroads when they comes into full + play.' + </p> + <p> + As he added in one of his hoarse whispers, 'We means to bring up little + Biler to that line,' Mr Dombey inquired haughtily who little Biler was. + </p> + <p> + 'The eldest on 'em, Sir,' said Toodle, with a smile. 'It ain't a common + name. Sermuchser that when he was took to church the gen'lm'n said, it + wam't a chris'en one, and he couldn't give it. But we always calls him + Biler just the same. For we don't mean no harm. Not we.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you mean to say, Man,' inquired Mr Dombey; looking at him with marked + displeasure, 'that you have called a child after a boiler?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, Sir,' returned Toodle, with a tender consideration for his + mistake. 'I should hope not! No, Sir. Arter a BILER Sir. The Steamingine + was a'most as good as a godfather to him, and so we called him Biler, + don't you see!' + </p> + <p> + As the last straw breaks the laden camel's back, this piece of information + crushed the sinking spirits of Mr Dombey. He motioned his child's + foster-father to the door, who departed by no means unwillingly: and then + turning the key, paced up and down the room in solitary wretchedness. + </p> + <p> + It would be harsh, and perhaps not altogether true, to say of him that he + felt these rubs and gratings against his pride more keenly than he had + felt his wife's death: but certainly they impressed that event upon him + with new force, and communicated to it added weight and bitterness. It was + a rude shock to his sense of property in his child, that these people—the + mere dust of the earth, as he thought them—should be necessary to + him; and it was natural that in proportion as he felt disturbed by it, he + should deplore the occurrence which had made them so. For all his + starched, impenetrable dignity and composure, he wiped blinding tears from + his eyes as he paced up and down his room; and often said, with an emotion + of which he would not, for the world, have had a witness, 'Poor little + fellow!' + </p> + <p> + It may have been characteristic of Mr Dombey's pride, that he pitied + himself through the child. Not poor me. Not poor widower, confiding by + constraint in the wife of an ignorant Hind who has been working 'mostly + underground' all his life, and yet at whose door Death had never knocked, + and at whose poor table four sons daily sit—but poor little fellow! + </p> + <p> + Those words being on his lips, it occurred to him—and it is an + instance of the strong attraction with which his hopes and fears and all + his thoughts were tending to one centre—that a great temptation was + being placed in this woman's way. Her infant was a boy too. Now, would it + be possible for her to change them? + </p> + <p> + Though he was soon satisfied that he had dismissed the idea as romantic + and unlikely—though possible, there was no denying—he could + not help pursuing it so far as to entertain within himself a picture of + what his condition would be, if he should discover such an imposture when + he was grown old. Whether a man so situated would be able to pluck away + the result of so many years of usage, confidence, and belief, from the + impostor, and endow a stranger with it? + </p> + <p> + But it was idle speculating thus. It couldn't happen. In a moment + afterwards he determined that it could, but that such women were + constantly observed, and had no opportunity given them for the + accomplishment of such a design, even when they were so wicked as to + entertain it. In another moment, he was remembering how few such cases + seemed to have ever happened. In another moment he was wondering whether + they ever happened and were not found out. + </p> + <p> + As his unusual emotion subsided, these misgivings gradually melted away, + though so much of their shadow remained behind, that he was constant in + his resolution to look closely after Richards himself, without appearing + to do so. Being now in an easier frame of mind, he regarded the woman's + station as rather an advantageous circumstance than otherwise, by placing, + in itself, a broad distance between her and the child, and rendering their + separation easy and natural. Thence he passed to the contemplation of the + future glories of Dombey and Son, and dismissed the memory of his wife, + for the time being, with a tributary sigh or two. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile terms were ratified and agreed upon between Mrs Chick and + Richards, with the assistance of Miss Tox; and Richards being with much + ceremony invested with the Dombey baby, as if it were an Order, resigned + her own, with many tears and kisses, to Jemima. Glasses of wine were then + produced, to sustain the drooping spirits of the family; and Miss Tox, + busying herself in dispensing 'tastes' to the younger branches, bred them + up to their father's business with such surprising expedition, that she + made chokers of four of them in a quarter of a minute. + </p> + <p> + 'You'll take a glass yourself, Sir, won't you?' said Miss Tox, as Toodle + appeared. + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee, Mum,' said Toodle, 'since you are suppressing.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you're very glad to leave your dear good wife in such a comfortable + home, ain't you, Sir?' said Miss Tox, nodding and winking at him + stealthily. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Mum,' said Toodle. 'Here's wishing of her back agin.' + </p> + <p> + Polly cried more than ever at this. So Mrs Chick, who had her matronly + apprehensions that this indulgence in grief might be prejudicial to the + little Dombey ('acid, indeed,' she whispered Miss Tox), hastened to the + rescue. + </p> + <p> + 'Your little child will thrive charmingly with your sister Jemima, + Richards,' said Mrs Chick; 'and you have only to make an effort—this + is a world of effort, you know, Richards—to be very happy indeed. + You have been already measured for your mourning, haven't you, Richards?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ye—es, Ma'am,' sobbed Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'And it'll fit beautifully. I know,' said Mrs Chick, 'for the same young + person has made me many dresses. The very best materials, too!' + </p> + <p> + 'Lor, you'll be so smart,' said Miss Tox, 'that your husband won't know + you; will you, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'I should know her,' said Toodle, gruffly, 'anyhows and anywheres.' + </p> + <p> + Toodle was evidently not to be bought over. + </p> + <p> + 'As to living, Richards, you know,' pursued Mrs Chick, 'why, the very best + of everything will be at your disposal. You will order your little dinner + every day; and anything you take a fancy to, I'm sure will be as readily + provided as if you were a Lady.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes to be sure!' said Miss Tox, keeping up the ball with great sympathy. + 'And as to porter!—quite unlimited, will it not, Louisa?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, certainly!' returned Mrs Chick in the same tone. 'With a little + abstinence, you know, my dear, in point of vegetables.' + </p> + <p> + 'And pickles, perhaps,' suggested Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'With such exceptions,' said Louisa, 'she'll consult her choice entirely, + and be under no restraint at all, my love.' + </p> + <p> + 'And then, of course, you know,' said Miss Tox, 'however fond she is of + her own dear little child—and I'm sure, Louisa, you don't blame her + for being fond of it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no!' cried Mrs Chick, benignantly. + </p> + <p> + 'Still,' resumed Miss Tox, 'she naturally must be interested in her young + charge, and must consider it a privilege to see a little cherub connected + with the superior classes, gradually unfolding itself from day to day at + one common fountain—is it not so, Louisa?' + </p> + <p> + 'Most undoubtedly!' said Mrs Chick. 'You see, my love, she's already quite + contented and comfortable, and means to say goodbye to her sister Jemima + and her little pets, and her good honest husband, with a light heart and a + smile; don't she, my dear?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes!' cried Miss Tox. 'To be sure she does!' + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding which, however, poor Polly embraced them all round in + great distress, and coming to her spouse at last, could not make up her + mind to part from him, until he gently disengaged himself, at the close of + the following allegorical piece of consolation: + </p> + <p> + 'Polly, old 'ooman, whatever you do, my darling, hold up your head and + fight low. That's the only rule as I know on, that'll carry anyone through + life. You always have held up your head and fought low, Polly. Do it now, + or Bricks is no longer so. God bless you, Polly! Me and J'mima will do + your duty by you; and with relating to your'n, hold up your head and fight + low, Polly, and you can't go wrong!' + </p> + <p> + Fortified by this golden secret, Folly finally ran away to avoid any more + particular leave-taking between herself and the children. But the + stratagem hardly succeeded as well as it deserved; for the smallest boy + but one divining her intent, immediately began swarming upstairs after her—if + that word of doubtful etymology be admissible—on his arms and legs; + while the eldest (known in the family by the name of Biler, in remembrance + of the steam engine) beat a demoniacal tattoo with his boots, expressive + of grief; in which he was joined by the rest of the family. + </p> + <p> + A quantity of oranges and halfpence thrust indiscriminately on each young + Toodle, checked the first violence of their regret, and the family were + speedily transported to their own home, by means of the hackney-coach kept + in waiting for that purpose. The children, under the guardianship of + Jemima, blocked up the window, and dropped out oranges and halfpence all + the way along. Mr Toodle himself preferred to ride behind among the + spikes, as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 3. In which Mr Dombey, as a Man and a Father, is seen at the Head + of the Home-Department + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he funeral of the deceased lady having been 'performed' to the entire + satisfaction of the undertaker, as well as of the neighbourhood at large, + which is generally disposed to be captious on such a point, and is prone + to take offence at any omissions or short-comings in the ceremonies, the + various members of Mr Dombey's household subsided into their several + places in the domestic system. That small world, like the great one out of + doors, had the capacity of easily forgetting its dead; and when the cook + had said she was a quiet-tempered lady, and the house-keeper had said it + was the common lot, and the butler had said who'd have thought it, and the + housemaid had said she couldn't hardly believe it, and the footman had + said it seemed exactly like a dream, they had quite worn the subject out, + and began to think their mourning was wearing rusty too. + </p> + <p> + On Richards, who was established upstairs in a state of honourable + captivity, the dawn of her new life seemed to break cold and grey. Mr + Dombey's house was a large one, on the shady side of a tall, dark, + dreadfully genteel street in the region between Portland Place and + Bryanstone Square. It was a corner house, with great wide areas containing + cellars frowned upon by barred windows, and leered at by crooked-eyed + doors leading to dustbins. It was a house of dismal state, with a circular + back to it, containing a whole suite of drawing-rooms looking upon a + gravelled yard, where two gaunt trees, with blackened trunks and branches, + rattled rather than rustled, their leaves were so smoked-dried. The summer + sun was never on the street, but in the morning about breakfast-time, when + it came with the water-carts and the old clothes men, and the people with + geraniums, and the umbrella-mender, and the man who trilled the little + bell of the Dutch clock as he went along. It was soon gone again to return + no more that day; and the bands of music and the straggling Punch's shows + going after it, left it a prey to the most dismal of organs, and white + mice; with now and then a porcupine, to vary the entertainments; until the + butlers whose families were dining out, began to stand at the house-doors + in the twilight, and the lamp-lighter made his nightly failure in + attempting to brighten up the street with gas. + </p> + <p> + It was as blank a house inside as outside. When the funeral was over, Mr + Dombey ordered the furniture to be covered up—perhaps to preserve it + for the son with whom his plans were all associated—and the rooms to + be ungarnished, saving such as he retained for himself on the ground + floor. Accordingly, mysterious shapes were made of tables and chairs, + heaped together in the middle of rooms, and covered over with great + winding-sheets. Bell-handles, window-blinds, and looking-glasses, being + papered up in journals, daily and weekly, obtruded fragmentary accounts of + deaths and dreadful murders. Every chandelier or lustre, muffled in + holland, looked like a monstrous tear depending from the ceiling's eye. + Odours, as from vaults and damp places, came out of the chimneys. The dead + and buried lady was awful in a picture-frame of ghastly bandages. Every + gust of wind that rose, brought eddying round the corner from the + neighbouring mews, some fragments of the straw that had been strewn before + the house when she was ill, mildewed remains of which were still cleaving + to the neighbourhood: and these, being always drawn by some invisible + attraction to the threshold of the dirty house to let immediately + opposite, addressed a dismal eloquence to Mr Dombey's windows. + </p> + <p> + The apartments which Mr Dombey reserved for his own inhabiting, were + attainable from the hall, and consisted of a sitting-room; a library, + which was in fact a dressing-room, so that the smell of hot-pressed paper, + vellum, morocco, and Russia leather, contended in it with the smell of + divers pairs of boots; and a kind of conservatory or little glass + breakfast-room beyond, commanding a prospect of the trees before + mentioned, and, generally speaking, of a few prowling cats. These three + rooms opened upon one another. In the morning, when Mr Dombey was at his + breakfast in one or other of the two first-mentioned of them, as well as + in the afternoon when he came home to dinner, a bell was rung for Richards + to repair to this glass chamber, and there walk to and fro with her young + charge. From the glimpses she caught of Mr Dombey at these times, sitting + in the dark distance, looking out towards the infant from among the dark + heavy furniture—the house had been inhabited for years by his + father, and in many of its appointments was old-fashioned and grim—she + began to entertain ideas of him in his solitary state, as if he were a + lone prisoner in a cell, or a strange apparition that was not to be + accosted or understood. Mr Dombey came to be, in the course of a few days, + invested in his own person, to her simple thinking, with all the mystery + and gloom of his house. As she walked up and down the glass room, or sat + hushing the baby there—which she very often did for hours together, + when the dusk was closing in, too—she would sometimes try to pierce + the gloom beyond, and make out how he was looking and what he was doing. + Sensible that she was plainly to be seen by him, however, she never dared + to pry in that direction but very furtively and for a moment at a time. + Consequently she made out nothing, and Mr Dombey in his den remained a + very shade. + </p> + <p> + Little Paul Dombey's foster-mother had led this life herself, and had + carried little Paul through it for some weeks; and had returned upstairs + one day from a melancholy saunter through the dreary rooms of state (she + never went out without Mrs Chick, who called on fine mornings, usually + accompanied by Miss Tox, to take her and Baby for an airing—or in + other words, to march them gravely up and down the pavement, like a + walking funeral); when, as she was sitting in her own room, the door was + slowly and quietly opened, and a dark-eyed little girl looked in. + </p> + <p> + 'It's Miss Florence come home from her aunt's, no doubt,' thought + Richards, who had never seen the child before. 'Hope I see you well, + Miss.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is that my brother?' asked the child, pointing to the Baby. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my pretty,' answered Richards. 'Come and kiss him.' + </p> + <p> + But the child, instead of advancing, looked her earnestly in the face, and + said: + </p> + <p> + 'What have you done with my Mama?' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord bless the little creeter!' cried Richards, 'what a sad question! I + done? Nothing, Miss.' + </p> + <p> + 'What have they done with my Mama?' inquired the child, with exactly the + same look and manner. + </p> + <p> + 'I never saw such a melting thing in all my life!' said Richards, who + naturally substituted for this child one of her own, inquiring for herself + in like circumstances. 'Come nearer here, my dear Miss! Don't be afraid of + me.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am not afraid of you,' said the child, drawing nearer. 'But I want to + know what they have done with my Mama.' + </p> + <p> + Her heart swelled so as she stood before the woman, looking into her eyes, + that she was fain to press her little hand upon her breast and hold it + there. Yet there was a purpose in the child that prevented both her + slender figure and her searching gaze from faltering. + </p> + <p> + 'My darling,' said Richards, 'you wear that pretty black frock in + remembrance of your Mama.' + </p> + <p> + 'I can remember my Mama,' returned the child, with tears springing to her + eyes, 'in any frock.' + </p> + <p> + 'But people put on black, to remember people when they're gone.' + </p> + <p> + 'Where gone?' asked the child. + </p> + <p> + 'Come and sit down by me,' said Richards, 'and I'll tell you a story.' + </p> + <p> + With a quick perception that it was intended to relate to what she had + asked, little Florence laid aside the bonnet she had held in her hand + until now, and sat down on a stool at the Nurse's feet, looking up into + her face. + </p> + <p> + 'Once upon a time,' said Richards, 'there was a lady—a very good + lady, and her little daughter dearly loved her.' + </p> + <p> + 'A very good lady and her little daughter dearly loved her,' repeated the + child. + </p> + <p> + 'Who, when God thought it right that it should be so, was taken ill and + died.' + </p> + <p> + The child shuddered. + </p> + <p> + 'Died, never to be seen again by anyone on earth, and was buried in the + ground where the trees grow.' + </p> + <p> + 'The cold ground?' said the child, shuddering again. + </p> + <p> + 'No! The warm ground,' returned Polly, seizing her advantage, 'where the + ugly little seeds turn into beautiful flowers, and into grass, and corn, + and I don't know what all besides. Where good people turn into bright + angels, and fly away to Heaven!' + </p> + <p> + The child, who had dropped her head, raised it again, and sat looking at + her intently. + </p> + <p> + 'So; let me see,' said Polly, not a little flurried between this earnest + scrutiny, her desire to comfort the child, her sudden success, and her + very slight confidence in her own powers. 'So, when this lady died, + wherever they took her, or wherever they put her, she went to GOD! and she + prayed to Him, this lady did,' said Polly, affecting herself beyond + measure; being heartily in earnest, 'to teach her little daughter to be + sure of that in her heart: and to know that she was happy there and loved + her still: and to hope and try—Oh, all her life—to meet her + there one day, never, never, never to part any more.' + </p> + <p> + 'It was my Mama!' exclaimed the child, springing up, and clasping her + round the neck. + </p> + <p> + 'And the child's heart,' said Polly, drawing her to her breast: 'the + little daughter's heart was so full of the truth of this, that even when + she heard it from a strange nurse that couldn't tell it right, but was a + poor mother herself and that was all, she found a comfort in it—didn't + feel so lonely—sobbed and cried upon her bosom—took kindly to + the baby lying in her lap—and—there, there, there!' said + Polly, smoothing the child's curls and dropping tears upon them. 'There, + poor dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh well, Miss Floy! And won't your Pa be angry neither!' cried a quick + voice at the door, proceeding from a short, brown, womanly girl of + fourteen, with a little snub nose, and black eyes like jet beads. 'When it + was 'tickerlerly given out that you wasn't to go and worrit the wet + nurse.' + </p> + <p> + 'She don't worry me,' was the surprised rejoinder of Polly. 'I am very + fond of children.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! but begging your pardon, Mrs Richards, that don't matter, you know,' + returned the black-eyed girl, who was so desperately sharp and biting that + she seemed to make one's eyes water. 'I may be very fond of pennywinkles, + Mrs Richards, but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, it don't matter,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, thank'ee, Mrs Richards, don't it!' returned the sharp girl. + 'Remembering, however, if you'll be so good, that Miss Floy's under my + charge, and Master Paul's under your'n.' + </p> + <p> + 'But still we needn't quarrel,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, Mrs Richards,' rejoined Spitfire. 'Not at all, I don't wish it, we + needn't stand upon that footing, Miss Floy being a permanency, Master Paul + a temporary.' Spitfire made use of none but comma pauses; shooting out + whatever she had to say in one sentence, and in one breath, if possible. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence has just come home, hasn't she?' asked Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Mrs Richards, just come, and here, Miss Floy, before you've been in + the house a quarter of an hour, you go a smearing your wet face against + the expensive mourning that Mrs Richards is a wearing for your Ma!' With + this remonstrance, young Spitfire, whose real name was Susan Nipper, + detached the child from her new friend by a wrench—as if she were a + tooth. But she seemed to do it, more in the excessively sharp exercise of + her official functions, than with any deliberate unkindness. + </p> + <p> + 'She'll be quite happy, now she has come home again,' said Polly, nodding + to her with an encouraging smile upon her wholesome face, 'and will be so + pleased to see her dear Papa to-night.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lork, Mrs Richards!' cried Miss Nipper, taking up her words with a jerk. + 'Don't. See her dear Papa indeed! I should like to see her do it!' + </p> + <p> + 'Won't she then?' asked Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Lork, Mrs Richards, no, her Pa's a deal too wrapped up in somebody else, + and before there was a somebody else to be wrapped up in she never was a + favourite, girls are thrown away in this house, Mrs Richards, I assure + you.' + </p> + <p> + The child looked quickly from one nurse to the other, as if she understood + and felt what was said. + </p> + <p> + 'You surprise me!' cried Folly. 'Hasn't Mr Dombey seen her since—' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' interrupted Susan Nipper. 'Not once since, and he hadn't hardly set + his eyes upon her before that for months and months, and I don't think + he'd have known her for his own child if he had met her in the streets, or + would know her for his own child if he was to meet her in the streets + to-morrow, Mrs Richards, as to me,' said Spitfire, with a giggle, 'I doubt + if he's aweer of my existence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pretty dear!' said Richards; meaning, not Miss Nipper, but the little + Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! there's a Tartar within a hundred miles of where we're now in + conversation, I can tell you, Mrs Richards, present company always + excepted too,' said Susan Nipper; 'wish you good morning, Mrs Richards, + now Miss Floy, you come along with me, and don't go hanging back like a + naughty wicked child that judgments is no example to, don't!' + </p> + <p> + In spite of being thus adjured, and in spite also of some hauling on the + part of Susan Nipper, tending towards the dislocation of her right + shoulder, little Florence broke away, and kissed her new friend, + affectionately. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh dear! after it was given out so 'tickerlerly, that Mrs Richards wasn't + to be made free with!' exclaimed Susan. 'Very well, Miss Floy!' + </p> + <p> + 'God bless the sweet thing!' said Richards, 'Good-bye, dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye!' returned the child. 'God bless you! I shall come to see you + again soon, and you'll come to see me? Susan will let us. Won't you, + Susan?' + </p> + <p> + Spitfire seemed to be in the main a good-natured little body, although a + disciple of that school of trainers of the young idea which holds that + childhood, like money, must be shaken and rattled and jostled about a good + deal to keep it bright. For, being thus appealed to with some endearing + gestures and caresses, she folded her small arms and shook her head, and + conveyed a relenting expression into her very-wide-open black eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'It ain't right of you to ask it, Miss Floy, for you know I can't refuse + you, but Mrs Richards and me will see what can be done, if Mrs Richards + likes, I may wish, you see, to take a voyage to Chaney, Mrs Richards, but + I mayn't know how to leave the London Docks.' + </p> + <p> + Richards assented to the proposition. + </p> + <p> + 'This house ain't so exactly ringing with merry-making,' said Miss Nipper, + 'that one need be lonelier than one must be. Your Toxes and your Chickses + may draw out my two front double teeth, Mrs Richards, but that's no reason + why I need offer 'em the whole set.' + </p> + <p> + This proposition was also assented to by Richards, as an obvious one. + </p> + <p> + 'So I'm agreeable, I'm sure,' said Susan Nipper, 'to live friendly, Mrs + Richards, while Master Paul continues a permanency, if the means can be + planned out without going openly against orders, but goodness gracious + Miss Floy, you haven't got your things off yet, you naughty child, you + haven't, come along!' + </p> + <p> + With these words, Susan Nipper, in a transport of coercion, made a charge + at her young ward, and swept her out of the room. + </p> + <p> + The child, in her grief and neglect, was so gentle, so quiet, and + uncomplaining; was possessed of so much affection that no one seemed to + care to have, and so much sorrowful intelligence that no one seemed to + mind or think about the wounding of, that Polly's heart was sore when she + was left alone again. In the simple passage that had taken place between + herself and the motherless little girl, her own motherly heart had been + touched no less than the child's; and she felt, as the child did, that + there was something of confidence and interest between them from that + moment. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding Mr Toodle's great reliance on Polly, she was perhaps in + point of artificial accomplishments very little his superior. She had been + good-humouredly working and drudging for her life all her life, and was a + sober steady-going person, with matter-of-fact ideas about the butcher and + baker, and the division of pence into farthings. But she was a good plain + sample of a nature that is ever, in the mass, better, truer, higher, + nobler, quicker to feel, and much more constant to retain, all tenderness + and pity, self-denial and devotion, than the nature of men. And, perhaps, + unlearned as she was, she could have brought a dawning knowledge home to + Mr Dombey at that early day, which would not then have struck him in the + end like lightning. + </p> + <p> + But this is from the purpose. Polly only thought, at that time, of + improving on her successful propitiation of Miss Nipper, and devising some + means of having little Florence aide her, lawfully, and without rebellion. + An opening happened to present itself that very night. + </p> + <p> + She had been rung down into the glass room as usual, and had walked about + and about it a long time, with the baby in her arms, when, to her great + surprise and dismay, Mr Dombey—whom she had seen at first leaning on + his elbow at the table, and afterwards walking up and down the middle + room, drawing, each time, a little nearer, she thought, to the open + folding doors—came out, suddenly, and stopped before her. + </p> + <p> + 'Good evening, Richards.' + </p> + <p> + Just the same austere, stiff gentleman, as he had appeared to her on that + first day. Such a hard-looking gentleman, that she involuntarily dropped + her eyes and her curtsey at the same time. + </p> + <p> + 'How is Master Paul, Richards?' + </p> + <p> + 'Quite thriving, Sir, and well.' + </p> + <p> + 'He looks so,' said Mr Dombey, glancing with great interest at the tiny + face she uncovered for his observation, and yet affecting to be half + careless of it. 'They give you everything you want, I hope?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, thank you, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + She suddenly appended such an obvious hesitation to this reply, however, + that Mr Dombey, who had turned away; stopped, and turned round again, + inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Sir, the child is very much disposed to take notice of + things,' said Richards, with another curtsey, 'and—upstairs is a + little dull for him, perhaps, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'I begged them to take you out for airings, constantly,' said Mr Dombey. + 'Very well! You shall go out oftener. You're quite right to mention it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Sir,' faltered Polly, 'but we go out quite plenty Sir, + thank you.' + </p> + <p> + 'What would you have then?' asked Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed Sir, I don't exactly know,' said Polly, 'unless—' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes?' + </p> + <p> + 'I believe nothing is so good for making children lively and cheerful, + Sir, as seeing other children playing about 'em,' observed Polly, taking + courage. + </p> + <p> + 'I think I mentioned to you, Richards, when you came here,' said Mr + Dombey, with a frown, 'that I wished you to see as little of your family + as possible.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh dear yes, Sir, I wasn't so much as thinking of that.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad of it,' said Mr Dombey hastily. 'You can continue your walk if + you please.' + </p> + <p> + With that, he disappeared into his inner room; and Polly had the + satisfaction of feeling that he had thoroughly misunderstood her object, + and that she had fallen into disgrace without the least advancement of her + purpose. + </p> + <p> + Next night, she found him walking about the conservatory when she came + down. As she stopped at the door, checked by this unusual sight, and + uncertain whether to advance or retreat, he called her in. His mind was + too much set on Dombey and Son, it soon appeared, to admit of his having + forgotten her suggestion. + </p> + <p> + 'If you really think that sort of society is good for the child,' he said + sharply, as if there had been no interval since she proposed it, 'where's + Miss Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing could be better than Miss Florence, Sir,' said Polly eagerly, + 'but I understood from her maid that they were not to—' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey rang the bell, and walked till it was answered. + </p> + <p> + 'Tell them always to let Miss Florence be with Richards when she chooses, + and go out with her, and so forth. Tell them to let the children be + together, when Richards wishes it.' + </p> + <p> + The iron was now hot, and Richards striking on it boldly—it was a + good cause and she bold in it, though instinctively afraid of Mr Dombey—requested + that Miss Florence might be sent down then and there, to make friends with + her little brother. + </p> + <p> + She feigned to be dandling the child as the servant retired on this + errand, but she thought that she saw Mr Dombey's colour changed; that the + expression of his face quite altered; that he turned, hurriedly, as if to + gainsay what he had said, or she had said, or both, and was only deterred + by very shame. + </p> + <p> + And she was right. The last time he had seen his slighted child, there had + been that in the sad embrace between her and her dying mother, which was + at once a revelation and a reproach to him. Let him be absorbed as he + would in the Son on whom he built such high hopes, he could not forget + that closing scene. He could not forget that he had had no part in it. + That, at the bottom of its clear depths of tenderness and truth lay those + two figures clasped in each other's arms, while he stood on the bank above + them, looking down a mere spectator—not a sharer with them—quite + shut out. + </p> + <p> + Unable to exclude these things from his remembrance, or to keep his mind + free from such imperfect shapes of the meaning with which they were + fraught, as were able to make themselves visible to him through the mist + of his pride, his previous feeling of indifference towards little Florence + changed into an uneasiness of an extraordinary kind. Young as she was, and + possessing in any eyes but his (and perhaps in his too) even more than the + usual amount of childish simplicity and confidence, he almost felt as if + she watched and distrusted him. As if she held the clue to something + secret in his breast, of the nature of which he was hardly informed + himself. As if she had an innate knowledge of one jarring and discordant + string within him, and her very breath could sound it. + </p> + <p> + His feeling about the child had been negative from her birth. He had never + conceived an aversion to her: it had not been worth his while or in his + humour. She had never been a positively disagreeable object to him. But + now he was ill at ease about her. She troubled his peace. He would have + preferred to put her idea aside altogether, if he had known how. Perhaps—who + shall decide on such mysteries!—he was afraid that he might come to + hate her. + </p> + <p> + When little Florence timidly presented herself, Mr Dombey stopped in his + pacing up and down and looked towards her. Had he looked with greater + interest and with a father's eye, he might have read in her keen glance + the impulses and fears that made her waver; the passionate desire to run + clinging to him, crying, as she hid her face in his embrace, 'Oh father, + try to love me! there's no one else!' the dread of a repulse; the fear of + being too bold, and of offending him; the pitiable need in which she stood + of some assurance and encouragement; and how her overcharged young heart + was wandering to find some natural resting-place, for its sorrow and + affection. + </p> + <p> + But he saw nothing of this. He saw her pause irresolutely at the door and + look towards him; and he saw no more. + </p> + <p> + 'Come in,' he said, 'come in: what is the child afraid of?' + </p> + <p> + She came in; and after glancing round her for a moment with an uncertain + air, stood pressing her small hands hard together, close within the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Come here, Florence,' said her father, coldly. 'Do you know who I am?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Papa.' + </p> + <p> + 'Have you nothing to say to me?' + </p> + <p> + The tears that stood in her eyes as she raised them quickly to his face, + were frozen by the expression it wore. She looked down again, and put out + her trembling hand. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey took it loosely in his own, and stood looking down upon her for + a moment, as if he knew as little as the child, what to say or do. + </p> + <p> + 'There! Be a good girl,' he said, patting her on the head, and regarding + her as it were by stealth with a disturbed and doubtful look. 'Go to + Richards! Go!' + </p> + <p> + His little daughter hesitated for another instant as though she would have + clung about him still, or had some lingering hope that he might raise her + in his arms and kiss her. She looked up in his face once more. He thought + how like her expression was then, to what it had been when she looked + round at the Doctor—that night—and instinctively dropped her + hand and turned away. + </p> + <p> + It was not difficult to perceive that Florence was at a great disadvantage + in her father's presence. It was not only a constraint upon the child's + mind, but even upon the natural grace and freedom of her actions. As she + sported and played about her baby brother that night, her manner was + seldom so winning and so pretty as it naturally was, and sometimes when in + his pacing to and fro, he came near her (she had, perhaps, for the moment, + forgotten him) it changed upon the instant and became forced and + embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + Still, Polly persevered with all the better heart for seeing this; and, + judging of Mr Dombey by herself, had great confidence in the mute appeal + of poor little Florence's mourning dress. 'It's hard indeed,' thought + Polly, 'if he takes only to one little motherless child, when he has + another, and that a girl, before his eyes.' + </p> + <p> + So, Polly kept her before his eyes, as long as she could, and managed so + well with little Paul, as to make it very plain that he was all the + livelier for his sister's company. When it was time to withdraw upstairs + again, she would have sent Florence into the inner room to say good-night + to her father, but the child was timid and drew back; and when she urged + her again, said, spreading her hands before her eyes, as if to shut out + her own unworthiness, 'Oh no, no! He don't want me. He don't want me!' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0044m.jpg" alt="0044m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0044.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The little altercation between them had attracted the notice of Mr Dombey, + who inquired from the table where he was sitting at his wine, what the + matter was. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence was afraid of interrupting, Sir, if she came in to say + good-night,' said Richards. + </p> + <p> + 'It doesn't matter,' returned Mr Dombey. 'You can let her come and go + without regarding me.' + </p> + <p> + The child shrunk as she listened—and was gone, before her humble + friend looked round again. + </p> + <p> + However, Polly triumphed not a little in the success of her + well-intentioned scheme, and in the address with which she had brought it + to bear: whereof she made a full disclosure to Spitfire when she was once + more safely entrenched upstairs. Miss Nipper received that proof of her + confidence, as well as the prospect of their free association for the + future, rather coldly, and was anything but enthusiastic in her + demonstrations of joy. + </p> + <p> + 'I thought you would have been pleased,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, Mrs Richards, I'm very well pleased, thank you,' returned Susan, + who had suddenly become so very upright that she seemed to have put an + additional bone in her stays. + </p> + <p> + 'You don't show it,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Being only a permanency I couldn't be expected to show it like a + temporary,' said Susan Nipper. 'Temporaries carries it all before 'em + here, I find, but though there's a excellent party-wall between this house + and the next, I mayn't exactly like to go to it, Mrs Richards, + notwithstanding!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 4. In which some more First Appearances are made on the Stage of + these Adventures + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>hough the offices of Dombey and Son were within the liberties of the City + of London, and within hearing of Bow Bells, when their clashing voices + were not drowned by the uproar in the streets, yet were there hints of + adventurous and romantic story to be observed in some of the adjacent + objects. Gog and Magog held their state within ten minutes' walk; the + Royal Exchange was close at hand; the Bank of England, with its vaults of + gold and silver 'down among the dead men' underground, was their + magnificent neighbour. Just round the corner stood the rich East India + House, teeming with suggestions of precious stuffs and stones, tigers, + elephants, howdahs, hookahs, umbrellas, palm trees, palanquins, and + gorgeous princes of a brown complexion sitting on carpets, with their + slippers very much turned up at the toes. Anywhere in the immediate + vicinity there might be seen pictures of ships speeding away full sail to + all parts of the world; outfitting warehouses ready to pack off anybody + anywhere, fully equipped in half an hour; and little timber midshipmen in + obsolete naval uniforms, eternally employed outside the shop doors of + nautical Instrument-makers in taking observations of the hackney + carriages. + </p> + <p> + Sole master and proprietor of one of these effigies—of that which + might be called, familiarly, the woodenest—of that which thrust + itself out above the pavement, right leg foremost, with a suavity the + least endurable, and had the shoe buckles and flapped waistcoat the least + reconcileable to human reason, and bore at its right eye the most + offensively disproportionate piece of machinery—sole master and + proprietor of that Midshipman, and proud of him too, an elderly gentleman + in a Welsh wig had paid house-rent, taxes, rates, and dues, for more years + than many a full-grown midshipman of flesh and blood has numbered in his + life; and midshipmen who have attained a pretty green old age, have not + been wanting in the English Navy. + </p> + <p> + The stock-in-trade of this old gentleman comprised chronometers, + barometers, telescopes, compasses, charts, maps, sextants, quadrants, and + specimens of every kind of instrument used in the working of a ship's + course, or the keeping of a ship's reckoning, or the prosecuting of a + ship's discoveries. Objects in brass and glass were in his drawers and on + his shelves, which none but the initiated could have found the top of, or + guessed the use of, or having once examined, could have ever got back + again into their mahogany nests without assistance. Everything was jammed + into the tightest cases, fitted into the narrowest corners, fenced up + behind the most impertinent cushions, and screwed into the acutest angles, + to prevent its philosophical composure from being disturbed by the rolling + of the sea. Such extraordinary precautions were taken in every instance to + save room, and keep the thing compact; and so much practical navigation + was fitted, and cushioned, and screwed into every box (whether the box was + a mere slab, as some were, or something between a cocked hat and a + star-fish, as others were, and those quite mild and modest boxes as + compared with others); that the shop itself, partaking of the general + infection, seemed almost to become a snug, sea-going, ship-shape concern, + wanting only good sea-room, in the event of an unexpected launch, to work + its way securely to any desert island in the world. + </p> + <p> + Many minor incidents in the household life of the Ships' Instrument-maker + who was proud of his little Midshipman, assisted and bore out this fancy. + His acquaintance lying chiefly among ship-chandlers and so forth, he had + always plenty of the veritable ships' biscuit on his table. It was + familiar with dried meats and tongues, possessing an extraordinary flavour + of rope yarn. Pickles were produced upon it, in great wholesale jars, with + 'dealer in all kinds of Ships' Provisions' on the label; spirits were set + forth in case bottles with no throats. Old prints of ships with + alphabetical references to their various mysteries, hung in frames upon + the walls; the Tartar Frigate under weigh, was on the plates; outlandish + shells, seaweeds, and mosses, decorated the chimney-piece; the little + wainscotted back parlour was lighted by a sky-light, like a cabin. + </p> + <p> + Here he lived too, in skipper-like state, all alone with his nephew + Walter: a boy of fourteen who looked quite enough like a midshipman, to + carry out the prevailing idea. But there it ended, for Solomon Gills + himself (more generally called old Sol) was far from having a maritime + appearance. To say nothing of his Welsh wig, which was as plain and + stubborn a Welsh wig as ever was worn, and in which he looked like + anything but a Rover, he was a slow, quiet-spoken, thoughtful old fellow, + with eyes as red as if they had been small suns looking at you through a + fog; and a newly-awakened manner, such as he might have acquired by having + stared for three or four days successively through every optical + instrument in his shop, and suddenly came back to the world again, to find + it green. The only change ever known in his outward man, was from a + complete suit of coffee-colour cut very square, and ornamented with + glaring buttons, to the same suit of coffee-colour minus the + inexpressibles, which were then of a pale nankeen. He wore a very precise + shirt-frill, and carried a pair of first-rate spectacles on his forehead, + and a tremendous chronometer in his fob, rather than doubt which precious + possession, he would have believed in a conspiracy against it on part of + all the clocks and watches in the City, and even of the very Sun itself. + Such as he was, such he had been in the shop and parlour behind the little + Midshipman, for years upon years; going regularly aloft to bed every night + in a howling garret remote from the lodgers, where, when gentlemen of + England who lived below at ease had little or no idea of the state of the + weather, it often blew great guns. + </p> + <p> + It is half-past five o'clock, and an autumn afternoon, when the reader and + Solomon Gills become acquainted. Solomon Gills is in the act of seeing + what time it is by the unimpeachable chronometer. The usual daily + clearance has been making in the City for an hour or more; and the human + tide is still rolling westward. 'The streets have thinned,' as Mr Gills + says, 'very much.' It threatens to be wet to-night. All the weatherglasses + in the shop are in low spirits, and the rain already shines upon the + cocked hat of the wooden Midshipman. + </p> + <p> + 'Where's Walter, I wonder!' said Solomon Gills, after he had carefully put + up the chronometer again. 'Here's dinner been ready, half an hour, and no + Walter!' + </p> + <p> + Turning round upon his stool behind the counter, Mr Gills looked out among + the instruments in the window, to see if his nephew might be crossing the + road. No. He was not among the bobbing umbrellas, and he certainly was not + the newspaper boy in the oilskin cap who was slowly working his way along + the piece of brass outside, writing his name over Mr Gills's name with his + forefinger. + </p> + <p> + 'If I didn't know he was too fond of me to make a run of it, and go and + enter himself aboard ship against my wishes, I should begin to be + fidgetty,' said Mr Gills, tapping two or three weather-glasses with his + knuckles. 'I really should. All in the Downs, eh! Lots of moisture! Well! + it's wanted.' + </p> + <p> + 'I believe,' said Mr Gills, blowing the dust off the glass top of a + compass-case, 'that you don't point more direct and due to the back + parlour than the boy's inclination does after all. And the parlour + couldn't bear straighter either. Due north. Not the twentieth part of a + point either way.' + </p> + <p> + 'Halloa, Uncle Sol!' + </p> + <p> + 'Halloa, my boy!' cried the Instrument-maker, turning briskly round. + 'What! you are here, are you?' + </p> + <p> + A cheerful looking, merry boy, fresh with running home in the rain; + fair-faced, bright-eyed, and curly-haired. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Uncle, how have you got on without me all day? Is dinner ready? I'm + so hungry.' + </p> + <p> + 'As to getting on,' said Solomon good-naturedly, 'it would be odd if I + couldn't get on without a young dog like you a great deal better than with + you. As to dinner being ready, it's been ready this half hour and waiting + for you. As to being hungry, I am!' + </p> + <p> + 'Come along then, Uncle!' cried the boy. 'Hurrah for the admiral!' + </p> + <p> + 'Confound the admiral!' returned Solomon Gills. 'You mean the Lord Mayor.' + </p> + <p> + 'No I don't!' cried the boy. 'Hurrah for the admiral! Hurrah for the + admiral! For-ward!' + </p> + <p> + At this word of command, the Welsh wig and its wearer were borne without + resistance into the back parlour, as at the head of a boarding party of + five hundred men; and Uncle Sol and his nephew were speedily engaged on a + fried sole with a prospect of steak to follow. + </p> + <p> + 'The Lord Mayor, Wally,' said Solomon, 'for ever! No more admirals. The + Lord Mayor's your admiral.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, is he though!' said the boy, shaking his head. 'Why, the Sword + Bearer's better than him. He draws his sword sometimes.' + </p> + <p> + 'And a pretty figure he cuts with it for his pains,' returned the Uncle. + 'Listen to me, Wally, listen to me. Look on the mantelshelf.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why who has cocked my silver mug up there, on a nail?' exclaimed the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'I have,' said his Uncle. 'No more mugs now. We must begin to drink out of + glasses to-day, Walter. We are men of business. We belong to the City. We + started in life this morning.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Uncle,' said the boy, 'I'll drink out of anything you like, so long + as I can drink to you. Here's to you, Uncle Sol, and Hurrah for the—' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Mayor,' interrupted the old man. + </p> + <p> + 'For the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, Common Council, and Livery,' said the boy. + 'Long life to 'em!' + </p> + <p> + The uncle nodded his head with great satisfaction. 'And now,' he said, + 'let's hear something about the Firm.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! there's not much to be told about the Firm, Uncle,' said the boy, + plying his knife and fork. 'It's a precious dark set of offices, and in + the room where I sit, there's a high fender, and an iron safe, and some + cards about ships that are going to sail, and an almanack, and some desks + and stools, and an inkbottle, and some books, and some boxes, and a lot of + cobwebs, and in one of 'em, just over my head, a shrivelled-up blue-bottle + that looks as if it had hung there ever so long.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing else?' said the Uncle. + </p> + <p> + 'No, nothing else, except an old birdcage (I wonder how that ever came + there!) and a coal-scuttle.' + </p> + <p> + 'No bankers' books, or cheque books, or bills, or such tokens of wealth + rolling in from day to day?' said old Sol, looking wistfully at his nephew + out of the fog that always seemed to hang about him, and laying an + unctuous emphasis upon the words. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, plenty of that I suppose,' returned his nephew carelessly; 'but + all that sort of thing's in Mr Carker's room, or Mr Morfin's, or Mr + Dombey's.' + </p> + <p> + 'Has Mr Dombey been there to-day?' inquired the Uncle. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes! In and out all day.' + </p> + <p> + 'He didn't take any notice of you, I suppose?'. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes he did. He walked up to my seat,—I wish he wasn't so solemn and + stiff, Uncle,—and said, "Oh! you are the son of Mr Gills the Ships' + Instrument-maker." "Nephew, Sir," I said. "I said nephew, boy," said he. + But I could take my oath he said son, Uncle.' + </p> + <p> + 'You're mistaken I daresay. It's no matter.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, it's no matter, but he needn't have been so sharp, I thought. There + was no harm in it though he did say son. Then he told me that you had + spoken to him about me, and that he had found me employment in the House + accordingly, and that I was expected to be attentive and punctual, and + then he went away. I thought he didn't seem to like me much.' + </p> + <p> + 'You mean, I suppose,' observed the Instrument-maker, 'that you didn't + seem to like him much?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Uncle,' returned the boy, laughing. 'Perhaps so; I never thought of + that.' + </p> + <p> + Solomon looked a little graver as he finished his dinner, and glanced from + time to time at the boy's bright face. When dinner was done, and the cloth + was cleared away (the entertainment had been brought from a neighbouring + eating-house), he lighted a candle, and went down below into a little + cellar, while his nephew, standing on the mouldy staircase, dutifully held + the light. After a moment's groping here and there, he presently returned + with a very ancient-looking bottle, covered with dust and dirt. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Uncle Sol!' said the boy, 'what are you about? that's the wonderful + Madeira!—there's only one more bottle!' + </p> + <p> + Uncle Sol nodded his head, implying that he knew very well what he was + about; and having drawn the cork in solemn silence, filled two glasses and + set the bottle and a third clean glass on the table. + </p> + <p> + 'You shall drink the other bottle, Wally,' he said, 'when you come to good + fortune; when you are a thriving, respected, happy man; when the start in + life you have made to-day shall have brought you, as I pray Heaven it may!—to + a smooth part of the course you have to run, my child. My love to you!' + </p> + <p> + Some of the fog that hung about old Sol seemed to have got into his + throat; for he spoke huskily. His hand shook too, as he clinked his glass + against his nephew's. But having once got the wine to his lips, he tossed + it off like a man, and smacked them afterwards. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Uncle,' said the boy, affecting to make light of it, while the tears + stood in his eyes, 'for the honour you have done me, et cetera, et cetera. + I shall now beg to propose Mr Solomon Gills with three times three and one + cheer more. Hurrah! and you'll return thanks, Uncle, when we drink the + last bottle together; won't you?' + </p> + <p> + They clinked their glasses again; and Walter, who was hoarding his wine, + took a sip of it, and held the glass up to his eye with as critical an air + as he could possibly assume. + </p> + <p> + His Uncle sat looking at him for some time in silence. When their eyes at + last met, he began at once to pursue the theme that had occupied his + thoughts, aloud, as if he had been speaking all the time. + </p> + <p> + 'You see, Walter,' he said, 'in truth this business is merely a habit with + me. I am so accustomed to the habit that I could hardly live if I + relinquished it: but there's nothing doing, nothing doing. When that + uniform was worn,' pointing out towards the little Midshipman, 'then + indeed, fortunes were to be made, and were made. But competition, + competition—new invention, new invention—alteration, + alteration—the world's gone past me. I hardly know where I am + myself, much less where my customers are.' + </p> + <p> + 'Never mind 'em, Uncle!' + </p> + <p> + 'Since you came home from weekly boarding-school at Peckham, for instance—and + that's ten days,' said Solomon, 'I don't remember more than one person + that has come into the shop.' + </p> + <p> + 'Two, Uncle, don't you recollect? There was the man who came to ask for + change for a sovereign—' + </p> + <p> + 'That's the one,' said Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 'Why Uncle! don't you call the woman anybody, who came to ask the way to + Mile-End Turnpike?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! it's true,' said Solomon, 'I forgot her. Two persons.' + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure, they didn't buy anything,' cried the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'No. They didn't buy anything,' said Solomon, quietly. + </p> + <p> + 'Nor want anything,' cried the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'No. If they had, they'd gone to another shop,' said Solomon, in the same + tone. + </p> + <p> + 'But there were two of 'em, Uncle,' cried the boy, as if that were a great + triumph. 'You said only one.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Wally,' resumed the old man, after a short pause: 'not being like + the Savages who came on Robinson Crusoe's Island, we can't live on a man + who asks for change for a sovereign, and a woman who inquires the way to + Mile-End Turnpike. As I said just now, the world has gone past me. I don't + blame it; but I no longer understand it. Tradesmen are not the same as + they used to be, apprentices are not the same, business is not the same, + business commodities are not the same. Seven-eighths of my stock is + old-fashioned. I am an old-fashioned man in an old-fashioned shop, in a + street that is not the same as I remember it. I have fallen behind the + time, and am too old to catch it again. Even the noise it makes a long way + ahead, confuses me.' + </p> + <p> + Walter was going to speak, but his Uncle held up his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Therefore, Wally—therefore it is that I am anxious you should be + early in the busy world, and on the world's track. I am only the ghost of + this business—its substance vanished long ago; and when I die, its + ghost will be laid. As it is clearly no inheritance for you then, I have + thought it best to use for your advantage, almost the only fragment of the + old connexion that stands by me, through long habit. Some people suppose + me to be wealthy. I wish for your sake they were right. But whatever I + leave behind me, or whatever I can give you, you in such a House as + Dombey's are in the road to use well and make the most of. Be diligent, + try to like it, my dear boy, work for a steady independence, and be + happy!' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll do everything I can, Uncle, to deserve your affection. Indeed I + will,' said the boy, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + 'I know it,' said Solomon. 'I am sure of it,' and he applied himself to a + second glass of the old Madeira, with increased relish. 'As to the Sea,' + he pursued, 'that's well enough in fiction, Wally, but it won't do in + fact: it won't do at all. It's natural enough that you should think about + it, associating it with all these familiar things; but it won't do, it + won't do.' + </p> + <p> + Solomon Gills rubbed his hands with an air of stealthy enjoyment, as he + talked of the sea, though; and looked on the seafaring objects about him + with inexpressible complacency. + </p> + <p> + 'Think of this wine for instance,' said old Sol, 'which has been to the + East Indies and back, I'm not able to say how often, and has been once + round the world. Think of the pitch-dark nights, the roaring winds, and + rolling seas:' + </p> + <p> + 'The thunder, lightning, rain, hail, storm of all kinds,' said the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure,' said Solomon,—'that this wine has passed through. + Think what a straining and creaking of timbers and masts: what a whistling + and howling of the gale through ropes and rigging:' + </p> + <p> + 'What a clambering aloft of men, vying with each other who shall lie out + first upon the yards to furl the icy sails, while the ship rolls and + pitches, like mad!' cried his nephew. + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly so,' said Solomon: 'has gone on, over the old cask that held this + wine. Why, when the Charming Sally went down in the—' + </p> + <p> + 'In the Baltic Sea, in the dead of night; five-and-twenty minutes past + twelve when the captain's watch stopped in his pocket; he lying dead + against the main-mast—on the fourteenth of February, seventeen + forty-nine!' cried Walter, with great animation. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, to be sure!' cried old Sol, 'quite right! Then, there were five + hundred casks of such wine aboard; and all hands (except the first mate, + first lieutenant, two seamen, and a lady, in a leaky boat) going to work + to stave the casks, got drunk and died drunk, singing "Rule Britannia", + when she settled and went down, and ending with one awful scream in + chorus.' + </p> + <p> + 'But when the George the Second drove ashore, Uncle, on the coast of + Cornwall, in a dismal gale, two hours before daybreak, on the fourth of + March, 'seventy-one, she had near two hundred horses aboard; and the + horses breaking loose down below, early in the gale, and tearing to and + fro, and trampling each other to death, made such noises, and set up such + human cries, that the crew believing the ship to be full of devils, some + of the best men, losing heart and head, went overboard in despair, and + only two were left alive, at last, to tell the tale.' + </p> + <p> + 'And when,' said old Sol, 'when the Polyphemus—' + </p> + <p> + 'Private West India Trader, burden three hundred and fifty tons, Captain, + John Brown of Deptford. Owners, Wiggs and Co.,' cried Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'The same,' said Sol; 'when she took fire, four days' sail with a fair + wind out of Jamaica Harbour, in the night—' + </p> + <p> + 'There were two brothers on board,' interposed his nephew, speaking very + fast and loud, 'and there not being room for both of them in the only boat + that wasn't swamped, neither of them would consent to go, until the elder + took the younger by the waist, and flung him in. And then the younger, + rising in the boat, cried out, "Dear Edward, think of your promised wife + at home. I'm only a boy. No one waits at home for me. Leap down into my + place!" and flung himself in the sea!' + </p> + <p> + The kindling eye and heightened colour of the boy, who had risen from his + seat in the earnestness of what he said and felt, seemed to remind old Sol + of something he had forgotten, or that his encircling mist had hitherto + shut out. Instead of proceeding with any more anecdotes, as he had + evidently intended but a moment before, he gave a short dry cough, and + said, 'Well! suppose we change the subject.' + </p> + <p> + The truth was, that the simple-minded Uncle in his secret attraction + towards the marvellous and adventurous—of which he was, in some + sort, a distant relation, by his trade—had greatly encouraged the + same attraction in the nephew; and that everything that had ever been put + before the boy to deter him from a life of adventure, had had the usual + unaccountable effect of sharpening his taste for it. This is invariable. + It would seem as if there never was a book written, or a story told, + expressly with the object of keeping boys on shore, which did not lure and + charm them to the ocean, as a matter of course. + </p> + <p> + But an addition to the little party now made its appearance, in the shape + of a gentleman in a wide suit of blue, with a hook instead of a hand + attached to his right wrist; very bushy black eyebrows; and a thick stick + in his left hand, covered all over (like his nose) with knobs. He wore a + loose black silk handkerchief round his neck, and such a very large coarse + shirt collar, that it looked like a small sail. He was evidently the + person for whom the spare wine-glass was intended, and evidently knew it; + for having taken off his rough outer coat, and hung up, on a particular + peg behind the door, such a hard glazed hat as a sympathetic person's head + might ache at the sight of, and which left a red rim round his own + forehead as if he had been wearing a tight basin, he brought a chair to + where the clean glass was, and sat himself down behind it. He was usually + addressed as Captain, this visitor; and had been a pilot, or a skipper, or + a privateersman, or all three perhaps; and was a very salt-looking man + indeed. + </p> + <p> + His face, remarkable for a brown solidity, brightened as he shook hands + with Uncle and nephew; but he seemed to be of a laconic disposition, and + merely said: + </p> + <p> + 'How goes it?' + </p> + <p> + 'All well,' said Mr Gills, pushing the bottle towards him. + </p> + <p> + He took it up, and having surveyed and smelt it, said with extraordinary + expression: + </p> + <p> + 'The?' + </p> + <p> + 'The,' returned the Instrument-maker. + </p> + <p> + Upon that he whistled as he filled his glass, and seemed to think they + were making holiday indeed. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r!' he said, arranging his hair (which was thin) with his hook, and + then pointing it at the Instrument-maker, 'Look at him! Love! Honour! And + Obey! Overhaul your catechism till you find that passage, and when found + turn the leaf down. Success, my boy!' + </p> + <p> + He was so perfectly satisfied both with his quotation and his reference to + it, that he could not help repeating the words again in a low voice, and + saying he had forgotten 'em these forty year. + </p> + <p> + 'But I never wanted two or three words in my life that I didn't know where + to lay my hand upon 'em, Gills,' he observed. 'It comes of not wasting + language as some do.' + </p> + <p> + The reflection perhaps reminded him that he had better, like young + Norval's father, "increase his store." At any rate he became silent, and + remained so, until old Sol went out into the shop to light it up, when he + turned to Walter, and said, without any introductory remark:— + </p> + <p> + 'I suppose he could make a clock if he tried?' + </p> + <p> + 'I shouldn't wonder, Captain Cuttle,' returned the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'And it would go!' said Captain Cuttle, making a species of serpent in the + air with his hook. 'Lord, how that clock would go!' + </p> + <p> + For a moment or two he seemed quite lost in contemplating the pace of this + ideal timepiece, and sat looking at the boy as if his face were the dial. + </p> + <p> + 'But he's chock-full of science,' he observed, waving his hook towards the + stock-in-trade. 'Look'ye here! Here's a collection of 'em. Earth, air, or + water. It's all one. Only say where you'll have it. Up in a balloon? There + you are. Down in a bell? There you are. D'ye want to put the North Star in + a pair of scales and weigh it? He'll do it for you.' + </p> + <p> + It may be gathered from these remarks that Captain Cuttle's reverence for + the stock of instruments was profound, and that his philosophy knew little + or no distinction between trading in it and inventing it. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' he said, with a sigh, 'it's a fine thing to understand 'em. And yet + it's a fine thing not to understand 'em. I hardly know which is best. It's + so comfortable to sit here and feel that you might be weighed, measured, + magnified, electrified, polarized, played the very devil with: and never + know how.' + </p> + <p> + Nothing short of the wonderful Madeira, combined with the occasion (which + rendered it desirable to improve and expand Walter's mind), could have + ever loosened his tongue to the extent of giving utterance to this + prodigious oration. He seemed quite amazed himself at the manner in which + it opened up to view the sources of the taciturn delight he had had in + eating Sunday dinners in that parlour for ten years. Becoming a sadder and + a wiser man, he mused and held his peace. + </p> + <p> + 'Come!' cried the subject of this admiration, returning. 'Before you have + your glass of grog, Ned, we must finish the bottle.' + </p> + <p> + 'Stand by!' said Ned, filling his glass. 'Give the boy some more.' + </p> + <p> + 'No more, thank'e, Uncle!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes,' said Sol, 'a little more. We'll finish the bottle, to the + House, Ned—Walter's House. Why it may be his House one of these + days, in part. Who knows? Sir Richard Whittington married his master's + daughter.' + </p> + <p> + '"Turn again Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, and when you are old you + will never depart from it,"' interposed the Captain. 'Wal'r! Overhaul the + book, my lad.' + </p> + <p> + 'And although Mr Dombey hasn't a daughter,' Sol began. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes, he has, Uncle,' said the boy, reddening and laughing. + </p> + <p> + 'Has he?' cried the old man. 'Indeed I think he has too.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I know he has,' said the boy. 'Some of 'em were talking about it in + the office today. And they do say, Uncle and Captain Cuttle,' lowering his + voice, 'that he's taken a dislike to her, and that she's left, unnoticed, + among the servants, and that his mind's so set all the while upon having + his son in the House, that although he's only a baby now, he is going to + have balances struck oftener than formerly, and the books kept closer than + they used to be, and has even been seen (when he thought he wasn't) + walking in the Docks, looking at his ships and property and all that, as + if he was exulting like, over what he and his son will possess together. + That's what they say. Of course, I don't know.' + </p> + <p> + 'He knows all about her already, you see,' said the instrument-maker. + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense, Uncle,' cried the boy, still reddening and laughing, boy-like. + 'How can I help hearing what they tell me?' + </p> + <p> + 'The son's a little in our way at present, I'm afraid, Ned,' said the old + man, humouring the joke. + </p> + <p> + 'Very much,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Nevertheless, we'll drink him,' pursued Sol. 'So, here's to Dombey and + Son.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, very well, Uncle,' said the boy, merrily. 'Since you have introduced + the mention of her, and have connected me with her and have said that I + know all about her, I shall make bold to amend the toast. So here's to + Dombey—and Son—and Daughter!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 5. Paul's Progress and Christening + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">L</span>ittle Paul, suffering no contamination from the blood of the Toodles, + grew stouter and stronger every day. Every day, too, he was more and more + ardently cherished by Miss Tox, whose devotion was so far appreciated by + Mr Dombey that he began to regard her as a woman of great natural good + sense, whose feelings did her credit and deserved encouragement. He was so + lavish of this condescension, that he not only bowed to her, in a + particular manner, on several occasions, but even entrusted such stately + recognitions of her to his sister as 'pray tell your friend, Louisa, that + she is very good,' or 'mention to Miss Tox, Louisa, that I am obliged to + her;' specialities which made a deep impression on the lady thus + distinguished. + </p> + <p> + Whether Miss Tox conceived that having been selected by the Fates to + welcome the little Dombey before he was born, in Kirby, Beard and Kirby's + Best Mixed Pins, it therefore naturally devolved upon her to greet him + with all other forms of welcome in all other early stages of his existence—or + whether her overflowing goodness induced her to volunteer into the + domestic militia as a substitute in some sort for his deceased Mama—or + whether she was conscious of any other motives—are questions which + in this stage of the Firm's history herself only could have solved. Nor + have they much bearing on the fact (of which there is no doubt), that Miss + Tox's constancy and zeal were a heavy discouragement to Richards, who lost + flesh hourly under her patronage, and was in some danger of being + superintended to death. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox was often in the habit of assuring Mrs Chick, that nothing could + exceed her interest in all connected with the development of that sweet + child; and an observer of Miss Tox's proceedings might have inferred so + much without declaratory confirmation. She would preside over the innocent + repasts of the young heir, with ineffable satisfaction, almost with an air + of joint proprietorship with Richards in the entertainment. At the little + ceremonies of the bath and toilette, she assisted with enthusiasm. The + administration of infantine doses of physic awakened all the active + sympathy of her character; and being on one occasion secreted in a + cupboard (whither she had fled in modesty), when Mr Dombey was introduced + into the nursery by his sister, to behold his son, in the course of + preparation for bed, taking a short walk uphill over Richards's gown, in a + short and airy linen jacket, Miss Tox was so transported beyond the + ignorant present as to be unable to refrain from crying out, 'Is he not + beautiful Mr Dombey! Is he not a Cupid, Sir!' and then almost sinking + behind the closet door with confusion and blushes. + </p> + <p> + 'Louisa,' said Mr Dombey, one day, to his sister, 'I really think I must + present your friend with some little token, on the occasion of Paul's + christening. She has exerted herself so warmly in the child's behalf from + the first, and seems to understand her position so thoroughly (a very rare + merit in this world, I am sorry to say), that it would really be agreeable + to me to notice her.' + </p> + <p> + Let it be no detraction from the merits of Miss Tox, to hint that in Mr + Dombey's eyes, as in some others that occasionally see the light, they + only achieved that mighty piece of knowledge, the understanding of their + own position, who showed a fitting reverence for his. It was not so much + their merit that they knew themselves, as that they knew him, and bowed + low before him. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' returned his sister, 'you do Miss Tox but justice, as a + man of your penetration was sure, I knew, to do. I believe if there are + three words in the English language for which she has a respect amounting + almost to veneration, those words are, Dombey and Son.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' said Mr Dombey, 'I believe it. It does Miss Tox credit.' + </p> + <p> + 'And as to anything in the shape of a token, my dear Paul,' pursued his + sister, 'all I can say is that anything you give Miss Tox will be hoarded + and prized, I am sure, like a relic. But there is a way, my dear Paul, of + showing your sense of Miss Tox's friendliness in a still more flattering + and acceptable manner, if you should be so inclined.' + </p> + <p> + 'How is that?' asked Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Godfathers, of course,' continued Mrs Chick, 'are important in point of + connexion and influence.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know why they should be, to my son,' said Mr Dombey, coldly. + </p> + <p> + 'Very true, my dear Paul,' retorted Mrs Chick, with an extraordinary show + of animation, to cover the suddenness of her conversion; 'and spoken like + yourself. I might have expected nothing else from you. I might have known + that such would have been your opinion. Perhaps;' here Mrs Chick faltered + again, as not quite comfortably feeling her way; 'perhaps that is a reason + why you might have the less objection to allowing Miss Tox to be godmother + to the dear thing, if it were only as deputy and proxy for someone else. + That it would be received as a great honour and distinction, Paul, I need + not say.' + </p> + <p> + 'Louisa,' said Mr Dombey, after a short pause, 'it is not to be supposed—' + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly not,' cried Mrs Chick, hastening to anticipate a refusal, 'I + never thought it was.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey looked at her impatiently. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't flurry me, my dear Paul,' said his sister; 'for that destroys me. I + am far from strong. I have not been quite myself, since poor dear Fanny + departed.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey glanced at the pocket-handkerchief which his sister applied to + her eyes, and resumed: + </p> + <p> + 'It is not be supposed, I say—' + </p> + <p> + 'And I say,' murmured Mrs Chick, 'that I never thought it was.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good Heaven, Louisa!' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'No, my dear Paul,' she remonstrated with tearful dignity, 'I must really + be allowed to speak. I am not so clever, or so reasoning, or so eloquent, + or so anything, as you are. I know that very well. So much the worse for + me. But if they were the last words I had to utter—and last words + should be very solemn to you and me, Paul, after poor dear Fanny—I + would still say I never thought it was. And what is more,' added Mrs Chick + with increased dignity, as if she had withheld her crushing argument until + now, 'I never did think it was.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey walked to the window and back again. + </p> + <p> + 'It is not to be supposed, Louisa,' he said (Mrs Chick had nailed her + colours to the mast, and repeated 'I know it isn't,' but he took no notice + of it), 'but that there are many persons who, supposing that I recognised + any claim at all in such a case, have a claim upon me superior to Miss + Tox's. But I do not. I recognise no such thing. Paul and myself will be + able, when the time comes, to hold our own—the House, in other + words, will be able to hold its own, and maintain its own, and hand down + its own of itself, and without any such common-place aids. The kind of + foreign help which people usually seek for their children, I can afford to + despise; being above it, I hope. So that Paul's infancy and childhood pass + away well, and I see him becoming qualified without waste of time for the + career on which he is destined to enter, I am satisfied. He will make what + powerful friends he pleases in after-life, when he is actively maintaining—and + extending, if that is possible—the dignity and credit of the Firm. + Until then, I am enough for him, perhaps, and all in all. I have no wish + that people should step in between us. I would much rather show my sense + of the obliging conduct of a deserving person like your friend. Therefore + let it be so; and your husband and myself will do well enough for the + other sponsors, I daresay.' + </p> + <p> + In the course of these remarks, delivered with great majesty and grandeur, + Mr Dombey had truly revealed the secret feelings of his breast. An + indescribable distrust of anybody stepping in between himself and his son; + a haughty dread of having any rival or partner in the boy's respect and + deference; a sharp misgiving, recently acquired, that he was not + infallible in his power of bending and binding human wills; as sharp a + jealousy of any second check or cross; these were, at that time the master + keys of his soul. In all his life, he had never made a friend. His cold + and distant nature had neither sought one, nor found one. And now, when + that nature concentrated its whole force so strongly on a partial scheme + of parental interest and ambition, it seemed as if its icy current, + instead of being released by this influence, and running clear and free, + had thawed for but an instant to admit its burden, and then frozen with it + into one unyielding block. + </p> + <p> + Elevated thus to the godmothership of little Paul, in virtue of her + insignificance, Miss Tox was from that hour chosen and appointed to + office; and Mr Dombey further signified his pleasure that the ceremony, + already long delayed, should take place without further postponement. His + sister, who had been far from anticipating so signal a success, withdrew + as soon as she could, to communicate it to her best of friends; and Mr + Dombey was left alone in his library. He had already laid his hand upon + the bellrope to convey his usual summons to Richards, when his eye fell + upon a writing-desk, belonging to his deceased wife, which had been taken, + among other things, from a cabinet in her chamber. It was not the first + time that his eye had lighted on it He carried the key in his pocket; and + he brought it to his table and opened it now—having previously + locked the room door—with a well-accustomed hand. + </p> + <p> + From beneath a leaf of torn and cancelled scraps of paper, he took one + letter that remained entire. Involuntarily holding his breath as he opened + this document, and 'bating in the stealthy action something of his + arrogant demeanour, he sat down, resting his head upon one hand, and read + it through. + </p> + <p> + He read it slowly and attentively, and with a nice particularity to every + syllable. Otherwise than as his great deliberation seemed unnatural, and + perhaps the result of an effort equally great, he allowed no sign of + emotion to escape him. When he had read it through, he folded and refolded + it slowly several times, and tore it carefully into fragments. Checking + his hand in the act of throwing these away, he put them in his pocket, as + if unwilling to trust them even to the chances of being re-united and + deciphered; and instead of ringing, as usual, for little Paul, he sat + solitary, all the evening, in his cheerless room. + </p> + <p> + There was anything but solitude in the nursery; for there, Mrs Chick and + Miss Tox were enjoying a social evening, so much to the disgust of Miss + Susan Nipper, that that young lady embraced every opportunity of making + wry faces behind the door. Her feelings were so much excited on the + occasion, that she found it indispensable to afford them this relief, even + without having the comfort of any audience or sympathy whatever. As the + knight-errants of old relieved their minds by carving their mistress's + names in deserts, and wildernesses, and other savage places where there + was no probability of there ever being anybody to read them, so did Miss + Susan Nipper curl her snub nose into drawers and wardrobes, put away winks + of disparagement in cupboards, shed derisive squints into stone pitchers, + and contradict and call names out in the passage. + </p> + <p> + The two interlopers, however, blissfully unconscious of the young lady's + sentiments, saw little Paul safe through all the stages of undressing, + airy exercise, supper and bed; and then sat down to tea before the fire. + The two children now lay, through the good offices of Polly, in one room; + and it was not until the ladies were established at their tea-table that, + happening to look towards the little beds, they thought of Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'How sound she sleeps!' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you know, my dear, she takes a great deal of exercise in the course + of the day,' returned Mrs Chick, 'playing about little Paul so much.' + </p> + <p> + 'She is a curious child,' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' retorted Mrs Chick, in a low voice: 'Her Mama, all over!' + </p> + <p> + 'In-deed!' said Miss Tox. 'Ah dear me!' + </p> + <p> + A tone of most extraordinary compassion Miss Tox said it in, though she + had no distinct idea why, except that it was expected of her. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence will never, never, never be a Dombey,' said Mrs Chick, 'not if + she lives to be a thousand years old.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox elevated her eyebrows, and was again full of commiseration. + </p> + <p> + 'I quite fret and worry myself about her,' said Mrs Chick, with a sigh of + modest merit. 'I really don't see what is to become of her when she grows + older, or what position she is to take. She don't gain on her Papa in the + least. How can one expect she should, when she is so very unlike a + Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox looked as if she saw no way out of such a cogent argument as + that, at all. + </p> + <p> + 'And the child, you see,' said Mrs Chick, in deep confidence, 'has poor + dear Fanny's nature. She'll never make an effort in after-life, I'll + venture to say. Never! She'll never wind and twine herself about her + Papa's heart like—' + </p> + <p> + 'Like the ivy?' suggested Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Like the ivy,' Mrs Chick assented. 'Never! She'll never glide and nestle + into the bosom of her Papa's affections like—the—' + </p> + <p> + 'Startled fawn?' suggested Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Like the startled fawn,' said Mrs Chick. 'Never! Poor Fanny! Yet, how I + loved her!' + </p> + <p> + 'You must not distress yourself, my dear,' said Miss Tox, in a soothing + voice. 'Now really! You have too much feeling.' + </p> + <p> + 'We have all our faults,' said Mrs Chick, weeping and shaking her head. 'I + daresay we have. I never was blind to hers. I never said I was. Far from + it. Yet how I loved her!' + </p> + <p> + What a satisfaction it was to Mrs Chick—a common-place piece of + folly enough, compared with whom her sister-in-law had been a very angel + of womanly intelligence and gentleness—to patronise and be tender to + the memory of that lady: in exact pursuance of her conduct to her in her + lifetime: and to thoroughly believe herself, and take herself in, and make + herself uncommonly comfortable on the strength of her toleration! What a + mighty pleasant virtue toleration should be when we are right, to be so + very pleasant when we are wrong, and quite unable to demonstrate how we + come to be invested with the privilege of exercising it! + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick was yet drying her eyes and shaking her head, when Richards made + bold to caution her that Miss Florence was awake and sitting in her bed. + She had risen, as the nurse said, and the lashes of her eyes were wet with + tears. But no one saw them glistening save Polly. No one else leant over + her, and whispered soothing words to her, or was near enough to hear the + flutter of her beating heart. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! dear nurse!' said the child, looking earnestly up in her face, 'let + me lie by my brother!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, my pet?' said Richards. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I think he loves me,' cried the child wildly. 'Let me lie by him. + Pray do!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick interposed with some motherly words about going to sleep like a + dear, but Florence repeated her supplication, with a frightened look, and + in a voice broken by sobs and tears. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll not wake him,' she said, covering her face and hanging down her + head. 'I'll only touch him with my hand, and go to sleep. Oh, pray, pray, + let me lie by my brother to-night, for I believe he's fond of me!' + </p> + <p> + Richards took her without a word, and carrying her to the little bed in + which the infant was sleeping, laid her down by his side. She crept as + near him as she could without disturbing his rest; and stretching out one + arm so that it timidly embraced his neck, and hiding her face on the + other, over which her damp and scattered hair fell loose, lay motionless. + </p> + <p> + 'Poor little thing,' said Miss Tox; 'she has been dreaming, I daresay.' + </p> + <p> + Dreaming, perhaps, of loving tones for ever silent, of loving eyes for + ever closed, of loving arms again wound round her, and relaxing in that + dream within the dam which no tongue can relate. Seeking, perhaps—in + dreams—some natural comfort for a heart, deeply and sorely wounded, + though so young a child's: and finding it, perhaps, in dreams, if not in + waking, cold, substantial truth. This trivial incident had so interrupted + the current of conversation, that it was difficult of resumption; and Mrs + Chick moreover had been so affected by the contemplation of her own + tolerant nature, that she was not in spirits. The two friends accordingly + soon made an end of their tea, and a servant was despatched to fetch a + hackney cabriolet for Miss Tox. Miss Tox had great experience in hackney + cabs, and her starting in one was generally a work of time, as she was + systematic in the preparatory arrangements. + </p> + <p> + 'Have the goodness, if you please, Towlinson,' said Miss Tox, 'first of + all, to carry out a pen and ink and take his number legibly.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss,' said Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'Then, if you please, Towlinson,' said Miss Tox, 'have the goodness to + turn the cushion. Which,' said Miss Tox apart to Mrs Chick, 'is generally + damp, my dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss,' said Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll trouble you also, if you please, Towlinson,' said Miss Tox, 'with + this card and this shilling. He's to drive to the card, and is to + understand that he will not on any account have more than the shilling.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Miss,' said Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'And—I'm sorry to give you so much trouble, Towlinson,' said Miss + Tox, looking at him pensively. + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all, Miss,' said Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'Mention to the man, then, if you please, Towlinson,' said Miss Tox, 'that + the lady's uncle is a magistrate, and that if he gives her any of his + impertinence he will be punished terribly. You can pretend to say that, if + you please, Towlinson, in a friendly way, and because you know it was done + to another man, who died.' + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly, Miss,' said Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'And now good-night to my sweet, sweet, sweet, godson,' said Miss Tox, + with a soft shower of kisses at each repetition of the adjective; 'and + Louisa, my dear friend, promise me to take a little something warm before + you go to bed, and not to distress yourself!' + </p> + <p> + It was with extreme difficulty that Nipper, the black-eyed, who looked on + steadfastly, contained herself at this crisis, and until the subsequent + departure of Mrs Chick. But the nursery being at length free of visitors, + she made herself some recompense for her late restraint. + </p> + <p> + 'You might keep me in a strait-waistcoat for six weeks,' said Nipper, 'and + when I got it off I'd only be more aggravated, who ever heard the like of + them two Griffins, Mrs Richards?' + </p> + <p> + 'And then to talk of having been dreaming, poor dear!' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh you beauties!' cried Susan Nipper, affecting to salute the door by + which the ladies had departed. 'Never be a Dombey won't she? It's to be + hoped she won't, we don't want any more such, one's enough.' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't wake the children, Susan dear,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm very much beholden to you, Mrs Richards,' said Susan, who was not by + any means discriminating in her wrath, 'and really feel it as a honour to + receive your commands, being a black slave and a mulotter. Mrs Richards, + if there's any other orders, you can give me, pray mention 'em.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense; orders,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! bless your heart, Mrs Richards,' cried Susan, 'temporaries always + orders permanencies here, didn't you know that, why wherever was you born, + Mrs Richards? But wherever you was born, Mrs Richards,' pursued Spitfire, + shaking her head resolutely, 'and whenever, and however (which is best + known to yourself), you may bear in mind, please, that it's one thing to + give orders, and quite another thing to take 'em. A person may tell a + person to dive off a bridge head foremost into five-and-forty feet of + water, Mrs Richards, but a person may be very far from diving.' + </p> + <p> + 'There now,' said Polly, 'you're angry because you're a good little thing, + and fond of Miss Florence; and yet you turn round on me, because there's + nobody else.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's very easy for some to keep their tempers, and be soft-spoken, Mrs + Richards,' returned Susan, slightly mollified, 'when their child's made as + much of as a prince, and is petted and patted till it wishes its friends + further, but when a sweet young pretty innocent, that never ought to have + a cross word spoken to or of it, is rundown, the case is very different + indeed. My goodness gracious me, Miss Floy, you naughty, sinful child, if + you don't shut your eyes this minute, I'll call in them hobgoblins that + lives in the cock-loft to come and eat you up alive!' + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Nipper made a horrible lowing, supposed to issue from a + conscientious goblin of the bull species, impatient to discharge the + severe duty of his position. Having further composed her young charge by + covering her head with the bedclothes, and making three or four angry dabs + at the pillow, she folded her arms, and screwed up her mouth, and sat + looking at the fire for the rest of the evening. + </p> + <p> + Though little Paul was said, in nursery phrase, 'to take a deal of notice + for his age,' he took as little notice of all this as of the preparations + for his christening on the next day but one; which nevertheless went on + about him, as to his personal apparel, and that of his sister and the two + nurses, with great activity. Neither did he, on the arrival of the + appointed morning, show any sense of its importance; being, on the + contrary, unusually inclined to sleep, and unusually inclined to take it + ill in his attendants that they dressed him to go out. + </p> + <p> + It happened to be an iron-grey autumnal day, with a shrewd east wind + blowing—a day in keeping with the proceedings. Mr Dombey represented + in himself the wind, the shade, and the autumn of the christening. He + stood in his library to receive the company, as hard and cold as the + weather; and when he looked out through the glass room, at the trees in + the little garden, their brown and yellow leaves came fluttering down, as + if he blighted them. + </p> + <p> + Ugh! They were black, cold rooms; and seemed to be in mourning, like the + inmates of the house. The books precisely matched as to size, and drawn up + in line, like soldiers, looked in their cold, hard, slippery uniforms, as + if they had but one idea among them, and that was a freezer. The bookcase, + glazed and locked, repudiated all familiarities. Mr Pitt, in bronze, on + the top, with no trace of his celestial origin about him, guarded the + unattainable treasure like an enchanted Moor. A dusty urn at each high + corner, dug up from an ancient tomb, preached desolation and decay, as + from two pulpits; and the chimney-glass, reflecting Mr Dombey and his + portrait at one blow, seemed fraught with melancholy meditations. + </p> + <p> + The stiff and stark fire-irons appeared to claim a nearer relationship + than anything else there to Mr Dombey, with his buttoned coat, his white + cravat, his heavy gold watch-chain, and his creaking boots. But this was + before the arrival of Mr and Mrs Chick, his lawful relatives, who soon + presented themselves. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' Mrs Chick murmured, as she embraced him, 'the beginning, I + hope, of many joyful days!' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Louisa,' said Mr Dombey, grimly. 'How do you do, Mr John?' + </p> + <p> + 'How do you do, Sir?' said Chick. + </p> + <p> + He gave Mr Dombey his hand, as if he feared it might electrify him. Mr + Dombey took it as if it were a fish, or seaweed, or some such clammy + substance, and immediately returned it to him with exalted politeness. + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps, Louisa,' said Mr Dombey, slightly turning his head in his + cravat, as if it were a socket, 'you would have preferred a fire?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear Paul, no,' said Mrs Chick, who had much ado to keep her teeth + from chattering; 'not for me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr John,' said Mr Dombey, 'you are not sensible of any chill?' + </p> + <p> + Mr John, who had already got both his hands in his pockets over the + wrists, and was on the very threshold of that same canine chorus which had + given Mrs Chick so much offence on a former occasion, protested that he + was perfectly comfortable. + </p> + <p> + He added in a low voice, 'With my tiddle tol toor rul'—when he was + providentially stopped by Towlinson, who announced: + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Tox!' + </p> + <p> + And enter that fair enslaver, with a blue nose and indescribably frosty + face, referable to her being very thinly clad in a maze of fluttering odds + and ends, to do honour to the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + 'How do you do, Miss Tox?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox, in the midst of her spreading gauzes, went down altogether like + an opera-glass shutting-up; she curtseyed so low, in acknowledgment of Mr + Dombey's advancing a step or two to meet her. + </p> + <p> + 'I can never forget this occasion, Sir,' said Miss Tox, softly. ''Tis + impossible. My dear Louisa, I can hardly believe the evidence of my + senses.' + </p> + <p> + If Miss Tox could believe the evidence of one of her senses, it was a very + cold day. That was quite clear. She took an early opportunity of promoting + the circulation in the tip of her nose by secretly chafing it with her + pocket handkerchief, lest, by its very low temperature, it should + disagreeably astonish the baby when she came to kiss it. + </p> + <p> + The baby soon appeared, carried in great glory by Richards; while + Florence, in custody of that active young constable, Susan Nipper, brought + up the rear. Though the whole nursery party were dressed by this time in + lighter mourning than at first, there was enough in the appearance of the + bereaved children to make the day no brighter. The baby too—it might + have been Miss Tox's nose—began to cry. Thereby, as it happened, + preventing Mr Chick from the awkward fulfilment of a very honest purpose + he had; which was, to make much of Florence. For this gentleman, + insensible to the superior claims of a perfect Dombey (perhaps on account + of having the honour to be united to a Dombey himself, and being familiar + with excellence), really liked her, and showed that he liked her, and was + about to show it in his own way now, when Paul cried, and his helpmate + stopped him short— + </p> + <p> + 'Now Florence, child!' said her aunt, briskly, 'what are you doing, love? + Show yourself to him. Engage his attention, my dear!' + </p> + <p> + The atmosphere became or might have become colder and colder, when Mr + Dombey stood frigidly watching his little daughter, who, clapping her + hands, and standing on tip-toe before the throne of his son and heir, + lured him to bend down from his high estate, and look at her. Some honest + act of Richards's may have aided the effect, but he did look down, and + held his peace. As his sister hid behind her nurse, he followed her with + his eyes; and when she peeped out with a merry cry to him, he sprang up + and crowed lustily—laughing outright when she ran in upon him; and + seeming to fondle her curls with his tiny hands, while she smothered him + with kisses. + </p> + <p> + Was Mr Dombey pleased to see this? He testified no pleasure by the + relaxation of a nerve; but outward tokens of any kind of feeling were + unusual with him. If any sunbeam stole into the room to light the children + at their play, it never reached his face. He looked on so fixedly and coldly, + that the warm light vanished even from the laughing eyes of little + Florence, when, at last, they happened to meet his. + </p> + <p> + It was a dull, grey, autumn day indeed, and in a minute's pause and + silence that took place, the leaves fell sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr John,' said Mr Dombey, referring to his watch, and assuming his hat + and gloves. 'Take my sister, if you please: my arm today is Miss Tox's. + You had better go first with Master Paul, Richards. Be very careful.' + </p> + <p> + In Mr Dombey's carriage, Dombey and Son, Miss Tox, Mrs Chick, Richards, + and Florence. In a little carriage following it, Susan Nipper and the + owner Mr Chick. Susan looking out of window, without intermission, as a + relief from the embarrassment of confronting the large face of that + gentleman, and thinking whenever anything rattled that he was putting up + in paper an appropriate pecuniary compliment for herself. + </p> + <p> + Once upon the road to church, Mr Dombey clapped his hands for the + amusement of his son. At which instance of parental enthusiasm Miss Tox + was enchanted. But exclusive of this incident, the chief difference + between the christening party and a party in a mourning coach consisted in + the colours of the carriage and horses. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the church steps, they were received by a portentous beadle. Mr + Dombey dismounting first to help the ladies out, and standing near him at + the church door, looked like another beadle. A beadle less gorgeous but + more dreadful; the beadle of private life; the beadle of our business and + our bosoms. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox's hand trembled as she slipped it through Mr Dombey's arm, and + felt herself escorted up the steps, preceded by a cocked hat and a + Babylonian collar. It seemed for a moment like that other solemn + institution, 'Wilt thou have this man, Lucretia?' 'Yes, I will.' + </p> + <p> + 'Please to bring the child in quick out of the air there,' whispered the + beadle, holding open the inner door of the church. + </p> + <p> + Little Paul might have asked with Hamlet 'into my grave?' so chill and + earthy was the place. The tall, shrouded pulpit and reading desk; the + dreary perspective of empty pews stretching away under the galleries, and + empty benches mounting to the roof and lost in the shadow of the great + grim organ; the dusty matting and cold stone slabs; the grisly free seats + in the aisles; and the damp corner by the bell-rope, where the black + trestles used for funerals were stowed away, along with some shovels and + baskets, and a coil or two of deadly-looking rope; the strange, unusual, + uncomfortable smell, and the cadaverous light; were all in unison. It was + a cold and dismal scene. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0066m.jpg" alt="0066m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0066.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'There's a wedding just on, Sir,' said the beadle, 'but it'll be over + directly, if you'll walk into the westry here.' + </p> + <p> + Before he turned again to lead the way, he gave Mr Dombey a bow and a half + smile of recognition, importing that he (the beadle) remembered to have + had the pleasure of attending on him when he buried his wife, and hoped he + had enjoyed himself since. + </p> + <p> + The very wedding looked dismal as they passed in front of the altar. The + bride was too old and the bridegroom too young, and a superannuated beau + with one eye and an eyeglass stuck in its blank companion, was giving away + the lady, while the friends were shivering. In the vestry the fire was + smoking; and an over-aged and over-worked and under-paid attorney's clerk, + 'making a search,' was running his forefinger down the parchment pages of + an immense register (one of a long series of similar volumes) gorged with + burials. Over the fireplace was a ground-plan of the vaults underneath the + church; and Mr Chick, skimming the literary portion of it aloud, by way of + enlivening the company, read the reference to Mrs Dombey's tomb in full, + before he could stop himself. + </p> + <p> + After another cold interval, a wheezy little pew-opener afflicted with an + asthma, appropriate to the churchyard, if not to the church, summoned them + to the font—a rigid marble basin which seemed to have been playing a + churchyard game at cup and ball with its matter of fact pedestal, and to + have been just that moment caught on the top of it. Here they waited some + little time while the marriage party enrolled themselves; and meanwhile + the wheezy little pew-opener—partly in consequence of her infirmity, + and partly that the marriage party might not forget her—went about + the building coughing like a grampus. + </p> + <p> + Presently the clerk (the only cheerful-looking object there, and he was an + undertaker) came up with a jug of warm water, and said something, as he + poured it into the font, about taking the chill off; which millions of + gallons boiling hot could not have done for the occasion. Then the + clergyman, an amiable and mild-looking young curate, but obviously afraid + of the baby, appeared like the principal character in a ghost-story, 'a + tall figure all in white;' at sight of whom Paul rent the air with his + cries, and never left off again till he was taken out black in the face. + </p> + <p> + Even when that event had happened, to the great relief of everybody, he + was heard under the portico, during the rest of the ceremony, now fainter, + now louder, now hushed, now bursting forth again with an irrepressible + sense of his wrongs. This so distracted the attention of the two ladies, + that Mrs Chick was constantly deploying into the centre aisle, to send out + messages by the pew-opener, while Miss Tox kept her Prayer-book open at + the Gunpowder Plot, and occasionally read responses from that service. + </p> + <p> + During the whole of these proceedings, Mr Dombey remained as impassive and + gentlemanly as ever, and perhaps assisted in making it so cold, that the + young curate smoked at the mouth as he read. The only time that he unbent + his visage in the least, was when the clergyman, in delivering (very + unaffectedly and simply) the closing exhortation, relative to the future + examination of the child by the sponsors, happened to rest his eye on Mr + Chick; and then Mr Dombey might have been seen to express by a majestic + look, that he would like to catch him at it. + </p> + <p> + It might have been well for Mr Dombey, if he had thought of his own + dignity a little less; and had thought of the great origin and purpose of + the ceremony in which he took so formal and so stiff a part, a little + more. His arrogance contrasted strangely with its history. + </p> + <p> + When it was all over, he again gave his arm to Miss Tox, and conducted her + to the vestry, where he informed the clergyman how much pleasure it would + have given him to have solicited the honour of his company at dinner, but + for the unfortunate state of his household affairs. The register signed, + and the fees paid, and the pew-opener (whose cough was very bad again) + remembered, and the beadle gratified, and the sexton (who was accidentally + on the doorsteps, looking with great interest at the weather) not + forgotten, they got into the carriage again, and drove home in the same + bleak fellowship. + </p> + <p> + There they found Mr Pitt turning up his nose at a cold collation, set + forth in a cold pomp of glass and silver, and looking more like a dead + dinner lying in state than a social refreshment. On their arrival Miss Tox + produced a mug for her godson, and Mr Chick a knife and fork and spoon in + a case. Mr Dombey also produced a bracelet for Miss Tox; and, on the + receipt of this token, Miss Tox was tenderly affected. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr John,' said Mr Dombey, 'will you take the bottom of the table, if you + please? What have you got there, Mr John?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have got a cold fillet of veal here, Sir,' replied Mr Chick, rubbing + his numbed hands hard together. 'What have you got there, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'This,' returned Mr Dombey, 'is some cold preparation of calf's head, I + think. I see cold fowls—ham—patties—salad—lobster. + Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss + Tox.' + </p> + <p> + There was a toothache in everything. The wine was so bitter cold that it + forced a little scream from Miss Tox, which she had great difficulty in + turning into a 'Hem!' The veal had come from such an airy pantry, that the + first taste of it had struck a sensation as of cold lead to Mr Chick's + extremities. Mr Dombey alone remained unmoved. He might have been hung up + for sale at a Russian fair as a specimen of a frozen gentleman. + </p> + <p> + The prevailing influence was too much even for his sister. She made no + effort at flattery or small talk, and directed all her efforts to looking + as warm as she could. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' said Mr Chick, making a desperate plunge, after a long + silence, and filling a glass of sherry; 'I shall drink this, if you'll + allow me, Sir, to little Paul.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bless him!' murmured Miss Tox, taking a sip of wine. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear little Dombey!' murmured Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr John,' said Mr Dombey, with severe gravity, 'my son would feel and + express himself obliged to you, I have no doubt, if he could appreciate + the favour you have done him. He will prove, in time to come, I trust, + equal to any responsibility that the obliging disposition of his relations + and friends, in private, or the onerous nature of our position, in public, + may impose upon him.' + </p> + <p> + The tone in which this was said admitting of nothing more, Mr Chick + relapsed into low spirits and silence. Not so Miss Tox, who, having + listened to Mr Dombey with even a more emphatic attention than usual, and + with a more expressive tendency of her head to one side, now leant across + the table, and said to Mrs Chick softly: + </p> + <p> + 'Louisa!' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' said Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Onerous nature of our position in public may—I have forgotten the + exact term.' + </p> + <p> + 'Expose him to,' said Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon me, my dear,' returned Miss Tox, 'I think not. It was more rounded + and flowing. Obliging disposition of relations and friends in private, or + onerous nature of position in public—may—impose upon him!' + </p> + <p> + 'Impose upon him, to be sure,' said Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox struck her delicate hands together lightly, in triumph; and + added, casting up her eyes, 'eloquence indeed!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, in the meanwhile, had issued orders for the attendance of + Richards, who now entered curtseying, but without the baby; Paul being + asleep after the fatigues of the morning. Mr Dombey, having delivered a + glass of wine to this vassal, addressed her in the following words: Miss + Tox previously settling her head on one side, and making other little + arrangements for engraving them on her heart. + </p> + <p> + 'During the six months or so, Richards, which have seen you an inmate of + this house, you have done your duty. Desiring to connect some little + service to you with this occasion, I considered how I could best effect + that object, and I also advised with my sister, Mrs—' + </p> + <p> + 'Chick,' interposed the gentleman of that name. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, hush if you please!' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'I was about to say to you, Richards,' resumed Mr Dombey, with an + appalling glance at Mr John, 'that I was further assisted in my decision, + by the recollection of a conversation I held with your husband in this + room, on the occasion of your being hired, when he disclosed to me the + melancholy fact that your family, himself at the head, were sunk and + steeped in ignorance.' + </p> + <p> + Richards quailed under the magnificence of the reproof. + </p> + <p> + 'I am far from being friendly,' pursued Mr Dombey, 'to what is called by + persons of levelling sentiments, general education. But it is necessary + that the inferior classes should continue to be taught to know their + position, and to conduct themselves properly. So far I approve of schools. + Having the power of nominating a child on the foundation of an ancient + establishment, called (from a worshipful company) the Charitable Grinders; + where not only is a wholesome education bestowed upon the scholars, but + where a dress and badge is likewise provided for them; I have (first + communicating, through Mrs Chick, with your family) nominated your eldest + son to an existing vacancy; and he has this day, I am informed, assumed + the habit. The number of her son, I believe,' said Mr Dombey, turning to + his sister and speaking of the child as if he were a hackney-coach, is one + hundred and forty-seven. Louisa, you can tell her.' + </p> + <p> + 'One hundred and forty-seven,' said Mrs Chick 'The dress, Richards, is a + nice, warm, blue baize tailed coat and cap, turned up with orange coloured + binding; red worsted stockings; and very strong leather small-clothes. One + might wear the articles one's self,' said Mrs Chick, with enthusiasm, 'and + be grateful.' + </p> + <p> + 'There, Richards!' said Miss Tox. 'Now, indeed, you may be proud. The + Charitable Grinders!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure I am very much obliged, Sir,' returned Richards faintly, 'and + take it very kind that you should remember my little ones.' At the same + time a vision of Biler as a Charitable Grinder, with his very small legs + encased in the serviceable clothing described by Mrs Chick, swam before + Richards's eyes, and made them water. + </p> + <p> + 'I am very glad to see you have so much feeling, Richards,' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'It makes one almost hope, it really does,' said Mrs Chick, who prided + herself on taking trustful views of human nature, 'that there may yet be + some faint spark of gratitude and right feeling in the world.' + </p> + <p> + Richards deferred to these compliments by curtseying and murmuring her + thanks; but finding it quite impossible to recover her spirits from the + disorder into which they had been thrown by the image of her son in his + precocious nether garments, she gradually approached the door and was + heartily relieved to escape by it. + </p> + <p> + Such temporary indications of a partial thaw that had appeared with her, + vanished with her; and the frost set in again, as cold and hard as ever. + Mr Chick was twice heard to hum a tune at the bottom of the table, but on + both occasions it was a fragment of the Dead March in Saul. The party + seemed to get colder and colder, and to be gradually resolving itself into + a congealed and solid state, like the collation round which it was + assembled. At length Mrs Chick looked at Miss Tox, and Miss Tox returned + the look, and they both rose and said it was really time to go. Mr Dombey + receiving this announcement with perfect equanimity, they took leave of + that gentleman, and presently departed under the protection of Mr Chick; + who, when they had turned their backs upon the house and left its master + in his usual solitary state, put his hands in his pockets, threw himself + back in the carriage, and whistled 'With a hey ho chevy!' all through; + conveying into his face as he did so, an expression of such gloomy and + terrible defiance, that Mrs Chick dared not protest, or in any way molest + him. + </p> + <p> + Richards, though she had little Paul on her lap, could not forget her own + first-born. She felt it was ungrateful; but the influence of the day fell + even on the Charitable Grinders, and she could hardly help regarding his + pewter badge, number one hundred and forty-seven, as, somehow, a part of + its formality and sternness. She spoke, too, in the nursery, of his + 'blessed legs,' and was again troubled by his spectre in uniform. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know what I wouldn't give,' said Polly, 'to see the poor little + dear before he gets used to 'em.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, then, I tell you what, Mrs Richards,' retorted Nipper, who had been + admitted to her confidence, 'see him and make your mind easy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey wouldn't like it,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, wouldn't he, Mrs Richards!' retorted Nipper, 'he'd like it very much, + I think when he was asked.' + </p> + <p> + 'You wouldn't ask him, I suppose, at all?' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Mrs Richards, quite contrairy,' returned Susan, 'and them two + inspectors Tox and Chick, not intending to be on duty tomorrow, as I heard + 'em say, me and Miss Floy will go along with you tomorrow morning, and + welcome, Mrs Richards, if you like, for we may as well walk there as up + and down a street, and better too.' + </p> + <p> + Polly rejected the idea pretty stoutly at first; but by little and little + she began to entertain it, as she entertained more and more distinctly the + forbidden pictures of her children, and her own home. At length, arguing + that there could be no great harm in calling for a moment at the door, she + yielded to the Nipper proposition. + </p> + <p> + The matter being settled thus, little Paul began to cry most piteously, as + if he had a foreboding that no good would come of it. + </p> + <p> + 'What's the matter with the child?' asked Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'He's cold, I think,' said Polly, walking with him to and fro, and hushing + him. + </p> + <p> + It was a bleak autumnal afternoon indeed; and as she walked, and hushed, + and, glancing through the dreary windows, pressed the little fellow closer + to her breast, the withered leaves came showering down. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 6. Paul's Second Deprivation + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">P</span>olly was beset by so many misgivings in the morning, that but for the + incessant promptings of her black-eyed companion, she would have abandoned + all thoughts of the expedition, and formally petitioned for leave to see + number one hundred and forty-seven, under the awful shadow of Mr Dombey's + roof. But Susan who was personally disposed in favour of the excursion, + and who (like Tony Lumpkin), if she could bear the disappointments of + other people with tolerable fortitude, could not abide to disappoint + herself, threw so many ingenious doubts in the way of this second thought, + and stimulated the original intention with so many ingenious arguments, + that almost as soon as Mr Dombey's stately back was turned, and that + gentleman was pursuing his daily road towards the City, his unconscious + son was on his way to Staggs's Gardens. + </p> + <p> + This euphonious locality was situated in a suburb, known by the + inhabitants of Staggs's Gardens by the name of Camberling Town; a + designation which the Strangers' Map of London, as printed (with a view to + pleasant and commodious reference) on pocket handkerchiefs, condenses, + with some show of reason, into Camden Town. Hither the two nurses bent + their steps, accompanied by their charges; Richards carrying Paul, of + course, and Susan leading little Florence by the hand, and giving her such + jerks and pokes from time to time, as she considered it wholesome to + administer. + </p> + <p> + The first shock of a great earthquake had, just at that period, rent the + whole neighbourhood to its centre. Traces of its course were visible on + every side. Houses were knocked down; streets broken through and stopped; + deep pits and trenches dug in the ground; enormous heaps of earth and clay + thrown up; buildings that were undermined and shaking, propped by great + beams of wood. Here, a chaos of carts, overthrown and jumbled together, + lay topsy-turvy at the bottom of a steep unnatural hill; there, confused + treasures of iron soaked and rusted in something that had accidentally + become a pond. Everywhere were bridges that led nowhere; thoroughfares + that were wholly impassable; Babel towers of chimneys, wanting half their + height; temporary wooden houses and enclosures, in the most unlikely + situations; carcases of ragged tenements, and fragments of unfinished + walls and arches, and piles of scaffolding, and wildernesses of bricks, + and giant forms of cranes, and tripods straddling above nothing. There + were a hundred thousand shapes and substances of incompleteness, wildly + mingled out of their places, upside down, burrowing in the earth, aspiring + in the air, mouldering in the water, and unintelligible as any dream. Hot + springs and fiery eruptions, the usual attendants upon earthquakes, lent + their contributions of confusion to the scene. Boiling water hissed and + heaved within dilapidated walls; whence, also, the glare and roar of + flames came issuing forth; and mounds of ashes blocked up rights of way, + and wholly changed the law and custom of the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + In short, the yet unfinished and unopened Railroad was in progress; and, + from the very core of all this dire disorder, trailed smoothly away, upon + its mighty course of civilisation and improvement. + </p> + <p> + But as yet, the neighbourhood was shy to own the Railroad. One or two bold + speculators had projected streets; and one had built a little, but had + stopped among the mud and ashes to consider farther of it. A bran-new + Tavern, redolent of fresh mortar and size, and fronting nothing at all, + had taken for its sign The Railway Arms; but that might be rash enterprise—and + then it hoped to sell drink to the workmen. So, the Excavators' House of + Call had sprung up from a beer-shop; and the old-established Ham and Beef + Shop had become the Railway Eating House, with a roast leg of pork daily, + through interested motives of a similar immediate and popular description. + Lodging-house keepers were favourable in like manner; and for the like + reasons were not to be trusted. The general belief was very slow. There + were frowzy fields, and cow-houses, and dunghills, and dustheaps, and + ditches, and gardens, and summer-houses, and carpet-beating grounds, at + the very door of the Railway. Little tumuli of oyster shells in the oyster + season, and of lobster shells in the lobster season, and of broken + crockery and faded cabbage leaves in all seasons, encroached upon its high + places. Posts, and rails, and old cautions to trespassers, and backs of + mean houses, and patches of wretched vegetation, stared it out of + countenance. Nothing was the better for it, or thought of being so. If the + miserable waste ground lying near it could have laughed, it would have + laughed it to scorn, like many of the miserable neighbours. + </p> + <p> + Staggs's Gardens was uncommonly incredulous. It was a little row of + houses, with little squalid patches of ground before them, fenced off with + old doors, barrel staves, scraps of tarpaulin, and dead bushes; with + bottomless tin kettles and exhausted iron fenders, thrust into the gaps. + Here, the Staggs's Gardeners trained scarlet beans, kept fowls and + rabbits, erected rotten summer-houses (one was an old boat), dried + clothes, and smoked pipes. Some were of opinion that Staggs's Gardens + derived its name from a deceased capitalist, one Mr Staggs, who had built + it for his delectation. Others, who had a natural taste for the country, + held that it dated from those rural times when the antlered herd, under + the familiar denomination of Staggses, had resorted to its shady + precincts. Be this as it may, Staggs's Gardens was regarded by its + population as a sacred grove not to be withered by Railroads; and so + confident were they generally of its long outliving any such ridiculous + inventions, that the master chimney-sweeper at the corner, who was + understood to take the lead in the local politics of the Gardens, had + publicly declared that on the occasion of the Railroad opening, if ever it + did open, two of his boys should ascend the flues of his dwelling, with + instructions to hail the failure with derisive cheers from the + chimney-pots. + </p> + <p> + To this unhallowed spot, the very name of which had hitherto been + carefully concealed from Mr Dombey by his sister, was little Paul now + borne by Fate and Richards + </p> + <p> + 'That's my house, Susan,' said Polly, pointing it out. + </p> + <p> + 'Is it, indeed, Mrs Richards?' said Susan, condescendingly. + </p> + <p> + 'And there's my sister Jemima at the door, I do declare' cried Polly, + 'with my own sweet precious baby in her arms!' + </p> + <p> + The sight added such an extensive pair of wings to Polly's impatience, + that she set off down the Gardens at a run, and bouncing on Jemima, + changed babies with her in a twinkling; to the unutterable astonishment of + that young damsel, on whom the heir of the Dombeys seemed to have fallen + from the clouds. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Polly!' cried Jemima. 'You! what a turn you have given me! who'd + have thought it! come along in Polly! How well you do look to be sure! The + children will go half wild to see you Polly, that they will.' + </p> + <p> + That they did, if one might judge from the noise they made, and the way in + which they dashed at Polly and dragged her to a low chair in the chimney + corner, where her own honest apple face became immediately the centre of a + bunch of smaller pippins, all laying their rosy cheeks close to it, and + all evidently the growth of the same tree. As to Polly, she was full as + noisy and vehement as the children; and it was not until she was quite out + of breath, and her hair was hanging all about her flushed face, and her + new christening attire was very much dishevelled, that any pause took + place in the confusion. Even then, the smallest Toodle but one remained in + her lap, holding on tight with both arms round her neck; while the + smallest Toodle but two mounted on the back of the chair, and made + desperate efforts, with one leg in the air, to kiss her round the corner. + </p> + <p> + 'Look! there's a pretty little lady come to see you,' said Polly; 'and see + how quiet she is! what a beautiful little lady, ain't she?' + </p> + <p> + This reference to Florence, who had been standing by the door not + unobservant of what passed, directed the attention of the younger branches + towards her; and had likewise the happy effect of leading to the formal + recognition of Miss Nipper, who was not quite free from a misgiving that + she had been already slighted. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh do come in and sit down a minute, Susan, please,' said Polly. 'This is + my sister Jemima, this is. Jemima, I don't know what I should ever do with + myself, if it wasn't for Susan Nipper; I shouldn't be here now but for + her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh do sit down, Miss Nipper, if you please,' quoth Jemima. + </p> + <p> + Susan took the extreme corner of a chair, with a stately and ceremonious + aspect. + </p> + <p> + 'I never was so glad to see anybody in all my life; now really I never + was, Miss Nipper,' said Jemima. + </p> + <p> + Susan relaxing, took a little more of the chair, and smiled graciously. + </p> + <p> + 'Do untie your bonnet-strings, and make yourself at home, Miss Nipper, + please,' entreated Jemima. 'I am afraid it's a poorer place than you're + used to; but you'll make allowances, I'm sure.' + </p> + <p> + The black-eyed was so softened by this deferential behaviour, that she + caught up little Miss Toodle who was running past, and took her to Banbury + Cross immediately. + </p> + <p> + 'But where's my pretty boy?' said Polly. 'My poor fellow? I came all this + way to see him in his new clothes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah what a pity!' cried Jemima. 'He'll break his heart, when he hears his + mother has been here. He's at school, Polly.' + </p> + <p> + 'Gone already!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. He went for the first time yesterday, for fear he should lose any + learning. But it's half-holiday, Polly: if you could only stop till he + comes home—you and Miss Nipper, leastways,' said Jemima, mindful in + good time of the dignity of the black-eyed. + </p> + <p> + 'And how does he look, Jemima, bless him!' faltered Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, really he don't look so bad as you'd suppose,' returned Jemima. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said Polly, with emotion, 'I knew his legs must be too short.' + </p> + <p> + 'His legs is short,' returned Jemima; 'especially behind; but they'll get + longer, Polly, every day.' + </p> + <p> + It was a slow, prospective kind of consolation; but the cheerfulness and + good nature with which it was administered, gave it a value it did not + intrinsically possess. After a moment's silence, Polly asked, in a more + sprightly manner: + </p> + <p> + 'And where's Father, Jemima dear?'—for by that patriarchal + appellation, Mr Toodle was generally known in the family. + </p> + <p> + 'There again!' said Jemima. 'What a pity! Father took his dinner with him + this morning, and isn't coming home till night. But he's always talking of + you, Polly, and telling the children about you; and is the peaceablest, + patientest, best-temperedest soul in the world, as he always was and will + be!' + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee, Jemima,' cried the simple Polly; delighted by the speech, and + disappointed by the absence. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh you needn't thank me, Polly,' said her sister, giving her a sounding + kiss upon the cheek, and then dancing little Paul cheerfully. 'I say the + same of you sometimes, and think it too.' + </p> + <p> + In spite of the double disappointment, it was impossible to regard in the + light of a failure a visit which was greeted with such a reception; so the + sisters talked hopefully about family matters, and about Biler, and about + all his brothers and sisters: while the black-eyed, having performed + several journeys to Banbury Cross and back, took sharp note of the + furniture, the Dutch clock, the cupboard, the castle on the mantel-piece + with red and green windows in it, susceptible of illumination by a + candle-end within; and the pair of small black velvet kittens, each with a + lady's reticule in its mouth; regarded by the Staggs's Gardeners as + prodigies of imitative art. The conversation soon becoming general lest + the black-eyed should go off at score and turn sarcastic, that young lady + related to Jemima a summary of everything she knew concerning Mr Dombey, + his prospects, family, pursuits, and character. Also an exact inventory of + her personal wardrobe, and some account of her principal relations and + friends. Having relieved her mind of these disclosures, she partook of + shrimps and porter, and evinced a disposition to swear eternal friendship. + </p> + <p> + Little Florence herself was not behind-hand in improving the occasion; + for, being conducted forth by the young Toodles to inspect some + toad-stools and other curiosities of the Gardens, she entered with them, + heart and soul, on the formation of a temporary breakwater across a small + green pool that had collected in a corner. She was still busily engaged in + that labour, when sought and found by Susan; who, such was her sense of + duty, even under the humanizing influence of shrimps, delivered a moral + address to her (punctuated with thumps) on her degenerate nature, while + washing her face and hands; and predicted that she would bring the grey + hairs of her family in general, with sorrow to the grave. After some + delay, occasioned by a pretty long confidential interview above stairs on + pecuniary subjects, between Polly and Jemima, an interchange of babies was + again effected—for Polly had all this time retained her own child, + and Jemima little Paul—and the visitors took leave. + </p> + <p> + But first the young Toodles, victims of a pious fraud, were deluded into + repairing in a body to a chandler's shop in the neighbourhood, for the + ostensible purpose of spending a penny; and when the coast was quite + clear, Polly fled: Jemima calling after her that if they could only go + round towards the City Road on their way back, they would be sure to meet + little Biler coming from school. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think that we might make time to go a little round in that + direction, Susan?' inquired Polly, when they halted to take breath. + </p> + <p> + 'Why not, Mrs Richards?' returned Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'It's getting on towards our dinner time you know,' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + But lunch had rendered her companion more than indifferent to this grave + consideration, so she allowed no weight to it, and they resolved to go 'a + little round.' + </p> + <p> + Now, it happened that poor Biler's life had been, since yesterday morning, + rendered weary by the costume of the Charitable Grinders. The youth of the + streets could not endure it. No young vagabond could be brought to bear + its contemplation for a moment, without throwing himself upon the + unoffending wearer, and doing him a mischief. His social existence had + been more like that of an early Christian, than an innocent child of the + nineteenth century. He had been stoned in the streets. He had been + overthrown into gutters; bespattered with mud; violently flattened against + posts. Entire strangers to his person had lifted his yellow cap off his + head, and cast it to the winds. His legs had not only undergone verbal + criticisms and revilings, but had been handled and pinched. That very + morning, he had received a perfectly unsolicited black eye on his way to + the Grinders' establishment, and had been punished for it by the master: a + superannuated old Grinder of savage disposition, who had been appointed + schoolmaster because he didn't know anything, and wasn't fit for anything, + and for whose cruel cane all chubby little boys had a perfect fascination. + </p> + <p> + Thus it fell out that Biler, on his way home, sought unfrequented paths; + and slunk along by narrow passages and back streets, to avoid his + tormentors. Being compelled to emerge into the main road, his ill fortune + brought him at last where a small party of boys, headed by a ferocious + young butcher, were lying in wait for any means of pleasurable excitement + that might happen. These, finding a Charitable Grinder in the midst of + them—unaccountably delivered over, as it were, into their hands—set + up a general yell and rushed upon him. + </p> + <p> + But it so fell out likewise, that, at the same time, Polly, looking + hopelessly along the road before her, after a good hour's walk, had said + it was no use going any further, when suddenly she saw this sight. She no + sooner saw it than, uttering a hasty exclamation, and giving Master Dombey + to the black-eyed, she started to the rescue of her unhappy little son. + </p> + <p> + Surprises, like misfortunes, rarely come alone. The astonished Susan + Nipper and her two young charges were rescued by the bystanders from under + the very wheels of a passing carriage before they knew what had happened; + and at that moment (it was market day) a thundering alarm of 'Mad Bull!' + was raised. + </p> + <p> + With a wild confusion before her, of people running up and down, and + shouting, and wheels running over them, and boys fighting, and mad bulls + coming up, and the nurse in the midst of all these dangers being torn to + pieces, Florence screamed and ran. She ran till she was exhausted, urging + Susan to do the same; and then, stopping and wringing her hands as she + remembered they had left the other nurse behind, found, with a sensation + of terror not to be described, that she was quite alone. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0079m.jpg" alt="0079m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0079.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'Susan! Susan!' cried Florence, clapping her hands in the very ecstasy of + her alarm. 'Oh, where are they? where are they?' + </p> + <p> + 'Where are they?' said an old woman, coming hobbling across as fast as she + could from the opposite side of the way. 'Why did you run away from 'em?' + </p> + <p> + 'I was frightened,' answered Florence. 'I didn't know what I did. I + thought they were with me. Where are they?' + </p> + <p> + The old woman took her by the wrist, and said, 'I'll show you.' + </p> + <p> + She was a very ugly old woman, with red rims round her eyes, and a mouth + that mumbled and chattered of itself when she was not speaking. She was + miserably dressed, and carried some skins over her arm. She seemed to have + followed Florence some little way at all events, for she had lost her + breath; and this made her uglier still, as she stood trying to regain it: + working her shrivelled yellow face and throat into all sorts of + contortions. + </p> + <p> + Florence was afraid of her, and looked, hesitating, up the street, of + which she had almost reached the bottom. It was a solitary place—more + a back road than a street—and there was no one in it but her-self + and the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'You needn't be frightened now,' said the old woman, still holding her + tight. 'Come along with me.' + </p> + <p> + 'I—I don't know you. What's your name?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Brown,' said the old woman. 'Good Mrs Brown.' + </p> + <p> + 'Are they near here?' asked Florence, beginning to be led away. + </p> + <p> + 'Susan ain't far off,' said Good Mrs Brown; 'and the others are close to + her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is anybody hurt?' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Not a bit of it,' said Good Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + The child shed tears of delight on hearing this, and accompanied the old + woman willingly; though she could not help glancing at her face as they + went along—particularly at that industrious mouth—and + wondering whether Bad Mrs Brown, if there were such a person, was at all + like her. + </p> + <p> + They had not gone far, but had gone by some very uncomfortable places, + such as brick-fields and tile-yards, when the old woman turned down a + dirty lane, where the mud lay in deep black ruts in the middle of the + road. She stopped before a shabby little house, as closely shut up as a + house that was full of cracks and crevices could be. Opening the door with + a key she took out of her bonnet, she pushed the child before her into a + back room, where there was a great heap of rags of different colours lying + on the floor; a heap of bones, and a heap of sifted dust or cinders; but + there was no furniture at all, and the walls and ceiling were quite black. + </p> + <p> + The child became so terrified the she was stricken speechless, and looked + as though about to swoon. + </p> + <p> + 'Now don't be a young mule,' said Good Mrs Brown, reviving her with a + shake. 'I'm not a going to hurt you. Sit upon the rags.' + </p> + <p> + Florence obeyed her, holding out her folded hands, in mute supplication. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm not a going to keep you, even, above an hour,' said Mrs Brown. 'D'ye + understand what I say?' + </p> + <p> + The child answered with great difficulty, 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' said Good Mrs Brown, taking her own seat on the bones, 'don't vex + me. If you don't, I tell you I won't hurt you. But if you do, I'll kill + you. I could have you killed at any time—even if you was in your own + bed at home. Now let's know who you are, and what you are, and all about + it.' + </p> + <p> + The old woman's threats and promises; the dread of giving her offence; and + the habit, unusual to a child, but almost natural to Florence now, of + being quiet, and repressing what she felt, and feared, and hoped; enabled + her to do this bidding, and to tell her little history, or what she knew + of it. Mrs Brown listened attentively, until she had finished. + </p> + <p> + 'So your name's Dombey, eh?' said Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + 'I want that pretty frock, Miss Dombey,' said Good Mrs Brown, 'and that + little bonnet, and a petticoat or two, and anything else you can spare. + Come! Take 'em off.' + </p> + <p> + Florence obeyed, as fast as her trembling hands would allow; keeping, all + the while, a frightened eye on Mrs Brown. When she had divested herself of + all the articles of apparel mentioned by that lady, Mrs B. examined them + at leisure, and seemed tolerably well satisfied with their quality and + value. + </p> + <p> + 'Humph!' she said, running her eyes over the child's slight figure, 'I + don't see anything else—except the shoes. I must have the shoes, + Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Poor little Florence took them off with equal alacrity, only too glad to + have any more means of conciliation about her. The old woman then produced + some wretched substitutes from the bottom of the heap of rags, which she + turned up for that purpose; together with a girl's cloak, quite worn out + and very old; and the crushed remains of a bonnet that had probably been + picked up from some ditch or dunghill. In this dainty raiment, she + instructed Florence to dress herself; and as such preparation seemed a + prelude to her release, the child complied with increased readiness, if + possible. + </p> + <p> + In hurriedly putting on the bonnet, if that may be called a bonnet which + was more like a pad to carry loads on, she caught it in her hair which + grew luxuriantly, and could not immediately disentangle it. Good Mrs Brown + whipped out a large pair of scissors, and fell into an unaccountable state + of excitement. + </p> + <p> + 'Why couldn't you let me be!' said Mrs Brown, 'when I was contented? You + little fool!' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon. I don't know what I have done,' panted Florence. 'I + couldn't help it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Couldn't help it!' cried Mrs Brown. 'How do you expect I can help it? + Why, Lord!' said the old woman, ruffling her curls with a furious + pleasure, 'anybody but me would have had 'em off, first of all.' + </p> + <p> + Florence was so relieved to find that it was only her hair and not her + head which Mrs Brown coveted, that she offered no resistance or entreaty, + and merely raised her mild eyes towards the face of that good soul. + </p> + <p> + 'If I hadn't once had a gal of my own—beyond seas now—that was + proud of her hair,' said Mrs Brown, 'I'd have had every lock of it. She's + far away, she's far away! Oho! Oho!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Brown's was not a melodious cry, but, accompanied with a wild tossing + up of her lean arms, it was full of passionate grief, and thrilled to the + heart of Florence, whom it frightened more than ever. It had its part, + perhaps, in saving her curls; for Mrs Brown, after hovering about her with + the scissors for some moments, like a new kind of butterfly, bade her hide + them under the bonnet and let no trace of them escape to tempt her. Having + accomplished this victory over herself, Mrs Brown resumed her seat on the + bones, and smoked a very short black pipe, mowing and mumbling all the + time, as if she were eating the stem. + </p> + <p> + When the pipe was smoked out, she gave the child a rabbit-skin to carry, + that she might appear the more like her ordinary companion, and told her + that she was now going to lead her to a public street whence she could + inquire her way to her friends. But she cautioned her, with threats of + summary and deadly vengeance in case of disobedience, not to talk to + strangers, nor to repair to her own home (which may have been too near for + Mrs Brown's convenience), but to her father's office in the City; also to + wait at the street corner where she would be left, until the clock struck + three. These directions Mrs Brown enforced with assurances that there + would be potent eyes and ears in her employment cognizant of all she did; + and these directions Florence promised faithfully and earnestly to + observe. + </p> + <p> + At length, Mrs Brown, issuing forth, conducted her changed and ragged + little friend through a labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes and alleys, + which emerged, after a long time, upon a stable yard, with a gateway at + the end, whence the roar of a great thoroughfare made itself audible. + Pointing out this gateway, and informing Florence that when the clocks + struck three she was to go to the left, Mrs Brown, after making a parting + grasp at her hair which seemed involuntary and quite beyond her own + control, told her she knew what to do, and bade her go and do it: + remembering that she was watched. + </p> + <p> + With a lighter heart, but still sore afraid, Florence felt herself + released, and tripped off to the corner. When she reached it, she looked + back and saw the head of Good Mrs Brown peeping out of the low wooden + passage, where she had issued her parting injunctions; likewise the fist + of Good Mrs Brown shaking towards her. But though she often looked back + afterwards—every minute, at least, in her nervous recollection of + the old woman—she could not see her again. + </p> + <p> + Florence remained there, looking at the bustle in the street, and more and + more bewildered by it; and in the meanwhile the clocks appeared to have + made up their minds never to strike three any more. At last the steeples + rang out three o'clock; there was one close by, so she couldn't be + mistaken; and—after often looking over her shoulder, and often going + a little way, and as often coming back again, lest the all-powerful spies + of Mrs Brown should take offence—she hurried off, as fast as she + could in her slipshod shoes, holding the rabbit-skin tight in her hand. + </p> + <p> + All she knew of her father's offices was that they belonged to Dombey and + Son, and that that was a great power belonging to the City. So she could + only ask the way to Dombey and Son's in the City; and as she generally + made inquiry of children—being afraid to ask grown people—she + got very little satisfaction indeed. But by dint of asking her way to the + City after a while, and dropping the rest of her inquiry for the present, + she really did advance, by slow degrees, towards the heart of that great + region which is governed by the terrible Lord Mayor. + </p> + <p> + Tired of walking, repulsed and pushed about, stunned by the noise and + confusion, anxious for her brother and the nurses, terrified by what she + had undergone, and the prospect of encountering her angry father in such + an altered state; perplexed and frightened alike by what had passed, and + what was passing, and what was yet before her; Florence went upon her + weary way with tearful eyes, and once or twice could not help stopping to + ease her bursting heart by crying bitterly. But few people noticed her at + those times, in the garb she wore: or if they did, believed that she was + tutored to excite compassion, and passed on. Florence, too, called to her + aid all the firmness and self-reliance of a character that her sad + experience had prematurely formed and tried: and keeping the end she had + in view steadily before her, steadily pursued it. + </p> + <p> + It was full two hours later in the afternoon than when she had started on + this strange adventure, when, escaping from the clash and clangour of a + narrow street full of carts and waggons, she peeped into a kind of wharf + or landing-place upon the river-side, where there were a great many + packages, casks, and boxes, strewn about; a large pair of wooden scales; + and a little wooden house on wheels, outside of which, looking at the + neighbouring masts and boats, a stout man stood whistling, with his pen + behind his ear, and his hands in his pockets, as if his day's work were + nearly done. + </p> + <p> + 'Now then!' said this man, happening to turn round. 'We haven't got + anything for you, little girl. Be off!' + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, is this the City?' asked the trembling daughter of the + Dombeys. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! It's the City. You know that well enough, I daresay. Be off! We + haven't got anything for you.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't want anything, thank you,' was the timid answer. 'Except to know + the way to Dombey and Son's.' + </p> + <p> + The man who had been strolling carelessly towards her, seemed surprised by + this reply, and looking attentively in her face, rejoined: + </p> + <p> + 'Why, what can you want with Dombey and Son's?' + </p> + <p> + 'To know the way there, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + The man looked at her yet more curiously, and rubbed the back of his head + so hard in his wonderment that he knocked his own hat off. + </p> + <p> + 'Joe!' he called to another man—a labourer—as he picked it up + and put it on again. + </p> + <p> + 'Joe it is!' said Joe. + </p> + <p> + 'Where's that young spark of Dombey's who's been watching the shipment of + them goods?' + </p> + <p> + 'Just gone, by t'other gate,' said Joe. + </p> + <p> + 'Call him back a minute.' + </p> + <p> + Joe ran up an archway, bawling as he went, and very soon returned with a + blithe-looking boy. + </p> + <p> + 'You're Dombey's jockey, ain't you?' said the first man. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm in Dombey's House, Mr Clark,' returned the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'Look'ye here, then,' said Mr Clark. + </p> + <p> + Obedient to the indication of Mr Clark's hand, the boy approached towards + Florence, wondering, as well he might, what he had to do with her. But + she, who had heard what passed, and who, besides the relief of so suddenly + considering herself safe at her journey's end, felt reassured beyond all + measure by his lively youthful face and manner, ran eagerly up to him, + leaving one of the slipshod shoes upon the ground and caught his hand in + both of hers. + </p> + <p> + 'I am lost, if you please!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Lost!' cried the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I was lost this morning, a long way from here—and I have had + my clothes taken away, since—and I am not dressed in my own now—and + my name is Florence Dombey, my little brother's only sister—and, oh + dear, dear, take care of me, if you please!' sobbed Florence, giving full + vent to the childish feelings she had so long suppressed, and bursting + into tears. At the same time her miserable bonnet falling off, her hair + came tumbling down about her face: moving to speechless admiration and + commiseration, young Walter, nephew of Solomon Gills, Ships' + Instrument-maker in general. + </p> + <p> + Mr Clark stood rapt in amazement: observing under his breath, I never saw + such a start on this wharf before. Walter picked up the shoe, and put it + on the little foot as the Prince in the story might have fitted + Cinderella's slipper on. He hung the rabbit-skin over his left arm; gave + the right to Florence; and felt, not to say like Richard Whittington—that + is a tame comparison—but like Saint George of England, with the + dragon lying dead before him. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't cry, Miss Dombey,' said Walter, in a transport of enthusiasm. 'What + a wonderful thing for me that I am here! You are as safe now as if you + were guarded by a whole boat's crew of picked men from a man-of-war. Oh, + don't cry.' + </p> + <p> + 'I won't cry any more,' said Florence. 'I am only crying for joy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Crying for joy!' thought Walter, 'and I'm the cause of it! Come along, + Miss Dombey. There's the other shoe off now! Take mine, Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, no,' said Florence, checking him in the act of impetuously + pulling off his own. 'These do better. These do very well.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, to be sure,' said Walter, glancing at her foot, 'mine are a mile too + large. What am I thinking about! You never could walk in mine! Come along, + Miss Dombey. Let me see the villain who will dare molest you now.' + </p> + <p> + So Walter, looking immensely fierce, led off Florence, looking very happy; + and they went arm-in-arm along the streets, perfectly indifferent to any + astonishment that their appearance might or did excite by the way. + </p> + <p> + It was growing dark and foggy, and beginning to rain too; but they cared + nothing for this: being both wholly absorbed in the late adventures of + Florence, which she related with the innocent good faith and confidence of + her years, while Walter listened as if, far from the mud and grease of + Thames Street, they were rambling alone among the broad leaves and tall + trees of some desert island in the tropics—as he very likely + fancied, for the time, they were. + </p> + <p> + 'Have we far to go?' asked Florence at last, lilting up her eyes to her + companion's face. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! By-the-bye,' said Walter, stopping, 'let me see; where are we? Oh! I + know. But the offices are shut up now, Miss Dombey. There's nobody there. + Mr Dombey has gone home long ago. I suppose we must go home too? or, stay. + Suppose I take you to my Uncle's, where I live—it's very near here—and + go to your house in a coach to tell them you are safe, and bring you back + some clothes. Won't that be best?' + </p> + <p> + 'I think so,' answered Florence. 'Don't you? What do you think?' + </p> + <p> + As they stood deliberating in the street, a man passed them, who glanced + quickly at Walter as he went by, as if he recognised him; but seeming to + correct that first impression, he passed on without stopping. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I think it's Mr Carker,' said Walter. 'Carker in our House. Not + Carker our Manager, Miss Dombey—the other Carker; the Junior—Halloa! + Mr Carker!' + </p> + <p> + 'Is that Walter Gay?' said the other, stopping and returning. 'I couldn't + believe it, with such a strange companion.' + </p> + <p> + As he stood near a lamp, listening with surprise to Walter's hurried + explanation, he presented a remarkable contrast to the two youthful + figures arm-in-arm before him. He was not old, but his hair was white; his + body was bent, or bowed as if by the weight of some great trouble: and + there were deep lines in his worn and melancholy face. The fire of his + eyes, the expression of his features, the very voice in which he spoke, + were all subdued and quenched, as if the spirit within him lay in ashes. + He was respectably, though very plainly dressed, in black; but his + clothes, moulded to the general character of his figure, seemed to shrink + and abase themselves upon him, and to join in the sorrowful solicitation + which the whole man from head to foot expressed, to be left unnoticed, and + alone in his humility. + </p> + <p> + And yet his interest in youth and hopefulness was not extinguished with + the other embers of his soul, for he watched the boy's earnest countenance + as he spoke with unusual sympathy, though with an inexplicable show of + trouble and compassion, which escaped into his looks, however hard he + strove to hold it prisoner. When Walter, in conclusion, put to him the + question he had put to Florence, he still stood glancing at him with the + same expression, as if he had read some fate upon his face, mournfully at + variance with its present brightness. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you advise, Mr Carker?' said Walter, smiling. 'You always give me + good advice, you know, when you do speak to me. That's not often, though.' + </p> + <p> + 'I think your own idea is the best,' he answered: looking from Florence to + Walter, and back again. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker,' said Walter, brightening with a generous thought, 'Come! + Here's a chance for you. Go you to Mr Dombey's, and be the messenger of + good news. It may do you some good, Sir. I'll remain at home. You shall + go.' + </p> + <p> + 'I!' returned the other. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Why not, Mr Carker?' said the boy. + </p> + <p> + He merely shook him by the hand in answer; he seemed in a manner ashamed + and afraid even to do that; and bidding him good-night, and advising him + to make haste, turned away. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, Miss Dombey,' said Walter, looking after him as they turned away + also, 'we'll go to my Uncle's as quick as we can. Did you ever hear Mr + Dombey speak of Mr Carker the Junior, Miss Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' returned the child, mildly, 'I don't often hear Papa speak.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! true! more shame for him,' thought Walter. After a minute's pause, + during which he had been looking down upon the gentle patient little face + moving on at his side, he said, 'The strangest man, Mr Carker the Junior + is, Miss Florence, that ever you heard of. If you could understand what an + extraordinary interest he takes in me, and yet how he shuns me and avoids + me; and what a low place he holds in our office, and how he is never + advanced, and never complains, though year after year he sees young men + passed over his head, and though his brother (younger than he is), is our + head Manager, you would be as much puzzled about him as I am.' + </p> + <p> + As Florence could hardly be expected to understand much about it, Walter + bestirred himself with his accustomed boyish animation and restlessness to + change the subject; and one of the unfortunate shoes coming off again + opportunely, proposed to carry Florence to his uncle's in his arms. + Florence, though very tired, laughingly declined the proposal, lest he + should let her fall; and as they were already near the wooden Midshipman, + and as Walter went on to cite various precedents, from shipwrecks and + other moving accidents, where younger boys than he had triumphantly + rescued and carried off older girls than Florence, they were still in full + conversation about it when they arrived at the Instrument-maker's door. + </p> + <p> + 'Holloa, Uncle Sol!' cried Walter, bursting into the shop, and speaking + incoherently and out of breath, from that time forth, for the rest of the + evening. 'Here's a wonderful adventure! Here's Mr Dombey's daughter lost + in the streets, and robbed of her clothes by an old witch of a woman—found + by me—brought home to our parlour to rest—look here!' + </p> + <p> + 'Good Heaven!' said Uncle Sol, starting back against his favourite + compass-case. 'It can't be! Well, I—' + </p> + <p> + 'No, nor anybody else,' said Walter, anticipating the rest. 'Nobody would, + nobody could, you know. Here! just help me lift the little sofa near the + fire, will you, Uncle Sol—take care of the plates—cut some + dinner for her, will you, Uncle—throw those shoes under the grate. + Miss Florence—put your feet on the fender to dry—how damp they + are—here's an adventure, Uncle, eh?—God bless my soul, how hot + I am!' + </p> + <p> + Solomon Gills was quite as hot, by sympathy, and in excessive + bewilderment. He patted Florence's head, pressed her to eat, pressed her + to drink, rubbed the soles of her feet with his pocket-handkerchief heated + at the fire, followed his locomotive nephew with his eyes, and ears, and + had no clear perception of anything except that he was being constantly + knocked against and tumbled over by that excited young gentleman, as he + darted about the room attempting to accomplish twenty things at once, and + doing nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + 'Here, wait a minute, Uncle,' he continued, catching up a candle, 'till I + run upstairs, and get another jacket on, and then I'll be off. I say, + Uncle, isn't this an adventure?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear boy,' said Solomon, who, with his spectacles on his forehead and + the great chronometer in his pocket, was incessantly oscillating between + Florence on the sofa, and his nephew in all parts of the parlour, 'it's + the most extraordinary—' + </p> + <p> + 'No, but do, Uncle, please—do, Miss Florence—dinner, you know, + Uncle.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes, yes,' cried Solomon, cutting instantly into a leg of mutton, as + if he were catering for a giant. 'I'll take care of her, Wally! I + understand. Pretty dear! Famished, of course. You go and get ready. Lord + bless me! Sir Richard Whittington thrice Lord Mayor of London.' + </p> + <p> + Walter was not very long in mounting to his lofty garret and descending + from it, but in the meantime Florence, overcome by fatigue, had sunk into + a doze before the fire. The short interval of quiet, though only a few + minutes in duration, enabled Solomon Gills so far to collect his wits as + to make some little arrangements for her comfort, and to darken the room, + and to screen her from the blaze. Thus, when the boy returned, she was + sleeping peacefully. + </p> + <p> + 'That's capital!' he whispered, giving Solomon such a hug that it squeezed + a new expression into his face. 'Now I'm off. I'll just take a crust of + bread with me, for I'm very hungry—and don't wake her, Uncle Sol.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no,' said Solomon. 'Pretty child.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pretty, indeed!' cried Walter. 'I never saw such a face, Uncle Sol. Now + I'm off.' + </p> + <p> + 'That's right,' said Solomon, greatly relieved. + </p> + <p> + 'I say, Uncle Sol,' cried Walter, putting his face in at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Here he is again,' said Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 'How does she look now?' + </p> + <p> + 'Quite happy,' said Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 'That's famous! now I'm off.' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope you are,' said Solomon to himself. + </p> + <p> + 'I say, Uncle Sol,' cried Walter, reappearing at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Here he is again!' said Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 'We met Mr Carker the Junior in the street, queerer than ever. He bade me + good-bye, but came behind us here—there's an odd thing!—for + when we reached the shop door, I looked round, and saw him going quietly + away, like a servant who had seen me home, or a faithful dog. How does she + look now, Uncle?' + </p> + <p> + 'Pretty much the same as before, Wally,' replied Uncle Sol. + </p> + <p> + 'That's right. Now I am off!' + </p> + <p> + And this time he really was: and Solomon Gills, with no appetite for + dinner, sat on the opposite side of the fire, watching Florence in her + slumber, building a great many airy castles of the most fantastic + architecture; and looking, in the dim shade, and in the close vicinity of + all the instruments, like a magician disguised in a Welsh wig and a suit + of coffee colour, who held the child in an enchanted sleep. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Walter proceeded towards Mr Dombey's house at a pace + seldom achieved by a hack horse from the stand; and yet with his head out + of window every two or three minutes, in impatient remonstrance with the + driver. Arriving at his journey's end, he leaped out, and breathlessly + announcing his errand to the servant, followed him straight into the + library, we there was a great confusion of tongues, and where Mr Dombey, + his sister, and Miss Tox, Richards, and Nipper, were all congregated + together. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I beg your pardon, Sir,' said Walter, rushing up to him, 'but I'm + happy to say it's all right, Sir. Miss Dombey's found!' + </p> + <p> + The boy with his open face, and flowing hair, and sparkling eyes, panting + with pleasure and excitement, was wonderfully opposed to Mr Dombey, as he + sat confronting him in his library chair. + </p> + <p> + 'I told you, Louisa, that she would certainly be found,' said Mr Dombey, + looking slightly over his shoulder at that lady, who wept in company with + Miss Tox. 'Let the servants know that no further steps are necessary. This + boy who brings the information, is young Gay, from the office. How was my + daughter found, Sir? I know how she was lost.' Here he looked majestically + at Richards. 'But how was she found? Who found her?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I believe I found Miss Dombey, Sir,' said Walter modestly, 'at least + I don't know that I can claim the merit of having exactly found her, Sir, + but I was the fortunate instrument of—' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean, Sir,' interrupted Mr Dombey, regarding the boy's + evident pride and pleasure in his share of the transaction with an + instinctive dislike, 'by not having exactly found my daughter, and by + being a fortunate instrument? Be plain and coherent, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + It was quite out of Walter's power to be coherent; but he rendered himself + as explanatory as he could, in his breathless state, and stated why he had + come alone. + </p> + <p> + 'You hear this, girl?' said Mr Dombey sternly to the black-eyed. 'Take + what is necessary, and return immediately with this young man to fetch + Miss Florence home. Gay, you will be rewarded to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! thank you, Sir,' said Walter. 'You are very kind. I'm sure I was not + thinking of any reward, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are a boy,' said Mr Dombey, suddenly and almost fiercely; 'and what + you think of, or affect to think of, is of little consequence. You have + done well, Sir. Don't undo it. Louisa, please to give the lad some wine.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey's glance followed Walter Gay with sharp disfavour, as he left + the room under the pilotage of Mrs Chick; and it may be that his mind's + eye followed him with no greater relish, as he rode back to his Uncle's + with Miss Susan Nipper. + </p> + <p> + There they found that Florence, much refreshed by sleep, had dined, and + greatly improved the acquaintance of Solomon Gills, with whom she was on + terms of perfect confidence and ease. The black-eyed (who had cried so + much that she might now be called the red-eyed, and who was very silent + and depressed) caught her in her arms without a word of contradiction or + reproach, and made a very hysterical meeting of it. Then converting the + parlour, for the nonce, into a private tiring room, she dressed her, with + great care, in proper clothes; and presently led her forth, as like a + Dombey as her natural disqualifications admitted of her being made. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night!' said Florence, running up to Solomon. 'You have been very + good to me.' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol was quite delighted, and kissed her like her grand-father. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, Walter! Good-bye!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye!' said Walter, giving both his hands. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll never forget you,' pursued Florence. 'No! indeed I never will. + Good-bye, Walter!' + </p> + <p> + In the innocence of her grateful heart, the child lifted up her face to + his. Walter, bending down his own, raised it again, all red and burning; + and looked at Uncle Sol, quite sheepishly. + </p> + <p> + 'Where's Walter?' 'Good-night, Walter!' 'Good-bye, Walter!' 'Shake hands + once more, Walter!' This was still Florence's cry, after she was shut up + with her little maid, in the coach. And when the coach at length moved + off, Walter on the door-step gaily returned the waving of her + handkerchief, while the wooden Midshipman behind him seemed, like himself, + intent upon that coach alone, excluding all the other passing coaches from + his observation. + </p> + <p> + In good time Mr Dombey's mansion was gained again, and again there was a + noise of tongues in the library. Again, too, the coach was ordered to wait—'for + Mrs Richards,' one of Susan's fellow-servants ominously whispered, as she + passed with Florence. + </p> + <p> + The entrance of the lost child made a slight sensation, but not much. Mr + Dombey, who had never found her, kissed her once upon the forehead, and + cautioned her not to run away again, or wander anywhere with treacherous + attendants. Mrs Chick stopped in her lamentations on the corruption of + human nature, even when beckoned to the paths of virtue by a Charitable + Grinder; and received her with a welcome something short of the reception + due to none but perfect Dombeys. Miss Tox regulated her feelings by the + models before her. Richards, the culprit Richards, alone poured out her + heart in broken words of welcome, and bowed herself over the little + wandering head as if she really loved it. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, Richards!' said Mrs Chick, with a sigh. 'It would have been much more + satisfactory to those who wish to think well of their fellow creatures, + and much more becoming in you, if you had shown some proper feeling, in + time, for the little child that is now going to be prematurely deprived of + its natural nourishment. + </p> + <p> + 'Cut off,' said Miss Tox, in a plaintive whisper, 'from one common + fountain!' + </p> + <p> + 'If it was my ungrateful case,' said Mrs Chick, solemnly, 'and I had your + reflections, Richards, I should feel as if the Charitable Grinders' dress + would blight my child, and the education choke him.' + </p> + <p> + For the matter of that—but Mrs Chick didn't know it—he had + been pretty well blighted by the dress already; and as to the education, + even its retributive effect might be produced in time, for it was a storm + of sobs and blows. + </p> + <p> + 'Louisa!' said Mr Dombey. 'It is not necessary to prolong these + observations. The woman is discharged and paid. You leave this house, + Richards, for taking my son—my son,' said Mr Dombey, emphatically + repeating these two words, 'into haunts and into society which are not to + be thought of without a shudder. As to the accident which befel Miss + Florence this morning, I regard that as, in one great sense, a happy and + fortunate circumstance; inasmuch as, but for that occurrence, I never + could have known—and from your own lips too—of what you had + been guilty. I think, Louisa, the other nurse, the young person,' here + Miss Nipper sobbed aloud, 'being so much younger, and necessarily + influenced by Paul's nurse, may remain. Have the goodness to direct that + this woman's coach is paid to'—Mr Dombey stopped and winced—'to + Staggs's Gardens.' + </p> + <p> + Polly moved towards the door, with Florence holding to her dress, and + crying to her in the most pathetic manner not to go away. It was a dagger + in the haughty father's heart, an arrow in his brain, to see how the flesh + and blood he could not disown clung to this obscure stranger, and he + sitting by. Not that he cared to whom his daughter turned, or from whom + turned away. The swift sharp agony struck through him, as he thought of + what his son might do. + </p> + <p> + His son cried lustily that night, at all events. Sooth to say, poor Paul + had better reason for his tears than sons of that age often have, for he + had lost his second mother—his first, so far as he knew—by a + stroke as sudden as that natural affliction which had darkened the + beginning of his life. At the same blow, his sister too, who cried herself + to sleep so mournfully, had lost as good and true a friend. But that is + quite beside the question. Let us waste no words about it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 7. A Bird's-eye Glimpse of Miss Tox's Dwelling-place: also of the + State of Miss Tox's Affections + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>iss Tox inhabited a dark little house that had been squeezed, at some + remote period of English History, into a fashionable neighbourhood at the + west end of the town, where it stood in the shade like a poor relation of + the great street round the corner, coldly looked down upon by mighty + mansions. It was not exactly in a court, and it was not exactly in a yard; + but it was in the dullest of No-Thoroughfares, rendered anxious and + haggard by distant double knocks. The name of this retirement, where grass + grew between the chinks in the stone pavement, was Princess's Place; and + in Princess's Place was Princess's Chapel, with a tinkling bell, where + sometimes as many as five-and-twenty people attended service on a Sunday. + The Princess's Arms was also there, and much resorted to by splendid + footmen. A sedan chair was kept inside the railing before the Princess's + Arms, but it had never come out within the memory of man; and on fine + mornings, the top of every rail (there were eight-and-forty, as Miss Tox + had often counted) was decorated with a pewter-pot. + </p> + <p> + There was another private house besides Miss Tox's in Princess's Place: + not to mention an immense Pair of gates, with an immense pair of + lion-headed knockers on them, which were never opened by any chance, and + were supposed to constitute a disused entrance to somebody's stables. + Indeed, there was a smack of stabling in the air of Princess's Place; and + Miss Tox's bedroom (which was at the back) commanded a vista of Mews, + where hostlers, at whatever sort of work engaged, were continually + accompanying themselves with effervescent noises; and where the most + domestic and confidential garments of coachmen and their wives and + families, usually hung, like Macbeth's banners, on the outward walls. + </p> + <p> + At this other private house in Princess's Place, tenanted by a retired + butler who had married a housekeeper, apartments were let Furnished, to a + single gentleman: to wit, a wooden-featured, blue-faced Major, with his + eyes starting out of his head, in whom Miss Tox recognised, as she herself + expressed it, 'something so truly military;' and between whom and herself, + an occasional interchange of newspapers and pamphlets, and such Platonic + dalliance, was effected through the medium of a dark servant of the + Major's who Miss Tox was quite content to classify as a 'native,' without + connecting him with any geographical idea whatever. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps there never was a smaller entry and staircase, than the entry and + staircase of Miss Tox's house. Perhaps, taken altogether, from top to + bottom, it was the most inconvenient little house in England, and the + crookedest; but then, Miss Tox said, what a situation! There was very + little daylight to be got there in the winter: no sun at the best of + times: air was out of the question, and traffic was walled out. Still Miss + Tox said, think of the situation! So said the blue-faced Major, whose eyes + were starting out of his head: who gloried in Princess's Place: and who + delighted to turn the conversation at his club, whenever he could, to + something connected with some of the great people in the great street + round the corner, that he might have the satisfaction of saying they were + his neighbours. + </p> + <p> + In short, with Miss Tox and the blue-faced Major, it was enough for + Princess's Place—as with a very small fragment of society, it is + enough for many a little hanger-on of another sort—to be well + connected, and to have genteel blood in its veins. It might be poor, mean, + shabby, stupid, dull. No matter. The great street round the corner trailed + off into Princess's Place; and that which of High Holborn would have + become a choleric word, spoken of Princess's Place became flat blasphemy. + </p> + <p> + The dingy tenement inhabited by Miss Tox was her own; having been devised + and bequeathed to her by the deceased owner of the fishy eye in the + locket, of whom a miniature portrait, with a powdered head and a pigtail, + balanced the kettle-holder on opposite sides of the parlour fireplace. The + greater part of the furniture was of the powdered-head and pig-tail + period: comprising a plate-warmer, always languishing and sprawling its + four attenuated bow legs in somebody's way; and an obsolete harpsichord, + illuminated round the maker's name with a painted garland of sweet peas. + In any part of the house, visitors were usually cognizant of a prevailing + mustiness; and in warm weather Miss Tox had been seen apparently writing + in sundry chinks and crevices of the wainscoat with the the wrong end of a + pen dipped in spirits of turpentine. + </p> + <p> + Although Major Bagstock had arrived at what is called in polite + literature, the grand meridian of life, and was proceeding on his journey + downhill with hardly any throat, and a very rigid pair of jaw-bones, and + long-flapped elephantine ears, and his eyes and complexion in the state of + artificial excitement already mentioned, he was mightily proud of + awakening an interest in Miss Tox, and tickled his vanity with the fiction + that she was a splendid woman who had her eye on him. This he had several + times hinted at the club: in connexion with little jocularities, of which + old Joe Bagstock, old Joey Bagstock, old J. Bagstock, old Josh Bagstock, + or so forth, was the perpetual theme: it being, as it were, the Major's + stronghold and donjon-keep of light humour, to be on the most familiar + terms with his own name. + </p> + <p> + 'Joey B., Sir,' the Major would say, with a flourish of his walking-stick, + 'is worth a dozen of you. If you had a few more of the Bagstock breed + among you, Sir, you'd be none the worse for it. Old Joe, Sir, needn't look + far for a wife even now, if he was on the look-out; but he's hard-hearted, + Sir, is Joe—he's tough, Sir, tough, and de-vilish sly!' After such a + declaration, wheezing sounds would be heard; and the Major's blue would + deepen into purple, while his eyes strained and started convulsively. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his very liberal laudation of himself, however, the Major + was selfish. It may be doubted whether there ever was a more entirely + selfish person at heart; or at stomach is perhaps a better expression, + seeing that he was more decidedly endowed with that latter organ than with + the former. He had no idea of being overlooked or slighted by anybody; + least of all, had he the remotest comprehension of being overlooked and + slighted by Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + And yet, Miss Tox, as it appeared, forgot him—gradually forgot him. + She began to forget him soon after her discovery of the Toodle family. She + continued to forget him up to the time of the christening. She went on + forgetting him with compound interest after that. Something or somebody + had superseded him as a source of interest. + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning, Ma'am,' said the Major, meeting Miss Tox in Princess's + Place, some weeks after the changes chronicled in the last chapter. + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning, Sir,' said Miss Tox; very coldly. + </p> + <p> + 'Joe Bagstock, Ma'am,' observed the Major, with his usual gallantry, 'has + not had the happiness of bowing to you at your window, for a considerable + period. Joe has been hardly used, Ma'am. His sun has been behind a cloud.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox inclined her head; but very coldly indeed. + </p> + <p> + 'Joe's luminary has been out of town, Ma'am, perhaps,' inquired the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'I? out of town? oh no, I have not been out of town,' said Miss Tox. 'I + have been much engaged lately. My time is nearly all devoted to some very + intimate friends. I am afraid I have none to spare, even now. Good + morning, Sir!' + </p> + <p> + As Miss Tox, with her most fascinating step and carriage, disappeared from + Princess's Place, the Major stood looking after her with a bluer face than + ever: muttering and growling some not at all complimentary remarks. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, damme, Sir,' said the Major, rolling his lobster eyes round and + round Princess's Place, and apostrophizing its fragrant air, 'six months + ago, the woman loved the ground Josh Bagstock walked on. What's the + meaning of it?' + </p> + <p> + The Major decided, after some consideration, that it meant mantraps; that + it meant plotting and snaring; that Miss Tox was digging pitfalls. 'But + you won't catch Joe, Ma'am,' said the Major. 'He's tough, Ma'am, tough, is + J.B. Tough, and de-vilish sly!' over which reflection he chuckled for the + rest of the day. + </p> + <p> + But still, when that day and many other days were gone and past, it seemed + that Miss Tox took no heed whatever of the Major, and thought nothing at + all about him. She had been wont, once upon a time, to look out at one of + her little dark windows by accident, and blushingly return the Major's + greeting; but now, she never gave the Major a chance, and cared nothing at + all whether he looked over the way or not. Other changes had come to pass + too. The Major, standing in the shade of his own apartment, could make out + that an air of greater smartness had recently come over Miss Tox's house; + that a new cage with gilded wires had been provided for the ancient little + canary bird; that divers ornaments, cut out of coloured card-boards and + paper, seemed to decorate the chimney-piece and tables; that a plant or + two had suddenly sprung up in the windows; that Miss Tox occasionally + practised on the harpsichord, whose garland of sweet peas was always + displayed ostentatiously, crowned with the Copenhagen and Bird Waltzes in + a Music Book of Miss Tox's own copying. + </p> + <p> + Over and above all this, Miss Tox had long been dressed with uncommon care + and elegance in slight mourning. But this helped the Major out of his + difficulty; and he determined within himself that she had come into a + small legacy, and grown proud. + </p> + <p> + It was on the very next day after he had eased his mind by arriving at + this decision, that the Major, sitting at his breakfast, saw an apparition + so tremendous and wonderful in Miss Tox's little drawing-room, that he + remained for some time rooted to his chair; then, rushing into the next + room, returned with a double-barrelled opera-glass, through which he + surveyed it intently for some minutes. + </p> + <p> + 'It's a Baby, Sir,' said the Major, shutting up the glass again, 'for + fifty thousand pounds!' + </p> + <p> + The Major couldn't forget it. He could do nothing but whistle, and stare + to that extent, that his eyes, compared with what they now became, had + been in former times quite cavernous and sunken. Day after day, two, + three, four times a week, this Baby reappeared. The Major continued to + stare and whistle. To all other intents and purposes he was alone in + Princess's Place. Miss Tox had ceased to mind what he did. He might have + been black as well as blue, and it would have been of no consequence to + her. + </p> + <p> + The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch + this baby and its nurse, and walked back with them, and walked home with + them again, and continually mounted guard over them; and the perseverance + with which she nursed it herself, and fed it, and played with it, and + froze its young blood with airs upon the harpsichord, was extraordinary. + At about this same period too, she was seized with a passion for looking + at a certain bracelet; also with a passion for looking at the moon, of + which she would take long observations from her chamber window. But + whatever she looked at; sun, moon, stars, or bracelet; she looked no more + at the Major. And the Major whistled, and stared, and wondered, and dodged + about his room, and could make nothing of it. + </p> + <p> + 'You'll quite win my brother Paul's heart, and that's the truth, my dear,' + said Mrs Chick, one day. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox turned pale. + </p> + <p> + 'He grows more like Paul every day,' said Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox returned no other reply than by taking the little Paul in her + arms, and making his cockade perfectly flat and limp with her caresses. + </p> + <p> + 'His mother, my dear,' said Miss Tox, 'whose acquaintance I was to have + made through you, does he at all resemble her?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all,' returned Louisa + </p> + <p> + 'She was—she was pretty, I believe?' faltered Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, poor dear Fanny was interesting,' said Mrs Chick, after some + judicial consideration. 'Certainly interesting. She had not that air of + commanding superiority which one would somehow expect, almost as a matter + of course, to find in my brother's wife; nor had she that strength and + vigour of mind which such a man requires.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox heaved a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + 'But she was pleasing:' said Mrs Chick: 'extremely so. And she meant!—oh, + dear, how well poor Fanny meant!' + </p> + <p> + 'You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul. 'You Picture of your own + Papa!' + </p> + <p> + If the Major could have known how many hopes and ventures, what a + multitude of plans and speculations, rested on that baby head; and could + have seen them hovering, in all their heterogeneous confusion and + disorder, round the puckered cap of the unconscious little Paul; he might + have stared indeed. Then would he have recognised, among the crowd, some + few ambitious motes and beams belonging to Miss Tox; then would he perhaps + have understood the nature of that lady's faltering investment in the + Dombey Firm. + </p> + <p> + If the child himself could have awakened in the night, and seen, gathered + about his cradle-curtains, faint reflections of the dreams that other + people had of him, they might have scared him, with good reason. But he + slumbered on, alike unconscious of the kind intentions of Miss Tox, the + wonder of the Major, the early sorrows of his sister, and the stern + visions of his father; and innocent that any spot of earth contained a + Dombey or a Son. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 8. Paul's Further Progress, Growth and Character + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>eneath the watching and attentive eyes of Time—so far another Major—Paul's + slumbers gradually changed. More and more light broke in upon them; + distincter and distincter dreams disturbed them; an accumulating crowd of + objects and impressions swarmed about his rest; and so he passed from + babyhood to childhood, and became a talking, walking, wondering Dombey. + </p> + <p> + On the downfall and banishment of Richards, the nursery may be said to + have been put into commission: as a Public Department is sometimes, when + no individual Atlas can be found to support it The Commissioners were, of + course, Mrs Chick and Miss Tox: who devoted themselves to their duties + with such astonishing ardour that Major Bagstock had every day some new + reminder of his being forsaken, while Mr Chick, bereft of domestic + supervision, cast himself upon the gay world, dined at clubs and + coffee-houses, smelt of smoke on three different occasions, went to the + play by himself, and in short, loosened (as Mrs Chick once told him) every + social bond, and moral obligation. + </p> + <p> + Yet, in spite of his early promise, all this vigilance and care could not + make little Paul a thriving boy. Naturally delicate, perhaps, he pined and + wasted after the dismissal of his nurse, and, for a long time, seemed but + to wait his opportunity of gliding through their hands, and seeking his + lost mother. This dangerous ground in his steeple-chase towards manhood + passed, he still found it very rough riding, and was grievously beset by + all the obstacles in his course. Every tooth was a break-neck fence, and + every pimple in the measles a stone wall to him. He was down in every fit + of the hooping-cough, and rolled upon and crushed by a whole field of + small diseases, that came trooping on each other's heels to prevent his + getting up again. Some bird of prey got into his throat instead of the + thrush; and the very chickens turning ferocious—if they have + anything to do with that infant malady to which they lend their name—worried + him like tiger-cats. + </p> + <p> + The chill of Paul's christening had struck home, perhaps to some sensitive + part of his nature, which could not recover itself in the cold shade of + his father; but he was an unfortunate child from that day. Mrs Wickam + often said she never see a dear so put upon. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam was a waiter's wife—which would seem equivalent to being + any other man's widow—whose application for an engagement in Mr + Dombey's service had been favourably considered, on account of the + apparent impossibility of her having any followers, or anyone to follow; + and who, from within a day or two of Paul's sharp weaning, had been + engaged as his nurse. Mrs Wickam was a meek woman, of a fair complexion, + with her eyebrows always elevated, and her head always drooping; who was + always ready to pity herself, or to be pitied, or to pity anybody else; + and who had a surprising natural gift of viewing all subjects in an + utterly forlorn and pitiable light, and bringing dreadful precedents to + bear upon them, and deriving the greatest consolation from the exercise of + that talent. + </p> + <p> + It is hardly necessary to observe, that no touch of this quality ever + reached the magnificent knowledge of Mr Dombey. It would have been + remarkable, indeed, if any had; when no one in the house—not even + Mrs Chick or Miss Tox—dared ever whisper to him that there had, on + any one occasion, been the least reason for uneasiness in reference to + little Paul. He had settled, within himself, that the child must + necessarily pass through a certain routine of minor maladies, and that the + sooner he did so the better. If he could have bought him off, or provided + a substitute, as in the case of an unlucky drawing for the militia, he + would have been glad to do so, on liberal terms. But as this was not + feasible, he merely wondered, in his haughty manner, now and then, what + Nature meant by it; and comforted himself with the reflection that there + was another milestone passed upon the road, and that the great end of the + journey lay so much the nearer. For the feeling uppermost in his mind, now + and constantly intensifying, and increasing in it as Paul grew older, was + impatience. Impatience for the time to come, when his visions of their + united consequence and grandeur would be triumphantly realized. + </p> + <p> + Some philosophers tell us that selfishness is at the root of our best + loves and affections. Mr Dombey's young child was, from the beginning, so + distinctly important to him as a part of his own greatness, or (which is + the same thing) of the greatness of Dombey and Son, that there is no doubt + his parental affection might have been easily traced, like many a goodly + superstructure of fair fame, to a very low foundation. But he loved his + son with all the love he had. If there were a warm place in his frosty + heart, his son occupied it; if its very hard surface could receive the + impression of any image, the image of that son was there; though not so + much as an infant, or as a boy, but as a grown man—the 'Son' of the + Firm. Therefore he was impatient to advance into the future, and to hurry + over the intervening passages of his history. Therefore he had little or + no anxiety about them, in spite of his love; feeling as if the boy had a + charmed life, and must become the man with whom he held such constant + communication in his thoughts, and for whom he planned and projected, as + for an existing reality, every day. + </p> + <p> + Thus Paul grew to be nearly five years old. He was a pretty little fellow; + though there was something wan and wistful in his small face, that gave + occasion to many significant shakes of Mrs Wickam's head, and many + long-drawn inspirations of Mrs Wickam's breath. His temper gave abundant + promise of being imperious in after-life; and he had as hopeful an + apprehension of his own importance, and the rightful subservience of all + other things and persons to it, as heart could desire. He was childish and + sportive enough at times, and not of a sullen disposition; but he had a + strange, old-fashioned, thoughtful way, at other times, of sitting + brooding in his miniature arm-chair, when he looked (and talked) like one + of those terrible little Beings in the Fairy tales, who, at a hundred and + fifty or two hundred years of age, fantastically represent the children + for whom they have been substituted. He would frequently be stricken with + this precocious mood upstairs in the nursery; and would sometimes lapse + into it suddenly, exclaiming that he was tired: even while playing with + Florence, or driving Miss Tox in single harness. But at no time did he + fall into it so surely, as when, his little chair being carried down into + his father's room, he sat there with him after dinner, by the fire. They + were the strangest pair at such a time that ever firelight shone upon. Mr + Dombey so erect and solemn, gazing at the blare; his little image, with an + old, old face, peering into the red perspective with the fixed and rapt + attention of a sage. Mr Dombey entertaining complicated worldly schemes + and plans; the little image entertaining Heaven knows what wild fancies, + half-formed thoughts, and wandering speculations. Mr Dombey stiff with + starch and arrogance; the little image by inheritance, and in unconscious + imitation. The two so very much alike, and yet so monstrously contrasted. + </p> + <p> + On one of these occasions, when they had both been perfectly quiet for a + long time, and Mr Dombey only knew that the child was awake by + occasionally glancing at his eye, where the bright fire was sparkling like + a jewel, little Paul broke silence thus: + </p> + <p> + 'Papa! what's money?' + </p> + <p> + The abrupt question had such immediate reference to the subject of Mr + Dombey's thoughts, that Mr Dombey was quite disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + 'What is money, Paul?' he answered. 'Money?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said the child, laying his hands upon the elbows of his little + chair, and turning the old face up towards Mr Dombey's; 'what is money?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was in a difficulty. He would have liked to give him some + explanation involving the terms circulating-medium, currency, depreciation + of currency, paper, bullion, rates of exchange, value of precious metals + in the market, and so forth; but looking down at the little chair, and + seeing what a long way down it was, he answered: 'Gold, and silver, and + copper. Guineas, shillings, half-pence. You know what they are?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, I know what they are,' said Paul. 'I don't mean that, Papa. I + mean what's money after all?' + </p> + <p> + Heaven and Earth, how old his face was as he turned it up again towards + his father's! + </p> + <p> + 'What is money after all!' said Mr Dombey, backing his chair a little, + that he might the better gaze in sheer amazement at the presumptuous atom + that propounded such an inquiry. + </p> + <p> + 'I mean, Papa, what can it do?' returned Paul, folding his arms (they were + hardly long enough to fold), and looking at the fire, and up at him, and + at the fire, and up at him again. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey drew his chair back to its former place, and patted him on the + head. 'You'll know better by-and-by, my man,' he said. 'Money, Paul, can + do anything.' He took hold of the little hand, and beat it softly against + one of his own, as he said so. + </p> + <p> + But Paul got his hand free as soon as he could; and rubbing it gently to + and fro on the elbow of his chair, as if his wit were in the palm, and he + were sharpening it—and looking at the fire again, as though the fire + had been his adviser and prompter—repeated, after a short pause: + </p> + <p> + 'Anything, Papa?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Anything—almost,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Anything means everything, don't it, Papa?' asked his son: not observing, + or possibly not understanding, the qualification. + </p> + <p> + 'It includes it: yes,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Why didn't money save me my Mama?' returned the child. 'It isn't cruel, + is it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Cruel!' said Mr Dombey, settling his neckcloth, and seeming to resent the + idea. 'No. A good thing can't be cruel.' + </p> + <p> + 'If it's a good thing, and can do anything,' said the little fellow, + thoughtfully, as he looked back at the fire, 'I wonder why it didn't save + me my Mama.' + </p> + <p> + He didn't ask the question of his father this time. Perhaps he had seen, + with a child's quickness, that it had already made his father + uncomfortable. But he repeated the thought aloud, as if it were quite an + old one to him, and had troubled him very much; and sat with his chin + resting on his hand, still cogitating and looking for an explanation in + the fire. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey having recovered from his surprise, not to say his alarm (for it + was the very first occasion on which the child had ever broached the + subject of his mother to him, though he had had him sitting by his side, + in this same manner, evening after evening), expounded to him how that + money, though a very potent spirit, never to be disparaged on any account + whatever, could not keep people alive whose time was come to die; and how + that we must all die, unfortunately, even in the City, though we were + never so rich. But how that money caused us to be honoured, feared, + respected, courted, and admired, and made us powerful and glorious in the + eyes of all men; and how that it could, very often, even keep off death, + for a long time together. How, for example, it had secured to his Mama the + services of Mr Pilkins, by which he, Paul, had often profited himself; + likewise of the great Doctor Parker Peps, whom he had never known. And how + it could do all, that could be done. This, with more to the same purpose, + Mr Dombey instilled into the mind of his son, who listened attentively, + and seemed to understand the greater part of what was said to him. + </p> + <p> + 'It can't make me strong and quite well, either, Papa; can it?' asked + Paul, after a short silence; rubbing his tiny hands. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you are strong and quite well,' returned Mr Dombey. 'Are you not?' + </p> + <p> + Oh! the age of the face that was turned up again, with an expression, half + of melancholy, half of slyness, on it! + </p> + <p> + 'You are as strong and well as such little people usually are? Eh?' said + Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence is older than I am, but I'm not as strong and well as Florence, + 'I know,' returned the child; 'and I believe that when Florence was as + little as me, she could play a great deal longer at a time without tiring + herself. I am so tired sometimes,' said little Paul, warming his hands, + and looking in between the bars of the grate, as if some ghostly + puppet-show were performing there, 'and my bones ache so (Wickam says it's + my bones), that I don't know what to do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay! But that's at night,' said Mr Dombey, drawing his own chair closer to + his son's, and laying his hand gently on his back; 'little people should + be tired at night, for then they sleep well.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's not at night, Papa,' returned the child, 'it's in the day; and I + lie down in Florence's lap, and she sings to me. At night I dream about + such cu-ri-ous things!' + </p> + <p> + And he went on, warming his hands again, and thinking about them, like an + old man or a young goblin. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was so astonished, and so uncomfortable, and so perfectly at a + loss how to pursue the conversation, that he could only sit looking at his + son by the light of the fire, with his hand resting on his back, as if it + were detained there by some magnetic attraction. Once he advanced his + other hand, and turned the contemplative face towards his own for a + moment. But it sought the fire again as soon as he released it; and + remained, addressed towards the flickering blaze, until the nurse + appeared, to summon him to bed. + </p> + <p> + 'I want Florence to come for me,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Won't you come with your poor Nurse Wickam, Master Paul?' inquired that + attendant, with great pathos. + </p> + <p> + 'No, I won't,' replied Paul, composing himself in his arm-chair again, + like the master of the house. + </p> + <p> + Invoking a blessing upon his innocence, Mrs Wickam withdrew, and presently + Florence appeared in her stead. The child immediately started up with + sudden readiness and animation, and raised towards his father in bidding + him good-night, a countenance so much brighter, so much younger, and so + much more child-like altogether, that Mr Dombey, while he felt greatly + reassured by the change, was quite amazed at it. + </p> + <p> + After they had left the room together, he thought he heard a soft voice + singing; and remembering that Paul had said his sister sung to him, he had + the curiosity to open the door and listen, and look after them. She was + toiling up the great, wide, vacant staircase, with him in her arms; his + head was lying on her shoulder, one of his arms thrown negligently round + her neck. So they went, toiling up; she singing all the way, and Paul + sometimes crooning out a feeble accompaniment. Mr Dombey looked after them + until they reached the top of the staircase—not without halting to + rest by the way—and passed out of his sight; and then he still stood + gazing upwards, until the dull rays of the moon, glimmering in a + melancholy manner through the dim skylight, sent him back to his room. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were convoked in council at dinner next day; and + when the cloth was removed, Mr Dombey opened the proceedings by requiring + to be informed, without any gloss or reservation, whether there was + anything the matter with Paul, and what Mr Pilkins said about him. + </p> + <p> + 'For the child is hardly,' said Mr Dombey, 'as stout as I could wish.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' returned Mrs Chick, 'with your usual happy discrimination, + which I am weak enough to envy you, every time I am in your company; and + so I think is Miss Tox.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh my dear!' said Miss Tox, softly, 'how could it be otherwise? + Presumptuous as it is to aspire to such a level; still, if the bird of + night may—but I'll not trouble Mr Dombey with the sentiment. It + merely relates to the Bulbul.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey bent his head in stately recognition of the Bulbuls as an + old-established body. + </p> + <p> + 'With your usual happy discrimination, my dear Paul,' resumed Mrs Chick, + 'you have hit the point at once. Our darling is altogether as stout as we + could wish. The fact is, that his mind is too much for him. His soul is a + great deal too large for his frame. I am sure the way in which that dear + child talks!' said Mrs Chick, shaking her head; 'no one would believe. His + expressions, Lucretia, only yesterday upon the subject of Funerals!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid,' said Mr Dombey, interrupting her testily, 'that some of + those persons upstairs suggest improper subjects to the child. He was + speaking to me last night about his—about his Bones,' said Mr + Dombey, laying an irritated stress upon the word. 'What on earth has + anybody to do with the—with the—Bones of my son? He is not a + living skeleton, I suppose.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very far from it,' said Mrs Chick, with unspeakable expression. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope so,' returned her brother. 'Funerals again! who talks to the child + of funerals? We are not undertakers, or mutes, or grave-diggers, I + believe.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very far from it,' interposed Mrs Chick, with the same profound + expression as before. + </p> + <p> + 'Then who puts such things into his head?' said Mr Dombey. 'Really I was + quite dismayed and shocked last night. Who puts such things into his head, + Louisa?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' said Mrs Chick, after a moment's silence, 'it is of no use + inquiring. I do not think, I will tell you candidly that Wickam is a + person of very cheerful spirit, or what one would call a—' + </p> + <p> + 'A daughter of Momus,' Miss Tox softly suggested. + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly so,' said Mrs Chick; 'but she is exceedingly attentive and + useful, and not at all presumptuous; indeed I never saw a more biddable + woman. I would say that for her, if I was put upon my trial before a Court + of Justice.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well! you are not put upon your trial before a Court of Justice, at + present, Louisa,' returned Mr Dombey, chafing, 'and therefore it don't + matter.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' said Mrs Chick, in a warning voice, 'I must be spoken to + kindly, or there is an end of me,' at the same time a premonitory redness + developed itself in Mrs Chick's eyelids which was an invariable sign of + rain, unless the weather changed directly. + </p> + <p> + 'I was inquiring, Louisa,' observed Mr Dombey, in an altered voice, and + after a decent interval, 'about Paul's health and actual state.' + </p> + <p> + 'If the dear child,' said Mrs Chick, in the tone of one who was summing up + what had been previously quite agreed upon, instead of saying it all for + the first time, 'is a little weakened by that last attack, and is not in + quite such vigorous health as we could wish; and if he has some temporary + weakness in his system, and does occasionally seem about to lose, for the + moment, the use of his—' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs, after Mr Dombey's recent objection to + bones, and therefore waited for a suggestion from Miss Tox, who, true to + her office, hazarded 'members.' + </p> + <p> + 'Members!' repeated Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I think the medical gentleman mentioned legs this morning, my dear + Louisa, did he not?' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, of course he did, my love,' retorted Mrs Chick, mildly reproachful. + 'How can you ask me? You heard him. I say, if our dear Paul should lose, + for the moment, the use of his legs, these are casualties common to many + children at his time of life, and not to be prevented by any care or + caution. The sooner you understand that, Paul, and admit that, the better. + If you have any doubt as to the amount of care, and caution, and + affection, and self-sacrifice, that has been bestowed upon little Paul, I + should wish to refer the question to your medical attendant, or to any of + your dependants in this house. Call Towlinson,' said Mrs Chick, 'I believe + he has no prejudice in our favour; quite the contrary. I should wish to + hear what accusation Towlinson can make!' + </p> + <p> + 'Surely you must know, Louisa,' observed Mr Dombey, 'that I don't question + your natural devotion to, and regard for, the future head of my house.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad to hear it, Paul,' said Mrs Chick; 'but really you are very + odd, and sometimes talk very strangely, though without meaning it, I know. + If your dear boy's soul is too much for his body, Paul, you should + remember whose fault that is—who he takes after, I mean—and + make the best of it. He's as like his Papa as he can be. People have + noticed it in the streets. The very beadle, I am informed, observed it, so + long ago as at his christening. He's a very respectable man, with children + of his own. He ought to know.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Pilkins saw Paul this morning, I believe?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, he did,' returned his sister. 'Miss Tox and myself were present. + Miss Tox and myself are always present. We make a point of it. Mr Pilkins + has seen him for some days past, and a very clever man I believe him to + be. He says it is nothing to speak of; which I can confirm, if that is any + consolation; but he recommended, to-day, sea-air. Very wisely, Paul, I + feel convinced.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sea-air,' repeated Mr Dombey, looking at his sister. + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing to be made uneasy by, in that,' said Mrs Chick. 'My + George and Frederick were both ordered sea-air, when they were about his + age; and I have been ordered it myself a great many times. I quite agree + with you, Paul, that perhaps topics may be incautiously mentioned upstairs + before him, which it would be as well for his little mind not to expatiate + upon; but I really don't see how that is to be helped, in the case of a + child of his quickness. If he were a common child, there would be nothing + in it. I must say I think, with Miss Tox, that a short absence from this + house, the air of Brighton, and the bodily and mental training of so + judicious a person as Mrs Pipchin for instance—' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is Mrs Pipchin, Louisa?' asked Mr Dombey; aghast at this familiar + introduction of a name he had never heard before. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Pipchin, my dear Paul,' returned his sister, 'is an elderly lady—Miss + Tox knows her whole history—who has for some time devoted all the + energies of her mind, with the greatest success, to the study and + treatment of infancy, and who has been extremely well connected. Her + husband broke his heart in—how did you say her husband broke his + heart, my dear? I forget the precise circumstances. + </p> + <p> + 'In pumping water out of the Peruvian Mines,' replied Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Not being a Pumper himself, of course,' said Mrs Chick, glancing at her + brother; and it really did seem necessary to offer the explanation, for + Miss Tox had spoken of him as if he had died at the handle; 'but having + invested money in the speculation, which failed. I believe that Mrs + Pipchin's management of children is quite astonishing. I have heard it + commended in private circles ever since I was—dear me—how + high!' Mrs Chick's eye wandered about the bookcase near the bust of Mr + Pitt, which was about ten feet from the ground. + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps I should say of Mrs Pipchin, my dear Sir,' observed Miss Tox, + with an ingenuous blush, 'having been so pointedly referred to, that the + encomium which has been passed upon her by your sweet sister is well + merited. Many ladies and gentleman, now grown up to be interesting members + of society, have been indebted to her care. The humble individual who + addresses you was once under her charge. I believe juvenile nobility + itself is no stranger to her establishment.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do I understand that this respectable matron keeps an establishment, Miss + Tox?' the Mr Dombey, condescendingly. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I really don't know,' rejoined that lady, 'whether I am justified in + calling it so. It is not a Preparatory School by any means. Should I + express my meaning,' said Miss Tox, with peculiar sweetness, 'if I + designated it an infantine Boarding-House of a very select description?' + </p> + <p> + 'On an exceedingly limited and particular scale,' suggested Mrs Chick, + with a glance at her brother. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Exclusion itself!' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + There was something in this. Mrs Pipchin's husband having broken his heart + of the Peruvian mines was good. It had a rich sound. Besides, Mr Dombey + was in a state almost amounting to consternation at the idea of Paul + remaining where he was one hour after his removal had been recommended by + the medical practitioner. It was a stoppage and delay upon the road the + child must traverse, slowly at the best, before the goal was reached. + Their recommendation of Mrs Pipchin had great weight with him; for he knew + that they were jealous of any interference with their charge, and he never + for a moment took it into account that they might be solicitous to divide + a responsibility, of which he had, as shown just now, his own established + views. Broke his heart of the Peruvian mines, mused Mr Dombey. Well! a + very respectable way of doing It. + </p> + <p> + 'Supposing we should decide, on to-morrow's inquiries, to send Paul down + to Brighton to this lady, who would go with him?' inquired Mr Dombey, + after some reflection. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't think you could send the child anywhere at present without + Florence, my dear Paul,' returned his sister, hesitating. 'It's quite an + infatuation with him. He's very young, you know, and has his fancies.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey turned his head away, and going slowly to the bookcase, and + unlocking it, brought back a book to read. + </p> + <p> + 'Anybody else, Louisa?' he said, without looking up, and turning over the + leaves. + </p> + <p> + 'Wickam, of course. Wickam would be quite sufficient, I should say,' + returned his sister. 'Paul being in such hands as Mrs Pipchin's, you could + hardly send anybody who would be a further check upon her. You would go + down yourself once a week at least, of course.' + </p> + <p> + 'Of course,' said Mr Dombey; and sat looking at one page for an hour + afterwards, without reading one word. + </p> + <p> + This celebrated Mrs Pipchin was a marvellous ill-favoured, ill-conditioned + old lady, of a stooping figure, with a mottled face, like bad marble, a + hook nose, and a hard grey eye, that looked as if it might have been + hammered at on an anvil without sustaining any injury. Forty years at + least had elapsed since the Peruvian mines had been the death of Mr + Pipchin; but his relict still wore black bombazeen, of such a lustreless, + deep, dead, sombre shade, that gas itself couldn't light her up after + dark, and her presence was a quencher to any number of candles. She was + generally spoken of as 'a great manager' of children; and the secret of + her management was, to give them everything that they didn't like, and + nothing that they did—which was found to sweeten their dispositions + very much. She was such a bitter old lady, that one was tempted to believe + there had been some mistake in the application of the Peruvian machinery, + and that all her waters of gladness and milk of human kindness, had been + pumped out dry, instead of the mines. + </p> + <p> + The Castle of this ogress and child-queller was in a steep by-street at + Brighton; where the soil was more than usually chalky, flinty, and + sterile, and the houses were more than usually brittle and thin; where the + small front-gardens had the unaccountable property of producing nothing + but marigolds, whatever was sown in them; and where snails were constantly + discovered holding on to the street doors, and other public places they + were not expected to ornament, with the tenacity of cupping-glasses. In + the winter time the air couldn't be got out of the Castle, and in the + summer time it couldn't be got in. There was such a continual + reverberation of wind in it, that it sounded like a great shell, which the + inhabitants were obliged to hold to their ears night and day, whether they + liked it or no. It was not, naturally, a fresh-smelling house; and in the + window of the front parlour, which was never opened, Mrs Pipchin kept a + collection of plants in pots, which imparted an earthy flavour of their + own to the establishment. However choice examples of their kind, too, + these plants were of a kind peculiarly adapted to the embowerment of Mrs + Pipchin. There were half-a-dozen specimens of the cactus, writhing round + bits of lath, like hairy serpents; another specimen shooting out broad + claws, like a green lobster; several creeping vegetables, possessed of + sticky and adhesive leaves; and one uncomfortable flower-pot hanging to + the ceiling, which appeared to have boiled over, and tickling people + underneath with its long green ends, reminded them of spiders—in + which Mrs Pipchin's dwelling was uncommonly prolific, though perhaps it + challenged competition still more proudly, in the season, in point of + earwigs. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin's scale of charges being high, however, to all who could + afford to pay, and Mrs Pipchin very seldom sweetening the equable acidity + of her nature in favour of anybody, she was held to be an old 'lady of + remarkable firmness, who was quite scientific in her knowledge of the + childish character.' On this reputation, and on the broken heart of Mr + Pipchin, she had contrived, taking one year with another, to eke out a + tolerable sufficient living since her husband's demise. Within three days + after Mrs Chick's first allusion to her, this excellent old lady had the + satisfaction of anticipating a handsome addition to her current receipts, + from the pocket of Mr Dombey; and of receiving Florence and her little + brother Paul, as inmates of the Castle. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick and Miss Tox, who had brought them down on the previous night + (which they all passed at an Hotel), had just driven away from the door, + on their journey home again; and Mrs Pipchin, with her back to the fire, + stood, reviewing the new-comers, like an old soldier. Mrs Pipchin's + middle-aged niece, her good-natured and devoted slave, but possessing a + gaunt and iron-bound aspect, and much afflicted with boils on her nose, + was divesting Master Bitherstone of the clean collar he had worn on + parade. Miss Pankey, the only other little boarder at present, had that + moment been walked off to the Castle Dungeon (an empty apartment at the + back, devoted to correctional purposes), for having sniffed thrice, in the + presence of visitors. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' said Mrs Pipchin to Paul, 'how do you think you shall like + me?' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't think I shall like you at all,' replied Paul. 'I want to go away. + This isn't my house.' + </p> + <p> + 'No. It's mine,' retorted Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'It's a very nasty one,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'There's a worse place in it than this though,' said Mrs Pipchin, 'where + we shut up our bad boys.' + </p> + <p> + 'Has he ever been in it?' asked Paul: pointing out Master Bitherstone. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin nodded assent; and Paul had enough to do, for the rest of that + day, in surveying Master Bitherstone from head to foot, and watching all + the workings of his countenance, with the interest attaching to a boy of + mysterious and terrible experiences. + </p> + <p> + At one o'clock there was a dinner, chiefly of the farinaceous and + vegetable kind, when Miss Pankey (a mild little blue-eyed morsel of a + child, who was shampoo'd every morning, and seemed in danger of being + rubbed away, altogether) was led in from captivity by the ogress herself, + and instructed that nobody who sniffed before visitors ever went to + Heaven. When this great truth had been thoroughly impressed upon her, she + was regaled with rice; and subsequently repeated the form of grace + established in the Castle, in which there was a special clause, thanking + Mrs Pipchin for a good dinner. Mrs Pipchin's niece, Berinthia, took cold + pork. Mrs Pipchin, whose constitution required warm nourishment, made a + special repast of mutton-chops, which were brought in hot and hot, between + two plates, and smelt very nice. + </p> + <p> + As it rained after dinner, and they couldn't go out walking on the beach, + and Mrs Pipchin's constitution required rest after chops, they went away + with Berry (otherwise Berinthia) to the Dungeon; an empty room looking out + upon a chalk wall and a water-butt, and made ghastly by a ragged fireplace + without any stove in it. Enlivened by company, however, this was the best + place after all; for Berry played with them there, and seemed to enjoy a + game at romps as much as they did; until Mrs Pipchin knocking angrily at + the wall, like the Cock Lane Ghost revived, they left off, and Berry told + them stories in a whisper until twilight. + </p> + <p> + For tea there was plenty of milk and water, and bread and butter, with a + little black tea-pot for Mrs Pipchin and Berry, and buttered toast + unlimited for Mrs Pipchin, which was brought in, hot and hot, like the + chops. Though Mrs Pipchin got very greasy, outside, over this dish, it + didn't seem to lubricate her internally, at all; for she was as fierce as + ever, and the hard grey eye knew no softening. + </p> + <p> + After tea, Berry brought out a little work-box, with the Royal Pavilion on + the lid, and fell to working busily; while Mrs Pipchin, having put on her + spectacles and opened a great volume bound in green baize, began to nod. + And whenever Mrs Pipchin caught herself falling forward into the fire, and + woke up, she filliped Master Bitherstone on the nose for nodding too. + </p> + <p> + At last it was the children's bedtime, and after prayers they went to bed. + As little Miss Pankey was afraid of sleeping alone in the dark, Mrs + Pipchin always made a point of driving her upstairs herself, like a sheep; + and it was cheerful to hear Miss Pankey moaning long afterwards, in the + least eligible chamber, and Mrs Pipchin now and then going in to shake + her. At about half-past nine o'clock the odour of a warm sweet-bread (Mrs + Pipchin's constitution wouldn't go to sleep without sweet-bread) + diversified the prevailing fragrance of the house, which Mrs Wickam said + was 'a smell of building;' and slumber fell upon the Castle shortly after. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast next morning was like the tea over night, except that Mrs + Pipchin took her roll instead of toast, and seemed a little more irate + when it was over. Master Bitherstone read aloud to the rest a pedigree + from Genesis (judiciously selected by Mrs Pipchin), getting over the names + with the ease and clearness of a person tumbling up the treadmill. That + done, Miss Pankey was borne away to be shampoo'd; and Master Bitherstone + to have something else done to him with salt water, from which he always + returned very blue and dejected. Paul and Florence went out in the + meantime on the beach with Wickam—who was constantly in tears—and + at about noon Mrs Pipchin presided over some Early Readings. It being a + part of Mrs Pipchin's system not to encourage a child's mind to develop + and expand itself like a young flower, but to open it by force like an + oyster, the moral of these lessons was usually of a violent and stunning + character: the hero—a naughty boy—seldom, in the mildest + catastrophe, being finished off anything less than a lion, or a bear. + </p> + <p> + Such was life at Mrs Pipchin's. On Saturday Mr Dombey came down; and + Florence and Paul would go to his Hotel, and have tea They passed the + whole of Sunday with him, and generally rode out before dinner; and on + these occasions Mr Dombey seemed to grow, like Falstaff's assailants, and + instead of being one man in buckram, to become a dozen. Sunday evening was + the most melancholy evening in the week; for Mrs Pipchin always made a + point of being particularly cross on Sunday nights. Miss Pankey was + generally brought back from an aunt's at Rottingdean, in deep distress; + and Master Bitherstone, whose relatives were all in India, and who was + required to sit, between the services, in an erect position with his head + against the parlour wall, neither moving hand nor foot, suffered so + acutely in his young spirits that he once asked Florence, on a Sunday + night, if she could give him any idea of the way back to Bengal. + </p> + <p> + But it was generally said that Mrs Pipchin was a woman of system with + children; and no doubt she was. Certainly the wild ones went home tame + enough, after sojourning for a few months beneath her hospitable roof. It + was generally said, too, that it was highly creditable of Mrs Pipchin to + have devoted herself to this way of life, and to have made such a + sacrifice of her feelings, and such a resolute stand against her troubles, + when Mr Pipchin broke his heart in the Peruvian mines. + </p> + <p> + At this exemplary old lady, Paul would sit staring in his little arm-chair + by the fire, for any length of time. He never seemed to know what + weariness was, when he was looking fixedly at Mrs Pipchin. He was not fond + of her; he was not afraid of her; but in those old, old moods of his, she + seemed to have a grotesque attraction for him. There he would sit, looking + at her, and warming his hands, and looking at her, until he sometimes + quite confounded Mrs Pipchin, Ogress as she was. Once she asked him, when + they were alone, what he was thinking about. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0109m.jpg" alt="0109m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0109.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'You,' said Paul, without the least reserve. + </p> + <p> + 'And what are you thinking about me?' asked Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm thinking how old you must be,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'You mustn't say such things as that, young gentleman,' returned the dame. + 'That'll never do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why not?' asked Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Because it's not polite,' said Mrs Pipchin, snappishly. + </p> + <p> + 'Not polite?' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'No.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's not polite,' said Paul, innocently, 'to eat all the mutton chops and + toast', Wickam says. + </p> + <p> + 'Wickam,' retorted Mrs Pipchin, colouring, 'is a wicked, impudent, + bold-faced hussy.' + </p> + <p> + 'What's that?' inquired Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Never you mind, Sir,' retorted Mrs Pipchin. 'Remember the story of the + little boy that was gored to death by a mad bull for asking questions.' + </p> + <p> + 'If the bull was mad,' said Paul, 'how did he know that the boy had asked + questions? Nobody can go and whisper secrets to a mad bull. I don't + believe that story.' + </p> + <p> + 'You don't believe it, Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin, amazed. + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Not if it should happen to have been a tame bull, you little Infidel?' + said Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + As Paul had not considered the subject in that light, and had founded his + conclusions on the alleged lunacy of the bull, he allowed himself to be + put down for the present. But he sat turning it over in his mind, with + such an obvious intention of fixing Mrs Pipchin presently, that even that + hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should have forgotten + the subject. + </p> + <p> + From that time, Mrs Pipchin appeared to have something of the same odd + kind of attraction towards Paul, as Paul had towards her. She would make + him move his chair to her side of the fire, instead of sitting opposite; + and there he would remain in a nook between Mrs Pipchin and the fender, + with all the light of his little face absorbed into the black bombazeen + drapery, studying every line and wrinkle of her countenance, and peering + at the hard grey eye, until Mrs Pipchin was sometimes fain to shut it, on + pretence of dozing. Mrs Pipchin had an old black cat, who generally lay + coiled upon the centre foot of the fender, purring egotistically, and + winking at the fire until the contracted pupils of his eyes were like two + notes of admiration. The good old lady might have been—not to record + it disrespectfully—a witch, and Paul and the cat her two familiars, + as they all sat by the fire together. It would have been quite in keeping + with the appearance of the party if they had all sprung up the chimney in + a high wind one night, and never been heard of any more. + </p> + <p> + This, however, never came to pass. The cat, and Paul, and Mrs Pipchin, + were constantly to be found in their usual places after dark; and Paul, + eschewing the companionship of Master Bitherstone, went on studying Mrs + Pipchin, and the cat, and the fire, night after night, as if they were a + book of necromancy, in three volumes. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam put her own construction on Paul's eccentricities; and being + confirmed in her low spirits by a perplexed view of chimneys from the room + where she was accustomed to sit, and by the noise of the wind, and by the + general dulness (gashliness was Mrs Wickam's strong expression) of her + present life, deduced the most dismal reflections from the foregoing + premises. It was a part of Mrs Pipchin's policy to prevent her own 'young + hussy'—that was Mrs Pipchin's generic name for female servant—from + communicating with Mrs Wickam: to which end she devoted much of her time + to concealing herself behind doors, and springing out on that devoted + maiden, whenever she made an approach towards Mrs Wickam's apartment. But + Berry was free to hold what converse she could in that quarter, + consistently with the discharge of the multifarious duties at which she + toiled incessantly from morning to night; and to Berry Mrs Wickam + unburdened her mind. + </p> + <p> + 'What a pretty fellow he is when he's asleep!' said Berry, stopping to + look at Paul in bed, one night when she took up Mrs Wickam's supper. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' sighed Mrs Wickam. 'He need be.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, he's not ugly when he's awake,' observed Berry. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Ma'am. Oh, no. No more was my Uncle's Betsey Jane,' said Mrs Wickam. + </p> + <p> + Berry looked as if she would like to trace the connexion of ideas between + Paul Dombey and Mrs Wickam's Uncle's Betsey Jane. + </p> + <p> + 'My Uncle's wife,' Mrs Wickam went on to say, 'died just like his Mama. My + Uncle's child took on just as Master Paul do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Took on! You don't think he grieves for his Mama, sure?' argued Berry, + sitting down on the side of the bed. 'He can't remember anything about + her, you know, Mrs Wickam. It's not possible.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Ma'am,' said Mrs Wickam 'No more did my Uncle's child. But my Uncle's + child said very strange things sometimes, and looked very strange, and + went on very strange, and was very strange altogether. My Uncle's child + made people's blood run cold, some times, she did!' + </p> + <p> + 'How?' asked Berry. + </p> + <p> + 'I wouldn't have sat up all night alone with Betsey Jane!' said Mrs + Wickam, 'not if you'd have put Wickam into business next morning for + himself. I couldn't have done it, Miss Berry. + </p> + <p> + Miss Berry naturally asked why not? But Mrs Wickam, agreeably to the usage + of some ladies in her condition, pursued her own branch of the subject, + without any compunction. + </p> + <p> + 'Betsey Jane,' said Mrs Wickam, 'was as sweet a child as I could wish to + see. I couldn't wish to see a sweeter. Everything that a child could have + in the way of illnesses, Betsey Jane had come through. The cramps was as + common to her,' said Mrs Wickam, 'as biles is to yourself, Miss Berry.' + Miss Berry involuntarily wrinkled her nose. + </p> + <p> + 'But Betsey Jane,' said Mrs Wickam, lowering her voice, and looking round + the room, and towards Paul in bed, 'had been minded, in her cradle, by her + departed mother. I couldn't say how, nor I couldn't say when, nor I + couldn't say whether the dear child knew it or not, but Betsey Jane had + been watched by her mother, Miss Berry!' and Mrs Wickam, with a very white + face, and with watery eyes, and with a tremulous voice, again looked + fearfully round the room, and towards Paul in bed. + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense!' cried Miss Berry—somewhat resentful of the idea. + </p> + <p> + 'You may say nonsense! I ain't offended, Miss. I hope you may be able to + think in your own conscience that it is nonsense; you'll find your spirits + all the better for it in this—you'll excuse my being so free—in + this burying-ground of a place; which is wearing of me down. Master Paul's + a little restless in his sleep. Pat his back, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Of course you think,' said Berry, gently doing what she was asked, 'that + he has been nursed by his mother, too?' + </p> + <p> + 'Betsey Jane,' returned Mrs Wickam in her most solemn tones, 'was put upon + as that child has been put upon, and changed as that child has changed. I + have seen her sit, often and often, think, think, thinking, like him. I + have seen her look, often and often, old, old, old, like him. I have heard + her, many a time, talk just like him. I consider that child and Betsey + Jane on the same footing entirely, Miss Berry.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is your Uncle's child alive?' asked Berry. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss, she is alive,' returned Mrs Wickam with an air of triumph, for + it was evident. Miss Berry expected the reverse; 'and is married to a + silver-chaser. Oh yes, Miss, SHE is alive,' said Mrs Wickam, laying strong + stress on her nominative case. + </p> + <p> + It being clear that somebody was dead, Mrs Pipchin's niece inquired who it + was. + </p> + <p> + 'I wouldn't wish to make you uneasy,' returned Mrs Wickam, pursuing her + supper. 'Don't ask me.' + </p> + <p> + This was the surest way of being asked again. Miss Berry repeated her + question, therefore; and after some resistance, and reluctance, Mrs Wickam + laid down her knife, and again glancing round the room and at Paul in bed, + replied: + </p> + <p> + 'She took fancies to people; whimsical fancies, some of them; others, + affections that one might expect to see—only stronger than common. + They all died.' + </p> + <p> + This was so very unexpected and awful to Mrs Pipchin's niece, that she sat + upright on the hard edge of the bedstead, breathing short, and surveying + her informant with looks of undisguised alarm. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam shook her left fore-finger stealthily towards the bed where + Florence lay; then turned it upside down, and made several emphatic points + at the floor; immediately below which was the parlour in which Mrs Pipchin + habitually consumed the toast. + </p> + <p> + 'Remember my words, Miss Berry,' said Mrs Wickam, 'and be thankful that + Master Paul is not too fond of you. I am, that he's not too fond of me, I + assure you; though there isn't much to live for—you'll excuse my + being so free—in this jail of a house!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Berry's emotion might have led to her patting Paul too hard on the + back, or might have produced a cessation of that soothing monotony, but he + turned in his bed just now, and, presently awaking, sat up in it with his + hair hot and wet from the effects of some childish dream, and asked for + Florence. + </p> + <p> + She was out of her own bed at the first sound of his voice; and bending + over his pillow immediately, sang him to sleep again. Mrs Wickam shaking + her head, and letting fall several tears, pointed out the little group to + Berry, and turned her eyes up to the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + 'He's asleep now, my dear,' said Mrs Wickam after a pause, 'you'd better + go to bed again. Don't you feel cold?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, nurse,' said Florence, laughing. 'Not at all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' sighed Mrs Wickam, and she shook her head again, expressing to the + watchful Berry, 'we shall be cold enough, some of us, by and by!' + </p> + <p> + Berry took the frugal supper-tray, with which Mrs Wickam had by this time + done, and bade her good-night. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, Miss!' returned Wickam softly. 'Good-night! Your aunt is an + old lady, Miss Berry, and it's what you must have looked for, often.' + </p> + <p> + This consolatory farewell, Mrs Wickam accompanied with a look of heartfelt + anguish; and being left alone with the two children again, and becoming + conscious that the wind was blowing mournfully, she indulged in melancholy—that + cheapest and most accessible of luxuries—until she was overpowered + by slumber. + </p> + <p> + Although the niece of Mrs Pipchin did not expect to find that exemplary + dragon prostrate on the hearth-rug when she went downstairs, she was + relieved to find her unusually fractious and severe, and with every + present appearance of intending to live a long time to be a comfort to all + who knew her. Nor had she any symptoms of declining, in the course of the + ensuing week, when the constitutional viands still continued to disappear + in regular succession, notwithstanding that Paul studied her as + attentively as ever, and occupied his usual seat between the black skirts + and the fender, with unwavering constancy. + </p> + <p> + But as Paul himself was no stronger at the expiration of that time than he + had been on his first arrival, though he looked much healthier in the + face, a little carriage was got for him, in which he could lie at his + ease, with an alphabet and other elementary works of reference, and be + wheeled down to the sea-side. Consistent in his odd tastes, the child set + aside a ruddy-faced lad who was proposed as the drawer of this carriage, + and selected, instead, his grandfather—a weazen, old, crab-faced + man, in a suit of battered oilskin, who had got tough and stringy from + long pickling in salt water, and who smelt like a weedy sea-beach when the + tide is out. + </p> + <p> + With this notable attendant to pull him along, and Florence always walking + by his side, and the despondent Wickam bringing up the rear, he went down + to the margin of the ocean every day; and there he would sit or lie in his + carriage for hours together: never so distressed as by the company of + children—Florence alone excepted, always. + </p> + <p> + 'Go away, if you please,' he would say to any child who came to bear him + company. 'Thank you, but I don't want you.' + </p> + <p> + Some small voice, near his ear, would ask him how he was, perhaps. + </p> + <p> + 'I am very well, I thank you,' he would answer. 'But you had better go and + play, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + Then he would turn his head, and watch the child away, and say to + Florence, 'We don't want any others, do we? Kiss me, Floy.' + </p> + <p> + He had even a dislike, at such times, to the company of Wickam, and was + well pleased when she strolled away, as she generally did, to pick up + shells and acquaintances. His favourite spot was quite a lonely one, far + away from most loungers; and with Florence sitting by his side at work, or + reading to him, or talking to him, and the wind blowing on his face, and + the water coming up among the wheels of his bed, he wanted nothing more. + </p> + <p> + 'Floy,' he said one day, 'where's India, where that boy's friends live?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's a long, long distance off,' said Florence, raising her eyes from + her work. + </p> + <p> + 'Weeks off?' asked Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes dear. Many weeks' journey, night and day.' + </p> + <p> + 'If you were in India, Floy,' said Paul, after being silent for a minute, + 'I should—what is it that Mama did? I forget.' + </p> + <p> + 'Loved me!' answered Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'No, no. Don't I love you now, Floy? What is it?—Died. If you were + in India, I should die, Floy.' + </p> + <p> + She hurriedly put her work aside, and laid her head down on his pillow, + caressing him. And so would she, she said, if he were there. He would be + better soon. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I am a great deal better now!' he answered. 'I don't mean that. I + mean that I should die of being so sorry and so lonely, Floy!' + </p> + <p> + Another time, in the same place, he fell asleep, and slept quietly for a + long time. Awaking suddenly, he listened, started up, and sat listening. + </p> + <p> + Florence asked him what he thought he heard. + </p> + <p> + 'I want to know what it says,' he answered, looking steadily in her face. + 'The sea' Floy, what is it that it keeps on saying?' + </p> + <p> + She told him that it was only the noise of the rolling waves. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes,' he said. 'But I know that they are always saying something. + Always the same thing. What place is over there?' He rose up, looking + eagerly at the horizon. + </p> + <p> + She told him that there was another country opposite, but he said he + didn't mean that: he meant further away—farther away! + </p> + <p> + Very often afterwards, in the midst of their talk, he would break off, to + try to understand what it was that the waves were always saying; and would + rise up in his couch to look towards that invisible region, far away. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 9. In which the Wooden Midshipman gets into Trouble + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>hat spice of romance and love of the marvellous, of which there was a + pretty strong infusion in the nature of young Walter Gay, and which the + guardianship of his Uncle, old Solomon Gills, had not very much weakened + by the waters of stern practical experience, was the occasion of his + attaching an uncommon and delightful interest to the adventure of Florence + with Good Mrs Brown. He pampered and cherished it in his memory, + especially that part of it with which he had been associated: until it + became the spoiled child of his fancy, and took its own way, and did what + it liked with it. + </p> + <p> + The recollection of those incidents, and his own share in them, may have + been made the more captivating, perhaps, by the weekly dreamings of old + Sol and Captain Cuttle on Sundays. Hardly a Sunday passed, without + mysterious references being made by one or other of those worthy chums to + Richard Whittington; and the latter gentleman had even gone so far as to + purchase a ballad of considerable antiquity, that had long fluttered among + many others, chiefly expressive of maritime sentiments, on a dead wall in + the Commercial Road: which poetical performance set forth the courtship + and nuptials of a promising young coal-whipper with a certain 'lovely + Peg,' the accomplished daughter of the master and part-owner of a + Newcastle collier. In this stirring legend, Captain Cuttle descried a + profound metaphysical bearing on the case of Walter and Florence; and it + excited him so much, that on very festive occasions, as birthdays and a + few other non-Dominical holidays, he would roar through the whole song in + the little back parlour; making an amazing shake on the word Pe-e-eg, with + which every verse concluded, in compliment to the heroine of the piece. + </p> + <p> + But a frank, free-spirited, open-hearted boy, is not much given to + analysing the nature of his own feelings, however strong their hold upon + him: and Walter would have found it difficult to decide this point. He had + a great affection for the wharf where he had encountered Florence, and for + the streets (albeit not enchanting in themselves) by which they had come + home. The shoes that had so often tumbled off by the way, he preserved in + his own room; and, sitting in the little back parlour of an evening, he + had drawn a whole gallery of fancy portraits of Good Mrs Brown. It may be + that he became a little smarter in his dress after that memorable + occasion; and he certainly liked in his leisure time to walk towards that + quarter of the town where Mr Dombey's house was situated, on the vague + chance of passing little Florence in the street. But the sentiment of all + this was as boyish and innocent as could be. Florence was very pretty, and + it is pleasant to admire a pretty face. Florence was defenceless and weak, + and it was a proud thought that he had been able to render her any + protection and assistance. Florence was the most grateful little creature + in the world, and it was delightful to see her bright gratitude beaming in + her face. Florence was neglected and coldly looked upon, and his breast + was full of youthful interest for the slighted child in her dull, stately + home. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about that, perhaps some half-a-dozen times in the course of + the year, Walter pulled off his hat to Florence in the street, and + Florence would stop to shake hands. Mrs Wickam (who, with a characteristic + alteration of his name, invariably spoke of him as 'Young Graves') was so + well used to this, knowing the story of their acquaintance, that she took + no heed of it at all. Miss Nipper, on the other hand, rather looked out + for these occasions: her sensitive young heart being secretly propitiated + by Walter's good looks, and inclining to the belief that its sentiments + were responded to. + </p> + <p> + In this way, Walter, so far from forgetting or losing sight of his + acquaintance with Florence, only remembered it better and better. As to + its adventurous beginning, and all those little circumstances which gave + it a distinctive character and relish, he took them into account, more as + a pleasant story very agreeable to his imagination, and not to be + dismissed from it, than as a part of any matter of fact with which he was + concerned. They set off Florence very much, to his fancy; but not himself. + Sometimes he thought (and then he walked very fast) what a grand thing it + would have been for him to have been going to sea on the day after that + first meeting, and to have gone, and to have done wonders there, and to + have stopped away a long time, and to have come back an Admiral of all the + colours of the dolphin, or at least a Post-Captain with epaulettes of + insupportable brightness, and have married Florence (then a beautiful + young woman) in spite of Mr Dombey's teeth, cravat, and watch-chain, and + borne her away to the blue shores of somewhere or other, triumphantly. But + these flights of fancy seldom burnished the brass plate of Dombey and + Son's Offices into a tablet of golden hope, or shed a brilliant lustre on + their dirty skylights; and when the Captain and Uncle Sol talked about + Richard Whittington and masters' daughters, Walter felt that he understood + his true position at Dombey and Son's, much better than they did. + </p> + <p> + So it was that he went on doing what he had to do from day to day, in a + cheerful, pains-taking, merry spirit; and saw through the sanguine + complexion of Uncle Sol and Captain Cuttle; and yet entertained a thousand + indistinct and visionary fancies of his own, to which theirs were + work-a-day probabilities. Such was his condition at the Pipchin period, + when he looked a little older than of yore, but not much; and was the same + light-footed, light-hearted, light-headed lad, as when he charged into the + parlour at the head of Uncle Sol and the imaginary boarders, and lighted + him to bring up the Madeira. + </p> + <p> + 'Uncle Sol,' said Walter, 'I don't think you're well. You haven't eaten + any breakfast. I shall bring a doctor to you, if you go on like this.' + </p> + <p> + 'He can't give me what I want, my boy,' said Uncle Sol. 'At least he is in + good practice if he can—and then he wouldn't.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is it, Uncle? Customers?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' returned Solomon, with a sigh. 'Customers would do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Confound it, Uncle!' said Walter, putting down his breakfast cup with a + clatter, and striking his hand on the table: 'when I see the people going + up and down the street in shoals all day, and passing and re-passing the + shop every minute, by scores, I feel half tempted to rush out, collar + somebody, bring him in, and make him buy fifty pounds' worth of + instruments for ready money. What are you looking in at the door for?—' + continued Walter, apostrophizing an old gentleman with a powdered head + (inaudibly to him of course), who was staring at a ship's telescope with + all his might and main. 'That's no use. I could do that. Come in and buy + it!' + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman, however, having satiated his curiosity, walked calmly + away. + </p> + <p> + 'There he goes!' said Walter. 'That's the way with 'em all. But, Uncle—I + say, Uncle Sol'—for the old man was meditating and had not responded + to his first appeal. 'Don't be cast down. Don't be out of spirits, Uncle. + When orders do come, they'll come in such a crowd, you won't be able to + execute 'em.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall be past executing 'em, whenever they come, my boy,' returned + Solomon Gills. 'They'll never come to this shop again, till I am out of + t.' + </p> + <p> + 'I say, Uncle! You musn't really, you know!' urged Walter. 'Don't!' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol endeavoured to assume a cheery look, and smiled across the little + table at him as pleasantly as he could. + </p> + <p> + 'There's nothing more than usual the matter; is there, Uncle?' said + Walter, leaning his elbows on the tea tray, and bending over, to speak the + more confidentially and kindly. 'Be open with me, Uncle, if there is, and + tell me all about it.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, no,' returned Old Sol. 'More than usual? No, no. What should + there be the matter more than usual?' + </p> + <p> + Walter answered with an incredulous shake of his head. 'That's what I want + to know,' he said, 'and you ask me! I'll tell you what, Uncle, when I see + you like this, I am quite sorry that I live with you.' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol opened his eyes involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Though nobody ever was happier than I am and always have been with + you, I am quite sorry that I live with you, when I see you with anything + in your mind.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am a little dull at such times, I know,' observed Solomon, meekly + rubbing his hands. + </p> + <p> + 'What I mean, Uncle Sol,' pursued Walter, bending over a little more to + pat him on the shoulder, 'is, that then I feel you ought to have, sitting + here and pouring out the tea instead of me, a nice little dumpling of a + wife, you know,—a comfortable, capital, cosy old lady, who was just + a match for you, and knew how to manage you, and keep you in good heart. + Here am I, as loving a nephew as ever was (I am sure I ought to be!) but I + am only a nephew, and I can't be such a companion to you when you're low + and out of sorts as she would have made herself, years ago, though I'm + sure I'd give any money if I could cheer you up. And so I say, when I see + you with anything on your mind, that I feel quite sorry you haven't got + somebody better about you than a blundering young rough-and-tough boy like + me, who has got the will to console you, Uncle, but hasn't got the way—hasn't + got the way,' repeated Walter, reaching over further yet, to shake his + Uncle by the hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Wally, my dear boy,' said Solomon, 'if the cosy little old lady had taken + her place in this parlour five and forty years ago, I never could have + been fonder of her than I am of you.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know that, Uncle Sol,' returned Walter. 'Lord bless you, I know that. + But you wouldn't have had the whole weight of any uncomfortable secrets if + she had been with you, because she would have known how to relieve you of + 'em, and I don't.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes, you do,' returned the Instrument-maker. + </p> + <p> + 'Well then, what's the matter, Uncle Sol?' said Walter, coaxingly. 'Come! + What's the matter?' + </p> + <p> + Solomon Gills persisted that there was nothing the matter; and maintained + it so resolutely, that his nephew had no resource but to make a very + indifferent imitation of believing him. + </p> + <p> + 'All I can say is, Uncle Sol, that if there is—' + </p> + <p> + 'But there isn't,' said Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 'Very well,' said Walter. 'Then I've no more to say; and that's lucky, for + my time's up for going to business. I shall look in by-and-by when I'm + out, to see how you get on, Uncle. And mind, Uncle! I'll never believe you + again, and never tell you anything more about Mr Carker the Junior, if I + find out that you have been deceiving me!' + </p> + <p> + Solomon Gills laughingly defied him to find out anything of the kind; and + Walter, revolving in his thoughts all sorts of impracticable ways of + making fortunes and placing the wooden Midshipman in a position of + independence, betook himself to the offices of Dombey and Son with a + heavier countenance than he usually carried there. + </p> + <p> + There lived in those days, round the corner—in Bishopsgate Street + Without—one Brogley, sworn broker and appraiser, who kept a shop + where every description of second-hand furniture was exhibited in the most + uncomfortable aspect, and under circumstances and in combinations the most + completely foreign to its purpose. Dozens of chairs hooked on to + washing-stands, which with difficulty poised themselves on the shoulders + of sideboards, which in their turn stood upon the wrong side of + dining-tables, gymnastic with their legs upward on the tops of other + dining-tables, were among its most reasonable arrangements. A banquet + array of dish-covers, wine-glasses, and decanters was generally to be + seen, spread forth upon the bosom of a four-post bedstead, for the + entertainment of such genial company as half-a-dozen pokers, and a hall + lamp. A set of window curtains with no windows belonging to them, would be + seen gracefully draping a barricade of chests of drawers, loaded with + little jars from chemists' shops; while a homeless hearthrug severed from + its natural companion the fireside, braved the shrewd east wind in its + adversity, and trembled in melancholy accord with the shrill complainings + of a cabinet piano, wasting away, a string a day, and faintly resounding + to the noises of the street in its jangling and distracted brain. Of + motionless clocks that never stirred a finger, and seemed as incapable of + being successfully wound up, as the pecuniary affairs of their former + owners, there was always great choice in Mr Brogley's shop; and various + looking-glasses, accidentally placed at compound interest of reflection + and refraction, presented to the eye an eternal perspective of bankruptcy + and ruin. + </p> + <p> + Mr Brogley himself was a moist-eyed, pink-complexioned, crisp-haired man, + of a bulky figure and an easy temper—for that class of Caius Marius + who sits upon the ruins of other people's Carthages, can keep up his + spirits well enough. He had looked in at Solomon's shop sometimes, to ask + a question about articles in Solomon's way of business; and Walter knew + him sufficiently to give him good day when they met in the street. But as + that was the extent of the broker's acquaintance with Solomon Gills also, + Walter was not a little surprised when he came back in the course of the + forenoon, agreeably to his promise, to find Mr Brogley sitting in the back + parlour with his hands in his pockets, and his hat hanging up behind the + door. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Uncle Sol!' said Walter. The old man was sitting ruefully on the + opposite side of the table, with his spectacles over his eyes, for a + wonder, instead of on his forehead. 'How are you now?' + </p> + <p> + Solomon shook his head, and waved one hand towards the broker, as + introducing him. + </p> + <p> + 'Is there anything the matter?' asked Walter, with a catching in his + breath. + </p> + <p> + 'No, no. There's nothing the matter, said Mr Brogley. 'Don't let it put + you out of the way.' + </p> + <p> + Walter looked from the broker to his Uncle in mute amazement. + </p> + <p> + 'The fact is,' said Mr Brogley, 'there's a little payment on a bond debt + —three hundred and seventy odd, overdue: and I'm in possession.' + </p> + <p> + 'In possession!' cried Walter, looking round at the shop. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said Mr Brogley, in confidential assent, and nodding his head as if + he would urge the advisability of their all being comfortable together. + 'It's an execution. That's what it is. Don't let it put you out of the + way. I come myself, because of keeping it quiet and sociable. You know me. + It's quite private.' + </p> + <p> + 'Uncle Sol!' faltered Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Wally, my boy,' returned his uncle. 'It's the first time. Such a calamity + never happened to me before. I'm an old man to begin.' Pushing up his + spectacles again (for they were useless any longer to conceal his + emotion), he covered his face with his hand, and sobbed aloud, and his + tears fell down upon his coffee-coloured waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + 'Uncle Sol! Pray! oh don't!' exclaimed Walter, who really felt a thrill of + terror in seeing the old man weep. 'For God's sake don't do that. Mr + Brogley, what shall I do?' + </p> + <p> + 'I should recommend you looking up a friend or so,' said Mr Brogley, 'and + talking it over.' + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure!' cried Walter, catching at anything. 'Certainly! Thankee. + Captain Cuttle's the man, Uncle. Wait till I run to Captain Cuttle. Keep + your eye upon my Uncle, will you, Mr Brogley, and make him as comfortable + as you can while I am gone? Don't despair, Uncle Sol. Try and keep a good + heart, there's a dear fellow!' + </p> + <p> + Saying this with great fervour, and disregarding the old man's broken + remonstrances, Walter dashed out of the shop again as hard as he could go; + and, having hurried round to the office to excuse himself on the plea of + his Uncle's sudden illness, set off, full speed, for Captain Cuttle's + residence. + </p> + <p> + Everything seemed altered as he ran along the streets. There were the + usual entanglement and noise of carts, drays, omnibuses, waggons, and foot + passengers, but the misfortune that had fallen on the wooden Midshipman + made it strange and new. Houses and shops were different from what they + used to be, and bore Mr Brogley's warrant on their fronts in large + characters. The broker seemed to have got hold of the very churches; for + their spires rose into the sky with an unwonted air. Even the sky itself + was changed, and had an execution in it plainly. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle lived on the brink of a little canal near the India Docks, + where there was a swivel bridge which opened now and then to let some + wandering monster of a ship come roaming up the street like a stranded + leviathan. The gradual change from land to water, on the approach to + Captain Cuttle's lodgings, was curious. It began with the erection of + flagstaffs, as appurtenances to public-houses; then came slop-sellers' + shops, with Guernsey shirts, sou'wester hats, and canvas pantaloons, at + once the tightest and the loosest of their order, hanging up outside. + These were succeeded by anchor and chain-cable forges, where sledgehammers + were dinging upon iron all day long. Then came rows of houses, with little + vane-surmounted masts uprearing themselves from among the scarlet beans. + Then, ditches. Then, pollard willows. Then, more ditches. Then, + unaccountable patches of dirty water, hardly to be descried, for the ships + that covered them. Then, the air was perfumed with chips; and all other + trades were swallowed up in mast, oar, and block-making, and boatbuilding. + Then, the ground grew marshy and unsettled. Then, there was nothing to be + smelt but rum and sugar. Then, Captain Cuttle's lodgings—at once a + first floor and a top storey, in Brig Place—were close before you. + </p> + <p> + The Captain was one of those timber-looking men, suits of oak as well as + hearts, whom it is almost impossible for the liveliest imagination to + separate from any part of their dress, however insignificant. Accordingly, + when Walter knocked at the door, and the Captain instantly poked his head + out of one of his little front windows, and hailed him, with the hard + glared hat already on it, and the shirt-collar like a sail, and the wide + suit of blue, all standing as usual, Walter was as fully persuaded that he + was always in that state, as if the Captain had been a bird and those had + been his feathers. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad!' said Captain Cuttle. 'Stand by and knock again. Hard! + It's washing day.' + </p> + <p> + Walter, in his impatience, gave a prodigious thump with the knocker. + </p> + <p> + 'Hard it is!' said Captain Cuttle, and immediately drew in his head, as if + he expected a squall. + </p> + <p> + Nor was he mistaken: for a widow lady, with her sleeves rolled up to her + shoulders, and her arms frothy with soap-suds and smoking with hot water, + replied to the summons with startling rapidity. Before she looked at + Walter she looked at the knocker, and then, measuring him with her eyes + from head to foot, said she wondered he had left any of it. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle's at home, I know,' said Walter with a conciliatory smile. + </p> + <p> + 'Is he?' replied the widow lady. 'In-deed!' + </p> + <p> + 'He has just been speaking to me,' said Walter, in breathless explanation. + </p> + <p> + 'Has he?' replied the widow lady. 'Then p'raps you'll give him Mrs + MacStinger's respects, and say that the next time he lowers himself and + his lodgings by talking out of the winder she'll thank him to come down + and open the door too.' Mrs MacStinger spoke loud, and listened for any + observations that might be offered from the first floor. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll mention it,' said Walter, 'if you'll have the goodness to let me in, + Ma'am.' + </p> + <p> + For he was repelled by a wooden fortification extending across the + doorway, and put there to prevent the little MacStingers in their moments + of recreation from tumbling down the steps. + </p> + <p> + 'A boy that can knock my door down,' said Mrs MacStinger, contemptuously, + 'can get over that, I should hope!' But Walter, taking this as a + permission to enter, and getting over it, Mrs MacStinger immediately + demanded whether an Englishwoman's house was her castle or not; and + whether she was to be broke in upon by 'raff.' On these subjects her + thirst for information was still very importunate, when Walter, having + made his way up the little staircase through an artificial fog occasioned + by the washing, which covered the banisters with a clammy perspiration, + entered Captain Cuttle's room, and found that gentleman in ambush behind + the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Never owed her a penny, Wal'r,' said Captain Cuttle, in a low voice, and + with visible marks of trepidation on his countenance. 'Done her a world of + good turns, and the children too. Vixen at times, though. Whew!' + </p> + <p> + 'I should go away, Captain Cuttle,' said Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Dursn't do it, Wal'r,' returned the Captain. 'She'd find me out, wherever + I went. Sit down. How's Gills?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain was dining (in his hat) off cold loin of mutton, porter, and + some smoking hot potatoes, which he had cooked himself, and took out of a + little saucepan before the fire as he wanted them. He unscrewed his hook + at dinner-time, and screwed a knife into its wooden socket instead, with + which he had already begun to peel one of these potatoes for Walter. His + rooms were very small, and strongly impregnated with tobacco-smoke, but + snug enough: everything being stowed away, as if there were an earthquake + regularly every half-hour. + </p> + <p> + 'How's Gills?' inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Walter, who had by this time recovered his breath, and lost his spirits—or + such temporary spirits as his rapid journey had given him—looked at + his questioner for a moment, said 'Oh, Captain Cuttle!' and burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + No words can describe the Captain's consternation at this sight Mrs + MacStinger faded into nothing before it. He dropped the potato and the + fork—and would have dropped the knife too if he could—and sat + gazing at the boy, as if he expected to hear next moment that a gulf had + opened in the City, which had swallowed up his old friend, coffee-coloured + suit, buttons, chronometer, spectacles, and all. + </p> + <p> + But when Walter told him what was really the matter, Captain Cuttle, after + a moment's reflection, started up into full activity. He emptied out of a + little tin canister on the top shelf of the cupboard, his whole stock of + ready money (amounting to thirteen pounds and half-a-crown), which he + transferred to one of the pockets of his square blue coat; further + enriched that repository with the contents of his plate chest, consisting + of two withered atomies of tea-spoons, and an obsolete pair of + knock-knee'd sugar-tongs; pulled up his immense double-cased silver watch + from the depths in which it reposed, to assure himself that that valuable + was sound and whole; re-attached the hook to his right wrist; and seizing + the stick covered over with knobs, bade Walter come along. + </p> + <p> + Remembering, however, in the midst of his virtuous excitement, that Mrs + MacStinger might be lying in wait below, Captain Cuttle hesitated at last, + not without glancing at the window, as if he had some thoughts of escaping + by that unusual means of egress, rather than encounter his terrible enemy. + He decided, however, in favour of stratagem. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r,' said the Captain, with a timid wink, 'go afore, my lad. Sing out, + "good-bye, Captain Cuttle," when you're in the passage, and shut the door. + Then wait at the corner of the street 'till you see me. + </p> + <p> + These directions were not issued without a previous knowledge of the + enemy's tactics, for when Walter got downstairs, Mrs MacStinger glided out + of the little back kitchen, like an avenging spirit. But not gliding out + upon the Captain, as she had expected, she merely made a further allusion + to the knocker, and glided in again. + </p> + <p> + Some five minutes elapsed before Captain Cuttle could summon courage to + attempt his escape; for Walter waited so long at the street corner, + looking back at the house, before there were any symptoms of the hard + glazed hat. At length the Captain burst out of the door with the + suddenness of an explosion, and coming towards him at a great pace, and + never once looking over his shoulder, pretended, as soon as they were well + out of the street, to whistle a tune. + </p> + <p> + 'Uncle much hove down, Wal'r?' inquired the Captain, as they were walking + along. + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid so. If you had seen him this morning, you would never have + forgotten it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Walk fast, Wal'r, my lad,' returned the Captain, mending his pace; 'and + walk the same all the days of your life. Overhaul the catechism for that + advice, and keep it!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain was too busy with his own thoughts of Solomon Gills, mingled + perhaps with some reflections on his late escape from Mrs MacStinger, to + offer any further quotations on the way for Walter's moral improvement + They interchanged no other word until they arrived at old Sol's door, + where the unfortunate wooden Midshipman, with his instrument at his eye, + seemed to be surveying the whole horizon in search of some friend to help + him out of his difficulty. + </p> + <p> + 'Gills!' said the Captain, hurrying into the back parlour, and taking him + by the hand quite tenderly. 'Lay your head well to the wind, and we'll + fight through it. All you've got to do,' said the Captain, with the + solemnity of a man who was delivering himself of one of the most precious + practical tenets ever discovered by human wisdom, 'is to lay your head + well to the wind, and we'll fight through it!' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol returned the pressure of his hand, and thanked him. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, then, with a gravity suitable to the nature of the + occasion, put down upon the table the two tea-spoons and the sugar-tongs, + the silver watch, and the ready money; and asked Mr Brogley, the broker, + what the damage was. + </p> + <p> + 'Come! What do you make of it?' said Captain Cuttle. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Lord help you!' returned the broker; 'you don't suppose that + property's of any use, do you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why not?' inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Why? The amount's three hundred and seventy, odd,' replied the broker. + </p> + <p> + 'Never mind,' returned the Captain, though he was evidently dismayed by + the figures: 'all's fish that comes to your net, I suppose?' + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly,' said Mr Brogley. 'But sprats ain't whales, you know.' + </p> + <p> + The philosophy of this observation seemed to strike the Captain. He + ruminated for a minute; eyeing the broker, meanwhile, as a deep genius; + and then called the Instrument-maker aside. + </p> + <p> + 'Gills,' said Captain Cuttle, 'what's the bearings of this business? Who's + the creditor?' + </p> + <p> + 'Hush!' returned the old man. 'Come away. Don't speak before Wally. It's a + matter of security for Wally's father—an old bond. I've paid a good + deal of it, Ned, but the times are so bad with me that I can't do more + just now. I've foreseen it, but I couldn't help it. Not a word before + Wally, for all the world.' + </p> + <p> + 'You've got some money, haven't you?' whispered the Captain. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0126m.jpg" alt="0126m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0126.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'Yes, yes—oh yes—I've got some,' returned old Sol, first + putting his hands into his empty pockets, and then squeezing his Welsh wig + between them, as if he thought he might wring some gold out of it; 'but I—the + little I have got, isn't convertible, Ned; it can't be got at. I have been + trying to do something with it for Wally, and I'm old fashioned, and + behind the time. It's here and there, and—and, in short, it's as + good as nowhere,' said the old man, looking in bewilderment about him. + </p> + <p> + He had so much the air of a half-witted person who had been hiding his + money in a variety of places, and had forgotten where, that the Captain + followed his eyes, not without a faint hope that he might remember some + few hundred pounds concealed up the chimney, or down in the cellar. But + Solomon Gills knew better than that. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm behind the time altogether, my dear Ned,' said Sol, in resigned + despair, 'a long way. It's no use my lagging on so far behind it. The + stock had better be sold—it's worth more than this debt—and I + had better go and die somewhere, on the balance. I haven't any energy + left. I don't understand things. This had better be the end of it. Let 'em + sell the stock and take him down,' said the old man, pointing feebly to + the wooden Midshipman, 'and let us both be broken up together.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what d'ye mean to do with Wal'r?' said the Captain. 'There, there! + Sit ye down, Gills, sit ye down, and let me think o' this. If I warn't a + man on a small annuity, that was large enough till to-day, I hadn't need + to think of it. But you only lay your head well to the wind,' said the + Captain, again administering that unanswerable piece of consolation, 'and + you're all right!' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol thanked him from his heart, and went and laid it against the back + parlour fire-place instead. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle walked up and down the shop for some time, cogitating + profoundly, and bringing his bushy black eyebrows to bear so heavily on + his nose, like clouds setting on a mountain, that Walter was afraid to + offer any interruption to the current of his reflections. Mr Brogley, who + was averse to being any constraint upon the party, and who had an + ingenious cast of mind, went, softly whistling, among the stock; rattling + weather-glasses, shaking compasses as if they were physic, catching up + keys with loadstones, looking through telescopes, endeavouring to make + himself acquainted with the use of the globes, setting parallel rulers + astride on to his nose, and amusing himself with other philosophical + transactions. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r!' said the Captain at last. 'I've got it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Have you, Captain Cuttle?' cried Walter, with great animation. + </p> + <p> + 'Come this way, my lad,' said the Captain. 'The stock's the security. I'm + another. Your governor's the man to advance money.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey!' faltered Walter. + </p> + <p> + The Captain nodded gravely. 'Look at him,' he said. 'Look at Gills. If + they was to sell off these things now, he'd die of it. You know he would. + We mustn't leave a stone unturned—and there's a stone for you.' + </p> + <p> + 'A stone!—Mr Dombey!' faltered Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'You run round to the office, first of all, and see if he's there,' said + Captain Cuttle, clapping him on the back. 'Quick!' + </p> + <p> + Walter felt he must not dispute the command—a glance at his Uncle + would have determined him if he had felt otherwise—and disappeared + to execute it. He soon returned, out of breath, to say that Mr Dombey was + not there. It was Saturday, and he had gone to Brighton. + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you what, Wal'r!' said the Captain, who seemed to have prepared + himself for this contingency in his absence. 'We'll go to Brighton. I'll + back you, my boy. I'll back you, Wal'r. We'll go to Brighton by the + afternoon's coach.' + </p> + <p> + If the application must be made to Mr Dombey at all, which was awful to + think of, Walter felt that he would rather prefer it alone and unassisted, + than backed by the personal influence of Captain Cuttle, to which he + hardly thought Mr Dombey would attach much weight. But as the Captain + appeared to be of quite another opinion, and was bent upon it, and as his + friendship was too zealous and serious to be trifled with by one so much + younger than himself, he forbore to hint the least objection. Cuttle, + therefore, taking a hurried leave of Solomon Gills, and returning the + ready money, the teaspoons, the sugar-tongs, and the silver watch, to his + pocket—with a view, as Walter thought, with horror, to making a + gorgeous impression on Mr Dombey—bore him off to the coach-office, + without a minute's delay, and repeatedly assured him, on the road, that he + would stick by him to the last. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 10. Containing the Sequel of the Midshipman's Disaster + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>ajor Bagstock, after long and frequent observation of Paul, across + Princess's Place, through his double-barrelled opera-glass; and after + receiving many minute reports, daily, weekly, and monthly, on that + subject, from the native who kept himself in constant communication with + Miss Tox's maid for that purpose; came to the conclusion that Dombey, Sir, + was a man to be known, and that J. B. was the boy to make his + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox, however, maintaining her reserved behaviour, and frigidly + declining to understand the Major whenever he called (which he often did) + on any little fishing excursion connected with this project, the Major, in + spite of his constitutional toughness and slyness, was fain to leave the + accomplishment of his desire in some measure to chance, 'which,' as he was + used to observe with chuckles at his club, 'has been fifty to one in + favour of Joey B., Sir, ever since his elder brother died of Yellow Jack + in the West Indies.' + </p> + <p> + It was some time coming to his aid in the present instance, but it + befriended him at last. When the dark servant, with full particulars, + reported Miss Tox absent on Brighton service, the Major was suddenly + touched with affectionate reminiscences of his friend Bill Bitherstone of + Bengal, who had written to ask him, if he ever went that way, to bestow a + call upon his only son. But when the same dark servant reported Paul at + Mrs Pipchin's, and the Major, referring to the letter favoured by Master + Bitherstone on his arrival in England—to which he had never had the + least idea of paying any attention—saw the opening that presented + itself, he was made so rabid by the gout, with which he happened to be + then laid up, that he threw a footstool at the dark servant in return for + his intelligence, and swore he would be the death of the rascal before he + had done with him: which the dark servant was more than half disposed to + believe. + </p> + <p> + At length the Major being released from his fit, went one Saturday + growling down to Brighton, with the native behind him; apostrophizing Miss + Tox all the way, and gloating over the prospect of carrying by storm the + distinguished friend to whom she attached so much mystery, and for whom + she had deserted him. + </p> + <p> + 'Would you, Ma'am, would you!' said the Major, straining with + vindictiveness, and swelling every already swollen vein in his head. + 'Would you give Joey B. the go-by, Ma'am? Not yet, Ma'am, not yet! Damme, + not yet, Sir. Joe is awake, Ma'am. Bagstock is alive, Sir. J. B. knows a + move or two, Ma'am. Josh has his weather-eye open, Sir. You'll find him + tough, Ma'am. Tough, Sir, tough is Joseph. Tough, and de-vilish sly!' + </p> + <p> + And very tough indeed Master Bitherstone found him, when he took that + young gentleman out for a walk. But the Major, with his complexion like a + Stilton cheese, and his eyes like a prawn's, went roving about, perfectly + indifferent to Master Bitherstone's amusement, and dragging Master + Bitherstone along, while he looked about him high and low, for Mr Dombey + and his children. + </p> + <p> + In good time the Major, previously instructed by Mrs Pipchin, spied out + Paul and Florence, and bore down upon them; there being a stately + gentleman (Mr Dombey, doubtless) in their company. Charging with Master + Bitherstone into the very heart of the little squadron, it fell out, of + course, that Master Bitherstone spoke to his fellow-sufferers. Upon that + the Major stopped to notice and admire them; remembered with amazement + that he had seen and spoken to them at his friend Miss Tox's in Princess's + Place; opined that Paul was a devilish fine fellow, and his own little + friend; inquired if he remembered Joey B. the Major; and finally, with a + sudden recollection of the conventionalities of life, turned and + apologised to Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'But my little friend here, Sir,' said the Major, 'makes a boy of me + again: An old soldier, Sir—Major Bagstock, at your service—is + not ashamed to confess it.' Here the Major lifted his hat. 'Damme, Sir,' + cried the Major with sudden warmth, 'I envy you.' Then he recollected + himself, and added, 'Excuse my freedom.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey begged he wouldn't mention it. + </p> + <p> + 'An old campaigner, Sir,' said the Major, 'a smoke-dried, sun-burnt, + used-up, invalided old dog of a Major, Sir, was not afraid of being + condemned for his whim by a man like Mr Dombey. I have the honour of + addressing Mr Dombey, I believe?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am the present unworthy representative of that name, Major,' returned + Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'By G—, Sir!' said the Major, 'it's a great name. It's a name, Sir,' + said the Major firmly, as if he defied Mr Dombey to contradict him, and + would feel it his painful duty to bully him if he did, 'that is known and + honoured in the British possessions abroad. It is a name, Sir, that a man + is proud to recognise. There is nothing adulatory in Joseph Bagstock, Sir. + His Royal Highness the Duke of York observed on more than one occasion, + "there is no adulation in Joey. He is a plain old soldier is Joe. He is + tough to a fault is Joseph:" but it's a great name, Sir. By the Lord, it's + a great name!' said the Major, solemnly. + </p> + <p> + 'You are good enough to rate it higher than it deserves, perhaps, Major,' + returned Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir,' said the Major, in a severe tone. No, Mr Dombey, let us + understand each other. That is not the Bagstock vein, Sir. You don't know + Joseph B. He is a blunt old blade is Josh. No flattery in him, Sir. + Nothing like it.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey inclined his head, and said he believed him to be in earnest, + and that his high opinion was gratifying. + </p> + <p> + 'My little friend here, Sir,' croaked the Major, looking as amiably as he + could, on Paul, 'will certify for Joseph Bagstock that he is a + thorough-going, down-right, plain-spoken, old Trump, Sir, and nothing + more. That boy, Sir,' said the Major in a lower tone, 'will live in + history. That boy, Sir, is not a common production. Take care of him, Mr + Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey seemed to intimate that he would endeavour to do so. + </p> + <p> + 'Here is a boy here, Sir,' pursued the Major, confidentially, and giving + him a thrust with his cane. 'Son of Bitherstone of Bengal. Bill + Bitherstone formerly of ours. That boy's father and myself, Sir, were + sworn friends. Wherever you went, Sir, you heard of nothing but Bill + Bitherstone and Joe Bagstock. Am I blind to that boy's defects? By no + means. He's a fool, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey glanced at the libelled Master Bitherstone, of whom he knew at + least as much as the Major did, and said, in quite a complacent manner, + 'Really?' + </p> + <p> + 'That is what he is, sir,' said the Major. 'He's a fool. Joe Bagstock + never minces matters. The son of my old friend Bill Bitherstone, of + Bengal, is a born fool, Sir.' Here the Major laughed till he was almost + black. 'My little friend is destined for a public school, I presume, Mr + Dombey?' said the Major when he had recovered. + </p> + <p> + 'I am not quite decided,' returned Mr Dombey. 'I think not. He is + delicate.' + </p> + <p> + 'If he's delicate, Sir,' said the Major, 'you are right. None but the + tough fellows could live through it, Sir, at Sandhurst. We put each other + to the torture there, Sir. We roasted the new fellows at a slow fire, and + hung 'em out of a three pair of stairs window, with their heads downwards. + Joseph Bagstock, Sir, was held out of the window by the heels of his + boots, for thirteen minutes by the college clock.' + </p> + <p> + The Major might have appealed to his countenance in corroboration of this + story. It certainly looked as if he had hung out a little too long. + </p> + <p> + 'But it made us what we were, Sir,' said the Major, settling his shirt + frill. 'We were iron, Sir, and it forged us. Are you remaining here, Mr + Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + 'I generally come down once a week, Major,' returned that gentleman. 'I + stay at the Bedford.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall have the honour of calling at the Bedford, Sir, if you'll permit + me,' said the Major. 'Joey B., Sir, is not in general a calling man, but + Mr Dombey's is not a common name. I am much indebted to my little friend, + Sir, for the honour of this introduction.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey made a very gracious reply; and Major Bagstock, having patted + Paul on the head, and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil + with the youngsters before long—'and the oldsters too, Sir, if you + come to that,' added the Major, chuckling very much—stirred up + Master Bitherstone with his walking-stick, and departed with that young + gentleman, at a kind of half-trot; rolling his head and coughing with + great dignity, as he staggered away, with his legs very wide asunder. + </p> + <p> + In fulfilment of his promise, the Major afterwards called on Mr Dombey; + and Mr Dombey, having referred to the army list, afterwards called on the + Major. Then the Major called at Mr Dombey's house in town; and came down + again, in the same coach as Mr Dombey. In short, Mr Dombey and the Major + got on uncommonly well together, and uncommonly fast: and Mr Dombey + observed of the Major, to his sister, that besides being quite a military + man he was really something more, as he had a very admirable idea of the + importance of things unconnected with his own profession. + </p> + <p> + At length Mr Dombey, bringing down Miss Tox and Mrs Chick to see the + children, and finding the Major again at Brighton, invited him to dinner + at the Bedford, and complimented Miss Tox highly, beforehand, on her + neighbour and acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Louisa,' said Miss Tox to Mrs Chick, when they were alone + together, on the morning of the appointed day, 'if I should seem at all + reserved to Major Bagstock, or under any constraint with him, promise me + not to notice it.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Lucretia,' returned Mrs Chick, 'what mystery is involved in this + remarkable request? I must insist upon knowing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Since you are resolved to extort a confession from me, Louisa,' said Miss + Tox instantly, 'I have no alternative but to confide to you that the Major + has been particular.' + </p> + <p> + 'Particular!' repeated Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'The Major has long been very particular indeed, my love, in his + attentions,' said Miss Tox, 'occasionally they have been so very marked, + that my position has been one of no common difficulty.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is he in good circumstances?' inquired Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'I have every reason to believe, my dear—indeed I may say I know,' + returned Miss Tox, 'that he is wealthy. He is truly military, and full of + anecdote. I have been informed that his valour, when he was in active + service, knew no bounds. I am told that he did all sorts of things in the + Peninsula, with every description of fire-arm; and in the East and West + Indies, my love, I really couldn't undertake to say what he did not do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very creditable to him indeed,' said Mrs Chick, 'extremely so; and you + have given him no encouragement, my dear?' + </p> + <p> + 'If I were to say, Louisa,' replied Miss Tox, with every demonstration of + making an effort that rent her soul, 'that I never encouraged Major + Bagstock slightly, I should not do justice to the friendship which exists + between you and me. It is, perhaps, hardly in the nature of woman to + receive such attentions as the Major once lavished upon myself without + betraying some sense of obligation. But that is past—long past. + Between the Major and me there is now a yawning chasm, and I will not + feign to give encouragement, Louisa, where I cannot give my heart. My + affections,' said Miss Tox—'but, Louisa, this is madness!' and + departed from the room. + </p> + <p> + All this Mrs Chick communicated to her brother before dinner: and it by no + means indisposed Mr Dombey to receive the Major with unwonted cordiality. + The Major, for his part, was in a state of plethoric satisfaction that + knew no bounds: and he coughed, and choked, and chuckled, and gasped, and + swelled, until the waiters seemed positively afraid of him. + </p> + <p> + 'Your family monopolises Joe's light, Sir,' said the Major, when he had + saluted Miss Tox. 'Joe lives in darkness. Princess's Place is changed into + Kamschatka in the winter time. There is no ray of sun, Sir, for Joey B., + now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Tox is good enough to take a great deal of interest in Paul, Major,' + returned Mr Dombey on behalf of that blushing virgin. + </p> + <p> + 'Damme Sir,' said the Major, 'I'm jealous of my little friend. I'm pining + away Sir. The Bagstock breed is degenerating in the forsaken person of old + Joe.' And the Major, becoming bluer and bluer and puffing his cheeks + further and further over the stiff ridge of his tight cravat, stared at + Miss Tox, until his eyes seemed as if he were at that moment being + overdone before the slow fire at the military college. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the palpitation of the heart which these allusions + occasioned her, they were anything but disagreeable to Miss Tox, as they + enabled her to be extremely interesting, and to manifest an occasional + incoherence and distraction which she was not at all unwilling to display. + The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: + being profuse in his complaints, at dinner, of her desertion of him and + Princess's Place: and as he appeared to derive great enjoyment from making + them, they all got on very well. + </p> + <p> + None the worse on account of the Major taking charge of the whole + conversation, and showing as great an appetite in that respect as in + regard of the various dainties on the table, among which he may be almost + said to have wallowed: greatly to the aggravation of his inflammatory + tendencies. Mr Dombey's habitual silence and reserve yielding readily to + this usurpation, the Major felt that he was coming out and shining: and in + the flow of spirits thus engendered, rang such an infinite number of new + changes on his own name that he quite astonished himself. In a word, they + were all very well pleased. The Major was considered to possess an + inexhaustible fund of conversation; and when he took a late farewell, + after a long rubber, Mr Dombey again complimented the blushing Miss Tox on + her neighbour and acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + But all the way home to his own hotel, the Major incessantly said to + himself, and of himself, 'Sly, Sir—sly, Sir—de-vil-ish sly!' + And when he got there, sat down in a chair, and fell into a silent fit of + laughter, with which he was sometimes seized, and which was always + particularly awful. It held him so long on this occasion that the dark + servant, who stood watching him at a distance, but dared not for his life + approach, twice or thrice gave him over for lost. His whole form, but + especially his face and head, dilated beyond all former experience; and + presented to the dark man's view, nothing but a heaving mass of indigo. At + length he burst into a violent paroxysm of coughing, and when that was a + little better burst into such ejaculations as the following: + </p> + <p> + 'Would you, Ma'am, would you? Mrs Dombey, eh, Ma'am? I think not, Ma'am. + Not while Joe B. can put a spoke in your wheel, Ma'am. J. B.'s even with + you now, Ma'am. He isn't altogether bowled out, yet, Sir, isn't Bagstock. + She's deep, Sir, deep, but Josh is deeper. Wide awake is old Joe—broad + awake, and staring, Sir!' There was no doubt of this last assertion being + true, and to a very fearful extent; as it continued to be during the + greater part of that night, which the Major chiefly passed in similar + exclamations, diversified with fits of coughing and choking that startled + the whole house. + </p> + <p> + It was on the day after this occasion (being Sunday) when, as Mr Dombey, + Mrs Chick, and Miss Tox were sitting at breakfast, still eulogising the + Major, Florence came running in: her face suffused with a bright colour, + and her eyes sparkling joyfully: and cried, + </p> + <p> + 'Papa! Papa! Here's Walter! and he won't come in.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who?' cried Mr Dombey. 'What does she mean? What is this?' + </p> + <p> + 'Walter, Papa!' said Florence timidly; sensible of having approached the + presence with too much familiarity. 'Who found me when I was lost.' + </p> + <p> + 'Does she mean young Gay, Louisa?' inquired Mr Dombey, knitting his brows. + 'Really, this child's manners have become very boisterous. She cannot mean + young Gay, I think. See what it is, will you?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick hurried into the passage, and returned with the information that + it was young Gay, accompanied by a very strange-looking person; and that + young Gay said he would not take the liberty of coming in, hearing Mr + Dombey was at breakfast, but would wait until Mr Dombey should signify + that he might approach. + </p> + <p> + 'Tell the boy to come in now,' said Mr Dombey. 'Now, Gay, what is the + matter? Who sent you down here? Was there nobody else to come?' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Sir,' returned Walter. 'I have not been sent. I have + been so bold as to come on my own account, which I hope you'll pardon when + I mention the cause. + </p> + <p> + But Mr Dombey, without attending to what he said, was looking impatiently + on either side of him (as if he were a pillar in his way) at some object + behind. + </p> + <p> + 'What's that?' said Mr Dombey. 'Who is that? I think you have made some + mistake in the door, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, I'm very sorry to intrude with anyone, Sir,' cried Walter, hastily: + 'but this is—this is Captain Cuttle, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad,' observed the Captain in a deep voice: 'stand by!' + </p> + <p> + At the same time the Captain, coming a little further in, brought out his + wide suit of blue, his conspicuous shirt-collar, and his knobby nose in + full relief, and stood bowing to Mr Dombey, and waving his hook politely + to the ladies, with the hard glazed hat in his one hand, and a red equator + round his head which it had newly imprinted there. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey regarded this phenomenon with amazement and indignation, and + seemed by his looks to appeal to Mrs Chick and Miss Tox against it. Little + Paul, who had come in after Florence, backed towards Miss Tox as the + Captain waved his hook, and stood on the defensive. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Gay,' said Mr Dombey. 'What have you got to say to me?' + </p> + <p> + Again the Captain observed, as a general opening of the conversation that + could not fail to propitiate all parties, 'Wal'r, standby!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid, Sir,' began Walter, trembling, and looking down at the + ground, 'that I take a very great liberty in coming—indeed, I am + sure I do. I should hardly have had the courage to ask to see you, Sir, + even after coming down, I am afraid, if I had not overtaken Miss Dombey, + and—' + </p> + <p> + 'Well!' said Mr Dombey, following his eyes as he glanced at the attentive + Florence, and frowning unconsciously as she encouraged him with a smile. + 'Go on, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay,' observed the Captain, considering it incumbent on him, as a + point of good breeding, to support Mr Dombey. 'Well said! Go on, Wal'r.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle ought to have been withered by the look which Mr Dombey + bestowed upon him in acknowledgment of his patronage. But quite innocent + of this, he closed one eye in reply, and gave Mr Dombey to understand, by + certain significant motions of his hook, that Walter was a little bashful + at first, and might be expected to come out shortly. + </p> + <p> + 'It is entirely a private and personal matter, that has brought me here, + Sir,' continued Walter, faltering, 'and Captain Cuttle—' + </p> + <p> + 'Here!' interposed the Captain, as an assurance that he was at hand, and + might be relied upon. + </p> + <p> + 'Who is a very old friend of my poor Uncle's, and a most excellent man, + Sir,' pursued Walter, raising his eyes with a look of entreaty in the + Captain's behalf, 'was so good as to offer to come with me, which I could + hardly refuse.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, no;' observed the Captain complacently. 'Of course not. No call + for refusing. Go on, Wal'r.' + </p> + <p> + 'And therefore, Sir,' said Walter, venturing to meet Mr Dombey's eye, and + proceeding with better courage in the very desperation of the case, now + that there was no avoiding it, 'therefore I have come, with him, Sir, to + say that my poor old Uncle is in very great affliction and distress. That, + through the gradual loss of his business, and not being able to make a + payment, the apprehension of which has weighed very heavily upon his mind, + months and months, as indeed I know, Sir, he has an execution in his + house, and is in danger of losing all he has, and breaking his heart. And + that if you would, in your kindness, and in your old knowledge of him as a + respectable man, do anything to help him out of his difficulty, Sir, we + never could thank you enough for it.' + </p> + <p> + Walter's eyes filled with tears as he spoke; and so did those of Florence. + Her father saw them glistening, though he appeared to look at Walter only. + </p> + <p> + 'It is a very large sum, Sir,' said Walter. 'More than three hundred + pounds. My Uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune, it lies so heavy + on him; and is quite unable to do anything for his own relief. He doesn't + even know yet, that I have come to speak to you. You would wish me to say, + Sir,' added Walter, after a moment's hesitation, 'exactly what it is I + want. I really don't know, Sir. There is my Uncle's stock, on which I + believe I may say, confidently, there are no other demands, and there is + Captain Cuttle, who would wish to be security too. I—I hardly like + to mention,' said Walter, 'such earnings as mine; but if you would allow + them—accumulate—payment—advance—Uncle—frugal, + honourable, old man.' Walter trailed off, through these broken sentences, + into silence: and stood with downcast head, before his employer. + </p> + <p> + Considering this a favourable moment for the display of the valuables, + Captain Cuttle advanced to the table; and clearing a space among the + breakfast-cups at Mr Dombey's elbow, produced the silver watch, the ready + money, the teaspoons, and the sugar-tongs; and piling them up into a heap + that they might look as precious as possible, delivered himself of these + words: + </p> + <p> + 'Half a loaf's better than no bread, and the same remark holds good with + crumbs. There's a few. Annuity of one hundred pound premium also ready to + be made over. If there is a man chock full of science in the world, it's + old Sol Gills. If there is a lad of promise—one flowing,' added the + Captain, in one of his happy quotations, 'with milk and honey—it's + his nevy!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain then withdrew to his former place, where he stood arranging + his scattered locks with the air of a man who had given the finishing + touch to a difficult performance. + </p> + <p> + When Walter ceased to speak, Mr Dombey's eyes were attracted to little + Paul, who, seeing his sister hanging down her head and silently weeping in + her commiseration for the distress she had heard described, went over to + her, and tried to comfort her: looking at Walter and his father as he did + so, with a very expressive face. After the momentary distraction of + Captain Cuttle's address, which he regarded with lofty indifference, Mr + Dombey again turned his eyes upon his son, and sat steadily regarding the + child, for some moments, in silence. + </p> + <p> + 'What was this debt contracted for?' asked Mr Dombey, at length. 'Who is + the creditor?' + </p> + <p> + 'He don't know,' replied the Captain, putting his hand on Walter's + shoulder. 'I do. It came of helping a man that's dead now, and that's cost + my friend Gills many a hundred pound already. More particulars in private, + if agreeable.' + </p> + <p> + 'People who have enough to do to hold their own way,' said Mr Dombey, + unobservant of the Captain's mysterious signs behind Walter, and still + looking at his son, 'had better be content with their own obligations and + difficulties, and not increase them by engaging for other men. It is an + act of dishonesty and presumption, too,' said Mr Dombey, sternly; 'great + presumption; for the wealthy could do no more. Paul, come here!' + </p> + <p> + The child obeyed: and Mr Dombey took him on his knee. + </p> + <p> + 'If you had money now—' said Mr Dombey. 'Look at me!' + </p> + <p> + Paul, whose eyes had wandered to his sister, and to Walter, looked his + father in the face. + </p> + <p> + 'If you had money now,' said Mr Dombey; 'as much money as young Gay has + talked about; what would you do?' + </p> + <p> + 'Give it to his old Uncle,' returned Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Lend it to his old Uncle, eh?' retorted Mr Dombey. 'Well! When you are + old enough, you know, you will share my money, and we shall use it + together.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey and Son,' interrupted Paul, who had been tutored early in the + phrase. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey and Son,' repeated his father. 'Would you like to begin to be + Dombey and Son, now, and lend this money to young Gay's Uncle?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! if you please, Papa!' said Paul: 'and so would Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Girls,' said Mr Dombey, 'have nothing to do with Dombey and Son. Would + you like it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Papa, yes!' + </p> + <p> + 'Then you shall do it,' returned his father. 'And you see, Paul,' he + added, dropping his voice, 'how powerful money is, and how anxious people + are to get it. Young Gay comes all this way to beg for money, and you, who + are so grand and great, having got it, are going to let him have it, as a + great favour and obligation.' + </p> + <p> + Paul turned up the old face for a moment, in which there was a sharp + understanding of the reference conveyed in these words: but it was a young + and childish face immediately afterwards, when he slipped down from his + father's knee, and ran to tell Florence not to cry any more, for he was + going to let young Gay have the money. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey then turned to a side-table, and wrote a note and sealed it. + During the interval, Paul and Florence whispered to Walter, and Captain + Cuttle beamed on the three, with such aspiring and ineffably presumptuous + thoughts as Mr Dombey never could have believed in. The note being + finished, Mr Dombey turned round to his former place, and held it out to + Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Give that,' he said, 'the first thing to-morrow morning, to Mr Carker. He + will immediately take care that one of my people releases your Uncle from + his present position, by paying the amount at issue; and that such + arrangements are made for its repayment as may be consistent with your + Uncle's circumstances. You will consider that this is done for you by + Master Paul.' + </p> + <p> + Walter, in the emotion of holding in his hand the means of releasing his + good Uncle from his trouble, would have endeavoured to express something + of his gratitude and joy. But Mr Dombey stopped him short. + </p> + <p> + 'You will consider that it is done,' he repeated, 'by Master Paul. I have + explained that to him, and he understands it. I wish no more to be said.' + </p> + <p> + As he motioned towards the door, Walter could only bow his head and + retire. Miss Tox, seeing that the Captain appeared about to do the same, + interposed. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Sir,' she said, addressing Mr Dombey, at whose munificence both + she and Mrs Chick were shedding tears copiously; 'I think you have + overlooked something. Pardon me, Mr Dombey, I think, in the nobility of + your character, and its exalted scope, you have omitted a matter of + detail.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, Miss Tox!' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'The gentleman with the—Instrument,' pursued Miss Tox, glancing at + Captain Cuttle, 'has left upon the table, at your elbow—' + </p> + <p> + 'Good Heaven!' said Mr Dombey, sweeping the Captain's property from him, + as if it were so much crumb indeed. 'Take these things away. I am obliged + to you, Miss Tox; it is like your usual discretion. Have the goodness to + take these things away, Sir!' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle felt he had no alternative but to comply. But he was so + much struck by the magnanimity of Mr Dombey, in refusing treasures lying + heaped up to his hand, that when he had deposited the teaspoons and + sugar-tongs in one pocket, and the ready money in another, and had lowered + the great watch down slowly into its proper vault, he could not refrain + from seizing that gentleman's right hand in his own solitary left, and + while he held it open with his powerful fingers, bringing the hook down + upon its palm in a transport of admiration. At this touch of warm feeling + and cold iron, Mr Dombey shivered all over. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle then kissed his hook to the ladies several times, with + great elegance and gallantry; and having taken a particular leave of Paul + and Florence, accompanied Walter out of the room. Florence was running + after them in the earnestness of her heart, to send some message to old + Sol, when Mr Dombey called her back, and bade her stay where she was. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you never be a Dombey, my dear child!' said Mrs Chick, with pathetic + reproachfulness. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear aunt,' said Florence. 'Don't be angry with me. I am so thankful to + Papa!' + </p> + <p> + She would have run and thrown her arms about his neck if she had dared; + but as she did not dare, she glanced with thankful eyes towards him, as he + sat musing; sometimes bestowing an uneasy glance on her, but, for the most + part, watching Paul, who walked about the room with the new-blown dignity + of having let young Gay have the money. + </p> + <p> + And young Gay—Walter—what of him? + </p> + <p> + He was overjoyed to purge the old man's hearth from bailiffs and brokers, + and to hurry back to his Uncle with the good tidings. He was overjoyed to + have it all arranged and settled next day before noon; and to sit down at + evening in the little back parlour with old Sol and Captain Cuttle; and to + see the Instrument-maker already reviving, and hopeful for the future, and + feeling that the wooden Midshipman was his own again. But without the + least impeachment of his gratitude to Mr Dombey, it must be confessed that + Walter was humbled and cast down. It is when our budding hopes are nipped + beyond recovery by some rough wind, that we are the most disposed to + picture to ourselves what flowers they might have borne, if they had + flourished; and now, when Walter found himself cut off from that great + Dombey height, by the depth of a new and terrible tumble, and felt that + all his old wild fancies had been scattered to the winds in the fall, he + began to suspect that they might have led him on to harmless visions of + aspiring to Florence in the remote distance of time. + </p> + <p> + The Captain viewed the subject in quite a different light. He appeared to + entertain a belief that the interview at which he had assisted was so very + satisfactory and encouraging, as to be only a step or two removed from a + regular betrothal of Florence to Walter; and that the late transaction had + immensely forwarded, if not thoroughly established, the Whittingtonian + hopes. Stimulated by this conviction, and by the improvement in the + spirits of his old friend, and by his own consequent gaiety, he even + attempted, in favouring them with the ballad of 'Lovely Peg' for the third + time in one evening, to make an extemporaneous substitution of the name + 'Florence;' but finding this difficult, on account of the word Peg + invariably rhyming to leg (in which personal beauty the original was + described as having excelled all competitors), he hit upon the happy + thought of changing it to Fle-e-eg; which he accordingly did, with an + archness almost supernatural, and a voice quite vociferous, + notwithstanding that the time was close at hand when he must seek the + abode of the dreadful Mrs MacStinger. + </p> + <p> + That same evening the Major was diffuse at his club, on the subject of his + friend Dombey in the City. 'Damme, Sir,' said the Major, 'he's a prince, + is my friend Dombey in the City. I tell you what, Sir. If you had a few + more men among you like old Joe Bagstock and my friend Dombey in the City, + Sir, you'd do!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 11. Paul's Introduction to a New Scene + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>rs Pipchin's constitution was made of such hard metal, in spite of its + liability to the fleshly weaknesses of standing in need of repose after + chops, and of requiring to be coaxed to sleep by the soporific agency of + sweet-breads, that it utterly set at naught the predictions of Mrs Wickam, + and showed no symptoms of decline. Yet, as Paul's rapt interest in the old + lady continued unbated, Mrs Wickam would not budge an inch from the + position she had taken up. Fortifying and entrenching herself on the + strong ground of her Uncle's Betsey Jane, she advised Miss Berry, as a + friend, to prepare herself for the worst; and forewarned her that her aunt + might, at any time, be expected to go off suddenly, like a powder-mill. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, Miss Berry,' Mrs Wickam would observe, 'that you'll come into + whatever little property there may be to leave. You deserve it, I am sure, + for yours is a trying life. Though there don't seem much worth coming into—you'll + excuse my being so open—in this dismal den.' + </p> + <p> + Poor Berry took it all in good part, and drudged and slaved away as usual; + perfectly convinced that Mrs Pipchin was one of the most meritorious + persons in the world, and making every day innumerable sacrifices of + herself upon the altar of that noble old woman. But all these immolations + of Berry were somehow carried to the credit of Mrs Pipchin by Mrs + Pipchin's friends and admirers; and were made to harmonise with, and carry + out, that melancholy fact of the deceased Mr Pipchin having broken his + heart in the Peruvian mines. + </p> + <p> + For example, there was an honest grocer and general dealer in the retail + line of business, between whom and Mrs Pipchin there was a small + memorandum book, with a greasy red cover, perpetually in question, and + concerning which divers secret councils and conferences were continually + being held between the parties to that register, on the mat in the + passage, and with closed doors in the parlour. Nor were there wanting dark + hints from Master Bitherstone (whose temper had been made revengeful by + the solar heats of India acting on his blood), of balances unsettled, and + of a failure, on one occasion within his memory, in the supply of moist + sugar at tea-time. This grocer being a bachelor and not a man who looked + upon the surface for beauty, had once made honourable offers for the hand + of Berry, which Mrs Pipchin had, with contumely and scorn, rejected. + Everybody said how laudable this was in Mrs Pipchin, relict of a man who + had died of the Peruvian mines; and what a staunch, high, independent + spirit the old lady had. But nobody said anything about poor Berry, who + cried for six weeks (being soundly rated by her good aunt all the time), + and lapsed into a state of hopeless spinsterhood. + </p> + <p> + 'Berry's very fond of you, ain't she?' Paul once asked Mrs Pipchin when + they were sitting by the fire with the cat. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'Why?' asked Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Why!' returned the disconcerted old lady. 'How can you ask such things, + Sir! why are you fond of your sister Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'Because she's very good,' said Paul. 'There's nobody like Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well!' retorted Mrs Pipchin, shortly, 'and there's nobody like me, I + suppose.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ain't there really though?' asked Paul, leaning forward in his chair, and + looking at her very hard. + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said the old lady. + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad of that,' observed Paul, rubbing his hands thoughtfully. + 'That's a very good thing.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin didn't dare to ask him why, lest she should receive some + perfectly annihilating answer. But as a compensation to her wounded + feelings, she harassed Master Bitherstone to that extent until bed-time, + that he began that very night to make arrangements for an overland return + to India, by secreting from his supper a quarter of a round of bread and a + fragment of moist Dutch cheese, as the beginning of a stock of provision + to support him on the voyage. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin had kept watch and ward over little Paul and his sister for + nearly twelve months. They had been home twice, but only for a few days; + and had been constant in their weekly visits to Mr Dombey at the hotel. By + little and little Paul had grown stronger, and had become able to dispense + with his carriage; though he still looked thin and delicate; and still + remained the same old, quiet, dreamy child that he had been when first + consigned to Mrs Pipchin's care. One Saturday afternoon, at dusk, great + consternation was occasioned in the Castle by the unlooked-for + announcement of Mr Dombey as a visitor to Mrs Pipchin. The population of + the parlour was immediately swept upstairs as on the wings of a whirlwind, + and after much slamming of bedroom doors, and trampling overhead, and some + knocking about of Master Bitherstone by Mrs Pipchin, as a relief to the + perturbation of her spirits, the black bombazeen garments of the worthy + old lady darkened the audience-chamber where Mr Dombey was contemplating + the vacant arm-chair of his son and heir. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Pipchin,' said Mr Dombey, 'How do you do?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Sir,' said Mrs Pipchin, 'I am pretty well, considering.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin always used that form of words. It meant, considering her + virtues, sacrifices, and so forth. + </p> + <p> + 'I can't expect, Sir, to be very well,' said Mrs Pipchin, taking a chair + and fetching her breath; 'but such health as I have, I am grateful for.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey inclined his head with the satisfied air of a patron, who felt + that this was the sort of thing for which he paid so much a quarter. After + a moment's silence he went on to say: + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Pipchin, I have taken the liberty of calling, to consult you in + reference to my son. I have had it in my mind to do so for some time past; + but have deferred it from time to time, in order that his health might be + thoroughly re-established. You have no misgivings on that subject, Mrs + Pipchin?' + </p> + <p> + 'Brighton has proved very beneficial, Sir,' returned Mrs Pipchin. 'Very + beneficial, indeed.' + </p> + <p> + 'I purpose,' said Mr Dombey, 'his remaining at Brighton.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin rubbed her hands, and bent her grey eyes on the fire. + </p> + <p> + 'But,' pursued Mr Dombey, stretching out his forefinger, 'but possibly + that he should now make a change, and lead a different kind of life here. + In short, Mrs Pipchin, that is the object of my visit. My son is getting + on, Mrs Pipchin. Really, he is getting on.' + </p> + <p> + There was something melancholy in the triumphant air with which Mr Dombey + said this. It showed how long Paul's childish life had been to him, and + how his hopes were set upon a later stage of his existence. Pity may + appear a strange word to connect with anyone so haughty and so cold, and + yet he seemed a worthy subject for it at that moment. + </p> + <p> + 'Six years old!' said Mr Dombey, settling his neckcloth—perhaps to + hide an irrepressible smile that rather seemed to strike upon the surface + of his face and glance away, as finding no resting-place, than to play + there for an instant. 'Dear me, six will be changed to sixteen, before we + have time to look about us.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ten years,' croaked the unsympathetic Pipchin, with a frosty glistening + of her hard grey eye, and a dreary shaking of her bent head, 'is a long + time.' + </p> + <p> + 'It depends on circumstances, returned Mr Dombey; 'at all events, Mrs + Pipchin, my son is six years old, and there is no doubt, I fear, that in + his studies he is behind many children of his age—or his youth,' + said Mr Dombey, quickly answering what he mistrusted was a shrewd twinkle + of the frosty eye, 'his youth is a more appropriate expression. Now, Mrs + Pipchin, instead of being behind his peers, my son ought to be before + them; far before them. There is an eminence ready for him to mount upon. + There is nothing of chance or doubt in the course before my son. His way + in life was clear and prepared, and marked out before he existed. The + education of such a young gentleman must not be delayed. It must not be + left imperfect. It must be very steadily and seriously undertaken, Mrs + Pipchin.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' said Mrs Pipchin, 'I can say nothing to the contrary.' + </p> + <p> + 'I was quite sure, Mrs Pipchin,' returned Mr Dombey, approvingly, 'that a + person of your good sense could not, and would not.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is a great deal of nonsense—and worse—talked about + young people not being pressed too hard at first, and being tempted on, + and all the rest of it, Sir,' said Mrs Pipchin, impatiently rubbing her + hooked nose. 'It never was thought of in my time, and it has no business + to be thought of now. My opinion is "keep 'em at it".' + </p> + <p> + 'My good madam,' returned Mr Dombey, 'you have not acquired your + reputation undeservedly; and I beg you to believe, Mrs Pipchin, that I am + more than satisfied with your excellent system of management, and shall + have the greatest pleasure in commending it whenever my poor commendation—' + Mr Dombey's loftiness when he affected to disparage his own importance, + passed all bounds—'can be of any service. I have been thinking of + Doctor Blimber's, Mrs Pipchin.' + </p> + <p> + 'My neighbour, Sir?' said Mrs Pipchin. 'I believe the Doctor's is an + excellent establishment. I've heard that it's very strictly conducted, and + there is nothing but learning going on from morning to night.' + </p> + <p> + 'And it's very expensive,' added Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'And it's very expensive, Sir,' returned Mrs Pipchin, catching at the + fact, as if in omitting that, she had omitted one of its leading merits. + </p> + <p> + 'I have had some communication with the Doctor, Mrs Pipchin,' said Mr + Dombey, hitching his chair anxiously a little nearer to the fire, 'and he + does not consider Paul at all too young for his purpose. He mentioned + several instances of boys in Greek at about the same age. If I have any + little uneasiness in my own mind, Mrs Pipchin, on the subject of this + change, it is not on that head. My son not having known a mother has + gradually concentrated much—too much—of his childish affection + on his sister. Whether their separation—' Mr Dombey said no more, + but sat silent. + </p> + <p> + 'Hoity-toity!' exclaimed Mrs Pipchin, shaking out her black bombazeen + skirts, and plucking up all the ogress within her. 'If she don't like it, + Mr Dombey, she must be taught to lump it.' The good lady apologised + immediately afterwards for using so common a figure of speech, but said + (and truly) that that was the way she reasoned with 'em. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey waited until Mrs Pipchin had done bridling and shaking her head, + and frowning down a legion of Bitherstones and Pankeys; and then said + quietly, but correctively, 'He, my good madam, he.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin's system would have applied very much the same mode of cure to + any uneasiness on the part of Paul, too; but as the hard grey eye was + sharp enough to see that the recipe, however Mr Dombey might admit its + efficacy in the case of the daughter, was not a sovereign remedy for the + son, she argued the point; and contended that change, and new society, and + the different form of life he would lead at Doctor Blimber's, and the + studies he would have to master, would very soon prove sufficient + alienations. As this chimed in with Mr Dombey's own hope and belief, it + gave that gentleman a still higher opinion of Mrs Pipchin's understanding; + and as Mrs Pipchin, at the same time, bewailed the loss of her dear little + friend (which was not an overwhelming shock to her, as she had long + expected it, and had not looked, in the beginning, for his remaining with + her longer than three months), he formed an equally good opinion of Mrs + Pipchin's disinterestedness. It was plain that he had given the subject + anxious consideration, for he had formed a plan, which he announced to the + ogress, of sending Paul to the Doctor's as a weekly boarder for the first + half year, during which time Florence would remain at the Castle, that she + might receive her brother there, on Saturdays. This would wean him by + degrees, Mr Dombey said; possibly with a recollection of his not having + been weaned by degrees on a former occasion. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey finished the interview by expressing his hope that Mrs Pipchin + would still remain in office as general superintendent and overseer of his + son, pending his studies at Brighton; and having kissed Paul, and shaken + hands with Florence, and beheld Master Bitherstone in his collar of state, + and made Miss Pankey cry by patting her on the head (in which region she + was uncommonly tender, on account of a habit Mrs Pipchin had of sounding + it with her knuckles, like a cask), he withdrew to his hotel and dinner: + resolved that Paul, now that he was getting so old and well, should begin + a vigorous course of education forthwith, to qualify him for the position + in which he was to shine; and that Doctor Blimber should take him in hand + immediately. + </p> + <p> + Whenever a young gentleman was taken in hand by Doctor Blimber, he might + consider himself sure of a pretty tight squeeze. The Doctor only undertook + the charge of ten young gentlemen, but he had, always ready, a supply of + learning for a hundred, on the lowest estimate; and it was at once the + business and delight of his life to gorge the unhappy ten with it. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Doctor Blimber's establishment was a great hot-house, in which + there was a forcing apparatus incessantly at work. All the boys blew + before their time. Mental green-peas were produced at Christmas, and + intellectual asparagus all the year round. Mathematical gooseberries (very + sour ones too) were common at untimely seasons, and from mere sprouts of + bushes, under Doctor Blimber's cultivation. Every description of Greek and + Latin vegetable was got off the driest twigs of boys, under the frostiest + circumstances. Nature was of no consequence at all. No matter what a young + gentleman was intended to bear, Doctor Blimber made him bear to pattern, + somehow or other. + </p> + <p> + This was all very pleasant and ingenious, but the system of forcing was + attended with its usual disadvantages. There was not the right taste about + the premature productions, and they didn't keep well. Moreover, one young + gentleman, with a swollen nose and an excessively large head (the oldest + of the ten who had 'gone through' everything), suddenly left off blowing + one day, and remained in the establishment a mere stalk. And people did + say that the Doctor had rather overdone it with young Toots, and that when + he began to have whiskers he left off having brains. + </p> + <p> + There young Toots was, at any rate; possessed of the gruffest of voices + and the shrillest of minds; sticking ornamental pins into his shirt, and + keeping a ring in his waistcoat pocket to put on his little finger by + stealth, when the pupils went out walking; constantly falling in love by + sight with nurserymaids, who had no idea of his existence; and looking at + the gas-lighted world over the little iron bars in the left-hand corner + window of the front three pairs of stairs, after bed-time, like a greatly + overgrown cherub who had sat up aloft much too long. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was a portly gentleman in a suit of black, with strings at his + knees, and stockings below them. He had a bald head, highly polished; a + deep voice; and a chin so very double, that it was a wonder how he ever + managed to shave into the creases. He had likewise a pair of little eyes + that were always half shut up, and a mouth that was always half expanded + into a grin, as if he had, that moment, posed a boy, and were waiting to + convict him from his own lips. Insomuch, that when the Doctor put his + right hand into the breast of his coat, and with his other hand behind + him, and a scarcely perceptible wag of his head, made the commonest + observation to a nervous stranger, it was like a sentiment from the + sphynx, and settled his business. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor's was a mighty fine house, fronting the sea. Not a joyful style + of house within, but quite the contrary. Sad-coloured curtains, whose + proportions were spare and lean, hid themselves despondently behind the + windows. The tables and chairs were put away in rows, like figures in a + sum; fires were so rarely lighted in the rooms of ceremony, that they felt + like wells, and a visitor represented the bucket; the dining-room seemed + the last place in the world where any eating or drinking was likely to + occur; there was no sound through all the house but the ticking of a great + clock in the hall, which made itself audible in the very garrets; and + sometimes a dull cooing of young gentlemen at their lessons, like the + murmurings of an assemblage of melancholy pigeons. + </p> + <p> + Miss Blimber, too, although a slim and graceful maid, did no soft violence + to the gravity of the house. There was no light nonsense about Miss + Blimber. She kept her hair short and crisp, and wore spectacles. She was + dry and sandy with working in the graves of deceased languages. None of + your live languages for Miss Blimber. They must be dead—stone dead—and + then Miss Blimber dug them up like a Ghoul. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber, her Mama, was not learned herself, but she pretended to be, + and that did quite as well. She said at evening parties, that if she could + have known Cicero, she thought she could have died contented. It was the + steady joy of her life to see the Doctor's young gentlemen go out walking, + unlike all other young gentlemen, in the largest possible shirt-collars, + and the stiffest possible cravats. It was so classical, she said. + </p> + <p> + As to Mr Feeder, B.A., Doctor Blimber's assistant, he was a kind of human + barrel-organ, with a little list of tunes at which he was continually + working, over and over again, without any variation. He might have been + fitted up with a change of barrels, perhaps, in early life, if his destiny + had been favourable; but it had not been; and he had only one, with which, + in a monotonous round, it was his occupation to bewilder the young ideas + of Doctor Blimber's young gentlemen. The young gentlemen were prematurely + full of carking anxieties. They knew no rest from the pursuit of + stony-hearted verbs, savage noun-substantives, inflexible syntactic + passages, and ghosts of exercises that appeared to them in their dreams. + Under the forcing system, a young gentleman usually took leave of his + spirits in three weeks. He had all the cares of the world on his head in + three months. He conceived bitter sentiments against his parents or + guardians in four; he was an old misanthrope, in five; envied Curtius that + blessed refuge in the earth, in six; and at the end of the first + twelvemonth had arrived at the conclusion, from which he never afterwards + departed, that all the fancies of the poets, and lessons of the sages, + were a mere collection of words and grammar, and had no other meaning in + the world. + </p> + <p> + But he went on blow, blow, blowing, in the Doctor's hothouse, all the + time; and the Doctor's glory and reputation were great, when he took his + wintry growth home to his relations and friends. + </p> + <p> + Upon the Doctor's door-steps one day, Paul stood with a fluttering heart, + and with his small right hand in his father's. His other hand was locked + in that of Florence. How tight the tiny pressure of that one; and how + loose and cold the other! + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin hovered behind the victim, with her sable plumage and her + hooked beak, like a bird of ill-omen. She was out of breath—for Mr + Dombey, full of great thoughts, had walked fast—and she croaked + hoarsely as she waited for the opening of the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Paul,' said Mr Dombey, exultingly. 'This is the way indeed to be + Dombey and Son, and have money. You are almost a man already.' + </p> + <p> + 'Almost,' returned the child. + </p> + <p> + Even his childish agitation could not master the sly and quaint yet + touching look, with which he accompanied the reply. + </p> + <p> + It brought a vague expression of dissatisfaction into Mr Dombey's face; + but the door being opened, it was quickly gone. + </p> + <p> + 'Doctor Blimber is at home, I believe?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + The man said yes; and as they passed in, looked at Paul as if he were a + little mouse, and the house were a trap. He was a weak-eyed young man, + with the first faint streaks or early dawn of a grin on his countenance. + It was mere imbecility; but Mrs Pipchin took it into her head that it was + impudence, and made a snap at him directly. + </p> + <p> + 'How dare you laugh behind the gentleman's back?' said Mrs Pipchin. 'And + what do you take me for?' + </p> + <p> + 'I ain't a laughing at nobody, and I'm sure I don't take you for nothing, + Ma'am,' returned the young man, in consternation. + </p> + <p> + 'A pack of idle dogs!' said Mrs Pipchin, 'only fit to be turnspits. Go and + tell your master that Mr Dombey's here, or it'll be worse for you!' + </p> + <p> + The weak-eyed young man went, very meekly, to discharge himself of this + commission; and soon came back to invite them to the Doctor's study. + </p> + <p> + 'You're laughing again, Sir,' said Mrs Pipchin, when it came to her turn, + bringing up the rear, to pass him in the hall. + </p> + <p> + 'I ain't,' returned the young man, grievously oppressed. 'I never see such + a thing as this!' + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter, Mrs Pipchin?' said Mr Dombey, looking round. 'Softly! + Pray!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin, in her deference, merely muttered at the young man as she + passed on, and said, 'Oh! he was a precious fellow'—leaving the + young man, who was all meekness and incapacity, affected even to tears by + the incident. But Mrs Pipchin had a way of falling foul of all meek + people; and her friends said who could wonder at it, after the Peruvian + mines! + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was sitting in his portentous study, with a globe at each knee, + books all round him, Homer over the door, and Minerva on the mantel-shelf. + 'And how do you do, Sir?' he said to Mr Dombey, 'and how is my little + friend?' Grave as an organ was the Doctor's speech; and when he ceased, + the great clock in the hall seemed (to Paul at least) to take him up, and + to go on saying, 'how, is, my, lit, tle, friend? how, is, my, lit, tle, + friend?' over and over and over again. + </p> + <p> + The little friend being something too small to be seen at all from where + the Doctor sat, over the books on his table, the Doctor made several + futile attempts to get a view of him round the legs; which Mr Dombey + perceiving, relieved the Doctor from his embarrassment by taking Paul up + in his arms, and sitting him on another little table, over against the + Doctor, in the middle of the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Ha!' said the Doctor, leaning back in his chair with his hand in his + breast. 'Now I see my little friend. How do you do, my little friend?' + </p> + <p> + The clock in the hall wouldn't subscribe to this alteration in the form of + words, but continued to repeat how, is, my, lit, tle, friend? how, is, my, + lit, tle, friend?' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, I thank you, Sir,' returned Paul, answering the clock quite as + much as the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + 'Ha!' said Doctor Blimber. 'Shall we make a man of him?' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you hear, Paul?' added Mr Dombey; Paul being silent. + </p> + <p> + 'Shall we make a man of him?' repeated the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + 'I had rather be a child,' replied Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed!' said the Doctor. 'Why?' + </p> + <p> + The child sat on the table looking at him, with a curious expression of + suppressed emotion in his face, and beating one hand proudly on his knee + as if he had the rising tears beneath it, and crushed them. But his other + hand strayed a little way the while, a little farther—farther from + him yet—until it lighted on the neck of Florence. 'This is why,' it + seemed to say, and then the steady look was broken up and gone; the + working lip was loosened; and the tears came streaming forth. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Pipchin,' said his father, in a querulous manner, 'I am really very + sorry to see this.' + </p> + <p> + 'Come away from him, do, Miss Dombey,' quoth the matron. + </p> + <p> + 'Never mind,' said the Doctor, blandly nodding his head, to keep Mrs + Pipchin back. 'Never mind; we shall substitute new cares and new + impressions, Mr Dombey, very shortly. You would still wish my little + friend to acquire—' + </p> + <p> + 'Everything, if you please, Doctor,' returned Mr Dombey, firmly. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said the Doctor, who, with his half-shut eyes, and his usual smile, + seemed to survey Paul with the sort of interest that might attach to some + choice little animal he was going to stuff. 'Yes, exactly. Ha! We shall + impart a great variety of information to our little friend, and bring him + quickly forward, I daresay. I daresay. Quite a virgin soil, I believe you + said, Mr Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + 'Except some ordinary preparation at home, and from this lady,' replied Mr + Dombey, introducing Mrs Pipchin, who instantly communicated a rigidity to + her whole muscular system, and snorted defiance beforehand, in case the + Doctor should disparage her; 'except so far, Paul has, as yet, applied + himself to no studies at all.' + </p> + <p> + Doctor Blimber inclined his head, in gentle tolerance of such + insignificant poaching as Mrs Pipchin's, and said he was glad to hear it. + It was much more satisfactory, he observed, rubbing his hands, to begin at + the foundation. And again he leered at Paul, as if he would have liked to + tackle him with the Greek alphabet, on the spot. + </p> + <p> + 'That circumstance, indeed, Doctor Blimber,' pursued Mr Dombey, glancing + at his little son, 'and the interview I have already had the pleasure of + holding with you, renders any further explanation, and consequently, any + further intrusion on your valuable time, so unnecessary, that—' + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Miss Dombey!' said the acid Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'Permit me,' said the Doctor, 'one moment. Allow me to present Mrs Blimber + and my daughter; who will be associated with the domestic life of our + young Pilgrim to Parnassus Mrs Blimber,' for the lady, who had perhaps + been in waiting, opportunely entered, followed by her daughter, that fair + Sexton in spectacles, 'Mr Dombey. My daughter Cornelia, Mr Dombey. Mr + Dombey, my love,' pursued the Doctor, turning to his wife, 'is so + confiding as to—do you see our little friend?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber, in an excess of politeness, of which Mr Dombey was the + object, apparently did not, for she was backing against the little friend, + and very much endangering his position on the table. But, on this hint, + she turned to admire his classical and intellectual lineaments, and + turning again to Mr Dombey, said, with a sigh, that she envied his dear + son. + </p> + <p> + 'Like a bee, Sir,' said Mrs Blimber, with uplifted eyes, 'about to plunge + into a garden of the choicest flowers, and sip the sweets for the first + time Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Terence, Plautus, Cicero. What a world of honey + have we here. It may appear remarkable, Mr Dombey, in one who is a wife—the + wife of such a husband—' + </p> + <p> + 'Hush, hush,' said Doctor Blimber. 'Fie for shame.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey will forgive the partiality of a wife,' said Mrs Blimber, with + an engaging smile. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey answered 'Not at all:' applying those words, it is to be + presumed, to the partiality, and not to the forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + 'And it may seem remarkable in one who is a mother also,' resumed Mrs + Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'And such a mother,' observed Mr Dombey, bowing with some confused idea of + being complimentary to Cornelia. + </p> + <p> + 'But really,' pursued Mrs Blimber, 'I think if I could have known Cicero, + and been his friend, and talked with him in his retirement at Tusculum + (beau-ti-ful Tusculum!), I could have died contented.' + </p> + <p> + A learned enthusiasm is so very contagious, that Mr Dombey half believed + this was exactly his case; and even Mrs Pipchin, who was not, as we have + seen, of an accommodating disposition generally, gave utterance to a + little sound between a groan and a sigh, as if she would have said that + nobody but Cicero could have proved a lasting consolation under that + failure of the Peruvian Mines, but that he indeed would have been a very + Davy-lamp of refuge. + </p> + <p> + Cornelia looked at Mr Dombey through her spectacles, as if she would have + liked to crack a few quotations with him from the authority in question. + But this design, if she entertained it, was frustrated by a knock at the + room-door. + </p> + <p> + 'Who is that?' said the Doctor. 'Oh! Come in, Toots; come in. Mr Dombey, + Sir.' Toots bowed. 'Quite a coincidence!' said Doctor Blimber. 'Here we + have the beginning and the end. Alpha and Omega. Our head boy, Mr Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + The Doctor might have called him their head and shoulders boy, for he was + at least that much taller than any of the rest. He blushed very much at + finding himself among strangers, and chuckled aloud. + </p> + <p> + 'An addition to our little Portico, Toots,' said the Doctor; 'Mr Dombey's + son.' + </p> + <p> + Young Toots blushed again; and finding, from a solemn silence which + prevailed, that he was expected to say something, said to Paul, 'How are + you?' in a voice so deep, and a manner so sheepish, that if a lamb had + roared it couldn't have been more surprising. + </p> + <p> + 'Ask Mr Feeder, if you please, Toots,' said the Doctor, 'to prepare a few + introductory volumes for Mr Dombey's son, and to allot him a convenient + seat for study. My dear, I believe Mr Dombey has not seen the + dormitories.' + </p> + <p> + 'If Mr Dombey will walk upstairs,' said Mrs Blimber, 'I shall be more than + proud to show him the dominions of the drowsy god.' + </p> + <p> + With that, Mrs Blimber, who was a lady of great suavity, and a wiry + figure, and who wore a cap composed of sky-blue materials, proceeded + upstairs with Mr Dombey and Cornelia; Mrs Pipchin following, and looking + out sharp for her enemy the footman. + </p> + <p> + While they were gone, Paul sat upon the table, holding Florence by the + hand, and glancing timidly from the Doctor round and round the room, while + the Doctor, leaning back in his chair, with his hand in his breast as + usual, held a book from him at arm's length, and read. There was something + very awful in this manner of reading. It was such a determined, + unimpassioned, inflexible, cold-blooded way of going to work. It left the + Doctor's countenance exposed to view; and when the Doctor smiled + suspiciously at his author, or knit his brows, or shook his head and made + wry faces at him, as much as to say, 'Don't tell me, Sir; I know better,' + it was terrific. + </p> + <p> + Toots, too, had no business to be outside the door, ostentatiously + examining the wheels in his watch, and counting his half-crowns. But that + didn't last long; for Doctor Blimber, happening to change the position of + his tight plump legs, as if he were going to get up, Toots swiftly + vanished, and appeared no more. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey and his conductress were soon heard coming downstairs again, + talking all the way; and presently they re-entered the Doctor's study. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, Mr Dombey,' said the Doctor, laying down his book, 'that the + arrangements meet your approval.' + </p> + <p> + 'They are excellent, Sir,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Very fair, indeed,' said Mrs Pipchin, in a low voice; never disposed to + give too much encouragement. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Pipchin,' said Mr Dombey, wheeling round, 'will, with your + permission, Doctor and Mrs Blimber, visit Paul now and then.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whenever Mrs Pipchin pleases,' observed the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + 'Always happy to see her,' said Mrs Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'I think,' said Mr Dombey, 'I have given all the trouble I need, and may + take my leave. Paul, my child,' he went close to him, as he sat upon the + table. 'Good-bye.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, Papa.' + </p> + <p> + The limp and careless little hand that Mr Dombey took in his, was + singularly out of keeping with the wistful face. But he had no part in its + sorrowful expression. It was not addressed to him. No, no. To Florence—all + to Florence. + </p> + <p> + If Mr Dombey in his insolence of wealth, had ever made an enemy, hard to + appease and cruelly vindictive in his hate, even such an enemy might have + received the pang that wrung his proud heart then, as compensation for his + injury. + </p> + <p> + He bent down, over his boy, and kissed him. If his sight were dimmed as he + did so, by something that for a moment blurred the little face, and made + it indistinct to him, his mental vision may have been, for that short + time, the clearer perhaps. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall see you soon, Paul. You are free on Saturdays and Sundays, you + know.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Papa,' returned Paul: looking at his sister. 'On Saturdays and + Sundays.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you'll try and learn a great deal here, and be a clever man,' said Mr + Dombey; 'won't you?' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll try,' returned the child, wearily. + </p> + <p> + 'And you'll soon be grown up now!' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! very soon!' replied the child. Once more the old, old look passed + rapidly across his features like a strange light. It fell on Mrs Pipchin, + and extinguished itself in her black dress. That excellent ogress stepped + forward to take leave and to bear off Florence, which she had long been + thirsting to do. The move on her part roused Mr Dombey, whose eyes were + fixed on Paul. After patting him on the head, and pressing his small hand + again, he took leave of Doctor Blimber, Mrs Blimber, and Miss Blimber, + with his usual polite frigidity, and walked out of the study. + </p> + <p> + Despite his entreaty that they would not think of stirring, Doctor + Blimber, Mrs Blimber, and Miss Blimber all pressed forward to attend him + to the hall; and thus Mrs Pipchin got into a state of entanglement with + Miss Blimber and the Doctor, and was crowded out of the study before she + could clutch Florence. To which happy accident Paul stood afterwards + indebted for the dear remembrance, that Florence ran back to throw her + arms round his neck, and that hers was the last face in the doorway: + turned towards him with a smile of encouragement, the brighter for the + tears through which it beamed. + </p> + <p> + It made his childish bosom heave and swell when it was gone; and sent the + globes, the books, blind Homer and Minerva, swimming round the room. But + they stopped, all of a sudden; and then he heard the loud clock in the + hall still gravely inquiring 'how, is, my, lit, tle, friend? how, is, my, + lit, tle, friend?' as it had done before. + </p> + <p> + He sat, with folded hands, upon his pedestal, silently listening. But he + might have answered 'weary, weary! very lonely, very sad!' And there, with + an aching void in his young heart, and all outside so cold, and bare, and + strange, Paul sat as if he had taken life unfurnished, and the upholsterer + were never coming. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 12. Paul's Education + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>fter the lapse of some minutes, which appeared an immense time to little + Paul Dombey on the table, Doctor Blimber came back. The Doctor's walk was + stately, and calculated to impress the juvenile mind with solemn feelings. + It was a sort of march; but when the Doctor put out his right foot, he + gravely turned upon his axis, with a semi-circular sweep towards the left; + and when he put out his left foot, he turned in the same manner towards + the right. So that he seemed, at every stride he took, to look about him + as though he were saying, 'Can anybody have the goodness to indicate any + subject, in any direction, on which I am uninformed? I rather think not.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber and Miss Blimber came back in the Doctor's company; and the + Doctor, lifting his new pupil off the table, delivered him over to Miss + Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'Cornelia,' said the Doctor, 'Dombey will be your charge at first. Bring + him on, Cornelia, bring him on.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Blimber received her young ward from the Doctor's hands; and Paul, + feeling that the spectacles were surveying him, cast down his eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'How old are you, Dombey?' said Miss Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'Six,' answered Paul, wondering, as he stole a glance at the young lady, + why her hair didn't grow long like Florence's, and why she was like a boy. + </p> + <p> + 'How much do you know of your Latin Grammar, Dombey?' said Miss Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'None of it,' answered Paul. Feeling that the answer was a shock to Miss + Blimber's sensibility, he looked up at the three faces that were looking + down at him, and said: + </p> + <p> + 'I haven't been well. I have been a weak child. I couldn't learn a Latin + Grammar when I was out, every day, with old Glubb. I wish you'd tell old + Glubb to come and see me, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'What a dreadfully low name' said Mrs Blimber. 'Unclassical to a degree! + Who is the monster, child?' + </p> + <p> + 'What monster?' inquired Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Glubb,' said Mrs Blimber, with a great disrelish. + </p> + <p> + 'He's no more a monster than you are,' returned Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'What!' cried the Doctor, in a terrible voice. 'Ay, ay, ay? Aha! What's + that?' + </p> + <p> + Paul was dreadfully frightened; but still he made a stand for the absent + Glubb, though he did it trembling. + </p> + <p> + 'He's a very nice old man, Ma'am,' he said. 'He used to draw my couch. He + knows all about the deep sea, and the fish that are in it, and the great + monsters that come and lie on rocks in the sun, and dive into the water + again when they're startled, blowing and splashing so, that they can be + heard for miles. There are some creatures, said Paul, warming with his + subject, 'I don't know how many yards long, and I forget their names, but + Florence knows, that pretend to be in distress; and when a man goes near + them, out of compassion, they open their great jaws, and attack him. But + all he has got to do,' said Paul, boldly tendering this information to the + very Doctor himself, 'is to keep on turning as he runs away, and then, as + they turn slowly, because they are so long, and can't bend, he's sure to + beat them. And though old Glubb don't know why the sea should make me + think of my Mama that's dead, or what it is that it is always saying—always + saying! he knows a great deal about it. And I wish,' the child concluded, + with a sudden falling of his countenance, and failing in his animation, as + he looked like one forlorn, upon the three strange faces, 'that you'd let + old Glubb come here to see me, for I know him very well, and he knows me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ha!' said the Doctor, shaking his head; 'this is bad, but study will do + much.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber opined, with something like a shiver, that he was an + unaccountable child; and, allowing for the difference of visage, looked at + him pretty much as Mrs Pipchin had been used to do. + </p> + <p> + 'Take him round the house, Cornelia,' said the Doctor, 'and familiarise + him with his new sphere. Go with that young lady, Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Dombey obeyed; giving his hand to the abstruse Cornelia, and looking at + her sideways, with timid curiosity, as they went away together. For her + spectacles, by reason of the glistening of the glasses, made her so + mysterious, that he didn't know where she was looking, and was not indeed + quite sure that she had any eyes at all behind them. + </p> + <p> + Cornelia took him first to the schoolroom, which was situated at the back + of the hall, and was approached through two baize doors, which deadened + and muffled the young gentlemen's voices. Here, there were eight young + gentlemen in various stages of mental prostration, all very hard at work, + and very grave indeed. Toots, as an old hand, had a desk to himself in one + corner: and a magnificent man, of immense age, he looked, in Paul's young + eyes, behind it. + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder, B.A., who sat at another little desk, had his Virgil stop on, + and was slowly grinding that tune to four young gentlemen. Of the + remaining four, two, who grasped their foreheads convulsively, were + engaged in solving mathematical problems; one with his face like a dirty + window, from much crying, was endeavouring to flounder through a hopeless + number of lines before dinner; and one sat looking at his task in stony + stupefaction and despair—which it seemed had been his condition ever + since breakfast time. + </p> + <p> + The appearance of a new boy did not create the sensation that might have + been expected. Mr Feeder, B.A. (who was in the habit of shaving his head + for coolness, and had nothing but little bristles on it), gave him a bony + hand, and told him he was glad to see him—which Paul would have been + very glad to have told him, if he could have done so with the least + sincerity. Then Paul, instructed by Cornelia, shook hands with the four + young gentlemen at Mr Feeder's desk; then with the two young gentlemen at + work on the problems, who were very feverish; then with the young + gentleman at work against time, who was very inky; and lastly with the + young gentleman in a state of stupefaction, who was flabby and quite cold. + </p> + <p> + Paul having been already introduced to Toots, that pupil merely chuckled + and breathed hard, as his custom was, and pursued the occupation in which + he was engaged. It was not a severe one; for on account of his having + 'gone through' so much (in more senses than one), and also of his having, + as before hinted, left off blowing in his prime, Toots now had licence to + pursue his own course of study: which was chiefly to write long letters to + himself from persons of distinction, adds 'P. Toots, Esquire, Brighton, + Sussex,' and to preserve them in his desk with great care. + </p> + <p> + These ceremonies passed, Cornelia led Paul upstairs to the top of the + house; which was rather a slow journey, on account of Paul being obliged + to land both feet on every stair, before he mounted another. But they + reached their journey's end at last; and there, in a front room, looking + over the wild sea, Cornelia showed him a nice little bed with white + hangings, close to the window, on which there was already beautifully + written on a card in round text—down strokes very thick, and up + strokes very fine—DOMBEY; while two other little bedsteads in the + same room were announced, through like means, as respectively appertaining + unto BRIGGS and TOZER. + </p> + <p> + Just as they got downstairs again into the hall, Paul saw the weak-eyed + young man who had given that mortal offence to Mrs Pipchin, suddenly seize + a very large drumstick, and fly at a gong that was hanging up, as if he + had gone mad, or wanted vengeance. Instead of receiving warning, however, + or being instantly taken into custody, the young man left off unchecked, + after having made a dreadful noise. Then Cornelia Blimber said to Dombey + that dinner would be ready in a quarter of an hour, and perhaps he had + better go into the schoolroom among his 'friends.' + </p> + <p> + So Dombey, deferentially passing the great clock which was still as + anxious as ever to know how he found himself, opened the schoolroom door a + very little way, and strayed in like a lost boy: shutting it after him + with some difficulty. His friends were all dispersed about the room except + the stony friend, who remained immoveable. Mr Feeder was stretching + himself in his grey gown, as if, regardless of expense, he were resolved + to pull the sleeves off. + </p> + <p> + 'Heigh ho hum!' cried Mr Feeder, shaking himself like a cart-horse. 'Oh + dear me, dear me! Ya-a-a-ah!' + </p> + <p> + Paul was quite alarmed by Mr Feeder's yawning; it was done on such a great + scale, and he was so terribly in earnest. All the boys too (Toots + excepted) seemed knocked up, and were getting ready for dinner—some + newly tying their neckcloths, which were very stiff indeed; and others + washing their hands or brushing their hair, in an adjoining ante-chamber—as + if they didn't think they should enjoy it at all. + </p> + <p> + Young Toots who was ready beforehand, and had therefore nothing to do, and + had leisure to bestow upon Paul, said, with heavy good nature: + </p> + <p> + 'Sit down, Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Sir,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + His endeavouring to hoist himself on to a very high window-seat, and his + slipping down again, appeared to prepare Toots's mind for the reception of + a discovery. + </p> + <p> + 'You're a very small chap;' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir, I'm small,' returned Paul. 'Thank you, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + For Toots had lifted him into the seat, and done it kindly too. + </p> + <p> + 'Who's your tailor?' inquired Toots, after looking at him for some + moments. + </p> + <p> + 'It's a woman that has made my clothes as yet,' said Paul. 'My sister's + dressmaker.' + </p> + <p> + 'My tailor's Burgess and Co.,' said Toots. 'Fash'nable. But very dear.' + </p> + <p> + Paul had wit enough to shake his head, as if he would have said it was + easy to see that; and indeed he thought so. + </p> + <p> + 'Your father's regularly rich, ain't he?' inquired Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir,' said Paul. 'He's Dombey and Son.' + </p> + <p> + 'And which?' demanded Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'And Son, Sir,' replied Paul. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots made one or two attempts, in a low voice, to fix the Firm in his + mind; but not quite succeeding, said he would get Paul to mention the name + again to-morrow morning, as it was rather important. And indeed he + purposed nothing less than writing himself a private and confidential + letter from Dombey and Son immediately. + </p> + <p> + By this time the other pupils (always excepting the stony boy) gathered + round. They were polite, but pale; and spoke low; and they were so + depressed in their spirits, that in comparison with the general tone of + that company, Master Bitherstone was a perfect Miller, or complete Jest + Book.' And yet he had a sense of injury upon him, too, had Bitherstone. + </p> + <p> + 'You sleep in my room, don't you?' asked a solemn young gentleman, whose + shirt-collar curled up the lobes of his ears. + </p> + <p> + 'Master Briggs?' inquired Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Tozer,' said the young gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Paul answered yes; and Tozer pointing out the stony pupil, said that was + Briggs. Paul had already felt certain that it must be either Briggs or + Tozer, though he didn't know why. + </p> + <p> + 'Is yours a strong constitution?' inquired Tozer. + </p> + <p> + Paul said he thought not. Tozer replied that he thought not also, judging + from Paul's looks, and that it was a pity, for it need be. He then asked + Paul if he were going to begin with Cornelia; and on Paul saying 'yes,' + all the young gentlemen (Briggs excepted) gave a low groan. + </p> + <p> + It was drowned in the tintinnabulation of the gong, which sounding again + with great fury, there was a general move towards the dining-room; still + excepting Briggs the stony boy, who remained where he was, and as he was; + and on its way to whom Paul presently encountered a round of bread, + genteelly served on a plate and napkin, and with a silver fork lying + crosswise on the top of it. Doctor Blimber was already in his place in the + dining-room, at the top of the table, with Miss Blimber and Mrs Blimber on + either side of him. Mr Feeder in a black coat was at the bottom. Paul's + chair was next to Miss Blimber; but it being found, when he sat in it, + that his eyebrows were not much above the level of the table-cloth, some + books were brought in from the Doctor's study, on which he was elevated, + and on which he always sat from that time— carrying them in and out + himself on after occasions, like a little elephant and castle. + </p> + <p> + Grace having been said by the Doctor, dinner began. There was some nice + soup; also roast meat, boiled meat, vegetables, pie, and cheese. Every + young gentleman had a massive silver fork, and a napkin; and all the + arrangements were stately and handsome. In particular, there was a butler + in a blue coat and bright buttons, who gave quite a winey flavour to the + table beer; he poured it out so superbly. + </p> + <p> + Nobody spoke, unless spoken to, except Doctor Blimber, Mrs Blimber, and + Miss Blimber, who conversed occasionally. Whenever a young gentleman was + not actually engaged with his knife and fork or spoon, his eye, with an + irresistible attraction, sought the eye of Doctor Blimber, Mrs Blimber, or + Miss Blimber, and modestly rested there. Toots appeared to be the only + exception to this rule. He sat next Mr Feeder on Paul's side of the table, + and frequently looked behind and before the intervening boys to catch a + glimpse of Paul. + </p> + <p> + Only once during dinner was there any conversation that included the young + gentlemen. It happened at the epoch of the cheese, when the Doctor, having + taken a glass of port wine, and hemmed twice or thrice, said: + </p> + <p> + 'It is remarkable, Mr Feeder, that the Romans—' + </p> + <p> + At the mention of this terrible people, their implacable enemies, every + young gentleman fastened his gaze upon the Doctor, with an assumption of + the deepest interest. One of the number who happened to be drinking, and + who caught the Doctor's eye glaring at him through the side of his + tumbler, left off so hastily that he was convulsed for some moments, and + in the sequel ruined Doctor Blimber's point. + </p> + <p> + 'It is remarkable, Mr Feeder,' said the Doctor, beginning again slowly, + 'that the Romans, in those gorgeous and profuse entertainments of which we + read in the days of the Emperors, when luxury had attained a height + unknown before or since, and when whole provinces were ravaged to supply + the splendid means of one Imperial Banquet—' + </p> + <p> + Here the offender, who had been swelling and straining, and waiting in + vain for a full stop, broke out violently. + </p> + <p> + 'Johnson,' said Mr Feeder, in a low reproachful voice, 'take some water.' + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, looking very stern, made a pause until the water was brought, + and then resumed: + </p> + <p> + 'And when, Mr Feeder—' + </p> + <p> + But Mr Feeder, who saw that Johnson must break out again, and who knew + that the Doctor would never come to a period before the young gentlemen + until he had finished all he meant to say, couldn't keep his eye off + Johnson; and thus was caught in the fact of not looking at the Doctor, who + consequently stopped. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Sir,' said Mr Feeder, reddening. 'I beg your pardon, + Doctor Blimber.' + </p> + <p> + 'And when,' said the Doctor, raising his voice, 'when, Sir, as we read, + and have no reason to doubt—incredible as it may appear to the + vulgar—of our time—the brother of Vitellius prepared for him a + feast, in which were served, of fish, two thousand dishes—' + </p> + <p> + 'Take some water, Johnson—dishes, Sir,' said Mr Feeder. + </p> + <p> + 'Of various sorts of fowl, five thousand dishes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Or try a crust of bread,' said Mr Feeder. + </p> + <p> + 'And one dish,' pursued Doctor Blimber, raising his voice still higher as + he looked all round the table, 'called, from its enormous dimensions, the + Shield of Minerva, and made, among other costly ingredients, of the brains + of pheasants—' + </p> + <p> + 'Ow, ow, ow!' (from Johnson.) + </p> + <p> + 'Woodcocks—' + </p> + <p> + 'Ow, ow, ow!' + </p> + <p> + 'The sounds of the fish called scari—' + </p> + <p> + 'You'll burst some vessel in your head,' said Mr Feeder. 'You had better + let it come.' + </p> + <p> + 'And the spawn of the lamprey, brought from the Carpathian Sea,' pursued + the Doctor, in his severest voice; 'when we read of costly entertainments + such as these, and still remember, that we have a Titus—' + </p> + <p> + 'What would be your mother's feelings if you died of apoplexy!' said Mr + Feeder. + </p> + <p> + 'A Domitian—' + </p> + <p> + 'And you're blue, you know,' said Mr Feeder. + </p> + <p> + 'A Nero, a Tiberius, a Caligula, a Heliogabalus, and many more, pursued + the Doctor; 'it is, Mr Feeder—if you are doing me the honour to + attend—remarkable; VERY remarkable, Sir—' + </p> + <p> + But Johnson, unable to suppress it any longer, burst at that moment into + such an overwhelming fit of coughing, that although both his immediate + neighbours thumped him on the back, and Mr Feeder himself held a glass of + water to his lips, and the butler walked him up and down several times + between his own chair and the sideboard, like a sentry, it was a full five + minutes before he was moderately composed. Then there was a profound + silence. + </p> + <p> + 'Gentlemen,' said Doctor Blimber, 'rise for Grace! Cornelia, lift Dombey + down'—nothing of whom but his scalp was accordingly seen above the + tablecloth. 'Johnson will repeat to me tomorrow morning before breakfast, + without book, and from the Greek Testament, the first chapter of the + Epistle of Saint Paul to the Ephesians. We will resume our studies, Mr + Feeder, in half-an-hour.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0157m.jpg" alt="0157m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0157.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The young gentlemen bowed and withdrew. Mr Feeder did likewise. During the + half-hour, the young gentlemen, broken into pairs, loitered arm-in-arm up + and down a small piece of ground behind the house, or endeavoured to + kindle a spark of animation in the breast of Briggs. But nothing happened + so vulgar as play. Punctually at the appointed time, the gong was sounded, + and the studies, under the joint auspices of Doctor Blimber and Mr Feeder, + were resumed. + </p> + <p> + As the Olympic game of lounging up and down had been cut shorter than + usual that day, on Johnson's account, they all went out for a walk before + tea. Even Briggs (though he hadn't begun yet) partook of this dissipation; + in the enjoyment of which he looked over the cliff two or three times + darkly. Doctor Blimber accompanied them; and Paul had the honour of being + taken in tow by the Doctor himself: a distinguished state of things, in + which he looked very little and feeble. + </p> + <p> + Tea was served in a style no less polite than the dinner; and after tea, + the young gentlemen rising and bowing as before, withdrew to fetch up the + unfinished tasks of that day, or to get up the already looming tasks of + to-morrow. In the meantime Mr Feeder withdrew to his own room; and Paul + sat in a corner wondering whether Florence was thinking of him, and what + they were all about at Mrs Pipchin's. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, who had been detained by an important letter from the Duke of + Wellington, found Paul out after a time; and having looked at him for a + long while, as before, inquired if he was fond of waistcoats. + </p> + <p> + Paul said 'Yes, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'So am I,' said Toots. + </p> + <p> + No word more spoke Toots that night; but he stood looking at Paul as if he + liked him; and as there was company in that, and Paul was not inclined to + talk, it answered his purpose better than conversation. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock or so, the gong sounded again for prayers in the + dining-room, where the butler afterwards presided over a side-table, on + which bread and cheese and beer were spread for such young gentlemen as + desired to partake of those refreshments. The ceremonies concluded by the + Doctor's saying, 'Gentlemen, we will resume our studies at seven + to-morrow;' and then, for the first time, Paul saw Cornelia Blimber's eye, + and saw that it was upon him. When the Doctor had said these words, + 'Gentlemen, we will resume our studies at seven tomorrow,' the pupils + bowed again, and went to bed. + </p> + <p> + In the confidence of their own room upstairs, Briggs said his head ached + ready to split, and that he should wish himself dead if it wasn't for his + mother, and a blackbird he had at home. Tozer didn't say much, but he + sighed a good deal, and told Paul to look out, for his turn would come + to-morrow. After uttering those prophetic words, he undressed himself + moodily, and got into bed. Briggs was in his bed too, and Paul in his bed + too, before the weak-eyed young man appeared to take away the candle, when + he wished them good-night and pleasant dreams. But his benevolent wishes + were in vain, as far as Briggs and Tozer were concerned; for Paul, who lay + awake for a long while, and often woke afterwards, found that Briggs was + ridden by his lesson as a nightmare: and that Tozer, whose mind was + affected in his sleep by similar causes, in a minor degree talked unknown + tongues, or scraps of Greek and Latin—it was all one to Paul—which, + in the silence of night, had an inexpressibly wicked and guilty effect. + </p> + <p> + Paul had sunk into a sweet sleep, and dreamed that he was walking hand in + hand with Florence through beautiful gardens, when they came to a large + sunflower which suddenly expanded itself into a gong, and began to sound. + Opening his eyes, he found that it was a dark, windy morning, with a + drizzling rain: and that the real gong was giving dreadful note of + preparation, down in the hall. + </p> + <p> + So he got up directly, and found Briggs with hardly any eyes, for + nightmare and grief had made his face puffy, putting his boots on: while + Tozer stood shivering and rubbing his shoulders in a very bad humour. Poor + Paul couldn't dress himself easily, not being used to it, and asked them + if they would have the goodness to tie some strings for him; but as Briggs + merely said 'Bother!' and Tozer, 'Oh yes!' he went down when he was + otherwise ready, to the next storey, where he saw a pretty young woman in + leather gloves, cleaning a stove. The young woman seemed surprised at his + appearance, and asked him where his mother was. When Paul told her she was + dead, she took her gloves off, and did what he wanted; and furthermore + rubbed his hands to warm them; and gave him a kiss; and told him whenever + he wanted anything of that sort—meaning in the dressing way—to + ask for 'Melia; which Paul, thanking her very much, said he certainly + would. He then proceeded softly on his journey downstairs, towards the + room in which the young gentlemen resumed their studies, when, passing by + a door that stood ajar, a voice from within cried, 'Is that Dombey?' On + Paul replying, 'Yes, Ma'am:' for he knew the voice to be Miss Blimber's: + Miss Blimber said, 'Come in, Dombey.' And in he went. + </p> + <p> + Miss Blimber presented exactly the appearance she had presented yesterday, + except that she wore a shawl. Her little light curls were as crisp as + ever, and she had already her spectacles on, which made Paul wonder + whether she went to bed in them. She had a cool little sitting-room of her + own up there, with some books in it, and no fire But Miss Blimber was + never cold, and never sleepy. + </p> + <p> + Now, Dombey,' said Miss Blimber, 'I am going out for a constitutional.' + </p> + <p> + Paul wondered what that was, and why she didn't send the footman out to + get it in such unfavourable weather. But he made no observation on the + subject: his attention being devoted to a little pile of new books, on + which Miss Blimber appeared to have been recently engaged. + </p> + <p> + 'These are yours, Dombey,' said Miss Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'All of 'em, Ma'am?' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' returned Miss Blimber; 'and Mr Feeder will look you out some more + very soon, if you are as studious as I expect you will be, Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Ma'am,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'I am going out for a constitutional,' resumed Miss Blimber; 'and while I + am gone, that is to say in the interval between this and breakfast, + Dombey, I wish you to read over what I have marked in these books, and to + tell me if you quite understand what you have got to learn. Don't lose + time, Dombey, for you have none to spare, but take them downstairs, and + begin directly.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Ma'am,' answered Paul. + </p> + <p> + There were so many of them, that although Paul put one hand under the + bottom book and his other hand and his chin on the top book, and hugged + them all closely, the middle book slipped out before he reached the door, + and then they all tumbled down on the floor. Miss Blimber said, 'Oh, + Dombey, Dombey, this is really very careless!' and piled them up afresh + for him; and this time, by dint of balancing them with great nicety, Paul + got out of the room, and down a few stairs before two of them escaped + again. But he held the rest so tight, that he only left one more on the + first floor, and one in the passage; and when he had got the main body + down into the schoolroom, he set off upstairs again to collect the + stragglers. Having at last amassed the whole library, and climbed into his + place, he fell to work, encouraged by a remark from Tozer to the effect + that he 'was in for it now;' which was the only interruption he received + till breakfast time. At that meal, for which he had no appetite, + everything was quite as solemn and genteel as at the others; and when it + was finished, he followed Miss Blimber upstairs. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Dombey,' said Miss Blimber. 'How have you got on with those books?' + </p> + <p> + They comprised a little English, and a deal of Latin—names of + things, declensions of articles and substantives, exercises thereon, and + preliminary rules—a trifle of orthography, a glance at ancient + history, a wink or two at modern ditto, a few tables, two or three weights + and measures, and a little general information. When poor Paul had spelt + out number two, he found he had no idea of number one; fragments whereof + afterwards obtruded themselves into number three, which slided into number + four, which grafted itself on to number two. So that whether twenty + Romuluses made a Remus, or hic haec hoc was troy weight, or a verb always + agreed with an ancient Briton, or three times four was Taurus a bull, were + open questions with him. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Dombey, Dombey!' said Miss Blimber, 'this is very shocking.' + </p> + <p> + 'If you please,' said Paul, 'I think if I might sometimes talk a little to + old Glubb, I should be able to do better.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense, Dombey,' said Miss Blimber. 'I couldn't hear of it. This is not + the place for Glubbs of any kind. You must take the books down, I suppose, + Dombey, one by one, and perfect yourself in the day's instalment of + subject A, before you turn at all to subject B. I am sorry to say, Dombey, + that your education appears to have been very much neglected.' + </p> + <p> + 'So Papa says,' returned Paul; 'but I told you—I have been a weak + child. Florence knows I have. So does Wickam.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is Wickam?' asked Miss Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'She has been my nurse,' Paul answered. + </p> + <p> + 'I must beg you not to mention Wickam to me, then,' said Miss Blimber. 'I + couldn't allow it'. + </p> + <p> + 'You asked me who she was,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Very well,' returned Miss Blimber; 'but this is all very different indeed + from anything of that sort, Dombey, and I couldn't think of permitting it. + As to having been weak, you must begin to be strong. And now take away the + top book, if you please, Dombey, and return when you are master of the + theme.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Blimber expressed her opinions on the subject of Paul's uninstructed + state with a gloomy delight, as if she had expected this result, and were + glad to find that they must be in constant communication. Paul withdrew + with the top task, as he was told, and laboured away at it, down below: + sometimes remembering every word of it, and sometimes forgetting it all, + and everything else besides: until at last he ventured upstairs again to + repeat the lesson, when it was nearly all driven out of his head before he + began, by Miss Blimber's shutting up the book, and saying, 'Go on, + Dombey!' a proceeding so suggestive of the knowledge inside of her, that + Paul looked upon the young lady with consternation, as a kind of learned + Guy Fawkes, or artificial Bogle, stuffed full of scholastic straw. + </p> + <p> + He acquitted himself very well, nevertheless; and Miss Blimber, commending + him as giving promise of getting on fast, immediately provided him with + subject B; from which he passed to C, and even D before dinner. It was + hard work, resuming his studies, soon after dinner; and he felt giddy and + confused and drowsy and dull. But all the other young gentlemen had + similar sensations, and were obliged to resume their studies too, if there + were any comfort in that. It was a wonder that the great clock in the + hall, instead of being constant to its first inquiry, never said, + 'Gentlemen, we will now resume our studies,' for that phrase was often + enough repeated in its neighbourhood. The studies went round like a mighty + wheel, and the young gentlemen were always stretched upon it. + </p> + <p> + After tea there were exercises again, and preparations for next day by + candlelight. And in due course there was bed; where, but for that + resumption of the studies which took place in dreams, were rest and sweet + forgetfulness. + </p> + <p> + Oh Saturdays! Oh happy Saturdays, when Florence always came at noon, and + never would, in any weather, stay away, though Mrs Pipchin snarled and + growled, and worried her bitterly. Those Saturdays were Sabbaths for at + least two little Christians among all the Jews, and did the holy Sabbath + work of strengthening and knitting up a brother's and a sister's love. + </p> + <p> + Not even Sunday nights—the heavy Sunday nights, whose shadow + darkened the first waking burst of light on Sunday mornings—could + mar those precious Saturdays. Whether it was the great sea-shore, where + they sat, and strolled together; or whether it was only Mrs Pipchin's dull + back room, in which she sang to him so softly, with his drowsy head upon + her arm; Paul never cared. It was Florence. That was all he thought of. + So, on Sunday nights, when the Doctor's dark door stood agape to swallow + him up for another week, the time was come for taking leave of Florence; + no one else. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam had been drafted home to the house in town, and Miss Nipper, + now a smart young woman, had come down. To many a single combat with Mrs + Pipchin, did Miss Nipper gallantly devote herself, and if ever Mrs Pipchin + in all her life had found her match, she had found it now. Miss Nipper + threw away the scabbard the first morning she arose in Mrs Pipchin's + house. She asked and gave no quarter. She said it must be war, and war it + was; and Mrs Pipchin lived from that time in the midst of surprises, + harassings, and defiances, and skirmishing attacks that came bouncing in + upon her from the passage, even in unguarded moments of chops, and carried + desolation to her very toast. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper had returned one Sunday night with Florence, from walking back + with Paul to the Doctor's, when Florence took from her bosom a little + piece of paper, on which she had pencilled down some words. + </p> + <p> + 'See here, Susan,' she said. 'These are the names of the little books that + Paul brings home to do those long exercises with, when he is so tired. I + copied them last night while he was writing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't show 'em to me, Miss Floy, if you please,' returned Nipper, 'I'd as + soon see Mrs Pipchin.' + </p> + <p> + 'I want you to buy them for me, Susan, if you will, tomorrow morning. I + have money enough,' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, goodness gracious me, Miss Floy,' returned Miss Nipper, 'how can you + talk like that, when you have books upon books already, and masterses and + mississes a teaching of you everything continual, though my belief is that + your Pa, Miss Dombey, never would have learnt you nothing, never would + have thought of it, unless you'd asked him—when he couldn't well + refuse; but giving consent when asked, and offering when unasked, Miss, is + quite two things; I may not have my objections to a young man's keeping + company with me, and when he puts the question, may say "yes," but that's + not saying "would you be so kind as like me."' + </p> + <p> + 'But you can buy me the books, Susan; and you will, when you know why I + want them.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Miss, and why do you want 'em?' replied Nipper; adding, in a lower + voice, 'If it was to fling at Mrs Pipchin's head, I'd buy a cart-load.' + </p> + <p> + 'Paul has a great deal too much to do, Susan,' said Florence, 'I am sure + of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'And well you may be, Miss,' returned her maid, 'and make your mind quite + easy that the willing dear is worked and worked away. If those is Latin + legs,' exclaimed Miss Nipper, with strong feeling—in allusion to + Paul's; 'give me English ones.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid he feels lonely and lost at Doctor Blimber's, Susan,' pursued + Florence, turning away her face. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah,' said Miss Nipper, with great sharpness, 'Oh, them "Blimbers"' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't blame anyone,' said Florence. 'It's a mistake.' + </p> + <p> + 'I say nothing about blame, Miss,' cried Miss Nipper, 'for I know that you + object, but I may wish, Miss, that the family was set to work to make new + roads, and that Miss Blimber went in front and had the pickaxe.' + </p> + <p> + After this speech, Miss Nipper, who was perfectly serious, wiped her eyes. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0164m.jpg" alt="0164m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0164.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'I think I could perhaps give Paul some help, Susan, if I had these + books,' said Florence, 'and make the coming week a little easier to him. + At least I want to try. So buy them for me, dear, and I will never forget + how kind it was of you to do it!' + </p> + <p> + It must have been a harder heart than Susan Nipper's that could have + rejected the little purse Florence held out with these words, or the + gentle look of entreaty with which she seconded her petition. Susan put + the purse in her pocket without reply, and trotted out at once upon her + errand. + </p> + <p> + The books were not easy to procure; and the answer at several shops was, + either that they were just out of them, or that they never kept them, or + that they had had a great many last month, or that they expected a great + many next week But Susan was not easily baffled in such an enterprise; and + having entrapped a white-haired youth, in a black calico apron, from a + library where she was known, to accompany her in her quest, she led him + such a life in going up and down, that he exerted himself to the utmost, + if it were only to get rid of her; and finally enabled her to return home + in triumph. + </p> + <p> + With these treasures then, after her own daily lessons were over, Florence + sat down at night to track Paul's footsteps through the thorny ways of + learning; and being possessed of a naturally quick and sound capacity, and + taught by that most wonderful of masters, love, it was not long before she + gained upon Paul's heels, and caught and passed him. + </p> + <p> + Not a word of this was breathed to Mrs Pipchin: but many a night when they + were all in bed, and when Miss Nipper, with her hair in papers and herself + asleep in some uncomfortable attitude, reposed unconscious by her side; + and when the chinking ashes in the grate were cold and grey; and when the + candles were burnt down and guttering out;—Florence tried so hard to + be a substitute for one small Dombey, that her fortitude and perseverance + might have almost won her a free right to bear the name herself. + </p> + <p> + And high was her reward, when one Saturday evening, as little Paul was + sitting down as usual to 'resume his studies,' she sat down by his side, + and showed him all that was so rough, made smooth, and all that was so + dark, made clear and plain, before him. It was nothing but a startled look + in Paul's wan face—a flush—a smile—and then a close + embrace—but God knows how her heart leapt up at this rich payment + for her trouble. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Floy!' cried her brother, 'how I love you! How I love you, Floy!' + </p> + <p> + 'And I you, dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I am sure of that, Floy.' + </p> + <p> + He said no more about it, but all that evening sat close by her, very + quiet; and in the night he called out from his little room within hers, + three or four times, that he loved her. + </p> + <p> + Regularly, after that, Florence was prepared to sit down with Paul on + Saturday night, and patiently assist him through so much as they could + anticipate together of his next week's work. The cheering thought that he + was labouring on where Florence had just toiled before him, would, of + itself, have been a stimulant to Paul in the perpetual resumption of his + studies; but coupled with the actual lightening of his load, consequent on + this assistance, it saved him, possibly, from sinking underneath the + burden which the fair Cornelia Blimber piled upon his back. + </p> + <p> + It was not that Miss Blimber meant to be too hard upon him, or that Doctor + Blimber meant to bear too heavily on the young gentlemen in general. + Cornelia merely held the faith in which she had been bred; and the Doctor, + in some partial confusion of his ideas, regarded the young gentlemen as if + they were all Doctors, and were born grown up. Comforted by the applause + of the young gentlemen's nearest relations, and urged on by their blind + vanity and ill-considered haste, it would have been strange if Doctor + Blimber had discovered his mistake, or trimmed his swelling sails to any + other tack. + </p> + <p> + Thus in the case of Paul. When Doctor Blimber said he made great progress + and was naturally clever, Mr Dombey was more bent than ever on his being + forced and crammed. In the case of Briggs, when Doctor Blimber reported + that he did not make great progress yet, and was not naturally clever, + Briggs senior was inexorable in the same purpose. In short, however high + and false the temperature at which the Doctor kept his hothouse, the + owners of the plants were always ready to lend a helping hand at the + bellows, and to stir the fire. + </p> + <p> + Such spirits as he had in the outset, Paul soon lost of course. But he + retained all that was strange, and old, and thoughtful in his character: + and under circumstances so favourable to the development of those + tendencies, became even more strange, and old, and thoughtful, than + before. + </p> + <p> + The only difference was, that he kept his character to himself. He grew + more thoughtful and reserved, every day; and had no such curiosity in any + living member of the Doctor's household, as he had had in Mrs Pipchin. He + loved to be alone; and in those short intervals when he was not occupied + with his books, liked nothing so well as wandering about the house by + himself, or sitting on the stairs, listening to the great clock in the + hall. He was intimate with all the paperhanging in the house; saw things + that no one else saw in the patterns; found out miniature tigers and lions + running up the bedroom walls, and squinting faces leering in the squares + and diamonds of the floor-cloth. + </p> + <p> + The solitary child lived on, surrounded by this arabesque work of his + musing fancy, and no one understood him. Mrs Blimber thought him 'odd,' + and sometimes the servants said among themselves that little Dombey + 'moped;' but that was all. + </p> + <p> + Unless young Toots had some idea on the subject, to the expression of + which he was wholly unequal. Ideas, like ghosts (according to the common + notion of ghosts), must be spoken to a little before they will explain + themselves; and Toots had long left off asking any questions of his own + mind. Some mist there may have been, issuing from that leaden casket, his + cranium, which, if it could have taken shape and form, would have become a + genie; but it could not; and it only so far followed the example of the + smoke in the Arabian story, as to roll out in a thick cloud, and there + hang and hover. But it left a little figure visible upon a lonely shore, + and Toots was always staring at it. + </p> + <p> + 'How are you?' he would say to Paul, fifty times a day. 'Quite well, Sir, + thank you,' Paul would answer. 'Shake hands,' would be Toots's next + advance. + </p> + <p> + Which Paul, of course, would immediately do. Mr Toots generally said + again, after a long interval of staring and hard breathing, 'How are you?' + To which Paul again replied, 'Quite well, Sir, thank you.' + </p> + <p> + One evening Mr Toots was sitting at his desk, oppressed by correspondence, + when a great purpose seemed to flash upon him. He laid down his pen, and + went off to seek Paul, whom he found at last, after a long search, looking + through the window of his little bedroom. + </p> + <p> + 'I say!' cried Toots, speaking the moment he entered the room, lest he + should forget it; 'what do you think about?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I think about a great many things,' replied Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you, though?' said Toots, appearing to consider that fact in itself + surprising. 'If you had to die,' said Paul, looking up into his face—Mr + Toots started, and seemed much disturbed. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't you think you would rather die on a moonlight night, when the sky + was quite clear, and the wind blowing, as it did last night?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots said, looking doubtfully at Paul, and shaking his head, that he + didn't know about that. + </p> + <p> + 'Not blowing, at least,' said Paul, 'but sounding in the air like the sea + sounds in the shells. It was a beautiful night. When I had listened to the + water for a long time, I got up and looked out. There was a boat over + there, in the full light of the moon; a boat with a sail.' + </p> + <p> + The child looked at him so steadfastly, and spoke so earnestly, that Mr + Toots, feeling himself called upon to say something about this boat, said, + 'Smugglers.' But with an impartial remembrance of there being two sides to + every question, he added, 'or Preventive.' + </p> + <p> + 'A boat with a sail,' repeated Paul, 'in the full light of the moon. The + sail like an arm, all silver. It went away into the distance, and what do + you think it seemed to do as it moved with the waves?' + </p> + <p> + 'Pitch,' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'It seemed to beckon,' said the child, 'to beckon me to come!—There + she is! There she is!' + </p> + <p> + Toots was almost beside himself with dismay at this sudden exclamation, + after what had gone before, and cried 'Who?' + </p> + <p> + 'My sister Florence!' cried Paul, 'looking up here, and waving her hand. + She sees me—she sees me! Good-night, dear, good-night, good-night.' + </p> + <p> + His quick transition to a state of unbounded pleasure, as he stood at his + window, kissing and clapping his hands: and the way in which the light + retreated from his features as she passed out of his view, and left a + patient melancholy on the little face: were too remarkable wholly to + escape even Toots's notice. Their interview being interrupted at this + moment by a visit from Mrs Pipchin, who usually brought her black skirts + to bear upon Paul just before dusk, once or twice a week, Toots had no + opportunity of improving the occasion: but it left so marked an impression + on his mind that he twice returned, after having exchanged the usual + salutations, to ask Mrs Pipchin how she did. This the irascible old lady + conceived to be a deeply devised and long-meditated insult, originating in + the diabolical invention of the weak-eyed young man downstairs, against + whom she accordingly lodged a formal complaint with Doctor Blimber that + very night; who mentioned to the young man that if he ever did it again, + he should be obliged to part with him. + </p> + <p> + The evenings being longer now, Paul stole up to his window every evening + to look out for Florence. She always passed and repassed at a certain + time, until she saw him; and their mutual recognition was a gleam of + sunshine in Paul's daily life. Often after dark, one other figure walked + alone before the Doctor's house. He rarely joined them on the Saturdays + now. He could not bear it. He would rather come unrecognised, and look up + at the windows where his son was qualifying for a man; and wait, and + watch, and plan, and hope. + </p> + <p> + Oh! could he but have seen, or seen as others did, the slight spare boy + above, watching the waves and clouds at twilight, with his earnest eyes, + and breasting the window of his solitary cage when birds flew by, as if he + would have emulated them, and soared away! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 13. Shipping Intelligence and Office Business + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>r Dombey's offices were in a court where there was an old-established + stall of choice fruit at the corner: where perambulating merchants, of + both sexes, offered for sale at any time between the hours of ten and + five, slippers, pocket-books, sponges, dogs' collars, and Windsor soap; + and sometimes a pointer or an oil-painting. + </p> + <p> + The pointer always came that way, with a view to the Stock Exchange, where + a sporting taste (originating generally in bets of new hats) is much in + vogue. The other commodities were addressed to the general public; but + they were never offered by the vendors to Mr Dombey. When he appeared, the + dealers in those wares fell off respectfully. The principal slipper and + dogs' collar man—who considered himself a public character, and + whose portrait was screwed on to an artist's door in Cheapside—threw + up his forefinger to the brim of his hat as Mr Dombey went by. The + ticket-porter, if he were not absent on a job, always ran officiously + before, to open Mr Dombey's office door as wide as possible, and hold it + open, with his hat off, while he entered. + </p> + <p> + The clerks within were not a whit behind-hand in their demonstrations of + respect. A solemn hush prevailed, as Mr Dombey passed through the outer + office. The wit of the Counting-House became in a moment as mute as the + row of leathern fire-buckets hanging up behind him. Such vapid and flat + daylight as filtered through the ground-glass windows and skylights, + leaving a black sediment upon the panes, showed the books and papers, and + the figures bending over them, enveloped in a studious gloom, and as much + abstracted in appearance, from the world without, as if they were + assembled at the bottom of the sea; while a mouldy little strong room in + the obscure perspective, where a shaded lamp was always burning, might + have represented the cavern of some ocean monster, looking on with a red + eye at these mysteries of the deep. + </p> + <p> + When Perch the messenger, whose place was on a little bracket, like a + timepiece, saw Mr Dombey come in—or rather when he felt that he was + coming, for he had usually an instinctive sense of his approach—he + hurried into Mr Dombey's room, stirred the fire, carried fresh coals from + the bowels of the coal-box, hung the newspaper to air upon the fender, put + the chair ready, and the screen in its place, and was round upon his heel + on the instant of Mr Dombey's entrance, to take his great-coat and hat, + and hang them up. Then Perch took the newspaper, and gave it a turn or two + in his hands before the fire, and laid it, deferentially, at Mr Dombey's + elbow. And so little objection had Perch to being deferential in the last + degree, that if he might have laid himself at Mr Dombey's feet, or might + have called him by some such title as used to be bestowed upon the Caliph + Haroun Alraschid, he would have been all the better pleased. + </p> + <p> + As this honour would have been an innovation and an experiment, Perch was + fain to content himself by expressing as well as he could, in his manner, + You are the light of my Eyes. You are the Breath of my Soul. You are the + commander of the Faithful Perch! With this imperfect happiness to cheer + him, he would shut the door softly, walk away on tiptoe, and leave his + great chief to be stared at, through a dome-shaped window in the leads, by + ugly chimney-pots and backs of houses, and especially by the bold window + of a hair-cutting saloon on a first floor, where a waxen effigy, bald as a + Mussulman in the morning, and covered, after eleven o'clock in the day, + with luxuriant hair and whiskers in the latest Christian fashion, showed + him the wrong side of its head for ever. + </p> + <p> + Between Mr Dombey and the common world, as it was accessible through the + medium of the outer office—to which Mr Dombey's presence in his own + room may be said to have struck like damp, or cold air—there were + two degrees of descent. Mr Carker in his own office was the first step; Mr + Morfin, in his own office, was the second. Each of these gentlemen + occupied a little chamber like a bath-room, opening from the passage + outside Mr Dombey's door. Mr Carker, as Grand Vizier, inhabited the room + that was nearest to the Sultan. Mr Morfin, as an officer of inferior + state, inhabited the room that was nearest to the clerks. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman last mentioned was a cheerful-looking, hazel-eyed elderly + bachelor: gravely attired, as to his upper man, in black; and as to his + legs, in pepper-and-salt colour. His dark hair was just touched here and + there with specks of gray, as though the tread of Time had splashed it; + and his whiskers were already white. He had a mighty respect for Mr + Dombey, and rendered him due homage; but as he was of a genial temper + himself, and never wholly at his ease in that stately presence, he was + disquieted by no jealousy of the many conferences enjoyed by Mr Carker, + and felt a secret satisfaction in having duties to discharge, which rarely + exposed him to be singled out for such distinction. He was a great musical + amateur in his way—after business; and had a paternal affection for + his violoncello, which was once in every week transported from Islington, + his place of abode, to a certain club-room hard by the Bank, where + quartettes of the most tormenting and excruciating nature were executed + every Wednesday evening by a private party. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker was a gentleman thirty-eight or forty years old, of a florid + complexion, and with two unbroken rows of glistening teeth, whose + regularity and whiteness were quite distressing. It was impossible to + escape the observation of them, for he showed them whenever he spoke; and + bore so wide a smile upon his countenance (a smile, however, very rarely, + indeed, extending beyond his mouth), that there was something in it like + the snarl of a cat. He affected a stiff white cravat, after the example of + his principal, and was always closely buttoned up and tightly dressed. His + manner towards Mr Dombey was deeply conceived and perfectly expressed. He + was familiar with him, in the very extremity of his sense of the distance + between them. 'Mr Dombey, to a man in your position from a man in mine, + there is no show of subservience compatible with the transaction of + business between us, that I should think sufficient. I frankly tell you, + Sir, I give it up altogether. I feel that I could not satisfy my own mind; + and Heaven knows, Mr Dombey, you can afford to dispense with the + endeavour.' If he had carried these words about with him printed on a + placard, and had constantly offered it to Mr Dombey's perusal on the + breast of his coat, he could not have been more explicit than he was. + </p> + <p> + This was Carker the Manager. Mr Carker the Junior, Walter's friend, was + his brother; two or three years older than he, but widely removed in + station. The younger brother's post was on the top of the official ladder; + the elder brother's at the bottom. The elder brother never gained a stave, + or raised his foot to mount one. Young men passed above his head, and rose + and rose; but he was always at the bottom. He was quite resigned to occupy + that low condition: never complained of it: and certainly never hoped to + escape from it. + </p> + <p> + 'How do you do this morning?' said Mr Carker the Manager, entering Mr + Dombey's room soon after his arrival one day: with a bundle of papers in + his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'How do you do, Carker?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Coolish!' observed Carker, stirring the fire. + </p> + <p> + 'Rather,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Any news of the young gentleman who is so important to us all?' asked + Carker, with his whole regiment of teeth on parade. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes—not direct news—I hear he's very well,' said Mr Dombey. + Who had come from Brighton over-night. But no one knew It. + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, and becoming a great scholar, no doubt?' observed the Manager. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope so,' returned Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Egad!' said Mr Carker, shaking his head, 'Time flies!' + </p> + <p> + 'I think so, sometimes,' returned Mr Dombey, glancing at his newspaper. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! You! You have no reason to think so,' observed Carker. 'One who sits + on such an elevation as yours, and can sit there, unmoved, in all seasons—hasn't + much reason to know anything about the flight of time. It's men like + myself, who are low down and are not superior in circumstances, and who + inherit new masters in the course of Time, that have cause to look about + us. I shall have a rising sun to worship, soon.' + </p> + <p> + 'Time enough, time enough, Carker!' said Mr Dombey, rising from his chair, + and standing with his back to the fire. 'Have you anything there for me?' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know that I need trouble you,' returned Carker, turning over the + papers in his hand. 'You have a committee today at three, you know.' + </p> + <p> + 'And one at three, three-quarters,' added Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Catch you forgetting anything!' exclaimed Carker, still turning over his + papers. 'If Mr Paul inherits your memory, he'll be a troublesome customer + in the House. One of you is enough.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have an accurate memory of your own,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I!' returned the manager. 'It's the only capital of a man like me.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey did not look less pompous or at all displeased, as he stood + leaning against the chimney-piece, surveying his (of course unconscious) + clerk, from head to foot. The stiffness and nicety of Mr Carker's dress, + and a certain arrogance of manner, either natural to him or imitated from + a pattern not far off, gave great additional effect to his humility. He + seemed a man who would contend against the power that vanquished him, if + he could, but who was utterly borne down by the greatness and superiority + of Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Is Morfin here?' asked Mr Dombey after a short pause, during which Mr + Carker had been fluttering his papers, and muttering little abstracts of + their contents to himself. + </p> + <p> + 'Morfin's here,' he answered, looking up with his widest and almost sudden + smile; 'humming musical recollections—of his last night's quartette + party, I suppose—through the walls between us, and driving me half + mad. I wish he'd make a bonfire of his violoncello, and burn his + music-books in it.' + </p> + <p> + 'You respect nobody, Carker, I think,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'No?' inquired Carker, with another wide and most feline show of his + teeth. 'Well! Not many people, I believe. I wouldn't answer perhaps,' he + murmured, as if he were only thinking it, 'for more than one.' + </p> + <p> + A dangerous quality, if real; and a not less dangerous one, if feigned. + But Mr Dombey hardly seemed to think so, as he still stood with his back + to the fire, drawn up to his full height, and looking at his head-clerk + with a dignified composure, in which there seemed to lurk a stronger + latent sense of power than usual. + </p> + <p> + 'Talking of Morfin,' resumed Mr Carker, taking out one paper from the + rest, 'he reports a junior dead in the agency at Barbados, and proposes to + reserve a passage in the Son and Heir—she'll sail in a month or so—for + the successor. You don't care who goes, I suppose? We have nobody of that + sort here.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey shook his head with supreme indifference. + </p> + <p> + 'It's no very precious appointment,' observed Mr Carker, taking up a pen, + with which to endorse a memorandum on the back of the paper. 'I hope he + may bestow it on some orphan nephew of a musical friend. It may perhaps + stop his fiddle-playing, if he has a gift that way. Who's that? Come in!' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Mr Carker. I didn't know you were here, Sir,' answered + Walter; appearing with some letters in his hand, unopened, and newly + arrived. 'Mr Carker the junior, Sir—' + </p> + <p> + At the mention of this name, Mr Carker the Manager was or affected to be, + touched to the quick with shame and humiliation. He cast his eyes full on + Mr Dombey with an altered and apologetic look, abased them on the ground, + and remained for a moment without speaking. + </p> + <p> + 'I thought, Sir,' he said suddenly and angrily, turning on Walter, 'that + you had been before requested not to drag Mr Carker the Junior into your + conversation.' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon,' returned Walter. 'I was only going to say that Mr + Carker the Junior had told me he believed you were gone out, or I should + not have knocked at the door when you were engaged with Mr Dombey. These + are letters for Mr Dombey, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, Sir,' returned Mr Carker the Manager, plucking them sharply + from his hand. 'Go about your business.' + </p> + <p> + But in taking them with so little ceremony, Mr Carker dropped one on the + floor, and did not see what he had done; neither did Mr Dombey observe the + letter lying near his feet. Walter hesitated for a moment, thinking that + one or other of them would notice it; but finding that neither did, he + stopped, came back, picked it up, and laid it himself on Mr Dombey's desk. + The letters were post-letters; and it happened that the one in question + was Mrs Pipchin's regular report, directed as usual—for Mrs Pipchin + was but an indifferent penwoman—by Florence. Mr Dombey, having his + attention silently called to this letter by Walter, started, and looked + fiercely at him, as if he believed that he had purposely selected it from + all the rest. + </p> + <p> + 'You can leave the room, Sir!' said Mr Dombey, haughtily. + </p> + <p> + He crushed the letter in his hand; and having watched Walter out at the + door, put it in his pocket without breaking the seal. + </p> + <p> + 'These continual references to Mr Carker the Junior,' Mr Carker the + Manager began, as soon as they were alone, 'are, to a man in my position, + uttered before one in yours, so unspeakably distressing—' + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense, Carker,' Mr Dombey interrupted. 'You are too sensitive.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sensitive,' he returned. 'If one in your position could by any + possibility imagine yourself in my place: which you cannot: you would be + so too.' + </p> + <p> + As Mr Dombey's thoughts were evidently pursuing some other subject, his + discreet ally broke off here, and stood with his teeth ready to present to + him, when he should look up. + </p> + <p> + 'You want somebody to send to the West Indies, you were saying,' observed + Mr Dombey, hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' replied Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Send young Gay.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good, very good indeed. Nothing easier,' said Mr Carker, without any show + of surprise, and taking up the pen to re-endorse the letter, as coolly as + he had done before. '"Send young Gay."' + </p> + <p> + 'Call him back,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker was quick to do so, and Walter was quick to return. + </p> + <p> + 'Gay,' said Mr Dombey, turning a little to look at him over his shoulder. + 'Here is a—' + </p> + <p> + 'An opening,' said Mr Carker, with his mouth stretched to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + 'In the West Indies. At Barbados. I am going to send you,' said Mr Dombey, + scorning to embellish the bare truth, 'to fill a junior situation in the + counting-house at Barbados. Let your Uncle know from me, that I have + chosen you to go to the West Indies.' + </p> + <p> + Walter's breath was so completely taken away by his astonishment, that he + could hardly find enough for the repetition of the words 'West Indies.' + </p> + <p> + 'Somebody must go,' said Mr Dombey, 'and you are young and healthy, and + your Uncle's circumstances are not good. Tell your Uncle that you are + appointed. You will not go yet. There will be an interval of a month—or + two perhaps.' + </p> + <p> + 'Shall I remain there, Sir?' inquired Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you remain there, Sir!' repeated Mr Dombey, turning a little more + round towards him. 'What do you mean? What does he mean, Carker?' + </p> + <p> + 'Live there, Sir,' faltered Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly,' returned Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + Walter bowed. + </p> + <p> + 'That's all,' said Mr Dombey, resuming his letters. 'You will explain to + him in good time about the usual outfit and so forth, Carker, of course. + He needn't wait, Carker.' + </p> + <p> + 'You needn't wait, Gay,' observed Mr Carker: bare to the gums. + </p> + <p> + 'Unless,' said Mr Dombey, stopping in his reading without looking off the + letter, and seeming to listen. 'Unless he has anything to say.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir,' returned Walter, agitated and confused, and almost stunned, as + an infinite variety of pictures presented themselves to his mind; among + which Captain Cuttle, in his glazed hat, transfixed with astonishment at + Mrs MacStinger's, and his uncle bemoaning his loss in the little back + parlour, held prominent places. 'I hardly know—I—I am much + obliged, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'He needn't wait, Carker,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + And as Mr Carker again echoed the words, and also collected his papers as + if he were going away too, Walter felt that his lingering any longer would + be an unpardonable intrusion—especially as he had nothing to say—and + therefore walked out quite confounded. + </p> + <p> + Going along the passage, with the mingled consciousness and helplessness + of a dream, he heard Mr Dombey's door shut again, as Mr Carker came out: + and immediately afterwards that gentleman called to him. + </p> + <p> + 'Bring your friend Mr Carker the Junior to my room, Sir, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + Walter went to the outer office and apprised Mr Carker the Junior of his + errand, who accordingly came out from behind a partition where he sat + alone in one corner, and returned with him to the room of Mr Carker the + Manager. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman was standing with his back to the fire, and his hands under + his coat-tails, looking over his white cravat, as unpromisingly as Mr + Dombey himself could have looked. He received them without any change in + his attitude or softening of his harsh and black expression: merely + signing to Walter to close the door. + </p> + <p> + 'John Carker,' said the Manager, when this was done, turning suddenly upon + his brother, with his two rows of teeth bristling as if he would have + bitten him, 'what is the league between you and this young man, in virtue + of which I am haunted and hunted by the mention of your name? Is it not + enough for you, John Carker, that I am your near relation, and can't + detach myself from that—' + </p> + <p> + 'Say disgrace, James,' interposed the other in a low voice, finding that + he stammered for a word. 'You mean it, and have reason, say disgrace.' + </p> + <p> + 'From that disgrace,' assented his brother with keen emphasis, 'but is the + fact to be blurted out and trumpeted, and proclaimed continually in the + presence of the very House! In moments of confidence too? Do you think + your name is calculated to harmonise in this place with trust and + confidence, John Carker?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' returned the other. 'No, James. God knows I have no such thought.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is your thought, then?' said his brother, 'and why do you thrust + yourself in my way? Haven't you injured me enough already?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have never injured you, James, wilfully.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are my brother,' said the Manager. 'That's injury enough.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish I could undo it, James.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish you could and would.' + </p> + <p> + During this conversation, Walter had looked from one brother to the other, + with pain and amazement. He who was the Senior in years, and Junior in the + House, stood, with his eyes cast upon the ground, and his head bowed, + humbly listening to the reproaches of the other. Though these were + rendered very bitter by the tone and look with which they were + accompanied, and by the presence of Walter whom they so much surprised and + shocked, he entered no other protest against them than by slightly raising + his right hand in a deprecatory manner, as if he would have said, 'Spare + me!' So, had they been blows, and he a brave man, under strong constraint, + and weakened by bodily suffering, he might have stood before the + executioner. + </p> + <p> + Generous and quick in all his emotions, and regarding himself as the + innocent occasion of these taunts, Walter now struck in, with all the + earnestness he felt. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker,' he said, addressing himself to the Manager. 'Indeed, indeed, + this is my fault solely. In a kind of heedlessness, for which I cannot + blame myself enough, I have, I have no doubt, mentioned Mr Carker the + Junior much oftener than was necessary; and have allowed his name + sometimes to slip through my lips, when it was against your expressed + wish. But it has been my own mistake, Sir. We have never exchanged one + word upon the subject—very few, indeed, on any subject. And it has + not been,' added Walter, after a moment's pause, 'all heedlessness on my + part, Sir; for I have felt an interest in Mr Carker ever since I have been + here, and have hardly been able to help speaking of him sometimes, when I + have thought of him so much!' + </p> + <p> + Walter said this from his soul, and with the very breath of honour. For he + looked upon the bowed head, and the downcast eyes, and upraised hand, and + thought, 'I have felt it; and why should I not avow it in behalf of this + unfriended, broken man!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager looked at him, as he spoke, and when he had finished + speaking, with a smile that seemed to divide his face into two parts. + </p> + <p> + 'You are an excitable youth, Gay,' he said; 'and should endeavour to cool + down a little now, for it would be unwise to encourage feverish + predispositions. Be as cool as you can, Gay. Be as cool as you can. You + might have asked Mr John Carker himself (if you have not done so) whether + he claims to be, or is, an object of such strong interest.' + </p> + <p> + 'James, do me justice,' said his brother. 'I have claimed nothing; and I + claim nothing. Believe me, on my—' + </p> + <p> + 'Honour?' said his brother, with another smile, as he warmed himself + before the fire. + </p> + <p> + 'On my Me—on my fallen life!' returned the other, in the same low + voice, but with a deeper stress on his words than he had yet seemed + capable of giving them. 'Believe me, I have held myself aloof, and kept + alone. This has been unsought by me. I have avoided him and everyone. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, you have avoided me, Mr Carker,' said Walter, with the tears + rising to his eyes; so true was his compassion. 'I know it, to my + disappointment and regret. When I first came here, and ever since, I am + sure I have tried to be as much your friend, as one of my age could + presume to be; but it has been of no use. + </p> + <p> + 'And observe,' said the Manager, taking him up quickly, 'it will be of + still less use, Gay, if you persist in forcing Mr John Carker's name on + people's attention. That is not the way to befriend Mr John Carker. Ask + him if he thinks it is.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is no service to me,' said the brother. 'It only leads to such a + conversation as the present, which I need not say I could have well + spared. No one can be a better friend to me:' he spoke here very + distinctly, as if he would impress it upon Walter: 'than in forgetting me, + and leaving me to go my way, unquestioned and unnoticed.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your memory not being retentive, Gay, of what you are told by others,' + said Mr Carker the Manager, warming himself with great and increased + satisfaction, 'I thought it well that you should be told this from the + best authority,' nodding towards his brother. 'You are not likely to + forget it now, I hope. That's all, Gay. You can go.' + </p> + <p> + Walter passed out at the door, and was about to close it after him, when, + hearing the voices of the brothers again, and also the mention of his own + name, he stood irresolutely, with his hand upon the lock, and the door + ajar, uncertain whether to return or go away. In this position he could + not help overhearing what followed. + </p> + <p> + 'Think of me more leniently, if you can, James,' said John Carker, 'when I + tell you I have had—how could I help having, with my history, + written here'—striking himself upon the breast—'my whole heart + awakened by my observation of that boy, Walter Gay. I saw in him when he + first came here, almost my other self.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your other self!' repeated the Manager, disdainfully. + </p> + <p> + 'Not as I am, but as I was when I first came here too; as sanguine, giddy, + youthful, inexperienced; flushed with the same restless and adventurous + fancies; and full of the same qualities, fraught with the same capacity of + leading on to good or evil.' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope not,' said his brother, with some hidden and sarcastic meaning in + his tone. + </p> + <p> + 'You strike me sharply; and your hand is steady, and your thrust is very + deep,' returned the other, speaking (or so Walter thought) as if some + cruel weapon actually stabbed him as he spoke. 'I imagined all this when + he was a boy. I believed it. It was a truth to me. I saw him lightly + walking on the edge of an unseen gulf where so many others walk with equal + gaiety, and from which—' + </p> + <p> + 'The old excuse,' interrupted his brother, as he stirred the fire. 'So + many. Go on. Say, so many fall.' + </p> + <p> + 'From which ONE traveller fell,' returned the other, 'who set forward, on + his way, a boy like him, and missed his footing more and more, and slipped + a little and a little lower; and went on stumbling still, until he fell + headlong and found himself below a shattered man. Think what I suffered, + when I watched that boy.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have only yourself to thank for it,' returned the brother. + </p> + <p> + 'Only myself,' he assented with a sigh. 'I don't seek to divide the blame + or shame.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have divided the shame,' James Carker muttered through his teeth. + And, through so many and such close teeth, he could mutter well. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, James,' returned his brother, speaking for the first time in an + accent of reproach, and seeming, by the sound of his voice, to have + covered his face with his hands, 'I have been, since then, a useful foil + to you. You have trodden on me freely in your climbing up. Don't spurn me + with your heel!' + </p> + <p> + A silence ensued. After a time, Mr Carker the Manager was heard rustling + among his papers, as if he had resolved to bring the interview to a + conclusion. At the same time his brother withdrew nearer to the door. + </p> + <p> + 'That's all,' he said. 'I watched him with such trembling and such fear, + as was some little punishment to me, until he passed the place where I + first fell; and then, though I had been his father, I believe I never + could have thanked God more devoutly. I didn't dare to warn him, and + advise him; but if I had seen direct cause, I would have shown him my + example. I was afraid to be seen speaking with him, lest it should be + thought I did him harm, and tempted him to evil, and corrupted him: or + lest I really should. There may be such contagion in me; I don't know. + Piece out my history, in connexion with young Walter Gay, and what he has + made me feel; and think of me more leniently, James, if you can.' + </p> + <p> + With these words he came out to where Walter was standing. He turned a + little paler when he saw him there, and paler yet when Walter caught him + by the hand, and said in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker, pray let me thank you! Let me say how much I feel for you! How + sorry I am, to have been the unhappy cause of all this! How I almost look + upon you now as my protector and guardian! How very, very much, I feel + obliged to you and pity you!' said Walter, squeezing both his hands, and + hardly knowing, in his agitation, what he did or said. + </p> + <p> + Mr Morfin's room being close at hand and empty, and the door wide open, + they moved thither by one accord: the passage being seldom free from + someone passing to or fro. When they were there, and Walter saw in Mr + Carker's face some traces of the emotion within, he almost felt as if he + had never seen the face before; it was so greatly changed. + </p> + <p> + 'Walter,' he said, laying his hand on his shoulder. 'I am far removed from + you, and may I ever be. Do you know what I am?' + </p> + <p> + 'What you are!' appeared to hang on Walter's lips, as he regarded him + attentively. + </p> + <p> + 'It was begun,' said Carker, 'before my twenty-first birthday—led up + to, long before, but not begun till near that time. I had robbed them when + I came of age. I robbed them afterwards. Before my twenty-second birthday, + it was all found out; and then, Walter, from all men's society, I died.' + </p> + <p> + Again his last few words hung trembling upon Walter's lips, but he could + neither utter them, nor any of his own. + </p> + <p> + 'The House was very good to me. May Heaven reward the old man for his + forbearance! This one, too, his son, who was then newly in the Firm, where + I had held great trust! I was called into that room which is now his—I + have never entered it since—and came out, what you know me. For many + years I sat in my present seat, alone as now, but then a known and + recognised example to the rest. They were all merciful to me, and I lived. + Time has altered that part of my poor expiation; and I think, except the + three heads of the House, there is no one here who knows my story rightly. + Before the little boy grows up, and has it told to him, my corner may be + vacant. I would rather that it might be so! This is the only change to me + since that day, when I left all youth, and hope, and good men's company, + behind me in that room. God bless you, Walter! Keep you, and all dear to + you, in honesty, or strike them dead!' + </p> + <p> + Some recollection of his trembling from head to foot, as if with excessive + cold, and of his bursting into tears, was all that Walter could add to + this, when he tried to recall exactly what had passed between them. + </p> + <p> + When Walter saw him next, he was bending over his desk in his old silent, + drooping, humbled way. Then, observing him at his work, and feeling how + resolved he evidently was that no further intercourse should arise between + them, and thinking again and again on all he had seen and heard that + morning in so short a time, in connexion with the history of both the + Carkers, Walter could hardly believe that he was under orders for the West + Indies, and would soon be lost to Uncle Sol, and Captain Cuttle, and to + glimpses few and far between of Florence Dombey—no, he meant Paul—and + to all he loved, and liked, and looked for, in his daily life. + </p> + <p> + But it was true, and the news had already penetrated to the outer office; + for while he sat with a heavy heart, pondering on these things, and + resting his head upon his arm, Perch the messenger, descending from his + mahogany bracket, and jogging his elbow, begged his pardon, but wished to + say in his ear, Did he think he could arrange to send home to England a + jar of preserved Ginger, cheap, for Mrs Perch's own eating, in the course + of her recovery from her next confinement? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 14. Paul grows more and more Old-fashioned, and goes Home for the + Holidays + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hen the Midsummer vacation approached, no indecent manifestations of joy + were exhibited by the leaden-eyed young gentlemen assembled at Doctor + Blimber's. Any such violent expression as 'breaking up,' would have been + quite inapplicable to that polite establishment. The young gentlemen oozed + away, semi-annually, to their own homes; but they never broke up. They + would have scorned the action. + </p> + <p> + Tozer, who was constantly galled and tormented by a starched white cambric + neckerchief, which he wore at the express desire of Mrs Tozer, his parent, + who, designing him for the Church, was of opinion that he couldn't be in + that forward state of preparation too soon—Tozer said, indeed, that + choosing between two evils, he thought he would rather stay where he was, + than go home. However inconsistent this declaration might appear with that + passage in Tozer's Essay on the subject, wherein he had observed 'that the + thoughts of home and all its recollections, awakened in his mind the most + pleasing emotions of anticipation and delight,' and had also likened + himself to a Roman General, flushed with a recent victory over the Iceni, + or laden with Carthaginian spoil, advancing within a few hours' march of + the Capitol, presupposed, for the purposes of the simile, to be the + dwelling-place of Mrs Tozer, still it was very sincerely made. For it + seemed that Tozer had a dreadful Uncle, who not only volunteered + examinations of him, in the holidays, on abstruse points, but twisted + innocent events and things, and wrenched them to the same fell purpose. So + that if this Uncle took him to the Play, or, on a similar pretence of + kindness, carried him to see a Giant, or a Dwarf, or a Conjuror, or + anything, Tozer knew he had read up some classical allusion to the subject + beforehand, and was thrown into a state of mortal apprehension: not + foreseeing where he might break out, or what authority he might not quote + against him. + </p> + <p> + As to Briggs, his father made no show of artifice about it. He never would + leave him alone. So numerous and severe were the mental trials of that + unfortunate youth in vacation time, that the friends of the family (then + resident near Bayswater, London) seldom approached the ornamental piece of + water in Kensington Gardens, without a vague expectation of seeing Master + Briggs's hat floating on the surface, and an unfinished exercise lying on + the bank. Briggs, therefore, was not at all sanguine on the subject of + holidays; and these two sharers of little Paul's bedroom were so fair a + sample of the young gentlemen in general, that the most elastic among them + contemplated the arrival of those festive periods with genteel + resignation. + </p> + <p> + It was far otherwise with little Paul. The end of these first holidays was + to witness his separation from Florence, but who ever looked forward to + the end of holidays whose beginning was not yet come! Not Paul, assuredly. + As the happy time drew near, the lions and tigers climbing up the bedroom + walls became quite tame and frolicsome. The grim sly faces in the squares + and diamonds of the floor-cloth, relaxed and peeped out at him with less + wicked eyes. The grave old clock had more of personal interest in the tone + of its formal inquiry; and the restless sea went rolling on all night, to + the sounding of a melancholy strain—yet it was pleasant too—that + rose and fell with the waves, and rocked him, as it were, to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder, B.A., seemed to think that he, too, would enjoy the holidays + very much. Mr Toots projected a life of holidays from that time forth; + for, as he regularly informed Paul every day, it was his 'last half' at + Doctor Blimber's, and he was going to begin to come into his property + directly. + </p> + <p> + It was perfectly understood between Paul and Mr Toots, that they were + intimate friends, notwithstanding their distance in point of years and + station. As the vacation approached, and Mr Toots breathed harder and + stared oftener in Paul's society, than he had done before, Paul knew that + he meant he was sorry they were going to lose sight of each other, and + felt very much obliged to him for his patronage and good opinion. + </p> + <p> + It was even understood by Doctor Blimber, Mrs Blimber, and Miss Blimber, + as well as by the young gentlemen in general, that Toots had somehow + constituted himself protector and guardian of Dombey, and the circumstance + became so notorious, even to Mrs Pipchin, that the good old creature + cherished feelings of bitterness and jealousy against Toots; and, in the + sanctuary of her own home, repeatedly denounced him as a 'chuckle-headed + noodle.' Whereas the innocent Toots had no more idea of awakening Mrs + Pipchin's wrath, than he had of any other definite possibility or + proposition. On the contrary, he was disposed to consider her rather a + remarkable character, with many points of interest about her. For this + reason he smiled on her with so much urbanity, and asked her how she did, + so often, in the course of her visits to little Paul, that at last she one + night told him plainly, she wasn't used to it, whatever he might think; + and she could not, and she would not bear it, either from himself or any + other puppy then existing: at which unexpected acknowledgment of his + civilities, Mr Toots was so alarmed that he secreted himself in a retired + spot until she had gone. Nor did he ever again face the doughty Mrs + Pipchin, under Doctor Blimber's roof. + </p> + <p> + They were within two or three weeks of the holidays, when, one day, + Cornelia Blimber called Paul into her room, and said, 'Dombey, I am going + to send home your analysis.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Ma'am,' returned Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'You know what I mean, do you, Dombey?' inquired Miss Blimber, looking + hard at him, through the spectacles. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Ma'am,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey, Dombey,' said Miss Blimber, 'I begin to be afraid you are a sad + boy. When you don't know the meaning of an expression, why don't you seek + for information?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Pipchin told me I wasn't to ask questions,' returned Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'I must beg you not to mention Mrs Pipchin to me, on any account, Dombey,' + returned Miss Blimber. 'I couldn't think of allowing it. The course of + study here, is very far removed from anything of that sort. A repetition + of such allusions would make it necessary for me to request to hear, + without a mistake, before breakfast-time to-morrow morning, from Verbum + personale down to simillimia cygno.' + </p> + <p> + 'I didn't mean, Ma'am—' began little Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'I must trouble you not to tell me that you didn't mean, if you please, + Dombey,' said Miss Blimber, who preserved an awful politeness in her + admonitions. 'That is a line of argument I couldn't dream of permitting.' + </p> + <p> + Paul felt it safest to say nothing at all, so he only looked at Miss + Blimber's spectacles. Miss Blimber having shaken her head at him gravely, + referred to a paper lying before her. + </p> + <p> + '"Analysis of the character of P. Dombey." If my recollection serves me,' + said Miss Blimber breaking off, 'the word analysis as opposed to + synthesis, is thus defined by Walker. "The resolution of an object, + whether of the senses or of the intellect, into its first elements." As + opposed to synthesis, you observe. Now you know what analysis is, Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Dombey didn't seem to be absolutely blinded by the light let in upon his + intellect, but he made Miss Blimber a little bow. + </p> + <p> + '"Analysis,"' resumed Miss Blimber, casting her eye over the paper, '"of + the character of P. Dombey." I find that the natural capacity of Dombey is + extremely good; and that his general disposition to study may be stated in + an equal ratio. Thus, taking eight as our standard and highest number, I + find these qualities in Dombey stated each at six three-fourths!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Blimber paused to see how Paul received this news. Being undecided + whether six three-fourths meant six pounds fifteen, or sixpence three + farthings, or six foot three, or three quarters past six, or six + somethings that he hadn't learnt yet, with three unknown something elses + over, Paul rubbed his hands and looked straight at Miss Blimber. It + happened to answer as well as anything else he could have done; and + Cornelia proceeded. + </p> + <p> + '"Violence two. Selfishness two. Inclination to low company, as evinced in + the case of a person named Glubb, originally seven, but since reduced. + Gentlemanly demeanour four, and improving with advancing years." Now what + I particularly wish to call your attention to, Dombey, is the general + observation at the close of this analysis.' + </p> + <p> + Paul set himself to follow it with great care. + </p> + <p> + '"It may be generally observed of Dombey,"' said Miss Blimber, reading in + a loud voice, and at every second word directing her spectacles towards + the little figure before her: '"that his abilities and inclinations are + good, and that he has made as much progress as under the circumstances + could have been expected. But it is to be lamented of this young gentleman + that he is singular (what is usually termed old-fashioned) in his + character and conduct, and that, without presenting anything in either + which distinctly calls for reprobation, he is often very unlike other + young gentlemen of his age and social position." Now, Dombey,' said Miss + Blimber, laying down the paper, 'do you understand that?' + </p> + <p> + 'I think I do, Ma'am,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'This analysis, you see, Dombey,' Miss Blimber continued, 'is going to be + sent home to your respected parent. It will naturally be very painful to + him to find that you are singular in your character and conduct. It is + naturally painful to us; for we can't like you, you know, Dombey, as well + as we could wish.' + </p> + <p> + She touched the child upon a tender point. He had secretly become more and + more solicitous from day to day, as the time of his departure drew more + near, that all the house should like him. From some hidden reason, very + imperfectly understood by himself—if understood at all—he felt + a gradually increasing impulse of affection, towards almost everything and + everybody in the place. He could not bear to think that they would be + quite indifferent to him when he was gone. He wanted them to remember him + kindly; and he had made it his business even to conciliate a great hoarse + shaggy dog, chained up at the back of the house, who had previously been + the terror of his life: that even he might miss him when he was no longer + there. + </p> + <p> + Little thinking that in this, he only showed again the difference between + himself and his compeers, poor tiny Paul set it forth to Miss Blimber as + well as he could, and begged her, in despite of the official analysis, to + have the goodness to try and like him. To Mrs Blimber, who had joined + them, he preferred the same petition: and when that lady could not + forbear, even in his presence, from giving utterance to her often-repeated + opinion, that he was an odd child, Paul told her that he was sure she was + quite right; that he thought it must be his bones, but he didn't know; and + that he hoped she would overlook it, for he was fond of them all. + </p> + <p> + 'Not so fond,' said Paul, with a mixture of timidity and perfect + frankness, which was one of the most peculiar and most engaging qualities + of the child, 'not so fond as I am of Florence, of course; that could + never be. You couldn't expect that, could you, Ma'am?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! the old-fashioned little soul!' cried Mrs Blimber, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + 'But I like everybody here very much,' pursued Paul, 'and I should grieve + to go away, and think that anyone was glad that I was gone, or didn't + care.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber was now quite sure that Paul was the oddest child in the + world; and when she told the Doctor what had passed, the Doctor did not + controvert his wife's opinion. But he said, as he had said before, when + Paul first came, that study would do much; and he also said, as he had + said on that occasion, 'Bring him on, Cornelia! Bring him on!' + </p> + <p> + Cornelia had always brought him on as vigorously as she could; and Paul + had had a hard life of it. But over and above the getting through his + tasks, he had long had another purpose always present to him, and to which + he still held fast. It was, to be a gentle, useful, quiet little fellow, + always striving to secure the love and attachment of the rest; and though + he was yet often to be seen at his old post on the stairs, or watching the + waves and clouds from his solitary window, he was oftener found, too, + among the other boys, modestly rendering them some little voluntary + service. Thus it came to pass, that even among those rigid and absorbed + young anchorites, who mortified themselves beneath the roof of Doctor + Blimber, Paul was an object of general interest; a fragile little + plaything that they all liked, and that no one would have thought of + treating roughly. But he could not change his nature, or rewrite the + analysis; and so they all agreed that Dombey was old-fashioned. + </p> + <p> + There were some immunities, however, attaching to the character enjoyed by + no one else. They could have better spared a newer-fashioned child, and + that alone was much. When the others only bowed to Doctor Blimber and + family on retiring for the night, Paul would stretch out his morsel of a + hand, and boldly shake the Doctor's; also Mrs Blimber's; also Cornelia's. + If anybody was to be begged off from impending punishment, Paul was always + the delegate. The weak-eyed young man himself had once consulted him, in + reference to a little breakage of glass and china. And it was darkly + rumoured that the butler, regarding him with favour such as that stern man + had never shown before to mortal boy, had sometimes mingled porter with + his table-beer to make him strong. + </p> + <p> + Over and above these extensive privileges, Paul had free right of entry to + Mr Feeder's room, from which apartment he had twice led Mr Toots into the + open air in a state of faintness, consequent on an unsuccessful attempt to + smoke a very blunt cigar: one of a bundle which that young gentleman had + covertly purchased on the shingle from a most desperate smuggler, who had + acknowledged, in confidence, that two hundred pounds was the price set + upon his head, dead or alive, by the Custom House. It was a snug room, Mr + Feeder's, with his bed in another little room inside of it; and a flute, + which Mr Feeder couldn't play yet, but was going to make a point of + learning, he said, hanging up over the fireplace. There were some books in + it, too, and a fishing-rod; for Mr Feeder said he should certainly make a + point of learning to fish, when he could find time. Mr Feeder had amassed, + with similar intentions, a beautiful little curly secondhand key-bugle, a + chess-board and men, a Spanish Grammar, a set of sketching materials, and + a pair of boxing-gloves. The art of self-defence Mr Feeder said he should + undoubtedly make a point of learning, as he considered it the duty of + every man to do; for it might lead to the protection of a female in + distress. + </p> + <p> + But Mr Feeder's great possession was a large green jar of snuff, which Mr + Toots had brought down as a present, at the close of the last vacation; + and for which he had paid a high price, having been the genuine property + of the Prince Regent. Neither Mr Toots nor Mr Feeder could partake of this + or any other snuff, even in the most stinted and moderate degree, without + being seized with convulsions of sneezing. Nevertheless it was their great + delight to moisten a box-full with cold tea, stir it up on a piece of + parchment with a paper-knife, and devote themselves to its consumption + then and there. In the course of which cramming of their noses, they + endured surprising torments with the constancy of martyrs: and, drinking + table-beer at intervals, felt all the glories of dissipation. + </p> + <p> + To little Paul sitting silent in their company, and by the side of his + chief patron, Mr Toots, there was a dread charm in these reckless + occasions: and when Mr Feeder spoke of the dark mysteries of London, and + told Mr Toots that he was going to observe it himself closely in all its + ramifications in the approaching holidays, and for that purpose had made + arrangements to board with two old maiden ladies at Peckham, Paul regarded + him as if he were the hero of some book of travels or wild adventure, and + was almost afraid of such a slashing person. + </p> + <p> + Going into this room one evening, when the holidays were very near, Paul + found Mr Feeder filling up the blanks in some printed letters, while some + others, already filled up and strewn before him, were being folded and + sealed by Mr Toots. Mr Feeder said, 'Aha, Dombey, there you are, are you?'—for + they were always kind to him, and glad to see him—and then said, + tossing one of the letters towards him, 'And there you are, too, Dombey. + That's yours.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mine, Sir?' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'Your invitation,' returned Mr Feeder. + </p> + <p> + Paul, looking at it, found, in copper-plate print, with the exception of + his own name and the date, which were in Mr Feeder's penmanship, that + Doctor and Mrs Blimber requested the pleasure of Mr P. Dombey's company at + an early party on Wednesday Evening the Seventeenth Instant; and that the + hour was half-past seven o'clock; and that the object was Quadrilles. Mr + Toots also showed him, by holding up a companion sheet of paper, that + Doctor and Mrs Blimber requested the pleasure of Mr Toots's company at an + early party on Wednesday Evening the Seventeenth Instant, when the hour + was half-past seven o'clock, and when the object was Quadrilles. He also + found, on glancing at the table where Mr Feeder sat, that the pleasure of + Mr Briggs's company, and of Mr Tozer's company, and of every young + gentleman's company, was requested by Doctor and Mrs Blimber on the same + genteel Occasion. + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder then told him, to his great joy, that his sister was invited, + and that it was a half-yearly event, and that, as the holidays began that + day, he could go away with his sister after the party, if he liked, which + Paul interrupted him to say he would like, very much. Mr Feeder then gave + him to understand that he would be expected to inform Doctor and Mrs + Blimber, in superfine small-hand, that Mr P. Dombey would be happy to have + the honour of waiting on them, in accordance with their polite invitation. + Lastly, Mr Feeder said, he had better not refer to the festive occasion, + in the hearing of Doctor and Mrs Blimber; as these preliminaries, and the + whole of the arrangements, were conducted on principles of classicality + and high breeding; and that Doctor and Mrs Blimber on the one hand, and + the young gentlemen on the other, were supposed, in their scholastic + capacities, not to have the least idea of what was in the wind. + </p> + <p> + Paul thanked Mr Feeder for these hints, and pocketing his invitation, sat + down on a stool by the side of Mr Toots, as usual. But Paul's head, which + had long been ailing more or less, and was sometimes very heavy and + painful, felt so uneasy that night, that he was obliged to support it on + his hand. And yet it dropped so, that by little and little it sunk on Mr + Toots's knee, and rested there, as if it had no care to be ever lifted up + again. + </p> + <p> + That was no reason why he should be deaf; but he must have been, he + thought, for, by and by, he heard Mr Feeder calling in his ear, and gently + shaking him to rouse his attention. And when he raised his head, quite + scared, and looked about him, he found that Doctor Blimber had come into + the room; and that the window was open, and that his forehead was wet with + sprinkled water; though how all this had been done without his knowledge, + was very curious indeed. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! Come, come! That's well! How is my little friend now?' said Doctor + Blimber, encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, quite well, thank you, Sir,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + But there seemed to be something the matter with the floor, for he + couldn't stand upon it steadily; and with the walls too, for they were + inclined to turn round and round, and could only be stopped by being + looked at very hard indeed. Mr Toots's head had the appearance of being at + once bigger and farther off than was quite natural; and when he took Paul + in his arms, to carry him upstairs, Paul observed with astonishment that + the door was in quite a different place from that in which he had expected + to find it, and almost thought, at first, that Mr Toots was going to walk + straight up the chimney. + </p> + <p> + It was very kind of Mr Toots to carry him to the top of the house so + tenderly; and Paul told him that it was. But Mr Toots said he would do a + great deal more than that, if he could; and indeed he did more as it was: + for he helped Paul to undress, and helped him to bed, in the kindest + manner possible, and then sat down by the bedside and chuckled very much; + while Mr Feeder, B.A., leaning over the bottom of the bedstead, set all + the little bristles on his head bolt upright with his bony hands, and then + made believe to spar at Paul with great science, on account of his being + all right again, which was so uncommonly facetious, and kind too in Mr + Feeder, that Paul, not being able to make up his mind whether it was best + to laugh or cry at him, did both at once. + </p> + <p> + How Mr Toots melted away, and Mr Feeder changed into Mrs Pipchin, Paul + never thought of asking; neither was he at all curious to know; but when + he saw Mrs Pipchin standing at the bottom of the bed, instead of Mr + Feeder, he cried out, 'Mrs Pipchin, don't tell Florence!' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't tell Florence what, my little Paul?' said Mrs Pipchin, coming round + to the bedside, and sitting down in the chair. + </p> + <p> + 'About me,' said Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'No, no,' said Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you think I mean to do when I grow up, Mrs Pipchin?' inquired + Paul, turning his face towards her on his pillow, and resting his chin + wistfully on his folded hands. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin couldn't guess. + </p> + <p> + 'I mean,' said Paul, 'to put my money all together in one Bank, never try + to get any more, go away into the country with my darling Florence, have a + beautiful garden, fields, and woods, and live there with her all my life!' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed!' cried Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Paul. 'That's what I mean to do, when I—' He stopped, + and pondered for a moment. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin's grey eye scanned his thoughtful face. + </p> + <p> + 'If I grow up,' said Paul. Then he went on immediately to tell Mrs Pipchin + all about the party, about Florence's invitation, about the pride he would + have in the admiration that would be felt for her by all the boys, about + their being so kind to him and fond of him, about his being so fond of + them, and about his being so glad of it. Then he told Mrs Pipchin about + the analysis, and about his being certainly old-fashioned, and took Mrs + Pipchin's opinion on that point, and whether she knew why it was, and what + it meant. Mrs Pipchin denied the fact altogether, as the shortest way of + getting out of the difficulty; but Paul was far from satisfied with that + reply, and looked so searchingly at Mrs Pipchin for a truer answer, that + she was obliged to get up and look out of the window to avoid his eyes. + </p> + <p> + There was a certain calm Apothecary, who attended at the establishment + when any of the young gentlemen were ill, and somehow he got into the room + and appeared at the bedside, with Mrs Blimber. How they came there, or how + long they had been there, Paul didn't know; but when he saw them, he sat + up in bed, and answered all the Apothecary's questions at full length, and + whispered to him that Florence was not to know anything about it, if he + pleased, and that he had set his mind upon her coming to the party. He was + very chatty with the Apothecary, and they parted excellent friends. Lying + down again with his eyes shut, he heard the Apothecary say, out of the + room and quite a long way off—or he dreamed it—that there was + a want of vital power (what was that, Paul wondered!) and great + constitutional weakness. That as the little fellow had set his heart on + parting with his school-mates on the seventeenth, it would be better to + indulge the fancy if he grew no worse. That he was glad to hear from Mrs + Pipchin, that the little fellow would go to his friends in London on the + eighteenth. That he would write to Mr Dombey, when he should have gained a + better knowledge of the case, and before that day. That there was no + immediate cause for—what? Paul lost that word. And that the little + fellow had a fine mind, but was an old-fashioned boy. + </p> + <p> + What old fashion could that be, Paul wondered with a palpitating heart, + that was so visibly expressed in him; so plainly seen by so many people! + </p> + <p> + He could neither make it out, nor trouble himself long with the effort. + Mrs Pipchin was again beside him, if she had ever been away (he thought + she had gone out with the Doctor, but it was all a dream perhaps), and + presently a bottle and glass got into her hands magically, and she poured + out the contents for him. After that, he had some real good jelly, which + Mrs Blimber brought to him herself; and then he was so well, that Mrs + Pipchin went home, at his urgent solicitation, and Briggs and Tozer came + to bed. Poor Briggs grumbled terribly about his own analysis, which could + hardly have discomposed him more if it had been a chemical process; but he + was very good to Paul, and so was Tozer, and so were all the rest, for + they every one looked in before going to bed, and said, 'How are you now, + Dombey?' 'Cheer up, little Dombey!' and so forth. After Briggs had got + into bed, he lay awake for a long time, still bemoaning his analysis, and + saying he knew it was all wrong, and they couldn't have analysed a + murderer worse, and—how would Doctor Blimber like it if his + pocket-money depended on it? It was very easy, Briggs said, to make a + galley-slave of a boy all the half-year, and then score him up idle; and + to crib two dinners a-week out of his board, and then score him up greedy; + but that wasn't going to be submitted to, he believed, was it? Oh! Ah! + </p> + <p> + Before the weak-eyed young man performed on the gong next morning, he came + upstairs to Paul and told him he was to lie still, which Paul very gladly + did. Mrs Pipchin reappeared a little before the Apothecary, and a little + after the good young woman whom Paul had seen cleaning the stove on that + first morning (how long ago it seemed now!) had brought him his breakfast. + There was another consultation a long way off, or else Paul dreamed it + again; and then the Apothecary, coming back with Doctor and Mrs Blimber, + said: + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I think, Doctor Blimber, we may release this young gentleman from + his books just now; the vacation being so very near at hand.' + </p> + <p> + 'By all means,' said Doctor Blimber. 'My love, you will inform Cornelia, + if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Assuredly,' said Mrs Blimber. + </p> + <p> + The Apothecary bending down, looked closely into Paul's eyes, and felt his + head, and his pulse, and his heart, with so much interest and care, that + Paul said, 'Thank you, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Our little friend,' observed Doctor Blimber, 'has never complained.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no!' replied the Apothecary. 'He was not likely to complain.' + </p> + <p> + 'You find him greatly better?' said Doctor Blimber. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! he is greatly better, Sir,' returned the Apothecary. + </p> + <p> + Paul had begun to speculate, in his own odd way, on the subject that might + occupy the Apothecary's mind just at that moment; so musingly had he + answered the two questions of Doctor Blimber. But the Apothecary happening + to meet his little patient's eyes, as the latter set off on that mental + expedition, and coming instantly out of his abstraction with a cheerful + smile, Paul smiled in return and abandoned it. + </p> + <p> + He lay in bed all that day, dozing and dreaming, and looking at Mr Toots; + but got up on the next, and went downstairs. Lo and behold, there was + something the matter with the great clock; and a workman on a pair of + steps had taken its face off, and was poking instruments into the works by + the light of a candle! This was a great event for Paul, who sat down on + the bottom stair, and watched the operation attentively: now and then + glancing at the clock face, leaning all askew, against the wall hard by, + and feeling a little confused by a suspicion that it was ogling him. + </p> + <p> + The workman on the steps was very civil; and as he said, when he observed + Paul, 'How do you do, Sir?' Paul got into conversation with him, and told + him he hadn't been quite well lately. The ice being thus broken, Paul + asked him a multitude of questions about chimes and clocks: as, whether + people watched up in the lonely church steeples by night to make them + strike, and how the bells were rung when people died, and whether those + were different bells from wedding bells, or only sounded dismal in the + fancies of the living. Finding that his new acquaintance was not very well + informed on the subject of the Curfew Bell of ancient days, Paul gave him + an account of that institution; and also asked him, as a practical man, + what he thought about King Alfred's idea of measuring time by the burning + of candles; to which the workman replied, that he thought it would be the + ruin of the clock trade if it was to come up again. In fine, Paul looked + on, until the clock had quite recovered its familiar aspect, and resumed + its sedate inquiry; when the workman, putting away his tools in a long + basket, bade him good day, and went away. Though not before he had + whispered something, on the door-mat, to the footman, in which there was + the phrase 'old-fashioned'—for Paul heard it. + </p> + <p> + What could that old fashion be, that seemed to make the people sorry! What + could it be! + </p> + <p> + Having nothing to learn now, he thought of this frequently; though not so + often as he might have done, if he had had fewer things to think of. But + he had a great many; and was always thinking, all day long. + </p> + <p> + First, there was Florence coming to the party. Florence would see that the + boys were fond of him; and that would make her happy. This was his great + theme. Let Florence once be sure that they were gentle and good to him, + and that he had become a little favourite among them, and then the would + always think of the time he had passed there, without being very sorry. + Florence might be all the happier too for that, perhaps, when he came + back. + </p> + <p> + When he came back! Fifty times a day, his noiseless little feet went up + the stairs to his own room, as he collected every book, and scrap, and + trifle that belonged to him, and put them all together there, down to the + minutest thing, for taking home! There was no shade of coming back on + little Paul; no preparation for it, or other reference to it, grew out of + anything he thought or did, except this slight one in connexion with his + sister. On the contrary, he had to think of everything familiar to him, in + his contemplative moods and in his wanderings about the house, as being to + be parted with; and hence the many things he had to think of, all day + long. + </p> + <p> + He had to peep into those rooms upstairs, and think how solitary they + would be when he was gone, and wonder through how many silent days, weeks, + months, and years, they would continue just as grave and undisturbed. He + had to think—would any other child (old-fashioned, like himself) + stray there at any time, to whom the same grotesque distortions of pattern + and furniture would manifest themselves; and would anybody tell that boy + of little Dombey, who had been there once? + </p> + <p> + He had to think of a portrait on the stairs, which always looked earnestly + after him as he went away, eyeing it over his shoulder; and which, when he + passed it in the company of anyone, still seemed to gaze at him, and not + at his companion. He had much to think of, in association with a print + that hung up in another place, where, in the centre of a wondering group, + one figure that he knew, a figure with a light about its head—benignant, + mild, and merciful—stood pointing upward. + </p> + <p> + At his own bedroom window, there were crowds of thoughts that mixed with + these, and came on, one upon another, like the rolling waves. Where those + wild birds lived, that were always hovering out at sea in troubled + weather; where the clouds rose and first began; whence the wind issued on + its rushing flight, and where it stopped; whether the spot where he and + Florence had so often sat, and watched, and talked about these things, + could ever be exactly as it used to be without them; whether it could ever + be the same to Florence, if he were in some distant place, and she were + sitting there alone. + </p> + <p> + He had to think, too, of Mr Toots, and Mr Feeder, B.A., of all the boys; + and of Doctor Blimber, Mrs Blimber, and Miss Blimber; of home, and of his + aunt and Miss Tox; of his father; Dombey and Son, Walter with the poor old + Uncle who had got the money he wanted, and that gruff-voiced Captain with + the iron hand. Besides all this, he had a number of little visits to pay, + in the course of the day; to the schoolroom, to Doctor Blimber's study, to + Mrs Blimber's private apartment, to Miss Blimber's, and to the dog. For he + was free of the whole house now, to range it as he chose; and, in his + desire to part with everybody on affectionate terms, he attended, in his + way, to them all. Sometimes he found places in books for Briggs, who was + always losing them; sometimes he looked up words in dictionaries for other + young gentlemen who were in extremity; sometimes he held skeins of silk + for Mrs Blimber to wind; sometimes he put Cornelia's desk to rights; + sometimes he would even creep into the Doctor's study, and, sitting on the + carpet near his learned feet, turn the globes softly, and go round the + world, or take a flight among the far-off stars. + </p> + <p> + In those days immediately before the holidays, in short, when the other + young gentlemen were labouring for dear life through a general resumption + of the studies of the whole half-year, Paul was such a privileged pupil as + had never been seen in that house before. He could hardly believe it + himself; but his liberty lasted from hour to hour, and from day to day; + and little Dombey was caressed by everyone. Doctor Blimber was so + particular about him, that he requested Johnson to retire from the + dinner-table one day, for having thoughtlessly spoken to him as 'poor + little Dombey;' which Paul thought rather hard and severe, though he had + flushed at the moment, and wondered why Johnson should pity him. It was + the more questionable justice, Paul thought, in the Doctor, from his + having certainly overheard that great authority give his assent on the + previous evening, to the proposition (stated by Mrs Blimber) that poor + dear little Dombey was more old-fashioned than ever. And now it was that + Paul began to think it must surely be old-fashioned to be very thin, and + light, and easily tired, and soon disposed to lie down anywhere and rest; + for he couldn't help feeling that these were more and more his habits + every day. + </p> + <p> + At last the party-day arrived; and Doctor Blimber said at breakfast, + 'Gentlemen, we will resume our studies on the twenty-fifth of next month.' + Mr Toots immediately threw off his allegiance, and put on his ring: and + mentioning the Doctor in casual conversation shortly afterwards, spoke of + him as 'Blimber'! This act of freedom inspired the older pupils with + admiration and envy; but the younger spirits were appalled, and seemed to + marvel that no beam fell down and crushed him. + </p> + <p> + Not the least allusion was made to the ceremonies of the evening, either + at breakfast or at dinner; but there was a bustle in the house all day, + and in the course of his perambulations, Paul made acquaintance with + various strange benches and candlesticks, and met a harp in a green + greatcoat standing on the landing outside the drawing-room door. There was + something queer, too, about Mrs Blimber's head at dinner-time, as if she + had screwed her hair up too tight; and though Miss Blimber showed a + graceful bunch of plaited hair on each temple, she seemed to have her own + little curls in paper underneath, and in a play-bill too; for Paul read + 'Theatre Royal' over one of her sparkling spectacles, and 'Brighton' over + the other. + </p> + <p> + There was a grand array of white waistcoats and cravats in the young + gentlemen's bedrooms as evening approached; and such a smell of singed + hair, that Doctor Blimber sent up the footman with his compliments, and + wished to know if the house was on fire. But it was only the hairdresser + curling the young gentlemen, and over-heating his tongs in the ardour of + business. + </p> + <p> + When Paul was dressed—which was very soon done, for he felt unwell + and drowsy, and was not able to stand about it very long—he went + down into the drawing-room; where he found Doctor Blimber pacing up and + down the room full dressed, but with a dignified and unconcerned + demeanour, as if he thought it barely possible that one or two people + might drop in by and by. Shortly afterwards, Mrs Blimber appeared, looking + lovely, Paul thought; and attired in such a number of skirts that it was + quite an excursion to walk round her. Miss Blimber came down soon after + her Mama; a little squeezed in appearance, but very charming. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots and Mr Feeder were the next arrivals. Each of these gentlemen + brought his hat in his hand, as if he lived somewhere else; and when they + were announced by the butler, Doctor Blimber said, 'Ay, ay, ay! God bless + my soul!' and seemed extremely glad to see them. Mr Toots was one blaze of + jewellery and buttons; and he felt the circumstance so strongly, that when + he had shaken hands with the Doctor, and had bowed to Mrs Blimber and Miss + Blimber, he took Paul aside, and said, 'What do you think of this, + Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding this modest confidence in himself, Mr Toots appeared + to be involved in a good deal of uncertainty whether, on the whole, it was + judicious to button the bottom button of his waistcoat, and whether, on a + calm revision of all the circumstances, it was best to wear his waistbands + turned up or turned down. Observing that Mr Feeder's were turned up, Mr + Toots turned his up; but the waistbands of the next arrival being turned + down, Mr Toots turned his down. The differences in point of + waistcoat-buttoning, not only at the bottom, but at the top too, became so + numerous and complicated as the arrivals thickened, that Mr Toots was + continually fingering that article of dress, as if he were performing on + some instrument; and appeared to find the incessant execution it demanded, + quite bewildering. + </p> + <p> + All the young gentlemen, tightly cravatted, curled, and pumped, and with + their best hats in their hands, having been at different times announced + and introduced, Mr Baps, the dancing-master, came, accompanied by Mrs + Baps, to whom Mrs Blimber was extremely kind and condescending. Mr Baps + was a very grave gentleman, with a slow and measured manner of speaking; + and before he had stood under the lamp five minutes, he began to talk to + Toots (who had been silently comparing pumps with him) about what you were + to do with your raw materials when they came into your ports in return for + your drain of gold. Mr Toots, to whom the question seemed perplexing, + suggested 'Cook 'em.' But Mr Baps did not appear to think that would do. + </p> + <p> + Paul now slipped away from the cushioned corner of a sofa, which had been + his post of observation, and went downstairs into the tea-room to be ready + for Florence, whom he had not seen for nearly a fortnight, as he had + remained at Doctor Blimber's on the previous Saturday and Sunday, lest he + should take cold. Presently she came: looking so beautiful in her simple + ball dress, with her fresh flowers in her hand, that when she knelt down + on the ground to take Paul round the neck and kiss him (for there was no + one there, but his friend and another young woman waiting to serve out the + tea), he could hardly make up his mind to let her go again, or to take + away her bright and loving eyes from his face. + </p> + <p> + 'But what is the matter, Floy?' asked Paul, almost sure that he saw a tear + there. + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing, darling; nothing,' returned Florence. + </p> + <p> + Paul touched her cheek gently with his finger—and it was a tear! + 'Why, Floy!' said he. + </p> + <p> + 'We'll go home together, and I'll nurse you, love,' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Nurse me!' echoed Paul. + </p> + <p> + Paul couldn't understand what that had to do with it, nor why the two + young women looked on so seriously, nor why Florence turned away her face + for a moment, and then turned it back, lighted up again with smiles. + </p> + <p> + 'Floy,' said Paul, holding a ringlet of her dark hair in his hand. 'Tell + me, dear, Do you think I have grown old-fashioned?' + </p> + <p> + His sister laughed, and fondled him, and told him 'No.' + </p> + <p> + 'Because I know they say so,' returned Paul, 'and I want to know what they + mean, Floy.' + </p> + <p> + But a loud double knock coming at the door, and Florence hurrying to the + table, there was no more said between them. Paul wondered again when he + saw his friend whisper to Florence, as if she were comforting her; but a + new arrival put that out of his head speedily. + </p> + <p> + It was Sir Barnet Skettles, Lady Skettles, and Master Skettles. Master + Skettles was to be a new boy after the vacation, and Fame had been busy, + in Mr Feeder's room, with his father, who was in the House of Commons, and + of whom Mr Feeder had said that when he did catch the Speaker's eye (which + he had been expected to do for three or four years), it was anticipated + that he would rather touch up the Radicals. + </p> + <p> + 'And what room is this now, for instance?' said Lady Skettles to Paul's + friend, 'Melia. + </p> + <p> + 'Doctor Blimber's study, Ma'am,' was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Lady Skettles took a panoramic survey of it through her glass, and said to + Sir Barnet Skettles, with a nod of approval, 'Very good.' Sir Barnet + assented, but Master Skettles looked suspicious and doubtful. + </p> + <p> + 'And this little creature, now,' said Lady Skettles, turning to Paul. 'Is + he one of the—' + </p> + <p> + 'Young gentlemen, Ma'am; yes, Ma'am,' said Paul's friend. + </p> + <p> + 'And what is your name, my pale child?' said Lady Skettles. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' answered Paul. + </p> + <p> + Sir Barnet Skettles immediately interposed, and said that he had had the + honour of meeting Paul's father at a public dinner, and that he hoped he + was very well. Then Paul heard him say to Lady Skettles, 'City—very + rich—most respectable—Doctor mentioned it.' And then he said + to Paul, 'Will you tell your good Papa that Sir Barnet Skettles rejoiced + to hear that he was very well, and sent him his best compliments?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir,' answered Paul. + </p> + <p> + 'That is my brave boy,' said Sir Barnet Skettles. 'Barnet,' to Master + Skettles, who was revenging himself for the studies to come, on the + plum-cake, 'this is a young gentleman you ought to know. This is a young + gentleman you may know, Barnet,' said Sir Barnet Skettles, with an + emphasis on the permission. + </p> + <p> + 'What eyes! What hair! What a lovely face!' exclaimed Lady Skettles + softly, as she looked at Florence through her glass. + </p> + <p> + 'My sister,' said Paul, presenting her. + </p> + <p> + The satisfaction of the Skettleses was now complete. And as Lady Skettles + had conceived, at first sight, a liking for Paul, they all went upstairs + together: Sir Barnet Skettles taking care of Florence, and young Barnet + following. + </p> + <p> + Young Barnet did not remain long in the background after they had reached + the drawing-room, for Dr Blimber had him out in no time, dancing with + Florence. He did not appear to Paul to be particularly happy, or + particularly anything but sulky, or to care much what he was about; but as + Paul heard Lady Skettles say to Mrs Blimber, while she beat time with her + fan, that her dear boy was evidently smitten to death by that angel of a + child, Miss Dombey, it would seem that Skettles Junior was in a state of + bliss, without showing it. + </p> + <p> + Little Paul thought it a singular coincidence that nobody had occupied his + place among the pillows; and that when he came into the room again, they + should all make way for him to go back to it, remembering it was his. + Nobody stood before him either, when they observed that he liked to see + Florence dancing, but they left the space in front quite clear, so that he + might follow her with his eyes. They were so kind, too, even the + strangers, of whom there were soon a great many, that they came and spoke + to him every now and then, and asked him how he was, and if his head + ached, and whether he was tired. He was very much obliged to them for all + their kindness and attention, and reclining propped up in his corner, with + Mrs Blimber and Lady Skettles on the same sofa, and Florence coming and + sitting by his side as soon as every dance was ended, he looked on very + happily indeed. + </p> + <p> + Florence would have sat by him all night, and would not have danced at all + of her own accord, but Paul made her, by telling her how much it pleased + him. And he told her the truth, too; for his small heart swelled, and his + face glowed, when he saw how much they all admired her, and how she was + the beautiful little rosebud of the room. + </p> + <p> + From his nest among the pillows, Paul could see and hear almost everything + that passed as if the whole were being done for his amusement. Among other + little incidents that he observed, he observed Mr Baps the dancing-master + get into conversation with Sir Barnet Skettles, and very soon ask him, as + he had asked Mr Toots, what you were to do with your raw materials, when + they came into your ports in return for your drain of gold—which was + such a mystery to Paul that he was quite desirous to know what ought to be + done with them. Sir Barnet Skettles had much to say upon the question, and + said it; but it did not appear to solve the question, for Mr Baps + retorted, Yes, but supposing Russia stepped in with her tallows; which + struck Sir Barnet almost dumb, for he could only shake his head after + that, and say, Why then you must fall back upon your cottons, he supposed. + </p> + <p> + Sir Barnet Skettles looked after Mr Baps when he went to cheer up Mrs Baps + (who, being quite deserted, was pretending to look over the music-book of + the gentleman who played the harp), as if he thought him a remarkable kind + of man; and shortly afterwards he said so in those words to Doctor + Blimber, and inquired if he might take the liberty of asking who he was, + and whether he had ever been in the Board of Trade. Doctor Blimber + answered no, he believed not; and that in fact he was a Professor of—' + </p> + <p> + 'Of something connected with statistics, I'll swear?' observed Sir Barnet + Skettles. + </p> + <p> + 'Why no, Sir Barnet,' replied Doctor Blimber, rubbing his chin. 'No, not + exactly.' + </p> + <p> + 'Figures of some sort, I would venture a bet,' said Sir Barnet Skettles. + </p> + <p> + 'Why yes,' said Doctor Blimber, yes, but not of that sort. Mr Baps is a + very worthy sort of man, Sir Barnet, and—in fact he's our Professor + of dancing.' + </p> + <p> + Paul was amazed to see that this piece of information quite altered Sir + Barnet Skettles's opinion of Mr Baps, and that Sir Barnet flew into a + perfect rage, and glowered at Mr Baps over on the other side of the room. + He even went so far as to D— Mr Baps to Lady Skettles, in telling + her what had happened, and to say that it was like his most con-sum-mate + and con-foun-ded impudence. + </p> + <p> + There was another thing that Paul observed. Mr Feeder, after imbibing + several custard-cups of negus, began to enjoy himself. The dancing in + general was ceremonious, and the music rather solemn—a little like + church music in fact—but after the custard-cups, Mr Feeder told Mr + Toots that he was going to throw a little spirit into the thing. After + that, Mr Feeder not only began to dance as if he meant dancing and nothing + else, but secretly to stimulate the music to perform wild tunes. Further, + he became particular in his attentions to the ladies; and dancing with + Miss Blimber, whispered to her—whispered to her!—though not so + softly but that Paul heard him say this remarkable poetry, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Had I a heart for falsehood framed, + I ne'er could injure You!' +</pre> + <p> + This, Paul heard him repeat to four young ladies, in succession. Well + might Mr Feeder say to Mr Toots, that he was afraid he should be the worse + for it to-morrow! + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber was a little alarmed by this—comparatively speaking—profligate + behaviour; and especially by the alteration in the character of the music, + which, beginning to comprehend low melodies that were popular in the + streets, might not unnaturally be supposed to give offence to Lady + Skettles. But Lady Skettles was so very kind as to beg Mrs Blimber not to + mention it; and to receive her explanation that Mr Feeder's spirits + sometimes betrayed him into excesses on these occasions, with the greatest + courtesy and politeness; observing, that he seemed a very nice sort of + person for his situation, and that she particularly liked the unassuming + style of his hair—which (as already hinted) was about a quarter of + an inch long. + </p> + <p> + Once, when there was a pause in the dancing, Lady Skettles told Paul that + he seemed very fond of music. Paul replied, that he was; and if she was + too, she ought to hear his sister, Florence, sing. Lady Skettles presently + discovered that she was dying with anxiety to have that gratification; and + though Florence was at first very much frightened at being asked to sing + before so many people, and begged earnestly to be excused, yet, on Paul + calling her to him, and saying, 'Do, Floy! Please! For me, my dear!' she + went straight to the piano, and began. When they all drew a little away, + that Paul might see her; and when he saw her sitting there all alone, so + young, and good, and beautiful, and kind to him; and heard her thrilling + voice, so natural and sweet, and such a golden link between him and all + his life's love and happiness, rising out of the silence; he turned his + face away, and hid his tears. Not, as he told them when they spoke to him, + not that the music was too plaintive or too sorrowful, but it was so dear + to him. + </p> + <p> + They all loved Florence. How could they help it! Paul had known beforehand + that they must and would; and sitting in his cushioned corner, with calmly + folded hands; and one leg loosely doubled under him, few would have + thought what triumph and delight expanded his childish bosom while he + watched her, or what a sweet tranquillity he felt. Lavish encomiums on + 'Dombey's sister' reached his ears from all the boys: admiration of the + self-possessed and modest little beauty was on every lip: reports of her + intelligence and accomplishments floated past him, constantly; and, as if + borne in upon the air of the summer night, there was a half intelligible + sentiment diffused around, referring to Florence and himself, and + breathing sympathy for both, that soothed and touched him. + </p> + <p> + He did not know why. For all that the child observed, and felt, and + thought, that night—the present and the absent; what was then and + what had been—were blended like the colours in the rainbow, or in + the plumage of rich birds when the sun is shining on them, or in the + softening sky when the same sun is setting. The many things he had had to + think of lately, passed before him in the music; not as claiming his + attention over again, or as likely evermore to occupy it, but as + peacefully disposed of and gone. A solitary window, gazed through years + ago, looked out upon an ocean, miles and miles away; upon its waters, + fancies, busy with him only yesterday, were hushed and lulled to rest like + broken waves. The same mysterious murmur he had wondered at, when lying on + his couch upon the beach, he thought he still heard sounding through his + sister's song, and through the hum of voices, and the tread of feet, and + having some part in the faces flitting by, and even in the heavy + gentleness of Mr Toots, who frequently came up to shake him by the hand. + Through the universal kindness he still thought he heard it, speaking to + him; and even his old-fashioned reputation seemed to be allied to it, he + knew not how. Thus little Paul sat musing, listening, looking on, and + dreaming; and was very happy. + </p> + <p> + Until the time arrived for taking leave: and then, indeed, there was a + sensation in the party. Sir Barnet Skettles brought up Skettles Junior to + shake hands with him, and asked him if he would remember to tell his good + Papa, with his best compliments, that he, Sir Barnet Skettles, had said he + hoped the two young gentlemen would become intimately acquainted. Lady + Skettles kissed him, and patted his hair upon his brow, and held him in + her arms; and even Mrs Baps—poor Mrs Baps! Paul was glad of that—came + over from beside the music-book of the gentleman who played the harp, and + took leave of him quite as heartily as anybody in the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, Doctor Blimber,' said Paul, stretching out his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, my little friend,' returned the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm very much obliged to you, Sir,' said Paul, looking innocently up into + his awful face. 'Ask them to take care of Diogenes, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + Diogenes was the dog: who had never in his life received a friend into his + confidence, before Paul. The Doctor promised that every attention should + be paid to Diogenes in Paul's absence, and Paul having again thanked him, + and shaken hands with him, bade adieu to Mrs Blimber and Cornelia with + such heartfelt earnestness that Mrs Blimber forgot from that moment to + mention Cicero to Lady Skettles, though she had fully intended it all the + evening. Cornelia, taking both Paul's hands in hers, said, 'Dombey, + Dombey, you have always been my favourite pupil. God bless you!' And it + showed, Paul thought, how easily one might do injustice to a person; for + Miss Blimber meant it—though she was a Forcer—and felt it. + </p> + <p> + A buzz then went round among the young gentlemen, of 'Dombey's going!' + 'Little Dombey's going!' and there was a general move after Paul and + Florence down the staircase and into the hall, in which the whole Blimber + family were included. Such a circumstance, Mr Feeder said aloud, as had + never happened in the case of any former young gentleman within his + experience; but it would be difficult to say if this were sober fact or + custard-cups. The servants, with the butler at their head, had all an + interest in seeing Little Dombey go; and even the weak-eyed young man, + taking out his books and trunks to the coach that was to carry him and + Florence to Mrs Pipchin's for the night, melted visibly. + </p> + <p> + Not even the influence of the softer passion on the young gentlemen—and + they all, to a boy, doted on Florence—could restrain them from + taking quite a noisy leave of Paul; waving hats after him, pressing + downstairs to shake hands with him, crying individually 'Dombey, don't + forget me!' and indulging in many such ebullitions of feeling, uncommon + among those young Chesterfields. Paul whispered Florence, as she wrapped + him up before the door was opened, Did she hear them? Would she ever + forget it? Was she glad to know it? And a lively delight was in his eyes + as he spoke to her. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0198m.jpg" alt="0198m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0198.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Once, for a last look, he turned and gazed upon the faces thus addressed + to him, surprised to see how shining and how bright, and numerous they + were, and how they were all piled and heaped up, as faces are at crowded + theatres. They swam before him as he looked, like faces in an agitated + glass; and next moment he was in the dark coach outside, holding close to + Florence. From that time, whenever he thought of Doctor Blimber's, it came + back as he had seen it in this last view; and it never seemed to be a real + place again, but always a dream, full of eyes. + </p> + <p> + This was not quite the last of Doctor Blimber's, however. There was + something else. There was Mr Toots. Who, unexpectedly letting down one of + the coach-windows, and looking in, said, with a most egregious chuckle, + 'Is Dombey there?' and immediately put it up again, without waiting for an + answer. Nor was this quite the last of Mr Toots, even; for before the + coachman could drive off, he as suddenly let down the other window, and + looking in with a precisely similar chuckle, said in a precisely similar + tone of voice, 'Is Dombey there?' and disappeared precisely as before. + </p> + <p> + How Florence laughed! Paul often remembered it, and laughed himself + whenever he did so. + </p> + <p> + But there was much, soon afterwards—next day, and after that—which + Paul could only recollect confusedly. As, why they stayed at Mrs Pipchin's + days and nights, instead of going home; why he lay in bed, with Florence + sitting by his side; whether that had been his father in the room, or only + a tall shadow on the wall; whether he had heard his doctor say, of + someone, that if they had removed him before the occasion on which he had + built up fancies, strong in proportion to his own weakness, it was very + possible he might have pined away. + </p> + <p> + He could not even remember whether he had often said to Florence, 'Oh + Floy, take me home, and never leave me!' but he thought he had. He fancied + sometimes he had heard himself repeating, 'Take me home, Floy! take me + home!' + </p> + <p> + But he could remember, when he got home, and was carried up the + well-remembered stairs, that there had been the rumbling of a coach for + many hours together, while he lay upon the seat, with Florence still + beside him, and old Mrs Pipchin sitting opposite. He remembered his old + bed too, when they laid him down in it: his aunt, Miss Tox, and Susan: but + there was something else, and recent too, that still perplexed him. + </p> + <p> + 'I want to speak to Florence, if you please,' he said. 'To Florence by + herself, for a moment!' + </p> + <p> + She bent down over him, and the others stood away. + </p> + <p> + 'Floy, my pet, wasn't that Papa in the hall, when they brought me from the + coach?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'He didn't cry, and go into his room, Floy, did he, when he saw me coming + in?' + </p> + <p> + Florence shook her head, and pressed her lips against his cheek. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm very glad he didn't cry,' said little Paul. 'I thought he did. Don't + tell them that I asked.' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 15. Amazing Artfulness of Captain Cuttle, and a new Pursuit for + Walter Gay + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>alter could not, for several days, decide what to do in the Barbados + business; and even cherished some faint hope that Mr Dombey might not have + meant what he had said, or that he might change his mind, and tell him he + was not to go. But as nothing occurred to give this idea (which was + sufficiently improbable in itself) any touch of confirmation, and as time + was slipping by, and he had none to lose, he felt that he must act, + without hesitating any longer. + </p> + <p> + Walter's chief difficulty was, how to break the change in his affairs to + Uncle Sol, to whom he was sensible it would be a terrible blow. He had the + greater difficulty in dashing Uncle Sol's spirits with such an astounding + piece of intelligence, because they had lately recovered very much, and + the old man had become so cheerful, that the little back parlour was + itself again. Uncle Sol had paid the first appointed portion of the debt + to Mr Dombey, and was hopeful of working his way through the rest; and to + cast him down afresh, when he had sprung up so manfully from his troubles, + was a very distressing necessity. + </p> + <p> + Yet it would never do to run away from him. He must know of it beforehand; + and how to tell him was the point. As to the question of going or not + going, Walter did not consider that he had any power of choice in the + matter. Mr Dombey had truly told him that he was young, and that his + Uncle's circumstances were not good; and Mr Dombey had plainly expressed, + in the glance with which he had accompanied that reminder, that if he + declined to go he might stay at home if he chose, but not in his + counting-house. His Uncle and he lay under a great obligation to Mr + Dombey, which was of Walter's own soliciting. He might have begun in + secret to despair of ever winning that gentleman's favour, and might have + thought that he was now and then disposed to put a slight upon him, which + was hardly just. But what would have been duty without that, was still + duty with it—or Walter thought so—and duty must be done. + </p> + <p> + When Mr Dombey had looked at him, and told him he was young, and that his + Uncle's circumstances were not good, there had been an expression of + disdain in his face; a contemptuous and disparaging assumption that he + would be quite content to live idly on a reduced old man, which stung the + boy's generous soul. Determined to assure Mr Dombey, in so far as it was + possible to give him the assurance without expressing it in words, that + indeed he mistook his nature, Walter had been anxious to show even more + cheerfulness and activity after the West Indian interview than he had + shown before: if that were possible, in one of his quick and zealous + disposition. He was too young and inexperienced to think, that possibly + this very quality in him was not agreeable to Mr Dombey, and that it was + no stepping-stone to his good opinion to be elastic and hopeful of + pleasing under the shadow of his powerful displeasure, whether it were + right or wrong. But it may have been—it may have been—that the + great man thought himself defied in this new exposition of an honest + spirit, and purposed to bring it down. + </p> + <p> + 'Well! at last and at least, Uncle Sol must be told,' thought Walter, with + a sigh. And as Walter was apprehensive that his voice might perhaps quaver + a little, and that his countenance might not be quite as hopeful as he + could wish it to be, if he told the old man himself, and saw the first + effects of his communication on his wrinkled face, he resolved to avail + himself of the services of that powerful mediator, Captain Cuttle. Sunday + coming round, he set off therefore, after breakfast, once more to beat up + Captain Cuttle's quarters. + </p> + <p> + It was not unpleasant to remember, on the way thither, that Mrs MacStinger + resorted to a great distance every Sunday morning, to attend the ministry + of the Reverend Melchisedech Howler, who, having been one day discharged + from the West India Docks on a false suspicion (got up expressly against + him by the general enemy) of screwing gimlets into puncheons, and applying + his lips to the orifice, had announced the destruction of the world for + that day two years, at ten in the morning, and opened a front parlour for + the reception of ladies and gentlemen of the Ranting persuasion, upon + whom, on the first occasion of their assemblage, the admonitions of the + Reverend Melchisedech had produced so powerful an effect, that, in their + rapturous performance of a sacred jig, which closed the service, the whole + flock broke through into a kitchen below, and disabled a mangle belonging + to one of the fold. + </p> + <p> + This the Captain, in a moment of uncommon conviviality, had confided to + Walter and his Uncle, between the repetitions of lovely Peg, on the night + when Brogley the broker was paid out. The Captain himself was punctual in + his attendance at a church in his own neighbourhood, which hoisted the + Union Jack every Sunday morning; and where he was good enough—the + lawful beadle being infirm—to keep an eye upon the boys, over whom + he exercised great power, in virtue of his mysterious hook. Knowing the + regularity of the Captain's habits, Walter made all the haste he could, + that he might anticipate his going out; and he made such good speed, that + he had the pleasure, on turning into Brig Place, to behold the broad blue + coat and waistcoat hanging out of the Captain's open window, to air in the + sun. + </p> + <p> + It appeared incredible that the coat and waistcoat could be seen by mortal + eyes without the Captain; but he certainly was not in them, otherwise his + legs—the houses in Brig Place not being lofty—would have + obstructed the street door, which was perfectly clear. Quite wondering at + this discovery, Walter gave a single knock. + </p> + <p> + 'Stinger,' he distinctly heard the Captain say, up in his room, as if that + were no business of his. Therefore Walter gave two knocks. + </p> + <p> + 'Cuttle,' he heard the Captain say upon that; and immediately afterwards + the Captain, in his clean shirt and braces, with his neckerchief hanging + loosely round his throat like a coil of rope, and his glazed hat on, + appeared at the window, leaning out over the broad blue coat and + waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r!' cried the Captain, looking down upon him in amazement. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, Captain Cuttle,' returned Walter, 'only me' + </p> + <p> + 'What's the matter, my lad?' inquired the Captain, with great concern. + 'Gills an't been and sprung nothing again?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no,' said Walter. 'My Uncle's all right, Captain Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain expressed his gratification, and said he would come down below + and open the door, which he did. + </p> + <p> + 'Though you're early, Wal'r,' said the Captain, eyeing him still + doubtfully, when they got upstairs: + </p> + <p> + 'Why, the fact is, Captain Cuttle,' said Walter, sitting down, 'I was + afraid you would have gone out, and I want to benefit by your friendly + counsel.' + </p> + <p> + 'So you shall,' said the Captain; 'what'll you take?' + </p> + <p> + 'I want to take your opinion, Captain Cuttle,' returned Walter, smiling. + 'That's the only thing for me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Come on then,' said the Captain. 'With a will, my lad!' + </p> + <p> + Walter related to him what had happened; and the difficulty in which he + felt respecting his Uncle, and the relief it would be to him if Captain + Cuttle, in his kindness, would help him to smooth it away; Captain + Cuttle's infinite consternation and astonishment at the prospect unfolded + to him, gradually swallowing that gentleman up, until it left his face + quite vacant, and the suit of blue, the glazed hat, and the hook, + apparently without an owner. + </p> + <p> + 'You see, Captain Cuttle,' pursued Walter, 'for myself, I am young, as Mr + Dombey said, and not to be considered. I am to fight my way through the + world, I know; but there are two points I was thinking, as I came along, + that I should be very particular about, in respect to my Uncle. I don't + mean to say that I deserve to be the pride and delight of his life—you + believe me, I know—but I am. Now, don't you think I am?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain seemed to make an endeavour to rise from the depths of his + astonishment, and get back to his face; but the effort being ineffectual, + the glazed hat merely nodded with a mute, unutterable meaning. + </p> + <p> + 'If I live and have my health,' said Walter, 'and I am not afraid of that, + still, when I leave England I can hardly hope to see my Uncle again. He is + old, Captain Cuttle; and besides, his life is a life of custom—' + </p> + <p> + 'Steady, Wal'r! Of a want of custom?' said the Captain, suddenly + reappearing. + </p> + <p> + 'Too true,' returned Walter, shaking his head: 'but I meant a life of + habit, Captain Cuttle—that sort of custom. And if (as you very truly + said, I am sure) he would have died the sooner for the loss of the stock, + and all those objects to which he has been accustomed for so many years, + don't you think he might die a little sooner for the loss of—' + </p> + <p> + 'Of his Nevy,' interposed the Captain. 'Right!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well then,' said Walter, trying to speak gaily, 'we must do our best to + make him believe that the separation is but a temporary one, after all; + but as I know better, or dread that I know better, Captain Cuttle, and as + I have so many reasons for regarding him with affection, and duty, and + honour, I am afraid I should make but a very poor hand at that, if I tried + to persuade him of it. That's my great reason for wishing you to break it + out to him; and that's the first point.' + </p> + <p> + 'Keep her off a point or so!' observed the Captain, in a comtemplative + voice. + </p> + <p> + 'What did you say, Captain Cuttle?' inquired Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Stand by!' returned the Captain, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + Walter paused to ascertain if the Captain had any particular information + to add to this, but as he said no more, went on. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, the second point, Captain Cuttle. I am sorry to say, I am not a + favourite with Mr Dombey. I have always tried to do my best, and I have + always done it; but he does not like me. He can't help his likings and + dislikings, perhaps. I say nothing of that. I only say that I am certain + he does not like me. He does not send me to this post as a good one; he + disclaims to represent it as being better than it is; and I doubt very + much if it will ever lead me to advancement in the House—whether it + does not, on the contrary, dispose of me for ever, and put me out of the + way. Now, we must say nothing of this to my Uncle, Captain Cuttle, but + must make it out to be as favourable and promising as we can; and when I + tell you what it really is, I only do so, that in case any means should + ever arise of lending me a hand, so far off, I may have one friend at home + who knows my real situation. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my boy,' replied the Captain, 'in the Proverbs of Solomon you will + find the following words, "May we never want a friend in need, nor a + bottle to give him!" When found, make a note of.' + </p> + <p> + Here the Captain stretched out his hand to Walter, with an air of + downright good faith that spoke volumes; at the same time repeating (for + he felt proud of the accuracy and pointed application of his quotation), + 'When found, make a note of.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle,' said Walter, taking the immense fist extended to him by + the Captain in both his hands, which it completely filled, next to my + Uncle Sol, I love you. There is no one on earth in whom I can more safely + trust, I am sure. As to the mere going away, Captain Cuttle, I don't care + for that; why should I care for that! If I were free to seek my own + fortune—if I were free to go as a common sailor—if I were free + to venture on my own account to the farthest end of the world—I + would gladly go! I would have gladly gone, years ago, and taken my chance + of what might come of it. But it was against my Uncle's wishes, and + against the plans he had formed for me; and there was an end of that. But + what I feel, Captain Cuttle, is that we have been a little mistaken all + along, and that, so far as any improvement in my prospects is concerned, I + am no better off now than I was when I first entered Dombey's House—perhaps + a little worse, for the House may have been kindly inclined towards me + then, and it certainly is not now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Turn again, Whittington,' muttered the disconsolate Captain, after + looking at Walter for some time. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' replied Walter, laughing, 'and turn a great many times, too, Captain + Cuttle, I'm afraid, before such fortune as his ever turns up again. Not + that I complain,' he added, in his lively, animated, energetic way. 'I + have nothing to complain of. I am provided for. I can live. When I leave + my Uncle, I leave him to you; and I can leave him to no one better, + Captain Cuttle. I haven't told you all this because I despair, not I; it's + to convince you that I can't pick and choose in Dombey's House, and that + where I am sent, there I must go, and what I am offered, that I must take. + It's better for my Uncle that I should be sent away; for Mr Dombey is a + valuable friend to him, as he proved himself, you know when, Captain + Cuttle; and I am persuaded he won't be less valuable when he hasn't me + there, every day, to awaken his dislike. So hurrah for the West Indies, + Captain Cuttle! How does that tune go that the sailors sing? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'For the Port of Barbados, Boys! + + Cheerily! + + Leaving old England behind us, Boys! + + Cheerily!' +Here the Captain roared in chorus— + + 'Oh cheerily, cheerily! + + Oh cheer-i-ly!' +</pre> + <p> + The last line reaching the quick ears of an ardent skipper not quite + sober, who lodged opposite, and who instantly sprung out of bed, threw up + his window, and joined in, across the street, at the top of his voice, + produced a fine effect. When it was impossible to sustain the concluding + note any longer, the skipper bellowed forth a terrific 'ahoy!' intended in + part as a friendly greeting, and in part to show that he was not at all + breathed. That done, he shut down his window, and went to bed again. + </p> + <p> + 'And now, Captain Cuttle,' said Walter, handing him the blue coat and + waistcoat, and bustling very much, 'if you'll come and break the news to + Uncle Sol (which he ought to have known, days upon days ago, by rights), + I'll leave you at the door, you know, and walk about until the afternoon.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, however, scarcely appeared to relish the commission, or to be + by any means confident of his powers of executing it. He had arranged the + future life and adventures of Walter so very differently, and so entirely + to his own satisfaction; he had felicitated himself so often on the + sagacity and foresight displayed in that arrangement, and had found it so + complete and perfect in all its parts; that to suffer it to go to pieces + all at once, and even to assist in breaking it up, required a great effort + of his resolution. The Captain, too, found it difficult to unload his old + ideas upon the subject, and to take a perfectly new cargo on board, with + that rapidity which the circumstances required, or without jumbling and + confounding the two. Consequently, instead of putting on his coat and + waistcoat with anything like the impetuosity that could alone have kept + pace with Walter's mood, he declined to invest himself with those garments + at all at present; and informed Walter that on such a serious matter, he + must be allowed to 'bite his nails a bit'. + </p> + <p> + 'It's an old habit of mine, Wal'r,' said the Captain, 'any time these + fifty year. When you see Ned Cuttle bite his nails, Wal'r, then you may + know that Ned Cuttle's aground.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0207m.jpg" alt="0207m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0207.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Thereupon the Captain put his iron hook between his teeth, as if it were a + hand; and with an air of wisdom and profundity that was the very + concentration and sublimation of all philosophical reflection and grave + inquiry, applied himself to the consideration of the subject in its + various branches. + </p> + <p> + 'There's a friend of mine,' murmured the Captain, in an absent manner, + 'but he's at present coasting round to Whitby, that would deliver such an + opinion on this subject, or any other that could be named, as would give + Parliament six and beat 'em. Been knocked overboard, that man,' said the + Captain, 'twice, and none the worse for it. Was beat in his + apprenticeship, for three weeks (off and on), about the head with a + ring-bolt. And yet a clearer-minded man don't walk.' + </p> + <p> + In spite of his respect for Captain Cuttle, Walter could not help inwardly + rejoicing at the absence of this sage, and devoutly hoping that his limpid + intellect might not be brought to bear on his difficulties until they were + quite settled. + </p> + <p> + 'If you was to take and show that man the buoy at the Nore,' said Captain + Cuttle in the same tone, 'and ask him his opinion of it, Wal'r, he'd give + you an opinion that was no more like that buoy than your Uncle's buttons + are. There ain't a man that walks—certainly not on two legs—that + can come near him. Not near him!' + </p> + <p> + 'What's his name, Captain Cuttle?' inquired Walter, determined to be + interested in the Captain's friend. + </p> + <p> + 'His name's Bunsby,' said the Captain. 'But Lord, it might be anything for + the matter of that, with such a mind as his!' + </p> + <p> + The exact idea which the Captain attached to this concluding piece of + praise, he did not further elucidate; neither did Walter seek to draw it + forth. For on his beginning to review, with the vivacity natural to + himself and to his situation, the leading points in his own affairs, he + soon discovered that the Captain had relapsed into his former profound + state of mind; and that while he eyed him steadfastly from beneath his + bushy eyebrows, he evidently neither saw nor heard him, but remained + immersed in cogitation. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Captain Cuttle was labouring with such great designs, that far + from being aground, he soon got off into the deepest of water, and could + find no bottom to his penetration. By degrees it became perfectly plain to + the Captain that there was some mistake here; that it was undoubtedly much + more likely to be Walter's mistake than his; that if there were really any + West India scheme afoot, it was a very different one from what Walter, who + was young and rash, supposed; and could only be some new device for making + his fortune with unusual celerity. 'Or if there should be any little hitch + between 'em,' thought the Captain, meaning between Walter and Mr Dombey, + 'it only wants a word in season from a friend of both parties, to set it + right and smooth, and make all taut again.' Captain Cuttle's deduction + from these considerations was, that as he already enjoyed the pleasure of + knowing Mr Dombey, from having spent a very agreeable half-hour in his + company at Brighton (on the morning when they borrowed the money); and + that, as a couple of men of the world, who understood each other, and were + mutually disposed to make things comfortable, could easily arrange any + little difficulty of this sort, and come at the real facts; the friendly + thing for him to do would be, without saying anything about it to Walter + at present, just to step up to Mr Dombey's house—say to the servant + 'Would ye be so good, my lad, as report Cap'en Cuttle here?'—meet Mr + Dombey in a confidential spirit—hook him by the button-hole—talk + it over—make it all right—and come away triumphant! + </p> + <p> + As these reflections presented themselves to the Captain's mind, and by + slow degrees assumed this shape and form, his visage cleared like a + doubtful morning when it gives place to a bright noon. His eyebrows, which + had been in the highest degree portentous, smoothed their rugged bristling + aspect, and became serene; his eyes, which had been nearly closed in the + severity of his mental exercise, opened freely; a smile which had been at + first but three specks—one at the right-hand corner of his mouth, + and one at the corner of each eye—gradually overspread his whole + face, and, rippling up into his forehead, lifted the glazed hat: as if + that too had been aground with Captain Cuttle, and were now, like him, + happily afloat again. + </p> + <p> + Finally, the Captain left off biting his nails, and said, 'Now, Wal'r, my + boy, you may help me on with them slops.' By which the Captain meant his + coat and waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + Walter little imagined why the Captain was so particular in the + arrangement of his cravat, as to twist the pendent ends into a sort of + pigtail, and pass them through a massive gold ring with a picture of a + tomb upon it, and a neat iron railing, and a tree, in memory of some + deceased friend. Nor why the Captain pulled up his shirt-collar to the + utmost limits allowed by the Irish linen below, and by so doing decorated + himself with a complete pair of blinkers; nor why he changed his shoes, + and put on an unparalleled pair of ankle-jacks, which he only wore on + extraordinary occasions. The Captain being at length attired to his own + complete satisfaction, and having glanced at himself from head to foot in + a shaving-glass which he removed from a nail for that purpose, took up his + knotted stick, and said he was ready. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's walk was more complacent than usual when they got out into + the street; but this Walter supposed to be the effect of the ankle-jacks, + and took little heed of. Before they had gone very far, they encountered a + woman selling flowers; when the Captain stopping short, as if struck by a + happy idea, made a purchase of the largest bundle in her basket: a most + glorious nosegay, fan-shaped, some two feet and a half round, and composed + of all the jolliest-looking flowers that blow. + </p> + <p> + Armed with this little token which he designed for Mr Dombey, Captain + Cuttle walked on with Walter until they reached the Instrument-maker's + door, before which they both paused. + </p> + <p> + 'You're going in?' said Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' returned the Captain, who felt that Walter must be got rid of + before he proceeded any further, and that he had better time his projected + visit somewhat later in the day. + </p> + <p> + 'And you won't forget anything?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' returned the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll go upon my walk at once,' said Walter, 'and then I shall be out of + the way, Captain Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + 'Take a good long 'un, my lad!' replied the Captain, calling after him. + Walter waved his hand in assent, and went his way. + </p> + <p> + His way was nowhere in particular; but he thought he would go out into the + fields, where he could reflect upon the unknown life before him, and + resting under some tree, ponder quietly. He knew no better fields than + those near Hampstead, and no better means of getting at them than by + passing Mr Dombey's house. + </p> + <p> + It was as stately and as dark as ever, when he went by and glanced up at + its frowning front. The blinds were all pulled down, but the upper windows + stood wide open, and the pleasant air stirring those curtains and waving + them to and fro was the only sign of animation in the whole exterior. + Walter walked softly as he passed, and was glad when he had left the house + a door or two behind. + </p> + <p> + He looked back then; with the interest he had always felt for the place + since the adventure of the lost child, years ago; and looked especially at + those upper windows. While he was thus engaged, a chariot drove to the + door, and a portly gentleman in black, with a heavy watch-chain, alighted, + and went in. When he afterwards remembered this gentleman and his equipage + together, Walter had no doubt he was a physician; and then he wondered who + was ill; but the discovery did not occur to him until he had walked some + distance, thinking listlessly of other things. + </p> + <p> + Though still, of what the house had suggested to him; for Walter pleased + himself with thinking that perhaps the time might come, when the beautiful + child who was his old friend and had always been so grateful to him and so + glad to see him since, might interest her brother in his behalf and + influence his fortunes for the better. He liked to imagine this—more, + at that moment, for the pleasure of imagining her continued remembrance of + him, than for any worldly profit he might gain: but another and more sober + fancy whispered to him that if he were alive then, he would be beyond the + sea and forgotten; she married, rich, proud, happy. There was no more + reason why she should remember him with any interest in such an altered + state of things, than any plaything she ever had. No, not so much. + </p> + <p> + Yet Walter so idealised the pretty child whom he had found wandering in + the rough streets, and so identified her with her innocent gratitude of + that night and the simplicity and truth of its expression, that he blushed + for himself as a libeller when he argued that she could ever grow proud. + On the other hand, his meditations were of that fantastic order that it + seemed hardly less libellous in him to imagine her grown a woman: to think + of her as anything but the same artless, gentle, winning little creature, + that she had been in the days of Good Mrs Brown. In a word, Walter found + out that to reason with himself about Florence at all, was to become very + unreasonable indeed; and that he could do no better than preserve her + image in his mind as something precious, unattainable, unchangeable, and + indefinite—indefinite in all but its power of giving him pleasure, + and restraining him like an angel's hand from anything unworthy. + </p> + <p> + It was a long stroll in the fields that Walter took that day, listening to + the birds, and the Sunday bells, and the softened murmur of the town—breathing + sweet scents; glancing sometimes at the dim horizon beyond which his + voyage and his place of destination lay; then looking round on the green + English grass and the home landscape. But he hardly once thought, even of + going away, distinctly; and seemed to put off reflection idly, from hour + to hour, and from minute to minute, while he yet went on reflecting all + the time. + </p> + <p> + Walter had left the fields behind him, and was plodding homeward in the + same abstracted mood, when he heard a shout from a man, and then a woman's + voice calling to him loudly by name. Turning quickly in his surprise, he + saw that a hackney-coach, going in the contrary direction, had stopped at + no great distance; that the coachman was looking back from his box and + making signals to him with his whip; and that a young woman inside was + leaning out of the window, and beckoning with immense energy. Running up + to this coach, he found that the young woman was Miss Nipper, and that + Miss Nipper was in such a flutter as to be almost beside herself. + </p> + <p> + 'Staggs's Gardens, Mr Walter!' said Miss Nipper; 'if you please, oh do!' + </p> + <p> + 'Eh?' cried Walter; 'what is the matter?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Mr Walter, Staggs's Gardens, if you please!' said Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'There!' cried the coachman, appealing to Walter, with a sort of exalting + despair; 'that's the way the young lady's been a goin' on for up'ards of a + mortal hour, and me continivally backing out of no thoroughfares, where + she would drive up. I've had a many fares in this coach, first and last, + but never such a fare as her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you want to go to Staggs's Gardens, Susan?' inquired Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! She wants to go there! WHERE IS IT?' growled the coachman. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know where it is!' exclaimed Susan, wildly. 'Mr Walter, I was + there once myself, along with Miss Floy and our poor darling Master Paul, + on the very day when you found Miss Floy in the City, for we lost her + coming home, Mrs Richards and me, and a mad bull, and Mrs Richards's + eldest, and though I went there afterwards, I can't remember where it is, + I think it's sunk into the ground. Oh, Mr Walter, don't desert me, + Staggs's Gardens, if you please! Miss Floy's darling—all our + darlings—little, meek, meek Master Paul! Oh Mr Walter!' + </p> + <p> + 'Good God!' cried Walter. 'Is he very ill?' + </p> + <p> + 'The pretty flower!' cried Susan, wringing her hands, 'has took the fancy + that he'd like to see his old nurse, and I've come to bring her to his + bedside, Mrs Staggs, of Polly Toodle's Gardens, someone pray!' + </p> + <p> + Greatly moved by what he heard, and catching Susan's earnestness + immediately, Walter, now that he understood the nature of her errand, + dashed into it with such ardour that the coachman had enough to do to + follow closely as he ran before, inquiring here and there and everywhere, + the way to Staggs's Gardens. + </p> + <p> + There was no such place as Staggs's Gardens. It had vanished from the + earth. Where the old rotten summer-houses once had stood, palaces now + reared their heads, and granite columns of gigantic girth opened a vista + to the railway world beyond. The miserable waste ground, where the + refuse-matter had been heaped of yore, was swallowed up and gone; and in + its frowsy stead were tiers of warehouses, crammed with rich goods and + costly merchandise. The old by-streets now swarmed with passengers and + vehicles of every kind: the new streets that had stopped disheartened in + the mud and waggon-ruts, formed towns within themselves, originating + wholesome comforts and conveniences belonging to themselves, and never + tried nor thought of until they sprung into existence. Bridges that had + led to nothing, led to villas, gardens, churches, healthy public walks. + The carcasses of houses, and beginnings of new thoroughfares, had started + off upon the line at steam's own speed, and shot away into the country in + a monster train. + </p> + <p> + As to the neighbourhood which had hesitated to acknowledge the railroad in + its straggling days, that had grown wise and penitent, as any Christian + might in such a case, and now boasted of its powerful and prosperous + relation. There were railway patterns in its drapers' shops, and railway + journals in the windows of its newsmen. There were railway hotels, + office-houses, lodging-houses, boarding-houses; railway plans, maps, + views, wrappers, bottles, sandwich-boxes, and time-tables; railway + hackney-coach and stands; railway omnibuses, railway streets and + buildings, railway hangers-on and parasites, and flatterers out of all + calculation. There was even railway time observed in clocks, as if the sun + itself had given in. Among the vanquished was the master chimney-sweeper, + whilom incredulous at Staggs's Gardens, who now lived in a stuccoed house + three stories high, and gave himself out, with golden flourishes upon a + varnished board, as contractor for the cleansing of railway chimneys by + machinery. + </p> + <p> + To and from the heart of this great change, all day and night, throbbing + currents rushed and returned incessantly like its life's blood. Crowds of + people and mountains of goods, departing and arriving scores upon scores + of times in every four-and-twenty hours, produced a fermentation in the + place that was always in action. The very houses seemed disposed to pack + up and take trips. Wonderful Members of Parliament, who, little more than + twenty years before, had made themselves merry with the wild railroad + theories of engineers, and given them the liveliest rubs in + cross-examination, went down into the north with their watches in their + hands, and sent on messages before by the electric telegraph, to say that + they were coming. Night and day the conquering engines rumbled at their + distant work, or, advancing smoothly to their journey's end, and gliding + like tame dragons into the allotted corners grooved out to the inch for + their reception, stood bubbling and trembling there, making the walls + quake, as if they were dilating with the secret knowledge of great powers + yet unsuspected in them, and strong purposes not yet achieved. + </p> + <p> + But Staggs's Gardens had been cut up root and branch. Oh woe the day when + 'not a rood of English ground'—laid out in Staggs's Gardens—is + secure! + </p> + <p> + At last, after much fruitless inquiry, Walter, followed by the coach and + Susan, found a man who had once resided in that vanished land, and who was + no other than the master sweep before referred to, grown stout, and + knocking a double knock at his own door. He knowed Toodle, he said, well. + Belonged to the Railroad, didn't he? + </p> + <p> + 'Yes sir, yes!' cried Susan Nipper from the coach window. + </p> + <p> + Where did he live now? hastily inquired Walter. + </p> + <p> + He lived in the Company's own Buildings, second turning to the right, down + the yard, cross over, and take the second on the right again. It was + number eleven; they couldn't mistake it; but if they did, they had only to + ask for Toodle, Engine Fireman, and any one would show them which was his + house. At this unexpected stroke of success Susan Nipper dismounted from + the coach with all speed, took Walter's arm, and set off at a breathless + pace on foot; leaving the coach there to await their return. + </p> + <p> + 'Has the little boy been long ill, Susan?' inquired Walter, as they + hurried on. + </p> + <p> + 'Ailing for a deal of time, but no one knew how much,' said Susan; adding, + with excessive sharpness, 'Oh, them Blimbers!' + </p> + <p> + 'Blimbers?' echoed Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'I couldn't forgive myself at such a time as this, Mr Walter,' said Susan, + 'and when there's so much serious distress to think about, if I rested + hard on anyone, especially on them that little darling Paul speaks well + of, but I may wish that the family was set to work in a stony soil to make + new roads, and that Miss Blimber went in front, and had the pickaxe!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper then took breath, and went on faster than before, as if this + extraordinary aspiration had relieved her. Walter, who had by this time no + breath of his own to spare, hurried along without asking any more + questions; and they soon, in their impatience, burst in at a little door + and came into a clean parlour full of children. + </p> + <p> + 'Where's Mrs Richards?' exclaimed Susan Nipper, looking round. 'Oh Mrs + Richards, Mrs Richards, come along with me, my dear creetur!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, if it ain't Susan!' cried Polly, rising with her honest face and + motherly figure from among the group, in great surprise. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Mrs Richards, it's me,' said Susan, 'and I wish it wasn't, though I + may not seem to flatter when I say so, but little Master Paul is very ill, + and told his Pa today that he would like to see the face of his old nurse, + and him and Miss Floy hope you'll come along with me—and Mr Walter, + Mrs Richards—forgetting what is past, and do a kindness to the sweet + dear that is withering away. Oh, Mrs Richards, withering away!' Susan + Nipper crying, Polly shed tears to see her, and to hear what she had said; + and all the children gathered round (including numbers of new babies); and + Mr Toodle, who had just come home from Birmingham, and was eating his + dinner out of a basin, laid down his knife and fork, and put on his wife's + bonnet and shawl for her, which were hanging up behind the door; then + tapped her on the back; and said, with more fatherly feeling than + eloquence, 'Polly! cut away!' + </p> + <p> + So they got back to the coach, long before the coachman expected them; and + Walter, putting Susan and Mrs Richards inside, took his seat on the box + himself that there might be no more mistakes, and deposited them safely in + the hall of Mr Dombey's house—where, by the bye, he saw a mighty + nosegay lying, which reminded him of the one Captain Cuttle had purchased + in his company that morning. He would have lingered to know more of the + young invalid, or waited any length of time to see if he could render the + least service; but, painfully sensible that such conduct would be looked + upon by Mr Dombey as presumptuous and forward, he turned slowly, sadly, + anxiously, away. + </p> + <p> + He had not gone five minutes' walk from the door, when a man came running + after him, and begged him to return. Walter retraced his steps as quickly + as he could, and entered the gloomy house with a sorrowful foreboding. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 16. What the Waves were always saying + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">P</span>aul had never risen from his little bed. He lay there, listening to the + noises in the street, quite tranquilly; not caring much how the time went, + but watching it and watching everything about him with observing eyes. + </p> + <p> + When the sunbeams struck into his room through the rustling blinds, and + quivered on the opposite wall like golden water, he knew that evening was + coming on, and that the sky was red and beautiful. As the reflection died + away, and a gloom went creeping up the wall, he watched it deepen, deepen, + deepen, into night. Then he thought how the long streets were dotted with + lamps, and how the peaceful stars were shining overhead. His fancy had a + strange tendency to wander to the river, which he knew was flowing through + the great city; and now he thought how black it was, and how deep it would + look, reflecting the hosts of stars—and more than all, how steadily + it rolled away to meet the sea. + </p> + <p> + As it grew later in the night, and footsteps in the street became so rare + that he could hear them coming, count them as they passed, and lose them + in the hollow distance, he would lie and watch the many-coloured ring + about the candle, and wait patiently for day. His only trouble was, the + swift and rapid river. He felt forced, sometimes, to try to stop it—to + stem it with his childish hands—or choke its way with sand—and + when he saw it coming on, resistless, he cried out! But a word from + Florence, who was always at his side, restored him to himself; and leaning + his poor head upon her breast, he told Floy of his dream, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + When day began to dawn again, he watched for the sun; and when its + cheerful light began to sparkle in the room, he pictured to himself—pictured! + he saw—the high church towers rising up into the morning sky, the + town reviving, waking, starting into life once more, the river glistening + as it rolled (but rolling fast as ever), and the country bright with dew. + Familiar sounds and cries came by degrees into the street below; the + servants in the house were roused and busy; faces looked in at the door, + and voices asked his attendants softly how he was. Paul always answered + for himself, 'I am better. I am a great deal better, thank you! Tell Papa + so!' + </p> + <p> + By little and little, he got tired of the bustle of the day, the noise of + carriages and carts, and people passing and repassing; and would fall + asleep, or be troubled with a restless and uneasy sense again—the + child could hardly tell whether this were in his sleeping or his waking + moments—of that rushing river. 'Why, will it never stop, Floy?' he + would sometimes ask her. 'It is bearing me away, I think!' + </p> + <p> + But Floy could always soothe and reassure him; and it was his daily + delight to make her lay her head down on his pillow, and take some rest. + </p> + <p> + 'You are always watching me, Floy, let me watch you, now!' They would prop + him up with cushions in a corner of his bed, and there he would recline + the while she lay beside him: bending forward oftentimes to kiss her, and + whispering to those who were near that she was tired, and how she had sat + up so many nights beside him. + </p> + <p> + Thus, the flush of the day, in its heat and light, would gradually + decline; and again the golden water would be dancing on the wall. + </p> + <p> + He was visited by as many as three grave doctors—they used to + assemble downstairs, and come up together—and the room was so quiet, + and Paul was so observant of them (though he never asked of anybody what + they said), that he even knew the difference in the sound of their + watches. But his interest centred in Sir Parker Peps, who always took his + seat on the side of the bed. For Paul had heard them say long ago, that + that gentleman had been with his Mama when she clasped Florence in her + arms, and died. And he could not forget it, now. He liked him for it. He + was not afraid. + </p> + <p> + The people round him changed as unaccountably as on that first night at + Doctor Blimber's—except Florence; Florence never changed—and + what had been Sir Parker Peps, was now his father, sitting with his head + upon his hand. Old Mrs Pipchin dozing in an easy chair, often changed to + Miss Tox, or his aunt; and Paul was quite content to shut his eyes again, + and see what happened next, without emotion. But this figure with its head + upon its hand returned so often, and remained so long, and sat so still + and solemn, never speaking, never being spoken to, and rarely lifting up + its face, that Paul began to wonder languidly, if it were real; and in the + night-time saw it sitting there, with fear. + </p> + <p> + 'Floy!' he said. 'What is that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Where, dearest?' + </p> + <p> + 'There! at the bottom of the bed.' + </p> + <p> + 'There's nothing there, except Papa!' + </p> + <p> + The figure lifted up its head, and rose, and coming to the bedside, said: + 'My own boy! Don't you know me?' + </p> + <p> + Paul looked it in the face, and thought, was this his father? But the face + so altered to his thinking, thrilled while he gazed, as if it were in + pain; and before he could reach out both his hands to take it between + them, and draw it towards him, the figure turned away quickly from the + little bed, and went out at the door. + </p> + <p> + Paul looked at Florence with a fluttering heart, but he knew what she was + going to say, and stopped her with his face against her lips. The next + time he observed the figure sitting at the bottom of the bed, he called to + it. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't be sorry for me, dear Papa! Indeed I am quite happy!' + </p> + <p> + His father coming and bending down to him—which he did quickly, and + without first pausing by the bedside—Paul held him round the neck, + and repeated those words to him several times, and very earnestly; and + Paul never saw him in his room again at any time, whether it were day or + night, but he called out, 'Don't be sorry for me! Indeed I am quite + happy!' This was the beginning of his always saying in the morning that he + was a great deal better, and that they were to tell his father so. + </p> + <p> + How many times the golden water danced upon the wall; how many nights the + dark, dark river rolled towards the sea in spite of him; Paul never + counted, never sought to know. If their kindness, or his sense of it, + could have increased, they were more kind, and he more grateful every day; + but whether they were many days or few, appeared of little moment now, to + the gentle boy. + </p> + <p> + One night he had been thinking of his mother, and her picture in the + drawing-room downstairs, and thought she must have loved sweet Florence + better than his father did, to have held her in her arms when she felt + that she was dying—for even he, her brother, who had such dear love + for her, could have no greater wish than that. The train of thought + suggested to him to inquire if he had ever seen his mother? for he could + not remember whether they had told him, yes or no, the river running very + fast, and confusing his mind. + </p> + <p> + 'Floy, did I ever see Mama?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, darling, why?' + </p> + <p> + 'Did I ever see any kind face, like Mama's, looking at me when I was a + baby, Floy?' + </p> + <p> + He asked, incredulously, as if he had some vision of a face before him. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Whose, Floy?' + </p> + <p> + 'Your old nurse's. Often.' + </p> + <p> + 'And where is my old nurse?' said Paul. 'Is she dead too? Floy, are we all + dead, except you?' + </p> + <p> + There was a hurry in the room, for an instant—longer, perhaps; but + it seemed no more—then all was still again; and Florence, with her + face quite colourless, but smiling, held his head upon her arm. Her arm + trembled very much. + </p> + <p> + 'Show me that old nurse, Floy, if you please!' + </p> + <p> + 'She is not here, darling. She shall come to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Floy!' + </p> + <p> + Paul closed his eyes with those words, and fell asleep. When he awoke, the + sun was high, and the broad day was clear and warm. He lay a little, + looking at the windows, which were open, and the curtains rustling in the + air, and waving to and fro: then he said, 'Floy, is it tomorrow? Is she + come?' + </p> + <p> + Someone seemed to go in quest of her. Perhaps it was Susan. Paul thought + he heard her telling him when he had closed his eyes again, that she would + soon be back; but he did not open them to see. She kept her word—perhaps + she had never been away—but the next thing that happened was a noise + of footsteps on the stairs, and then Paul woke—woke mind and body—and + sat upright in his bed. He saw them now about him. There was no grey mist + before them, as there had been sometimes in the night. He knew them every + one, and called them by their names. + </p> + <p> + 'And who is this? Is this my old nurse?' said the child, regarding with a + radiant smile, a figure coming in. + </p> + <p> + Yes, yes. No other stranger would have shed those tears at sight of him, + and called him her dear boy, her pretty boy, her own poor blighted child. + No other woman would have stooped down by his bed, and taken up his wasted + hand, and put it to her lips and breast, as one who had some right to + fondle it. No other woman would have so forgotten everybody there but him + and Floy, and been so full of tenderness and pity. + </p> + <p> + 'Floy! this is a kind good face!' said Paul. 'I am glad to see it again. + Don't go away, old nurse! Stay here.' + </p> + <p> + His senses were all quickened, and he heard a name he knew. + </p> + <p> + 'Who was that, who said "Walter"?' he asked, looking round. 'Someone said + Walter. Is he here? I should like to see him very much.' + </p> + <p> + Nobody replied directly; but his father soon said to Susan, 'Call him + back, then: let him come up!' Alter a short pause of expectation, during + which he looked with smiling interest and wonder, on his nurse, and saw + that she had not forgotten Floy, Walter was brought into the room. His + open face and manner, and his cheerful eyes, had always made him a + favourite with Paul; and when Paul saw him' he stretched Out his hand, and + said 'Good-bye!' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, my child!' said Mrs Pipchin, hurrying to his bed's head. 'Not + good-bye?' + </p> + <p> + For an instant, Paul looked at her with the wistful face with which he had + so often gazed upon her in his corner by the fire. 'Yes,' he said + placidly, 'good-bye! Walter dear, good-bye!'—turning his head to + where he stood, and putting out his hand again. 'Where is Papa?' + </p> + <p> + He felt his father's breath upon his cheek, before the words had parted + from his lips. + </p> + <p> + 'Remember Walter, dear Papa,' he whispered, looking in his face. 'Remember + Walter. I was fond of Walter!' The feeble hand waved in the air, as if it + cried 'good-bye!' to Walter once again. + </p> + <p> + 'Now lay me down,' he said, 'and, Floy, come close to me, and let me see + you!' + </p> + <p> + Sister and brother wound their arms around each other, and the golden + light came streaming in, and fell upon them, locked together. + </p> + <p> + 'How fast the river runs, between its green banks and the rushes, Floy! + But it's very near the sea. I hear the waves! They always said so!' + </p> + <p> + Presently he told her the motion of the boat upon the stream was lulling + him to rest. How green the banks were now, how bright the flowers growing + on them, and how tall the rushes! Now the boat was out at sea, but gliding + smoothly on. And now there was a shore before him. Who stood on the bank?— + </p> + <p> + He put his hands together, as he had been used to do at his prayers. He + did not remove his arms to do it; but they saw him fold them so, behind + her neck. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama is like you, Floy. I know her by the face! But tell them that the + print upon the stairs at school is not divine enough. The light about the + head is shining on me as I go!' + </p> + <p> + The golden ripple on the wall came back again, and nothing else stirred in + the room. The old, old fashion! The fashion that came in with our first + garments, and will last unchanged until our race has run its course, and + the wide firmament is rolled up like a scroll. The old, old fashion—Death! + </p> + <p> + Oh thank GOD, all who see it, for that older fashion yet, of Immortality! + And look upon us, angels of young children, with regards not quite + estranged, when the swift river bears us to the ocean! + </p> + <p> + 'Dear me, dear me! To think,' said Miss Tox, bursting out afresh that + night, as if her heart were broken, 'that Dombey and Son should be a + Daughter after all!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 17. Captain Cuttle does a little Business for the Young People + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span>aptain Cuttle, in the exercise of that surprising talent for deep-laid + and unfathomable scheming, with which (as is not unusual in men of + transparent simplicity) he sincerely believed himself to be endowed by + nature, had gone to Mr Dombey's house on the eventful Sunday, winking all + the way as a vent for his superfluous sagacity, and had presented himself + in the full lustre of the ankle-jacks before the eyes of Towlinson. + Hearing from that individual, to his great concern, of the impending + calamity, Captain Cuttle, in his delicacy, sheered off again confounded; + merely handing in the nosegay as a small mark of his solicitude, and + leaving his respectful compliments for the family in general, which he + accompanied with an expression of his hope that they would lay their heads + well to the wind under existing circumstances, and a friendly intimation + that he would 'look up again' to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's compliments were never heard of any more. The Captain's + nosegay, after lying in the hall all night, was swept into the dust-bin + next morning; and the Captain's sly arrangement, involved in one + catastrophe with greater hopes and loftier designs, was crushed to pieces. + So, when an avalanche bears down a mountain-forest, twigs and bushes + suffer with the trees, and all perish together. + </p> + <p> + When Walter returned home on the Sunday evening from his long walk, and + its memorable close, he was too much occupied at first by the tidings he + had to give them, and by the emotions naturally awakened in his breast by + the scene through which he had passed, to observe either that his Uncle + was evidently unacquainted with the intelligence the Captain had + undertaken to impart, or that the Captain made signals with his hook, + warning him to avoid the subject. Not that the Captain's signals were + calculated to have proved very comprehensible, however attentively + observed; for, like those Chinese sages who are said in their conferences + to write certain learned words in the air that are wholly impossible of + pronunciation, the Captain made such waves and flourishes as nobody + without a previous knowledge of his mystery, would have been at all likely + to understand. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, however, becoming cognisant of what had happened, + relinquished these attempts, as he perceived the slender chance that now + existed of his being able to obtain a little easy chat with Mr Dombey + before the period of Walter's departure. But in admitting to himself, with + a disappointed and crestfallen countenance, that Sol Gills must be told, + and that Walter must go—taking the case for the present as he found + it, and not having it enlightened or improved beforehand by the knowing + management of a friend—the Captain still felt an unabated confidence + that he, Ned Cuttle, was the man for Mr Dombey; and that, to set Walter's + fortunes quite square, nothing was wanted but that they two should come + together. For the Captain never could forget how well he and Mr Dombey had + got on at Brighton; with what nicety each of them had put in a word when + it was wanted; how exactly they had taken one another's measure; nor how + Ned Cuttle had pointed out that resources in the first extremity, and had + brought the interview to the desired termination. On all these grounds the + Captain soothed himself with thinking that though Ned Cuttle was forced by + the pressure of events to 'stand by' almost useless for the present, Ned + would fetch up with a wet sail in good time, and carry all before him. + </p> + <p> + Under the influence of this good-natured delusion, Captain Cuttle even + went so far as to revolve in his own bosom, while he sat looking at Walter + and listening with a tear on his shirt-collar to what he related, whether + it might not be at once genteel and politic to give Mr Dombey a verbal + invitation, whenever they should meet, to come and cut his mutton in Brig + Place on some day of his own naming, and enter on the question of his + young friend's prospects over a social glass. But the uncertain temper of + Mrs MacStinger, and the possibility of her setting up her rest in the + passage during such an entertainment, and there delivering some homily of + an uncomplimentary nature, operated as a check on the Captain's hospitable + thoughts, and rendered him timid of giving them encouragement. + </p> + <p> + One fact was quite clear to the Captain, as Walter, sitting thoughtfully + over his untasted dinner, dwelt on all that had happened; namely, that + however Walter's modesty might stand in the way of his perceiving it + himself, he was, as one might say, a member of Mr Dombey's family. He had + been, in his own person, connected with the incident he so pathetically + described; he had been by name remembered and commended in close + association with it; and his fortunes must have a particular interest in + his employer's eyes. If the Captain had any lurking doubt whatever of his + own conclusions, he had not the least doubt that they were good + conclusions for the peace of mind of the Instrument-maker. Therefore he + availed himself of so favourable a moment for breaking the West Indian + intelligence to his friend, as a piece of extraordinary preferment; + declaring that for his part he would freely give a hundred thousand pounds + (if he had it) for Walter's gain in the long-run, and that he had no doubt + such an investment would yield a handsome premium. + </p> + <p> + Solomon Gills was at first stunned by the communication, which fell upon + the little back-parlour like a thunderbolt, and tore up the hearth + savagely. But the Captain flashed such golden prospects before his dim + sight: hinted so mysteriously at Whittingtonian consequences; laid such + emphasis on what Walter had just now told them: and appealed to it so + confidently as a corroboration of his predictions, and a great advance + towards the realisation of the romantic legend of Lovely Peg: that he + bewildered the old man. Walter, for his part, feigned to be so full of + hope and ardour, and so sure of coming home again soon, and backed up the + Captain with such expressive shakings of his head and rubbings of his + hands, that Solomon, looking first at him then at Captain Cuttle, began to + think he ought to be transported with joy. + </p> + <p> + 'But I'm behind the time, you understand,' he observed in apology, passing + his hand nervously down the whole row of bright buttons on his coat, and + then up again, as if they were beads and he were telling them twice over: + 'and I would rather have my dear boy here. It's an old-fashioned notion, I + daresay. He was always fond of the sea He's'—and he looked wistfully + at Walter—'he's glad to go.' + </p> + <p> + 'Uncle Sol!' cried Walter, quickly, 'if you say that, I won't go. No, + Captain Cuttle, I won't. If my Uncle thinks I could be glad to leave him, + though I was going to be made Governor of all the Islands in the West + Indies, that's enough. I'm a fixture.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad,' said the Captain. 'Steady! Sol Gills, take an observation + of your nevy.' + </p> + <p> + Following with his eyes the majestic action of the Captain's hook, the old + man looked at Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Here is a certain craft,' said the Captain, with a magnificent sense of + the allegory into which he was soaring, 'a-going to put out on a certain + voyage. What name is wrote upon that craft indelibly? Is it The Gay? or,' + said the Captain, raising his voice as much as to say, observe the point + of this, 'is it The Gills?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ned,' said the old man, drawing Walter to his side, and taking his arm + tenderly through his, 'I know. I know. Of course I know that Wally + considers me more than himself always. That's in my mind. When I say he is + glad to go, I mean I hope he is. Eh? look you, Ned and you too, Wally, my + dear, this is new and unexpected to me; and I'm afraid my being behind the + time, and poor, is at the bottom of it. Is it really good fortune for him, + do you tell me, now?' said the old man, looking anxiously from one to the + other. 'Really and truly? Is it? I can reconcile myself to almost anything + that advances Wally, but I won't have Wally putting himself at any + disadvantage for me, or keeping anything from me. You, Ned Cuttle!' said + the old man, fastening on the Captain, to the manifest confusion of that + diplomatist; 'are you dealing plainly by your old friend? Speak out, Ned + Cuttle. Is there anything behind? Ought he to go? How do you know it + first, and why?' + </p> + <p> + As it was a contest of affection and self-denial, Walter struck in with + infinite effect, to the Captain's relief; and between them they tolerably + reconciled old Sol Gills, by continued talking, to the project; or rather + so confused him, that nothing, not even the pain of separation, was + distinctly clear to his mind. + </p> + <p> + He had not much time to balance the matter; for on the very next day, + Walter received from Mr Carker the Manager, the necessary credentials for + his passage and outfit, together with the information that the Son and + Heir would sail in a fortnight, or within a day or two afterwards at + latest. In the hurry of preparation: which Walter purposely enhanced as + much as possible: the old man lost what little self-possession he ever + had; and so the time of departure drew on rapidly. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who did not fail to make himself acquainted with all that + passed, through inquiries of Walter from day to day, found the time still + tending on towards his going away, without any occasion offering itself, + or seeming likely to offer itself, for a better understanding of his + position. It was after much consideration of this fact, and much pondering + over such an unfortunate combination of circumstances, that a bright idea + occurred to the Captain. Suppose he made a call on Mr Carker, and tried to + find out from him how the land really lay! + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle liked this idea very much. It came upon him in a moment of + inspiration, as he was smoking an early pipe in Brig Place after + breakfast; and it was worthy of the tobacco. It would quiet his + conscience, which was an honest one, and was made a little uneasy by what + Walter had confided to him, and what Sol Gills had said; and it would be a + deep, shrewd act of friendship. He would sound Mr Carker carefully, and + say much or little, just as he read that gentleman's character, and + discovered that they got on well together or the reverse. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, without the fear of Walter before his eyes (who he knew was + at home packing), Captain Cuttle again assumed his ankle-jacks and + mourning brooch, and issued forth on this second expedition. He purchased + no propitiatory nosegay on the present occasion, as he was going to a + place of business; but he put a small sunflower in his button-hole to give + himself an agreeable relish of the country; and with this, and the knobby + stick, and the glazed hat, bore down upon the offices of Dombey and Son. + </p> + <p> + After taking a glass of warm rum-and-water at a tavern close by, to + collect his thoughts, the Captain made a rush down the court, lest its + good effects should evaporate, and appeared suddenly to Mr Perch. + </p> + <p> + 'Matey,' said the Captain, in persuasive accents. 'One of your Governors + is named Carker.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch admitted it; but gave him to understand, as in official duty + bound, that all his Governors were engaged, and never expected to be + disengaged any more. + </p> + <p> + 'Look'ee here, mate,' said the Captain in his ear; 'my name's Cap'en + Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain would have hooked Perch gently to him, but Mr Perch eluded the + attempt; not so much in design, as in starting at the sudden thought that + such a weapon unexpectedly exhibited to Mrs Perch might, in her then + condition, be destructive to that lady's hopes. + </p> + <p> + 'If you'll be so good as just report Cap'en Cuttle here, when you get a + chance,' said the Captain, 'I'll wait.' + </p> + <p> + Saying which, the Captain took his seat on Mr Perch's bracket, and drawing + out his handkerchief from the crown of the glazed hat which he jammed + between his knees (without injury to its shape, for nothing human could + bend it), rubbed his head well all over, and appeared refreshed. He + subsequently arranged his hair with his hook, and sat looking round the + office, contemplating the clerks with a serene respect. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's equanimity was so impenetrable, and he was altogether so + mysterious a being, that Perch the messenger was daunted. + </p> + <p> + 'What name was it you said?' asked Mr Perch, bending down over him as he + sat on the bracket. + </p> + <p> + 'Cap'en,' in a deep hoarse whisper. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Mr Perch, keeping time with his head. + </p> + <p> + 'Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' said Mr Perch, in the same tone, for he caught it, and couldn't help + it; the Captain, in his diplomacy, was so impressive. 'I'll see if he's + disengaged now. I don't know. Perhaps he may be for a minute.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, my lad, I won't detain him longer than a minute,' said the + Captain, nodding with all the weighty importance that he felt within him. + Perch, soon returning, said, 'Will Captain Cuttle walk this way?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager, standing on the hearth-rug before the empty + fireplace, which was ornamented with a castellated sheet of brown paper, + looked at the Captain as he came in, with no very special encouragement. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker?' said Captain Cuttle. + </p> + <p> + 'I believe so,' said Mr Carker, showing all his teeth. + </p> + <p> + The Captain liked his answering with a smile; it looked pleasant. 'You + see,' began the Captain, rolling his eyes slowly round the little room, + and taking in as much of it as his shirt-collar permitted; 'I'm a + seafaring man myself, Mr Carker, and Wal'r, as is on your books here, is + almost a son of mine.' + </p> + <p> + 'Walter Gay?' said Mr Carker, showing all his teeth again. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r Gay it is,' replied the Captain, 'right!' The Captain's manner + expressed a warm approval of Mr Carker's quickness of perception. 'I'm a + intimate friend of his and his Uncle's. Perhaps,' said the Captain, 'you + may have heard your head Governor mention my name?—Captain Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + 'No!' said Mr Carker, with a still wider demonstration than before. + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' resumed the Captain, 'I've the pleasure of his acquaintance. I + waited upon him down on the Sussex coast there, with my young friend + Wal'r, when—in short, when there was a little accommodation wanted.' + The Captain nodded his head in a manner that was at once comfortable, + easy, and expressive. 'You remember, I daresay?' + </p> + <p> + 'I think,' said Mr Carker, 'I had the honour of arranging the business.' + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure!' returned the Captain. 'Right again! you had. Now I've took + the liberty of coming here— + </p> + <p> + 'Won't you sit down?' said Mr Carker, smiling. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee,' returned the Captain, availing himself of the offer. 'A man + does get more way upon himself, perhaps, in his conversation, when he sits + down. Won't you take a cheer yourself?' + </p> + <p> + 'No thank you,' said the Manager, standing, perhaps from the force of + winter habit, with his back against the chimney-piece, and looking down + upon the Captain with an eye in every tooth and gum. 'You have taken the + liberty, you were going to say—though it's none—' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee kindly, my lad,' returned the Captain: 'of coming here, on + account of my friend Wal'r. Sol Gills, his Uncle, is a man of science, and + in science he may be considered a clipper; but he ain't what I should + altogether call a able seaman—not man of practice. Wal'r is as trim + a lad as ever stepped; but he's a little down by the head in one respect, + and that is, modesty. Now what I should wish to put to you,' said the + Captain, lowering his voice, and speaking in a kind of confidential growl, + 'in a friendly way, entirely between you and me, and for my own private + reckoning, 'till your head Governor has wore round a bit, and I can come + alongside of him, is this.—Is everything right and comfortable here, + and is Wal'r out'ard bound with a pretty fair wind?' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you think now, Captain Cuttle?' returned Carker, gathering up his + skirts and settling himself in his position. 'You are a practical man; + what do you think?' + </p> + <p> + The acuteness and the significance of the Captain's eye as he cocked it in + reply, no words short of those unutterable Chinese words before referred + to could describe. + </p> + <p> + 'Come!' said the Captain, unspeakably encouraged, 'what do you say? Am I + right or wrong?' + </p> + <p> + So much had the Captain expressed in his eye, emboldened and incited by Mr + Carker's smiling urbanity, that he felt himself in as fair a condition to + put the question, as if he had expressed his sentiments with the utmost + elaboration. + </p> + <p> + 'Right,' said Mr Carker, 'I have no doubt.' + </p> + <p> + 'Out'ard bound with fair weather, then, I say,' cried Captain Cuttle. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker smiled assent. + </p> + <p> + 'Wind right astarn, and plenty of it,' pursued the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker smiled assent again. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay!' said Captain Cuttle, greatly relieved and pleased. 'I know'd how + she headed, well enough; I told Wal'r so. Thank'ee, thank'ee.' + </p> + <p> + 'Gay has brilliant prospects,' observed Mr Carker, stretching his mouth + wider yet: 'all the world before him.' + </p> + <p> + 'All the world and his wife too, as the saying is,' returned the delighted + Captain. + </p> + <p> + At the word 'wife' (which he had uttered without design), the Captain + stopped, cocked his eye again, and putting the glazed hat on the top of + the knobby stick, gave it a twirl, and looked sideways at his always + smiling friend. + </p> + <p> + 'I'd bet a gill of old Jamaica,' said the Captain, eyeing him attentively, + 'that I know what you're a smiling at.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker took his cue, and smiled the more. + </p> + <p> + 'It goes no farther?' said the Captain, making a poke at the door with the + knobby stick to assure himself that it was shut. + </p> + <p> + 'Not an inch,' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'You're thinking of a capital F perhaps?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker didn't deny it. + </p> + <p> + 'Anything about a L,' said the Captain, 'or a O?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker still smiled. + </p> + <p> + 'Am I right, again?' inquired the Captain in a whisper, with the scarlet + circle on his forehead swelling in his triumphant joy. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, in reply, still smiling, and now nodding assent, Captain Cuttle + rose and squeezed him by the hand, assuring him, warmly, that they were on + the same tack, and that as for him (Cuttle) he had laid his course that + way all along. 'He know'd her first,' said the Captain, with all the + secrecy and gravity that the subject demanded, 'in an uncommon manner—you + remember his finding her in the street when she was a'most a babby—he + has liked her ever since, and she him, as much as two youngsters can. + We've always said, Sol Gills and me, that they was cut out for each + other.' + </p> + <p> + A cat, or a monkey, or a hyena, or a death's-head, could not have shown + the Captain more teeth at one time, than Mr Carker showed him at this + period of their interview. + </p> + <p> + 'There's a general indraught that way,' observed the happy Captain. 'Wind + and water sets in that direction, you see. Look at his being present + t'other day!' + </p> + <p> + 'Most favourable to his hopes,' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Look at his being towed along in the wake of that day!' pursued the + Captain. 'Why what can cut him adrift now?' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing,' replied Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'You're right again,' returned the Captain, giving his hand another + squeeze. 'Nothing it is. So! steady! There's a son gone: pretty little + creetur. Ain't there?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, there's a son gone,' said the acquiescent Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Pass the word, and there's another ready for you,' quoth the Captain. + 'Nevy of a scientific Uncle! Nevy of Sol Gills! Wal'r! Wal'r, as is + already in your business! And'—said the Captain, rising gradually to + a quotation he was preparing for a final burst, 'who—comes from Sol + Gills's daily, to your business, and your buzzums.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain's complacency as he gently jogged Mr Carker with his elbow, on + concluding each of the foregoing short sentences, could be surpassed by + nothing but the exultation with which he fell back and eyed him when he + had finished this brilliant display of eloquence and sagacity; his great + blue waistcoat heaving with the throes of such a masterpiece, and his nose + in a state of violent inflammation from the same cause. + </p> + <p> + 'Am I right?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle,' said Mr Carker, bending down at the knees, for a moment, + in an odd manner, as if he were falling together to hug the whole of + himself at once, 'your views in reference to Walter Gay are thoroughly and + accurately right. I understand that we speak together in confidence. + </p> + <p> + 'Honour!' interposed the Captain. 'Not a word.' + </p> + <p> + 'To him or anyone?' pursued the Manager. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle frowned and shook his head. + </p> + <p> + 'But merely for your own satisfaction and guidance—and guidance, of + course,' repeated Mr Carker, 'with a view to your future proceedings.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee kindly, I am sure,' said the Captain, listening with great + attention. + </p> + <p> + 'I have no hesitation in saying, that's the fact. You have hit the + probabilities exactly.' + </p> + <p> + 'And with regard to your head Governor,' said the Captain, 'why an + interview had better come about nat'ral between us. There's time enough.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, with his mouth from ear to ear, repeated, 'Time enough.' Not + articulating the words, but bowing his head affably, and forming them with + his tongue and lips. + </p> + <p> + 'And as I know—it's what I always said—that Wal'r's in a way + to make his fortune,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'To make his fortune,' Mr Carker repeated, in the same dumb manner. + </p> + <p> + 'And as Wal'r's going on this little voyage is, as I may say, in his day's + work, and a part of his general expectations here,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Of his general expectations here,' assented Mr Carker, dumbly as before. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, so long as I know that,' pursued the Captain, 'there's no hurry, and + my mind's at ease. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker still blandly assenting in the same voiceless manner, Captain + Cuttle was strongly confirmed in his opinion that he was one of the most + agreeable men he had ever met, and that even Mr Dombey might improve + himself on such a model. With great heartiness, therefore, the Captain + once again extended his enormous hand (not unlike an old block in colour), + and gave him a grip that left upon his smoother flesh a proof impression + of the chinks and crevices with which the Captain's palm was liberally + tattooed. + </p> + <p> + 'Farewell!' said the Captain. 'I ain't a man of many words, but I take it + very kind of you to be so friendly, and above-board. You'll excuse me if + I've been at all intruding, will you?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all,' returned the other. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee. My berth ain't very roomy,' said the Captain, turning back + again, 'but it's tolerably snug; and if you was to find yourself near Brig + Place, number nine, at any time—will you make a note of it?—and + would come upstairs, without minding what was said by the person at the + door, I should be proud to see you. + </p> + <p> + With that hospitable invitation, the Captain said 'Good day!' and walked + out and shut the door; leaving Mr Carker still reclining against the + chimney-piece. In whose sly look and watchful manner; in whose false + mouth, stretched but not laughing; in whose spotless cravat and very + whiskers; even in whose silent passing of his soft hand over his white + linen and his smooth face; there was something desperately cat-like. + </p> + <p> + The unconscious Captain walked out in a state of self-glorification that + imparted quite a new cut to the broad blue suit. 'Stand by, Ned!' said the + Captain to himself. 'You've done a little business for the youngsters + today, my lad!' + </p> + <p> + In his exultation, and in his familiarity, present and prospective, with + the House, the Captain, when he reached the outer office, could not + refrain from rallying Mr Perch a little, and asking him whether he thought + everybody was still engaged. But not to be bitter on a man who had done + his duty, the Captain whispered in his ear, that if he felt disposed for a + glass of rum-and-water, and would follow, he would be happy to bestow the + same upon him. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the premises, the Captain, somewhat to the astonishment of + the clerks, looked round from a central point of view, and took a general + survey of the officers part and parcel of a project in which his young + friend was nearly interested. The strong-room excited his especial + admiration; but, that he might not appear too particular, he limited + himself to an approving glance, and, with a graceful recognition of the + clerks as a body, that was full of politeness and patronage, passed out + into the court. Being promptly joined by Mr Perch, he conveyed that + gentleman to the tavern, and fulfilled his pledge—hastily, for + Perch's time was precious. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll give you for a toast,' said the Captain, 'Wal'r!' + </p> + <p> + 'Who?' submitted Mr Perch. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r!' repeated the Captain, in a voice of thunder. + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch, who seemed to remember having heard in infancy that there was + once a poet of that name, made no objection; but he was much astonished at + the Captain's coming into the City to propose a poet; indeed, if he had + proposed to put a poet's statue up—say Shakespeare's for example—in + a civic thoroughfare, he could hardly have done a greater outrage to Mr + Perch's experience. On the whole, he was such a mysterious and + incomprehensible character, that Mr Perch decided not to mention him to + Mrs Perch at all, in case of giving rise to any disagreeable consequences. + </p> + <p> + Mysterious and incomprehensible, the Captain, with that lively sense upon + him of having done a little business for the youngsters, remained all day, + even to his most intimate friends; and but that Walter attributed his + winks and grins, and other such pantomimic reliefs of himself, to his + satisfaction in the success of their innocent deception upon old Sol + Gills, he would assuredly have betrayed himself before night. As it was, + however, he kept his own secret; and went home late from the + Instrument-maker's house, wearing the glazed hat so much on one side, and + carrying such a beaming expression in his eyes, that Mrs MacStinger (who + might have been brought up at Doctor Blimber's, she was such a Roman + matron) fortified herself, at the first glimpse of him, behind the open + street door, and refused to come out to the contemplation of her blessed + infants, until he was securely lodged in his own room. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 18. Father and Daughter + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>here is a hush through Mr Dombey's house. Servants gliding up and down + stairs rustle, but make no sound of footsteps. They talk together + constantly, and sit long at meals, making much of their meat and drink, + and enjoying themselves after a grim unholy fashion. Mrs Wickam, with her + eyes suffused with tears, relates melancholy anecdotes; and tells them how + she always said at Mrs Pipchin's that it would be so, and takes more + table-ale than usual, and is very sorry but sociable. Cook's state of mind + is similar. She promises a little fry for supper, and struggles about + equally against her feelings and the onions. Towlinson begins to think + there's a fate in it, and wants to know if anybody can tell him of any + good that ever came of living in a corner house. It seems to all of them + as having happened a long time ago; though yet the child lies, calm and + beautiful, upon his little bed. + </p> + <p> + After dark there come some visitors—noiseless visitors, with shoes + of felt—who have been there before; and with them comes that bed of + rest which is so strange a one for infant sleepers. All this time, the + bereaved father has not been seen even by his attendant; for he sits in an + inner corner of his own dark room when anyone is there, and never seems to + move at other times, except to pace it to and fro. But in the morning it + is whispered among the household that he was heard to go upstairs in the + dead night, and that he stayed there—in the room—until the sun + was shining. + </p> + <p> + At the offices in the City, the ground-glass windows are made more dim by + shutters; and while the lighted lamps upon the desks are half extinguished + by the day that wanders in, the day is half extinguished by the lamps, and + an unusual gloom prevails. There is not much business done. The clerks are + indisposed to work; and they make assignations to eat chops in the + afternoon, and go up the river. Perch, the messenger, stays long upon his + errands; and finds himself in bars of public-houses, invited thither by + friends, and holding forth on the uncertainty of human affairs. He goes + home to Ball's Pond earlier in the evening than usual, and treats Mrs + Perch to a veal cutlet and Scotch ale. Mr Carker the Manager treats no + one; neither is he treated; but alone in his own room he shows his teeth + all day; and it would seem that there is something gone from Mr Carker's + path—some obstacle removed—which clears his way before him. + </p> + <p> + Now the rosy children living opposite to Mr Dombey's house, peep from + their nursery windows down into the street; for there are four black + horses at his door, with feathers on their heads; and feathers tremble on + the carriage that they draw; and these, and an array of men with scarves + and staves, attract a crowd. The juggler who was going to twirl the basin, + puts his loose coat on again over his fine dress; and his trudging wife, + one-sided with her heavy baby in her arms, loiters to see the company come + out. But closer to her dingy breast she presses her baby, when the burden + that is so easily carried is borne forth; and the youngest of the rosy + children at the high window opposite, needs no restraining hand to check + her in her glee, when, pointing with her dimpled finger, she looks into + her nurse's face, and asks 'What's that?' + </p> + <p> + And now, among the knot of servants dressed in mourning, and the weeping + women, Mr Dombey passes through the hall to the other carriage that is + waiting to receive him. He is not 'brought down,' these observers think, + by sorrow and distress of mind. His walk is as erect, his bearing is as + stiff as ever it has been. He hides his face behind no handkerchief, and + looks before him. But that his face is something sunk and rigid, and is + pale, it bears the same expression as of old. He takes his place within + the carriage, and three other gentlemen follow. Then the grand funeral + moves slowly down the street. The feathers are yet nodding in the + distance, when the juggler has the basin spinning on a cane, and has the + same crowd to admire it. But the juggler's wife is less alert than usual + with the money-box, for a child's burial has set her thinking that perhaps + the baby underneath her shabby shawl may not grow up to be a man, and wear + a sky-blue fillet round his head, and salmon-coloured worsted drawers, and + tumble in the mud. + </p> + <p> + The feathers wind their gloomy way along the streets, and come within the + sound of a church bell. In this same church, the pretty boy received all + that will soon be left of him on earth—a name. All of him that is + dead, they lay there, near the perishable substance of his mother. It is + well. Their ashes lie where Florence in her walks—oh lonely, lonely + walks!—may pass them any day. + </p> + <p> + The service over, and the clergyman withdrawn, Mr Dombey looks round, + demanding in a low voice, whether the person who has been requested to + attend to receive instructions for the tablet, is there? + </p> + <p> + Someone comes forward, and says 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey intimates where he would have it placed; and shows him, with his + hand upon the wall, the shape and size; and how it is to follow the + memorial to the mother. Then, with his pencil, he writes out the + inscription, and gives it to him: adding, 'I wish to have it done at once. + </p> + <p> + 'It shall be done immediately, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is really nothing to inscribe but name and age, you see.' + </p> + <p> + The man bows, glancing at the paper, but appears to hesitate. Mr Dombey + not observing his hesitation, turns away, and leads towards the porch. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Sir;' a touch falls gently on his mourning cloak; 'but + as you wish it done immediately, and it may be put in hand when I get back—' + </p> + <p> + 'Well?' + </p> + <p> + 'Will you be so good as read it over again? I think there's a mistake.' + </p> + <p> + 'Where?' + </p> + <p> + The statuary gives him back the paper, and points out, with his pocket + rule, the words, 'beloved and only child.' + </p> + <p> + 'It should be, "son," I think, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'You are right. Of course. Make the correction.' + </p> + <p> + The father, with a hastier step, pursues his way to the coach. When the + other three, who follow closely, take their seats, his face is hidden for + the first time—shaded by his cloak. Nor do they see it any more that + day. He alights first, and passes immediately into his own room. The other + mourners (who are only Mr Chick, and two of the medical attendants) + proceed upstairs to the drawing-room, to be received by Mrs Chick and Miss + Tox. And what the face is, in the shut-up chamber underneath: or what the + thoughts are: what the heart is, what the contest or the suffering: no one + knows. + </p> + <p> + The chief thing that they know, below stairs, in the kitchen, is that 'it + seems like Sunday.' They can hardly persuade themselves but that there is + something unbecoming, if not wicked, in the conduct of the people out of + doors, who pursue their ordinary occupations, and wear their everyday + attire. It is quite a novelty to have the blinds up, and the shutters + open; and they make themselves dismally comfortable over bottles of wine, + which are freely broached as on a festival. They are much inclined to + moralise. Mr Towlinson proposes with a sigh, 'Amendment to us all!' for + which, as Cook says with another sigh, 'There's room enough, God knows.' + In the evening, Mrs Chick and Miss Tox take to needlework again. In the + evening also, Mr Towlinson goes out to take the air, accompanied by the + housemaid, who has not yet tried her mourning bonnet. They are very tender + to each other at dusky street-corners, and Towlinson has visions of + leading an altered and blameless existence as a serious greengrocer in + Oxford Market. + </p> + <p> + There is sounder sleep and deeper rest in Mr Dombey's house tonight, than + there has been for many nights. The morning sun awakens the old household, + settled down once more in their old ways. The rosy children opposite run + past with hoops. There is a splendid wedding in the church. The juggler's + wife is active with the money-box in another quarter of the town. The + mason sings and whistles as he chips out P-A-U-L in the marble slab before + him. + </p> + <p> + And can it be that in a world so full and busy, the loss of one weak + creature makes a void in any heart, so wide and deep that nothing but the + width and depth of vast eternity can fill it up! Florence, in her innocent + affliction, might have answered, 'Oh my brother, oh my dearly loved and + loving brother! Only friend and companion of my slighted childhood! Could + any less idea shed the light already dawning on your early grave, or give + birth to the softened sorrow that is springing into life beneath this rain + of tears!' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear child,' said Mrs Chick, who held it as a duty incumbent on her, + to improve the occasion, 'when you are as old as I am—' + </p> + <p> + 'Which will be the prime of life,' observed Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'You will then,' pursued Mrs Chick, gently squeezing Miss Tox's hand in + acknowledgment of her friendly remark, 'you will then know that all grief + is unavailing, and that it is our duty to submit.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will try, dear aunt I do try,' answered Florence, sobbing. + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad to hear it,' said Mrs Chick, 'because; my love, as our dear + Miss Tox—of whose sound sense and excellent judgment, there cannot + possibly be two opinions—' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa, I shall really be proud, soon,' said Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + '—will tell you, and confirm by her experience,' pursued Mrs Chick, + 'we are called upon on all occasions to make an effort It is required of + us. If any—my dear,' turning to Miss Tox, 'I want a word. Mis—Mis-' + </p> + <p> + 'Demeanour?' suggested Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, no,' said Mrs Chic 'How can you! Goodness me, it's on, the end of + my tongue. Mis-' + </p> + <p> + 'Placed affection?' suggested Miss Tox, timidly. + </p> + <p> + 'Good gracious, Lucretia!' returned Mrs Chick 'How very monstrous! + Misanthrope, is the word I want. The idea! Misplaced affection! I say, if + any misanthrope were to put, in my presence, the question "Why were we + born?" I should reply, "To make an effort".' + </p> + <p> + 'Very good indeed,' said Miss Tox, much impressed by the originality of + the sentiment 'Very good.' + </p> + <p> + 'Unhappily,' pursued Mrs Chick, 'we have a warning under our own eyes. We + have but too much reason to suppose, my dear child, that if an effort had + been made in time, in this family, a train of the most trying and + distressing circumstances might have been avoided. Nothing shall ever + persuade me,' observed the good matron, with a resolute air, 'but that if + that effort had been made by poor dear Fanny, the poor dear darling child + would at least have had a stronger constitution.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick abandoned herself to her feelings for half a moment; but, as a + practical illustration of her doctrine, brought herself up short, in the + middle of a sob, and went on again. + </p> + <p> + 'Therefore, Florence, pray let us see that you have some strength of mind, + and do not selfishly aggravate the distress in which your poor Papa is + plunged.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear aunt!' said Florence, kneeling quickly down before her, that she + might the better and more earnestly look into her face. 'Tell me more + about Papa. Pray tell me about him! Is he quite heartbroken?' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox was of a tender nature, and there was something in this appeal + that moved her very much. Whether she saw it in a succession, on the part + of the neglected child, to the affectionate concern so often expressed by + her dead brother—or a love that sought to twine itself about the + heart that had loved him, and that could not bear to be shut out from + sympathy with such a sorrow, in such sad community of love and grief—or + whether she only recognised the earnest and devoted spirit which, although + discarded and repulsed, was wrung with tenderness long unreturned, and in + the waste and solitude of this bereavement cried to him to seek a comfort + in it, and to give some, by some small response—whatever may have + been her understanding of it, it moved Miss Tox. For the moment she forgot + the majesty of Mrs Chick, and, patting Florence hastily on the cheek, + turned aside and suffered the tears to gush from her eyes, without waiting + for a lead from that wise matron. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick herself lost, for a moment, the presence of mind on which she so + much prided herself; and remained mute, looking on the beautiful young + face that had so long, so steadily, and patiently, been turned towards the + little bed. But recovering her voice—which was synonymous with her + presence of mind, indeed they were one and the same thing—she + replied with dignity: + </p> + <p> + 'Florence, my dear child, your poor Papa is peculiar at times; and to + question me about him, is to question me upon a subject which I really do + not pretend to understand. I believe I have as much influence with your + Papa as anybody has. Still, all I can say is, that he has said very little + to me; and that I have only seen him once or twice for a minute at a time, + and indeed have hardly seen him then, for his room has been dark. I have + said to your Papa, "Paul!"—that is the exact expression I used—"Paul! + why do you not take something stimulating?" Your Papa's reply has always + been, "Louisa, have the goodness to leave me. I want nothing. I am better + by myself." If I was to be put upon my oath to-morrow, Lucretia, before a + magistrate,' said Mrs Chick, 'I have no doubt I could venture to swear to + those identical words.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox expressed her admiration by saying, 'My Louisa is ever + methodical!' + </p> + <p> + 'In short, Florence,' resumed her aunt, 'literally nothing has passed + between your poor Papa and myself, until to-day; when I mentioned to your + Papa that Sir Barnet and Lady Skettles had written exceedingly kind notes—our + sweet boy! Lady Skettles loved him like a—where's my pocket + handkerchief?' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox produced one. + </p> + <p> + 'Exceedingly kind notes, proposing that you should visit them for change + of scene. Mentioning to your Papa that I thought Miss Tox and myself might + now go home (in which he quite agreed), I inquired if he had any objection + to your accepting this invitation. He said, "No, Louisa, not the least!"' + </p> + <p> + Florence raised her tearful eye. + </p> + <p> + 'At the same time, if you would prefer staying here, Florence, to paying + this visit at present, or to going home with me—' + </p> + <p> + 'I should much prefer it, aunt,' was the faint rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Why then, child,' said Mrs Chick, 'you can. It's a strange choice, I must + say. But you always were strange. Anybody else at your time of life, and + after what has passed—my dear Miss Tox, I have lost my pocket + handkerchief again—would be glad to leave here, one would suppose.' + </p> + <p> + 'I should not like to feel,' said Florence, 'as if the house was avoided. + I should not like to think that the—his—the rooms upstairs + were quite empty and dreary, aunt. I would rather stay here, for the + present. Oh my brother! oh my brother!' + </p> + <p> + It was a natural emotion, not to be suppressed; and it would make way even + between the fingers of the hands with which she covered up her face. The + overcharged and heavy-laden breast must some times have that vent, or the + poor wounded solitary heart within it would have fluttered like a bird + with broken wings, and sunk down in the dust. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, child!' said Mrs Chick, after a pause 'I wouldn't on any account + say anything unkind to you, and that I'm sure you know. You will remain + here, then, and do exactly as you like. No one will interfere with you, + Florence, or wish to interfere with you, I'm sure.' + </p> + <p> + Florence shook her head in sad assent. + </p> + <p> + 'I had no sooner begun to advise your poor Papa that he really ought to + seek some distraction and restoration in a temporary change,' said Mrs + Chick, 'than he told me he had already formed the intention of going into + the country for a short time. I'm sure I hope he'll go very soon. He can't + go too soon. But I suppose there are some arrangements connected with his + private papers and so forth, consequent on the affliction that has tried + us all so much—I can't think what's become of mine: Lucretia, lend + me yours, my dear—that may occupy him for one or two evenings in his + own room. Your Papa's a Dombey, child, if ever there was one,' said Mrs + Chick, drying both her eyes at once with great care on opposite corners of + Miss Tox's handkerchief 'He'll make an effort. There's no fear of him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is there nothing, aunt,' said Florence, trembling, 'I might do to—' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord, my dear child,' interposed Mrs Chick, hastily, 'what are you + talking about? If your Papa said to Me—I have given you his exact + words, "Louisa, I want nothing; I am better by myself"—what do you + think he'd say to you? You mustn't show yourself to him, child. Don't + dream of such a thing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Aunt,' said Florence, 'I will go and lie down on my bed.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick approved of this resolution, and dismissed her with a kiss. But + Miss Tox, on a faint pretence of looking for the mislaid handkerchief, + went upstairs after her; and tried in a few stolen minutes to comfort her, + in spite of great discouragement from Susan Nipper. For Miss Nipper, in + her burning zeal, disparaged Miss Tox as a crocodile; yet her sympathy + seemed genuine, and had at least the vantage-ground of disinterestedness—there + was little favour to be won by it. + </p> + <p> + And was there no one nearer and dearer than Susan, to uphold the striving + heart in its anguish? Was there no other neck to clasp; no other face to + turn to? no one else to say a soothing word to such deep sorrow? Was + Florence so alone in the bleak world that nothing else remained to her? + Nothing. Stricken motherless and brotherless at once—for in the loss + of little Paul, that first and greatest loss fell heavily upon her—this + was the only help she had. Oh, who can tell how much she needed help at + first! + </p> + <p> + At first, when the house subsided into its accustomed course, and they had + all gone away, except the servants, and her father shut up in his own + rooms, Florence could do nothing but weep, and wander up and down, and + sometimes, in a sudden pang of desolate remembrance, fly to her own + chamber, wring her hands, lay her face down on her bed, and know no + consolation: nothing but the bitterness and cruelty of grief. This + commonly ensued upon the recognition of some spot or object very tenderly + associated with him; and it made the miserable house, at first, a place of + agony. + </p> + <p> + But it is not in the nature of pure love to burn so fiercely and unkindly + long. The flame that in its grosser composition has the taint of earth may + prey upon the breast that gives it shelter; but the fire from heaven is as + gentle in the heart, as when it rested on the heads of the assembled + twelve, and showed each man his brother, brightened and unhurt. The image + conjured up, there soon returned the placid face, the softened voice, the + loving looks, the quiet trustfulness and peace; and Florence, though she + wept still, wept more tranquilly, and courted the remembrance. + </p> + <p> + It was not very long before the golden water, dancing on the wall, in the + old place, at the old serene time, had her calm eye fixed upon it as it + ebbed away. It was not very long before that room again knew her, often; + sitting there alone, as patient and as mild as when she had watched beside + the little bed. When any sharp sense of its being empty smote upon her, + she could kneel beside it, and pray GOD—it was the pouring out of + her full heart—to let one angel love her and remember her. + </p> + <p> + It was not very long before, in the midst of the dismal house so wide and + dreary, her low voice in the twilight, slowly and stopping sometimes, + touched the old air to which he had so often listened, with his drooping + head upon her arm. And after that, and when it was quite dark, a little + strain of music trembled in the room: so softly played and sung, that it + was more like the mournful recollection of what she had done at his + request on that last night, than the reality repeated. But it was + repeated, often—very often, in the shadowy solitude; and broken + murmurs of the strain still trembled on the keys, when the sweet voice was + hushed in tears. + </p> + <p> + Thus she gained heart to look upon the work with which her fingers had + been busy by his side on the sea-shore; and thus it was not very long + before she took to it again—with something of a human love for it, + as if it had been sentient and had known him; and, sitting in a window, + near her mother's picture, in the unused room so long deserted, wore away + the thoughtful hours. + </p> + <p> + Why did the dark eyes turn so often from this work to where the rosy + children lived? They were not immediately suggestive of her loss; for they + were all girls: four little sisters. But they were motherless like her—and + had a father. + </p> + <p> + It was easy to know when he had gone out and was expected home, for the + elder child was always dressed and waiting for him at the drawing-room + window, or on the balcony; and when he appeared, her expectant face + lighted up with joy, while the others at the high window, and always on + the watch too, clapped their hands, and drummed them on the sill, and + called to him. The elder child would come down to the hall, and put her + hand in his, and lead him up the stairs; and Florence would see her + afterwards sitting by his side, or on his knee, or hanging coaxingly about + his neck and talking to him: and though they were always gay together, he + would often watch her face as if he thought her like her mother that was + dead. Florence would sometimes look no more at this, and bursting into + tears would hide behind the curtain as if she were frightened, or would + hurry from the window. Yet she could not help returning; and her work + would soon fall unheeded from her hands again. + </p> + <p> + It was the house that had been empty, years ago. It had remained so for a + long time. At last, and while she had been away from home, this family had + taken it; and it was repaired and newly painted; and there were birds and + flowers about it; and it looked very different from its old self. But she + never thought of the house. The children and their father were all in all. + </p> + <p> + When he had dined, she could see them, through the open windows, go down + with their governess or nurse, and cluster round the table; and in the + still summer weather, the sound of their childish voices and clear + laughter would come ringing across the street, into the drooping air of + the room in which she sat. Then they would climb and clamber upstairs with + him, and romp about him on the sofa, or group themselves at his knee, a + very nosegay of little faces, while he seemed to tell them some story. Or + they would come running out into the balcony; and then Florence would hide + herself quickly, lest it should check them in their joy, to see her in her + black dress, sitting there alone. + </p> + <p> + The elder child remained with her father when the rest had gone away, and + made his tea for him—happy little house-keeper she was then!—and + sat conversing with him, sometimes at the window, sometimes in the room, + until the candles came. He made her his companion, though she was some + years younger than Florence; and she could be as staid and pleasantly + demure, with her little book or work-box, as a woman. When they had + candles, Florence from her own dark room was not afraid to look again. But + when the time came for the child to say 'Good-night, Papa,' and go to bed, + Florence would sob and tremble as she raised her face to him, and could + look no more. + </p> + <p> + Though still she would turn, again and again, before going to bed herself + from the simple air that had lulled him to rest so often, long ago, and + from the other low soft broken strain of music, back to that house. But + that she ever thought of it, or watched it, was a secret which she kept + within her own young breast. + </p> + <p> + And did that breast of Florence—Florence, so ingenuous and true—so + worthy of the love that he had borne her, and had whispered in his last + faint words—whose guileless heart was mirrored in the beauty of her + face, and breathed in every accent of her gentle voice—did that + young breast hold any other secret? Yes. One more. + </p> + <p> + When no one in the house was stirring, and the lights were all + extinguished, she would softly leave her own room, and with noiseless feet + descend the staircase, and approach her father's door. Against it, + scarcely breathing, she would rest her face and head, and press her lips, + in the yearning of her love. She crouched upon the cold stone floor + outside it, every night, to listen even for his breath; and in her one + absorbing wish to be allowed to show him some affection, to be a + consolation to him, to win him over to the endurance of some tenderness + from her, his solitary child, she would have knelt down at his feet, if + she had dared, in humble supplication. + </p> + <p> + No one knew it. No one thought of it. The door was ever closed, and he + shut up within. He went out once or twice, and it was said in the house + that he was very soon going on his country journey; but he lived in those + rooms, and lived alone, and never saw her, or inquired for her. Perhaps he + did not even know that she was in the house. + </p> + <p> + One day, about a week after the funeral, Florence was sitting at her work, + when Susan appeared, with a face half laughing and half crying, to + announce a visitor. + </p> + <p> + 'A visitor! To me, Susan!' said Florence, looking up in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, it is a wonder, ain't it now, Miss Floy?' said Susan; 'but I wish + you had a many visitors, I do, indeed, for you'd be all the better for it, + and it's my opinion that the sooner you and me goes even to them old + Skettleses, Miss, the better for both, I may not wish to live in crowds, + Miss Floy, but still I'm not a oyster.' + </p> + <p> + To do Miss Nipper justice, she spoke more for her young mistress than + herself; and her face showed it. + </p> + <p> + 'But the visitor, Susan,' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + Susan, with an hysterical explosion that was as much a laugh as a sob, and + as much a sob as a laugh, answered, + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Toots!' + </p> + <p> + The smile that appeared on Florence's face passed from it in a moment, and + her eyes filled with tears. But at any rate it was a smile, and that gave + great satisfaction to Miss Nipper. + </p> + <p> + 'My own feelings exactly, Miss Floy,' said Susan, putting her apron to her + eyes, and shaking her head. 'Immediately I see that Innocent in the Hall, + Miss Floy, I burst out laughing first, and then I choked.' + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper involuntarily proceeded to do the like again on the spot. In + the meantime Mr Toots, who had come upstairs after her, all unconscious of + the effect he produced, announced himself with his knuckles on the door, + and walked in very briskly. + </p> + <p> + 'How d'ye do, Miss Dombey?' said Mr Toots. 'I'm very well, I thank you; + how are you?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots—than whom there were few better fellows in the world, + though there may have been one or two brighter spirits—had + laboriously invented this long burst of discourse with the view of + relieving the feelings both of Florence and himself. But finding that he + had run through his property, as it were, in an injudicious manner, by + squandering the whole before taking a chair, or before Florence had + uttered a word, or before he had well got in at the door, he deemed it + advisable to begin again. + </p> + <p> + 'How d'ye do, Miss Dombey?' said Mr Toots. 'I'm very well, I thank you; + how are you?' + </p> + <p> + Florence gave him her hand, and said she was very well. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm very well indeed,' said Mr Toots, taking a chair. 'Very well indeed, + I am. I don't remember,' said Mr Toots, after reflecting a little, 'that I + was ever better, thank you.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's very kind of you to come,' said Florence, taking up her work, 'I am + very glad to see you.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots responded with a chuckle. Thinking that might be too lively, he + corrected it with a sigh. Thinking that might be too melancholy, he + corrected it with a chuckle. Not thoroughly pleasing himself with either + mode of reply, he breathed hard. + </p> + <p> + 'You were very kind to my dear brother,' said Florence, obeying her own + natural impulse to relieve him by saying so. 'He often talked to me about + you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh it's of no consequence,' said Mr Toots hastily. 'Warm, ain't it?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is beautiful weather,' replied Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'It agrees with me!' said Mr Toots. 'I don't think I ever was so well as I + find myself at present, I'm obliged to you. + </p> + <p> + After stating this curious and unexpected fact, Mr Toots fell into a deep + well of silence. + </p> + <p> + 'You have left Dr Blimber's, I think?' said Florence, trying to help him + out. + </p> + <p> + 'I should hope so,' returned Mr Toots. And tumbled in again. + </p> + <p> + He remained at the bottom, apparently drowned, for at least ten minutes. + At the expiration of that period, he suddenly floated, and said, + </p> + <p> + 'Well! Good morning, Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Are you going?' asked Florence, rising. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know, though. No, not just at present,' said Mr Toots, sitting + down again, most unexpectedly. 'The fact is—I say, Miss Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't be afraid to speak to me,' said Florence, with a quiet smile, 'I + should be very glad if you would talk about my brother.' + </p> + <p> + 'Would you, though?' retorted Mr Toots, with sympathy in every fibre of + his otherwise expressionless face. 'Poor Dombey! I'm sure I never thought + that Burgess and Co.—fashionable tailors (but very dear), that we + used to talk about—would make this suit of clothes for such a + purpose.' Mr Toots was dressed in mourning. 'Poor Dombey! I say! Miss + Dombey!' blubbered Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'There's a friend he took to very much at last. I thought you'd lIke to + have him, perhaps, as a sort of keepsake. You remember his remembering + Diogenes?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes! oh yes' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Poor Dombey! So do I,' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, seeing Florence in tears, had great difficulty in getting beyond + this point, and had nearly tumbled into the well again. But a chuckle + saved him on the brink. + </p> + <p> + 'I say,' he proceeded, 'Miss Dombey! I could have had him stolen for ten + shillings, if they hadn't given him up: and I would: but they were glad to + get rid of him, I think. If you'd like to have him, he's at the door. I + brought him on purpose for you. He ain't a lady's dog, you know,' said Mr + Toots, 'but you won't mind that, will you?' + </p> + <p> + In fact, Diogenes was at that moment, as they presently ascertained from + looking down into the street, staring through the window of a hackney + cabriolet, into which, for conveyance to that spot, he had been ensnared, + on a false pretence of rats among the straw. Sooth to say, he was as + unlike a lady's dog as might be; and in his gruff anxiety to get out, + presented an appearance sufficiently unpromising, as he gave short yelps + out of one side of his mouth, and overbalancing himself by the intensity + of every one of those efforts, tumbled down into the straw, and then + sprung panting up again, putting out his tongue, as if he had come express + to a Dispensary to be examined for his health. + </p> + <p> + But though Diogenes was as ridiculous a dog as one would meet with on a + summer's day; a blundering, ill-favoured, clumsy, bullet-headed dog, + continually acting on a wrong idea that there was an enemy in the + neighbourhood, whom it was meritorious to bark at; and though he was far + from good-tempered, and certainly was not clever, and had hair all over + his eyes, and a comic nose, and an inconsistent tail, and a gruff voice; + he was dearer to Florence, in virtue of that parting remembrance of him, + and that request that he might be taken care of, than the most valuable + and beautiful of his kind. So dear, indeed, was this same ugly Diogenes, + and so welcome to her, that she took the jewelled hand of Mr Toots and + kissed it in her gratitude. And when Diogenes, released, came tearing up + the stairs and bouncing into the room (such a business as there was, + first, to get him out of the cabriolet!), dived under all the furniture, + and wound a long iron chain, that dangled from his neck, round legs of + chairs and tables, and then tugged at it until his eyes became unnaturally + visible, in consequence of their nearly starting out of his head; and when + he growled at Mr Toots, who affected familiarity; and went pell-mell at + Towlinson, morally convinced that he was the enemy whom he had barked at + round the corner all his life and had never seen yet; Florence was as + pleased with him as if he had been a miracle of discretion. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots was so overjoyed by the success of his present, and was so + delighted to see Florence bending down over Diogenes, smoothing his coarse + back with her little delicate hand—Diogenes graciously allowing it + from the first moment of their acquaintance—that he felt it + difficult to take leave, and would, no doubt, have been a much longer time + in making up his mind to do so, if he had not been assisted by Diogenes + himself, who suddenly took it into his head to bay Mr Toots, and to make + short runs at him with his mouth open. Not exactly seeing his way to the + end of these demonstrations, and sensible that they placed the pantaloons + constructed by the art of Burgess and Co. in jeopardy, Mr Toots, with + chuckles, lapsed out at the door: by which, after looking in again two or + three times, without any object at all, and being on each occasion greeted + with a fresh run from Diogenes, he finally took himself off and got away. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, then, Di! Dear Di! Make friends with your new mistress. Let us love + each other, Di!' said Florence, fondling his shaggy head. And Di, the + rough and gruff, as if his hairy hide were pervious to the tear that + dropped upon it, and his dog's heart melted as it fell, put his nose up to + her face, and swore fidelity. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0241m.jpg" alt="0241m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0241.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Diogenes the man did not speak plainer to Alexander the Great than + Diogenes the dog spoke to Florence. He subscribed to the offer of his + little mistress cheerfully, and devoted himself to her service. A banquet + was immediately provided for him in a corner; and when he had eaten and + drunk his fill, he went to the window where Florence was sitting, looking + on, rose up on his hind legs, with his awkward fore paws on her shoulders, + licked her face and hands, nestled his great head against her heart, and + wagged his tail till he was tired. Finally, Diogenes coiled himself up at + her feet and went to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Although Miss Nipper was nervous in regard of dogs, and felt it necessary + to come into the room with her skirts carefully collected about her, as if + she were crossing a brook on stepping-stones; also to utter little screams + and stand up on chairs when Diogenes stretched himself, she was in her own + manner affected by the kindness of Mr Toots, and could not see Florence so + alive to the attachment and society of this rude friend of little Paul's, + without some mental comments thereupon that brought the water to her eyes. + Mr Dombey, as a part of her reflections, may have been, in the association + of ideas, connected with the dog; but, at any rate, after observing + Diogenes and his mistress all the evening, and after exerting herself with + much good-will to provide Diogenes a bed in an ante-chamber outside his + mistress's door, she said hurriedly to Florence, before leaving her for + the night: + </p> + <p> + 'Your Pa's a going off, Miss Floy, tomorrow morning.' + </p> + <p> + 'To-morrow morning, Susan?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss; that's the orders. Early.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know,' asked Florence, without looking at her, 'where Papa is + going, Susan?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not exactly, Miss. He's going to meet that precious Major first, and I + must say if I was acquainted with any Major myself (which Heavens forbid), + it shouldn't be a blue one!' + </p> + <p> + 'Hush, Susan!' urged Florence gently. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Miss Floy,' returned Miss Nipper, who was full of burning + indignation, and minded her stops even less than usual. 'I can't help it, + blue he is, and while I was a Christian, although humble, I would have + natural-coloured friends, or none.' + </p> + <p> + It appeared from what she added and had gleaned downstairs, that Mrs Chick + had proposed the Major for Mr Dombey's companion, and that Mr Dombey, + after some hesitation, had invited him. + </p> + <p> + 'Talk of him being a change, indeed!' observed Miss Nipper to herself with + boundless contempt. 'If he's a change, give me a constancy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, Susan,' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, my darling dear Miss Floy.' + </p> + <p> + Her tone of commiseration smote the chord so often roughly touched, but + never listened to while she or anyone looked on. Florence left alone, laid + her head upon her hand, and pressing the other over her swelling heart, + held free communication with her sorrows. + </p> + <p> + It was a wet night; and the melancholy rain fell pattering and dropping + with a weary sound. A sluggish wind was blowing, and went moaning round + the house, as if it were in pain or grief. A shrill noise quivered through + the trees. While she sat weeping, it grew late, and dreary midnight tolled + out from the steeples. + </p> + <p> + Florence was little more than a child in years—not yet fourteen—and + the loneliness and gloom of such an hour in the great house where Death + had lately made its own tremendous devastation, might have set an older + fancy brooding on vague terrors. But her innocent imagination was too full + of one theme to admit them. Nothing wandered in her thoughts but love—a + wandering love, indeed, and castaway—but turning always to her + father. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing in the dropping of the rain, the moaning of the wind, + the shuddering of the trees, the striking of the solemn clocks, that shook + this one thought, or diminished its interest. Her recollections of the + dear dead boy—and they were never absent—were itself, the same + thing. And oh, to be shut out: to be so lost: never to have looked into + her father's face or touched him, since that hour! + </p> + <p> + She could not go to bed, poor child, and never had gone yet, since then, + without making her nightly pilgrimage to his door. It would have been a + strange sad sight, to see her now, stealing lightly down the stairs + through the thick gloom, and stopping at it with a beating heart, and + blinded eyes, and hair that fell down loosely and unthought of; and + touching it outside with her wet cheek. But the night covered it, and no + one knew. + </p> + <p> + The moment that she touched the door on this night, Florence found that it + was open. For the first time it stood open, though by but a + hair's-breadth: and there was a light within. The first impulse of the + timid child—and she yielded to it—was to retire swiftly. Her + next, to go back, and to enter; and this second impulse held her in + irresolution on the staircase. + </p> + <p> + In its standing open, even by so much as that chink, there seemed to be + hope. There was encouragement in seeing a ray of light from within, + stealing through the dark stern doorway, and falling in a thread upon the + marble floor. She turned back, hardly knowing what she did, but urged on + by the love within her, and the trial they had undergone together, but not + shared: and with her hands a little raised and trembling, glided in. + </p> + <p> + Her father sat at his old table in the middle room. He had been arranging + some papers, and destroying others, and the latter lay in fragile ruins + before him. The rain dripped heavily upon the glass panes in the outer + room, where he had so often watched poor Paul, a baby; and the low + complainings of the wind were heard without. + </p> + <p> + But not by him. He sat with his eyes fixed on the table, so immersed in + thought, that a far heavier tread than the light foot of his child could + make, might have failed to rouse him. His face was turned towards her. By + the waning lamp, and at that haggard hour, it looked worn and dejected; + and in the utter loneliness surrounding him, there was an appeal to + Florence that struck home. + </p> + <p> + 'Papa! Papa! speak to me, dear Papa!' + </p> + <p> + He started at her voice, and leaped up from his seat. She was close before + him with extended arms, but he fell back. + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter?' he said, sternly. 'Why do you come here? What has + frightened you?' + </p> + <p> + If anything had frightened her, it was the face he turned upon her. The + glowing love within the breast of his young daughter froze before it, and + she stood and looked at him as if stricken into stone. + </p> + <p> + There was not one touch of tenderness or pity in it. There was not one + gleam of interest, parental recognition, or relenting in it. There was a + change in it, but not of that kind. The old indifference and cold + constraint had given place to something: what, she never thought and did + not dare to think, and yet she felt it in its force, and knew it well + without a name: that as it looked upon her, seemed to cast a shadow on her + head. + </p> + <p> + Did he see before him the successful rival of his son, in health and life? + Did he look upon his own successful rival in that son's affection? Did a + mad jealousy and withered pride, poison sweet remembrances that should + have endeared and made her precious to him? Could it be possible that it + was gall to him to look upon her in her beauty and her promise: thinking + of his infant boy! + </p> + <p> + Florence had no such thoughts. But love is quick to know when it is + spurned and hopeless: and hope died out of hers, as she stood looking in + her father's face. + </p> + <p> + 'I ask you, Florence, are you frightened? Is there anything the matter, + that you come here?' + </p> + <p> + 'I came, Papa—' + </p> + <p> + 'Against my wishes. Why?' + </p> + <p> + She saw he knew why: it was written broadly on his face: and dropped her + head upon her hands with one prolonged low cry. + </p> + <p> + Let him remember it in that room, years to come. It has faded from the + air, before he breaks the silence. It may pass as quickly from his brain, + as he believes, but it is there. Let him remember it in that room, years + to come! + </p> + <p> + He took her by the arm. His hand was cold, and loose, and scarcely closed + upon her. + </p> + <p> + 'You are tired, I daresay,' he said, taking up the light, and leading her + towards the door, 'and want rest. We all want rest. Go, Florence. You have + been dreaming.' + </p> + <p> + The dream she had had, was over then, God help her! and she felt that it + could never more come back. + </p> + <p> + 'I will remain here to light you up the stairs. The whole house is yours + above there,' said her father, slowly. 'You are its mistress now. + Good-night!' + </p> + <p> + Still covering her face, she sobbed, and answered 'Good-night, dear Papa,' + and silently ascended. Once she looked back as if she would have returned + to him, but for fear. It was a momentary thought, too hopeless to + encourage; and her father stood there with the light—hard, + unresponsive, motionless—until the fluttering dress of his fair + child was lost in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Let him remember it in that room, years to come. The rain that falls upon + the roof: the wind that mourns outside the door: may have foreknowledge in + their melancholy sound. Let him remember it in that room, years to come! + </p> + <p> + The last time he had watched her, from the same place, winding up those + stairs, she had had her brother in her arms. It did not move his heart + towards her now, it steeled it: but he went into his room, and locked his + door, and sat down in his chair, and cried for his lost boy. + </p> + <p> + Diogenes was broad awake upon his post, and waiting for his little + mistress. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Di! Oh, dear Di! Love me for his sake!' + </p> + <p> + Diogenes already loved her for her own, and didn't care how much he showed + it. So he made himself vastly ridiculous by performing a variety of + uncouth bounces in the ante-chamber, and concluded, when poor Florence was + at last asleep, and dreaming of the rosy children opposite, by scratching + open her bedroom door: rolling up his bed into a pillow: lying down on the + boards, at the full length of his tether, with his head towards her: and + looking lazily at her, upside down, out of the tops of his eyes, until + from winking and winking he fell asleep himself, and dreamed, with gruff + barks, of his enemy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 19. Walter goes away + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he wooden Midshipman at the Instrument-maker's door, like the + hard-hearted little Midshipman he was, remained supremely indifferent to + Walter's going away, even when the very last day of his sojourn in the + back parlour was on the decline. With his quadrant at his round black knob + of an eye, and his figure in its old attitude of indomitable alacrity, the + Midshipman displayed his elfin small-clothes to the best advantage, and, + absorbed in scientific pursuits, had no sympathy with worldly concerns. He + was so far the creature of circumstances, that a dry day covered him with + dust, and a misty day peppered him with little bits of soot, and a wet day + brightened up his tarnished uniform for the moment, and a very hot day + blistered him; but otherwise he was a callous, obdurate, conceited + Midshipman, intent on his own discoveries, and caring as little for what + went on about him, terrestrially, as Archimedes at the taking of Syracuse. + </p> + <p> + Such a Midshipman he seemed to be, at least, in the then position of + domestic affairs. Walter eyed him kindly many a time in passing in and + out; and poor old Sol, when Walter was not there, would come and lean + against the doorpost, resting his weary wig as near the shoe-buckles of + the guardian genius of his trade and shop as he could. But no fierce idol + with a mouth from ear to ear, and a murderous visage made of parrot's + feathers, was ever more indifferent to the appeals of its savage votaries, + than was the Midshipman to these marks of attachment. + </p> + <p> + Walter's heart felt heavy as he looked round his old bedroom, up among the + parapets and chimney-pots, and thought that one more night already + darkening would close his acquaintance with it, perhaps for ever. + Dismantled of his little stock of books and pictures, it looked coldly and + reproachfully on him for his desertion, and had already a foreshadowing + upon it of its coming strangeness. 'A few hours more,' thought Walter, + 'and no dream I ever had here when I was a schoolboy will be so little + mine as this old room. The dream may come back in my sleep, and I may + return waking to this place, it may be: but the dream at least will serve + no other master, and the room may have a score, and every one of them may + change, neglect, misuse it.' + </p> + <p> + But his Uncle was not to be left alone in the little back parlour, where + he was then sitting by himself; for Captain Cuttle, considerate in his + roughness, stayed away against his will, purposely that they should have + some talk together unobserved: so Walter, newly returned home from his + last day's bustle, descended briskly, to bear him company. + </p> + <p> + 'Uncle,' he said gaily, laying his hand upon the old man's shoulder, 'what + shall I send you home from Barbados?' + </p> + <p> + 'Hope, my dear Wally. Hope that we shall meet again, on this side of the + grave. Send me as much of that as you can.' + </p> + <p> + 'So I will, Uncle: I have enough and to spare, and I'll not be chary of + it! And as to lively turtles, and limes for Captain Cuttle's punch, and + preserves for you on Sundays, and all that sort of thing, why I'll send + you ship-loads, Uncle: when I'm rich enough.' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol wiped his spectacles, and faintly smiled. + </p> + <p> + 'That's right, Uncle!' cried Walter, merrily, and clapping him half a + dozen times more upon the shoulder. 'You cheer up me! I'll cheer up you! + We'll be as gay as larks to-morrow morning, Uncle, and we'll fly as high! + As to my anticipations, they are singing out of sight now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wally, my dear boy,' returned the old man, 'I'll do my best, I'll do my + best.' + </p> + <p> + 'And your best, Uncle,' said Walter, with his pleasant laugh, 'is the best + best that I know. You'll not forget what you're to send me, Uncle?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Wally, no,' replied the old man; 'everything I hear about Miss + Dombey, now that she is left alone, poor lamb, I'll write. I fear it won't + be much though, Wally.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I'll tell you what, Uncle,' said Walter, after a moment's + hesitation, 'I have just been up there.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, ay?' murmured the old man, raising his eyebrows, and his + spectacles with them. + </p> + <p> + 'Not to see her,' said Walter, 'though I could have seen her, I daresay, + if I had asked, Mr Dombey being out of town: but to say a parting word to + Susan. I thought I might venture to do that, you know, under the + circumstances, and remembering when I saw Miss Dombey last.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my boy, yes,' replied his Uncle, rousing himself from a temporary + abstraction. + </p> + <p> + 'So I saw her,' pursued Walter, 'Susan, I mean: and I told her I was off + and away to-morrow. And I said, Uncle, that you had always had an interest + in Miss Dombey since that night when she was here, and always wished her + well and happy, and always would be proud and glad to serve her in the + least: I thought I might say that, you know, under the circumstances. + Don't you think so?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my boy, yes,' replied his Uncle, in the tone as before. + </p> + <p> + 'And I added,' pursued Walter, 'that if she—Susan, I mean—could + ever let you know, either through herself, or Mrs Richards, or anybody + else who might be coming this way, that Miss Dombey was well and happy, + you would take it very kindly, and would write so much to me, and I should + take it very kindly too. There! Upon my word, Uncle,' said Walter, 'I + scarcely slept all last night through thinking of doing this; and could + not make up my mind when I was out, whether to do it or not; and yet I am + sure it is the true feeling of my heart, and I should have been quite + miserable afterwards if I had not relieved it.' + </p> + <p> + His honest voice and manner corroborated what he said, and quite + established its ingenuousness. + </p> + <p> + 'So, if you ever see her, Uncle,' said Walter, 'I mean Miss Dombey now—and + perhaps you may, who knows!—tell her how much I felt for her; how + much I used to think of her when I was here; how I spoke of her, with the + tears in my eyes, Uncle, on this last night before I went away. Tell her + that I said I never could forget her gentle manner, or her beautiful face, + or her sweet kind disposition that was better than all. And as I didn't + take them from a woman's feet, or a young lady's: only a little innocent + child's,' said Walter: 'tell her, if you don't mind, Uncle, that I kept + those shoes—she'll remember how often they fell off, that night—and + took them away with me as a remembrance!' + </p> + <p> + They were at that very moment going out at the door in one of Walter's + trunks. A porter carrying off his baggage on a truck for shipment at the + docks on board the Son and Heir, had got possession of them; and wheeled + them away under the very eye of the insensible Midshipman before their + owner had well finished speaking. + </p> + <p> + But that ancient mariner might have been excused his insensibility to the + treasure as it rolled away. For, under his eye at the same moment, + accurately within his range of observation, coming full into the sphere of + his startled and intensely wide-awake look-out, were Florence and Susan + Nipper: Florence looking up into his face half timidly, and receiving the + whole shock of his wooden ogling! + </p> + <p> + More than this, they passed into the shop, and passed in at the parlour + door before they were observed by anybody but the Midshipman. And Walter, + having his back to the door, would have known nothing of their apparition + even then, but for seeing his Uncle spring out of his own chair, and + nearly tumble over another. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0249m.jpg" alt="0249m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0249.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'Why, Uncle!' exclaimed Walter. 'What's the matter?' + </p> + <p> + Old Solomon replied, 'Miss Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it possible?' cried Walter, looking round and starting up in his turn. + 'Here!' + </p> + <p> + Why, It was so possible and so actual, that, while the words were on his + lips, Florence hurried past him; took Uncle Sol's snuff-coloured lapels, + one in each hand; kissed him on the cheek; and turning, gave her hand to + Walter with a simple truth and earnestness that was her own, and no one + else's in the world! + </p> + <p> + 'Going away, Walter?' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss Dombey,' he replied, but not so hopefully as he endeavoured: 'I + have a voyage before me.' + </p> + <p> + 'And your Uncle,' said Florence, looking back at Solomon. 'He is sorry you + are going, I am sure. Ah! I see he is! Dear Walter, I am very sorry too.' + </p> + <p> + 'Goodness knows,' exclaimed Miss Nipper, 'there's a many we could spare + instead, if numbers is a object, Mrs Pipchin as a overseer would come + cheap at her weight in gold, and if a knowledge of black slavery should be + required, them Blimbers is the very people for the sitiwation.' + </p> + <p> + With that Miss Nipper untied her bonnet strings, and after looking + vacantly for some moments into a little black teapot that was set forth + with the usual homely service on the table, shook her head and a tin + canister, and began unasked to make the tea. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Florence had turned again to the Instrument-maker, who was + as full of admiration as surprise. 'So grown!' said old Sol. 'So improved! + And yet not altered! Just the same!' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Ye—yes,' returned old Sol, rubbing his hands slowly, and + considering the matter half aloud, as something pensive in the bright eyes + looking at him arrested his attention. 'Yes, that expression was in the + younger face, too!' + </p> + <p> + 'You remember me,' said Florence with a smile, 'and what a little creature + I was then?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear young lady,' returned the Instrument-maker, 'how could I forget + you, often as I have thought of you and heard of you since! At the very + moment, indeed, when you came in, Wally was talking about you to me, and + leaving messages for you, and—' + </p> + <p> + 'Was he?' said Florence. 'Thank you, Walter! Oh thank you, Walter! I was + afraid you might be going away and hardly thinking of me;' and again she + gave him her little hand so freely and so faithfully that Walter held it + for some moments in his own, and could not bear to let it go. + </p> + <p> + Yet Walter did not hold it as he might have held it once, nor did its + touch awaken those old day-dreams of his boyhood that had floated past him + sometimes even lately, and confused him with their indistinct and broken + shapes. The purity and innocence of her endearing manner, and its perfect + trustfulness, and the undisguised regard for him that lay so deeply seated + in her constant eyes, and glowed upon her fair face through the smile that + shaded—for alas! it was a smile too sad to brighten—it, were + not of their romantic race. They brought back to his thoughts the early + death-bed he had seen her tending, and the love the child had borne her; + and on the wings of such remembrances she seemed to rise up, far above his + idle fancies, into clearer and serener air. + </p> + <p> + 'I—I am afraid I must call you Walter's Uncle, Sir,' said Florence + to the old man, 'if you'll let me.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear young lady,' cried old Sol. 'Let you! Good gracious!' + </p> + <p> + 'We always knew you by that name, and talked of you,' said Florence, + glancing round, and sighing gently. 'The nice old parlour! Just the same! + How well I recollect it!' + </p> + <p> + Old Sol looked first at her, then at his nephew, and then rubbed his + hands, and rubbed his spectacles, and said below his breath, 'Ah! time, + time, time!' + </p> + <p> + There was a short silence; during which Susan Nipper skilfully impounded + two extra cups and saucers from the cupboard, and awaited the drawing of + the tea with a thoughtful air. + </p> + <p> + 'I want to tell Walter's Uncle,' said Florence, laying her hand timidly + upon the old man's as it rested on the table, to bespeak his attention, + 'something that I am anxious about. He is going to be left alone, and if + he will allow me—not to take Walter's place, for that I couldn't do, + but to be his true friend and help him if I ever can while Walter is away, + I shall be very much obliged to him indeed. Will you? May I, Walter's + Uncle?' + </p> + <p> + The Instrument-maker, without speaking, put her hand to his lips, and + Susan Nipper, leaning back with her arms crossed, in the chair of + presidency into which she had voted herself, bit one end of her bonnet + strings, and heaved a gentle sigh as she looked up at the skylight. + </p> + <p> + 'You will let me come to see you,' said Florence, 'when I can; and you + will tell me everything about yourself and Walter; and you will have no + secrets from Susan when she comes and I do not, but will confide in us, + and trust us, and rely upon us. And you'll try to let us be a comfort to + you? Will you, Walter's Uncle?' + </p> + <p> + The sweet face looking into his, the gentle pleading eyes, the soft voice, + and the light touch on his arm made the more winning by a child's respect + and honour for his age, that gave to all an air of graceful doubt and + modest hesitation—these, and her natural earnestness, so overcame + the poor old Instrument-maker, that he only answered: + </p> + <p> + 'Wally! say a word for me, my dear. I'm very grateful.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Walter,' returned Florence with her quiet smile. 'Say nothing for + him, if you please. I understand him very well, and we must learn to talk + together without you, dear Walter.' + </p> + <p> + The regretful tone in which she said these latter words, touched Walter + more than all the rest. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence,' he replied, with an effort to recover the cheerful manner + he had preserved while talking with his Uncle, 'I know no more than my + Uncle, what to say in acknowledgment of such kindness, I am sure. But what + could I say, after all, if I had the power of talking for an hour, except + that it is like you?' + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper began upon a new part of her bonnet string, and nodded at the + skylight, in approval of the sentiment expressed. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! but, Walter,' said Florence, 'there is something that I wish to say + to you before you go away, and you must call me Florence, if you please, + and not speak like a stranger.' + </p> + <p> + 'Like a stranger!' returned Walter, 'No. I couldn't speak so. I am sure, + at least, I couldn't feel like one.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, but that is not enough, and is not what I mean. For, Walter,' added + Florence, bursting into tears, 'he liked you very much, and said before he + died that he was fond of you, and said "Remember Walter!" and if you'll be + a brother to me, Walter, now that he is gone and I have none on earth, + I'll be your sister all my life, and think of you like one wherever we may + be! This is what I wished to say, dear Walter, but I cannot say it as I + would, because my heart is full.' + </p> + <p> + And in its fulness and its sweet simplicity, she held out both her hands + to him. Walter taking them, stooped down and touched the tearful face that + neither shrunk nor turned away, nor reddened as he did so, but looked up + at him with confidence and truth. In that one moment, every shadow of + doubt or agitation passed away from Walter's soul. It seemed to him that + he responded to her innocent appeal, beside the dead child's bed: and, in + the solemn presence he had seen there, pledged himself to cherish and + protect her very image, in his banishment, with brotherly regard; to + garner up her simple faith, inviolate; and hold himself degraded if he + breathed upon it any thought that was not in her own breast when she gave + it to him. + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper, who had bitten both her bonnet strings at once, and imparted + a great deal of private emotion to the skylight, during this transaction, + now changed the subject by inquiring who took milk and who took sugar; and + being enlightened on these points, poured out the tea. They all four + gathered socially about the little table, and took tea under that young + lady's active superintendence; and the presence of Florence in the back + parlour, brightened the Tartar frigate on the wall. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour ago Walter, for his life, would have hardly called her by her + name. But he could do so now when she entreated him. He could think of her + being there, without a lurking misgiving that it would have been better if + she had not come. He could calmly think how beautiful she was, how full of + promise, what a home some happy man would find in such a heart one day. He + could reflect upon his own place in that heart, with pride; and with a + brave determination, if not to deserve it—he still thought that far + above him—never to deserve it less. + </p> + <p> + Some fairy influence must surely have hovered round the hands of Susan + Nipper when she made the tea, engendering the tranquil air that reigned in + the back parlour during its discussion. Some counter-influence must surely + have hovered round the hands of Uncle Sol's chronometer, and moved them + faster than the Tartar frigate ever went before the wind. Be this as it + may, the visitors had a coach in waiting at a quiet corner not far off; + and the chronometer, on being incidentally referred to, gave such a + positive opinion that it had been waiting a long time, that it was + impossible to doubt the fact, especially when stated on such unimpeachable + authority. If Uncle Sol had been going to be hanged by his own time, he + never would have allowed that the chronometer was too fast, by the least + fraction of a second. + </p> + <p> + Florence at parting recapitulated to the old man all that she had said + before, and bound him to their compact. Uncle Sol attended her lovingly to + the legs of the wooden Midshipman, and there resigned her to Walter, who + was ready to escort her and Susan Nipper to the coach. + </p> + <p> + 'Walter,' said Florence by the way, 'I have been afraid to ask before your + Uncle. Do you think you will be absent very long?' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed,' said Walter, 'I don't know. I fear so. Mr Dombey signified as + much, I thought, when he appointed me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it a favour, Walter?' inquired Florence, after a moment's hesitation, + and looking anxiously in his face. + </p> + <p> + 'The appointment?' returned Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + Walter would have given anything to have answered in the affirmative, but + his face answered before his lips could, and Florence was too attentive to + it not to understand its reply. + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid you have scarcely been a favourite with Papa,' she said, + timidly. + </p> + <p> + 'There is no reason,' replied Walter, smiling, 'why I should be.' + </p> + <p> + 'No reason, Walter!' + </p> + <p> + 'There was no reason,' said Walter, understanding what she meant. 'There + are many people employed in the House. Between Mr Dombey and a young man + like me, there's a wide space of separation. If I do my duty, I do what I + ought, and do no more than all the rest.' + </p> + <p> + Had Florence any misgiving of which she was hardly conscious: any + misgiving that had sprung into an indistinct and undefined existence since + that recent night when she had gone down to her father's room: that + Walter's accidental interest in her, and early knowledge of her, might + have involved him in that powerful displeasure and dislike? Had Walter any + such idea, or any sudden thought that it was in her mind at that moment? + Neither of them hinted at it. Neither of them spoke at all, for some short + time. Susan, walking on the other side of Walter, eyed them both sharply; + and certainly Miss Nipper's thoughts travelled in that direction, and very + confidently too. + </p> + <p> + 'You may come back very soon,' said Florence, 'perhaps, Walter.' + </p> + <p> + 'I may come back,' said Walter, 'an old man, and find you an old lady. But + I hope for better things.' + </p> + <p> + 'Papa,' said Florence, after a moment, 'will—will recover from his + grief, and—speak more freely to me one day, perhaps; and if he + should, I will tell him how much I wish to see you back again, and ask him + to recall you for my sake.' + </p> + <p> + There was a touching modulation in these words about her father, that + Walter understood too well. + </p> + <p> + The coach being close at hand, he would have left her without speaking, + for now he felt what parting was; but Florence held his hand when she was + seated, and then he found there was a little packet in her own. + </p> + <p> + 'Walter,' she said, looking full upon him with her affectionate eyes, + 'like you, I hope for better things. I will pray for them, and believe + that they will arrive. I made this little gift for Paul. Pray take it with + my love, and do not look at it until you are gone away. And now, God bless + you, Walter! never forget me. You are my brother, dear!' + </p> + <p> + He was glad that Susan Nipper came between them, or he might have left her + with a sorrowful remembrance of him. He was glad too that she did not look + out of the coach again, but waved the little hand to him instead, as long + as he could see it. + </p> + <p> + In spite of her request, he could not help opening the packet that night + when he went to bed. It was a little purse: and there was was money in it. + </p> + <p> + Bright rose the sun next morning, from his absence in strange countries + and up rose Walter with it to receive the Captain, who was already at the + door: having turned out earlier than was necessary, in order to get under + weigh while Mrs MacStinger was still slumbering. The Captain pretended to + be in tip-top spirits, and brought a very smoky tongue in one of the + pockets of the broad blue coat for breakfast. + </p> + <p> + 'And, Wal'r,' said the Captain, when they took their seats at table, if + your Uncle's the man I think him, he'll bring out the last bottle of the + Madeira on the present occasion.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, Ned,' returned the old man. 'No! That shall be opened when Walter + comes home again.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well said!' cried the Captain. 'Hear him!' + </p> + <p> + 'There it lies,' said Sol Gills, 'down in the little cellar, covered with + dirt and cobwebs. There may be dirt and cobwebs over you and me perhaps, + Ned, before it sees the light.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hear him!' cried the Captain. 'Good morality! Wal'r, my lad. Train up a + fig-tree in the way it should go, and when you are old sit under the shade + on it. Overhaul the—Well,' said the Captain on second thoughts, 'I + ain't quite certain where that's to be found, but when found, make a note + of. Sol Gills, heave ahead again!' + </p> + <p> + 'But there or somewhere, it shall lie, Ned, until Wally comes back to + claim it,' said the old man. 'That's all I meant to say.' + </p> + <p> + 'And well said too,' returned the Captain; 'and if we three don't crack + that bottle in company, I'll give you two leave to.' + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the Captain's excessive joviality, he made but a poor hand + at the smoky tongue, though he tried very hard, when anybody looked at + him, to appear as if he were eating with a vast appetite. He was terribly + afraid, likewise, of being left alone with either Uncle or nephew; + appearing to consider that his only chance of safety as to keeping up + appearances, was in there being always three together. This terror on the + part of the Captain, reduced him to such ingenious evasions as running to + the door, when Solomon went to put his coat on, under pretence of having + seen an extraordinary hackney-coach pass: and darting out into the road + when Walter went upstairs to take leave of the lodgers, on a feint of + smelling fire in a neighbouring chimney. These artifices Captain Cuttle + deemed inscrutable by any uninspired observer. + </p> + <p> + Walter was coming down from his parting expedition upstairs, and was + crossing the shop to go back to the little parlour, when he saw a faded + face he knew, looking in at the door, and darted towards it. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker!' cried Walter, pressing the hand of John Carker the Junior. + 'Pray come in! This is kind of you, to be here so early to say good-bye to + me. You knew how glad it would make me to shake hands with you, once, + before going away. I cannot say how glad I am to have this opportunity. + Pray come in.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is not likely that we may ever meet again, Walter,' returned the + other, gently resisting his invitation, 'and I am glad of this opportunity + too. I may venture to speak to you, and to take you by the hand, on the + eve of separation. I shall not have to resist your frank approaches, + Walter, any more.' + </p> + <p> + There was a melancholy in his smile as he said it, that showed he had + found some company and friendship for his thoughts even in that. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, Mr Carker!' returned Walter. 'Why did you resist them? You could have + done me nothing but good, I am very sure.' + </p> + <p> + He shook his head. 'If there were any good,' he said, 'I could do on this + earth, I would do it, Walter, for you. The sight of you from day to day, + has been at once happiness and remorse to me. But the pleasure has + outweighed the pain. I know that, now, by knowing what I lose.' + </p> + <p> + 'Come in, Mr Carker, and make acquaintance with my good old Uncle,' urged + Walter. 'I have often talked to him about you, and he will be glad to tell + you all he hears from me. I have not,' said Walter, noticing his + hesitation, and speaking with embarrassment himself: 'I have not told him + anything about our last conversation, Mr Carker; not even him, believe me. + </p> + <p> + The grey Junior pressed his hand, and tears rose in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'If I ever make acquaintance with him, Walter,' he returned, 'it will be + that I may hear tidings of you. Rely on my not wronging your forbearance + and consideration. It would be to wrong it, not to tell him all the truth, + before I sought a word of confidence from him. But I have no friend or + acquaintance except you: and even for your sake, am little likely to make + any.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish,' said Walter, 'you had suffered me to be your friend indeed. I + always wished it, Mr Carker, as you know; but never half so much as now, + when we are going to part.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is enough replied the other, 'that you have been the friend of my own + breast, and that when I have avoided you most, my heart inclined the most + towards you, and was fullest of you. Walter, good-bye!' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, Mr Carker. Heaven be with you, Sir!' cried Walter with emotion. + </p> + <p> + 'If,' said the other, retaining his hand while he spoke; 'if when you come + back, you miss me from my old corner, and should hear from anyone where I + am lying, come and look upon my grave. Think that I might have been as + honest and as happy as you! And let me think, when I know time is coming + on, that some one like my former self may stand there, for a moment, and + remember me with pity and forgiveness! Walter, good-bye!' + </p> + <p> + His figure crept like a shadow down the bright, sun-lighted street, so + cheerful yet so solemn in the early summer morning; and slowly passed + away. + </p> + <p> + The relentless chronometer at last announced that Walter must turn his + back upon the wooden Midshipman: and away they went, himself, his Uncle, + and the Captain, in a hackney-coach to a wharf, where they were to take + steam-boat for some Reach down the river, the name of which, as the + Captain gave it out, was a hopeless mystery to the ears of landsmen. + Arrived at this Reach (whither the ship had repaired by last night's + tide), they were boarded by various excited watermen, and among others by + a dirty Cyclops of the Captain's acquaintance, who, with his one eye, had + made the Captain out some mile and a half off, and had been exchanging + unintelligible roars with him ever since. Becoming the lawful prize of + this personage, who was frightfully hoarse and constitutionally in want of + shaving, they were all three put aboard the Son and Heir. And the Son and + Heir was in a pretty state of confusion, with sails lying all bedraggled + on the wet decks, loose ropes tripping people up, men in red shirts + running barefoot to and fro, casks blockading every foot of space, and, in + the thickest of the fray, a black cook in a black caboose up to his eyes + in vegetables and blinded with smoke. + </p> + <p> + The Captain immediately drew Walter into a corner, and with a great + effort, that made his face very red, pulled up the silver watch, which was + so big, and so tight in his pocket, that it came out like a bung. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r,' said the Captain, handing it over, and shaking him heartily by + the hand, 'a parting gift, my lad. Put it back half an hour every morning, + and about another quarter towards the arternoon, and it's a watch that'll + do you credit.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle! I couldn't think of it!' cried Walter, detaining him, for + he was running away. 'Pray take it back. I have one already.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then, Wal'r,' said the Captain, suddenly diving into one of his pockets + and bringing up the two teaspoons and the sugar-tongs, with which he had + armed himself to meet such an objection, 'take this here trifle of plate, + instead.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, I couldn't indeed!' cried Walter, 'a thousand thanks! Don't throw + them away, Captain Cuttle!' for the Captain was about to jerk them + overboard. 'They'll be of much more use to you than me. Give me your + stick. I have often thought I should like to have it. There! Good-bye, + Captain Cuttle! Take care of my Uncle! Uncle Sol, God bless you!' + </p> + <p> + They were over the side in the confusion, before Walter caught another + glimpse of either; and when he ran up to the stern, and looked after them, + he saw his Uncle hanging down his head in the boat, and Captain Cuttle + rapping him on the back with the great silver watch (it must have been + very painful), and gesticulating hopefully with the teaspoons and + sugar-tongs. Catching sight of Walter, Captain Cuttle dropped the property + into the bottom of the boat with perfect unconcern, being evidently + oblivious of its existence, and pulling off the glazed hat hailed him + lustily. The glazed hat made quite a show in the sun with its glistening, + and the Captain continued to wave it until he could be seen no longer. + Then the confusion on board, which had been rapidly increasing, reached + its height; two or three other boats went away with a cheer; the sails + shone bright and full above, as Walter watched them spread their surface + to the favourable breeze; the water flew in sparkles from the prow; and + off upon her voyage went the Son and Heir, as hopefully and trippingly as + many another son and heir, gone down, had started on his way before her. + </p> + <p> + Day after day, old Sol and Captain Cuttle kept her reckoning in the little + hack parlour and worked out her course, with the chart spread before them + on the round table. At night, when old Sol climbed upstairs, so lonely, to + the attic where it sometimes blew great guns, he looked up at the stars + and listened to the wind, and kept a longer watch than would have fallen + to his lot on board the ship. The last bottle of the old Madeira, which + had had its cruising days, and known its dangers of the deep, lay silently + beneath its dust and cobwebs, in the meanwhile, undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 20. Mr Dombey goes upon a Journey + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span> + r Dombey, Sir,' said Major Bagstock, 'Joey' B. is not in general a man + of sentiment, for Joseph is tough. But Joe has his feelings, Sir, and when + they are awakened—Damme, Mr Dombey,' cried the Major with sudden + ferocity, 'this is weakness, and I won't submit to it!' + </p> + <p> + Major Bagstock delivered himself of these expressions on receiving Mr + Dombey as his guest at the head of his own staircase in Princess's Place. + Mr Dombey had come to breakfast with the Major, previous to their setting + forth on their trip; and the ill-starved Native had already undergone a + world of misery arising out of the muffins, while, in connexion with the + general question of boiled eggs, life was a burden to him. + </p> + <p> + 'It is not for an old soldier of the Bagstock breed,' observed the Major, + relapsing into a mild state, 'to deliver himself up, a prey to his own + emotions; but—damme, Sir,' cried the Major, in another spasm of + ferocity, 'I condole with you!' + </p> + <p> + The Major's purple visage deepened in its hue, and the Major's lobster + eyes stood out in bolder relief, as he shook Mr Dombey by the hand, + imparting to that peaceful action as defiant a character as if it had been + the prelude to his immediately boxing Mr Dombey for a thousand pounds a + side and the championship of England. With a rotatory motion of his head, + and a wheeze very like the cough of a horse, the Major then conducted his + visitor to the sitting-room, and there welcomed him (having now composed + his feelings) with the freedom and frankness of a travelling companion. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said the Major, 'I'm glad to see you. I'm proud to see you. + There are not many men in Europe to whom J. Bagstock would say that—for + Josh is blunt. Sir: it's his nature—but Joey B. is proud to see you, + Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Major,' returned Mr Dombey, 'you are very obliging.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir,' said the Major, 'Devil a bit! That's not my character. If that + had been Joe's character, Joe might have been, by this time, + Lieutenant-General Sir Joseph Bagstock, K.C.B., and might have received + you in very different quarters. You don't know old Joe yet, I find. But + this occasion, being special, is a source of pride to me. By the Lord, + Sir,' said the Major resolutely, 'it's an honour to me!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, in his estimation of himself and his money, felt that this was + very true, and therefore did not dispute the point. But the instinctive + recognition of such a truth by the Major, and his plain avowal of it, were + very able. It was a confirmation to Mr Dombey, if he had required any, of + his not being mistaken in the Major. It was an assurance to him that his + power extended beyond his own immediate sphere; and that the Major, as an + officer and a gentleman, had a no less becoming sense of it, than the + beadle of the Royal Exchange. + </p> + <p> + And if it were ever consolatory to know this, or the like of this, it was + consolatory then, when the impotence of his will, the instability of his + hopes, the feebleness of wealth, had been so direfully impressed upon him. + What could it do, his boy had asked him. Sometimes, thinking of the baby + question, he could hardly forbear inquiring, himself, what could it do + indeed: what had it done? + </p> + <p> + But these were lonely thoughts, bred late at night in the sullen + despondency and gloom of his retirement, and pride easily found its + reassurance in many testimonies to the truth, as unimpeachable and + precious as the Major's. Mr Dombey, in his friendlessness, inclined to the + Major. It cannot be said that he warmed towards him, but he thawed a + little, The Major had had some part—and not too much—in the + days by the seaside. He was a man of the world, and knew some great + people. He talked much, and told stories; and Mr Dombey was disposed to + regard him as a choice spirit who shone in society, and who had not that + poisonous ingredient of poverty with which choice spirits in general are + too much adulterated. His station was undeniable. Altogether the Major was + a creditable companion, well accustomed to a life of leisure, and to such + places as that they were about to visit, and having an air of gentlemanly + ease about him that mixed well enough with his own City character, and did + not compete with it at all. If Mr Dombey had any lingering idea that the + Major, as a man accustomed, in the way of his calling, to make light of + the ruthless hand that had lately crushed his hopes, might unconsciously + impart some useful philosophy to him, and scare away his weak regrets, he + hid it from himself, and left it lying at the bottom of his pride, + unexamined. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is my scoundrel?' said the Major, looking wrathfully round the + room. + </p> + <p> + The Native, who had no particular name, but answered to any vituperative + epithet, presented himself instantly at the door and ventured to come no + nearer. + </p> + <p> + 'You villain!' said the choleric Major, 'where's the breakfast?' + </p> + <p> + The dark servant disappeared in search of it, and was quickly heard + reascending the stairs in such a tremulous state, that the plates and + dishes on the tray he carried, trembling sympathetically as he came, + rattled again, all the way up. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said the Major, glancing at the Native as he arranged the table, + and encouraging him with an awful shake of his fist when he upset a spoon, + 'here is a devilled grill, a savoury pie, a dish of kidneys, and so forth. + Pray sit down. Old Joe can give you nothing but camp fare, you see.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very excellent fare, Major,' replied his guest; and not in mere + politeness either; for the Major always took the best possible care of + himself, and indeed ate rather more of rich meats than was good for him, + insomuch that his Imperial complexion was mainly referred by the faculty + to that circumstance. + </p> + <p> + 'You have been looking over the way, Sir,' observed the Major. 'Have you + seen our friend?' + </p> + <p> + 'You mean Miss Tox,' retorted Mr Dombey. 'No.' + </p> + <p> + 'Charming woman, Sir,' said the Major, with a fat laugh rising in his + short throat, and nearly suffocating him. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Tox is a very good sort of person, I believe,' replied Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + The haughty coldness of the reply seemed to afford Major Bagstock infinite + delight. He swelled and swelled, exceedingly: and even laid down his knife + and fork for a moment, to rub his hands. + </p> + <p> + 'Old Joe, Sir,' said the Major, 'was a bit of a favourite in that quarter + once. But Joe has had his day. J. Bagstock is extinguished—outrivalled—floored, + Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'I should have supposed,' Mr Dombey replied, 'that the lady's day for + favourites was over: but perhaps you are jesting, Major.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps you are jesting, Dombey?' was the Major's rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + There never was a more unlikely possibility. It was so clearly expressed + in Mr Dombey's face, that the Major apologised. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon,' he said. 'I see you are in earnest. I tell you what, + Dombey.' The Major paused in his eating, and looked mysteriously + indignant. 'That's a de-vilish ambitious woman, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey said 'Indeed?' with frigid indifference: mingled perhaps with + some contemptuous incredulity as to Miss Tox having the presumption to + harbour such a superior quality. + </p> + <p> + 'That woman, Sir,' said the Major, 'is, in her way, a Lucifer. Joey B. has + had his day, Sir, but he keeps his eyes. He sees, does Joe. His Royal + Highness the late Duke of York observed of Joey, at a levee, that he saw.' + </p> + <p> + The Major accompanied this with such a look, and, between eating, + drinking, hot tea, devilled grill, muffins, and meaning, was altogether so + swollen and inflamed about the head, that even Mr Dombey showed some + anxiety for him. + </p> + <p> + 'That ridiculous old spectacle, Sir,' pursued the Major, 'aspires. She + aspires sky-high, Sir. Matrimonially, Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sorry for her,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't say that, Dombey,' returned the Major in a warning voice. + </p> + <p> + 'Why should I not, Major?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + The Major gave no answer but the horse's cough, and went on eating + vigorously. + </p> + <p> + 'She has taken an interest in your household,' said the Major, stopping + short again, 'and has been a frequent visitor at your house for some time + now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' replied Mr Dombey with great stateliness, 'Miss Tox was originally + received there, at the time of Mrs Dombey's death, as a friend of my + sister's; and being a well-behaved person, and showing a liking for the + poor infant, she was permitted—may I say encouraged—to repeat + her visits with my sister, and gradually to occupy a kind of footing of + familiarity in the family. I have,' said Mr Dombey, in the tone of a man + who was making a great and valuable concession, 'I have a respect for Miss + Tox. She his been so obliging as to render many little services in my + house: trifling and insignificant services perhaps, Major, but not to be + disparaged on that account: and I hope I have had the good fortune to be + enabled to acknowledge them by such attention and notice as it has been in + my power to bestow. I hold myself indebted to Miss Tox, Major,' added Mr + Dombey, with a slight wave of his hand, 'for the pleasure of your + acquaintance.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said the Major, warmly: 'no! No, Sir! Joseph Bagstock can never + permit that assertion to pass uncontradicted. Your knowledge of old Joe, + Sir, such as he is, and old Joe's knowledge of you, Sir, had its origin in + a noble fellow, Sir—in a great creature, Sir. Dombey!' said the + Major, with a struggle which it was not very difficult to parade, his + whole life being a struggle against all kinds of apoplectic symptoms, 'we + knew each other through your boy.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey seemed touched, as it is not improbable the Major designed he + should be, by this allusion. He looked down and sighed: and the Major, + rousing himself fiercely, again said, in reference to the state of mind + into which he felt himself in danger of falling, that this was weakness, + and nothing should induce him to submit to it. + </p> + <p> + 'Our friend had a remote connexion with that event,' said the Major, 'and + all the credit that belongs to her, J. B. is willing to give her, Sir. + Notwithstanding which, Ma'am,' he added, raising his eyes from his plate, + and casting them across Princess's Place, to where Miss Tox was at that + moment visible at her window watering her flowers, 'you're a scheming + jade, Ma'am, and your ambition is a piece of monstrous impudence. If it + only made yourself ridiculous, Ma'am,' said the Major, rolling his head at + the unconscious Miss Tox, while his starting eyes appeared to make a leap + towards her, 'you might do that to your heart's content, Ma'am, without + any objection, I assure you, on the part of Bagstock.' Here the Major + laughed frightfully up in the tips of his ears and in the veins of his + head. 'But when, Ma'am,' said the Major, 'you compromise other people, and + generous, unsuspicious people too, as a repayment for their condescension, + you stir the blood of old Joe in his body.' + </p> + <p> + 'Major,' said Mr Dombey, reddening, 'I hope you do not hint at anything so + absurd on the part of Miss Tox as—' + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' returned the Major, 'I hint at nothing. But Joey B. has lived in + the world, Sir: lived in the world with his eyes open, Sir, and his ears + cocked: and Joe tells you, Dombey, that there's a devilish artful and + ambitious woman over the way.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey involuntarily glanced over the way; and an angry glance he sent + in that direction, too. + </p> + <p> + 'That's all on such a subject that shall pass the lips of Joseph + Bagstock,' said the Major firmly. 'Joe is not a tale-bearer, but there are + times when he must speak, when he will speak!—confound your arts, + Ma'am,' cried the Major, again apostrophising his fair neighbour, with + great ire,—'when the provocation is too strong to admit of his + remaining silent.' + </p> + <p> + The emotion of this outbreak threw the Major into a paroxysm of horse's + coughs, which held him for a long time. On recovering he added: + </p> + <p> + 'And now, Dombey, as you have invited Joe—old Joe, who has no other + merit, Sir, but that he is tough and hearty—to be your guest and + guide at Leamington, command him in any way you please, and he is wholly + yours. I don't know, Sir,' said the Major, wagging his double chin with a + jocose air, 'what it is you people see in Joe to make you hold him in such + great request, all of you; but this I know, Sir, that if he wasn't pretty + tough, and obstinate in his refusals, you'd kill him among you with your + invitations and so forth, in double-quick time.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, in a few words, expressed his sense of the preference he + received over those other distinguished members of society who were + clamouring for the possession of Major Bagstock. But the Major cut him + short by giving him to understand that he followed his own inclinations, + and that they had risen up in a body and said with one accord, 'J. B., + Dombey is the man for you to choose as a friend.' + </p> + <p> + The Major being by this time in a state of repletion, with essence of + savoury pie oozing out at the corners of his eyes, and devilled grill and + kidneys tightening his cravat: and the time moreover approaching for the + departure of the railway train to Birmingham, by which they were to leave + town: the Native got him into his great-coat with immense difficulty, and + buttoned him up until his face looked staring and gasping, over the top of + that garment, as if he were in a barrel. The Native then handed him + separately, and with a decent interval between each supply, his + washleather gloves, his thick stick, and his hat; which latter article the + Major wore with a rakish air on one side of his head, by way of toning + down his remarkable visage. The Native had previously packed, in all + possible and impossible parts of Mr Dombey's chariot, which was in + waiting, an unusual quantity of carpet-bags and small portmanteaus, no + less apoplectic in appearance than the Major himself: and having filled + his own pockets with Seltzer water, East India sherry, sandwiches, shawls, + telescopes, maps, and newspapers, any or all of which light baggage the + Major might require at any instant of the journey, he announced that + everything was ready. To complete the equipment of this unfortunate + foreigner (currently believed to be a prince in his own country), when he + took his seat in the rumble by the side of Mr Towlinson, a pile of the + Major's cloaks and great-coats was hurled upon him by the landlord, who + aimed at him from the pavement with those great missiles like a Titan, and + so covered him up, that he proceeded, in a living tomb, to the railroad + station. + </p> + <p> + But before the carriage moved away, and while the Native was in the act of + sepulture, Miss Tox appearing at her window, waved a lilywhite + handkerchief. Mr Dombey received this parting salutation very coldly—very + coldly even for him—and honouring her with the slightest possible + inclination of his head, leaned back in the carriage with a very + discontented look. His marked behaviour seemed to afford the Major (who + was all politeness in his recognition of Miss Tox) unbounded satisfaction; + and he sat for a long time afterwards, leering, and choking, like an + over-fed Mephistopheles. + </p> + <p> + During the bustle of preparation at the railway, Mr Dombey and the Major + walked up and down the platform side by side; the former taciturn and + gloomy, and the latter entertaining him, or entertaining himself, with a + variety of anecdotes and reminiscences, in most of which Joe Bagstock was + the principal performer. Neither of the two observed that in the course of + these walks, they attracted the attention of a working man who was + standing near the engine, and who touched his hat every time they passed; + for Mr Dombey habitually looked over the vulgar herd, not at them; and the + Major was looking, at the time, into the core of one of his stories. At + length, however, this man stepped before them as they turned round, and + pulling his hat off, and keeping it off, ducked his head to Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Beg your pardon, Sir,' said the man, 'but I hope you're a doin' pretty + well, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + He was dressed in a canvas suit abundantly besmeared with coal-dust and + oil, and had cinders in his whiskers, and a smell of half-slaked ashes all + over him. He was not a bad-looking fellow, nor even what could be fairly + called a dirty-looking fellow, in spite of this; and, in short, he was Mr + Toodle, professionally clothed. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall have the honour of stokin' of you down, Sir,' said Mr Toodle. + 'Beg your pardon, Sir.—I hope you find yourself a coming round?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey looked at him, in return for his tone of interest, as if a man + like that would make his very eyesight dirty. + </p> + <p> + ''Scuse the liberty, Sir,' said Toodle, seeing he was not clearly + remembered, 'but my wife Polly, as was called Richards in your family—' + </p> + <p> + A change in Mr Dombey's face, which seemed to express recollection of him, + and so it did, but it expressed in a much stronger degree an angry sense + of humiliation, stopped Mr Toodle short. + </p> + <p> + 'Your wife wants money, I suppose,' said Mr Dombey, putting his hand in + his pocket, and speaking (but that he always did) haughtily. + </p> + <p> + 'No thank'ee, Sir,' returned Toodle, 'I can't say she does. I don't.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was stopped short now in his turn: and awkwardly: with his hand + in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir,' said Toodle, turning his oilskin cap round and round; 'we're a + doin' pretty well, Sir; we haven't no cause to complain in the worldly + way, Sir. We've had four more since then, Sir, but we rubs on.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey would have rubbed on to his own carriage, though in so doing he + had rubbed the stoker underneath the wheels; but his attention was + arrested by something in connexion with the cap still going slowly round + and round in the man's hand. + </p> + <p> + 'We lost one babby,' observed Toodle, 'there's no denyin'.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lately,' added Mr Dombey, looking at the cap. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir, up'ard of three years ago, but all the rest is hearty. And in + the matter o readin', Sir,' said Toodle, ducking again, as if to remind Mr + Dombey of what had passed between them on that subject long ago, 'them + boys o' mine, they learned me, among 'em, arter all. They've made a wery + tolerable scholar of me, Sir, them boys.' + </p> + <p> + 'Come, Major!' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Beg your pardon, Sir,' resumed Toodle, taking a step before them and + deferentially stopping them again, still cap in hand: 'I wouldn't have + troubled you with such a pint except as a way of gettin' in the name of my + son Biler—christened Robin—him as you was so good as to make a + Charitable Grinder on.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, man,' said Mr Dombey in his severest manner. 'What about him?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Sir,' returned Toodle, shaking his head with a face of great anxiety + and distress, 'I'm forced to say, Sir, that he's gone wrong.' + </p> + <p> + 'He has gone wrong, has he?' said Mr Dombey, with a hard kind of + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + 'He has fell into bad company, you see, genelmen,' pursued the father, + looking wistfully at both, and evidently taking the Major into the + conversation with the hope of having his sympathy. 'He has got into bad + ways. God send he may come to again, genelmen, but he's on the wrong track + now! You could hardly be off hearing of it somehow, Sir,' said Toodle, + again addressing Mr Dombey individually; 'and it's better I should out and + say my boy's gone rather wrong. Polly's dreadful down about it, genelmen,' + said Toodle with the same dejected look, and another appeal to the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'A son of this man's whom I caused to be educated, Major,' said Mr Dombey, + giving him his arm. 'The usual return!' + </p> + <p> + 'Take advice from plain old Joe, and never educate that sort of people, + Sir,' returned the Major. 'Damme, Sir, it never does! It always fails!' + </p> + <p> + The simple father was beginning to submit that he hoped his son, the + quondam Grinder, huffed and cuffed, and flogged and badged, and taught, as + parrots are, by a brute jobbed into his place of schoolmaster with as much + fitness for it as a hound, might not have been educated on quite a right + plan in some undiscovered respect, when Mr Dombey angrily repeating 'The + usual return!' led the Major away. And the Major being heavy to hoist into + Mr Dombey's carriage, elevated in mid-air, and having to stop and swear + that he would flay the Native alive, and break every bone in his skin, and + visit other physical torments upon him, every time he couldn't get his + foot on the step, and fell back on that dark exile, had barely time before + they started to repeat hoarsely that it would never do: that it always + failed: and that if he were to educate 'his own vagabond,' he would + certainly be hanged. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey assented bitterly; but there was something more in his + bitterness, and in his moody way of falling back in the carriage, and + looking with knitted brows at the changing objects without, than the + failure of that noble educational system administered by the Grinders' + Company. He had seen upon the man's rough cap a piece of new crape, and he + had assured himself, from his manner and his answers, that he wore it for + his son. + </p> + <p> + Sol from high to low, at home or abroad, from Florence in his great house + to the coarse churl who was feeding the fire then smoking before them, + everyone set up some claim or other to a share in his dead boy, and was a + bidder against him! Could he ever forget how that woman had wept over his + pillow, and called him her own child! or how he, waking from his sleep, + had asked for her, and had raised himself in his bed and brightened when + she came in! + </p> + <p> + To think of this presumptuous raker among coals and ashes going on before + there, with his sign of mourning! To think that he dared to enter, even by + a common show like that, into the trial and disappointment of a proud + gentleman's secret heart! To think that this lost child, who was to have + divided with him his riches, and his projects, and his power, and allied + with whom he was to have shut out all the world as with a double door of + gold, should have let in such a herd to insult him with their knowledge of + his defeated hopes, and their boasts of claiming community of feeling with + himself, so far removed: if not of having crept into the place wherein he + would have lorded it, alone! + </p> + <p> + He found no pleasure or relief in the journey. Tortured by these thoughts + he carried monotony with him, through the rushing landscape, and hurried + headlong, not through a rich and varied country, but a wilderness of + blighted plans and gnawing jealousies. The very speed at which the train + was whirled along, mocked the swift course of the young life that had been + borne away so steadily and so inexorably to its foredoomed end. The power + that forced itself upon its iron way—its own—defiant of all + paths and roads, piercing through the heart of every obstacle, and + dragging living creatures of all classes, ages, and degrees behind it, was + a type of the triumphant monster, Death. + </p> + <p> + Away, with a shriek, and a roar, and a rattle, from the town, burrowing + among the dwellings of men and making the streets hum, flashing out into + the meadows for a moment, mining in through the damp earth, booming on in + darkness and heavy air, bursting out again into the sunny day so bright + and wide; away, with a shriek, and a roar, and a rattle, through the + fields, through the woods, through the corn, through the hay, through the + chalk, through the mould, through the clay, through the rock, among + objects close at hand and almost in the grasp, ever flying from the + traveller, and a deceitful distance ever moving slowly within him: like as + in the track of the remorseless monster, Death! + </p> + <p> + Through the hollow, on the height, by the heath, by the orchard, by the + park, by the garden, over the canal, across the river, where the sheep are + feeding, where the mill is going, where the barge is floating, where the + dead are lying, where the factory is smoking, where the stream is running, + where the village clusters, where the great cathedral rises, where the + bleak moor lies, and the wild breeze smooths or ruffles it at its + inconstant will; away, with a shriek, and a roar, and a rattle, and no + trace to leave behind but dust and vapour: like as in the track of the + remorseless monster, Death! + </p> + <p> + Breasting the wind and light, the shower and sunshine, away, and still + away, it rolls and roars, fierce and rapid, smooth and certain, and great + works and massive bridges crossing up above, fall like a beam of shadow an + inch broad, upon the eye, and then are lost. Away, and still away, onward + and onward ever: glimpses of cottage-homes, of houses, mansions, rich + estates, of husbandry and handicraft, of people, of old roads and paths + that look deserted, small, and insignificant as they are left behind: and + so they do, and what else is there but such glimpses, in the track of the + indomitable monster, Death! + </p> + <p> + Away, with a shriek, and a roar, and a rattle, plunging down into the + earth again, and working on in such a storm of energy and perseverance, + that amidst the darkness and whirlwind the motion seems reversed, and to + tend furiously backward, until a ray of light upon the wet wall shows its + surface flying past like a fierce stream. Away once more into the day, and + through the day, with a shrill yell of exultation, roaring, rattling, + tearing on, spurning everything with its dark breath, sometimes pausing + for a minute where a crowd of faces are, that in a minute more are not; + sometimes lapping water greedily, and before the spout at which it drinks + has ceased to drip upon the ground, shrieking, roaring, rattling through + the purple distance! + </p> + <p> + Louder and louder yet, it shrieks and cries as it comes tearing on + resistless to the goal: and now its way, still like the way of Death, is + strewn with ashes thickly. Everything around is blackened. There are dark + pools of water, muddy lanes, and miserable habitations far below. There + are jagged walls and falling houses close at hand, and through the + battered roofs and broken windows, wretched rooms are seen, where want and + fever hide themselves in many wretched shapes, while smoke and crowded + gables, and distorted chimneys, and deformity of brick and mortar penning + up deformity of mind and body, choke the murky distance. As Mr Dombey + looks out of his carriage window, it is never in his thoughts that the + monster who has brought him there has let the light of day in on these + things: not made or caused them. It was the journey's fitting end, and + might have been the end of everything; it was so ruinous and dreary. + </p> + <p> + So, pursuing the one course of thought, he had the one relentless monster + still before him. All things looked black, and cold, and deadly upon him, + and he on them. He found a likeness to his misfortune everywhere. There + was a remorseless triumph going on about him, and it galled and stung him + in his pride and jealousy, whatever form it took: though most of all when + it divided with him the love and memory of his lost boy. + </p> + <p> + There was a face—he had looked upon it, on the previous night, and + it on him with eyes that read his soul, though they were dim with tears, + and hidden soon behind two quivering hands—that often had attended + him in fancy, on this ride. He had seen it, with the expression of last + night, timidly pleading to him. It was not reproachful, but there was + something of doubt, almost of hopeful incredulity in it, which, as he once + more saw that fade away into a desolate certainty of his dislike, was like + reproach. It was a trouble to him to think of this face of Florence. + </p> + <p> + Because he felt any new compunction towards it? No. Because the feeling it + awakened in him—of which he had had some old foreshadowing in older + times—was full-formed now, and spoke out plainly, moving him too + much, and threatening to grow too strong for his composure. Because the + face was abroad, in the expression of defeat and persecution that seemed + to encircle him like the air. Because it barbed the arrow of that cruel + and remorseless enemy on which his thoughts so ran, and put into its grasp + a double-handed sword. Because he knew full well, in his own breast, as he + stood there, tinging the scene of transition before him with the morbid + colours of his own mind, and making it a ruin and a picture of decay, + instead of hopeful change, and promise of better things, that life had + quite as much to do with his complainings as death. One child was gone, + and one child left. Why was the object of his hope removed instead of her? + </p> + <p> + The sweet, calm, gentle presence in his fancy, moved him to no reflection + but that. She had been unwelcome to him from the first; she was an + aggravation of his bitterness now. If his son had been his only child, and + the same blow had fallen on him, it would have been heavy to bear; but + infinitely lighter than now, when it might have fallen on her (whom he + could have lost, or he believed it, without a pang), and had not. Her + loving and innocent face rising before him, had no softening or winning + influence. He rejected the angel, and took up with the tormenting spirit + crouching in his bosom. Her patience, goodness, youth, devotion, love, + were as so many atoms in the ashes upon which he set his heel. He saw her + image in the blight and blackness all around him, not irradiating but + deepening the gloom. More than once upon this journey, and now again as he + stood pondering at this journey's end, tracing figures in the dust with + his stick, the thought came into his mind, what was there he could + interpose between himself and it? + </p> + <p> + The Major, who had been blowing and panting all the way down, like another + engine, and whose eye had often wandered from his newspaper to leer at the + prospect, as if there were a procession of discomfited Miss Toxes pouring + out in the smoke of the train, and flying away over the fields to hide + themselves in any place of refuge, aroused his friends by informing him + that the post-horses were harnessed and the carriage ready. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said the Major, rapping him on the arm with his cane, 'don't be + thoughtful. It's a bad habit, Old Joe, Sir, wouldn't be as tough as you + see him, if he had ever encouraged it. You are too great a man, Dombey, to + be thoughtful. In your position, Sir, you're far above that kind of + thing.' + </p> + <p> + The Major even in his friendly remonstrances, thus consulting the dignity + and honour of Mr Dombey, and showing a lively sense of their importance, + Mr Dombey felt more than ever disposed to defer to a gentleman possessing + so much good sense and such a well-regulated mind; accordingly he made an + effort to listen to the Major's stories, as they trotted along the + turnpike road; and the Major, finding both the pace and the road a great + deal better adapted to his conversational powers than the mode of + travelling they had just relinquished, came out of his entertainment. + </p> + <p> + But still the Major, blunt and tough as he was, and as he so very often + said he was, administered some palatable catering to his companion's + appetite. He related, or rather suffered it to escape him, accidentally, + and as one might say, grudgingly and against his will, how there was great + curiosity and excitement at the club, in regard of his friend Dombey. How + he was suffocated with questions, Sir. How old Joe Bagstock was a greater + man than ever, there, on the strength of Dombey. How they said, 'Bagstock, + your friend Dombey now, what is the view he takes of such and such a + question? Though, by the Rood, Sir,' said the Major, with a broad stare, + 'how they discovered that J. B. ever came to know you, is a mystery!' + </p> + <p> + In this flow of spirits and conversation, only interrupted by his usual + plethoric symptoms, and by intervals of lunch, and from time to time by + some violent assault upon the Native, who wore a pair of ear-rings in his + dark-brown ears, and on whom his European clothes sat with an outlandish + impossibility of adjustment—being, of their own accord, and without + any reference to the tailor's art, long where they ought to be short, + short where they ought to be long, tight where they ought to be loose, and + loose where they ought to be tight—and to which he imparted a new + grace, whenever the Major attacked him, by shrinking into them like a + shrivelled nut, or a cold monkey—in this flow of spirits and + conversation, the Major continued all day: so that when evening came on, + and found them trotting through the green and leafy road near Leamington, + the Major's voice, what with talking and eating and chuckling and choking, + appeared to be in the box under the rumble, or in some neighbouring + hay-stack. Nor did the Major improve it at the Royal Hotel, where rooms + and dinner had been ordered, and where he so oppressed his organs of + speech by eating and drinking, that when he retired to bed he had no voice + at all, except to cough with, and could only make himself intelligible to + the dark servant by gasping at him. + </p> + <p> + He not only rose next morning, however, like a giant refreshed, but + conducted himself, at breakfast like a giant refreshing. At this meal they + arranged their daily habits. The Major was to take the responsibility of + ordering everything to eat and drink; and they were to have a late + breakfast together every morning, and a late dinner together every day. Mr + Dombey would prefer remaining in his own room, or walking in the country + by himself, on that first day of their sojourn at Leamington; but next + morning he would be happy to accompany the Major to the Pump-room, and + about the town. So they parted until dinner-time. Mr Dombey retired to + nurse his wholesome thoughts in his own way. The Major, attended by the + Native carrying a camp-stool, a great-coat, and an umbrella, swaggered up + and down through all the public places: looking into subscription books to + find out who was there, looking up old ladies by whom he was much admired, + reporting J. B. tougher than ever, and puffing his rich friend Dombey + wherever he went. There never was a man who stood by a friend more + staunchly than the Major, when in puffing him, he puffed himself. + </p> + <p> + It was surprising how much new conversation the Major had to let off at + dinner-time, and what occasion he gave Mr Dombey to admire his social + qualities. At breakfast next morning, he knew the contents of the latest + newspapers received; and mentioned several subjects in connexion with + them, on which his opinion had recently been sought by persons of such + power and might, that they were only to be obscurely hinted at. Mr Dombey, + who had been so long shut up within himself, and who had rarely, at any + time, overstepped the enchanted circle within which the operations of + Dombey and Son were conducted, began to think this an improvement on his + solitary life; and in place of excusing himself for another day, as he had + thought of doing when alone, walked out with the Major arm-in-arm. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 21. New Faces + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he MAJOR, more blue-faced and staring—more over-ripe, as it were, + than ever—and giving vent, every now and then, to one of the horse's + coughs, not so much of necessity as in a spontaneous explosion of + importance, walked arm-in-arm with Mr Dombey up the sunny side of the way, + with his cheeks swelling over his tight stock, his legs majestically wide + apart, and his great head wagging from side to side, as if he were + remonstrating within himself for being such a captivating object. They had + not walked many yards, before the Major encountered somebody he knew, nor + many yards farther before the Major encountered somebody else he knew, but + he merely shook his fingers at them as he passed, and led Mr Dombey on: + pointing out the localities as they went, and enlivening the walk with any + current scandal suggested by them. + </p> + <p> + In this manner the Major and Mr Dombey were walking arm-in-arm, much to + their own satisfaction, when they beheld advancing towards them, a wheeled + chair, in which a lady was seated, indolently steering her carriage by a + kind of rudder in front, while it was propelled by some unseen power in + the rear. Although the lady was not young, she was very blooming in the + face—quite rosy—and her dress and attitude were perfectly + juvenile. Walking by the side of the chair, and carrying her gossamer + parasol with a proud and weary air, as if so great an effort must be soon + abandoned and the parasol dropped, sauntered a much younger lady, very + handsome, very haughty, very wilful, who tossed her head and drooped her + eyelids, as though, if there were anything in all the world worth looking + into, save a mirror, it certainly was not the earth or sky. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, what the devil have we here, Sir!' cried the Major, stopping as this + little cavalcade drew near. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith!' drawled the lady in the chair, 'Major Bagstock!' + </p> + <p> + The Major no sooner heard the voice, than he relinquished Mr Dombey's arm, + darted forward, took the hand of the lady in the chair and pressed it to + his lips. With no less gallantry, the Major folded both his gloves upon + his heart, and bowed low to the other lady. And now, the chair having + stopped, the motive power became visible in the shape of a flushed page + pushing behind, who seemed to have in part outgrown and in part out-pushed + his strength, for when he stood upright he was tall, and wan, and thin, + and his plight appeared the more forlorn from his having injured the shape + of his hat, by butting at the carriage with his head to urge it forward, + as is sometimes done by elephants in Oriental countries. + </p> + <p> + 'Joe Bagstock,' said the Major to both ladies, 'is a proud and happy man + for the rest of his life.' + </p> + <p> + 'You false creature!' said the old lady in the chair, insipidly. 'Where do + you come from? I can't bear you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then suffer old Joe to present a friend, Ma'am,' said the Major, + promptly, 'as a reason for being tolerated. Mr Dombey, Mrs Skewton.' The + lady in the chair was gracious. 'Mr Dombey, Mrs Granger.' The lady with + the parasol was faintly conscious of Mr Dombey's taking off his hat, and + bowing low. 'I am delighted, Sir,' said the Major, 'to have this + opportunity.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0272m.jpg" alt="0272m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0272.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The Major seemed in earnest, for he looked at all the three, and leered in + his ugliest manner. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Skewton, Dombey,' said the Major, 'makes havoc in the heart of old + Josh.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey signified that he didn't wonder at it. + </p> + <p> + 'You perfidious goblin,' said the lady in the chair, 'have done! How long + have you been here, bad man?' + </p> + <p> + 'One day,' replied the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'And can you be a day, or even a minute,' returned the lady, slightly + settling her false curls and false eyebrows with her fan, and showing her + false teeth, set off by her false complexion, 'in the garden of + what's-its-name.' + </p> + <p> + 'Eden, I suppose, Mama,' interrupted the younger lady, scornfully. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Edith,' said the other, 'I cannot help it. I never can remember + those frightful names—without having your whole Soul and Being + inspired by the sight of Nature; by the perfume,' said Mrs Skewton, + rustling a handkerchief that was faint and sickly with essences, 'of her + artless breath, you creature!' + </p> + <p> + The discrepancy between Mrs Skewton's fresh enthusiasm of words, and + forlornly faded manner, was hardly less observable than that between her + age, which was about seventy, and her dress, which would have been + youthful for twenty-seven. Her attitude in the wheeled chair (which she + never varied) was one in which she had been taken in a barouche, some + fifty years before, by a then fashionable artist who had appended to his + published sketch the name of Cleopatra: in consequence of a discovery made + by the critics of the time, that it bore an exact resemblance to that + Princess as she reclined on board her galley. Mrs Skewton was a beauty + then, and bucks threw wine-glasses over their heads by dozens in her + honour. The beauty and the barouche had both passed away, but she still + preserved the attitude, and for this reason expressly, maintained the + wheeled chair and the butting page: there being nothing whatever, except + the attitude, to prevent her from walking. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey is devoted to Nature, I trust?' said Mrs Skewton, settling her + diamond brooch. And by the way, she chiefly lived upon the reputation of + some diamonds, and her family connexions. + </p> + <p> + 'My friend Dombey, Ma'am,' returned the Major, 'may be devoted to her in + secret, but a man who is paramount in the greatest city in the universe—' + </p> + <p> + 'No one can be a stranger,' said Mrs Skewton, 'to Mr Dombey's immense + influence.' + </p> + <p> + As Mr Dombey acknowledged the compliment with a bend of his head, the + younger lady glancing at him, met his eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'You reside here, Madam?' said Mr Dombey, addressing her. + </p> + <p> + 'No, we have been to a great many places. To Harrogate and Scarborough, + and into Devonshire. We have been visiting, and resting here and there. + Mama likes change.' + </p> + <p> + 'Edith of course does not,' said Mrs Skewton, with a ghastly archness. + </p> + <p> + 'I have not found that there is any change in such places,' was the + answer, delivered with supreme indifference. + </p> + <p> + 'They libel me. There is only one change, Mr Dombey,' observed Mrs + Skewton, with a mincing sigh, 'for which I really care, and that I fear I + shall never be permitted to enjoy. People cannot spare one. But seclusion + and contemplation are my what-his-name—' + </p> + <p> + 'If you mean Paradise, Mama, you had better say so, to render yourself + intelligible,' said the younger lady. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith,' returned Mrs Skewton, 'you know that I am wholly + dependent upon you for those odious names. I assure you, Mr Dombey, Nature + intended me for an Arcadian. I am thrown away in society. Cows are my + passion. What I have ever sighed for, has been to retreat to a Swiss farm, + and live entirely surrounded by cows—and china.' + </p> + <p> + This curious association of objects, suggesting a remembrance of the + celebrated bull who got by mistake into a crockery shop, was received with + perfect gravity by Mr Dombey, who intimated his opinion that Nature was, + no doubt, a very respectable institution. + </p> + <p> + 'What I want,' drawled Mrs Skewton, pinching her shrivelled throat, 'is + heart.' It was frightfully true in one sense, if not in that in which she + used the phrase. 'What I want, is frankness, confidence, less + conventionality, and freer play of soul. We are so dreadfully artificial.' + </p> + <p> + We were, indeed. + </p> + <p> + 'In short,' said Mrs Skewton, 'I want Nature everywhere. It would be so + extremely charming.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nature is inviting us away now, Mama, if you are ready,' said the younger + lady, curling her handsome lip. At this hint, the wan page, who had been + surveying the party over the top of the chair, vanished behind it, as if + the ground had swallowed him up. + </p> + <p> + 'Stop a moment, Withers!' said Mrs Skewton, as the chair began to move; + calling to the page with all the languid dignity with which she had called + in days of yore to a coachman with a wig, cauliflower nosegay, and silk + stockings. 'Where are you staying, abomination?' + </p> + <p> + The Major was staying at the Royal Hotel, with his friend Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'You may come and see us any evening when you are good,' lisped Mrs + Skewton. 'If Mr Dombey will honour us, we shall be happy. Withers, go on!' + </p> + <p> + The Major again pressed to his blue lips the tips of the fingers that were + disposed on the ledge of the wheeled chair with careful carelessness, + after the Cleopatra model: and Mr Dombey bowed. The elder lady honoured + them both with a very gracious smile and a girlish wave of her hand; the + younger lady with the very slightest inclination of her head that common + courtesy allowed. + </p> + <p> + The last glimpse of the wrinkled face of the mother, with that patched + colour on it which the sun made infinitely more haggard and dismal than + any want of colour could have been, and of the proud beauty of the + daughter with her graceful figure and erect deportment, engendered such an + involuntary disposition on the part of both the Major and Mr Dombey to + look after them, that they both turned at the same moment. The Page, + nearly as much aslant as his own shadow, was toiling after the chair, + uphill, like a slow battering-ram; the top of Cleopatra's bonnet was + fluttering in exactly the same corner to the inch as before; and the + Beauty, loitering by herself a little in advance, expressed in all her + elegant form, from head to foot, the same supreme disregard of everything + and everybody. + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you what, Sir,' said the Major, as they resumed their walk again. + 'If Joe Bagstock were a younger man, there's not a woman in the world whom + he'd prefer for Mrs Bagstock to that woman. By George, Sir!' said the + Major, 'she's superb!' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you mean the daughter?' inquired Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Is Joey B. a turnip, Dombey,' said the Major, 'that he should mean the + mother?' + </p> + <p> + 'You were complimentary to the mother,' returned Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'An ancient flame, Sir,' chuckled Major Bagstock. 'Devilish ancient. I + humour her.' + </p> + <p> + 'She impresses me as being perfectly genteel,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Genteel, Sir,' said the Major, stopping short, and staring in his + companion's face. 'The Honourable Mrs Skewton, Sir, is sister to the late + Lord Feenix, and aunt to the present Lord. The family are not wealthy—they're + poor, indeed—and she lives upon a small jointure; but if you come to + blood, Sir!' The Major gave a flourish with his stick and walked on again, + in despair of being able to say what you came to, if you came to that. + </p> + <p> + 'You addressed the daughter, I observed,' said Mr Dombey, after a short + pause, 'as Mrs Granger.' + </p> + <p> + 'Edith Skewton, Sir,' returned the Major, stopping short again, and + punching a mark in the ground with his cane, to represent her, 'married + (at eighteen) Granger of Ours;' whom the Major indicated by another punch. + 'Granger, Sir,' said the Major, tapping the last ideal portrait, and + rolling his head emphatically, 'was Colonel of Ours; a de-vilish handsome + fellow, Sir, of forty-one. He died, Sir, in the second year of his + marriage.' The Major ran the representative of the deceased Granger + through and through the body with his walking-stick, and went on again, + carrying his stick over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + 'How long is this ago?' asked Mr Dombey, making another halt. + </p> + <p> + 'Edith Granger, Sir,' replied the Major, shutting one eye, putting his + head on one side, passing his cane into his left hand, and smoothing his + shirt-frill with his right, 'is, at this present time, not quite thirty. + And damme, Sir,' said the Major, shouldering his stick once more, and + walking on again, 'she's a peerless woman!' + </p> + <p> + 'Was there any family?' asked Mr Dombey presently. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir,' said the Major. 'There was a boy.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey's eyes sought the ground, and a shade came over his face. + </p> + <p> + 'Who was drowned, Sir,' pursued the Major. 'When a child of four or five + years old.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed?' said Mr Dombey, raising his head. + </p> + <p> + 'By the upsetting of a boat in which his nurse had no business to have put + him,' said the Major. 'That's his history. Edith Granger is Edith Granger + still; but if tough old Joey B., Sir, were a little younger and a little + richer, the name of that immortal paragon should be Bagstock.' + </p> + <p> + The Major heaved his shoulders, and his cheeks, and laughed more like an + over-fed Mephistopheles than ever, as he said the words. + </p> + <p> + 'Provided the lady made no objection, I suppose?' said Mr Dombey coldly. + </p> + <p> + 'By Gad, Sir,' said the Major, 'the Bagstock breed are not accustomed to + that sort of obstacle. Though it's true enough that Edith might have + married twenty times, but for being proud, Sir, proud.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey seemed, by his face, to think no worse of her for that. + </p> + <p> + 'It's a great quality after all,' said the Major. 'By the Lord, it's a + high quality! Dombey! You are proud yourself, and your friend, Old Joe, + respects you for it, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + With this tribute to the character of his ally, which seemed to be wrung + from him by the force of circumstances and the irresistible tendency of + their conversation, the Major closed the subject, and glided into a + general exposition of the extent to which he had been beloved and doted on + by splendid women and brilliant creatures. + </p> + <p> + On the next day but one, Mr Dombey and the Major encountered the + Honourable Mrs Skewton and her daughter in the Pump-room; on the day + after, they met them again very near the place where they had met them + first. After meeting them thus, three or four times in all, it became a + point of mere civility to old acquaintances that the Major should go there + one evening. Mr Dombey had not originally intended to pay visits, but on + the Major announcing this intention, he said he would have the pleasure of + accompanying him. So the Major told the Native to go round before dinner, + and say, with his and Mr Dombey's compliments, that they would have the + honour of visiting the ladies that same evening, if the ladies were alone. + In answer to which message, the Native brought back a very small note with + a very large quantity of scent about it, indited by the Honourable Mrs + Skewton to Major Bagstock, and briefly saying, 'You are a shocking bear + and I have a great mind not to forgive you, but if you are very good + indeed,' which was underlined, 'you may come. Compliments (in which Edith + unites) to Mr Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + The Honourable Mrs Skewton and her daughter, Mrs Granger, resided, while + at Leamington, in lodgings that were fashionable enough and dear enough, + but rather limited in point of space and conveniences; so that the + Honourable Mrs Skewton, being in bed, had her feet in the window and her + head in the fireplace, while the Honourable Mrs Skewton's maid was + quartered in a closet within the drawing-room, so extremely small, that, + to avoid developing the whole of its accommodations, she was obliged to + writhe in and out of the door like a beautiful serpent. Withers, the wan + page, slept out of the house immediately under the tiles at a neighbouring + milk-shop; and the wheeled chair, which was the stone of that young + Sisyphus, passed the night in a shed belonging to the same dairy, where + new-laid eggs were produced by the poultry connected with the + establishment, who roosted on a broken donkey-cart, persuaded, to all + appearance, that it grew there, and was a species of tree. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey and the Major found Mrs Skewton arranged, as Cleopatra, among + the cushions of a sofa: very airily dressed; and certainly not resembling + Shakespeare's Cleopatra, whom age could not wither. On their way upstairs + they had heard the sound of a harp, but it had ceased on their being + announced, and Edith now stood beside it handsomer and haughtier than + ever. It was a remarkable characteristic of this lady's beauty that it + appeared to vaunt and assert itself without her aid, and against her will. + She knew that she was beautiful: it was impossible that it could be + otherwise: but she seemed with her own pride to defy her very self. + </p> + <p> + Whether she held cheap attractions that could only call forth admiration + that was worthless to her, or whether she designed to render them more + precious to admirers by this usage of them, those to whom they were + precious seldom paused to consider. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, Mrs Granger,' said Mr Dombey, advancing a step towards her, 'we + are not the cause of your ceasing to play?' + </p> + <p> + 'You! oh no!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you not go on then, my dearest Edith?' said Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + 'I left off as I began—of my own fancy.' + </p> + <p> + The exquisite indifference of her manner in saying this: an indifference + quite removed from dulness or insensibility, for it was pointed with proud + purpose: was well set off by the carelessness with which she drew her hand + across the strings, and came from that part of the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know, Mr Dombey,' said her languishing mother, playing with a + hand-screen, 'that occasionally my dearest Edith and myself actually + almost differ—' + </p> + <p> + 'Not quite, sometimes, Mama?' said Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh never quite, my darling! Fie, fie, it would break my heart,' returned + her mother, making a faint attempt to pat her with the screen, which Edith + made no movement to meet, '—about these old conventionalities of + manner that are observed in little things? Why are we not more natural? + Dear me! With all those yearnings, and gushings, and impulsive throbbings + that we have implanted in our souls, and which are so very charming, why + are we not more natural?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey said it was very true, very true. + </p> + <p> + 'We could be more natural I suppose if we tried?' said Mrs Skewton. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey thought it possible. + </p> + <p> + 'Devil a bit, Ma'am,' said the Major. 'We couldn't afford it. Unless the + world was peopled with J.B.'s—tough and blunt old Joes, Ma'am, plain + red herrings with hard roes, Sir—we couldn't afford it. It wouldn't + do.' + </p> + <p> + 'You naughty Infidel,' said Mrs Skewton, 'be mute.' + </p> + <p> + 'Cleopatra commands,' returned the Major, kissing his hand, 'and Antony + Bagstock obeys.' + </p> + <p> + 'The man has no sensitiveness,' said Mrs Skewton, cruelly holding up the + hand-screen so as to shut the Major out. 'No sympathy. And what do we live + for but sympathy! What else is so extremely charming! Without that gleam + of sunshine on our cold cold earth,' said Mrs Skewton, arranging her lace + tucker, and complacently observing the effect of her bare lean arm, + looking upward from the wrist, 'how could we possibly bear it? In short, + obdurate man!' glancing at the Major, round the screen, 'I would have my + world all heart; and Faith is so excessively charming, that I won't allow + you to disturb it, do you hear?' + </p> + <p> + The Major replied that it was hard in Cleopatra to require the world to be + all heart, and yet to appropriate to herself the hearts of all the world; + which obliged Cleopatra to remind him that flattery was insupportable to + her, and that if he had the boldness to address her in that strain any + more, she would positively send him home. + </p> + <p> + Withers the Wan, at this period, handing round the tea, Mr Dombey again + addressed himself to Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'There is not much company here, it would seem?' said Mr Dombey, in his + own portentous gentlemanly way. + </p> + <p> + 'I believe not. We see none.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why really,' observed Mrs Skewton from her couch, 'there are no people + here just now with whom we care to associate.' + </p> + <p> + 'They have not enough heart,' said Edith, with a smile. The very twilight + of a smile: so singularly were its light and darkness blended. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith rallies me, you see!' said her mother, shaking her head: + which shook a little of itself sometimes, as if the palsy twinkled now and + then in opposition to the diamonds. 'Wicked one!' + </p> + <p> + 'You have been here before, if I am not mistaken?' said Mr Dombey. Still + to Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, several times. I think we have been everywhere.' + </p> + <p> + 'A beautiful country!' + </p> + <p> + 'I suppose it is. Everybody says so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your cousin Feenix raves about it, Edith,' interposed her mother from her + couch. + </p> + <p> + The daughter slightly turned her graceful head, and raising her eyebrows + by a hair's-breadth, as if her cousin Feenix were of all the mortal world + the least to be regarded, turned her eyes again towards Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, for the credit of my good taste, that I am tired of the + neighbourhood,' she said. + </p> + <p> + 'You have almost reason to be, Madam,' he replied, glancing at a variety + of landscape drawings, of which he had already recognised several as + representing neighbouring points of view, and which were strewn abundantly + about the room, 'if these beautiful productions are from your hand.' + </p> + <p> + She gave him no reply, but sat in a disdainful beauty, quite amazing. + </p> + <p> + 'Have they that interest?' said Mr Dombey. 'Are they yours?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you play, I already know.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'And sing?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + She answered all these questions with a strange reluctance; and with that + remarkable air of opposition to herself, already noticed as belonging to + her beauty. Yet she was not embarrassed, but wholly self-possessed. + Neither did she seem to wish to avoid the conversation, for she addressed + her face, and—so far as she could—her manner also, to him; and + continued to do so, when he was silent. + </p> + <p> + 'You have many resources against weariness at least,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Whatever their efficiency may be,' she returned, 'you know them all now. + I have no more.' + </p> + <p> + 'May I hope to prove them all?' said Mr Dombey, with solemn gallantry, + laying down a drawing he had held, and motioning towards the harp. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh certainly! If you desire it!' + </p> + <p> + She rose as she spoke, and crossing by her mother's couch, and directing a + stately look towards her, which was instantaneous in its duration, but + inclusive (if anyone had seen it) of a multitude of expressions, among + which that of the twilight smile, without the smile itself, overshadowed + all the rest, went out of the room. + </p> + <p> + The Major, who was quite forgiven by this time, had wheeled a little table + up to Cleopatra, and was sitting down to play picquet with her. Mr Dombey, + not knowing the game, sat down to watch them for his edification until + Edith should return. + </p> + <p> + 'We are going to have some music, Mr Dombey, I hope?' said Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Granger has been kind enough to promise so,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! That's very nice. Do you propose, Major?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Ma'am,' said the Major. 'Couldn't do it.' + </p> + <p> + 'You're a barbarous being,' replied the lady, 'and my hand's destroyed. + You are fond of music, Mr Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + 'Eminently so,' was Mr Dombey's answer. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. It's very nice,' said Cleopatra, looking at her cards. 'So much + heart in it—undeveloped recollections of a previous state of + existence—and all that—which is so truly charming. Do you + know,' simpered Cleopatra, reversing the knave of clubs, who had come into + her game with his heels uppermost, 'that if anything could tempt me to put + a period to my life, it would be curiosity to find out what it's all + about, and what it means; there are so many provoking mysteries, really, + that are hidden from us. Major, you to play!' + </p> + <p> + The Major played; and Mr Dombey, looking on for his instruction, would + soon have been in a state of dire confusion, but that he gave no attention + to the game whatever, and sat wondering instead when Edith would come + back. + </p> + <p> + She came at last, and sat down to her harp, and Mr Dombey rose and stood + beside her, listening. He had little taste for music, and no knowledge of + the strain she played, but he saw her bending over it, and perhaps he + heard among the sounding strings some distant music of his own, that tamed + the monster of the iron road, and made it less inexorable. + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra had a sharp eye, verily, at picquet. It glistened like a bird's, + and did not fix itself upon the game, but pierced the room from end to + end, and gleamed on harp, performer, listener, everything. + </p> + <p> + When the haughty beauty had concluded, she arose, and receiving Mr + Dombey's thanks and compliments in exactly the same manner as before, went + with scarcely any pause to the piano, and began there. + </p> + <p> + Edith Granger, any song but that! Edith Granger, you are very handsome, + and your touch upon the keys is brilliant, and your voice is deep and + rich; but not the air that his neglected daughter sang to his dead son! + </p> + <p> + Alas, he knows it not; and if he did, what air of hers would stir him, + rigid man! Sleep, lonely Florence, sleep! Peace in thy dreams, although + the night has turned dark, and the clouds are gathering, and threaten to + discharge themselves in hail! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 22. A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>r Carker the Manager sat at his desk, smooth and soft as usual, reading + those letters which were reserved for him to open, backing them + occasionally with such memoranda and references as their business purport + required, and parcelling them out into little heaps for distribution + through the several departments of the House. The post had come in heavy + that morning, and Mr Carker the Manager had a good deal to do. + </p> + <p> + The general action of a man so engaged—pausing to look over a bundle + of papers in his hand, dealing them round in various portions, taking up + another bundle and examining its contents with knitted brows and + pursed-out lips—dealing, and sorting, and pondering by turns—would + easily suggest some whimsical resemblance to a player at cards. The face + of Mr Carker the Manager was in good keeping with such a fancy. It was the + face of a man who studied his play, warily: who made himself master of all + the strong and weak points of the game: who registered the cards in his + mind as they fell about him, knew exactly what was on them, what they + missed, and what they made: who was crafty to find out what the other + players held, and who never betrayed his own hand. + </p> + <p> + The letters were in various languages, but Mr Carker the Manager read them + all. If there had been anything in the offices of Dombey and Son that he + could read, there would have been a card wanting in the pack. He read + almost at a glance, and made combinations of one letter with another and + one business with another as he went on, adding new matter to the heaps—much + as a man would know the cards at sight, and work out their combinations in + his mind after they were turned. Something too deep for a partner, and + much too deep for an adversary, Mr Carker the Manager sat in the rays of + the sun that came down slanting on him through the skylight, playing his + game alone. + </p> + <p> + And although it is not among the instincts wild or domestic of the cat + tribe to play at cards, feline from sole to crown was Mr Carker the + Manager, as he basked in the strip of summer-light and warmth that shone + upon his table and the ground as if they were a crooked dial-plate, and + himself the only figure on it. With hair and whiskers deficient in colour + at all times, but feebler than common in the rich sunshine, and more like + the coat of a sandy tortoise-shell cat; with long nails, nicely pared and + sharpened; with a natural antipathy to any speck of dirt, which made him + pause sometimes and watch the falling motes of dust, and rub them off his + smooth white hand or glossy linen: Mr Carker the Manager, sly of manner, + sharp of tooth, soft of foot, watchful of eye, oily of tongue, cruel of + heart, nice of habit, sat with a dainty steadfastness and patience at his + work, as if he were waiting at a mouse's hole. + </p> + <p> + At length the letters were disposed of, excepting one which he reserved + for a particular audience. Having locked the more confidential + correspondence in a drawer, Mr Carker the Manager rang his bell. + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you answer it?' was his reception of his brother. + </p> + <p> + 'The messenger is out, and I am the next,' was the submissive reply. + </p> + <p> + 'You are the next?' muttered the Manager. 'Yes! Creditable to me! There!' + </p> + <p> + Pointing to the heaps of opened letters, he turned disdainfully away, in + his elbow-chair, and broke the seal of that one which he held in his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sorry to trouble you, James,' said the brother, gathering them up, + 'but—' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! you have something to say. I knew that. Well?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager did not raise his eyes or turn them on his brother, + but kept them on his letter, though without opening it. + </p> + <p> + 'Well?' he repeated sharply. + </p> + <p> + 'I am uneasy about Harriet.' + </p> + <p> + 'Harriet who? what Harriet? I know nobody of that name.' + </p> + <p> + 'She is not well, and has changed very much of late.' + </p> + <p> + 'She changed very much, a great many years ago,' replied the Manager; 'and + that is all I have to say. + </p> + <p> + 'I think if you would hear me— + </p> + <p> + 'Why should I hear you, Brother John?' returned the Manager, laying a + sarcastic emphasis on those two words, and throwing up his head, but not + lifting his eyes. 'I tell you, Harriet Carker made her choice many years + ago between her two brothers. She may repent it, but she must abide by + it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't mistake me. I do not say she does repent it. It would be black + ingratitude in me to hint at such a thing,' returned the other. 'Though + believe me, James, I am as sorry for her sacrifice as you.' + </p> + <p> + 'As I?' exclaimed the Manager. 'As I?' + </p> + <p> + 'As sorry for her choice—for what you call her choice—as you + are angry at it,' said the Junior. + </p> + <p> + 'Angry?' repeated the other, with a wide show of his teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'Displeased. Whatever word you like best. You know my meaning. There is no + offence in my intention.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is offence in everything you do,' replied his brother, glancing at + him with a sudden scowl, which in a moment gave place to a wider smile + than the last. 'Carry those papers away, if you please. I am busy. + </p> + <p> + His politeness was so much more cutting than his wrath, that the Junior + went to the door. But stopping at it, and looking round, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'When Harriet tried in vain to plead for me with you, on your first just + indignation, and my first disgrace; and when she left you, James, to + follow my broken fortunes, and devote herself, in her mistaken affection, + to a ruined brother, because without her he had no one, and was lost; she + was young and pretty. I think if you could see her now—if you would + go and see her—she would move your admiration and compassion.' + </p> + <p> + The Manager inclined his head, and showed his teeth, as who should say, in + answer to some careless small-talk, 'Dear me! Is that the case?' but said + never a word. + </p> + <p> + 'We thought in those days: you and I both: that she would marry young, and + lead a happy and light-hearted life,' pursued the other. 'Oh if you knew + how cheerfully she cast those hopes away; how cheerfully she has gone + forward on the path she took, and never once looked back; you never could + say again that her name was strange in your ears. Never!' + </p> + <p> + Again the Manager inclined his head and showed his teeth, and seemed to + say, 'Remarkable indeed! You quite surprise me!' And again he uttered + never a word. + </p> + <p> + 'May I go on?' said John Carker, mildly. + </p> + <p> + 'On your way?' replied his smiling brother. 'If you will have the + goodness.' + </p> + <p> + John Carker, with a sigh, was passing slowly out at the door, when his + brother's voice detained him for a moment on the threshold. + </p> + <p> + 'If she has gone, and goes, her own way cheerfully,' he said, throwing the + still unfolded letter on his desk, and putting his hands firmly in his + pockets, 'you may tell her that I go as cheerfully on mine. If she has + never once looked back, you may tell her that I have, sometimes, to recall + her taking part with you, and that my resolution is no easier to wear + away;' he smiled very sweetly here; 'than marble.' + </p> + <p> + 'I tell her nothing of you. We never speak about you. Once a year, on your + birthday, Harriet says always, "Let us remember James by name, and wish + him happy," but we say no more.' + </p> + <p> + 'Tell it then, if you please,' returned the other, 'to yourself. You can't + repeat it too often, as a lesson to you to avoid the subject in speaking + to me. I know no Harriet Carker. There is no such person. You may have a + sister; make much of her. I have none.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager took up the letter again, and waved it with a smile + of mock courtesy towards the door. Unfolding it as his brother withdrew, + and looking darkly after him as he left the room, he once more turned + round in his elbow-chair, and applied himself to a diligent perusal of its + contents. + </p> + <p> + It was in the writing of his great chief, Mr Dombey, and dated from + Leamington. Though he was a quick reader of all other letters, Mr Carker + read this slowly; weighing the words as he went, and bringing every tooth + in his head to bear upon them. When he had read it through once, he turned + it over again, and picked out these passages. 'I find myself benefited by + the change, and am not yet inclined to name any time for my return.' 'I + wish, Carker, you would arrange to come down once and see me here, and let + me know how things are going on, in person.' 'I omitted to speak to you + about young Gay. If not gone per Son and Heir, or if Son and Heir still + lying in the Docks, appoint some other young man and keep him in the City + for the present. I am not decided.' 'Now that's unfortunate!' said Mr + Carker the Manager, expanding his mouth, as if it were made of + India-rubber: 'for he's far away.' + </p> + <p> + Still that passage, which was in a postscript, attracted his attention and + his teeth, once more. + </p> + <p> + 'I think,' he said, 'my good friend Captain Cuttle mentioned something + about being towed along in the wake of that day. What a pity he's so far + away!' + </p> + <p> + He refolded the letter, and was sitting trifling with it, standing it + long-wise and broad-wise on his table, and turning it over and over on all + sides—doing pretty much the same thing, perhaps, by its contents—when + Mr Perch the messenger knocked softly at the door, and coming in on + tiptoe, bending his body at every step as if it were the delight of his + life to bow, laid some papers on the table. + </p> + <p> + 'Would you please to be engaged, Sir?' asked Mr Perch, rubbing his hands, + and deferentially putting his head on one side, like a man who felt he had + no business to hold it up in such a presence, and would keep it as much + out of the way as possible. + </p> + <p> + 'Who wants me?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Sir,' said Mr Perch, in a soft voice, 'really nobody, Sir, to speak + of at present. Mr Gills the Ship's Instrument-maker, Sir, has looked in, + about a little matter of payment, he says: but I mentioned to him, Sir, + that you was engaged several deep; several deep.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch coughed once behind his hand, and waited for further orders. + </p> + <p> + 'Anybody else?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' said Mr Perch, 'I wouldn't of my own self take the liberty of + mentioning, Sir, that there was anybody else; but that same young lad that + was here yesterday, Sir, and last week, has been hanging about the place; + and it looks, Sir,' added Mr Perch, stopping to shut the door, 'dreadful + unbusiness-like to see him whistling to the sparrows down the court, and + making of 'em answer him.' + </p> + <p> + 'You said he wanted something to do, didn't you, Perch?' asked Mr Carker, + leaning back in his chair and looking at that officer. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Sir,' said Mr Perch, coughing behind his hand again, 'his expression + certainly were that he was in wants of a sitiwation, and that he + considered something might be done for him about the Docks, being used to + fishing with a rod and line: but—' Mr Perch shook his head very + dubiously indeed. + </p> + <p> + 'What does he say when he comes?' asked Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, Sir,' said Mr Perch, coughing another cough behind his hand, + which was always his resource as an expression of humility when nothing + else occurred to him, 'his observation generally air that he would humbly + wish to see one of the gentlemen, and that he wants to earn a living. But + you see, Sir,' added Perch, dropping his voice to a whisper, and turning, + in the inviolable nature of his confidence, to give the door a thrust with + his hand and knee, as if that would shut it any more when it was shut + already, 'it's hardly to be bore, Sir, that a common lad like that should + come a prowling here, and saying that his mother nursed our House's young + gentleman, and that he hopes our House will give him a chance on that + account. I am sure, Sir,' observed Mr Perch, 'that although Mrs Perch was + at that time nursing as thriving a little girl, Sir, as we've ever took + the liberty of adding to our family, I wouldn't have made so free as drop + a hint of her being capable of imparting nourishment, not if it was never + so!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker grinned at him like a shark, but in an absent, thoughtful + manner. + </p> + <p> + 'Whether,' submitted Mr Perch, after a short silence, and another cough, + 'it mightn't be best for me to tell him, that if he was seen here any more + he would be given into custody; and to keep to it! With respect to bodily + fear,' said Mr Perch, 'I'm so timid, myself, by nature, Sir, and my nerves + is so unstrung by Mrs Perch's state, that I could take my affidavit easy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let me see this fellow, Perch,' said Mr Carker. 'Bring him in!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir. Begging your pardon, Sir,' said Mr Perch, hesitating at the + door, 'he's rough, Sir, in appearance.' + </p> + <p> + 'Never mind. If he's there, bring him in. I'll see Mr Gills directly. Ask + him to wait.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch bowed; and shutting the door, as precisely and carefully as if he + were not coming back for a week, went on his quest among the sparrows in + the court. While he was gone, Mr Carker assumed his favourite attitude + before the fire-place, and stood looking at the door; presenting, with his + under lip tucked into the smile that showed his whole row of upper teeth, + a singularly crouching apace. + </p> + <p> + The messenger was not long in returning, followed by a pair of heavy boots + that came bumping along the passage like boxes. With the unceremonious + words 'Come along with you!'—a very unusual form of introduction + from his lips—Mr Perch then ushered into the presence a strong-built + lad of fifteen, with a round red face, a round sleek head, round black + eyes, round limbs, and round body, who, to carry out the general rotundity + of his appearance, had a round hat in his hand, without a particle of brim + to it. + </p> + <p> + Obedient to a nod from Mr Carker, Perch had no sooner confronted the + visitor with that gentleman than he withdrew. The moment they were face to + face alone, Mr Carker, without a word of preparation, took him by the + throat, and shook him until his head seemed loose upon his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The boy, who in the midst of his astonishment could not help staring + wildly at the gentleman with so many white teeth who was choking him, and + at the office walls, as though determined, if he were choked, that his + last look should be at the mysteries for his intrusion into which he was + paying such a severe penalty, at last contrived to utter— + </p> + <p> + 'Come, Sir! You let me alone, will you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Let you alone!' said Mr Carker. 'What! I have got you, have I?' There was + no doubt of that, and tightly too. 'You dog,' said Mr Carker, through his + set jaws, 'I'll strangle you!' + </p> + <p> + Biler whimpered, would he though? oh no he wouldn't—and what was he + doing of—and why didn't he strangle some—body of his own size + and not him: but Biler was quelled by the extraordinary nature of his + reception, and, as his head became stationary, and he looked the gentleman + in the face, or rather in the teeth, and saw him snarling at him, he so + far forgot his manhood as to cry. + </p> + <p> + 'I haven't done nothing to you, Sir,' said Biler, otherwise Rob, otherwise + Grinder, and always Toodle. + </p> + <p> + 'You young scoundrel!' replied Mr Carker, slowly releasing him, and moving + back a step into his favourite position. 'What do you mean by daring to + come here?' + </p> + <p> + 'I didn't mean no harm, Sir,' whimpered Rob, putting one hand to his + throat, and the knuckles of the other to his eyes. 'I'll never come again, + Sir. I only wanted work.' + </p> + <p> + 'Work, young Cain that you are!' repeated Mr Carker, eyeing him narrowly. + 'Ain't you the idlest vagabond in London?' + </p> + <p> + The impeachment, while it much affected Mr Toodle Junior, attached to his + character so justly, that he could not say a word in denial. He stood + looking at the gentleman, therefore, with a frightened, self-convicted, + and remorseful air. As to his looking at him, it may be observed that he + was fascinated by Mr Carker, and never took his round eyes off him for an + instant. + </p> + <p> + 'Ain't you a thief?' said Mr Carker, with his hands behind him in his + pockets. + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir,' pleaded Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'You are!' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'I ain't indeed, Sir,' whimpered Rob. 'I never did such a thing as thieve, + Sir, if you'll believe me. I know I've been a going wrong, Sir, ever since + I took to bird-catching and walking-matching. I'm sure a cove might + think,' said Mr Toodle Junior, with a burst of penitence, 'that singing + birds was innocent company, but nobody knows what harm is in them little + creeturs and what they brings you down to.' + </p> + <p> + They seemed to have brought him down to a velveteen jacket and trousers + very much the worse for wear, a particularly small red waistcoat like a + gorget, an interval of blue check, and the hat before mentioned. + </p> + <p> + 'I ain't been home twenty times since them birds got their will of me,' + said Rob, 'and that's ten months. How can I go home when everybody's + miserable to see me! I wonder,' said Biler, blubbering outright, and + smearing his eyes with his coat-cuff, 'that I haven't been and drownded + myself over and over again.' + </p> + <p> + All of which, including his expression of surprise at not having achieved + this last scarce performance, the boy said, just as if the teeth of Mr + Carker drew it out of him, and he had no power of concealing anything with + that battery of attraction in full play. + </p> + <p> + 'You're a nice young gentleman!' said Mr Carker, shaking his head at him. + 'There's hemp-seed sown for you, my fine fellow!' + </p> + <p> + 'I'm sure, Sir,' returned the wretched Biler, blubbering again, and again + having recourse to his coat-cuff: 'I shouldn't care, sometimes, if it was + growed too. My misfortunes all began in wagging, Sir; but what could I do, + exceptin' wag?' + </p> + <p> + 'Excepting what?' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Wag, Sir. Wagging from school.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you mean pretending to go there, and not going?' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir, that's wagging, Sir,' returned the quondam Grinder, much + affected. 'I was chivied through the streets, Sir, when I went there, and + pounded when I got there. So I wagged, and hid myself, and that began it.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you mean to tell me,' said Mr Carker, taking him by the throat again, + holding him out at arm's-length, and surveying him in silence for some + moments, 'that you want a place, do you?' + </p> + <p> + 'I should be thankful to be tried, Sir,' returned Toodle Junior, faintly. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager pushed him backward into a corner—the boy + submitting quietly, hardly venturing to breathe, and never once removing + his eyes from his face—and rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + 'Tell Mr Gills to come here.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch was too deferential to express surprise or recognition of the + figure in the corner: and Uncle Sol appeared immediately. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Gills!' said Carker, with a smile, 'sit down. How do you do? You + continue to enjoy your health, I hope?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Sir,' returned Uncle Sol, taking out his pocket-book, and + handing over some notes as he spoke. 'Nothing ails me in body but old age. + Twenty-five, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are as punctual and exact, Mr Gills,' replied the smiling Manager, + taking a paper from one of his many drawers, and making an endorsement on + it, while Uncle Sol looked over him, 'as one of your own chronometers. + Quite right.' + </p> + <p> + 'The Son and Heir has not been spoken, I find by the list, Sir,' said + Uncle Sol, with a slight addition to the usual tremor in his voice. + </p> + <p> + 'The Son and Heir has not been spoken,' returned Carker. 'There seems to + have been tempestuous weather, Mr Gills, and she has probably been driven + out of her course.' + </p> + <p> + 'She is safe, I trust in Heaven!' said old Sol. + </p> + <p> + 'She is safe, I trust in Heaven!' assented Mr Carker in that voiceless + manner of his: which made the observant young Toodle tremble again. 'Mr + Gills,' he added aloud, throwing himself back in his chair, 'you must miss + your nephew very much?' + </p> + <p> + Uncle Sol, standing by him, shook his head and heaved a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Gills,' said Carker, with his soft hand playing round his mouth, and + looking up into the Instrument-maker's face, 'it would be company to you + to have a young fellow in your shop just now, and it would be obliging me + if you would give one house-room for the present. No, to be sure,' he + added quickly, in anticipation of what the old man was going to say, + 'there's not much business doing there, I know; but you can make him clean + the place out, polish up the instruments; drudge, Mr Gills. That's the + lad!' + </p> + <p> + Sol Gills pulled down his spectacles from his forehead to his eyes, and + looked at Toodle Junior standing upright in the corner: his head + presenting the appearance (which it always did) of having been newly drawn + out of a bucket of cold water; his small waistcoat rising and falling + quickly in the play of his emotions; and his eyes intently fixed on Mr + Carker, without the least reference to his proposed master. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you give him house-room, Mr Gills?' said the Manager. + </p> + <p> + Old Sol, without being quite enthusiastic on the subject, replied that he + was glad of any opportunity, however slight, to oblige Mr Carker, whose + wish on such a point was a command: and that the wooden Midshipman would + consider himself happy to receive in his berth any visitor of Mr Carker's + selecting. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker bared himself to the tops and bottoms of his gums: making the + watchful Toodle Junior tremble more and more: and acknowledged the + Instrument-maker's politeness in his most affable manner. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll dispose of him so, then, Mr Gills,' he answered, rising, and shaking + the old man by the hand, 'until I make up my mind what to do with him, and + what he deserves. As I consider myself responsible for him, Mr Gills,' + here he smiled a wide smile at Rob, who shook before it: 'I shall be glad + if you'll look sharply after him, and report his behaviour to me. I'll ask + a question or two of his parents as I ride home this afternoon—respectable + people—to confirm some particulars in his own account of himself; + and that done, Mr Gills, I'll send him round to you to-morrow morning. + Goodbye!' + </p> + <p> + His smile at parting was so full of teeth, that it confused old Sol, and + made him vaguely uncomfortable. He went home, thinking of raging seas, + foundering ships, drowning men, an ancient bottle of Madeira never brought + to light, and other dismal matters. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, boy!' said Mr Carker, putting his hand on young Toodle's shoulder, + and bringing him out into the middle of the room. 'You have heard me?' + </p> + <p> + Rob said, 'Yes, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps you understand,' pursued his patron, 'that if you ever deceive or + play tricks with me, you had better have drowned yourself, indeed, once + for all, before you came here?' + </p> + <p> + There was nothing in any branch of mental acquisition that Rob seemed to + understand better than that. + </p> + <p> + 'If you have lied to me,' said Mr Carker, 'in anything, never come in my + way again. If not, you may let me find you waiting for me somewhere near + your mother's house this afternoon. I shall leave this at five o'clock, + and ride there on horseback. Now, give me the address.' + </p> + <p> + Rob repeated it slowly, as Mr Carker wrote it down. Rob even spelt it over + a second time, letter by letter, as if he thought that the omission of a + dot or scratch would lead to his destruction. Mr Carker then handed him + out of the room; and Rob, keeping his round eyes fixed upon his patron to + the last, vanished for the time being. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager did a great deal of business in the course of the + day, and bestowed his teeth upon a great many people. In the office, in + the court, in the street, and on 'Change, they glistened and bristled to a + terrible extent. Five o'clock arriving, and with it Mr Carker's bay horse, + they got on horseback, and went gleaming up Cheapside. + </p> + <p> + As no one can easily ride fast, even if inclined to do so, through the + press and throng of the City at that hour, and as Mr Carker was not + inclined, he went leisurely along, picking his way among the carts and + carriages, avoiding whenever he could the wetter and more dirty places in + the over-watered road, and taking infinite pains to keep himself and his + steed clean. Glancing at the passersby while he was thus ambling on his + way, he suddenly encountered the round eyes of the sleek-headed Rob + intently fixed upon his face as if they had never been taken off, while + the boy himself, with a pocket-handkerchief twisted up like a speckled eel + and girded round his waist, made a very conspicuous demonstration of being + prepared to attend upon him, at whatever pace he might think proper to go. + </p> + <p> + This attention, however flattering, being one of an unusual kind, and + attracting some notice from the other passengers, Mr Carker took advantage + of a clearer thoroughfare and a cleaner road, and broke into a trot. Rob + immediately did the same. Mr Carker presently tried a canter; Rob was + still in attendance. Then a short gallop; it was all one to the boy. + Whenever Mr Carker turned his eyes to that side of the road, he still saw + Toodle Junior holding his course, apparently without distress, and working + himself along by the elbows after the most approved manner of professional + gentlemen who get over the ground for wagers. + </p> + <p> + Ridiculous as this attendance was, it was a sign of an influence + established over the boy, and therefore Mr Carker, affecting not to notice + it, rode away into the neighbourhood of Mr Toodle's house. On his + slackening his pace here, Rob appeared before him to point out the + turnings; and when he called to a man at a neighbouring gateway to hold + his horse, pending his visit to the buildings that had succeeded Staggs's + Gardens, Rob dutifully held the stirrup, while the Manager dismounted. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Sir,' said Mr Carker, taking him by the shoulder, 'come along!' + </p> + <p> + The prodigal son was evidently nervous of visiting the parental abode; but + Mr Carker pushing him on before, he had nothing for it but to open the + right door, and suffer himself to be walked into the midst of his brothers + and sisters, mustered in overwhelming force round the family tea-table. At + sight of the prodigal in the grasp of a stranger, these tender relations + united in a general howl, which smote upon the prodigal's breast so + sharply when he saw his mother stand up among them, pale and trembling, + with the baby in her arms, that he lent his own voice to the chorus. + </p> + <p> + Nothing doubting now that the stranger, if not Mr Ketch in person, was one + of that company, the whole of the young family wailed the louder, while + its more infantine members, unable to control the transports of emotion + appertaining to their time of life, threw themselves on their backs like + young birds when terrified by a hawk, and kicked violently. At length, + poor Polly making herself audible, said, with quivering lips, 'Oh Rob, my + poor boy, what have you done at last!' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing, mother,' cried Rob, in a piteous voice, 'ask the gentleman!' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't be alarmed,' said Mr Carker, 'I want to do him good.' + </p> + <p> + At this announcement, Polly, who had not cried yet, began to do so. The + elder Toodles, who appeared to have been meditating a rescue, unclenched + their fists. The younger Toodles clustered round their mother's gown, and + peeped from under their own chubby arms at their desperado brother and his + unknown friend. Everybody blessed the gentleman with the beautiful teeth, + who wanted to do good. + </p> + <p> + 'This fellow,' said Mr Carker to Polly, giving him a gentle shake, 'is + your son, eh, Ma'am?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir,' sobbed Polly, with a curtsey; 'yes, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'A bad son, I am afraid?' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Never a bad son to me, Sir,' returned Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'To whom then?' demanded Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'He has been a little wild, Sir,' returned Polly, checking the baby, who + was making convulsive efforts with his arms and legs to launch himself on + Biler, through the ambient air, 'and has gone with wrong companions: but I + hope he has seen the misery of that, Sir, and will do well again.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker looked at Polly, and the clean room, and the clean children, and + the simple Toodle face, combined of father and mother, that was reflected + and repeated everywhere about him—and seemed to have achieved the + real purpose of his visit. + </p> + <p> + 'Your husband, I take it, is not at home?' he said. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir,' replied Polly. 'He's down the line at present.' + </p> + <p> + The prodigal Rob seemed very much relieved to hear it: though still in the + absorption of all his faculties in his patron, he hardly took his eyes + from Mr Carker's face, unless for a moment at a time to steal a sorrowful + glance at his mother. + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' said Mr Carker, 'I'll tell you how I have stumbled on this boy of + yours, and who I am, and what I am going to do for him.' + </p> + <p> + This Mr Carker did, in his own way; saying that he at first intended to + have accumulated nameless terrors on his presumptuous head, for coming to + the whereabout of Dombey and Son. That he had relented, in consideration + of his youth, his professed contrition, and his friends. That he was + afraid he took a rash step in doing anything for the boy, and one that + might expose him to the censure of the prudent; but that he did it of + himself and for himself, and risked the consequences single-handed; and + that his mother's past connexion with Mr Dombey's family had nothing to do + with it, and that Mr Dombey had nothing to do with it, but that he, Mr + Carker, was the be-all and the end-all of this business. Taking great + credit to himself for his goodness, and receiving no less from all the + family then present, Mr Carker signified, indirectly but still pretty + plainly, that Rob's implicit fidelity, attachment, and devotion, were for + evermore his due, and the least homage he could receive. And with this + great truth Rob himself was so impressed, that, standing gazing on his + patron with tears rolling down his cheeks, he nodded his shiny head until + it seemed almost as loose as it had done under the same patron's hands + that morning. + </p> + <p> + Polly, who had passed Heaven knows how many sleepless nights on account of + this her dissipated firstborn, and had not seen him for weeks and weeks, + could have almost kneeled to Mr Carker the Manager, as to a Good Spirit—in + spite of his teeth. But Mr Carker rising to depart, she only thanked him + with her mother's prayers and blessings; thanks so rich when paid out of + the Heart's mint, especially for any service Mr Carker had rendered, that + he might have given back a large amount of change, and yet been overpaid. + </p> + <p> + As that gentleman made his way among the crowding children to the door, + Rob retreated on his mother, and took her and the baby in the same + repentant hug. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll try hard, dear mother, now. Upon my soul I will!' said Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh do, my dear boy! I am sure you will, for our sakes and your own!' + cried Polly, kissing him. 'But you're coming back to speak to me, when you + have seen the gentleman away?' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know, mother.' Rob hesitated, and looked down. 'Father—when's + he coming home?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not till two o'clock to-morrow morning.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll come back, mother dear!' cried Rob. And passing through the shrill + cry of his brothers and sisters in reception of this promise, he followed + Mr Carker out. + </p> + <p> + 'What!' said Mr Carker, who had heard this. 'You have a bad father, have + you?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Sir!' returned Rob, amazed. 'There ain't a better nor a kinder father + going, than mine is.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why don't you want to see him then?' inquired his patron. + </p> + <p> + 'There's such a difference between a father and a mother, Sir,' said Rob, + after faltering for a moment. 'He couldn't hardly believe yet that I was + doing to do better—though I know he'd try to—but a mother—she + always believes what's good, Sir; at least, I know my mother does, God + bless her!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker's mouth expanded, but he said no more until he was mounted on + his horse, and had dismissed the man who held it, when, looking down from + the saddle steadily into the attentive and watchful face of the boy, he + said: + </p> + <p> + 'You'll come to me tomorrow morning, and you shall be shown where that old + gentleman lives; that old gentleman who was with me this morning; where + you are going, as you heard me say.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir,' returned Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'I have a great interest in that old gentleman, and in serving him, you + serve me, boy, do you understand? Well,' he added, interrupting him, for + he saw his round face brighten when he was told that: 'I see you do. I + want to know all about that old gentleman, and how he goes on from day to + day—for I am anxious to be of service to him—and especially + who comes there to see him. Do you understand?' + </p> + <p> + Rob nodded his steadfast face, and said 'Yes, Sir,' again. + </p> + <p> + 'I should like to know that he has friends who are attentive to him, and + that they don't desert him—for he lives very much alone now, poor + fellow; but that they are fond of him, and of his nephew who has gone + abroad. There is a very young lady who may perhaps come to see him. I want + particularly to know all about her.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll take care, Sir,' said the boy. + </p> + <p> + 'And take care,' returned his patron, bending forward to advance his + grinning face closer to the boy's, and pat him on the shoulder with the + handle of his whip: 'take care you talk about affairs of mine to nobody + but me.' + </p> + <p> + 'To nobody in the world, Sir,' replied Rob, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + 'Neither there,' said Mr Carker, pointing to the place they had just left, + 'nor anywhere else. I'll try how true and grateful you can be. I'll prove + you!' Making this, by his display of teeth and by the action of his head, + as much a threat as a promise, he turned from Rob's eyes, which were + nailed upon him as if he had won the boy by a charm, body and soul, and + rode away. But again becoming conscious, after trotting a short distance, + that his devoted henchman, girt as before, was yielding him the same + attendance, to the great amusement of sundry spectators, he reined up, and + ordered him off. To ensure his obedience, he turned in the saddle and + watched him as he retired. It was curious to see that even then Rob could + not keep his eyes wholly averted from his patron's face, but, constantly + turning and turning again to look after him, involved himself in a tempest + of buffetings and jostlings from the other passengers in the street: of + which, in the pursuit of the one paramount idea, he was perfectly + heedless. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager rode on at a foot-pace, with the easy air of one who + had performed all the business of the day in a satisfactory manner, and + got it comfortably off his mind. Complacent and affable as man could be, + Mr Carker picked his way along the streets and hummed a soft tune as he + went. He seemed to purr, he was so glad. + </p> + <p> + And in some sort, Mr Carker, in his fancy, basked upon a hearth too. + Coiled up snugly at certain feet, he was ready for a spring, Or for a + tear, or for a scratch, or for a velvet touch, as the humour took him and + occasion served. Was there any bird in a cage, that came in for a share of + his regards? + </p> + <p> + 'A very young lady!' thought Mr Carker the Manager, through his song. 'Ay! + when I saw her last, she was a little child. With dark eyes and hair, I + recollect, and a good face; a very good face! I daresay she's pretty.' + </p> + <p> + More affable and pleasant yet, and humming his song until his many teeth + vibrated to it, Mr Carker picked his way along, and turned at last into + the shady street where Mr Dombey's house stood. He had been so busy, + winding webs round good faces, and obscuring them with meshes, that he + hardly thought of being at this point of his ride, until, glancing down + the cold perspective of tall houses, he reined in his horse quickly within + a few yards of the door. But to explain why Mr Carker reined in his horse + quickly, and what he looked at in no small surprise, a few digressive + words are necessary. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, emancipated from the Blimber thraldom and coming into the + possession of a certain portion of his worldly wealth, 'which,' as he had + been wont, during his last half-year's probation, to communicate to Mr + Feeder every evening as a new discovery, 'the executors couldn't keep him + out of' had applied himself with great diligence, to the science of Life. + Fired with a noble emulation to pursue a brilliant and distinguished + career, Mr Toots had furnished a choice set of apartments; had established + among them a sporting bower, embellished with the portraits of winning + horses, in which he took no particle of interest; and a divan, which made + him poorly. In this delicious abode, Mr Toots devoted himself to the + cultivation of those gentle arts which refine and humanise existence, his + chief instructor in which was an interesting character called the Game + Chicken, who was always to be heard of at the bar of the Black Badger, + wore a shaggy white great-coat in the warmest weather, and knocked Mr + Toots about the head three times a week, for the small consideration of + ten and six per visit. + </p> + <p> + The Game Chicken, who was quite the Apollo of Mr Toots's Pantheon, had + introduced to him a marker who taught billiards, a Life Guard who taught + fencing, a jobmaster who taught riding, a Cornish gentleman who was up to + anything in the athletic line, and two or three other friends connected no + less intimately with the fine arts. Under whose auspices Mr Toots could + hardly fail to improve apace, and under whose tuition he went to work. + </p> + <p> + But however it came about, it came to pass, even while these gentlemen had + the gloss of novelty upon them, that Mr Toots felt, he didn't know how, + unsettled and uneasy. There were husks in his corn, that even Game + Chickens couldn't peck up; gloomy giants in his leisure, that even Game + Chickens couldn't knock down. Nothing seemed to do Mr Toots so much good + as incessantly leaving cards at Mr Dombey's door. No taxgatherer in the + British Dominions—that wide-spread territory on which the sun never + sets, and where the tax-gatherer never goes to bed—was more regular + and persevering in his calls than Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots never went upstairs; and always performed the same ceremonies, + richly dressed for the purpose, at the hall door. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Good morning!' would be Mr Toots's first remark to the servant. 'For + Mr Dombey,' would be Mr Toots's next remark, as he handed in a card. 'For + Miss Dombey,' would be his next, as he handed in another. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots would then turn round as if to go away; but the man knew him by + this time, and knew he wouldn't. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, I beg your pardon,' Mr Toots would say, as if a thought had suddenly + descended on him. 'Is the young woman at home?' + </p> + <p> + The man would rather think she was, but wouldn't quite know. Then he would + ring a bell that rang upstairs, and would look up the staircase, and would + say, yes, she was at home, and was coming down. Then Miss Nipper would + appear, and the man would retire. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! How de do?' Mr Toots would say, with a chuckle and a blush. + </p> + <p> + Susan would thank him, and say she was very well. + </p> + <p> + 'How's Diogenes going on?' would be Mr Toots's second interrogation. + </p> + <p> + Very well indeed. Miss Florence was fonder and fonder of him every day. Mr + Toots was sure to hail this with a burst of chuckles, like the opening of + a bottle of some effervescent beverage. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence is quite well, Sir,' Susan would add. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's of no consequence, thank'ee,' was the invariable reply of Mr + Toots; and when he had said so, he always went away very fast. + </p> + <p> + Now it is certain that Mr Toots had a filmy something in his mind, which + led him to conclude that if he could aspire successfully in the fulness of + time, to the hand of Florence, he would be fortunate and blest. It is + certain that Mr Toots, by some remote and roundabout road, had got to that + point, and that there he made a stand. His heart was wounded; he was + touched; he was in love. He had made a desperate attempt, one night, and + had sat up all night for the purpose, to write an acrostic on Florence, + which affected him to tears in the conception. But he never proceeded in + the execution further than the words 'For when I gaze,'—the flow of + imagination in which he had previously written down the initial letters of + the other seven lines, deserting him at that point. + </p> + <p> + Beyond devising that very artful and politic measure of leaving a card for + Mr Dombey daily, the brain of Mr Toots had not worked much in reference to + the subject that held his feelings prisoner. But deep consideration at + length assured Mr Toots that an important step to gain, was, the + conciliation of Miss Susan Nipper, preparatory to giving her some inkling + of his state of mind. + </p> + <p> + A little light and playful gallantry towards this lady seemed the means to + employ in that early chapter of the history, for winning her to his + interests. Not being able quite to make up his mind about it, he consulted + the Chicken—without taking that gentleman into his confidence; + merely informing him that a friend in Yorkshire had written to him (Mr + Toots) for his opinion on such a question. The Chicken replying that his + opinion always was, 'Go in and win,' and further, 'When your man's before + you and your work cut out, go in and do it,' Mr Toots considered this a + figurative way of supporting his own view of the case, and heroically + resolved to kiss Miss Nipper next day. + </p> + <p> + Upon the next day, therefore, Mr Toots, putting into requisition some of + the greatest marvels that Burgess and Co. had ever turned out, went off to + Mr Dombey's upon this design. But his heart failed him so much as he + approached the scene of action, that, although he arrived on the ground at + three o'clock in the afternoon, it was six before he knocked at the door. + </p> + <p> + Everything happened as usual, down to the point where Susan said her young + mistress was well, and Mr Toots said it was of no consequence. To her + amazement, Mr Toots, instead of going off, like a rocket, after that + observation, lingered and chuckled. + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps you'd like to walk upstairs, Sir!' said Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I think I will come in!' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + But instead of walking upstairs, the bold Toots made an awkward plunge at + Susan when the door was shut, and embracing that fair creature, kissed her + on the cheek. + </p> + <p> + 'Go along with you!' cried Susan, 'or Ill tear your eyes out.' + </p> + <p> + 'Just another!' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Go along with you!' exclaimed Susan, giving him a push 'Innocents like + you, too! Who'll begin next? Go along, Sir!' + </p> + <p> + Susan was not in any serious strait, for she could hardly speak for + laughing; but Diogenes, on the staircase, hearing a rustling against the + wall, and a shuffling of feet, and seeing through the banisters that there + was some contention going on, and foreign invasion in the house, formed a + different opinion, dashed down to the rescue, and in the twinkling of an + eye had Mr Toots by the leg. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0298m.jpg" alt="0298m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0298.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Susan screamed, laughed, opened the street-door, and ran downstairs; the + bold Toots tumbled staggering out into the street, with Diogenes holding + on to one leg of his pantaloons, as if Burgess and Co. were his cooks, and + had provided that dainty morsel for his holiday entertainment; Diogenes + shaken off, rolled over and over in the dust, got up again, whirled round + the giddy Toots and snapped at him: and all this turmoil Mr Carker, + reigning up his horse and sitting a little at a distance, saw to his + amazement, issue from the stately house of Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker remained watching the discomfited Toots, when Diogenes was + called in, and the door shut: and while that gentleman, taking refuge in a + doorway near at hand, bound up the torn leg of his pantaloons with a + costly silk handkerchief that had formed part of his expensive outfit for + the advent. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Sir,' said Mr Carker, riding up, with his most + propitiatory smile. 'I hope you are not hurt?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, thank you,' replied Mr Toots, raising his flushed face, 'it's of + no consequence' Mr Toots would have signified, if he could, that he liked + it very much. + </p> + <p> + 'If the dog's teeth have entered the leg, Sir—' began Carker, with a + display of his own. + </p> + <p> + 'No, thank you,' said Mr Toots, 'it's all quite right. It's very + comfortable, thank you.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have the pleasure of knowing Mr Dombey,' observed Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Have you though?' rejoined the blushing Took + </p> + <p> + 'And you will allow me, perhaps, to apologise, in his absence,' said Mr + Carker, taking off his hat, 'for such a misadventure, and to wonder how it + can possibly have happened.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots is so much gratified by this politeness, and the lucky chance of + making friends with a friend of Mr Dombey, that he pulls out his card-case + which he never loses an opportunity of using, and hands his name and + address to Mr Carker: who responds to that courtesy by giving him his own, + and with that they part. + </p> + <p> + As Mr Carker picks his way so softly past the house, looking up at the + windows, and trying to make out the pensive face behind the curtain + looking at the children opposite, the rough head of Diogenes came + clambering up close by it, and the dog, regardless of all soothing, barks + and growls, and makes at him from that height, as if he would spring down + and tear him limb from limb. + </p> + <p> + Well spoken, Di, so near your Mistress! Another, and another with your + head up, your eyes flashing, and your vexed mouth worrying itself, for + want of him! Another, as he picks his way along! You have a good scent, + Di,—cats, boy, cats! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 23. Florence solitary, and the Midshipman mysterious + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>lorence lived alone in the great dreary house, and day succeeded day, and + still she lived alone; and the blank walls looked down upon her with a + vacant stare, as if they had a Gorgon-like mind to stare her youth and + beauty into stone. + </p> + <p> + No magic dwelling-place in magic story, shut up in the heart of a thick + wood, was ever more solitary and deserted to the fancy, than was her + father's mansion in its grim reality, as it stood lowering on the street: + always by night, when lights were shining from neighbouring windows, a + blot upon its scanty brightness; always by day, a frown upon its + never-smiling face. + </p> + <p> + There were not two dragon sentries keeping ward before the gate of this + above, as in magic legend are usually found on duty over the wronged + innocence imprisoned; but besides a glowering visage, with its thin lips + parted wickedly, that surveyed all comers from above the archway of the + door, there was a monstrous fantasy of rusty iron, curling and twisting + like a petrifaction of an arbour over threshold, budding in spikes and + corkscrew points, and bearing, one on either side, two ominous + extinguishers, that seemed to say, 'Who enter here, leave light behind!' + There were no talismanic characters engraven on the portal, but the house + was now so neglected in appearance, that boys chalked the railings and the + pavement—particularly round the corner where the side wall was—and + drew ghosts on the stable door; and being sometimes driven off by Mr + Towlinson, made portraits of him, in return, with his ears growing out + horizontally from under his hat. Noise ceased to be, within the shadow of + the roof. The brass band that came into the street once a week, in the + morning, never brayed a note in at those windows; but all such company, + down to a poor little piping organ of weak intellect, with an imbecile + party of automaton dancers, waltzing in and out at folding-doors, fell off + from it with one accord, and shunned it as a hopeless place. + </p> + <p> + The spell upon it was more wasting than the spell that used to set + enchanted houses sleeping once upon a time, but left their waking + freshness unimpaired. + </p> + <p> + The passive desolation of disuse was everywhere silently manifest about + it. Within doors, curtains, drooping heavily, lost their old folds and + shapes, and hung like cumbrous palls. Hecatombs of furniture, still piled + and covered up, shrunk like imprisoned and forgotten men, and changed + insensibly. Mirrors were dim as with the breath of years. Patterns of + carpets faded and became perplexed and faint, like the memory of those + years' trifling incidents. Boards, starting at unwonted footsteps, creaked + and shook. Keys rusted in the locks of doors. Damp started on the walls, + and as the stains came out, the pictures seemed to go in and secrete + themselves. Mildew and mould began to lurk in closets. Fungus trees grew + in corners of the cellars. Dust accumulated, nobody knew whence nor how; + spiders, moths, and grubs were heard of every day. An exploratory + blackbeetle now and then was found immovable upon the stairs, or in an + upper room, as wondering how he got there. Rats began to squeak and + scuffle in the night time, through dark galleries they mined behind the + panelling. + </p> + <p> + The dreary magnificence of the state rooms, seen imperfectly by the + doubtful light admitted through closed shutters, would have answered well + enough for an enchanted abode. Such as the tarnished paws of gilded lions, + stealthily put out from beneath their wrappers; the marble lineaments of + busts on pedestals, fearfully revealing themselves through veils; the + clocks that never told the time, or, if wound up by any chance, told it + wrong, and struck unearthly numbers, which are not upon the dial; the + accidental tinklings among the pendant lustres, more startling than + alarm-bells; the softened sounds and laggard air that made their way among + these objects, and a phantom crowd of others, shrouded and hooded, and + made spectral of shape. But, besides, there was the great staircase, where + the lord of the place so rarely set his foot, and by which his little + child had gone up to Heaven. There were other staircases and passages + where no one went for weeks together; there were two closed rooms + associated with dead members of the family, and with whispered + recollections of them; and to all the house but Florence, there was a + gentle figure moving through the solitude and gloom, that gave to every + lifeless thing a touch of present human interest and wonder. + </p> + <p> + For Florence lived alone in the deserted house, and day succeeded day, and + still she lived alone, and the cold walls looked down upon her with a + vacant stare, as if they had a Gorgon-like mind to stare her youth and + beauty into stone. + </p> + <p> + The grass began to grow upon the roof, and in the crevices of the basement + paving. A scaly crumbling vegetation sprouted round the window-sills. + Fragments of mortar lost their hold upon the insides of the unused + chimneys, and came dropping down. The two trees with the smoky trunks were + blighted high up, and the withered branches domineered above the leaves, + Through the whole building white had turned yellow, yellow nearly black; + and since the time when the poor lady died, it had slowly become a dark + gap in the long monotonous street. + </p> + <p> + But Florence bloomed there, like the king's fair daughter in the story. + Her books, her music, and her daily teachers, were her only real + companions, Susan Nipper and Diogenes excepted: of whom the former, in her + attendance on the studies of her young mistress, began to grow quite + learned herself, while the latter, softened possibly by the same + influences, would lay his head upon the window-ledge, and placidly open + and shut his eyes upon the street, all through a summer morning; sometimes + pricking up his head to look with great significance after some noisy dog + in a cart, who was barking his way along, and sometimes, with an + exasperated and unaccountable recollection of his supposed enemy in the + neighbourhood, rushing to the door, whence, after a deafening disturbance, + he would come jogging back with a ridiculous complacency that belonged to + him, and lay his jaw upon the window-ledge again, with the air of a dog + who had done a public service. + </p> + <p> + So Florence lived in her wilderness of a home, within the circle of her + innocent pursuits and thoughts, and nothing harmed her. She could go down + to her father's rooms now, and think of him, and suffer her loving heart + humbly to approach him, without fear of repulse. She could look upon the + objects that had surrounded him in his sorrow, and could nestle near his + chair, and not dread the glance that she so well remembered. She could + render him such little tokens of her duty and service, as putting + everything in order for him with her own hands, binding little nosegays + for table, changing them as one by one they withered and he did not come + back, preparing something for him every day, and leaving some timid mark + of her presence near his usual seat. To-day, it was a little painted stand + for his watch; tomorrow she would be afraid to leave it, and would + substitute some other trifle of her making not so likely to attract his + eye. Waking in the night, perhaps, she would tremble at the thought of his + coming home and angrily rejecting it, and would hurry down with slippered + feet and quickly beating heart, and bring it away. At another time, she + would only lay her face upon his desk, and leave a kiss there, and a tear. + </p> + <p> + Still no one knew of this. Unless the household found it out when she was + not there—and they all held Mr Dombey's rooms in awe—it was as + deep a secret in her breast as what had gone before it. Florence stole + into those rooms at twilight, early in the morning, and at times when + meals were served downstairs. And although they were in every nook the + better and the brighter for her care, she entered and passed out as + quietly as any sunbeam, opting that she left her light behind. + </p> + <p> + Shadowy company attended Florence up and down the echoing house, and sat + with her in the dismantled rooms. As if her life were an enchanted vision, + there arose out of her solitude ministering thoughts, that made it + fanciful and unreal. She imagined so often what her life would have been + if her father could have loved her and she had been a favourite child, + that sometimes, for the moment, she almost believed it was so, and, borne + on by the current of that pensive fiction, seemed to remember how they had + watched her brother in his grave together; how they had freely shared his + heart between them; how they were united in the dear remembrance of him; + how they often spoke about him yet; and her kind father, looking at her + gently, told her of their common hope and trust in God. At other times she + pictured to herself her mother yet alive. And oh the happiness of falling + on her neck, and clinging to her with the love and confidence of all her + soul! And oh the desolation of the solitary house again, with evening + coming on, and no one there! + </p> + <p> + But there was one thought, scarcely shaped out to herself, yet fervent and + strong within her, that upheld Florence when she strove and filled her + true young heart, so sorely tried, with constancy of purpose. Into her + mind, as into all others contending with the great affliction of our + mortal nature, there had stolen solemn wonderings and hopes, arising in + the dim world beyond the present life, and murmuring, like faint music, of + recognition in the far-off land between her brother and her mother: of + some present consciousness in both of her: some love and commiseration for + her: and some knowledge of her as she went her way upon the earth. It was + a soothing consolation to Florence to give shelter to these thoughts, + until one day—it was soon after she had last seen her father in his + own room, late at night—the fancy came upon her, that, in weeping + for his alienated heart, she might stir the spirits of the dead against + him. Wild, weak, childish, as it may have been to think so, and to tremble + at the half-formed thought, it was the impulse of her loving nature; and + from that hour Florence strove against the cruel wound in her breast, and + tried to think of him whose hand had made it, only with hope. + </p> + <p> + Her father did not know—she held to it from that time—how much + she loved him. She was very young, and had no mother, and had never + learned, by some fault or misfortune, how to express to him that she loved + him. She would be patient, and would try to gain that art in time, and win + him to a better knowledge of his only child. + </p> + <p> + This became the purpose of her life. The morning sun shone down upon the + faded house, and found the resolution bright and fresh within the bosom of + its solitary mistress, Through all the duties of the day, it animated her; + for Florence hoped that the more she knew, and the more accomplished she + became, the more glad he would be when he came to know and like her. + Sometimes she wondered, with a swelling heart and rising tear, whether she + was proficient enough in anything to surprise him when they should become + companions. Sometimes she tried to think if there were any kind of + knowledge that would bespeak his interest more readily than another. + Always: at her books, her music, and her work: in her morning walks, and + in her nightly prayers: she had her engrossing aim in view. Strange study + for a child, to learn the road to a hard parent's heart! + </p> + <p> + There were many careless loungers through the street, as the summer + evening deepened into night, who glanced across the road at the sombre + house, and saw the youthful figure at the window, such a contrast to it, + looking upward at the stars as they began to shine, who would have slept + the worse if they had known on what design she mused so steadfastly. The + reputation of the mansion as a haunted house, would not have been the + gayer with some humble dwellers elsewhere, who were struck by its external + gloom in passing and repassing on their daily avocations, and so named it, + if they could have read its story in the darkening face. But Florence held + her sacred purpose, unsuspected and unaided: and studied only how to bring + her father to the understanding that she loved him, and made no appeal + against him in any wandering thought. + </p> + <p> + Thus Florence lived alone in the deserted house, and day succeeded day, + and still she lived alone, and the monotonous walls looked down upon her + with a stare, as if they had a Gorgon-like intent to stare her youth and + beauty into stone. + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper stood opposite to her young mistress one morning, as she + folded and sealed a note she had been writing: and showed in her looks an + approving knowledge of its contents. + </p> + <p> + 'Better late than never, dear Miss Floy,' said Susan, 'and I do say, that + even a visit to them old Skettleses will be a Godsend.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is very good of Sir Barnet and Lady Skettles, Susan,' returned + Florence, with a mild correction of that young lady's familiar mention of + the family in question, 'to repeat their invitation so kindly.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper, who was perhaps the most thoroughgoing partisan on the face + of the earth, and who carried her partisanship into all matters great or + small, and perpetually waged war with it against society, screwed up her + lips and shook her head, as a protest against any recognition of + disinterestedness in the Skettleses, and a plea in bar that they would + have valuable consideration for their kindness, in the company of + Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'They know what they're about, if ever people did,' murmured Miss Nipper, + drawing in her breath 'oh! trust them Skettleses for that!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am not very anxious to go to Fulham, Susan, I confess,' said Florence + thoughtfully: 'but it will be right to go. I think it will be better.' + </p> + <p> + 'Much better,' interposed Susan, with another emphatic shake of her head. + </p> + <p> + 'And so,' said Florence, 'though I would prefer to have gone when there + was no one there, instead of in this vacation time, when it seems there + are some young people staying in the house, I have thankfully said yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'For which I say, Miss Floy, Oh be joyful!' returned Susan, 'Ah! h—h!' + </p> + <p> + This last ejaculation, with which Miss Nipper frequently wound up a + sentence, at about that epoch of time, was supposed below the level of the + hall to have a general reference to Mr Dombey, and to be expressive of a + yearning in Miss Nipper to favour that gentleman with a piece of her mind. + But she never explained it; and it had, in consequence, the charm of + mystery, in addition to the advantage of the sharpest expression. + </p> + <p> + 'How long it is before we have any news of Walter, Susan!' observed + Florence, after a moment's silence. + </p> + <p> + 'Long indeed, Miss Floy!' replied her maid. 'And Perch said, when he came + just now to see for letters—but what signifies what he says!' + exclaimed Susan, reddening and breaking off. 'Much he knows about it!' + </p> + <p> + Florence raised her eyes quickly, and a flush overspread her face. + </p> + <p> + 'If I hadn't,' said Susan Nipper, evidently struggling with some latent + anxiety and alarm, and looking full at her young mistress, while + endeavouring to work herself into a state of resentment with the + unoffending Mr Perch's image, 'if I hadn't more manliness than that + insipidest of his sex, I'd never take pride in my hair again, but turn it + up behind my ears, and wear coarse caps, without a bit of border, until + death released me from my insignificance. I may not be a Amazon, Miss + Floy, and wouldn't so demean myself by such disfigurement, but anyways I'm + not a giver up, I hope.' + </p> + <p> + 'Give up! What?' cried Florence, with a face of terror. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, nothing, Miss,' said Susan. 'Good gracious, nothing! It's only that + wet curl-paper of a man, Perch, that anyone might almost make away with, + with a touch, and really it would be a blessed event for all parties if + someone would take pity on him, and would have the goodness!' + </p> + <p> + 'Does he give up the ship, Susan?' inquired Florence, very pale. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Miss,' returned Susan, 'I should like to see him make so bold as do + it to my face! No, Miss, but he goes on about some bothering ginger that + Mr Walter was to send to Mrs Perch, and shakes his dismal head, and says + he hopes it may be coming; anyhow, he says, it can't come now in time for + the intended occasion, but may do for next, which really,' said Miss + Nipper, with aggravated scorn, 'puts me out of patience with the man, for + though I can bear a great deal, I am not a camel, neither am I,' added + Susan, after a moment's consideration, 'if I know myself, a dromedary + neither.' + </p> + <p> + 'What else does he say, Susan?' inquired Florence, earnestly. 'Won't you + tell me?' + </p> + <p> + 'As if I wouldn't tell you anything, Miss Floy, and everything!' said + Susan. 'Why, nothing Miss, he says that there begins to be a general talk + about the ship, and that they have never had a ship on that voyage half so + long unheard of, and that the Captain's wife was at the office yesterday, + and seemed a little put out about it, but anyone could say that, we knew + nearly that before.' + </p> + <p> + 'I must visit Walter's uncle,' said Florence, hurriedly, 'before I leave + home. I will go and see him this morning. Let us walk there, directly, + Susan.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper having nothing to urge against the proposal, but being + perfectly acquiescent, they were soon equipped, and in the streets, and on + their way towards the little Midshipman. + </p> + <p> + The state of mind in which poor Walter had gone to Captain Cuttle's, on + the day when Brogley the broker came into possession, and when there + seemed to him to be an execution in the very steeples, was pretty much the + same as that in which Florence now took her way to Uncle Sol's; with this + difference, that Florence suffered the added pain of thinking that she had + been, perhaps, the innocent occasion of involving Walter in peril, and all + to whom he was dear, herself included, in an agony of suspense. For the + rest, uncertainty and danger seemed written upon everything. The + weathercocks on spires and housetops were mysterious with hints of stormy + wind, and pointed, like so many ghostly fingers, out to dangerous seas, + where fragments of great wrecks were drifting, perhaps, and helpless men + were rocked upon them into a sleep as deep as the unfathomable waters. + When Florence came into the City, and passed gentlemen who were talking + together, she dreaded to hear them speaking of the ship, and saying it was + lost. Pictures and prints of vessels fighting with the rolling waves + filled her with alarm. The smoke and clouds, though moving gently, moved + too fast for her apprehensions, and made her fear there was a tempest + blowing at that moment on the ocean. + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper may or may not have been affected similarly, but having her + attention much engaged in struggles with boys, whenever there was any + press of people—for, between that grade of human kind and herself, + there was some natural animosity that invariably broke out, whenever they + came together—it would seem that she had not much leisure on the + road for intellectual operations. + </p> + <p> + Arriving in good time abreast of the wooden Midshipman on the opposite + side of the way, and waiting for an opportunity to cross the street, they + were a little surprised at first to see, at the Instrument-maker's door, a + round-headed lad, with his chubby face addressed towards the sky, who, as + they looked at him, suddenly thrust into his capacious mouth two fingers + of each hand, and with the assistance of that machinery whistled, with + astonishing shrillness, to some pigeons at a considerable elevation in the + air. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Richards's eldest, Miss!' said Susan, 'and the worrit of Mrs + Richards's life!' + </p> + <p> + As Polly had been to tell Florence of the resuscitated prospects of her + son and heir, Florence was prepared for the meeting: so, a favourable + moment presenting itself, they both hastened across, without any further + contemplation of Mrs Richards's bane. That sporting character, unconscious + of their approach, again whistled with his utmost might, and then yelled + in a rapture of excitement, 'Strays! Whoo-oop! Strays!' which + identification had such an effect upon the conscience-stricken pigeons, + that instead of going direct to some town in the North of England, as + appeared to have been their original intention, they began to wheel and + falter; whereupon Mrs Richards's first born pierced them with another + whistle, and again yelled, in a voice that rose above the turmoil of the + street, 'Strays! Whoo-oop! Strays!' + </p> + <p> + From this transport, he was abruptly recalled to terrestrial objects, by a + poke from Miss Nipper, which sent him into the shop. + </p> + <p> + 'Is this the way you show your penitence, when Mrs Richards has been + fretting for you months and months?' said Susan, following the poke. + 'Where's Mr Gills?' + </p> + <p> + Rob, who smoothed his first rebellious glance at Miss Nipper when he saw + Florence following, put his knuckles to his hair, in honour of the latter, + and said to the former, that Mr Gills was out.' + </p> + <p> + 'Fetch him home,' said Miss Nipper, with authority, 'and say that my young + lady's here.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know where he's gone,' said Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Is that your penitence?' cried Susan, with stinging sharpness. + </p> + <p> + 'Why how can I go and fetch him when I don't know where to go?' whimpered + the baited Rob. 'How can you be so unreasonable?' + </p> + <p> + 'Did Mr Gills say when he should be home?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss,' replied Rob, with another application of his knuckles to his + hair. 'He said he should be home early in the afternoon; in about a couple + of hours from now, Miss.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is he very anxious about his nephew?' inquired Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss,' returned Rob, preferring to address himself to Florence and + slighting Nipper; 'I should say he was, very much so. He ain't indoors, + Miss, not a quarter of an hour together. He can't settle in one place five + minutes. He goes about, like a—just like a stray,' said Rob, + stooping to get a glimpse of the pigeons through the window, and checking + himself, with his fingers half-way to his mouth, on the verge of another + whistle. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know a friend of Mr Gills, called Captain Cuttle?' inquired + Florence, after a moment's reflection. + </p> + <p> + 'Him with a hook, Miss?' rejoined Rob, with an illustrative twist of his + left hand. Yes, Miss. He was here the day before yesterday.' + </p> + <p> + 'Has he not been here since?' asked Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Miss,' returned Rob, still addressing his reply to Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps Walter's Uncle has gone there, Susan,' observed Florence, turning + to her. + </p> + <p> + 'To Captain Cuttle's, Miss?' interposed Rob; 'no, he's not gone there, + Miss. Because he left particular word that if Captain Cuttle called, I + should tell him how surprised he was, not to have seen him yesterday, and + should make him stop till he came back.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know where Captain Cuttle lives?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + Rob replied in the affirmative, and turning to a greasy parchment book on + the shop desk, read the address aloud. + </p> + <p> + Florence again turned to her maid and took counsel with her in a low + voice, while Rob the round-eyed, mindful of his patron's secret charge, + looked on and listened. Florence proposed that they could go to Captain + Cuttle's house; hear from his own lips, what he thought of the absence of + any tidings of the Son and Heir; and bring him, if they could, to comfort + Uncle Sol. Susan at first objected slightly, on the score of distance; but + a hackney-coach being mentioned by her mistress, withdrew that opposition, + and gave in her assent. There were some minutes of discussion between them + before they came to this conclusion, during which the staring Rob paid + close attention to both speakers, and inclined his ear to each by turns, + as if he were appointed arbitrator of the argument. + </p> + <p> + In time, Rob was despatched for a coach, the visitors keeping shop + meanwhile; and when he brought it, they got into it, leaving word for + Uncle Sol that they would be sure to call again, on their way back. Rob + having stared after the coach until it was as invisible as the pigeons had + now become, sat down behind the desk with a most assiduous demeanour; and + in order that he might forget nothing of what had transpired, made notes + of it on various small scraps of paper, with a vast expenditure of ink. + There was no danger of these documents betraying anything, if accidentally + lost; for long before a word was dry, it became as profound a mystery to + Rob, as if he had had no part whatever in its production. + </p> + <p> + While he was yet busy with these labours, the hackney-coach, after + encountering unheard-of difficulties from swivel-bridges, soft roads, + impassable canals, caravans of casks, settlements of scarlet-beans and + little wash-houses, and many such obstacles abounding in that country, + stopped at the corner of Brig Place. Alighting here, Florence and Susan + Nipper walked down the street, and sought out the abode of Captain Cuttle. + </p> + <p> + It happened by evil chance to be one of Mrs MacStinger's great cleaning + days. On these occasions, Mrs MacStinger was knocked up by the policeman + at a quarter before three in the morning, and rarely such before twelve + o'clock next night. The chief object of this institution appeared to be, + that Mrs MacStinger should move all the furniture into the back garden at + early dawn, walk about the house in pattens all day, and move the + furniture back again after dark. These ceremonies greatly fluttered those + doves the young MacStingers, who were not only unable at such times to + find any resting-place for the soles of their feet, but generally came in + for a good deal of pecking from the maternal bird during the progress of + the solemnities. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when Florence and Susan Nipper presented themselves at Mrs + MacStinger's door, that worthy but redoubtable female was in the act of + conveying Alexander MacStinger, aged two years and three months, along the + passage, for forcible deposition in a sitting posture on the street + pavement: Alexander being black in the face with holding his breath after + punishment, and a cool paving-stone being usually found to act as a + powerful restorative in such cases. + </p> + <p> + The feelings of Mrs MacStinger, as a woman and a mother, were outraged by + the look of pity for Alexander which she observed on Florence's face. + Therefore, Mrs MacStinger asserting those finest emotions of our nature, + in preference to weakly gratifying her curiosity, shook and buffeted + Alexander both before and during the application of the paving-stone, and + took no further notice of the strangers. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Ma'am,' said Florence, when the child had found his + breath again, and was using it. 'Is this Captain Cuttle's house?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Mrs MacStinger. + </p> + <p> + 'Not Number Nine?' asked Florence, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + 'Who said it wasn't Number Nine?' said Mrs MacStinger. + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper instantly struck in, and begged to inquire what Mrs + MacStinger meant by that, and if she knew whom she was talking to. + </p> + <p> + Mrs MacStinger in retort, looked at her all over. 'What do you want with + Captain Cuttle, I should wish to know?' said Mrs MacStinger. + </p> + <p> + 'Should you? Then I'm sorry that you won't be satisfied,' returned Miss + Nipper. + </p> + <p> + 'Hush, Susan! If you please!' said Florence. 'Perhaps you can have the + goodness to tell us where Captain Cuttle lives, Ma'am as he don't live + here.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who says he don't live here?' retorted the implacable MacStinger. 'I said + it wasn't Cap'en Cuttle's house—and it ain't his house—and + forbid it, that it ever should be his house—for Cap'en Cuttle don't + know how to keep a house—and don't deserve to have a house—it's + my house—and when I let the upper floor to Cap'en Cuttle, oh I do a + thankless thing, and cast pearls before swine!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs MacStinger pitched her voice for the upper windows in offering these + remarks, and cracked off each clause sharply by itself as if from a rifle + possessing an infinity of barrels. After the last shot, the Captain's + voice was heard to say, in feeble remonstrance from his own room, 'Steady + below!' + </p> + <p> + 'Since you want Cap'en Cuttle, there he is!' said Mrs MacStinger, with an + angry motion of her hand. On Florence making bold to enter, without any + more parley, and on Susan following, Mrs MacStinger recommenced her + pedestrian exercise in pattens, and Alexander MacStinger (still on the + paving-stone), who had stopped in his crying to attend to the + conversation, began to wail again, entertaining himself during that dismal + performance, which was quite mechanical, with a general survey of the + prospect, terminating in the hackney-coach. + </p> + <p> + The Captain in his own apartment was sitting with his hands in his pockets + and his legs drawn up under his chair, on a very small desolate island, + lying about midway in an ocean of soap and water. The Captain's windows + had been cleaned, the walls had been cleaned, the stove had been cleaned, + and everything the stove excepted, was wet, and shining with soft soap and + sand: the smell of which dry-saltery impregnated the air. In the midst of + the dreary scene, the Captain, cast away upon his island, looked round on + the waste of waters with a rueful countenance, and seemed waiting for some + friendly bark to come that way, and take him off. + </p> + <p> + But when the Captain, directing his forlorn visage towards the door, saw + Florence appear with her maid, no words can describe his astonishment. Mrs + MacStinger's eloquence having rendered all other sounds but imperfectly + distinguishable, he had looked for no rarer visitor than the potboy or the + milkman; wherefore, when Florence appeared, and coming to the confines of + the island, put her hand in his, the Captain stood up, aghast, as if he + supposed her, for the moment, to be some young member of the Flying + Dutchman's family. + </p> + <p> + Instantly recovering his self-possession, however, the Captain's first + care was to place her on dry land, which he happily accomplished, with one + motion of his arm. Issuing forth, then, upon the main, Captain Cuttle took + Miss Nipper round the waist, and bore her to the island also. Captain + Cuttle, then, with great respect and admiration, raised the hand of + Florence to his lips, and standing off a little (for the island was not + large enough for three), beamed on her from the soap and water like a new + description of Triton. + </p> + <p> + 'You are amazed to see us, I am sure,' said Florence, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + The inexpressibly gratified Captain kissed his hook in reply, and growled, + as if a choice and delicate compliment were included in the words, 'Stand + by! Stand by!' + </p> + <p> + 'But I couldn't rest,' said Florence, 'without coming to ask you what you + think about dear Walter—who is my brother now—and whether + there is anything to fear, and whether you will not go and console his + poor Uncle every day, until we have some intelligence of him?' + </p> + <p> + At these words Captain Cuttle, as by an involuntary gesture, clapped his + hand to his head, on which the hard glazed hat was not, and looked + discomfited. + </p> + <p> + 'Have you any fears for Walter's safety?' inquired Florence, from whose + face the Captain (so enraptured he was with it) could not take his eyes: + while she, in her turn, looked earnestly at him, to be assured of the + sincerity of his reply. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Heart's-delight,' said Captain Cuttle, 'I am not afeard. Wal'r is a + lad as'll go through a deal o' hard weather. Wal'r is a lad as'll bring as + much success to that 'ere brig as a lad is capable on. Wal'r,' said the + Captain, his eyes glistening with the praise of his young friend, and his + hook raised to announce a beautiful quotation, 'is what you may call a + out'ard and visible sign of an in'ard and spirited grasp, and when found + make a note of.' + </p> + <p> + Florence, who did not quite understand this, though the Captain evidently + thought it full of meaning, and highly satisfactory, mildly looked to him + for something more. + </p> + <p> + 'I am not afeard, my Heart's-delight,' resumed the Captain, 'There's been + most uncommon bad weather in them latitudes, there's no denyin', and they + have drove and drove and been beat off, may be t'other side the world. But + the ship's a good ship, and the lad's a good lad; and it ain't easy, thank + the Lord,' the Captain made a little bow, 'to break up hearts of oak, + whether they're in brigs or buzzums. Here we have 'em both ways, which is + bringing it up with a round turn, and so I ain't a bit afeard as yet.' + </p> + <p> + 'As yet?' repeated Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Not a bit,' returned the Captain, kissing his iron hand; 'and afore I + begin to be, my Hearts-delight, Wal'r will have wrote home from the + island, or from some port or another, and made all taut and ship-shape.' + And with regard to old Sol Gills, here the Captain became solemn, 'who + I'll stand by, and not desert until death do us part, and when the stormy + winds do blow, do blow, do blow—overhaul the Catechism,' said the + Captain parenthetically, 'and there you'll find them expressions—if + it would console Sol Gills to have the opinion of a seafaring man as has + got a mind equal to any undertaking that he puts it alongside of, and as + was all but smashed in his 'prenticeship, and of which the name is Bunsby, + that 'ere man shall give him such an opinion in his own parlour as'll stun + him. Ah!' said Captain Cuttle, vauntingly, 'as much as if he'd gone and + knocked his head again a door!' + </p> + <p> + 'Let us take this gentleman to see him, and let us hear what he says,' + cried Florence. 'Will you go with us now? We have a coach here.' + </p> + <p> + Again the Captain clapped his hand to his head, on which the hard glazed + hat was not, and looked discomfited. But at this instant a most remarkable + phenomenon occurred. The door opening, without any note of preparation, + and apparently of itself, the hard glazed hat in question skimmed into the + room like a bird, and alighted heavily at the Captain's feet. The door + then shut as violently as it had opened, and nothing ensued in explanation + of the prodigy. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle picked up his hat, and having turned it over with a look of + interest and welcome, began to polish it on his sleeve. While doing so, + the Captain eyed his visitors intently, and said in a low voice, + </p> + <p> + 'You see I should have bore down on Sol Gills yesterday, and this morning, + but she—she took it away and kept it. That's the long and short of + the subject.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who did, for goodness sake?' asked Susan Nipper. + </p> + <p> + 'The lady of the house, my dear,' returned the Captain, in a gruff + whisper, and making signals of secrecy. 'We had some words about the + swabbing of these here planks, and she—In short,' said the Captain, + eyeing the door, and relieving himself with a long breath, 'she stopped my + liberty.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I wish she had me to deal with!' said Susan, reddening with the + energy of the wish. 'I'd stop her!' + </p> + <p> + 'Would you, do you, my dear?' rejoined the Captain, shaking his head + doubtfully, but regarding the desperate courage of the fair aspirant with + obvious admiration. 'I don't know. It's difficult navigation. She's very + hard to carry on with, my dear. You never can tell how she'll head, you + see. She's full one minute, and round upon you next. And when she in a + tartar,' said the Captain, with the perspiration breaking out upon his + forehead. There was nothing but a whistle emphatic enough for the + conclusion of the sentence, so the Captain whistled tremulously. After + which he again shook his head, and recurring to his admiration of Miss + Nipper's devoted bravery, timidly repeated, 'Would you, do you think, my + dear?' + </p> + <p> + Susan only replied with a bridling smile, but that was so very full of + defiance, that there is no knowing how long Captain Cuttle might have + stood entranced in its contemplation, if Florence in her anxiety had not + again proposed their immediately resorting to the oracular Bunsby. Thus + reminded of his duty, Captain Cuttle Put on the glazed hat firmly, took up + another knobby stick, with which he had supplied the place of that one + given to Walter, and offering his arm to Florence, prepared to cut his way + through the enemy. + </p> + <p> + It turned out, however, that Mrs MacStinger had already changed her + course, and that she headed, as the Captain had remarked she often did, in + quite a new direction. For when they got downstairs, they found that + exemplary woman beating the mats on the doorsteps, with Alexander, still + upon the paving-stone, dimly looming through a fog of dust; and so + absorbed was Mrs MacStinger in her household occupation, that when Captain + Cuttle and his visitors passed, she beat the harder, and neither by word + nor gesture showed any consciousness of their vicinity. The Captain was so + well pleased with this easy escape—although the effect of the + door-mats on him was like a copious administration of snuff, and made him + sneeze until the tears ran down his face—that he could hardly + believe his good fortune; but more than once, between the door and the + hackney-coach, looked over his shoulder, with an obvious apprehension of + Mrs MacStinger's giving chase yet. + </p> + <p> + However, they got to the corner of Brig Place without any molestation from + that terrible fire-ship; and the Captain mounting the coach-box—for + his gallantry would not allow him to ride inside with the ladies, though + besought to do so—piloted the driver on his course for Captain + Bunsby's vessel, which was called the Cautious Clara, and was lying hard + by Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the wharf off which this great commander's ship was jammed in + among some five hundred companions, whose tangled rigging looked like + monstrous cobwebs half swept down, Captain Cuttle appeared at the + coach-window, and invited Florence and Miss Nipper to accompany him on + board; observing that Bunsby was to the last degree soft-hearted in + respect of ladies, and that nothing would so much tend to bring his + expansive intellect into a state of harmony as their presentation to the + Cautious Clara. + </p> + <p> + Florence readily consented; and the Captain, taking her little hand in his + prodigious palm, led her, with a mixed expression of patronage, paternity, + pride, and ceremony, that was pleasant to see, over several very dirty + decks, until, coming to the Clara, they found that cautious craft (which + lay outside the tier) with her gangway removed, and half-a-dozen feet of + river interposed between herself and her nearest neighbour. It appeared, + from Captain Cuttle's explanation, that the great Bunsby, like himself, + was cruelly treated by his landlady, and that when her usage of him for + the time being was so hard that he could bear it no longer, he set this + gulf between them as a last resource. + </p> + <p> + 'Clara a-hoy!' cried the Captain, putting a hand to each side of his + mouth. + </p> + <p> + 'A-hoy!' cried a boy, like the Captain's echo, tumbling up from below. + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby aboard?' cried the Captain, hailing the boy in a stentorian voice, + as if he were half-a-mile off instead of two yards. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay!' cried the boy, in the same tone. + </p> + <p> + The boy then shoved out a plank to Captain Cuttle, who adjusted it + carefully, and led Florence across: returning presently for Miss Nipper. + So they stood upon the deck of the Cautious Clara, in whose standing + rigging, divers fluttering articles of dress were curing, in company with + a few tongues and some mackerel. + </p> + <p> + Immediately there appeared, coming slowly up above the bulk-head of the + cabin, another bulk-head—human, and very large—with one + stationary eye in the mahogany face, and one revolving one, on the + principle of some lighthouses. This head was decorated with shaggy hair, + like oakum, which had no governing inclination towards the north, east, + west, or south, but inclined to all four quarters of the compass, and to + every point upon it. The head was followed by a perfect desert of chin, + and by a shirt-collar and neckerchief, and by a dreadnought pilot-coat, + and by a pair of dreadnought pilot-trousers, whereof the waistband was so + very broad and high, that it became a succedaneum for a waistcoat: being + ornamented near the wearer's breastbone with some massive wooden buttons, + like backgammon men. As the lower portions of these pantaloons became + revealed, Bunsby stood confessed; his hands in their pockets, which were + of vast size; and his gaze directed, not to Captain Cuttle or the ladies, + but the mast-head. + </p> + <p> + The profound appearance of this philosopher, who was bulky and strong, and + on whose extremely red face an expression of taciturnity sat enthroned, + not inconsistent with his character, in which that quality was proudly + conspicuous, almost daunted Captain Cuttle, though on familiar terms with + him. Whispering to Florence that Bunsby had never in his life expressed + surprise, and was considered not to know what it meant, the Captain + watched him as he eyed his mast-head, and afterwards swept the horizon; + and when the revolving eye seemed to be coming round in his direction, + said: + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby, my lad, how fares it?' + </p> + <p> + A deep, gruff, husky utterance, which seemed to have no connexion with + Bunsby, and certainly had not the least effect upon his face, replied, + 'Ay, ay, shipmet, how goes it?' At the same time Bunsby's right hand and + arm, emerging from a pocket, shook the Captain's, and went back again. + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby,' said the Captain, striking home at once, 'here you are; a man of + mind, and a man as can give an opinion. Here's a young lady as wants to + take that opinion, in regard of my friend Wal'r; likewise my t'other + friend, Sol Gills, which is a character for you to come within hail of, + being a man of science, which is the mother of invention, and knows no + law. Bunsby, will you wear, to oblige me, and come along with us?' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0315m.jpg" alt="0315m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0315.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The great commander, who seemed by expression of his visage to be always + on the look-out for something in the extremest distance, and to have no + ocular knowledge of anything within ten miles, made no reply whatever. + </p> + <p> + 'Here is a man,' said the Captain, addressing himself to his fair + auditors, and indicating the commander with his outstretched hook, 'that + has fell down, more than any man alive; that has had more accidents happen + to his own self than the Seamen's Hospital to all hands; that took as many + spars and bars and bolts about the outside of his head when he was young, + as you'd want a order for on Chatham-yard to build a pleasure yacht with; + and yet that his opinions in that way, it's my belief, for there ain't + nothing like 'em afloat or ashore.' + </p> + <p> + The stolid commander appeared by a very slight vibration in his elbows, to + express some satisfaction in this encomium; but if his face had been as + distant as his gaze was, it could hardly have enlightened the beholders + less in reference to anything that was passing in his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + 'Shipmet,' said Bunsby, all of a sudden, and stooping down to look out + under some interposing spar, 'what'll the ladies drink?' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, whose delicacy was shocked by such an inquiry in + connection with Florence, drew the sage aside, and seeming to explain in + his ear, accompanied him below; where, that he might not take offence, the + Captain drank a dram himself, which Florence and Susan, glancing down the + open skylight, saw the sage, with difficulty finding room for himself + between his berth and a very little brass fireplace, serve out for self + and friend. They soon reappeared on deck, and Captain Cuttle, triumphing + in the success of his enterprise, conducted Florence back to the coach, + while Bunsby followed, escorting Miss Nipper, whom he hugged upon the way + (much to that young lady's indignation) with his pilot-coated arm, like a + blue bear. + </p> + <p> + The Captain put his oracle inside, and gloried so much in having secured + him, and having got that mind into a hackney-coach, that he could not + refrain from often peeping in at Florence through the little window behind + the driver, and testifying his delight in smiles, and also in taps upon + his forehead, to hint to her that the brain of Bunsby was hard at it. In + the meantime, Bunsby, still hugging Miss Nipper (for his friend, the + Captain, had not exaggerated the softness of his heart), uniformly + preserved his gravity of deportment, and showed no other consciousness of + her or anything. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Sol, who had come home, received them at the door, and ushered them + immediately into the little back parlour: strangely altered by the absence + of Walter. On the table, and about the room, were the charts and maps on + which the heavy-hearted Instrument-maker had again and again tracked the + missing vessel across the sea, and on which, with a pair of compasses that + he still had in his hand, he had been measuring, a minute before, how far + she must have driven, to have driven here or there: and trying to + demonstrate that a long time must elapse before hope was exhausted. + </p> + <p> + 'Whether she can have run,' said Uncle Sol, looking wistfully over the + chart; 'but no, that's almost impossible or whether she can have been + forced by stress of weather,—but that's not reasonably likely. Or + whether there is any hope she so far changed her course as—but even + I can hardly hope that!' With such broken suggestions, poor old Uncle Sol + roamed over the great sheet before him, and could not find a speck of + hopeful probability in it large enough to set one small point of the + compasses upon. + </p> + <p> + Florence saw immediately—it would have been difficult to help seeing—that + there was a singular, indescribable change in the old man, and that while + his manner was far more restless and unsettled than usual, there was yet a + curious, contradictory decision in it, that perplexed her very much. She + fancied once that he spoke wildly, and at random; for on her saying she + regretted not to have seen him when she had been there before that + morning, he at first replied that he had been to see her, and directly + afterwards seemed to wish to recall that answer. + </p> + <p> + 'You have been to see me?' said Florence. 'To-day?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my dear young lady,' returned Uncle Sol, looking at her and away + from her in a confused manner. 'I wished to see you with my own eyes, and + to hear you with my own ears, once more before—' There he stopped. + </p> + <p> + 'Before when? Before what?' said Florence, putting her hand upon his arm. + </p> + <p> + 'Did I say "before?"' replied old Sol. 'If I did, I must have meant before + we should have news of my dear boy.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are not well,' said Florence, tenderly. 'You have been so very + anxious I am sure you are not well.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am as well,' returned the old man, shutting up his right hand, and + holding it out to show her: 'as well and firm as any man at my time of + life can hope to be. See! It's steady. Is its master not as capable of + resolution and fortitude as many a younger man? I think so. We shall see.' + </p> + <p> + There was that in his manner more than in his words, though they remained + with her too, which impressed Florence so much, that she would have + confided her uneasiness to Captain Cuttle at that moment, if the Captain + had not seized that moment for expounding the state of circumstance, on + which the opinion of the sagacious Bunsby was requested, and entreating + that profound authority to deliver the same. + </p> + <p> + Bunsby, whose eye continued to be addressed to somewhere about the + half-way house between London and Gravesend, two or three times put out + his rough right arm, as seeking to wind it for inspiration round the fair + form of Miss Nipper; but that young female having withdrawn herself, in + displeasure, to the opposite side of the table, the soft heart of the + Commander of the Cautious Clara met with no response to its impulses. + After sundry failures in this wise, the Commander, addressing himself to + nobody, thus spake; or rather the voice within him said of its own accord, + and quite independent of himself, as if he were possessed by a gruff + spirit: + </p> + <p> + 'My name's Jack Bunsby!' + </p> + <p> + 'He was christened John,' cried the delighted Captain Cuttle. 'Hear him!' + </p> + <p> + 'And what I says,' pursued the voice, after some deliberation, 'I stands + to.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, with Florence on his arm, nodded at the auditory, and seemed + to say, 'Now he's coming out. This is what I meant when I brought him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whereby,' proceeded the voice, 'why not? If so, what odds? Can any man + say otherwise? No. Awast then!' + </p> + <p> + When it had pursued its train of argument to this point, the voice + stopped, and rested. It then proceeded very slowly, thus: + </p> + <p> + 'Do I believe that this here Son and Heir's gone down, my lads? Mayhap. Do + I say so? Which? If a skipper stands out by Sen' George's Channel, making + for the Downs, what's right ahead of him? The Goodwins. He isn't forced to + run upon the Goodwins, but he may. The bearings of this observation lays + in the application on it. That ain't no part of my duty. Awast then, keep + a bright look-out for'ard, and good luck to you!' + </p> + <p> + The voice here went out of the back parlour and into the street, taking + the Commander of the Cautious Clara with it, and accompanying him on board + again with all convenient expedition, where he immediately turned in, and + refreshed his mind with a nap. + </p> + <p> + The students of the sage's precepts, left to their own application of his + wisdom—upon a principle which was the main leg of the Bunsby tripod, + as it is perchance of some other oracular stools—looked upon one + another in a little uncertainty; while Rob the Grinder, who had taken the + innocent freedom of peering in, and listening, through the skylight in the + roof, came softly down from the leads, in a state of very dense confusion. + Captain Cuttle, however, whose admiration of Bunsby was, if possible, + enhanced by the splendid manner in which he had justified his reputation + and come through this solemn reference, proceeded to explain that Bunsby + meant nothing but confidence; that Bunsby had no misgivings; and that such + an opinion as that man had given, coming from such a mind as his, was + Hope's own anchor, with good roads to cast it in. Florence endeavoured to + believe that the Captain was right; but the Nipper, with her arms tight + folded, shook her head in resolute denial, and had no more trust in Bunsby + than in Mr Perch himself. + </p> + <p> + The philosopher seemed to have left Uncle Sol pretty much where he had + found him, for he still went roaming about the watery world, compasses in + hand, and discovering no rest for them. It was in pursuance of a whisper + in his ear from Florence, while the old man was absorbed in this pursuit, + that Captain Cuttle laid his heavy hand upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + 'What cheer, Sol Gills?' cried the Captain, heartily. + </p> + <p> + 'But so-so, Ned,' returned the Instrument-maker. 'I have been remembering, + all this afternoon, that on the very day when my boy entered Dombey's + House, and came home late to dinner, sitting just there where you stand, + we talked of storm and shipwreck, and I could hardly turn him from the + subject.' + </p> + <p> + But meeting the eyes of Florence, which were fixed with earnest scrutiny + upon his face, the old man stopped and smiled. + </p> + <p> + 'Stand by, old friend!' cried the Captain. 'Look alive! I tell you what, + Sol Gills; arter I've convoyed Heart's-delight safe home,' here the + Captain kissed his hook to Florence, 'I'll come back and take you in tow + for the rest of this blessed day. You'll come and eat your dinner along + with me, Sol, somewheres or another.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not to-day, Ned!' said the old man quickly, and appearing to be + unaccountably startled by the proposition. 'Not to-day. I couldn't do it!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why not?' returned the Captain, gazing at him in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + 'I—I have so much to do. I—I mean to think of, and arrange. I + couldn't do it, Ned, indeed. I must go out again, and be alone, and turn + my mind to many things to-day.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain looked at the Instrument-maker, and looked at Florence, and + again at the Instrument-maker. 'To-morrow, then,' he suggested, at last. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes. To-morrow,' said the old man. 'Think of me to-morrow. Say + to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall come here early, mind, Sol Gills,' stipulated the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes. The first thing tomorrow morning,' said old Sol; 'and now + good-bye, Ned Cuttle, and God bless you!' + </p> + <p> + Squeezing both the Captain's hands, with uncommon fervour, as he said it, + the old man turned to Florence, folded hers in his own, and put them to + his lips; then hurried her out to the coach with very singular + precipitation. Altogether, he made such an effect on Captain Cuttle that + the Captain lingered behind, and instructed Rob to be particularly gentle + and attentive to his master until the morning: which injunction he + strengthened with the payment of one shilling down, and the promise of + another sixpence before noon next day. This kind office performed, Captain + Cuttle, who considered himself the natural and lawful body-guard of + Florence, mounted the box with a mighty sense of his trust, and escorted + her home. At parting, he assured her that he would stand by Sol Gills, + close and true; and once again inquired of Susan Nipper, unable to forget + her gallant words in reference to Mrs MacStinger, 'Would you, do you think + my dear, though?' + </p> + <p> + When the desolate house had closed upon the two, the Captain's thoughts + reverted to the old Instrument-maker, and he felt uncomfortable. + Therefore, instead of going home, he walked up and down the street several + times, and, eking out his leisure until evening, dined late at a certain + angular little tavern in the City, with a public parlour like a wedge, to + which glazed hats much resorted. The Captain's principal intention was to + pass Sol Gills's, after dark, and look in through the window: which he + did, The parlour door stood open, and he could see his old friend writing + busily and steadily at the table within, while the little Midshipman, + already sheltered from the night dews, watched him from the counter; under + which Rob the Grinder made his own bed, preparatory to shutting the shop. + Reassured by the tranquillity that reigned within the precincts of the + wooden mariner, the Captain headed for Brig Place, resolving to weigh + anchor betimes in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 24. The Study of a Loving Heart + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>ir Barnet and Lady Skettles, very good people, resided in a pretty villa + at Fulham, on the banks of the Thames; which was one of the most desirable + residences in the world when a rowing-match happened to be going past, but + had its little inconveniences at other times, among which may be + enumerated the occasional appearance of the river in the drawing-room, and + the contemporaneous disappearance of the lawn and shrubbery. + </p> + <p> + Sir Barnet Skettles expressed his personal consequence chiefly through an + antique gold snuffbox, and a ponderous silk pocket-kerchief, which he had + an imposing manner of drawing out of his pocket like a banner and using + with both hands at once. Sir Barnet's object in life was constantly to + extend the range of his acquaintance. Like a heavy body dropped into water—not + to disparage so worthy a gentleman by the comparison—it was in the + nature of things that Sir Barnet must spread an ever widening circle about + him, until there was no room left. Or, like a sound in air, the vibration + of which, according to the speculation of an ingenious modern philosopher, + may go on travelling for ever through the interminable fields of space, + nothing but coming to the end of his moral tether could stop Sir Barnet + Skettles in his voyage of discovery through the social system. + </p> + <p> + Sir Barnet was proud of making people acquainted with people. He liked the + thing for its own sake, and it advanced his favourite object too. For + example, if Sir Barnet had the good fortune to get hold of a law recruit, + or a country gentleman, and ensnared him to his hospitable villa, Sir + Barnet would say to him, on the morning after his arrival, 'Now, my dear + Sir, is there anybody you would like to know? Who is there you would wish + to meet? Do you take any interest in writing people, or in painting or + sculpturing people, or in acting people, or in anything of that sort?' + Possibly the patient answered yes, and mentioned somebody, of whom Sir + Barnet had no more personal knowledge than of Ptolemy the Great. Sir + Barnet replied, that nothing on earth was easier, as he knew him very + well: immediately called on the aforesaid somebody, left his card, wrote a + short note,—'My dear Sir—penalty of your eminent position—friend + at my house naturally desirous—Lady Skettles and myself participate—trust + that genius being superior to ceremonies, you will do us the distinguished + favour of giving us the pleasure,' etc, etc.—and so killed a brace + of birds with one stone, dead as door-nails. + </p> + <p> + With the snuff-box and banner in full force, Sir Barnet Skettles + propounded his usual inquiry to Florence on the first morning of her + visit. When Florence thanked him, and said there was no one in particular + whom she desired to see, it was natural she should think with a pang, of + poor lost Walter. When Sir Barnet Skettles, urging his kind offer, said, + 'My dear Miss Dombey, are you sure you can remember no one whom your good + Papa—to whom I beg you present the best compliments of myself and + Lady Skettles when you write—might wish you to know?' it was + natural, perhaps, that her poor head should droop a little, and that her + voice should tremble as it softly answered in the negative. + </p> + <p> + Skettles Junior, much stiffened as to his cravat, and sobered down as to + his spirits, was at home for the holidays, and appeared to feel himself + aggrieved by the solicitude of his excellent mother that he should be + attentive to Florence. Another and a deeper injury under which the soul of + young Barnet chafed, was the company of Dr and Mrs Blimber, who had been + invited on a visit to the paternal roof-tree, and of whom the young + gentleman often said he would have preferred their passing the vacation at + Jericho. + </p> + <p> + 'Is there anybody you can suggest now, Doctor Blimber?' said Sir Barnet + Skettles, turning to that gentleman. + </p> + <p> + 'You are very kind, Sir Barnet,' returned Doctor Blimber. 'Really I am not + aware that there is, in particular. I like to know my fellow-men in + general, Sir Barnet. What does Terence say? Anyone who is the parent of a + son is interesting to me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Has Mrs Blimber any wish to see any remarkable person?' asked Sir Barnet, + courteously. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber replied, with a sweet smile and a shake of her sky-blue cap, + that if Sir Barnet could have made her known to Cicero, she would have + troubled him; but such an introduction not being feasible, and she already + enjoying the friendship of himself and his amiable lady, and possessing + with the Doctor her husband their joint confidence in regard to their dear + son—here young Barnet was observed to curl his nose—she asked + no more. + </p> + <p> + Sir Barnet was fain, under these circumstances, to content himself for the + time with the company assembled. Florence was glad of that; for she had a + study to pursue among them, and it lay too near her heart, and was too + precious and momentous, to yield to any other interest. + </p> + <p> + There were some children staying in the house. Children who were as frank + and happy with fathers and with mothers as those rosy faces opposite home. + Children who had no restraint upon their love, and freely showed it. + Florence sought to learn their secret; sought to find out what it was she + had missed; what simple art they knew, and she knew not; how she could be + taught by them to show her father that she loved him, and to win his love + again. + </p> + <p> + Many a day did Florence thoughtfully observe these children. On many a + bright morning did she leave her bed when the glorious sun rose, and + walking up and down upon the river's bank, before anyone in the house was + stirring, look up at the windows of their rooms, and think of them, + asleep, so gently tended and affectionately thought of. Florence would + feel more lonely then, than in the great house all alone; and would think + sometimes that she was better there than here, and that there was greater + peace in hiding herself than in mingling with others of her age, and + finding how unlike them all she was. But attentive to her study, though it + touched her to the quick at every little leaf she turned in the hard book, + Florence remained among them, and tried, with patient hope, to gain the + knowledge that she wearied for. + </p> + <p> + Ah! how to gain it! how to know the charm in its beginning! There were + daughters here, who rose up in the morning, and lay down to rest at night, + possessed of fathers' hearts already. They had no repulse to overcome, no + coldness to dread, no frown to smooth away. As the morning advanced, and + the windows opened one by one, and the dew began to dry upon the flowers + and and youthful feet began to move upon the lawn, Florence, glancing + round at the bright faces, thought what was there she could learn from + these children? It was too late to learn from them; each could approach + her father fearlessly, and put up her lips to meet the ready kiss, and + wind her arm about the neck that bent down to caress her. She could not + begin by being so bold. Oh! could it be that there was less and less hope + as she studied more and more! + </p> + <p> + She remembered well, that even the old woman who had robbed her when a + little child—whose image and whose house, and all she had said and + done, were stamped upon her recollection, with the enduring sharpness of a + fearful impression made at that early period of life—had spoken + fondly of her daughter, and how terribly even she had cried out in the + pain of hopeless separation from her child. But her own mother, she would + think again, when she recalled this, had loved her well. Then, sometimes, + when her thoughts reverted swiftly to the void between herself and her + father, Florence would tremble, and the tears would start upon her face, + as she pictured to herself her mother living on, and coming also to + dislike her, because of her wanting the unknown grace that should + conciliate that father naturally, and had never done so from her cradle. + She knew that this imagination did wrong to her mother's memory, and had + no truth in it, or base to rest upon; and yet she tried so hard to justify + him, and to find the whole blame in herself, that she could not resist its + passing, like a wild cloud, through the distance of her mind. + </p> + <p> + There came among the other visitors, soon after Florence, one beautiful + girl, three or four years younger than she, who was an orphan child, and + who was accompanied by her aunt, a grey-haired lady, who spoke much to + Florence, and who greatly liked (but that they all did) to hear her sing + of an evening, and would always sit near her at that time, with motherly + interest. They had only been two days in the house, when Florence, being + in an arbour in the garden one warm morning, musingly observant of a + youthful group upon the turf, through some intervening boughs,—and + wreathing flowers for the head of one little creature among them who was + the pet and plaything of the rest, heard this same lady and her niece, in + pacing up and down a sheltered nook close by, speak of herself. + </p> + <p> + 'Is Florence an orphan like me, aunt?' said the child. + </p> + <p> + 'No, my love. She has no mother, but her father is living.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is she in mourning for her poor Mama, now?' inquired the child quickly. + </p> + <p> + 'No; for her only brother.' + </p> + <p> + 'Has she no other brother?' + </p> + <p> + 'None.' + </p> + <p> + 'No sister?' + </p> + <p> + 'None,' + </p> + <p> + 'I am very, very sorry!' said the little girl + </p> + <p> + As they stopped soon afterwards to watch some boats, and had been silent + in the meantime, Florence, who had risen when she heard her name, and had + gathered up her flowers to go and meet them, that they might know of her + being within hearing, resumed her seat and work, expecting to hear no + more; but the conversation recommenced next moment. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence is a favourite with everyone here, and deserves to be, I am + sure,' said the child, earnestly. 'Where is her Papa?' + </p> + <p> + The aunt replied, after a moment's pause, that she did not know. Her tone + of voice arrested Florence, who had started from her seat again; and held + her fastened to the spot, with her work hastily caught up to her bosom, + and her two hands saving it from being scattered on the ground. + </p> + <p> + 'He is in England, I hope, aunt?' said the child. + </p> + <p> + 'I believe so. Yes; I know he is, indeed.' + </p> + <p> + 'Has he ever been here?' + </p> + <p> + 'I believe not. No.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is he coming here to see her?' + </p> + <p> + 'I believe not.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is he lame, or blind, or ill, aunt?' asked the child. + </p> + <p> + The flowers that Florence held to her breast began to fall when she heard + those words, so wonderingly spoke She held them closer; and her face hung + down upon them. + </p> + <p> + 'Kate,' said the lady, after another moment of silence, 'I will tell you + the whole truth about Florence as I have heard it, and believe it to be. + Tell no one else, my dear, because it may be little known here, and your + doing so would give her pain.' + </p> + <p> + 'I never will!' exclaimed the child. + </p> + <p> + 'I know you never will,' returned the lady. 'I can trust you as myself. I + fear then, Kate, that Florence's father cares little for her, very seldom + sees her, never was kind to her in her life, and now quite shuns her and + avoids her. She would love him dearly if he would suffer her, but he will + not—though for no fault of hers; and she is greatly to be loved and + pitied by all gentle hearts.' + </p> + <p> + More of the flowers that Florence held fell scattering on the ground; + those that remained were wet, but not with dew; and her face dropped upon + her laden hands. + </p> + <p> + 'Poor Florence! Dear, good Florence!' cried the child. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know why I have told you this, Kate?' said the lady. + </p> + <p> + 'That I may be very kind to her, and take great care to try to please her. + Is that the reason, aunt?' + </p> + <p> + 'Partly,' said the lady, 'but not all. Though we see her so cheerful; with + a pleasant smile for everyone; ready to oblige us all, and bearing her + part in every amusement here: she can hardly be quite happy, do you think + she can, Kate?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid not,' said the little girl. + </p> + <p> + 'And you can understand,' pursued the lady, 'why her observation of + children who have parents who are fond of them, and proud of them—like + many here, just now—should make her sorrowful in secret?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, dear aunt,' said the child, 'I understand that very well. Poor + Florence!' + </p> + <p> + More flowers strayed upon the ground, and those she yet held to her breast + trembled as if a wintry wind were rustling them. + </p> + <p> + 'My Kate,' said the lady, whose voice was serious, but very calm and + sweet, and had so impressed Florence from the first moment of her hearing + it, 'of all the youthful people here, you are her natural and harmless + friend; you have not the innocent means, that happier children have—' + </p> + <p> + 'There are none happier, aunt!' exclaimed the child, who seemed to cling + about her. + </p> + <p> + '—As other children have, dear Kate, of reminding her of her + misfortune. Therefore I would have you, when you try to be her little + friend, try all the more for that, and feel that the bereavement you + sustained—thank Heaven! before you knew its weight—gives you + claim and hold upon poor Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'But I am not without a parent's love, aunt, and I never have been,' said + the child, 'with you.' + </p> + <p> + 'However that may be, my dear,' returned the lady, 'your misfortune is a + lighter one than Florence's; for not an orphan in the wide world can be so + deserted as the child who is an outcast from a living parent's love.' + </p> + <p> + The flowers were scattered on the ground like dust; the empty hands were + spread upon the face; and orphaned Florence, shrinking down upon the + ground, wept long and bitterly. + </p> + <p> + But true of heart and resolute in her good purpose, Florence held to it as + her dying mother held by her upon the day that gave Paul life. He did not + know how much she loved him. However long the time in coming, and however + slow the interval, she must try to bring that knowledge to her father's + heart one day or other. Meantime she must be careful in no thoughtless + word, or look, or burst of feeling awakened by any chance circumstance, to + complain against him, or to give occasion for these whispers to his + prejudice. + </p> + <p> + Even in the response she made the orphan child, to whom she was attracted + strongly, and whom she had such occasion to remember, Florence was mindful + of him. If she singled her out too plainly (Florence thought) from among + the rest, she would confirm—in one mind certainly: perhaps in more—the + belief that he was cruel and unnatural. Her own delight was no set-off to + this. What she had overheard was a reason, not for soothing herself, but + for saving him; and Florence did it, in pursuance of the study of her + heart. + </p> + <p> + She did so always. If a book were read aloud, and there were anything in + the story that pointed at an unkind father, she was in pain for their + application of it to him; not for herself. So with any trifle of an + interlude that was acted, or picture that was shown, or game that was + played, among them. The occasions for such tenderness towards him were so + many, that her mind misgave her often, it would indeed be better to go + back to the old house, and live again within the shadow of its dull walls, + undisturbed. How few who saw sweet Florence, in her spring of womanhood, + the modest little queen of those small revels, imagined what a load of + sacred care lay heavy in her breast! How few of those who stiffened in her + father's freezing atmosphere, suspected what a heap of fiery coals was + piled upon his head! + </p> + <p> + Florence pursued her study patiently, and, failing to acquire the secret + of the nameless grace she sought, among the youthful company who were + assembled in the house, often walked out alone, in the early morning, + among the children of the poor. But still she found them all too far + advanced to learn from. They had won their household places long ago, and + did not stand without, as she did, with a bar across the door. + </p> + <p> + There was one man whom she several times observed at work very early, and + often with a girl of about her own age seated near him. He was a very poor + man, who seemed to have no regular employment, but now went roaming about + the banks of the river when the tide was low, looking out for bits and + scraps in the mud; and now worked at the unpromising little patch of + garden-ground before his cottage; and now tinkered up a miserable old boat + that belonged to him; or did some job of that kind for a neighbour, as + chance occurred. Whatever the man's labour, the girl was never employed; + but sat, when she was with him, in a listless, moping state, and idle. + </p> + <p> + Florence had often wished to speak to this man; yet she had never taken + courage to do so, as he made no movement towards her. But one morning when + she happened to come upon him suddenly, from a by-path among some pollard + willows which terminated in the little shelving piece of stony ground that + lay between his dwelling and the water, where he was bending over a fire + he had made to caulk the old boat which was lying bottom upwards, close + by, he raised his head at the sound of her footstep, and gave her Good + morning. + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning,' said Florence, approaching nearer, 'you are at work + early.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'd be glad to be often at work earlier, Miss, if I had work to do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it so hard to get?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'I find it so,' replied the man. + </p> + <p> + Florence glanced to where the girl was sitting, drawn together, with her + elbows on her knees, and her chin on her hands, and said: + </p> + <p> + 'Is that your daughter?' + </p> + <p> + He raised his head quickly, and looking towards the girl with a brightened + face, nodded to her, and said 'Yes,' Florence looked towards her too, and + gave her a kind salutation; the girl muttered something in return, + ungraciously and sullenly. + </p> + <p> + 'Is she in want of employment also?' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + The man shook his head. 'No, Miss,' he said. 'I work for both,' + </p> + <p> + 'Are there only you two, then?' inquired Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Only us two,' said the man. 'Her mother his been dead these ten year. + Martha!' (he lifted up his head again, and whistled to her) 'won't you say + a word to the pretty young lady?' + </p> + <p> + The girl made an impatient gesture with her cowering shoulders, and turned + her head another way. Ugly, misshapen, peevish, ill-conditioned, ragged, + dirty—but beloved! Oh yes! Florence had seen her father's look + towards her, and she knew whose look it had no likeness to. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm afraid she's worse this morning, my poor girl!' said the man, + suspending his work, and contemplating his ill-favoured child, with a + compassion that was the more tender for being rougher. + </p> + <p> + 'She is ill, then!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + The man drew a deep sigh. 'I don't believe my Martha's had five short + days' good health,' he answered, looking at her still, 'in as many long + years.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay! and more than that, John,' said a neighbour, who had come down to + help him with the boat. + </p> + <p> + 'More than that, you say, do you?' cried the other, pushing back his + battered hat, and drawing his hand across his forehead. 'Very like. It + seems a long, long time.' + </p> + <p> + 'And the more the time,' pursued the neighbour, 'the more you've favoured + and humoured her, John, till she's got to be a burden to herself, and + everybody else.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not to me,' said her father, falling to his work. 'Not to me.' + </p> + <p> + Florence could feel—who better?—how truly he spoke. She drew a + little closer to him, and would have been glad to touch his rugged hand, + and thank him for his goodness to the miserable object that he looked upon + with eyes so different from any other man's. + </p> + <p> + 'Who would favour my poor girl—to call it favouring—if I + didn't?' said the father. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay,' cried the neighbour. 'In reason, John. But you! You rob yourself + to give to her. You bind yourself hand and foot on her account. You make + your life miserable along of her. And what does she care! You don't + believe she knows it?' + </p> + <p> + The father lifted up his head again, and whistled to her. Martha made the + same impatient gesture with her crouching shoulders, in reply; and he was + glad and happy. + </p> + <p> + 'Only for that, Miss,' said the neighbour, with a smile, in which there + was more of secret sympathy than he expressed; 'only to get that, he never + lets her out of his sight!' + </p> + <p> + 'Because the day'll come, and has been coming a long while,' observed the + other, bending low over his work, 'when to get half as much from that + unfort'nate child of mine—to get the trembling of a finger, or the + waving of a hair—would be to raise the dead.' + </p> + <p> + Florence softly put some money near his hand on the old boat, and left + him. + </p> + <p> + And now Florence began to think, if she were to fall ill, if she were to + fade like her dear brother, would he then know that she had loved him; + would she then grow dear to him; would he come to her bedside, when she + was weak and dim of sight, and take her into his embrace, and cancel all + the past? Would he so forgive her, in that changed condition, for not + having been able to lay open her childish heart to him, as to make it easy + to relate with what emotions she had gone out of his room that night; what + she had meant to say if she had had the courage; and how she had + endeavoured, afterwards, to learn the way she never knew in infancy? + </p> + <p> + Yes, she thought if she were dying, he would relent. She thought, that if + she lay, serene and not unwilling to depart, upon the bed that was + curtained round with recollections of their darling boy, he would be + touched home, and would say, 'Dear Florence, live for me, and we will love + each other as we might have done, and be as happy as we might have been + these many years!' She thought that if she heard such words from him, and + had her arms clasped round him, she could answer with a smile, 'It is too + late for anything but this; I never could be happier, dear father!' and so + leave him, with a blessing on her lips. + </p> + <p> + The golden water she remembered on the wall, appeared to Florence, in the + light of such reflections, only as a current flowing on to rest, and to a + region where the dear ones, gone before, were waiting, hand in hand; and + often when she looked upon the darker river rippling at her feet, she + thought with awful wonder, but not terror, of that river which her brother + had so often said was bearing him away. + </p> + <p> + The father and his sick daughter were yet fresh in Florence's mind, and, + indeed, that incident was not a week old, when Sir Barnet and his lady + going out walking in the lanes one afternoon, proposed to her to bear them + company. Florence readily consenting, Lady Skettles ordered out young + Barnet as a matter of course. For nothing delighted Lady Skettles so much, + as beholding her eldest son with Florence on his arm. + </p> + <p> + Barnet, to say the truth, appeared to entertain an opposite sentiment on + the subject, and on such occasions frequently expressed himself audibly, + though indefinitely, in reference to 'a parcel of girls.' As it was not + easy to ruffle her sweet temper, however, Florence generally reconciled + the young gentleman to his fate after a few minutes, and they strolled on + amicably: Lady Skettles and Sir Barnet following, in a state of perfect + complacency and high gratification. + </p> + <p> + This was the order of procedure on the afternoon in question; and Florence + had almost succeeded in overruling the present objections of Skettles + Junior to his destiny, when a gentleman on horseback came riding by, + looked at them earnestly as he passed, drew in his rein, wheeled round, + and came riding back again, hat in hand. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman had looked particularly at Florence; and when the little + party stopped, on his riding back, he bowed to her, before saluting Sir + Barnet and his lady. Florence had no remembrance of having ever seen him, + but she started involuntarily when he came near her, and drew back. + </p> + <p> + 'My horse is perfectly quiet, I assure you,' said the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + It was not that, but something in the gentleman himself—Florence + could not have said what—that made her recoil as if she had been + stung. + </p> + <p> + 'I have the honour to address Miss Dombey, I believe?' said the gentleman, + with a most persuasive smile. On Florence inclining her head, he added, + 'My name is Carker. I can hardly hope to be remembered by Miss Dombey, + except by name. Carker.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0330m.jpg" alt="0330m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0330.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Florence, sensible of a strange inclination to shiver, though the day was + hot, presented him to her host and hostess; by whom he was very graciously + received. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg pardon,' said Mr Carker, 'a thousand times! But I am going down + tomorrow morning to Mr Dombey, at Leamington, and if Miss Dombey can + entrust me with any commission, need I say how very happy I shall be?' + </p> + <p> + Sir Barnet immediately divining that Florence would desire to write a + letter to her father, proposed to return, and besought Mr Carker to come + home and dine in his riding gear. Mr Carker had the misfortune to be + engaged to dinner, but if Miss Dombey wished to write, nothing would + delight him more than to accompany them back, and to be her faithful slave + in waiting as long as she pleased. As he said this with his widest smile, + and bent down close to her to pat his horse's neck, Florence meeting his + eyes, saw, rather than heard him say, 'There is no news of the ship!' + </p> + <p> + Confused, frightened, shrinking from him, and not even sure that he had + said those words, for he seemed to have shown them to her in some + extraordinary manner through his smile, instead of uttering them, Florence + faintly said that she was obliged to him, but she would not write; she had + nothing to say. + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing to send, Miss Dombey?' said the man of teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing,' said Florence, 'but my—but my dear love—if you + please.' + </p> + <p> + Disturbed as Florence was, she raised her eyes to his face with an + imploring and expressive look, that plainly besought him, if he knew—which + he as plainly did—that any message between her and her father was an + uncommon charge, but that one most of all, to spare her. Mr Carker smiled + and bowed low, and being charged by Sir Barnet with the best compliments + of himself and Lady Skettles, took his leave, and rode away: leaving a + favourable impression on that worthy couple. Florence was seized with such + a shudder as he went, that Sir Barnet, adopting the popular superstition, + supposed somebody was passing over her grave. Mr Carker turning a corner, + on the instant, looked back, and bowed, and disappeared, as if he rode off + to the churchyard straight, to do it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 25. Strange News of Uncle Sol + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span>aptain Cuttle, though no sluggard, did not turn out so early on the + morning after he had seen Sol Gills, through the shop-window, writing in + the parlour, with the Midshipman upon the counter, and Rob the Grinder + making up his bed below it, but that the clocks struck six as he raised + himself on his elbow, and took a survey of his little chamber. The + Captain's eyes must have done severe duty, if he usually opened them as + wide on awaking as he did that morning; and were but roughly rewarded for + their vigilance, if he generally rubbed them half as hard. But the + occasion was no common one, for Rob the Grinder had certainly never stood + in the doorway of Captain Cuttle's room before, and in it he stood then, + panting at the Captain, with a flushed and touzled air of Bed about him, + that greatly heightened both his colour and expression. + </p> + <p> + 'Holloa!' roared the Captain. 'What's the matter?' + </p> + <p> + Before Rob could stammer a word in answer, Captain Cuttle turned out, all + in a heap, and covered the boy's mouth with his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Steady, my lad,' said the Captain, 'don't ye speak a word to me as yet!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, looking at his visitor in great consternation, gently + shouldered him into the next room, after laying this injunction upon him; + and disappearing for a few moments, forthwith returned in the blue suit. + Holding up his hand in token of the injunction not yet being taken off, + Captain Cuttle walked up to the cupboard, and poured himself out a dram; a + counterpart of which he handed to the messenger. The Captain then stood + himself up in a corner, against the wall, as if to forestall the + possibility of being knocked backwards by the communication that was to be + made to him; and having swallowed his liquor, with his eyes fixed on the + messenger, and his face as pale as his face could be, requested him to + 'heave ahead.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you mean, tell you, Captain?' asked Rob, who had been greatly + impressed by these precautions. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay!' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' said Rob, 'I ain't got much to tell. But look here!' + </p> + <p> + Rob produced a bundle of keys. The Captain surveyed them, remained in his + corner, and surveyed the messenger. + </p> + <p> + 'And look here!' pursued Rob. + </p> + <p> + The boy produced a sealed packet, which Captain Cuttle stared at as he had + stared at the keys. + </p> + <p> + 'When I woke this morning, Captain,' said Rob, 'which was about a quarter + after five, I found these on my pillow. The shop-door was unbolted and + unlocked, and Mr Gills gone.' + </p> + <p> + 'Gone!' roared the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Flowed, Sir,' returned Rob. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's voice was so tremendous, and he came out of his corner with + such way on him, that Rob retreated before him into another corner: + holding out the keys and packet, to prevent himself from being run down. + </p> + <p> + '"For Captain Cuttle," Sir,' cried Rob, 'is on the keys, and on the packet + too. Upon my word and honour, Captain Cuttle, I don't know anything more + about it. I wish I may die if I do! Here's a sitiwation for a lad that's + just got a sitiwation,' cried the unfortunate Grinder, screwing his cuff + into his face: 'his master bolted with his place, and him blamed for it!' + </p> + <p> + These lamentations had reference to Captain Cuttle's gaze, or rather + glare, which was full of vague suspicions, threatenings, and + denunciations. Taking the proffered packet from his hand, the Captain + opened it and read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + '"My dear Ned Cuttle. Enclosed is my will!"' The Captain turned it over, + with a doubtful look—'"and Testament"—Where's the Testament?' + said the Captain, instantly impeaching the ill-fated Grinder. 'What have + you done with that, my lad?' + </p> + <p> + 'I never see it,' whimpered Rob. 'Don't keep on suspecting an innocent + lad, Captain. I never touched the Testament.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle shook his head, implying that somebody must be made + answerable for it; and gravely proceeded: + </p> + <p> + '"Which don't break open for a year, or until you have decisive + intelligence of my dear Walter, who is dear to you, Ned, too, I am sure."' + The Captain paused and shook his head in some emotion; then, as a + re-establishment of his dignity in this trying position, looked with + exceeding sternness at the Grinder. '"If you should never hear of me, or + see me more, Ned, remember an old friend as he will remember you to the + last—kindly; and at least until the period I have mentioned has + expired, keep a home in the old place for Walter. There are no debts, the + loan from Dombey's House is paid off and all my keys I send with this. + Keep this quiet, and make no inquiry for me; it is useless. So no more, + dear Ned, from your true friend, Solomon Gills."' The Captain took a long + breath, and then read these words written below: '"The boy Rob, well + recommended, as I told you, from Dombey's House. If all else should come + to the hammer, take care, Ned, of the little Midshipman."' + </p> + <p> + To convey to posterity any idea of the manner in which the Captain, after + turning this letter over and over, and reading it a score of times, sat + down in his chair, and held a court-martial on the subject in his own + mind, would require the united genius of all the great men, who, + discarding their own untoward days, have determined to go down to + posterity, and have never got there. At first the Captain was too much + confounded and distressed to think of anything but the letter itself; and + even when his thoughts began to glance upon the various attendant facts, + they might, perhaps, as well have occupied themselves with their former + theme, for any light they reflected on them. In this state of mind, + Captain Cuttle having the Grinder before the court, and no one else, found + it a great relief to decide, generally, that he was an object of + suspicion: which the Captain so clearly expressed in his visage, that Rob + remonstrated. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, don't, Captain!' cried the Grinder. 'I wonder how you can! what have + I done to be looked at, like that?' + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' said Captain Cuttle, 'don't you sing out afore you're hurt. And + don't you commit yourself, whatever you do.' + </p> + <p> + 'I haven't been and committed nothing, Captain!' answered Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Keep her free, then,' said the Captain, impressively, 'and ride easy.' + </p> + <p> + With a deep sense of the responsibility imposed upon him, and the + necessity of thoroughly fathoming this mysterious affair as became a man + in his relations with the parties, Captain Cuttle resolved to go down and + examine the premises, and to keep the Grinder with him. Considering that + youth as under arrest at present, the Captain was in some doubt whether it + might not be expedient to handcuff him, or tie his ankles together, or + attach a weight to his legs; but not being clear as to the legality of + such formalities, the Captain decided merely to hold him by the shoulder + all the way, and knock him down if he made any objection. + </p> + <p> + However, he made none, and consequently got to the Instrument-maker's + house without being placed under any more stringent restraint. As the + shutters were not yet taken down, the Captain's first care was to have the + shop opened; and when the daylight was freely admitted, he proceeded, with + its aid, to further investigation. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's first care was to establish himself in a chair in the shop, + as President of the solemn tribunal that was sitting within him; and to + require Rob to lie down in his bed under the counter, show exactly where + he discovered the keys and packet when he awoke, how he found the door + when he went to try it, how he started off to Brig Place—cautiously + preventing the latter imitation from being carried farther than the + threshold—and so on to the end of the chapter. When all this had + been done several times, the Captain shook his head and seemed to think + the matter had a bad look. + </p> + <p> + Next, the Captain, with some indistinct idea of finding a body, instituted + a strict search over the whole house; groping in the cellars with a + lighted candle, thrusting his hook behind doors, bringing his head into + violent contact with beams, and covering himself with cobwebs. Mounting up + to the old man's bed-room, they found that he had not been in bed on the + previous night, but had merely lain down on the coverlet, as was evident + from the impression yet remaining there. + </p> + <p> + 'And I think, Captain,' said Rob, looking round the room, 'that when Mr + Gills was going in and out so often, these last few days, he was taking + little things away, piecemeal, not to attract attention.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay!' said the Captain, mysteriously. 'Why so, my lad?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why,' returned Rob, looking about, 'I don't see his shaving tackle. Nor + his brushes, Captain. Nor no shirts. Nor yet his shoes.' + </p> + <p> + As each of these articles was mentioned, Captain Cuttle took particular + notice of the corresponding department of the Grinder, lest he should + appear to have been in recent use, or should prove to be in present + possession thereof. But Rob had no occasion to shave, was not brushed, and + wore the clothes he had on for a long time past, beyond all possibility of + a mistake. + </p> + <p> + 'And what should you say,' said the Captain—'not committing yourself—about + his time of sheering off? Hey?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I think, Captain,' returned Rob, 'that he must have gone pretty soon + after I began to snore.' + </p> + <p> + 'What o'clock was that?' said the Captain, prepared to be very particular + about the exact time. + </p> + <p> + 'How can I tell, Captain!' answered Rob. 'I only know that I'm a heavy + sleeper at first, and a light one towards morning; and if Mr Gills had + come through the shop near daybreak, though ever so much on tiptoe, I'm + pretty sure I should have heard him shut the door at all events.' + </p> + <p> + On mature consideration of this evidence, Captain Cuttle began to think + that the Instrument-maker must have vanished of his own accord; to which + logical conclusion he was assisted by the letter addressed to himself, + which, as being undeniably in the old man's handwriting, would seem, with + no great forcing, to bear the construction, that he arranged of his own + will to go, and so went. The Captain had next to consider where and why? + and as there was no way whatsoever that he saw to the solution of the + first difficulty, he confined his meditations to the second. + </p> + <p> + Remembering the old man's curious manner, and the farewell he had taken of + him; unaccountably fervent at the time, but quite intelligible now: a + terrible apprehension strengthened on the Captain, that, overpowered by + his anxieties and regrets for Walter, he had been driven to commit + suicide. Unequal to the wear and tear of daily life, as he had often + professed himself to be, and shaken as he no doubt was by the uncertainty + and deferred hope he had undergone, it seemed no violently strained + misgiving, but only too probable. + </p> + <p> + Free from debt, and with no fear for his personal liberty, or the seizure + of his goods, what else but such a state of madness could have hurried him + away alone and secretly? As to his carrying some apparel with him, if he + had really done so—and they were not even sure of that—he + might have done so, the Captain argued, to prevent inquiry, to distract + attention from his probable fate, or to ease the very mind that was now + revolving all these possibilities. Such, reduced into plain language, and + condensed within a small compass, was the final result and substance of + Captain Cuttle's deliberations: which took a long time to arrive at this + pass, and were, like some more public deliberations, very discursive and + disorderly. + </p> + <p> + Dejected and despondent in the extreme, Captain Cuttle felt it just to + release Rob from the arrest in which he had placed him, and to enlarge + him, subject to a kind of honourable inspection which he still resolved to + exercise; and having hired a man, from Brogley the Broker, to sit in the + shop during their absence, the Captain, taking Rob with him, issued forth + upon a dismal quest after the mortal remains of Solomon Gills. + </p> + <p> + Not a station-house, or bone-house, or work-house in the metropolis + escaped a visitation from the hard glazed hat. Along the wharves, among + the shipping on the bank-side, up the river, down the river, here, there, + everywhere, it went gleaming where men were thickest, like the hero's + helmet in an epic battle. For a whole week the Captain read of all the + found and missing people in all the newspapers and handbills, and went + forth on expeditions at all hours of the day to identify Solomon Gills, in + poor little ship-boys who had fallen overboard, and in tall foreigners + with dark beards who had taken poison—'to make sure,' Captain Cuttle + said, 'that it wam't him.' It is a sure thing that it never was, and that + the good Captain had no other satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle at last abandoned these attempts as hopeless, and set + himself to consider what was to be done next. After several new perusals + of his poor friend's letter, he considered that the maintenance of 'a home + in the old place for Walter' was the primary duty imposed upon him. + Therefore, the Captain's decision was, that he would keep house on the + premises of Solomon Gills himself, and would go into the + instrument-business, and see what came of it. + </p> + <p> + But as this step involved the relinquishment of his apartments at Mrs + MacStinger's, and he knew that resolute woman would never hear of his + deserting them, the Captain took the desperate determination of running + away. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, look ye here, my lad,' said the Captain to Rob, when he had matured + this notable scheme, 'to-morrow, I shan't be found in this here roadstead + till night—not till arter midnight p'rhaps. But you keep watch till + you hear me knock, and the moment you do, turn-to, and open the door.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very good, Captain,' said Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'You'll continue to be rated on these here books,' pursued the Captain + condescendingly, 'and I don't say but what you may get promotion, if you + and me should pull together with a will. But the moment you hear me knock + to-morrow night, whatever time it is, turn-to and show yourself smart with + the door.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll be sure to do it, Captain,' replied Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Because you understand,' resumed the Captain, coming back again to + enforce this charge upon his mind, 'there may be, for anything I can say, + a chase; and I might be took while I was waiting, if you didn't show + yourself smart with the door.' + </p> + <p> + Rob again assured the Captain that he would be prompt and wakeful; and the + Captain having made this prudent arrangement, went home to Mrs + MacStinger's for the last time. + </p> + <p> + The sense the Captain had of its being the last time, and of the awful + purpose hidden beneath his blue waistcoat, inspired him with such a mortal + dread of Mrs MacStinger, that the sound of that lady's foot downstairs at + any time of the day, was sufficient to throw him into a fit of trembling. + It fell out, too, that Mrs MacStinger was in a charming temper—mild + and placid as a house—lamb; and Captain Cuttle's conscience suffered + terrible twinges, when she came up to inquire if she could cook him + nothing for his dinner. + </p> + <p> + 'A nice small kidney-pudding now, Cap'en Cuttle,' said his landlady: 'or a + sheep's heart. Don't mind my trouble.' + </p> + <p> + 'No thank'ee, Ma'am,' returned the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Have a roast fowl,' said Mrs MacStinger, 'with a bit of weal stuffing and + some egg sauce. Come, Cap'en Cuttle! Give yourself a little treat!' + </p> + <p> + 'No thank'ee, Ma'am,' returned the Captain very humbly. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm sure you're out of sorts, and want to be stimulated,' said Mrs + MacStinger. 'Why not have, for once in a way, a bottle of sherry wine?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Ma'am,' rejoined the Captain, 'if you'd be so good as take a glass + or two, I think I would try that. Would you do me the favour, Ma'am,' said + the Captain, torn to pieces by his conscience, 'to accept a quarter's rent + ahead?' + </p> + <p> + 'And why so, Cap'en Cuttle?' retorted Mrs MacStinger—sharply, as the + Captain thought. + </p> + <p> + The Captain was frightened to dead 'If you would Ma'am,' he said with + submission, 'it would oblige me. I can't keep my money very well. It pays + itself out. I should take it kind if you'd comply.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Cap'en Cuttle,' said the unconscious MacStinger, rubbing her hands, + 'you can do as you please. It's not for me, with my family, to refuse, no + more than it is to ask.' + </p> + <p> + 'And would you, Ma'am,' said the Captain, taking down the tin canister in + which he kept his cash, from the top shelf of the cupboard, 'be so good as + offer eighteen-pence a-piece to the little family all round? If you could + make it convenient, Ma'am, to pass the word presently for them children to + come for'ard, in a body, I should be glad to see 'em.' + </p> + <p> + These innocent MacStingers were so many daggers to the Captain's breast, + when they appeared in a swarm, and tore at him with the confiding + trustfulness he so little deserved. The eye of Alexander MacStinger, who + had been his favourite, was insupportable to the Captain; the voice of + Juliana MacStinger, who was the picture of her mother, made a coward of + him. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle kept up appearances, nevertheless, tolerably well, and for + an hour or two was very hardly used and roughly handled by the young + MacStingers: who in their childish frolics, did a little damage also to + the glazed hat, by sitting in it, two at a time, as in a nest, and + drumming on the inside of the crown with their shoes. At length the + Captain sorrowfully dismissed them: taking leave of these cherubs with the + poignant remorse and grief of a man who was going to execution. + </p> + <p> + In the silence of night, the Captain packed up his heavier property in a + chest, which he locked, intending to leave it there, in all probability + for ever, but on the forlorn chance of one day finding a man sufficiently + bold and desperate to come and ask for it. Of his lighter necessaries, the + Captain made a bundle; and disposed his plate about his person, ready for + flight. At the hour of midnight, when Brig Place was buried in slumber, + and Mrs MacStinger was lulled in sweet oblivion, with her infants around + her, the guilty Captain, stealing down on tiptoe, in the dark, opened the + door, closed it softly after him, and took to his heels. + </p> + <p> + Pursued by the image of Mrs MacStinger springing out of bed, and, + regardless of costume, following and bringing him back; pursued also by a + consciousness of his enormous crime; Captain Cuttle held on at a great + pace, and allowed no grass to grow under his feet, between Brig Place and + the Instrument-maker's door. It opened when he knocked—for Rob was + on the watch—and when it was bolted and locked behind him, Captain + Cuttle felt comparatively safe. + </p> + <p> + 'Whew!' cried the Captain, looking round him. 'It's a breather!' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing the matter, is there, Captain?' cried the gaping Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'No, no!' said Captain Cuttle, after changing colour, and listening to a + passing footstep in the street. 'But mind ye, my lad; if any lady, except + either of them two as you see t'other day, ever comes and asks for Cap'en + Cuttle, be sure to report no person of that name known, nor never heard of + here; observe them orders, will you?' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll take care, Captain,' returned Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'You might say—if you liked,' hesitated the Captain, 'that you'd + read in the paper that a Cap'en of that name was gone to Australia, + emigrating, along with a whole ship's complement of people as had all + swore never to come back no more.' + </p> + <p> + Rob nodded his understanding of these instructions; and Captain Cuttle + promising to make a man of him, if he obeyed orders, dismissed him, + yawning, to his bed under the counter, and went aloft to the chamber of + Solomon Gills. + </p> + <p> + What the Captain suffered next day, whenever a bonnet passed, or how often + he darted out of the shop to elude imaginary MacStingers, and sought + safety in the attic, cannot be told. But to avoid the fatigues attendant + on this means of self-preservation, the Captain curtained the glass door + of communication between the shop and parlour, on the inside; fitted a key + to it from the bunch that had been sent to him; and cut a small hole of + espial in the wall. The advantage of this fortification is obvious. On a + bonnet appearing, the Captain instantly slipped into his garrison, locked + himself up, and took a secret observation of the enemy. Finding it a false + alarm, the Captain instantly slipped out again. And the bonnets in the + street were so very numerous, and alarms were so inseparable from their + appearance, that the Captain was almost incessantly slipping in and out + all day long. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle found time, however, in the midst of this fatiguing service + to inspect the stock; in connexion with which he had the general idea + (very laborious to Rob) that too much friction could not be bestowed upon + it, and that it could not be made too bright. He also ticketed a few + attractive-looking articles at a venture, at prices ranging from ten + shillings to fifty pounds, and exposed them in the window to the great + astonishment of the public. + </p> + <p> + After effecting these improvements, Captain Cuttle, surrounded by the + instruments, began to feel scientific: and looked up at the stars at + night, through the skylight, when he was smoking his pipe in the little + back parlour before going to bed, as if he had established a kind of + property in them. As a tradesman in the City, too, he began to have an + interest in the Lord Mayor, and the Sheriffs, and in Public Companies; and + felt bound to read the quotations of the Funds every day, though he was + unable to make out, on any principle of navigation, what the figures + meant, and could have very well dispensed with the fractions. Florence, + the Captain waited on, with his strange news of Uncle Sol, immediately + after taking possession of the Midshipman; but she was away from home. So + the Captain sat himself down in his altered station of life, with no + company but Rob the Grinder; and losing count of time, as men do when + great changes come upon them, thought musingly of Walter, and of Solomon + Gills, and even of Mrs MacStinger herself, as among the things that had + been. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 26. Shadows of the Past and Future + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">Y</span> + our most obedient, Sir,' said the Major. 'Damme, Sir, a friend of my + friend Dombey's is a friend of mine, and I'm glad to see you!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am infinitely obliged, Carker,' explained Mr Dombey, 'to Major + Bagstock, for his company and conversation. Major Bagstock has rendered me + great service, Carker.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker the Manager, hat in hand, just arrived at Leamington, and just + introduced to the Major, showed the Major his whole double range of teeth, + and trusted he might take the liberty of thanking him with all his heart + for having effected so great an Improvement in Mr Dombey's looks and + spirits. + </p> + <p> + 'By Gad, Sir,' said the Major, in reply, 'there are no thanks due to me, + for it's a give and take affair. A great creature like our friend Dombey, + Sir,' said the Major, lowering his voice, but not lowering it so much as + to render it inaudible to that gentleman, 'cannot help improving and + exalting his friends. He strengthens and invigorates a man, Sir, does + Dombey, in his moral nature.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker snapped at the expression. In his moral nature. Exactly. The + very words he had been on the point of suggesting. + </p> + <p> + 'But when my friend Dombey, Sir,' added the Major, 'talks to you of Major + Bagstock, I must crave leave to set him and you right. He means plain Joe, + Sir—Joey B.—Josh. Bagstock—Joseph—rough and tough + Old J., Sir. At your service.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker's excessively friendly inclinations towards the Major, and Mr + Carker's admiration of his roughness, toughness, and plainness, gleamed + out of every tooth in Mr Carker's head. + </p> + <p> + 'And now, Sir,' said the Major, 'you and Dombey have the devil's own + amount of business to talk over.' + </p> + <p> + 'By no means, Major,' observed Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said the Major, defiantly, 'I know better; a man of your mark—the + Colossus of commerce—is not to be interrupted. Your moments are + precious. We shall meet at dinner-time. In the interval, old Joseph will + be scarce. The dinner-hour is a sharp seven, Mr Carker.' + </p> + <p> + With that, the Major, greatly swollen as to his face, withdrew; but + immediately putting in his head at the door again, said: + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon. Dombey, have you any message to 'em?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey in some embarrassment, and not without a glance at the courteous + keeper of his business confidence, entrusted the Major with his + compliments. + </p> + <p> + 'By the Lord, Sir,' said the Major, 'you must make it something warmer + than that, or old Joe will be far from welcome.' + </p> + <p> + 'Regards then, if you will, Major,' returned Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Damme, Sir,' said the Major, shaking his shoulders and his great cheeks + jocularly: 'make it something warmer than that.' + </p> + <p> + 'What you please, then, Major,' observed Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Our friend is sly, Sir, sly, Sir, de-vilish sly,' said the Major, staring + round the door at Carker. 'So is Bagstock.' But stopping in the midst of a + chuckle, and drawing himself up to his full height, the Major solemnly + exclaimed, as he struck himself on the chest, 'Dombey! I envy your + feelings. God bless you!' and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + 'You must have found the gentleman a great resource,' said Carker, + following him with his teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'Very great indeed,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'He has friends here, no doubt,' pursued Carker. 'I perceive, from what he + has said, that you go into society here. Do you know,' smiling horribly, + 'I am so very glad that you go into society!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey acknowledged this display of interest on the part of his second + in command, by twirling his watch-chain, and slightly moving his head. + </p> + <p> + 'You were formed for society,' said Carker. 'Of all the men I know, you + are the best adapted, by nature and by position, for society. Do you know + I have been frequently amazed that you should have held it at arm's length + so long!' + </p> + <p> + 'I have had my reasons, Carker. I have been alone, and indifferent to it. + But you have great social qualifications yourself, and are the more likely + to have been surprised.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I!' returned the other, with ready self-disparagement. 'It's quite + another matter in the case of a man like me. I don't come into comparison + with you.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey put his hand to his neckcloth, settled his chin in it, coughed, + and stood looking at his faithful friend and servant for a few moments in + silence. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall have the pleasure, Carker,' said Mr Dombey at length: making as + if he swallowed something a little too large for his throat: 'to present + you to my—to the Major's friends. Highly agreeable people.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ladies among them, I presume?' insinuated the smooth Manager. + </p> + <p> + 'They are all—that is to say, they are both—ladies,' replied + Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Only two?' smiled Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'They are only two. I have confined my visits to their residence, and have + made no other acquaintance here.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sisters, perhaps?' quoth Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Mother and daughter,' replied Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + As Mr Dombey dropped his eyes, and adjusted his neckcloth again, the + smiling face of Mr Carker the Manager became in a moment, and without any + stage of transition, transformed into a most intent and frowning face, + scanning his closely, and with an ugly sneer. As Mr Dombey raised his + eyes, it changed back, no less quickly, to its old expression, and showed + him every gum of which it stood possessed. + </p> + <p> + 'You are very kind,' said Carker, 'I shall be delighted to know them. + Speaking of daughters, I have seen Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + There was a sudden rush of blood to Mr Dombey's face. + </p> + <p> + 'I took the liberty of waiting on her,' said Carker, 'to inquire if she + could charge me with any little commission. I am not so fortunate as to be + the bearer of any but her—but her dear love.' + </p> + <p> + Wolf's face that it was then, with even the hot tongue revealing itself + through the stretched mouth, as the eyes encountered Mr Dombey's! + </p> + <p> + 'What business intelligence is there?' inquired the latter gentleman, + after a silence, during which Mr Carker had produced some memoranda and + other papers. + </p> + <p> + 'There is very little,' returned Carker. 'Upon the whole we have not had + our usual good fortune of late, but that is of little moment to you. At + Lloyd's, they give up the Son and Heir for lost. Well, she was insured, + from her keel to her masthead.' + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' said Mr Dombey, taking a chair near him, 'I cannot say that + young man, Gay, ever impressed me favourably—' + </p> + <p> + 'Nor me,' interposed the Manager. + </p> + <p> + '—But I wish,' said Mr Dombey, without heeding the interruption, 'he + had never gone on board that ship. I wish he had never been sent out. + </p> + <p> + 'It is a pity you didn't say so, in good time, is it not?' retorted + Carker, coolly. 'However, I think it's all for the best. I really, think + it's all for the best. Did I mention that there was something like a + little confidence between Miss Dombey and myself?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Mr Dombey, sternly. + </p> + <p> + 'I have no doubt,' returned Mr Carker, after an impressive pause, 'that + wherever Gay is, he is much better where he is, than at home here. If I + were, or could be, in your place, I should be satisfied of that. I am + quite satisfied of it myself. Miss Dombey is confiding and young—perhaps + hardly proud enough, for your daughter—if she have a fault. Not that + that is much though, I am sure. Will you check these balances with me?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey leaned back in his chair, instead of bending over the papers + that were laid before him, and looked the Manager steadily in the face. + The Manager, with his eyelids slightly raised, affected to be glancing at + his figures, and to await the leisure of his principal. He showed that he + affected this, as if from great delicacy, and with a design to spare Mr + Dombey's feelings; and the latter, as he looked at him, was cognizant of + his intended consideration, and felt that but for it, this confidential + Carker would have said a great deal more, which he, Mr Dombey, was too + proud to ask for. It was his way in business, often. Little by little, Mr + Dombey's gaze relaxed, and his attention became diverted to the papers + before him; but while busy with the occupation they afforded him, he + frequently stopped, and looked at Mr Carker again. Whenever he did so, Mr + Carker was demonstrative, as before, in his delicacy, and impressed it on + his great chief more and more. + </p> + <p> + While they were thus engaged; and under the skilful culture of the + Manager, angry thoughts in reference to poor Florence brooded and bred in + Mr Dombey's breast, usurping the place of the cold dislike that generally + reigned there; Major Bagstock, much admired by the old ladies of + Leamington, and followed by the Native, carrying the usual amount of light + baggage, straddled along the shady side of the way, to make a morning call + on Mrs Skewton. It being midday when the Major reached the bower of + Cleopatra, he had the good fortune to find his Princess on her usual sofa, + languishing over a cup of coffee, with the room so darkened and shaded for + her more luxurious repose, that Withers, who was in attendance on her, + loomed like a phantom page. + </p> + <p> + 'What insupportable creature is this, coming in?' said Mrs Skewton, 'I + cannot hear it. Go away, whoever you are!' + </p> + <p> + 'You have not the heart to banish J. B., Ma'am!' said the Major halting + midway, to remonstrate, with his cane over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh it's you, is it? On second thoughts, you may enter,' observed + Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + The Major entered accordingly, and advancing to the sofa pressed her + charming hand to his lips. + </p> + <p> + 'Sit down,' said Cleopatra, listlessly waving her fan, 'a long way off. + Don't come too near me, for I am frightfully faint and sensitive this + morning, and you smell of the Sun. You are absolutely tropical.' + </p> + <p> + 'By George, Ma'am,' said the Major, 'the time has been when Joseph + Bagstock has been grilled and blistered by the Sun; then time was, when he + was forced, Ma'am, into such full blow, by high hothouse heat in the West + Indies, that he was known as the Flower. A man never heard of Bagstock, + Ma'am, in those days; he heard of the Flower—the Flower of Ours. The + Flower may have faded, more or less, Ma'am,' observed the Major, dropping + into a much nearer chair than had been indicated by his cruel Divinity, + 'but it is a tough plant yet, and constant as the evergreen.' + </p> + <p> + Here the Major, under cover of the dark room, shut up one eye, rolled his + head like a Harlequin, and, in his great self-satisfaction, perhaps went + nearer to the confines of apoplexy than he had ever gone before. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is Mrs Granger?' inquired Cleopatra of her page. + </p> + <p> + Withers believed she was in her own room. + </p> + <p> + 'Very well,' said Mrs Skewton. 'Go away, and shut the door. I am engaged.' + </p> + <p> + As Withers disappeared, Mrs Skewton turned her head languidly towards the + Major, without otherwise moving, and asked him how his friend was. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey, Ma'am,' returned the Major, with a facetious gurgling in his + throat, 'is as well as a man in his condition can be. His condition is a + desperate one, Ma'am. He is touched, is Dombey! Touched!' cried the Major. + 'He is bayonetted through the body.' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra cast a sharp look at the Major, that contrasted forcibly with + the affected drawl in which she presently said: + </p> + <p> + 'Major Bagstock, although I know but little of the world,—nor can I + really regret my experience, for I fear it is a false place, full of + withering conventionalities: where Nature is but little regarded, and + where the music of the heart, and the gushing of the soul, and all that + sort of thing, which is so truly poetical, is seldom heard,—I cannot + misunderstand your meaning. There is an allusion to Edith—to my + extremely dear child,' said Mrs Skewton, tracing the outline of her + eyebrows with her forefinger, 'in your words, to which the tenderest of + chords vibrates excessively.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bluntness, Ma'am,' returned the Major, 'has ever been the characteristic + of the Bagstock breed. You are right. Joe admits it.' + </p> + <p> + 'And that allusion,' pursued Cleopatra, 'would involve one of the most—if + not positively the most—touching, and thrilling, and sacred emotions + of which our sadly-fallen nature is susceptible, I conceive.' + </p> + <p> + The Major laid his hand upon his lips, and wafted a kiss to Cleopatra, as + if to identify the emotion in question. + </p> + <p> + 'I feel that I am weak. I feel that I am wanting in that energy, which + should sustain a Mama: not to say a parent: on such a subject,' said Mrs + Skewton, trimming her lips with the laced edge of her pocket-handkerchief; + 'but I can hardly approach a topic so excessively momentous to my dearest + Edith without a feeling of faintness. Nevertheless, bad man, as you have + boldly remarked upon it, and as it has occasioned me great anguish:' Mrs + Skewton touched her left side with her fan: 'I will not shrink from my + duty.' + </p> + <p> + The Major, under cover of the dimness, swelled, and swelled, and rolled + his purple face about, and winked his lobster eye, until he fell into a + fit of wheezing, which obliged him to rise and take a turn or two about + the room, before his fair friend could proceed. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey,' said Mrs Skewton, when she at length resumed, 'was obliging + enough, now many weeks ago, to do us the honour of visiting us here; in + company, my dear Major, with yourself. I acknowledge—let me be open—that + it is my failing to be the creature of impulse, and to wear my heart as it + were, outside. I know my failing full well. My enemy cannot know it + better. But I am not penitent; I would rather not be frozen by the + heartless world, and am content to bear this imputation justly.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton arranged her tucker, pinched her wiry throat to give it a soft + surface, and went on, with great complacency. + </p> + <p> + 'It gave me (my dearest Edith too, I am sure) infinite pleasure to receive + Mr Dombey. As a friend of yours, my dear Major, we were naturally disposed + to be prepossessed in his favour; and I fancied that I observed an amount + of Heart in Mr Dombey, that was excessively refreshing.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is devilish little heart in Dombey now, Ma'am,' said the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'Wretched man!' cried Mrs Skewton, looking at him languidly, 'pray be + silent.' + </p> + <p> + 'J. B. is dumb, Ma'am,' said the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey,' pursued Cleopatra, smoothing the rosy hue upon her cheeks, + 'accordingly repeated his visit; and possibly finding some attraction in + the simplicity and primitiveness of our tastes—for there is always a + charm in nature—it is so very sweet—became one of our little + circle every evening. Little did I think of the awful responsibility into + which I plunged when I encouraged Mr Dombey—to'— + </p> + <p> + 'To beat up these quarters, Ma'am,' suggested Major Bagstock. + </p> + <p> + 'Coarse person!' said Mrs Skewton, 'you anticipate my meaning, though in + odious language.' + </p> + <p> + Here Mrs Skewton rested her elbow on the little table at her side, and + suffering her wrist to droop in what she considered a graceful and + becoming manner, dangled her fan to and fro, and lazily admired her hand + while speaking. + </p> + <p> + 'The agony I have endured,' she said mincingly, 'as the truth has by + degrees dawned upon me, has been too exceedingly terrific to dilate upon. + My whole existence is bound up in my sweetest Edith; and to see her change + from day to day—my beautiful pet, who has positively garnered up her + heart since the death of that most delightful creature, Granger—is + the most affecting thing in the world.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton's world was not a very trying one, if one might judge of it by + the influence of its most affecting circumstance upon her; but this by the + way. + </p> + <p> + 'Edith,' simpered Mrs Skewton, 'who is the perfect pearl of my life, is + said to resemble me. I believe we are alike.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is one man in the world who never will admit that anyone resembles + you, Ma'am,' said the Major; 'and that man's name is Old Joe Bagstock.' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra made as if she would brain the flatterer with her fan, but + relenting, smiled upon him and proceeded: + </p> + <p> + 'If my charming girl inherits any advantages from me, wicked one!': the + Major was the wicked one: 'she inherits also my foolish nature. She has + great force of character—mine has been said to be immense, though I + don't believe it—but once moved, she is susceptible and sensitive to + the last extent. What are my feelings when I see her pining! They destroy + me. + </p> + <p> + The Major advancing his double chin, and pursing up his blue lips into a + soothing expression, affected the profoundest sympathy. + </p> + <p> + 'The confidence,' said Mrs Skewton, 'that has subsisted between us—the + free development of soul, and openness of sentiment—is touching to + think of. We have been more like sisters than Mama and child.' + </p> + <p> + 'J. B.'s own sentiment,' observed the Major, 'expressed by J. B. fifty + thousand times!' + </p> + <p> + 'Do not interrupt, rude man!' said Cleopatra. 'What are my feelings, then, + when I find that there is one subject avoided by us! That there is a + what's-his-name—a gulf—opened between us. That my own artless + Edith is changed to me! They are of the most poignant description, of + course.' + </p> + <p> + The Major left his chair, and took one nearer to the little table. + </p> + <p> + 'From day to day I see this, my dear Major,' proceeded Mrs Skewton. 'From + day to day I feel this. From hour to hour I reproach myself for that + excess of faith and trustfulness which has led to such distressing + consequences; and almost from minute to minute, I hope that Mr Dombey may + explain himself, and relieve the torture I undergo, which is extremely + wearing. But nothing happens, my dear Major; I am the slave of remorse—take + care of the coffee-cup: you are so very awkward—my darling Edith is + an altered being; and I really don't see what is to be done, or what good + creature I can advise with.' + </p> + <p> + Major Bagstock, encouraged perhaps by the softened and confidential tone + into which Mrs Skewton, after several times lapsing into it for a moment, + seemed now to have subsided for good, stretched out his hand across the + little table, and said with a leer, + </p> + <p> + 'Advise with Joe, Ma'am.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then, you aggravating monster,' said Cleopatra, giving one hand to the + Major, and tapping his knuckles with her fan, which she held in the other: + 'why don't you talk to me? you know what I mean. Why don't you tell me + something to the purpose?' + </p> + <p> + The Major laughed, and kissed the hand she had bestowed upon him, and + laughed again immensely. + </p> + <p> + 'Is there as much Heart in Mr Dombey as I gave him credit for?' languished + Cleopatra tenderly. 'Do you think he is in earnest, my dear Major? Would + you recommend his being spoken to, or his being left alone? Now tell me, + like a dear man, what would you advise.' + </p> + <p> + 'Shall we marry him to Edith Granger, Ma'am?' chuckled the Major, + hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + 'Mysterious creature!' returned Cleopatra, bringing her fan to bear upon + the Major's nose. 'How can we marry him?' + </p> + <p> + 'Shall we marry him to Edith Granger, Ma'am, I say?' chuckled the Major + again. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton returned no answer in words, but smiled upon the Major with so + much archness and vivacity, that that gallant officer considering himself + challenged, would have imprinted a kiss on her exceedingly red lips, but + for her interposing the fan with a very winning and juvenile dexterity. It + might have been in modesty; it might have been in apprehension of some + danger to their bloom. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey, Ma'am,' said the Major, 'is a great catch.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, mercenary wretch!' cried Cleopatra, with a little shriek, 'I am + shocked.' + </p> + <p> + 'And Dombey, Ma'am,' pursued the Major, thrusting forward his head, and + distending his eyes, 'is in earnest. Joseph says it; Bagstock knows it; J. + B. keeps him to the mark. Leave Dombey to himself, Ma'am. Dombey is safe, + Ma'am. Do as you have done; do no more; and trust to J. B. for the end.' + </p> + <p> + 'You really think so, my dear Major?' returned Cleopatra, who had eyed him + very cautiously, and very searchingly, in spite of her listless bearing. + </p> + <p> + 'Sure of it, Ma'am,' rejoined the Major. 'Cleopatra the peerless, and her + Antony Bagstock, will often speak of this, triumphantly, when sharing the + elegance and wealth of Edith Dombey's establishment. Dombey's right-hand + man, Ma'am,' said the Major, stopping abruptly in a chuckle, and becoming + serious, 'has arrived.' + </p> + <p> + 'This morning?' said Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + 'This morning, Ma'am,' returned the Major. 'And Dombey's anxiety for his + arrival, Ma'am, is to be referred—take J. B.'s word for this; for + Joe is devilish sly'—the Major tapped his nose, and screwed up one + of his eyes tight: which did not enhance his native beauty—'to his + desire that what is in the wind should become known to him' without + Dombey's telling and consulting him. For Dombey is as proud, Ma'am,' said + the Major, 'as Lucifer.' + </p> + <p> + 'A charming quality,' lisped Mrs Skewton; 'reminding one of dearest + Edith.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Ma'am,' said the Major. 'I have thrown out hints already, and the + right-hand man understands 'em; and I'll throw out more, before the day is + done. Dombey projected this morning a ride to Warwick Castle, and to + Kenilworth, to-morrow, to be preceded by a breakfast with us. I undertook + the delivery of this invitation. Will you honour us so far, Ma'am?' said + the Major, swelling with shortness of breath and slyness, as he produced a + note, addressed to the Honourable Mrs Skewton, by favour of Major + Bagstock, wherein hers ever faithfully, Paul Dombey, besought her and her + amiable and accomplished daughter to consent to the proposed excursion; + and in a postscript unto which, the same ever faithfully Paul Dombey + entreated to be recalled to the remembrance of Mrs Granger. + </p> + <p> + 'Hush!' said Cleopatra, suddenly, 'Edith!' + </p> + <p> + The loving mother can scarcely be described as resuming her insipid and + affected air when she made this exclamation; for she had never cast it + off; nor was it likely that she ever would or could, in any other place + than in the grave. But hurriedly dismissing whatever shadow of + earnestness, or faint confession of a purpose, laudable or wicked, that + her face, or voice, or manner: had, for the moment, betrayed, she lounged + upon the couch, her most insipid and most languid self again, as Edith + entered the room. + </p> + <p> + Edith, so beautiful and stately, but so cold and so repelling. Who, + slightly acknowledging the presence of Major Bagstock, and directing a + keen glance at her mother, drew back the from a window, and sat down + there, looking out. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith,' said Mrs Skewton, 'where on earth have you been? I + have wanted you, my love, most sadly.' + </p> + <p> + 'You said you were engaged, and I stayed away,' she answered, without + turning her head. + </p> + <p> + 'It was cruel to Old Joe, Ma'am,' said the Major in his gallantry. + </p> + <p> + 'It was very cruel, I know,' she said, still looking out—and said + with such calm disdain, that the Major was discomfited, and could think of + nothing in reply. + </p> + <p> + 'Major Bagstock, my darling Edith,' drawled her mother, 'who is generally + the most useless and disagreeable creature in the world: as you know—' + </p> + <p> + 'It is surely not worthwhile, Mama,' said Edith, looking round, 'to + observe these forms of speech. We are quite alone. We know each other.' + </p> + <p> + The quiet scorn that sat upon her handsome face—a scorn that + evidently lighted on herself, no less than them—was so intense and + deep, that her mother's simper, for the instant, though of a hardy + constitution, drooped before it. + </p> + <p> + 'My darling girl,' she began again. + </p> + <p> + 'Not woman yet?' said Edith, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + 'How very odd you are to-day, my dear! Pray let me say, my love, that + Major Bagstock has brought the kindest of notes from Mr Dombey, proposing + that we should breakfast with him to-morrow, and ride to Warwick and + Kenilworth. Will you go, Edith?' + </p> + <p> + 'Will I go!' she repeated, turning very red, and breathing quickly as she + looked round at her mother. + </p> + <p> + 'I knew you would, my own, observed the latter carelessly. 'It is, as you + say, quite a form to ask. Here is Mr Dombey's letter, Edith.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you. I have no desire to read it,' was her answer. + </p> + <p> + 'Then perhaps I had better answer it myself,' said Mrs Skewton, 'though I + had thought of asking you to be my secretary, darling.' As Edith made no + movement, and no answer, Mrs Skewton begged the Major to wheel her little + table nearer, and to set open the desk it contained, and to take out pen + and paper for her; all which congenial offices of gallantry the Major + discharged, with much submission and devotion. + </p> + <p> + 'Your regards, Edith, my dear?' said Mrs Skewton, pausing, pen in hand, at + the postscript. + </p> + <p> + 'What you will, Mama,' she answered, without turning her head, and with + supreme indifference. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton wrote what she would, without seeking for any more explicit + directions, and handed her letter to the Major, who receiving it as a + precious charge, made a show of laying it near his heart, but was fain to + put it in the pocket of his pantaloons on account of the insecurity of his + waistcoat The Major then took a very polished and chivalrous farewell of + both ladies, which the elder one acknowledged in her usual manner, while + the younger, sitting with her face addressed to the window, bent her head + so slightly that it would have been a greater compliment to the Major to + have made no sign at all, and to have left him to infer that he had not + been heard or thought of. + </p> + <p> + 'As to alteration in her, Sir,' mused the Major on his way back; on which + expedition—the afternoon being sunny and hot—he ordered the + Native and the light baggage to the front, and walked in the shadow of + that expatriated prince: 'as to alteration, Sir, and pining, and so forth, + that won't go down with Joseph Bagstock, None of that, Sir. It won't do + here. But as to there being something of a division between 'em—or a + gulf as the mother calls it—damme, Sir, that seems true enough. And + it's odd enough! Well, Sir!' panted the Major, 'Edith Granger and Dombey + are well matched; let 'em fight it out! Bagstock backs the winner!' + </p> + <p> + The Major, by saying these latter words aloud, in the vigour of his + thoughts, caused the unhappy Native to stop, and turn round, in the belief + that he was personally addressed. Exasperated to the last degree by this + act of insubordination, the Major (though he was swelling with enjoyment + of his own humour), at the moment of its occurrence instantly thrust his + cane among the Native's ribs, and continued to stir him up, at short + intervals, all the way to the hotel. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the Major less exasperated as he dressed for dinner, during which + operation the dark servant underwent the pelting of a shower of + miscellaneous objects, varying in size from a boot to a hairbrush, and + including everything that came within his master's reach. For the Major + plumed himself on having the Native in a perfect state of drill, and + visited the least departure from strict discipline with this kind of + fatigue duty. Add to this, that he maintained the Native about his person + as a counter-irritant against the gout, and all other vexations, mental as + well as bodily; and the Native would appear to have earned his pay—which + was not large. + </p> + <p> + At length, the Major having disposed of all the missiles that were + convenient to his hand, and having called the Native so many new names as + must have given him great occasion to marvel at the resources of the + English language, submitted to have his cravat put on; and being dressed, + and finding himself in a brisk flow of spirits after this exercise, went + downstairs to enliven 'Dombey' and his right-hand man. + </p> + <p> + Dombey was not yet in the room, but the right-hand man was there, and his + dental treasures were, as usual, ready for the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir!' said the Major. 'How have you passed the time since I had the + happiness of meeting you? Have you walked at all?' + </p> + <p> + 'A saunter of barely half an hour's duration,' returned Carker. 'We have + been so much occupied.' + </p> + <p> + 'Business, eh?' said the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'A variety of little matters necessary to be gone through,' replied + Carker. 'But do you know—this is quite unusual with me, educated in + a distrustful school, and who am not generally disposed to be + communicative,' he said, breaking off, and speaking in a charming tone of + frankness—'but I feel quite confidential with you, Major Bagstock.' + </p> + <p> + 'You do me honour, Sir,' returned the Major. 'You may be.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know, then,' pursued Carker, 'that I have not found my friend—our + friend, I ought rather to call him—' + </p> + <p> + 'Meaning Dombey, Sir?' cried the Major. 'You see me, Mr Carker, standing + here! J. B.?' + </p> + <p> + He was puffy enough to see, and blue enough; and Mr Carker intimated the + he had that pleasure. + </p> + <p> + 'Then you see a man, Sir, who would go through fire and water to serve + Dombey,' returned Major Bagstock. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker smiled, and said he was sure of it. 'Do you know, Major,' he + proceeded: 'to resume where I left off: that I have not found our friend + so attentive to business today, as usual?' + </p> + <p> + 'No?' observed the delighted Major. + </p> + <p> + 'I have found him a little abstracted, and with his attention disposed to + wander,' said Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'By Jove, Sir,' cried the Major, 'there's a lady in the case.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, I begin to believe there really is,' returned Carker; 'I thought + you might be jesting when you seemed to hint at it; for I know you + military men'— + </p> + <p> + The Major gave the horse's cough, and shook his head and shoulders, as + much as to say, 'Well! we are gay dogs, there's no denying.' He then + seized Mr Carker by the button-hole, and with starting eyes whispered in + his ear, that she was a woman of extraordinary charms, Sir. That she was a + young widow, Sir. That she was of a fine family, Sir. That Dombey was over + head and ears in love with her, Sir, and that it would be a good match on + both sides; for she had beauty, blood, and talent, and Dombey had fortune; + and what more could any couple have? Hearing Mr Dombey's footsteps + without, the Major cut himself short by saying, that Mr Carker would see + her tomorrow morning, and would judge for himself; and between his mental + excitement, and the exertion of saying all this in wheezy whispers, the + Major sat gurgling in the throat and watering at the eyes, until dinner + was ready. + </p> + <p> + The Major, like some other noble animals, exhibited himself to great + advantage at feeding-time. On this occasion, he shone resplendent at one + end of the table, supported by the milder lustre of Mr Dombey at the + other; while Carker on one side lent his ray to either light, or suffered + it to merge into both, as occasion arose. + </p> + <p> + During the first course or two, the Major was usually grave; for the + Native, in obedience to general orders, secretly issued, collected every + sauce and cruet round him, and gave him a great deal to do, in taking out + the stoppers, and mixing up the contents in his plate. Besides which, the + Native had private zests and flavours on a side-table, with which the + Major daily scorched himself; to say nothing of strange machines out of + which he spirited unknown liquids into the Major's drink. But on this + occasion, Major Bagstock, even amidst these many occupations, found time + to be social; and his sociality consisted in excessive slyness for the + behoof of Mr Carker, and the betrayal of Mr Dombey's state of mind. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said the Major, 'you don't eat; what's the matter?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you,' returned the gentleman, 'I am doing very well; I have no + great appetite today.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Dombey, what's become of it?' asked the Major. 'Where's it gone? You + haven't left it with our friends, I'll swear, for I can answer for their + having none to-day at luncheon. I can answer for one of 'em, at least: I + won't say which.' + </p> + <p> + Then the Major winked at Carker, and became so frightfully sly, that his + dark attendant was obliged to pat him on the back, without orders, or he + would probably have disappeared under the table. + </p> + <p> + In a later stage of the dinner: that is to say, when the Native stood at + the Major's elbow ready to serve the first bottle of champagne: the Major + became still slyer. + </p> + <p> + 'Fill this to the brim, you scoundrel,' said the Major, holding up his + glass. 'Fill Mr Carker's to the brim too. And Mr Dombey's too. By Gad, + gentlemen,' said the Major, winking at his new friend, while Mr Dombey + looked into his plate with a conscious air, 'we'll consecrate this glass + of wine to a Divinity whom Joe is proud to know, and at a distance humbly + and reverently to admire. Edith,' said the Major, 'is her name; angelic + Edith!' + </p> + <p> + 'To angelic Edith!' cried the smiling Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, by all means,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + The entrance of the waiters with new dishes caused the Major to be slyer + yet, but in a more serious vein. 'For though among ourselves, Joe Bagstock + mingles jest and earnest on this subject, Sir,' said the Major, laying his + finger on his lips, and speaking half apart to Carker, 'he holds that name + too sacred to be made the property of these fellows, or of any fellows. + Not a word, Sir, while they are here!' + </p> + <p> + This was respectful and becoming on the Major's part, and Mr Dombey + plainly felt it so. Although embarrassed in his own frigid way, by the + Major's allusions, Mr Dombey had no objection to such rallying, it was + clear, but rather courted it. Perhaps the Major had been pretty near the + truth, when he had divined that morning that the great man who was too + haughty formally to consult with, or confide in his prime minister, on + such a matter, yet wished him to be fully possessed of it. Let this be how + it may, he often glanced at Mr Carker while the Major plied his light + artillery, and seemed watchful of its effect upon him. + </p> + <p> + But the Major, having secured an attentive listener, and a smiler who had + not his match in all the world—'in short, a devilish intelligent and + able fellow,' as he often afterwards declared—was not going to let + him off with a little slyness personal to Mr Dombey. Therefore, on the + removal of the cloth, the Major developed himself as a choice spirit in + the broader and more comprehensive range of narrating regimental stories, + and cracking regimental jokes, which he did with such prodigal exuberance, + that Carker was (or feigned to be) quite exhausted with laughter and + admiration: while Mr Dombey looked on over his starched cravat, like the + Major's proprietor, or like a stately showman who was glad to see his bear + dancing well. + </p> + <p> + When the Major was too hoarse with meat and drink, and the display of his + social powers, to render himself intelligible any longer, they adjourned + to coffee. After which, the Major inquired of Mr Carker the Manager, with + little apparent hope of an answer in the affirmative, if he played + picquet. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I play picquet a little,' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Backgammon, perhaps?' observed the Major, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I play backgammon a little too,' replied the man of teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'Carker plays at all games, I believe,' said Mr Dombey, laying himself on + a sofa like a man of wood, without a hinge or a joint in him; 'and plays + them well.' + </p> + <p> + In sooth, he played the two in question, to such perfection, that the + Major was astonished, and asked him, at random, if he played chess. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0352m.jpg" alt="0352m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0352.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'Yes, I play chess a little,' answered Carker. 'I have sometimes played, + and won a game—it's a mere trick—without seeing the board.' + </p> + <p> + 'By Gad, Sir!' said the Major, staring, 'you are a contrast to Dombey, who + plays nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! He!' returned the Manager. 'He has never had occasion to acquire such + little arts. To men like me, they are sometimes useful. As at present, + Major Bagstock, when they enable me to take a hand with you.' + </p> + <p> + It might be only the false mouth, so smooth and wide; and yet there seemed + to lurk beneath the humility and subserviency of this short speech, a + something like a snarl; and, for a moment, one might have thought that the + white teeth were prone to bite the hand they fawned upon. But the Major + thought nothing about it; and Mr Dombey lay meditating with his eyes half + shut, during the whole of the play, which lasted until bed-time. + </p> + <p> + By that time, Mr Carker, though the winner, had mounted high into the + Major's good opinion, insomuch that when he left the Major at his own room + before going to bed, the Major as a special attention, sent the Native—who + always rested on a mattress spread upon the ground at his master's door—along + the gallery, to light him to his room in state. + </p> + <p> + There was a faint blur on the surface of the mirror in Mr Carker's + chamber, and its reflection was, perhaps, a false one. But it showed, that + night, the image of a man, who saw, in his fancy, a crowd of people + slumbering on the ground at his feet, like the poor Native at his master's + door: who picked his way among them: looking down, maliciously enough: but + trod upon no upturned face—as yet. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 27. Deeper Shadows + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>r Carker the Manager rose with the lark, and went out, walking in the + summer day. His meditations—and he meditated with contracted brows + while he strolled along—hardly seemed to soar as high as the lark, + or to mount in that direction; rather they kept close to their nest upon + the earth, and looked about, among the dust and worms. But there was not a + bird in the air, singing unseen, farther beyond the reach of human eye + than Mr Carker's thoughts. He had his face so perfectly under control, + that few could say more, in distinct terms, of its expression, than that + it smiled or that it pondered. It pondered now, intently. As the lark rose + higher, he sank deeper in thought. As the lark poured out her melody + clearer and stronger, he fell into a graver and profounder silence. At + length, when the lark came headlong down, with an accumulating stream of + song, and dropped among the green wheat near him, rippling in the breath + of the morning like a river, he sprang up from his reverie, and looked + round with a sudden smile, as courteous and as soft as if he had had + numerous observers to propitiate; nor did he relapse, after being thus + awakened; but clearing his face, like one who bethought himself that it + might otherwise wrinkle and tell tales, went smiling on, as if for + practice. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps with an eye to first impressions, Mr Carker was very carefully and + trimly dressed, that morning. Though always somewhat formal, in his dress, + in imitation of the great man whom he served, he stopped short of the + extent of Mr Dombey's stiffness: at once perhaps because he knew it to be + ludicrous, and because in doing so he found another means of expressing + his sense of the difference and distance between them. Some people quoted + him indeed, in this respect, as a pointed commentary, and not a flattering + one, on his icy patron—but the world is prone to misconstruction, + and Mr Carker was not accountable for its bad propensity. + </p> + <p> + Clean and florid: with his light complexion, fading as it were, in the + sun, and his dainty step enhancing the softness of the turf: Mr Carker the + Manager strolled about meadows, and green lanes, and glided among avenues + of trees, until it was time to return to breakfast. Taking a nearer way + back, Mr Carker pursued it, airing his teeth, and said aloud as he did so, + 'Now to see the second Mrs Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + He had strolled beyond the town, and re-entered it by a pleasant walk, + where there was a deep shade of leafy trees, and where there were a few + benches here and there for those who chose to rest. It not being a place + of general resort at any hour, and wearing at that time of the still + morning the air of being quite deserted and retired, Mr Carker had it, or + thought he had it, all to himself. So, with the whim of an idle man, to + whom there yet remained twenty minutes for reaching a destination easily + able in ten, Mr Carker threaded the great boles of the trees, and went + passing in and out, before this one and behind that, weaving a chain of + footsteps on the dewy ground. + </p> + <p> + But he found he was mistaken in supposing there was no one in the grove, + for as he softly rounded the trunk of one large tree, on which the + obdurate bark was knotted and overlapped like the hide of a rhinoceros or + some kindred monster of the ancient days before the Flood, he saw an + unexpected figure sitting on a bench near at hand, about which, in another + moment, he would have wound the chain he was making. + </p> + <p> + It was that of a lady, elegantly dressed and very handsome, whose dark + proud eyes were fixed upon the ground, and in whom some passion or + struggle was raging. For as she sat looking down, she held a corner of her + under lip within her mouth, her bosom heaved, her nostril quivered, her + head trembled, indignant tears were on her cheek, and her foot was set + upon the moss as though she would have crushed it into nothing. And yet + almost the self-same glance that showed him this, showed him the self-same + lady rising with a scornful air of weariness and lassitude, and turning + away with nothing expressed in face or figure but careless beauty and + imperious disdain. + </p> + <p> + A withered and very ugly old woman, dressed not so much like a gipsy as + like any of that medley race of vagabonds who tramp about the country, + begging, and stealing, and tinkering, and weaving rushes, by turns, or all + together, had been observing the lady, too; for, as she rose, this second + figure strangely confronting the first, scrambled up from the ground—out + of it, it almost appeared—and stood in the way. + </p> + <p> + 'Let me tell your fortune, my pretty lady,' said the old woman, munching + with her jaws, as if the Death's Head beneath her yellow skin were + impatient to get out. + </p> + <p> + 'I can tell it for myself,' was the reply. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, pretty lady; but not right. You didn't tell it right when you + were sitting there. I see you! Give me a piece of silver, pretty lady, and + I'll tell your fortune true. There's riches, pretty lady, in your face.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know,' returned the lady, passing her with a dark smile, and a proud + step. 'I knew it before. + </p> + <p> + 'What! You won't give me nothing?' cried the old woman. 'You won't give me + nothing to tell your fortune, pretty lady? How much will you give me to + tell it, then? Give me something, or I'll call it after you!' croaked the + old woman, passionately. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, whom the lady was about to pass close, slinking against his + tree as she crossed to gain the path, advanced so as to meet her, and + pulling off his hat as she went by, bade the old woman hold her peace. The + lady acknowledged his interference with an inclination of the head, and + went her way. + </p> + <p> + 'You give me something then, or I'll call it after her!' screamed the old + woman, throwing up her arms, and pressing forward against his outstretched + hand. 'Or come,' she added, dropping her voice suddenly, looking at him + earnestly, and seeming in a moment to forget the object of her wrath, + 'give me something, or I'll call it after you!' + </p> + <p> + 'After me, old lady!' returned the Manager, putting his hand in his + pocket. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said the woman, steadfast in her scrutiny, and holding out her + shrivelled hand. 'I know!' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you know?' demanded Carker, throwing her a shilling. 'Do you know + who the handsome lady is?' + </p> + <p> + Munching like that sailor's wife of yore, who had chestnuts in her lap, + and scowling like the witch who asked for some in vain, the old woman + picked the shilling up, and going backwards, like a crab, or like a heap + of crabs: for her alternately expanding and contracting hands might have + represented two of that species, and her creeping face, some half-a-dozen + more: crouched on the veinous root of an old tree, pulled out a short + black pipe from within the crown of her bonnet, lighted it with a match, + and smoked in silence, looking fixedly at her questioner. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker laughed, and turned upon his heel. + </p> + <p> + 'Good!' said the old woman. 'One child dead, and one child living: one + wife dead, and one wife coming. Go and meet her!' + </p> + <p> + In spite of himself, the Manager looked round again, and stopped. The old + woman, who had not removed her pipe, and was munching and mumbling while + she smoked, as if in conversation with an invisible familiar, pointed with + her finger in the direction he was going, and laughed. + </p> + <p> + 'What was that you said, Bedlamite?' he demanded. + </p> + <p> + The woman mumbled, and chattered, and smoked, and still pointed before + him; but remained silent Muttering a farewell that was not complimentary, + Mr Carker pursued his way; but as he turned out of that place, and looked + over his shoulder at the root of the old tree, he could yet see the finger + pointing before him, and thought he heard the woman screaming, 'Go and + meet her!' + </p> + <p> + Preparations for a choice repast were completed, he found, at the hotel; + and Mr Dombey, and the Major, and the breakfast, were awaiting the ladies. + Individual constitution has much to do with the development of such facts, + no doubt; but in this case, appetite carried it hollow over the tender + passion; Mr Dombey being very cool and collected, and the Major fretting + and fuming in a state of violent heat and irritation. At length the door + was thrown open by the Native, and, after a pause, occupied by her + languishing along the gallery, a very blooming, but not very youthful + lady, appeared. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Mr Dombey,' said the lady, 'I am afraid we are late, but Edith + has been out already looking for a favourable point of view for a sketch, + and kept me waiting for her. Falsest of Majors,' giving him her little + finger, 'how do you do?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Skewton,' said Mr Dombey, 'let me gratify my friend Carker:' Mr + Dombey unconsciously emphasised the word friend, as saying "no really; I + do allow him to take credit for that distinction:" 'by presenting him to + you. You have heard me mention Mr Carker.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am charmed, I am sure,' said Mrs Skewton, graciously. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker was charmed, of course. Would he have been more charmed on Mr + Dombey's behalf, if Mrs Skewton had been (as he at first supposed her) the + Edith whom they had toasted overnight? + </p> + <p> + 'Why, where, for Heaven's sake, is Edith?' exclaimed Mrs Skewton, looking + round. 'Still at the door, giving Withers orders about the mounting of + those drawings! My dear Mr Dombey, will you have the kindness'— + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was already gone to seek her. Next moment he returned, bearing + on his arm the same elegantly dressed and very handsome lady whom Mr + Carker had encountered underneath the trees. + </p> + <p> + 'Carker—' began Mr Dombey. But their recognition of each other was + so manifest, that Mr Dombey stopped surprised. + </p> + <p> + 'I am obliged to the gentleman,' said Edith, with a stately bend, 'for + sparing me some annoyance from an importunate beggar just now.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am obliged to my good fortune,' said Mr Carker, bowing low, 'for the + opportunity of rendering so slight a service to one whose servant I am + proud to be.' + </p> + <p> + As her eye rested on him for an instant, and then lighted on the ground, + he saw in its bright and searching glance a suspicion that he had not come + up at the moment of his interference, but had secretly observed her + sooner. As he saw that, she saw in his eye that her distrust was not + without foundation. + </p> + <p> + 'Really,' cried Mrs Skewton, who had taken this opportunity of inspecting + Mr Carker through her glass, and satisfying herself (as she lisped audibly + to the Major) that he was all heart; 'really now, this is one of the most + enchanting coincidences that I ever heard of. The idea! My dearest Edith, + there is such an obvious destiny in it, that really one might almost be + induced to cross one's arms upon one's frock, and say, like those wicked + Turks, there is no What's-his-name but Thingummy, and What-you-may-call-it + is his prophet!' + </p> + <p> + Edith designed no revision of this extraordinary quotation from the Koran, + but Mr Dombey felt it necessary to offer a few polite remarks. + </p> + <p> + 'It gives me great pleasure,' said Mr Dombey, with cumbrous gallantry, + 'that a gentleman so nearly connected with myself as Carker is, should + have had the honour and happiness of rendering the least assistance to Mrs + Granger.' Mr Dombey bowed to her. 'But it gives me some pain, and it + occasions me to be really envious of Carker;' he unconsciously laid stress + on these words, as sensible that they must appear to involve a very + surprising proposition; 'envious of Carker, that I had not that honour and + that happiness myself.' Mr Dombey bowed again. Edith, saving for a curl of + her lip, was motionless. + </p> + <p> + 'By the Lord, Sir,' cried the Major, bursting into speech at sight of the + waiter, who was come to announce breakfast, 'it's an extraordinary thing + to me that no one can have the honour and happiness of shooting all such + beggars through the head without being brought to book for it. But here's + an arm for Mrs Granger if she'll do J. B. the honour to accept it; and the + greatest service Joe can render you, Ma'am, just now, is, to lead you into + table!' + </p> + <p> + With this, the Major gave his arm to Edith; Mr Dombey led the way with Mrs + Skewton; Mrs Carker went last, smiling on the party. + </p> + <p> + 'I am quite rejoiced, Mr Carker,' said the lady-mother, at breakfast, + after another approving survey of him through her glass, 'that you have + timed your visit so happily, as to go with us to-day. It is the most + enchanting expedition!' + </p> + <p> + 'Any expedition would be enchanting in such society,' returned Carker; + 'but I believe it is, in itself, full of interest.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' cried Mrs Skewton, with a faded little scream of rapture, 'the + Castle is charming!—associations of the Middle Ages—and all + that—which is so truly exquisite. Don't you dote upon the Middle + Ages, Mr Carker?' + </p> + <p> + 'Very much, indeed,' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Such charming times!' cried Cleopatra. 'So full of faith! So vigorous and + forcible! So picturesque! So perfectly removed from commonplace! Oh dear! + If they would only leave us a little more of the poetry of existence in + these terrible days!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton was looking sharp after Mr Dombey all the time she said this, + who was looking at Edith: who was listening, but who never lifted up her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'We are dreadfully real, Mr Carker,' said Mrs Skewton; 'are we not?' + </p> + <p> + Few people had less reason to complain of their reality than Cleopatra, + who had as much that was false about her as could well go to the + composition of anybody with a real individual existence. But Mr Carker + commiserated our reality nevertheless, and agreed that we were very hardly + used in that regard. + </p> + <p> + 'Pictures at the Castle, quite divine!' said Cleopatra. 'I hope you dote + upon pictures?' + </p> + <p> + 'I assure you, Mrs Skewton,' said Mr Dombey, with solemn encouragement of + his Manager, 'that Carker has a very good taste for pictures; quite a + natural power of appreciating them. He is a very creditable artist + himself. He will be delighted, I am sure, with Mrs Granger's taste and + skill.' + </p> + <p> + 'Damme, Sir!' cried Major Bagstock, 'my opinion is, that you're the + admirable Carker, and can do anything.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' smiled Carker, with humility, 'you are much too sanguine, Major + Bagstock. I can do very little. But Mr Dombey is so generous in his + estimation of any trivial accomplishment a man like myself may find it + almost necessary to acquire, and to which, in his very different sphere, + he is far superior, that—' Mr Carker shrugged his shoulders, + deprecating further praise, and said no more. + </p> + <p> + All this time, Edith never raised her eyes, unless to glance towards her + mother when that lady's fervent spirit shone forth in words. But as Carker + ceased, she looked at Mr Dombey for a moment. For a moment only; but with + a transient gleam of scornful wonder on her face, not lost on one + observer, who was smiling round the board. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey caught the dark eyelash in its descent, and took the opportunity + of arresting it. + </p> + <p> + 'You have been to Warwick often, unfortunately?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Several times.' + </p> + <p> + 'The visit will be tedious to you, I am afraid.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no; not at all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! You are like your cousin Feenix, my dearest Edith,' said Mrs Skewton. + 'He has been to Warwick Castle fifty times, if he has been there once; yet + if he came to Leamington to-morrow—I wish he would, dear angel!—he + would make his fifty-second visit next day.' + </p> + <p> + 'We are all enthusiastic, are we not, Mama?' said Edith, with a cold + smile. + </p> + <p> + 'Too much so, for our peace, perhaps, my dear,' returned her mother; 'but + we won't complain. Our own emotions are our recompense. If, as your cousin + Feenix says, the sword wears out the what's-its-name—' + </p> + <p> + 'The scabbard, perhaps,' said Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly—a little too fast, it is because it is bright and glowing, + you know, my dearest love.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton heaved a gentle sigh, supposed to cast a shadow on the surface + of that dagger of lath, whereof her susceptible bosom was the sheath: and + leaning her head on one side, in the Cleopatra manner, looked with pensive + affection on her darling child. + </p> + <p> + Edith had turned her face towards Mr Dombey when he first addressed her, + and had remained in that attitude, while speaking to her mother, and while + her mother spoke to her, as though offering him her attention, if he had + anything more to say. There was something in the manner of this simple + courtesy: almost defiant, and giving it the character of being rendered on + compulsion, or as a matter of traffic to which she was a reluctant party + again not lost upon that same observer who was smiling round the board. It + set him thinking of her as he had first seen her, when she had believed + herself to be alone among the trees. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey having nothing else to say, proposed—the breakfast being + now finished, and the Major gorged, like any Boa Constrictor—that + they should start. A barouche being in waiting, according to the orders of + that gentleman, the two ladies, the Major and himself, took their seats in + it; the Native and the wan page mounted the box, Mr Towlinson being left + behind; and Mr Carker, on horseback, brought up the rear. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker cantered behind the carriage at the distance of a hundred yards + or so, and watched it, during all the ride, as if he were a cat, indeed, + and its four occupants, mice. Whether he looked to one side of the road, + or to the other—over distant landscape, with its smooth undulations, + wind-mills, corn, grass, bean fields, wild-flowers, farm-yards, hayricks, + and the spire among the wood—or upwards in the sunny air, where + butterflies were sporting round his head, and birds were pouring out their + songs—or downward, where the shadows of the branches interlaced, and + made a trembling carpet on the road—or onward, where the overhanging + trees formed aisles and arches, dim with the softened light that steeped + through leaves—one corner of his eye was ever on the formal head of + Mr Dombey, addressed towards him, and the feather in the bonnet, drooping + so neglectfully and scornfully between them; much as he had seen the + haughty eyelids droop; not least so, when the face met that now fronting + it. Once, and once only, did his wary glance release these objects; and + that was, when a leap over a low hedge, and a gallop across a field, + enabled him to anticipate the carriage coming by the road, and to be + standing ready, at the journey's end, to hand the ladies out. Then, and + but then, he met her glance for an instant in her first surprise; but when + he touched her, in alighting, with his soft white hand, it overlooked him + altogether as before. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton was bent on taking charge of Mr Carker herself, and showing + him the beauties of the Castle. She was determined to have his arm, and + the Major's too. It would do that incorrigible creature: who was the most + barbarous infidel in point of poetry: good to be in such company. This + chance arrangement left Mr Dombey at liberty to escort Edith: which he + did: stalking before them through the apartments with a gentlemanly + solemnity. + </p> + <p> + 'Those darling byegone times, Mr Carker,' said Cleopatra, 'with their + delicious fortresses, and their dear old dungeons, and their delightful + places of torture, and their romantic vengeances, and their picturesque + assaults and sieges, and everything that makes life truly charming! How + dreadfully we have degenerated!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, we have fallen off deplorably,' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + The peculiarity of their conversation was, that Mrs Skewton, in spite of + her ecstasies, and Mr Carker, in spite of his urbanity, were both intent + on watching Mr Dombey and Edith. With all their conversational endowments, + they spoke somewhat distractedly, and at random, in consequence. + </p> + <p> + 'We have no Faith left, positively,' said Mrs Skewton, advancing her + shrivelled ear; for Mr Dombey was saying something to Edith. 'We have no + Faith in the dear old Barons, who were the most delightful creatures—or + in the dear old Priests, who were the most warlike of men—or even in + the days of that inestimable Queen Bess, upon the wall there, which were + so extremely golden. Dear creature! She was all Heart And that charming + father of hers! I hope you dote on Harry the Eighth!' + </p> + <p> + 'I admire him very much,' said Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'So bluff!' cried Mrs Skewton, 'wasn't he? So burly. So truly English. + Such a picture, too, he makes, with his dear little peepy eyes, and his + benevolent chin!' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, Ma'am!' said Carker, stopping short; 'but if you speak of pictures, + there's a composition! What gallery in the world can produce the + counterpart of that?' + </p> + <p> + As the smiling gentleman thus spake, he pointed through a doorway to where + Mr Dombey and Edith were standing alone in the centre of another room. + </p> + <p> + They were not interchanging a word or a look. Standing together, arm in + arm, they had the appearance of being more divided than if seas had rolled + between them. There was a difference even in the pride of the two, that + removed them farther from each other, than if one had been the proudest + and the other the humblest specimen of humanity in all creation. He, + self-important, unbending, formal, austere. She, lovely and graceful, in + an uncommon degree, but totally regardless of herself and him and + everything around, and spurning her own attractions with her haughty brow + and lip, as if they were a badge or livery she hated. So unmatched were + they, and opposed, so forced and linked together by a chain which adverse + hazard and mischance had forged: that fancy might have imagined the + pictures on the walls around them, startled by the unnatural conjunction, + and observant of it in their several expressions. Grim knights and + warriors looked scowling on them. A churchman, with his hand upraised, + denounced the mockery of such a couple coming to God's altar. Quiet waters + in landscapes, with the sun reflected in their depths, asked, if better + means of escape were not at hand, was there no drowning left? Ruins cried, + 'Look here, and see what We are, wedded to uncongenial Time!' Animals, + opposed by nature, worried one another, as a moral to them. Loves and + Cupids took to flight afraid, and Martyrdom had no such torment in its + painted history of suffering. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, Mrs Skewton was so charmed by the sight to which Mr Carker + invoked her attention, that she could not refrain from saying, half aloud, + how sweet, how very full of soul it was! Edith, overhearing, looked round, + and flushed indignant scarlet to her hair. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith knows I was admiring her!' said Cleopatra, tapping her, + almost timidly, on the back with her parasol. 'Sweet pet!' + </p> + <p> + Again Mr Carker saw the strife he had witnessed so unexpectedly among the + trees. Again he saw the haughty languor and indifference come over it, and + hide it like a cloud. + </p> + <p> + She did not raise her eyes to him; but with a slight peremptory motion of + them, seemed to bid her mother come near. Mrs Skewton thought it expedient + to understand the hint, and advancing quickly, with her two cavaliers, + kept near her daughter from that time. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker now, having nothing to distract his attention, began to + discourse upon the pictures and to select the best, and point them out to + Mr Dombey: speaking with his usual familiar recognition of Mr Dombey's + greatness, and rendering homage by adjusting his eye-glass for him, or + finding out the right place in his catalogue, or holding his stick, or the + like. These services did not so much originate with Mr Carker, in truth, + as with Mr Dombey himself, who was apt to assert his chieftainship by + saying, with subdued authority, and in an easy way—for him—'Here, + Carker, have the goodness to assist me, will you?' which the smiling + gentleman always did with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + They made the tour of the pictures, the walls, crow's nest, and so forth; + and as they were still one little party, and the Major was rather in the + shade: being sleepy during the process of digestion: Mr Carker became + communicative and agreeable. At first, he addressed himself for the most + part to Mrs Skewton; but as that sensitive lady was in such ecstasies with + the works of art, after the first quarter of an hour, that she could do + nothing but yawn (they were such perfect inspirations, she observed as a + reason for that mark of rapture), he transferred his attentions to Mr + Dombey. Mr Dombey said little beyond an occasional 'Very true, Carker,' or + 'Indeed, Carker,' but he tacitly encouraged Carker to proceed, and + inwardly approved of his behaviour very much: deeming it as well that + somebody should talk, and thinking that his remarks, which were, as one + might say, a branch of the parent establishment, might amuse Mrs Granger. + Mr Carker, who possessed an excellent discretion, never took the liberty + of addressing that lady, direct; but she seemed to listen, though she + never looked at him; and once or twice, when he was emphatic in his + peculiar humility, the twilight smile stole over her face, not as a light, + but as a deep black shadow. + </p> + <p> + Warwick Castle being at length pretty well exhausted, and the Major very + much so: to say nothing of Mrs Skewton, whose peculiar demonstrations of + delight had become very frequent Indeed: the carriage was again put in + requisition, and they rode to several admired points of view in the + neighbourhood. Mr Dombey ceremoniously observed of one of these, that a + sketch, however slight, from the fair hand of Mrs Granger, would be a + remembrance to him of that agreeable day: though he wanted no artificial + remembrance, he was sure (here Mr Dombey made another of his bows), which + he must always highly value. Withers the lean having Edith's sketch-book + under his arm, was immediately called upon by Mrs Skewton to produce the + same: and the carriage stopped, that Edith might make the drawing, which + Mr Dombey was to put away among his treasures. + </p> + <p> + 'But I am afraid I trouble you too much,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'By no means. Where would you wish it taken from?' she answered, turning + to him with the same enforced attention as before. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, with another bow, which cracked the starch in his cravat, would + beg to leave that to the Artist. + </p> + <p> + 'I would rather you chose for yourself,' said Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Suppose then,' said Mr Dombey, 'we say from here. It appears a good spot + for the purpose, or—Carker, what do you think?' + </p> + <p> + There happened to be in the foreground, at some little distance, a grove + of trees, not unlike that in which Mr Carker had made his chain of + footsteps in the morning, and with a seat under one tree, greatly + resembling, in the general character of its situation, the point where his + chain had broken. + </p> + <p> + 'Might I venture to suggest to Mrs Granger,' said Carker, 'that that is an + interesting—almost a curious—point of view?' + </p> + <p> + She followed the direction of his riding-whip with her eyes, and raised + them quickly to his face. It was the second glance they had exchanged + since their introduction; and would have been exactly like the first, but + that its expression was plainer. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you like that?' said Edith to Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall be charmed,' said Mr Dombey to Edith. + </p> + <p> + Therefore the carriage was driven to the spot where Mr Dombey was to be + charmed; and Edith, without moving from her seat, and opening her + sketch-book with her usual proud indifference, began to sketch. + </p> + <p> + 'My pencils are all pointless,' she said, stopping and turning them over. + </p> + <p> + 'Pray allow me,' said Mr Dombey. 'Or Carker will do it better, as he + understands these things. Carker, have the goodness to see to these + pencils for Mrs Granger.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker rode up close to the carriage-door on Mrs Granger's side, and + letting the rein fall on his horse's neck, took the pencils from her hand + with a smile and a bow, and sat in the saddle leisurely mending them. + Having done so, he begged to be allowed to hold them, and to hand them to + her as they were required; and thus Mr Carker, with many commendations of + Mrs Granger's extraordinary skill—especially in trees—remained—close + at her side, looking over the drawing as she made it. Mr Dombey in the + meantime stood bolt upright in the carriage like a highly respectable + ghost, looking on too; while Cleopatra and the Major dallied as two + ancient doves might do. + </p> + <p> + 'Are you satisfied with that, or shall I finish it a little more?' said + Edith, showing the sketch to Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey begged that it might not be touched; it was perfection. + </p> + <p> + 'It is most extraordinary,' said Carker, bringing every one of his red + gums to bear upon his praise. 'I was not prepared for anything so + beautiful, and so unusual altogether.' + </p> + <p> + This might have applied to the sketcher no less than to the sketch; but Mr + Carker's manner was openness itself—not as to his mouth alone, but + as to his whole spirit. So it continued to be while the drawing was laid + aside for Mr Dombey, and while the sketching materials were put up; then + he handed in the pencils (which were received with a distant + acknowledgment of his help, but without a look), and tightening his rein, + fell back, and followed the carriage again. + </p> + <p> + Thinking, perhaps, as he rode, that even this trivial sketch had been made + and delivered to its owner, as if it had been bargained for and bought. + Thinking, perhaps, that although she had assented with such perfect + readiness to his request, her haughty face, bent over the drawing, or + glancing at the distant objects represented in it, had been the face of a + proud woman, engaged in a sordid and miserable transaction. Thinking, + perhaps, of such things: but smiling certainly, and while he seemed to + look about him freely, in enjoyment of the air and exercise, keeping + always that sharp corner of his eye upon the carriage. + </p> + <p> + A stroll among the haunted ruins of Kenilworth, and more rides to more + points of view: most of which, Mrs Skewton reminded Mr Dombey, Edith had + already sketched, as he had seen in looking over her drawings: brought the + day's expedition to a close. Mrs Skewton and Edith were driven to their + own lodgings; Mr Carker was graciously invited by Cleopatra to return + thither with Mr Dombey and the Major, in the evening, to hear some of + Edith's music; and the three gentlemen repaired to their hotel to dinner. + </p> + <p> + The dinner was the counterpart of yesterday's, except that the Major was + twenty-four hours more triumphant and less mysterious. Edith was toasted + again. Mr Dombey was again agreeably embarrassed. And Mr Carker was full + of interest and praise. + </p> + <p> + There were no other visitors at Mrs Skewton's. Edith's drawings were + strewn about the room, a little more abundantly than usual perhaps; and + Withers, the wan page, handed round a little stronger tea. The harp was + there; the piano was there; and Edith sang and played. But even the music + was played by Edith to Mr Dombey's order, as it were, in the same + uncompromising way. As thus. + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, my dearest love,' said Mrs Skewton, half an hour after tea, 'Mr + Dombey is dying to hear you, I know.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey has life enough left to say so for himself, Mama, I have no + doubt.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall be immensely obliged,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you wish?' + </p> + <p> + 'Piano?' hesitated Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Whatever you please. You have only to choose.' + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she began with the piano. It was the same with the harp; the + same with her singing; the same with the selection of the pieces that she + sang and played. Such frigid and constrained, yet prompt and pointed + acquiescence with the wishes he imposed upon her, and on no one else, was + sufficiently remarkable to penetrate through all the mysteries of picquet, + and impress itself on Mr Carker's keen attention. Nor did he lose sight of + the fact that Mr Dombey was evidently proud of his power, and liked to + show it. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, Mr Carker played so well—some games with the Major, + and some with Cleopatra, whose vigilance of eye in respect of Mr Dombey + and Edith no lynx could have surpassed—that he even heightened his + position in the lady-mother's good graces; and when on taking leave he + regretted that he would be obliged to return to London next morning, + Cleopatra trusted: community of feeling not being met with every day: that + it was far from being the last time they would meet. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope so,' said Mr Carker, with an expressive look at the couple in the + distance, as he drew towards the door, following the Major. 'I think so.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, who had taken a stately leave of Edith, bent, or made some + approach to a bend, over Cleopatra's couch, and said, in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + 'I have requested Mrs Granger's permission to call on her to-morrow + morning—for a purpose—and she has appointed twelve o'clock. + May I hope to have the pleasure of finding you at home, Madam, + afterwards?' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra was so much fluttered and moved, by hearing this, of course, + incomprehensible speech, that she could only shut her eyes, and shake her + head, and give Mr Dombey her hand; which Mr Dombey, not exactly knowing + what to do with, dropped. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey, come along!' cried the Major, looking in at the door. 'Damme, + Sir, old Joe has a great mind to propose an alteration in the name of the + Royal Hotel, and that it should be called the Three Jolly Bachelors, in + honour of ourselves and Carker.' With this, the Major slapped Mr Dombey on + the back, and winking over his shoulder at the ladies, with a frightful + tendency of blood to the head, carried him off. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton reposed on her sofa, and Edith sat apart, by her harp, in + silence. The mother, trifling with her fan, looked stealthily at the + daughter more than once, but the daughter, brooding gloomily with downcast + eyes, was not to be disturbed. + </p> + <p> + Thus they remained for a long hour, without a word, until Mrs Skewton's + maid appeared, according to custom, to prepare her gradually for night. At + night, she should have been a skeleton, with dart and hour-glass, rather + than a woman, this attendant; for her touch was as the touch of Death. The + painted object shrivelled underneath her hand; the form collapsed, the + hair dropped off, the arched dark eyebrows changed to scanty tufts of + grey; the pale lips shrunk, the skin became cadaverous and loose; an old, + worn, yellow, nodding woman, with red eyes, alone remained in Cleopatra's + place, huddled up, like a slovenly bundle, in a greasy flannel gown. + </p> + <p> + The very voice was changed, as it addressed Edith, when they were alone + again. + </p> + <p> + 'Why don't you tell me,' it said sharply, 'that he is coming here + to-morrow by appointment?' + </p> + <p> + 'Because you know it,' returned Edith, 'Mother.' + </p> + <p> + The mocking emphasis she laid on that one word! + </p> + <p> + 'You know he has bought me,' she resumed. 'Or that he will, to-morrow. He + has considered of his bargain; he has shown it to his friend; he is even + rather proud of it; he thinks that it will suit him, and may be had + sufficiently cheap; and he will buy to-morrow. God, that I have lived for + this, and that I feel it!' + </p> + <p> + Compress into one handsome face the conscious self-abasement, and the + burning indignation of a hundred women, strong in passion and in pride; + and there it hid itself with two white shuddering arms. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean?' returned the angry mother. 'Haven't you from a child—' + </p> + <p> + 'A child!' said Edith, looking at her, 'when was I a child? What childhood + did you ever leave to me? I was a woman—artful, designing, + mercenary, laying snares for men—before I knew myself, or you, or + even understood the base and wretched aim of every new display I learnt + You gave birth to a woman. Look upon her. She is in her pride tonight.' + </p> + <p> + And as she spoke, she struck her hand upon her beautiful bosom, as though + she would have beaten down herself. + </p> + <p> + 'Look at me,' she said, 'who have never known what it is to have an honest + heart, and love. Look at me, taught to scheme and plot when children play; + and married in my youth—an old age of design—to one for whom I + had no feeling but indifference. Look at me, whom he left a widow, dying + before his inheritance descended to him—a judgment on you! well + deserved!—and tell me what has been my life for ten years since.' + </p> + <p> + 'We have been making every effort to endeavour to secure to you a good + establishment,' rejoined her mother. 'That has been your life. And now you + have got it.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is no slave in a market: there is no horse in a fair: so shown and + offered and examined and paraded, Mother, as I have been, for ten shameful + years,' cried Edith, with a burning brow, and the same bitter emphasis on + the one word. 'Is it not so? Have I been made the bye-word of all kinds of + men? Have fools, have profligates, have boys, have dotards, dangled after + me, and one by one rejected me, and fallen off, because you were too plain + with all your cunning: yes, and too true, with all those false pretences: + until we have almost come to be notorious? The licence of look and touch,' + she said, with flashing eyes, 'have I submitted to it, in half the places + of resort upon the map of England? Have I been hawked and vended here and + there, until the last grain of self-respect is dead within me, and I + loathe myself? Has been my late childhood? I had none before. Do not tell + me that I had, tonight of all nights in my life!' + </p> + <p> + 'You might have been well married,' said her mother, 'twenty times at + least, Edith, if you had given encouragement enough.' + </p> + <p> + 'No! Who takes me, refuse that I am, and as I well deserve to be,' she + answered, raising her head, and trembling in her energy of shame and + stormy pride, 'shall take me, as this man does, with no art of mine put + forth to lure him. He sees me at the auction, and he thinks it well to buy + me. Let him! When he came to view me—perhaps to bid—he + required to see the roll of my accomplishments. I gave it to him. When he + would have me show one of them, to justify his purchase to his men, I + require of him to say which he demands, and I exhibit it. I will do no + more. He makes the purchase of his own will, and with his own sense of its + worth, and the power of his money; and I hope it may never disappoint him. + I have not vaunted and pressed the bargain; neither have you, so far as I + have been able to prevent you. + </p> + <p> + 'You talk strangely to-night, Edith, to your own Mother.' + </p> + <p> + 'It seems so to me; stranger to me than you,' said Edith. 'But my + education was completed long ago. I am too old now, and have fallen too + low, by degrees, to take a new course, and to stop yours, and to help + myself. The germ of all that purifies a woman's breast, and makes it true + and good, has never stirred in mine, and I have nothing else to sustain me + when I despise myself.' There had been a touching sadness in her voice, + but it was gone, when she went on to say, with a curled lip, 'So, as we + are genteel and poor, I am content that we should be made rich by these + means; all I say is, I have kept the only purpose I have had the strength + to form—I had almost said the power, with you at my side, Mother—and + have not tempted this man on.' + </p> + <p> + 'This man! You speak,' said her mother, 'as if you hated him.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you thought I loved him, did you not?' she answered, stopping on her + way across the room, and looking round. 'Shall I tell you,' she continued, + with her eyes fixed on her mother, 'who already knows us thoroughly, and + reads us right, and before whom I have even less of self-respect or + confidence than before my own inward self; being so much degraded by his + knowledge of me?' + </p> + <p> + 'This is an attack, I suppose,' returned her mother coldly, 'on poor, + unfortunate what's-his-name—Mr Carker! Your want of self-respect and + confidence, my dear, in reference to that person (who is very agreeable, + it strikes me), is not likely to have much effect on your establishment. + Why do you look at me so hard? Are you ill?' + </p> + <p> + Edith suddenly let fall her face, as if it had been stung, and while she + pressed her hands upon it, a terrible tremble crept over her whole frame. + It was quickly gone; and with her usual step, she passed out of the room. + </p> + <p> + The maid who should have been a skeleton, then reappeared, and giving one + arm to her mistress, who appeared to have taken off her manner with her + charms, and to have put on paralysis with her flannel gown, collected the + ashes of Cleopatra, and carried them away in the other, ready for + tomorrow's revivification. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 28. Alterations + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span> + o the day has come at length, Susan,' said Florence to the excellent + Nipper, 'when we are going back to our quiet home!' + </p> + <p> + Susan drew in her breath with an amount of expression not easily + described, further relieving her feelings with a smart cough, answered, + 'Very quiet indeed, Miss Floy, no doubt. Excessive so.' + </p> + <p> + 'When I was a child,' said Florence, thoughtfully, and after musing for + some moments, 'did you ever see that gentleman who has taken the trouble + to ride down here to speak to me, now three times—three times, I + think, Susan?' + </p> + <p> + 'Three times, Miss,' returned the Nipper. 'Once when you was out a walking + with them Sket—' + </p> + <p> + Florence gently looked at her, and Miss Nipper checked herself. + </p> + <p> + 'With Sir Barnet and his lady, I mean to say, Miss, and the young + gentleman. And two evenings since then.' + </p> + <p> + 'When I was a child, and when company used to come to visit Papa, did you + ever see that gentleman at home, Susan?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Miss,' returned her maid, after considering, 'I really couldn't say + I ever did. When your poor dear Ma died, Miss Floy, I was very new in the + family, you see, and my element:' the Nipper bridled, as opining that her + merits had been always designedly extinguished by Mr Dombey: 'was the + floor below the attics.' + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure,' said Florence, still thoughtfully; 'you are not likely to + have known who came to the house. I quite forgot.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not, Miss, but what we talked about the family and visitors,' said Susan, + 'and but what I heard much said, although the nurse before Mrs Richards + make unpleasant remarks when I was in company, and hint at little + Pitchers, but that could only be attributed, poor thing,' observed Susan, + with composed forbearance, 'to habits of intoxication, for which she was + required to leave, and did.' + </p> + <p> + Florence, who was seated at her chamber window, with her face resting on + her hand, sat looking out, and hardly seemed to hear what Susan said, she + was so lost in thought. + </p> + <p> + 'At all events, Miss,' said Susan, 'I remember very well that this same + gentleman, Mr Carker, was almost, if not quite, as great a gentleman with + your Papa then, as he is now. It used to be said in the house then, Miss, + that he was at the head of all your Pa's affairs in the City, and managed + the whole, and that your Pa minded him more than anybody, which, begging + your pardon, Miss Floy, he might easy do, for he never minded anybody + else. I knew that, Pitcher as I might have been.' + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper, with an injured remembrance of the nurse before Mrs + Richards, emphasised 'Pitcher' strongly. + </p> + <p> + 'And that Mr Carker has not fallen off, Miss,' she pursued, 'but has stood + his ground, and kept his credit with your Pa, I know from what is always + said among our people by that Perch, whenever he comes to the house; and + though he's the weakest weed in the world, Miss Floy, and no one can have + a moment's patience with the man, he knows what goes on in the City + tolerable well, and says that your Pa does nothing without Mr Carker, and + leaves all to Mr Carker, and acts according to Mr Carker, and has Mr + Carker always at his elbow, and I do believe that he believes (that + washiest of Perches!) that after your Pa, the Emperor of India is the + child unborn to Mr Carker.' + </p> + <p> + Not a word of this was lost on Florence, who, with an awakened interest in + Susan's speech, no longer gazed abstractedly on the prospect without, but + looked at her, and listened with attention. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Susan,' she said, when that young lady had concluded. 'He is in + Papa's confidence, and is his friend, I am sure.' + </p> + <p> + Florence's mind ran high on this theme, and had done for some days. Mr + Carker, in the two visits with which he had followed up his first one, had + assumed a confidence between himself and her—a right on his part to + be mysterious and stealthy, in telling her that the ship was still unheard + of—a kind of mildly restrained power and authority over her—that + made her wonder, and caused her great uneasiness. She had no means of + repelling it, or of freeing herself from the web he was gradually winding + about her; for that would have required some art and knowledge of the + world, opposed to such address as his; and Florence had none. True, he had + said no more to her than that there was no news of the ship, and that he + feared the worst; but how he came to know that she was interested in the + ship, and why he had the right to signify his knowledge to her, so + insidiously and darkly, troubled Florence very much. + </p> + <p> + This conduct on the part of Mr Carker, and her habit of often considering + it with wonder and uneasiness, began to invest him with an uncomfortable + fascination in Florence's thoughts. A more distinct remembrance of his + features, voice, and manner: which she sometimes courted, as a means of + reducing him to the level of a real personage, capable of exerting no + greater charm over her than another: did not remove the vague impression. + And yet he never frowned, or looked upon her with an air of dislike or + animosity, but was always smiling and serene. + </p> + <p> + Again, Florence, in pursuit of her strong purpose with reference to her + father, and her steady resolution to believe that she was herself + unwittingly to blame for their so cold and distant relations, would recall + to mind that this gentleman was his confidential friend, and would think, + with an anxious heart, could her struggling tendency to dislike and fear + him be a part of that misfortune in her, which had turned her father's + love adrift, and left her so alone? She dreaded that it might be; + sometimes believed it was: then she resolved that she would try to conquer + this wrong feeling; persuaded herself that she was honoured and encouraged + by the notice of her father's friend; and hoped that patient observation + of him and trust in him would lead her bleeding feet along that stony road + which ended in her father's heart. + </p> + <p> + Thus, with no one to advise her—for she could advise with no one + without seeming to complain against him—gentle Florence tossed on an + uneasy sea of doubt and hope; and Mr Carker, like a scaly monster of the + deep, swam down below, and kept his shining eye upon her. + </p> + <p> + Florence had a new reason in all this for wishing to be at home again. Her + lonely life was better suited to her course of timid hope and doubt; and + she feared sometimes, that in her absence she might miss some hopeful + chance of testifying her affection for her father. Heaven knows, she might + have set her mind at rest, poor child! on this last point; but her + slighted love was fluttering within her, and, even in her sleep, it flew + away in dreams, and nestled, like a wandering bird come home, upon her + father's neck. + </p> + <p> + Of Walter she thought often. Ah! how often, when the night was gloomy, and + the wind was blowing round the house! But hope was strong in her breast. + It is so difficult for the young and ardent, even with such experience as + hers, to imagine youth and ardour quenched like a weak flame, and the + bright day of life merging into night, at noon, that hope was strong yet. + Her tears fell frequently for Walter's sufferings; but rarely for his + supposed death, and never long. + </p> + <p> + She had written to the old Instrument-maker, but had received no answer to + her note: which indeed required none. Thus matters stood with Florence on + the morning when she was going home, gladly, to her old secluded life. + </p> + <p> + Doctor and Mrs Blimber, accompanied (much against his will) by their + valued charge, Master Barnet, were already gone back to Brighton, where + that young gentleman and his fellow-pilgrims to Parnassus were then, no + doubt, in the continual resumption of their studies. The holiday time was + past and over; most of the juvenile guests at the villa had taken their + departure; and Florence's long visit was come to an end. + </p> + <p> + There was one guest, however, albeit not resident within the house, who + had been very constant in his attentions to the family, and who still + remained devoted to them. This was Mr Toots, who after renewing, some + weeks ago, the acquaintance he had had the happiness of forming with + Skettles Junior, on the night when he burst the Blimberian bonds and + soared into freedom with his ring on, called regularly every other day, + and left a perfect pack of cards at the hall-door; so many indeed, that + the ceremony was quite a deal on the part of Mr Toots, and a hand at whist + on the part of the servant. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, likewise, with the bold and happy idea of preventing the family + from forgetting him (but there is reason to suppose that this expedient + originated in the teeming brain of the Chicken), had established a + six-oared cutter, manned by aquatic friends of the Chicken's and steered + by that illustrious character in person, who wore a bright red fireman's + coat for the purpose, and concealed the perpetual black eye with which he + was afflicted, beneath a green shade. Previous to the institution of this + equipage, Mr Toots sounded the Chicken on a hypothetical case, as, + supposing the Chicken to be enamoured of a young lady named Mary, and to + have conceived the intention of starting a boat of his own, what would he + call that boat? The Chicken replied, with divers strong asseverations, + that he would either christen it Poll or The Chicken's Delight. Improving + on this idea, Mr Toots, after deep study and the exercise of much + invention, resolved to call his boat The Toots's Joy, as a delicate + compliment to Florence, of which no man knowing the parties, could + possibly miss the appreciation. + </p> + <p> + Stretched on a crimson cushion in his gallant bark, with his shoes in the + air, Mr Toots, in the exercise of his project, had come up the river, day + after day, and week after week, and had flitted to and fro, near Sir + Barnet's garden, and had caused his crew to cut across and across the + river at sharp angles, for his better exhibition to any lookers-out from + Sir Barnet's windows, and had had such evolutions performed by the Toots's + Joy as had filled all the neighbouring part of the water-side with + astonishment. But whenever he saw anyone in Sir Barnet's garden on the + brink of the river, Mr Toots always feigned to be passing there, by a + combination of coincidences of the most singular and unlikely description. + </p> + <p> + 'How are you, Toots?' Sir Barnet would say, waving his hand from the lawn, + while the artful Chicken steered close in shore. + </p> + <p> + 'How de do, Sir Barnet?' Mr Toots would answer, 'What a surprising thing + that I should see you here!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, in his sagacity, always said this, as if, instead of that being + Sir Barnet's house, it were some deserted edifice on the banks of the + Nile, or Ganges. + </p> + <p> + 'I never was so surprised!' Mr Toots would exclaim.—'Is Miss Dombey + there?' + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Florence would appear, perhaps. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Diogenes is quite well, Miss Dombey,' Toots would cry. 'I called to + ask this morning.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you very much!' the pleasant voice of Florence would reply. + </p> + <p> + 'Won't you come ashore, Toots?' Sir Barnet would say then. 'Come! you're + in no hurry. Come and see us.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's of no consequence, thank you!' Mr Toots would blushingly rejoin. + 'I thought Miss Dombey might like to know, that's all. Good-bye!' And poor + Mr Toots, who was dying to accept the invitation, but hadn't the courage + to do it, signed to the Chicken, with an aching heart, and away went the + Joy, cleaving the water like an arrow. + </p> + <p> + The Joy was lying in a state of extraordinary splendour, at the garden + steps, on the morning of Florence's departure. When she went downstairs to + take leave, after her talk with Susan, she found Mr Toots awaiting her in + the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, how de do, Miss Dombey?' said the stricken Toots, always dreadfully + disconcerted when the desire of his heart was gained, and he was speaking + to her; 'thank you, I'm very well indeed, I hope you're the same, so was + Diogenes yesterday.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are very kind,' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, it's of no consequence,' retorted Mr Toots. 'I thought perhaps + you wouldn't mind, in this fine weather, coming home by water, Miss + Dombey. There's plenty of room in the boat for your maid.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am very much obliged to you,' said Florence, hesitating. 'I really am—but + I would rather not.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's of no consequence,' retorted Mr Toots. 'Good morning.' + </p> + <p> + 'Won't you wait and see Lady Skettles?' asked Florence, kindly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, thank you,' returned Mr Toots, 'it's of no consequence at all.' + </p> + <p> + So shy was Mr Toots on such occasions, and so flurried! But Lady Skettles + entering at the moment, Mr Toots was suddenly seized with a passion for + asking her how she did, and hoping she was very well; nor could Mr Toots + by any possibility leave off shaking hands with her, until Sir Barnet + appeared: to whom he immediately clung with the tenacity of desperation. + </p> + <p> + 'We are losing, today, Toots,' said Sir Barnet, turning towards Florence, + 'the light of our house, I assure you' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's of no conseq—I mean yes, to be sure,' faltered the + embarrassed Mr Toots. 'Good morning!' + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the emphatic nature of this farewell, Mr Toots, instead of + going away, stood leering about him, vacantly. Florence, to relieve him, + bade adieu, with many thanks, to Lady Skettles, and gave her arm to Sir + Barnet. + </p> + <p> + 'May I beg of you, my dear Miss Dombey,' said her host, as he conducted + her to the carriage, 'to present my best compliments to your dear Papa?' + </p> + <p> + It was distressing to Florence to receive the commission, for she felt as + if she were imposing on Sir Barnet by allowing him to believe that a + kindness rendered to her, was rendered to her father. As she could not + explain, however, she bowed her head and thanked him; and again she + thought that the dull home, free from such embarrassments, and such + reminders of her sorrow, was her natural and best retreat. + </p> + <p> + Such of her late friends and companions as were yet remaining at the + villa, came running from within, and from the garden, to say good-bye. + They were all attached to her, and very earnest in taking leave of her. + Even the household were sorry for her going, and the servants came nodding + and curtseying round the carriage door. As Florence looked round on the + kind faces, and saw among them those of Sir Barnet and his lady, and of Mr + Toots, who was chuckling and staring at her from a distance, she was + reminded of the night when Paul and she had come from Doctor Blimber's: + and when the carriage drove away, her face was wet with tears. + </p> + <p> + Sorrowful tears, but tears of consolation, too; for all the softer + memories connected with the dull old house to which she was returning made + it dear to her, as they rose up. How long it seemed since she had wandered + through the silent rooms: since she had last crept, softly and afraid, + into those her father occupied: since she had felt the solemn but yet + soothing influence of the beloved dead in every action of her daily life! + This new farewell reminded her, besides, of her parting with poor Walter: + of his looks and words that night: and of the gracious blending she had + noticed in him, of tenderness for those he left behind, with courage and + high spirit. His little history was associated with the old house too, and + gave it a new claim and hold upon her heart. + </p> + <p> + Even Susan Nipper softened towards the home of so many years, as they were + on their way towards it. Gloomy as it was, and rigid justice as she + rendered to its gloom, she forgave it a great deal. 'I shall be glad to + see it again, I don't deny, Miss,' said the Nipper. 'There ain't much in + it to boast of, but I wouldn't have it burnt or pulled down, neither!' + </p> + <p> + 'You'll be glad to go through the old rooms, won't you, Susan?' said + Florence, smiling. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Miss,' returned the Nipper, softening more and more towards the + house, as they approached it nearer, 'I won't deny but what I shall, + though I shall hate 'em again, to-morrow, very likely.' + </p> + <p> + Florence felt that, for her, there was greater peace within it than + elsewhere. It was better and easier to keep her secret shut up there, + among the tall dark walls, than to carry it abroad into the light, and try + to hide it from a crowd of happy eyes. It was better to pursue the study + of her loving heart, alone, and find no new discouragements in loving + hearts about her. It was easier to hope, and pray, and love on, all + uncared for, yet with constancy and patience, in the tranquil sanctuary of + such remembrances: although it mouldered, rusted, and decayed about her: + than in a new scene, let its gaiety be what it would. She welcomed back + her old enchanted dream of life, and longed for the old dark door to close + upon her, once again. + </p> + <p> + Full of such thoughts, they turned into the long and sombre street. + Florence was not on that side of the carriage which was nearest to her + home, and as the distance lessened between them and it, she looked out of + her window for the children over the way. + </p> + <p> + She was thus engaged, when an exclamation from Susan caused her to turn + quickly round. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Gracious me!' cried Susan, breathless, 'where's our house!' + </p> + <p> + 'Our house!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + Susan, drawing in her head from the window, thrust it out again, drew it + in again as the carriage stopped, and stared at her mistress in amazement. + </p> + <p> + There was a labyrinth of scaffolding raised all round the house, from the + basement to the roof. Loads of bricks and stones, and heaps of mortar, and + piles of wood, blocked up half the width and length of the broad street at + the side. Ladders were raised against the walls; labourers were climbing + up and down; men were at work upon the steps of the scaffolding; painters + and decorators were busy inside; great rolls of ornamental paper were + being delivered from a cart at the door; an upholsterer's waggon also + stopped the way; no furniture was to be seen through the gaping and broken + windows in any of the rooms; nothing but workmen, and the implements of + their several trades, swarming from the kitchens to the garrets. Inside + and outside alike: bricklayers, painters, carpenters, masons: hammer, hod, + brush, pickaxe, saw, and trowel: all at work together, in full chorus! + </p> + <p> + Florence descended from the coach, half doubting if it were, or could be + the right house, until she recognised Towlinson, with a sun-burnt face, + standing at the door to receive her. + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing the matter?' inquired Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, Miss.' + </p> + <p> + 'There are great alterations going on.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Miss, great alterations,' said Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + Florence passed him as if she were in a dream, and hurried upstairs. The + garish light was in the long-darkened drawing-room and there were steps + and platforms, and men in paper caps, in the high places. Her mother's + picture was gone with the rest of the moveables, and on the mark where it + had been, was scrawled in chalk, 'this room in panel. Green and gold.' The + staircase was a labyrinth of posts and planks like the outside of the + house, and a whole Olympus of plumbers and glaziers was reclining in + various attitudes, on the skylight. Her own room was not yet touched + within, but there were beams and boards raised against it without, + baulking the daylight. She went up swiftly to that other bedroom, where + the little bed was; and a dark giant of a man with a pipe in his mouth, + and his head tied up in a pocket-handkerchief, was staring in at the + window. + </p> + <p> + It was here that Susan Nipper, who had been in quest of Florence, found + her, and said, would she go downstairs to her Papa, who wished to speak to + her. + </p> + <p> + 'At home! and wishing to speak to me!' cried Florence, trembling. + </p> + <p> + Susan, who was infinitely more distraught than Florence herself, repeated + her errand; and Florence, pale and agitated, hurried down again, without a + moment's hesitation. She thought upon the way down, would she dare to kiss + him? The longing of her heart resolved her, and she thought she would. + </p> + <p> + Her father might have heard that heart beat, when it came into his + presence. One instant, and it would have beat against his breast. + </p> + <p> + But he was not alone. There were two ladies there; and Florence stopped. + Striving so hard with her emotion, that if her brute friend Di had not + burst in and overwhelmed her with his caresses as a welcome home—at + which one of the ladies gave a little scream, and that diverted her + attention from herself—she would have swooned upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence,' said her father, putting out his hand: so stiffly that it held + her off: 'how do you do?' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0377m.jpg" alt="0377m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0377.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Florence took the hand between her own, and putting it timidly to her + lips, yielded to its withdrawal. It touched the door in shutting it, with + quite as much endearment as it had touched her. + </p> + <p> + 'What dog is that?' said Mr Dombey, displeased. + </p> + <p> + 'It is a dog, Papa—from Brighton.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well!' said Mr Dombey; and a cloud passed over his face, for he + understood her. + </p> + <p> + 'He is very good-tempered,' said Florence, addressing herself with her + natural grace and sweetness to the two lady strangers. 'He is only glad to + see me. Pray forgive him.' + </p> + <p> + She saw in the glance they interchanged, that the lady who had screamed, + and who was seated, was old; and that the other lady, who stood near her + Papa, was very beautiful, and of an elegant figure. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Skewton,' said her father, turning to the first, and holding out his + hand, 'this is my daughter Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Charming, I am sure,' observed the lady, putting up her glass. 'So + natural! My darling Florence, you must kiss me, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + Florence having done so, turned towards the other lady, by whom her father + stood waiting. + </p> + <p> + 'Edith,' said Mr Dombey, 'this is my daughter Florence. Florence, this + lady will soon be your Mama.' + </p> + <p> + Florence started, and looked up at the beautiful face in a conflict of + emotions, among which the tears that name awakened, struggled for a moment + with surprise, interest, admiration, and an indefinable sort of fear. Then + she cried out, 'Oh, Papa, may you be happy! may you be very, very happy + all your life!' and then fell weeping on the lady's bosom. + </p> + <p> + There was a short silence. The beautiful lady, who at first had seemed to + hesitate whether or no she should advance to Florence, held her to her + breast, and pressed the hand with which she clasped her, close about her + waist, as if to reassure her and comfort her. Not one word passed the + lady's lips. She bent her head down over Florence, and she kissed her on + the cheek, but she said no word. + </p> + <p> + 'Shall we go on through the rooms,' said Mr Dombey, 'and see how our + workmen are doing? Pray allow me, my dear madam.' + </p> + <p> + He said this in offering his arm to Mrs Skewton, who had been looking at + Florence through her glass, as though picturing to herself what she might + be made, by the infusion—from her own copious storehouse, no doubt—of + a little more Heart and Nature. Florence was still sobbing on the lady's + breast, and holding to her, when Mr Dombey was heard to say from the + Conservatory: + </p> + <p> + 'Let us ask Edith. Dear me, where is she?' + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, my dear!' cried Mrs Skewton, 'where are you? Looking for Mr Dombey + somewhere, I know. We are here, my love.' + </p> + <p> + The beautiful lady released her hold of Florence, and pressing her lips + once more upon her face, withdrew hurriedly, and joined them. Florence + remained standing in the same place: happy, sorry, joyful, and in tears, + she knew not how, or how long, but all at once: when her new Mama came + back, and took her in her arms again. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence,' said the lady, hurriedly, and looking into her face with great + earnestness. 'You will not begin by hating me?' + </p> + <p> + 'By hating you, Mama?' cried Florence, winding her arm round her neck, and + returning the look. + </p> + <p> + 'Hush! Begin by thinking well of me,' said the beautiful lady. 'Begin by + believing that I will try to make you happy, and that I am prepared to + love you, Florence. Good-bye. We shall meet again soon. Good-bye! Don't + stay here, now.' + </p> + <p> + Again she pressed her to her breast she had spoken in a rapid manner, but + firmly—and Florence saw her rejoin them in the other room. + </p> + <p> + And now Florence began to hope that she would learn from her new and + beautiful Mama, how to gain her father's love; and in her sleep that + night, in her lost old home, her own Mama smiled radiantly upon the hope, + and blessed it. Dreaming Florence! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 29. The Opening of the Eyes of Mrs Chick + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>iss Tox, all unconscious of any such rare appearances in connexion with + Mr Dombey's house, as scaffoldings and ladders, and men with their heads + tied up in pocket-handkerchiefs, glaring in at the windows like flying + genii or strange birds,—having breakfasted one morning at about this + eventful period of time, on her customary viands; to wit, one French roll + rasped, one egg new laid (or warranted to be), and one little pot of tea, + wherein was infused one little silver scoopful of that herb on behalf of + Miss Tox, and one little silver scoopful on behalf of the teapot—a + flight of fancy in which good housekeepers delight; went upstairs to set + forth the bird waltz on the harpsichord, to water and arrange the plants, + to dust the nick-nacks, and, according to her daily custom, to make her + little drawing-room the garland of Princess's Place. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox endued herself with a pair of ancient gloves, like dead leaves, + in which she was accustomed to perform these avocations—hidden from + human sight at other times in a table drawer—and went methodically + to work; beginning with the bird waltz; passing, by a natural association + of ideas, to her bird—a very high-shouldered canary, stricken in + years, and much rumpled, but a piercing singer, as Princess's Place well + knew; taking, next in order, the little china ornaments, paper fly-cages, + and so forth; and coming round, in good time, to the plants, which + generally required to be snipped here and there with a pair of scissors, + for some botanical reason that was very powerful with Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox was slow in coming to the plants, this morning. The weather was + warm, the wind southerly; and there was a sigh of the summer-time in + Princess's Place, that turned Miss Tox's thoughts upon the country. The + pot-boy attached to the Princess's Arms had come out with a can and + trickled water, in a flowering pattern, all over Princess's Place, and it + gave the weedy ground a fresh scent—quite a growing scent, Miss Tox + said. There was a tiny blink of sun peeping in from the great street round + the corner, and the smoky sparrows hopped over it and back again, + brightening as they passed: or bathed in it, like a stream, and became + glorified sparrows, unconnected with chimneys. Legends in praise of + Ginger-Beer, with pictorial representations of thirsty customers submerged + in the effervescence, or stunned by the flying corks, were conspicuous in + the window of the Princess's Arms. They were making late hay, somewhere + out of town; and though the fragrance had a long way to come, and many + counter fragrances to contend with among the dwellings of the poor (may + God reward the worthy gentlemen who stickle for the Plague as part and + parcel of the wisdom of our ancestors, and who do their little best to + keep those dwellings miserable!), yet it was wafted faintly into + Princess's Place, whispering of Nature and her wholesome air, as such + things will, even unto prisoners and captives, and those who are desolate + and oppressed, in very spite of aldermen and knights to boot: at whose + sage nod—and how they nod!—the rolling world stands still! + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox sat down upon the window-seat, and thought of her good Papa + deceased—Mr Tox, of the Customs Department of the public service; + and of her childhood, passed at a seaport, among a considerable quantity + of cold tar, and some rusticity. She fell into a softened remembrance of + meadows, in old time, gleaming with buttercups, like so many inverted + firmaments of golden stars; and how she had made chains of + dandelion-stalks for youthful vowers of eternal constancy, dressed chiefly + in nankeen; and how soon those fetters had withered and broken. + </p> + <p> + Sitting on the window-seat, and looking out upon the sparrows and the + blink of sun, Miss Tox thought likewise of her good Mama deceased—sister + to the owner of the powdered head and pigtail—of her virtues and her + rheumatism. And when a man with bulgy legs, and a rough voice, and a heavy + basket on his head that crushed his hat into a mere black muffin, came + crying flowers down Princess's Place, making his timid little roots of + daisies shudder in the vibration of every yell he gave, as though he had + been an ogre, hawking little children, summer recollections were so strong + upon Miss Tox, that she shook her head, and murmured she would be + comparatively old before she knew it—which seemed likely. + </p> + <p> + In her pensive mood, Miss Tox's thoughts went wandering on Mr Dombey's + track; probably because the Major had returned home to his lodgings + opposite, and had just bowed to her from his window. What other reason + could Miss Tox have for connecting Mr Dombey with her summer days and + dandelion fetters? Was he more cheerful? thought Miss Tox. Was he + reconciled to the decrees of fate? Would he ever marry again? and if yes, + whom? What sort of person now! + </p> + <p> + A flush—it was warm weather—overspread Miss Tox's face, as, + while entertaining these meditations, she turned her head, and was + surprised by the reflection of her thoughtful image in the chimney-glass. + Another flush succeeded when she saw a little carriage drive into + Princess's Place, and make straight for her own door. Miss Tox arose, took + up her scissors hastily, and so coming, at last, to the plants, was very + busy with them when Mrs Chick entered the room. + </p> + <p> + 'How is my sweetest friend!' exclaimed Miss Tox, with open arms. + </p> + <p> + A little stateliness was mingled with Miss Tox's sweetest friend's + demeanour, but she kissed Miss Tox, and said, 'Lucretia, thank you, I am + pretty well. I hope you are the same. Hem!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick was labouring under a peculiar little monosyllabic cough; a sort + of primer, or easy introduction to the art of coughing. + </p> + <p> + 'You call very early, and how kind that is, my dear!' pursued Miss Tox. + 'Now, have you breakfasted?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Lucretia,' said Mrs Chick, 'I have. I took an early breakfast'—the + good lady seemed curious on the subject of Princess's Place, and looked + all round it as she spoke—'with my brother, who has come home.' + </p> + <p> + 'He is better, I trust, my love,' faltered Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'He is greatly better, thank you. Hem!' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa must be careful of that cough' remarked Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'It's nothing,' returned Mrs Chic 'It's merely change of weather. We must + expect change.' + </p> + <p> + 'Of weather?' asked Miss Tox, in her simplicity. + </p> + <p> + 'Of everything,' returned Mrs Chick. 'Of course we must. It's a world of + change. Anyone would surprise me very much, Lucretia, and would greatly + alter my opinion of their understanding, if they attempted to contradict + or evade what is so perfectly evident. Change!' exclaimed Mrs Chick, with + severe philosophy. 'Why, my gracious me, what is there that does not + change! even the silkworm, who I am sure might be supposed not to trouble + itself about such subjects, changes into all sorts of unexpected things + continually.' + </p> + <p> + 'My Louisa,' said the mild Miss Tox, 'is ever happy in her illustrations.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are so kind, Lucretia,' returned Mrs Chick, a little softened, 'as to + say so, and to think so, I believe. I hope neither of us may ever have any + cause to lessen our opinion of the other, Lucretia.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure of it,' returned Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick coughed as before, and drew lines on the carpet with the ivory + end of her parasol. Miss Tox, who had experience of her fair friend, and + knew that under the pressure of any slight fatigue or vexation she was + prone to a discursive kind of irritability, availed herself of the pause, + to change the subject. + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon me, my dear Louisa,' said Miss Tox, 'but have I caught sight of + the manly form of Mr Chick in the carriage?' + </p> + <p> + 'He is there,' said Mrs Chick, 'but pray leave him there. He has his + newspaper, and would be quite contented for the next two hours. Go on with + your flowers, Lucretia, and allow me to sit here and rest.' + </p> + <p> + 'My Louisa knows,' observed Miss Tox, 'that between friends like + ourselves, any approach to ceremony would be out of the question. + Therefore—' Therefore Miss Tox finished the sentence, not in words + but action; and putting on her gloves again, which she had taken off, and + arming herself once more with her scissors, began to snip and clip among + the leaves with microscopic industry. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence has returned home also,' said Mrs Chick, after sitting silent + for some time, with her head on one side, and her parasol sketching on the + floor; 'and really Florence is a great deal too old now, to continue to + lead that solitary life to which she has been accustomed. Of course she + is. There can be no doubt about it. I should have very little respect, + indeed, for anybody who could advocate a different opinion. Whatever my + wishes might be, I could not respect them. We cannot command our feelings + to such an extent as that.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox assented, without being particular as to the intelligibility of + the proposition. + </p> + <p> + 'If she's a strange girl,' said Mrs Chick, 'and if my brother Paul cannot + feel perfectly comfortable in her society, after all the sad things that + have happened, and all the terrible disappointments that have been + undergone, then, what is the reply? That he must make an effort. That he + is bound to make an effort. We have always been a family remarkable for + effort. Paul is at the head of the family; almost the only representative + of it left—for what am I—I am of no consequence—' + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest love,' remonstrated Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick dried her eyes, which were, for the moment, overflowing; and + proceeded: + </p> + <p> + 'And consequently he is more than ever bound to make an effort. And though + his having done so, comes upon me with a sort of shock—for mine is a + very weak and foolish nature; which is anything but a blessing I am sure; + I often wish my heart was a marble slab, or a paving-stone—' + </p> + <p> + 'My sweet Louisa,' remonstrated Miss Tox again. + </p> + <p> + 'Still, it is a triumph to me to know that he is so true to himself, and + to his name of Dombey; although, of course, I always knew he would be. I + only hope,' said Mrs Chick, after a pause, 'that she may be worthy of the + name too.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox filled a little green watering-pot from a jug, and happening to + look up when she had done so, was so surprised by the amount of expression + Mrs Chick had conveyed into her face, and was bestowing upon her, that she + put the little watering-pot on the table for the present, and sat down + near it. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Louisa,' said Miss Tox, 'will it be the least satisfaction to + you, if I venture to observe in reference to that remark, that I, as a + humble individual, think your sweet niece in every way most promising?' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean, Lucretia?' returned Mrs Chick, with increased + stateliness of manner. 'To what remark of mine, my dear, do you refer?' + </p> + <p> + 'Her being worthy of her name, my love,' replied Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'If,' said Mrs Chick, with solemn patience, 'I have not expressed myself + with clearness, Lucretia, the fault of course is mine. There is, perhaps, + no reason why I should express myself at all, except the intimacy that has + subsisted between us, and which I very much hope, Lucretia—confidently + hope—nothing will occur to disturb. Because, why should I do + anything else? There is no reason; it would be absurd. But I wish to + express myself clearly, Lucretia; and therefore to go back to that remark, + I must beg to say that it was not intended to relate to Florence, in any + way.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed!' returned Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Mrs Chick shortly and decisively. + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon me, my dear,' rejoined her meek friend; 'but I cannot have + understood it. I fear I am dull.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick looked round the room and over the way; at the plants, at the + bird, at the watering-pot, at almost everything within view, except Miss + Tox; and finally dropping her glance upon Miss Tox, for a moment, on its + way to the ground, said, looking meanwhile with elevated eyebrows at the + carpet: + </p> + <p> + 'When I speak, Lucretia, of her being worthy of the name, I speak of my + brother Paul's second wife. I believe I have already said, in effect, if + not in the very words I now use, that it is his intention to marry a + second wife.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox left her seat in a hurry, and returned to her plants; clipping + among the stems and leaves, with as little favour as a barber working at + so many pauper heads of hair. + </p> + <p> + 'Whether she will be fully sensible of the distinction conferred upon + her,' said Mrs Chick, in a lofty tone, 'is quite another question. I hope + she may be. We are bound to think well of one another in this world, and I + hope she may be. I have not been advised with myself. If I had been + advised with, I have no doubt my advice would have been cavalierly + received, and therefore it is infinitely better as it is. I much prefer it + as it is.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox, with head bent down, still clipped among the plants. Mrs Chick, + with energetic shakings of her own head from time to time, continued to + hold forth, as if in defiance of somebody. + </p> + <p> + 'If my brother Paul had consulted with me, which he sometimes does—or + rather, sometimes used to do; for he will naturally do that no more now, + and this is a circumstance which I regard as a relief from + responsibility,' said Mrs Chick, hysterically, 'for I thank Heaven I am + not jealous—' here Mrs Chick again shed tears: 'if my brother Paul + had come to me, and had said, "Louisa, what kind of qualities would you + advise me to look out for, in a wife?" I should certainly have answered, + "Paul, you must have family, you must have beauty, you must have dignity, + you must have connexion." Those are the words I should have used. You + might have led me to the block immediately afterwards,' said Mrs Chick, as + if that consequence were highly probable, 'but I should have used them. I + should have said, "Paul! You to marry a second time without family! You to + marry without beauty! You to marry without dignity! You to marry without + connexion! There is nobody in the world, not mad, who could dream of + daring to entertain such a preposterous idea!"' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox stopped clipping; and with her head among the plants, listened + attentively. Perhaps Miss Tox thought there was hope in this exordium, and + the warmth of Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'I should have adopted this course of argument,' pursued the discreet + lady, 'because I trust I am not a fool. I make no claim to be considered a + person of superior intellect—though I believe some people have been + extraordinary enough to consider me so; one so little humoured as I am, + would very soon be disabused of any such notion; but I trust I am not a + downright fool. And to tell ME,' said Mrs Chick with ineffable disdain, + 'that my brother Paul Dombey could ever contemplate the possibility of + uniting himself to anybody—I don't care who'—she was more + sharp and emphatic in that short clause than in any other part of her + discourse—'not possessing these requisites, would be to insult what + understanding I have got, as much as if I was to be told that I was born + and bred an elephant, which I may be told next,' said Mrs Chick, with + resignation. 'It wouldn't surprise me at all. I expect it.' + </p> + <p> + In the moment's silence that ensued, Miss Tox's scissors gave a feeble + clip or two; but Miss Tox's face was still invisible, and Miss Tox's + morning gown was agitated. Mrs Chick looked sideways at her, through the + intervening plants, and went on to say, in a tone of bland conviction, and + as one dwelling on a point of fact that hardly required to be stated: + </p> + <p> + 'Therefore, of course my brother Paul has done what was to be expected of + him, and what anybody might have foreseen he would do, if he entered the + marriage state again. I confess it takes me rather by surprise, however + gratifying; because when Paul went out of town I had no idea at all that + he would form any attachment out of town, and he certainly had no + attachment when he left here. However, it seems to be extremely desirable + in every point of view. I have no doubt the mother is a most genteel and + elegant creature, and I have no right whatever to dispute the policy of + her living with them: which is Paul's affair, not mine—and as to + Paul's choice, herself, I have only seen her picture yet, but that is + beautiful indeed. Her name is beautiful too,' said Mrs Chick, shaking her + head with energy, and arranging herself in her chair; 'Edith is at once + uncommon, as it strikes me, and distinguished. Consequently, Lucretia, I + have no doubt you will be happy to hear that the marriage is to take place + immediately—of course, you will:' great emphasis again: 'and that + you are delighted with this change in the condition of my brother, who has + shown you a great deal of pleasant attention at various times.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox made no verbal answer, but took up the little watering-pot with a + trembling hand, and looked vacantly round as if considering what article + of furniture would be improved by the contents. The room door opening at + this crisis of Miss Tox's feelings, she started, laughed aloud, and fell + into the arms of the person entering; happily insensible alike of Mrs + Chick's indignant countenance and of the Major at his window over the way, + who had his double-barrelled eye-glass in full action, and whose face and + figure were dilated with Mephistophelean joy. + </p> + <p> + Not so the expatriated Native, amazed supporter of Miss Tox's swooning + form, who, coming straight upstairs, with a polite inquiry touching Miss + Tox's health (in exact pursuance of the Major's malicious instructions), + had accidentally arrived in the very nick of time to catch the delicate + burden in his arms, and to receive the contents of the little watering-pot + in his shoe; both of which circumstances, coupled with his consciousness + of being closely watched by the wrathful Major, who had threatened the + usual penalty in regard of every bone in his skin in case of any failure, + combined to render him a moving spectacle of mental and bodily distress. + </p> + <p> + For some moments, this afflicted foreigner remained clasping Miss Tox to + his heart, with an energy of action in remarkable opposition to his + disconcerted face, while that poor lady trickled slowly down upon him the + very last sprinklings of the little watering-pot, as if he were a delicate + exotic (which indeed he was), and might be almost expected to blow while + the gentle rain descended. Mrs Chick, at length recovering sufficient + presence of mind to interpose, commanded him to drop Miss Tox upon the + sofa and withdraw; and the exile promptly obeying, she applied herself to + promote Miss Tox's recovery. + </p> + <p> + But none of that gentle concern which usually characterises the daughters + of Eve in their tending of each other; none of that freemasonry in + fainting, by which they are generally bound together in a mysterious bond + of sisterhood; was visible in Mrs Chick's demeanour. Rather like the + executioner who restores the victim to sensation previous to proceeding + with the torture (or was wont to do so, in the good old times for which + all true men wear perpetual mourning), did Mrs Chick administer the + smelling-bottle, the slapping on the hands, the dashing of cold water on + the face, and the other proved remedies. And when, at length, Miss Tox + opened her eyes, and gradually became restored to animation and + consciousness, Mrs Chick drew off as from a criminal, and reversing the + precedent of the murdered king of Denmark, regarded her more in anger than + in sorrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lucretia!' said Mrs Chick 'I will not attempt to disguise what I feel. My + eyes are opened, all at once. I wouldn't have believed this, if a Saint + had told it to me.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0387m.jpg" alt="0387m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0387.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'I am foolish to give way to faintness,' Miss Tox faltered. 'I shall be + better presently.' + </p> + <p> + 'You will be better presently, Lucretia!' repeated Mrs Chick, with + exceeding scorn. 'Do you suppose I am blind? Do you imagine I am in my + second childhood? No, Lucretia! I am obliged to you!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox directed an imploring, helpless kind of look towards her friend, + and put her handkerchief before her face. + </p> + <p> + 'If anyone had told me this yesterday,' said Mrs Chick, with majesty, 'or + even half-an-hour ago, I should have been tempted, I almost believe, to + strike them to the earth. Lucretia Tox, my eyes are opened to you all at + once. The scales:' here Mrs Chick cast down an imaginary pair, such as are + commonly used in grocers' shops: 'have fallen from my sight. The blindness + of my confidence is past, Lucretia. It has been abused and played, upon, + and evasion is quite out of the question now, I assure you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! to what do you allude so cruelly, my love?' asked Miss Tox, through + her tears. + </p> + <p> + 'Lucretia,' said Mrs Chick, 'ask your own heart. I must entreat you not to + address me by any such familiar term as you have just used, if you please. + I have some self-respect left, though you may think otherwise.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Louisa!' cried Miss Tox. 'How can you speak to me like that?' + </p> + <p> + 'How can I speak to you like that?' retorted Mrs Chick, who, in default of + having any particular argument to sustain herself upon, relied principally + on such repetitions for her most withering effects. 'Like that! You may + well say like that, indeed!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox sobbed pitifully. + </p> + <p> + 'The idea!' said Mrs Chick, 'of your having basked at my brother's + fireside, like a serpent, and wound yourself, through me, almost into his + confidence, Lucretia, that you might, in secret, entertain designs upon + him, and dare to aspire to contemplate the possibility of his uniting + himself to you! Why, it is an idea,' said Mrs Chick, with sarcastic + dignity, 'the absurdity of which almost relieves its treachery.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pray, Louisa,' urged Miss Tox, 'do not say such dreadful things.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dreadful things!' repeated Mrs Chick. 'Dreadful things! Is it not a fact, + Lucretia, that you have just now been unable to command your feelings even + before me, whose eyes you had so completely closed?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have made no complaint,' sobbed Miss Tox. 'I have said nothing. If I + have been a little overpowered by your news, Louisa, and have ever had any + lingering thought that Mr Dombey was inclined to be particular towards me, + surely you will not condemn me.' + </p> + <p> + 'She is going to say,' said Mrs Chick, addressing herself to the whole of + the furniture, in a comprehensive glance of resignation and appeal, 'She + is going to say—I know it—that I have encouraged her!' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't wish to exchange reproaches, dear Louisa,' sobbed Miss Tox. 'Nor + do I wish to complain. But, in my own defence—' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' cried Mrs Chick, looking round the room with a prophetic smile, + 'that's what she's going to say. I knew it. You had better say it. Say it + openly! Be open, Lucretia Tox,' said Mrs Chick, with desperate sternness, + 'whatever you are.' + </p> + <p> + 'In my own defence,' faltered Miss Tox, 'and only in my own defence + against your unkind words, my dear Louisa, I would merely ask you if you + haven't often favoured such a fancy, and even said it might happen, for + anything we could tell?' + </p> + <p> + 'There is a point,' said Mrs Chick, rising, not as if she were going to + stop at the floor, but as if she were about to soar up, high, into her + native skies, 'beyond which endurance becomes ridiculous, if not culpable. + I can bear much; but not too much. What spell was on me when I came into + this house this day, I don't know; but I had a presentiment—a dark + presentiment,' said Mrs Chick, with a shiver, 'that something was going to + happen. Well may I have had that foreboding, Lucretia, when my confidence + of many years is destroyed in an instant, when my eyes are opened all at + once, and when I find you revealed in your true colours. Lucretia, I have + been mistaken in you. It is better for us both that this subject should + end here. I wish you well, and I shall ever wish you well. But, as an + individual who desires to be true to herself in her own poor position, + whatever that position may be, or may not be—and as the sister of my + brother—and as the sister-in-law of my brother's wife—and as a + connexion by marriage of my brother's wife's mother—may I be + permitted to add, as a Dombey?—I can wish you nothing else but good + morning.' + </p> + <p> + These words, delivered with cutting suavity, tempered and chastened by a + lofty air of moral rectitude, carried the speaker to the door. There she + inclined her head in a ghostly and statue-like manner, and so withdrew to + her carriage, to seek comfort and consolation in the arms of Mr Chick, her + lord. + </p> + <p> + Figuratively speaking, that is to say; for the arms of Mr Chick were full + of his newspaper. Neither did that gentleman address his eyes towards his + wife otherwise than by stealth. Neither did he offer any consolation + whatever. In short, he sat reading, and humming fag ends of tunes, and + sometimes glancing furtively at her without delivering himself of a word, + good, bad, or indifferent. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Mrs Chick sat swelling and bridling, and tossing her head, + as if she were still repeating that solemn formula of farewell to Lucretia + Tox. At length, she said aloud, 'Oh the extent to which her eyes had been + opened that day!' + </p> + <p> + 'To which your eyes have been opened, my dear!' repeated Mr Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, don't talk to me!' said Mrs Chic 'if you can bear to see me in this + state, and not ask me what the matter is, you had better hold your tongue + for ever.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter, my dear?' asked Mr Chick + </p> + <p> + 'To think,' said Mrs Chick, in a state of soliloquy, 'that she should ever + have conceived the base idea of connecting herself with our family by a + marriage with Paul! To think that when she was playing at horses with that + dear child who is now in his grave—I never liked it at the time—she + should have been hiding such a double-faced design! I wonder she was never + afraid that something would happen to her. She is fortunate if nothing + does.' + </p> + <p> + 'I really thought, my dear,' said Mr Chick slowly, after rubbing the + bridge of his nose for some time with his newspaper, 'that you had gone on + the same tack yourself, all along, until this morning; and had thought it + would be a convenient thing enough, if it could have been brought about.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick instantly burst into tears, and told Mr Chick that if he wished + to trample upon her with his boots, he had better do It. + </p> + <p> + 'But with Lucretia Tox I have done,' said Mrs Chick, after abandoning + herself to her feelings for some minutes, to Mr Chick's great terror. 'I + can bear to resign Paul's confidence in favour of one who, I hope and + trust, may be deserving of it, and with whom he has a perfect right to + replace poor Fanny if he chooses; I can bear to be informed, in Paul's + cool manner, of such a change in his plans, and never to be consulted + until all is settled and determined; but deceit I can not bear, and with + Lucretia Tox I have done. It is better as it is,' said Mrs Chick, piously; + 'much better. It would have been a long time before I could have + accommodated myself comfortably with her, after this; and I really don't + know, as Paul is going to be very grand, and these are people of + condition, that she would have been quite presentable, and might not have + compromised myself. There's a providence in everything; everything works + for the best; I have been tried today but on the whole I do not regret + it.' + </p> + <p> + In which Christian spirit, Mrs Chick dried her eyes and smoothed her lap, + and sat as became a person calm under a great wrong. Mr Chick feeling his + unworthiness no doubt, took an early opportunity of being set down at a + street corner and walking away whistling, with his shoulders very much + raised, and his hands in his pockets. + </p> + <p> + While poor excommunicated Miss Tox, who, if she were a fawner and + toad-eater, was at least an honest and a constant one, and had ever borne + a faithful friendship towards her impeacher and had been truly absorbed + and swallowed up in devotion to the magnificence of Mr Dombey—while + poor excommunicated Miss Tox watered her plants with her tears, and felt + that it was winter in Princess's Place. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 30. The interval before the Marriage + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>lthough the enchanted house was no more, and the working world had broken + into it, and was hammering and crashing and tramping up and down stairs + all day long keeping Diogenes in an incessant paroxysm of barking, from + sunrise to sunset—evidently convinced that his enemy had got the + better of him at last, and was then sacking the premises in triumphant + defiance—there was, at first, no other great change in the method of + Florence's life. At night, when the workpeople went away, the house was + dreary and deserted again; and Florence, listening to their voices echoing + through the hall and staircase as they departed, pictured to herself the + cheerful homes to which the were returning, and the children who were + waiting for them, and was glad to think that they were merry and well + pleased to go. + </p> + <p> + She welcomed back the evening silence as an old friend, but it came now + with an altered face, and looked more kindly on her. Fresh hope was in it. + The beautiful lady who had soothed and carressed her, in the very room in + which her heart had been so wrung, was a spirit of promise to her. Soft + shadows of the bright life dawning, when her father's affection should be + gradually won, and all, or much should be restored, of what she had lost + on the dark day when a mother's love had faded with a mother's last breath + on her cheek, moved about her in the twilight and were welcome company. + Peeping at the rosy children her neighbours, it was a new and precious + sensation to think that they might soon speak together and know each + other; when she would not fear, as of old, to show herself before them, + lest they should be grieved to see her in her black dress sitting there + alone! + </p> + <p> + In her thoughts of her new mother, and in the love and trust overflowing + her pure heart towards her, Florence loved her own dead mother more and + more. She had no fear of setting up a rival in her breast. The new flower + sprang from the deep-planted and long-cherished root, she knew. Every + gentle word that had fallen from the lips of the beautiful lady, sounded + to Florence like an echo of the voice long hushed and silent. How could + she love that memory less for living tenderness, when it was her memory of + all parental tenderness and love! + </p> + <p> + Florence was, one day, sitting reading in her room, and thinking of the + lady and her promised visit soon—for her book turned on a kindred + subject—when, raising her eyes, she saw her standing in the doorway. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' cried Florence, joyfully meeting her. 'Come again!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not Mama yet,' returned the lady, with a serious smile, as she encircled + Florence's neck with her arm. + </p> + <p> + 'But very soon to be,' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Very soon now, Florence: very soon.' + </p> + <p> + Edith bent her head a little, so as to press the blooming cheek of + Florence against her own, and for some few moments remained thus silent. + There was something so very tender in her manner, that Florence was even + more sensible of it than on the first occasion of their meeting. + </p> + <p> + She led Florence to a chair beside her, and sat down: Florence looking in + her face, quite wondering at its beauty, and willingly leaving her hand in + hers. + </p> + <p> + 'Have you been alone, Florence, since I was here last?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes!' smiled Florence, hastily. + </p> + <p> + She hesitated and cast down her eyes; for her new Mama was very earnest in + her look, and the look was intently and thoughtfully fixed upon her face. + </p> + <p> + 'I—I—am used to be alone,' said Florence. 'I don't mind it at + all. Di and I pass whole days together, sometimes.' Florence might have + said, whole weeks and months. + </p> + <p> + 'Is Di your maid, love?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dog, Mama,' said Florence, laughing. 'Susan is my maid.' + </p> + <p> + 'And these are your rooms,' said Edith, looking round. 'I was not shown + these rooms the other day. We must have them improved, Florence. They + shall be made the prettiest in the house.' + </p> + <p> + 'If I might change them, Mama,' returned Florence; 'there is one upstairs + I should like much better.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is this not high enough, dear girl?' asked Edith, smiling. + </p> + <p> + 'The other was my brother's room,' said Florence, 'and I am very fond of + it. I would have spoken to Papa about it when I came home, and found the + workmen here, and everything changing; but—' + </p> + <p> + Florence dropped her eyes, lest the same look should make her falter + again. + </p> + <p> + 'but I was afraid it might distress him; and as you said you would be here + again soon, Mama, and are the mistress of everything, I determined to take + courage and ask you.' + </p> + <p> + Edith sat looking at her, with her brilliant eyes intent upon her face, + until Florence raising her own, she, in her turn, withdrew her gaze, and + turned it on the ground. It was then that Florence thought how different + this lady's beauty was, from what she had supposed. She had thought it of + a proud and lofty kind; yet her manner was so subdued and gentle, that if + she had been of Florence's own age and character, it scarcely could have + invited confidence more. + </p> + <p> + Except when a constrained and singular reserve crept over her; and then + she seemed (but Florence hardly understood this, though she could not + choose but notice it, and think about it) as if she were humbled before + Florence, and ill at ease. When she had said that she was not her Mama + yet, and when Florence had called her the mistress of everything there, + this change in her was quick and startling; and now, while the eyes of + Florence rested on her face, she sat as though she would have shrunk and + hidden from her, rather than as one about to love and cherish her, in + right of such a near connexion. + </p> + <p> + She gave Florence her ready promise, about her new room, and said she + would give directions about it herself. She then asked some questions + concerning poor Paul; and when they had sat in conversation for some time, + told Florence she had come to take her to her own home. + </p> + <p> + 'We have come to London now, my mother and I,' said Edith, 'and you shall + stay with us until I am married. I wish that we should know and trust each + other, Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are very kind to me,' said Florence, 'dear Mama. How much I thank + you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Let me say now, for it may be the best opportunity,' continued Edith, + looking round to see that they were quite alone, and speaking in a lower + voice, 'that when I am married, and have gone away for some weeks, I shall + be easier at heart if you will come home here. No matter who invites you + to stay elsewhere. Come home here. It is better to be alone than—what + I would say is,' she added, checking herself, 'that I know well you are + best at home, dear Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will come home on the very day, Mama' + </p> + <p> + 'Do so. I rely on that promise. Now, prepare to come with me, dear girl. + You will find me downstairs when you are ready.' + </p> + <p> + Slowly and thoughtfully did Edith wander alone through the mansion of + which she was so soon to be the lady: and little heed took she of all the + elegance and splendour it began to display. The same indomitable + haughtiness of soul, the same proud scorn expressed in eye and lip, the + same fierce beauty, only tamed by a sense of its own little worth, and of + the little worth of everything around it, went through the grand saloons + and halls, that had got loose among the shady trees, and raged and rent + themselves. The mimic roses on the walls and floors were set round with + sharp thorns, that tore her breast; in every scrap of gold so dazzling to + the eye, she saw some hateful atom of her purchase-money; the broad high + mirrors showed her, at full length, a woman with a noble quality yet + dwelling in her nature, who was too false to her better self, and too + debased and lost, to save herself. She believed that all this was so + plain, more or less, to all eyes, that she had no resource or power of + self-assertion but in pride: and with this pride, which tortured her own + heart night and day, she fought her fate out, braved it, and defied it. + </p> + <p> + Was this the woman whom Florence—an innocent girl, strong only in + her earnestness and simple truth—could so impress and quell, that by + her side she was another creature, with her tempest of passion hushed, and + her very pride itself subdued? Was this the woman who now sat beside her + in a carriage, with her arms entwined, and who, while she courted and + entreated her to love and trust her, drew her fair head to nestle on her + breast, and would have laid down life to shield it from wrong or harm? + </p> + <p> + Oh, Edith! it were well to die, indeed, at such a time! Better and happier + far, perhaps, to die so, Edith, than to live on to the end! + </p> + <p> + The Honourable Mrs Skewton, who was thinking of anything rather than of + such sentiments—for, like many genteel persons who have existed at + various times, she set her face against death altogether, and objected to + the mention of any such low and levelling upstart—had borrowed a + house in Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, from a stately relative (one of + the Feenix brood), who was out of town, and who did not object to lending + it, in the handsomest manner, for nuptial purposes, as the loan implied + his final release and acquittance from all further loans and gifts to Mrs + Skewton and her daughter. It being necessary for the credit of the family + to make a handsome appearance at such a time, Mrs Skewton, with the + assistance of an accommodating tradesman resident in the parish of + Mary-le-bone, who lent out all sorts of articles to the nobility and + gentry, from a service of plate to an army of footmen, clapped into this + house a silver-headed butler (who was charged extra on that account, as + having the appearance of an ancient family retainer), two very tall young + men in livery, and a select staff of kitchen-servants; so that a legend + arose, downstairs, that Withers the page, released at once from his + numerous household duties, and from the propulsion of the wheeled-chair + (inconsistent with the metropolis), had been several times observed to rub + his eyes and pinch his limbs, as if he misdoubted his having overslept + himself at the Leamington milkman's, and being still in a celestial dream. + A variety of requisites in plate and china being also conveyed to the same + establishment from the same convenient source, with several miscellaneous + articles, including a neat chariot and a pair of bays, Mrs Skewton + cushioned herself on the principal sofa, in the Cleopatra attitude, and + held her court in fair state. + </p> + <p> + 'And how,' said Mrs Skewton, on the entrance of her daughter and her + charge, 'is my charming Florence? You must come and kiss me, Florence, if + you please, my love.' + </p> + <p> + Florence was timidly stooping to pick out a place in the white part of Mrs + Skewton's face, when that lady presented her ear, and relieved her of her + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, my dear,' said Mrs Skewton, 'positively, I—stand a little + more in the light, my sweetest Florence, for a moment.' + </p> + <p> + Florence blushingly complied. + </p> + <p> + 'You don't remember, dearest Edith,' said her mother, 'what you were when + you were about the same age as our exceedingly precious Florence, or a few + years younger?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have long forgotten, mother.' + </p> + <p> + 'For positively, my dear,' said Mrs Skewton, 'I do think that I see a + decided resemblance to what you were then, in our extremely fascinating + young friend. And it shows,' said Mrs Skewton, in a lower voice, which + conveyed her opinion that Florence was in a very unfinished state, 'what + cultivation will do.' + </p> + <p> + 'It does, indeed,' was Edith's stern reply. + </p> + <p> + Her mother eyed her sharply for a moment, and feeling herself on unsafe + ground, said, as a diversion: + </p> + <p> + 'My charming Florence, you must come and kiss me once more, if you please, + my love.' + </p> + <p> + Florence complied, of course, and again imprinted her lips on Mrs + Skewton's ear. + </p> + <p> + 'And you have heard, no doubt, my darling pet,' said Mrs Skewton, + detaining her hand, 'that your Papa, whom we all perfectly adore and dote + upon, is to be married to my dearest Edith this day week.' + </p> + <p> + 'I knew it would be very soon,' returned Florence, 'but not exactly when.' + </p> + <p> + 'My darling Edith,' urged her mother, gaily, 'is it possible you have not + told Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why should I tell Florence?' she returned, so suddenly and harshly, that + Florence could scarcely believe it was the same voice. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton then told Florence, as another and safer diversion, that her + father was coming to dinner, and that he would no doubt be charmingly + surprised to see her; as he had spoken last night of dressing in the City, + and had known nothing of Edith's design, the execution of which, according + to Mrs Skewton's expectation, would throw him into a perfect ecstasy. + Florence was troubled to hear this; and her distress became so keen, as + the dinner-hour approached, that if she had known how to frame an entreaty + to be suffered to return home, without involving her father in her + explanation, she would have hurried back on foot, bareheaded, breathless, + and alone, rather than incur the risk of meeting his displeasure. + </p> + <p> + As the time drew nearer, she could hardly breathe. She dared not approach + a window, lest he should see her from the street. She dared not go + upstairs to hide her emotion, lest, in passing out at the door, she should + meet him unexpectedly; besides which dread, she felt as though she never + could come back again if she were summoned to his presence. In this + conflict of fears; she was sitting by Cleopatra's couch, endeavouring to + understand and to reply to the bald discourse of that lady, when she heard + his foot upon the stair. + </p> + <p> + 'I hear him now!' cried Florence, starting. 'He is coming!' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra, who in her juvenility was always playfully disposed, and who in + her self-engrossment did not trouble herself about the nature of this + agitation, pushed Florence behind her couch, and dropped a shawl over her, + preparatory to giving Mr Dombey a rapture of surprise. It was so quickly + done, that in a moment Florence heard his awful step in the room. + </p> + <p> + He saluted his intended mother-in-law, and his intended bride. The strange + sound of his voice thrilled through the whole frame of his child. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' said Cleopatra, 'come here and tell me how your pretty + Florence is.' + </p> + <p> + 'Florence is very well,' said Mr Dombey, advancing towards the couch. + </p> + <p> + 'At home?' + </p> + <p> + 'At home,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' returned Cleopatra, with bewitching vivacity; 'now are + you sure you are not deceiving me? I don't know what my dearest Edith will + say to me when I make such a declaration, but upon my honour I am afraid + you are the falsest of men, my dear Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Though he had been; and had been detected on the spot, in the most + enormous falsehood that was ever said or done; he could hardly have been + more disconcerted than he was, when Mrs Skewton plucked the shawl away, + and Florence, pale and trembling, rose before him like a ghost. He had not + yet recovered his presence of mind, when Florence had run up to him, + clasped her hands round his neck, kissed his face, and hurried out of the + room. He looked round as if to refer the matter to somebody else, but + Edith had gone after Florence, instantly. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, confess, my dear Dombey,' said Mrs Skewton, giving him her hand, + 'that you never were more surprised and pleased in your life.' + </p> + <p> + 'I never was more surprised,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Nor pleased, my dearest Dombey?' returned Mrs Skewton, holding up her + fan. + </p> + <p> + 'I—yes, I am exceedingly glad to meet Florence here,' said Mr + Dombey. He appeared to consider gravely about it for a moment, and then + said, more decidedly, 'Yes, I really am very glad indeed to meet Florence + here.' + </p> + <p> + 'You wonder how she comes here?' said Mrs Skewton, 'don't you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, perhaps—' suggested Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! wicked guesser!' replied Cleopatra, shaking her head. 'Ah! cunning, + cunning man! One shouldn't tell these things; your sex, my dear Dombey, + are so vain, and so apt to abuse our weakness; but you know my open soul—very + well; immediately.' + </p> + <p> + This was addressed to one of the very tall young men who announced dinner. + </p> + <p> + 'But Edith, my dear Dombey,' she continued in a whisper, 'when she cannot + have you near her—and as I tell her, she cannot expect that always—will + at least have near her something or somebody belonging to you. Well, how + extremely natural that is! And in this spirit, nothing would keep her from + riding off to-day to fetch our darling Florence. Well, how excessively + charming that is!' + </p> + <p> + As she waited for an answer, Mr Dombey answered, 'Eminently so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bless you, my dear Dombey, for that proof of heart!' cried Cleopatra, + squeezing his hand. 'But I am growing too serious! Take me downstairs, + like an angel, and let us see what these people intend to give us for + dinner. Bless you, dear Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra skipping off her couch with tolerable briskness, after the last + benediction, Mr Dombey took her arm in his and led her ceremoniously + downstairs; one of the very tall young men on hire, whose organ of + veneration was imperfectly developed, thrusting his tongue into his cheek, + for the entertainment of the other very tall young man on hire, as the + couple turned into the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + Florence and Edith were already there, and sitting side by side. Florence + would have risen when her father entered, to resign her chair to him; but + Edith openly put her hand upon her arm, and Mr Dombey took an opposite + place at the round table. + </p> + <p> + The conversation was almost entirely sustained by Mrs Skewton. Florence + hardly dared to raise her eyes, lest they should reveal the traces of + tears; far less dared to speak; and Edith never uttered one word, unless + in answer to a question. Verily, Cleopatra worked hard, for the + establishment that was so nearly clutched; and verily it should have been + a rich one to reward her! + </p> + <p> + 'And so your preparations are nearly finished at last, my dear Dombey?' + said Cleopatra, when the dessert was put upon the table, and the + silver-headed butler had withdrawn. 'Even the lawyers' preparations!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, madam,' replied Mr Dombey; 'the deed of settlement, the professional + gentlemen inform me, is now ready, and as I was mentioning to you, Edith + has only to do us the favour to suggest her own time for its execution.' + </p> + <p> + Edith sat like a handsome statue; as cold, as silent, and as still. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest love,' said Cleopatra, 'do you hear what Mr Dombey says? Ah, + my dear Dombey!' aside to that gentleman, 'how her absence, as the time + approaches, reminds me of the days, when that most agreeable of creatures, + her Papa, was in your situation!' + </p> + <p> + 'I have nothing to suggest. It shall be when you please,' said Edith, + scarcely looking over the table at Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'To-morrow?' suggested Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'If you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Or would next day,' said Mr Dombey, 'suit your engagements better?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have no engagements. I am always at your disposal. Let it be when you + like.' + </p> + <p> + 'No engagements, my dear Edith!' remonstrated her mother, 'when you are in + a most terrible state of flurry all day long, and have a thousand and one + appointments with all sorts of trades-people!' + </p> + <p> + 'They are of your making,' returned Edith, turning on her with a slight + contraction of her brow. 'You and Mr Dombey can arrange between you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very true indeed, my love, and most considerate of you!' said Cleopatra. + 'My darling Florence, you must really come and kiss me once more, if you + please, my dear!' + </p> + <p> + Singular coincidence, that these gushes of interest in Florence hurried + Cleopatra away from almost every dialogue in which Edith had a share, + however trifling! Florence had certainly never undergone so much + embracing, and perhaps had never been, unconsciously, so useful in her + life. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was far from quarrelling, in his own breast, with the manner of + his beautiful betrothed. He had that good reason for sympathy with + haughtiness and coldness, which is found in a fellow-feeling. It flattered + him to think how these deferred to him, in Edith's case, and seemed to + have no will apart from his. It flattered him to picture to himself, this + proud and stately woman doing the honours of his house, and chilling his + guests after his own manner. The dignity of Dombey and Son would be + heightened and maintained, indeed, in such hands. + </p> + <p> + So thought Mr Dombey, when he was left alone at the dining-table, and + mused upon his past and future fortunes: finding no uncongeniality in an + air of scant and gloomy state that pervaded the room, in colour a dark + brown, with black hatchments of pictures blotching the walls, and + twenty-four black chairs, with almost as many nails in them as so many + coffins, waiting like mutes, upon the threshold of the Turkey carpet; and + two exhausted negroes holding up two withered branches of candelabra on + the sideboard, and a musty smell prevailing as if the ashes of ten + thousand dinners were entombed in the sarcophagus below it. The owner of + the house lived much abroad; the air of England seldom agreed long with a + member of the Feenix family; and the room had gradually put itself into + deeper and still deeper mourning for him, until it was become so funereal + as to want nothing but a body in it to be quite complete. + </p> + <p> + No bad representation of the body, for the nonce, in his unbending form, + if not in his attitude, Mr Dombey looked down into the cold depths of the + dead sea of mahogany on which the fruit dishes and decanters lay at + anchor: as if the subjects of his thoughts were rising towards the surface + one by one, and plunging down again. Edith was there in all her majesty of + brow and figure; and close to her came Florence, with her timid head + turned to him, as it had been, for an instant, when she left the room; and + Edith's eyes upon her, and Edith's hand put out protectingly. A little + figure in a low arm-chair came springing next into the light, and looked + upon him wonderingly, with its bright eyes and its old-young face, + gleaming as in the flickering of an evening fire. Again came Florence + close upon it, and absorbed his whole attention. Whether as a fore-doomed + difficulty and disappointment to him; whether as a rival who had crossed + him in his way, and might again; whether as his child, of whom, in his + successful wooing, he could stoop to think as claiming, at such a time, to + be no more estranged; or whether as a hint to him that the mere appearance + of caring for his own blood should be maintained in his new relations; he + best knew. Indifferently well, perhaps, at best; for marriage company and + marriage altars, and ambitious scenes—still blotted here and there + with Florence—always Florence—turned up so fast, and so + confusedly, that he rose, and went upstairs to escape them. + </p> + <p> + It was quite late at night before candles were brought; for at present + they made Mrs Skewton's head ache, she complained; and in the meantime + Florence and Mrs Skewton talked together (Cleopatra being very anxious to + keep her close to herself), or Florence touched the piano softly for Mrs + Skewton's delight; to make no mention of a few occasions in the course of + the evening, when that affectionate lady was impelled to solicit another + kiss, and which always happened after Edith had said anything. They were + not many, however, for Edith sat apart by an open window during the whole + time (in spite of her mother's fears that she would take cold), and + remained there until Mr Dombey took leave. He was serenely gracious to + Florence when he did so; and Florence went to bed in a room within + Edith's, so happy and hopeful, that she thought of her late self as if it + were some other poor deserted girl who was to be pitied for her sorrow; + and in her pity, sobbed herself to sleep. + </p> + <p> + The week fled fast. There were drives to milliners, dressmakers, + jewellers, lawyers, florists, pastry-cooks; and Florence was always of the + party. Florence was to go to the wedding. Florence was to cast off her + mourning, and to wear a brilliant dress on the occasion. The milliner's + intentions on the subject of this dress—the milliner was a + Frenchwoman, and greatly resembled Mrs Skewton—were so chaste and + elegant, that Mrs Skewton bespoke one like it for herself. The milliner + said it would become her to admiration, and that all the world would take + her for the young lady's sister. + </p> + <p> + The week fled faster. Edith looked at nothing and cared for nothing. Her + rich dresses came home, and were tried on, and were loudly commended by + Mrs Skewton and the milliners, and were put away without a word from her. + Mrs Skewton made their plans for every day, and executed them. Sometimes + Edith sat in the carriage when they went to make purchases; sometimes, + when it was absolutely necessary, she went into the shops. But Mrs Skewton + conducted the whole business, whatever it happened to be; and Edith looked + on as uninterested and with as much apparent indifference as if she had no + concern in it. Florence might perhaps have thought she was haughty and + listless, but that she was never so to her. So Florence quenched her + wonder in her gratitude whenever it broke out, and soon subdued it. + </p> + <p> + The week fled faster. It had nearly winged its flight away. The last night + of the week, the night before the marriage, was come. In the dark room—for + Mrs Skewton's head was no better yet, though she expected to recover + permanently to-morrow—were that lady, Edith, and Mr Dombey. Edith + was at her open window looking out into the street; Mr Dombey and + Cleopatra were talking softly on the sofa. It was growing late; and + Florence, being fatigued, had gone to bed. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' said Cleopatra, 'you will leave me Florence to-morrow, + when you deprive me of my sweetest Edith.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey said he would, with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + 'To have her about me, here, while you are both at Paris, and to think at + her age, I am assisting in the formation of her mind, my dear Dombey,' + said Cleopatra, 'will be a perfect balm to me in the extremely shattered + state to which I shall be reduced.' + </p> + <p> + Edith turned her head suddenly. Her listless manner was exchanged, in a + moment, to one of burning interest, and, unseen in the darkness, she + attended closely to their conversation. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey would be delighted to leave Florence in such admirable + guardianship. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' returned Cleopatra, 'a thousand thanks for your good + opinion. I feared you were going, with malice aforethought, as the + dreadful lawyers say—those horrid prosers!—to condemn me to + utter solitude.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do me so great an injustice, my dear madam?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Because my charming Florence tells me so positively she must go home + tomorrow, returned Cleopatra, that I began to be afraid, my dearest + Dombey, you were quite a Bashaw.' + </p> + <p> + 'I assure you, madam!' said Mr Dombey, 'I have laid no commands on + Florence; and if I had, there are no commands like your wish.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' replied Cleopatra, what a courtier you are! Though I'll + not say so, either; for courtiers have no heart, and yours pervades your + farming life and character. And are you really going so early, my dear + Dombey!' + </p> + <p> + Oh, indeed! it was late, and Mr Dombey feared he must. + </p> + <p> + 'Is this a fact, or is it all a dream!' lisped Cleopatra. 'Can I believe, + my dearest Dombey, that you are coming back tomorrow morning to deprive me + of my sweet companion; my own Edith!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, who was accustomed to take things literally, reminded Mrs + Skewton that they were to meet first at the church. + </p> + <p> + 'The pang,' said Mrs Skewton, 'of consigning a child, even to you, my dear + Dombey, is one of the most excruciating imaginable, and combined with a + naturally delicate constitution, and the extreme stupidity of the + pastry-cook who has undertaken the breakfast, is almost too much for my + poor strength. But I shall rally, my dear Dombey, in the morning; do not + fear for me, or be uneasy on my account. Heaven bless you! My dearest + Edith!' she cried archly. 'Somebody is going, pet.' + </p> + <p> + Edith, who had turned her head again towards the window, and whose + interest in their conversation had ceased, rose up in her place, but made + no advance towards him, and said nothing. Mr Dombey, with a lofty + gallantry adapted to his dignity and the occasion, betook his creaking + boots towards her, put her hand to his lips, said, 'Tomorrow morning I + shall have the happiness of claiming this hand as Mrs Dombey's,' and bowed + himself solemnly out. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton rang for candles as soon as the house-door had closed upon + him. With the candles appeared her maid, with the juvenile dress that was + to delude the world to-morrow. The dress had savage retribution in it, as + such dresses ever have, and made her infinitely older and more hideous + than her greasy flannel gown. But Mrs Skewton tried it on with mincing + satisfaction; smirked at her cadaverous self in the glass, as she thought + of its killing effect upon the Major; and suffering her maid to take it + off again, and to prepare her for repose, tumbled into ruins like a house + of painted cards. + </p> + <p> + All this time, Edith remained at the dark window looking out into the + street. When she and her mother were at last left alone, she moved from it + for the first time that evening, and came opposite to her. The yawning, + shaking, peevish figure of the mother, with her eyes raised to confront + the proud erect form of the daughter, whose glance of fire was bent + downward upon her, had a conscious air upon it, that no levity or temper + could conceal. + </p> + <p> + 'I am tired to death,' said she. 'You can't be trusted for a moment. You + are worse than a child. Child! No child would be half so obstinate and + undutiful.' + </p> + <p> + 'Listen to me, mother,' returned Edith, passing these words by with a + scorn that would not descend to trifle with them. 'You must remain alone + here until I return.' + </p> + <p> + 'Must remain alone here, Edith, until you return!' repeated her mother. + </p> + <p> + 'Or in that name upon which I shall call to-morrow to witness what I do, + so falsely: and so shamefully, I swear I will refuse the hand of this man + in the church. If I do not, may I fall dead upon the pavement!' + </p> + <p> + The mother answered with a look of quick alarm, in no degree diminished by + the look she met. + </p> + <p> + 'It is enough,' said Edith, steadily, 'that we are what we are. I will + have no youth and truth dragged down to my level. I will have no guileless + nature undermined, corrupted, and perverted, to amuse the leisure of a + world of mothers. You know my meaning. Florence must go home.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are an idiot, Edith,' cried her angry mother. 'Do you expect there + can ever be peace for you in that house, till she is married, and away?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ask me, or ask yourself, if I ever expect peace in that house,' said her + daughter, 'and you know the answer.' + </p> + <p> + 'And am I to be told to-night, after all my pains and labour, and when you + are going, through me, to be rendered independent,' her mother almost + shrieked in her passion, while her palsied head shook like a leaf, 'that + there is corruption and contagion in me, and that I am not fit company for + a girl! What are you, pray? What are you?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have put the question to myself,' said Edith, ashy pale, and pointing + to the window, 'more than once when I have been sitting there, and + something in the faded likeness of my sex has wandered past outside; and + God knows I have met with my reply. Oh mother, mother, if you had but left + me to my natural heart when I too was a girl—a younger girl than + Florence—how different I might have been!' + </p> + <p> + Sensible that any show of anger was useless here, her mother restrained + herself, and fell a whimpering, and bewailed that she had lived too long, + and that her only child had cast her off, and that duty towards parents + was forgotten in these evil days, and that she had heard unnatural taunts, + and cared for life no longer. + </p> + <p> + 'If one is to go on living through continual scenes like this,' she + whined, 'I am sure it would be much better for me to think of some means + of putting an end to my existence. Oh! The idea of your being my daughter, + Edith, and addressing me in such a strain!' + </p> + <p> + 'Between us, mother,' returned Edith, mournfully, 'the time for mutual + reproaches is past.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then why do you revive it?' whimpered her mother. 'You know that you are + lacerating me in the cruellest manner. You know how sensitive I am to + unkindness. At such a moment, too, when I have so much to think of, and am + naturally anxious to appear to the best advantage! I wonder at you, Edith. + To make your mother a fright upon your wedding-day!' + </p> + <p> + Edith bent the same fixed look upon her, as she sobbed and rubbed her + eyes; and said in the same low steady voice, which had neither risen nor + fallen since she first addressed her, 'I have said that Florence must go + home.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let her go!' cried the afflicted and affrighted parent, hastily. 'I am + sure I am willing she should go. What is the girl to me?' + </p> + <p> + 'She is so much to me, that rather than communicate, or suffer to be + communicated to her, one grain of the evil that is in my breast, mother, I + would renounce you, as I would (if you gave me cause) renounce him in the + church to-morrow,' replied Edith. 'Leave her alone. She shall not, while I + can interpose, be tampered with and tainted by the lessons I have learned. + This is no hard condition on this bitter night.' + </p> + <p> + 'If you had proposed it in a filial manner, Edith,' whined her mother, + 'perhaps not; very likely not. But such extremely cutting words—' + </p> + <p> + 'They are past and at an end between us now,' said Edith. 'Take your own + way, mother; share as you please in what you have gained; spend, enjoy, + make much of it; and be as happy as you will. The object of our lives is + won. Henceforth let us wear it silently. My lips are closed upon the past + from this hour. I forgive you your part in to-morrow's wickedness. May God + forgive my own!' + </p> + <p> + Without a tremor in her voice, or frame, and passing onward with a foot + that set itself upon the neck of every soft emotion, she bade her mother + good-night, and repaired to her own room. + </p> + <p> + But not to rest; for there was no rest in the tumult of her agitation when + alone to and fro, and to and fro, and to and fro again, five hundred + times, among the splendid preparations for her adornment on the morrow; + with her dark hair shaken down, her dark eyes flashing with a raging + light, her broad white bosom red with the cruel grasp of the relentless + hand with which she spurned it from her, pacing up and down with an + averted head, as if she would avoid the sight of her own fair person, and + divorce herself from its companionship. Thus, in the dead time of the + night before her bridal, Edith Granger wrestled with her unquiet spirit, + tearless, friendless, silent, proud, and uncomplaining. + </p> + <p> + At length it happened that she touched the open door which led into the + room where Florence lay. + </p> + <p> + She started, stopped, and looked in. + </p> + <p> + A light was burning there, and showed her Florence in her bloom of + innocence and beauty, fast asleep. Edith held her breath, and felt herself + drawn on towards her. + </p> + <p> + Drawn nearer, nearer, nearer yet; at last, drawn so near, that stooping + down, she pressed her lips to the gentle hand that lay outside the bed, + and put it softly to her neck. Its touch was like the prophet's rod of old + upon the rock. Her tears sprung forth beneath it, as she sunk upon her + knees, and laid her aching head and streaming hair upon the pillow by its + side. + </p> + <p> + Thus Edith Granger passed the night before her bridal. Thus the sun found + her on her bridal morning. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 31. The Wedding + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>awn with its passionless blank face, steals shivering to the church + beneath which lies the dust of little Paul and his mother, and looks in at + the windows. It is cold and dark. Night crouches yet, upon the pavement, + and broods, sombre and heavy, in nooks and corners of the building. The + steeple-clock, perched up above the houses, emerging from beneath another + of the countless ripples in the tide of time that regularly roll and break + on the eternal shore, is greyly visible, like a stone beacon, recording + how the sea flows on; but within doors, dawn, at first, can only peep at + night, and see that it is there. + </p> + <p> + Hovering feebly round the church, and looking in, dawn moans and weeps for + its short reign, and its tears trickle on the window-glass, and the trees + against the church-wall bow their heads, and wring their many hands in + sympathy. Night, growing pale before it, gradually fades out of the + church, but lingers in the vaults below, and sits upon the coffins. And + now comes bright day, burnishing the steeple-clock, and reddening the + spire, and drying up the tears of dawn, and stifling its complaining; and + the dawn, following the night, and chasing it from its last refuge, + shrinks into the vaults itself and hides, with a frightened face, among + the dead, until night returns, refreshed, to drive it out. + </p> + <p> + And now, the mice, who have been busier with the prayer-books than their + proper owners, and with the hassocks, more worn by their little teeth than + by human knees, hide their bright eyes in their holes, and gather close + together in affright at the resounding clashing of the church-door. For + the beadle, that man of power, comes early this morning with the sexton; + and Mrs Miff, the wheezy little pew-opener—a mighty dry old lady, + sparely dressed, with not an inch of fulness anywhere about her—is + also here, and has been waiting at the church-gate half-an-hour, as her + place is, for the beadle. + </p> + <p> + A vinegary face has Mrs Miff, and a mortified bonnet, and eke a thirsty + soul for sixpences and shillings. Beckoning to stray people to come into + pews, has given Mrs Miff an air of mystery; and there is reservation in + the eye of Mrs Miff, as always knowing of a softer seat, but having her + suspicions of the fee. There is no such fact as Mr Miff, nor has there + been, these twenty years, and Mrs Miff would rather not allude to him. He + held some bad opinions, it would seem, about free seats; and though Mrs + Miff hopes he may be gone upwards, she couldn't positively undertake to + say so. + </p> + <p> + Busy is Mrs Miff this morning at the church-door, beating and dusting the + altar-cloth, the carpet, and the cushions; and much has Mrs Miff to say, + about the wedding they are going to have. Mrs Miff is told, that the new + furniture and alterations in the house cost full five thousand pound if + they cost a penny; and Mrs Miff has heard, upon the best authority, that + the lady hasn't got a sixpence wherewithal to bless herself. Mrs Miff + remembers, like wise, as if it had happened yesterday, the first wife's + funeral, and then the christening, and then the other funeral; and Mrs + Miff says, by-the-by she'll soap-and-water that 'ere tablet presently, + against the company arrive. Mr Sownds the Beadle, who is sitting in the + sun upon the church steps all this time (and seldom does anything else, + except, in cold weather, sitting by the fire), approves of Mrs Miff's + discourse, and asks if Mrs Miff has heard it said, that the lady is + uncommon handsome? The information Mrs Miff has received, being of this + nature, Mr Sownds the Beadle, who, though orthodox and corpulent, is still + an admirer of female beauty, observes, with unction, yes, he hears she is + a spanker—an expression that seems somewhat forcible to Mrs Miff, or + would, from any lips but those of Mr Sownds the Beadle. + </p> + <p> + In Mr Dombey's house, at this same time, there is great stir and bustle, + more especially among the women: not one of whom has had a wink of sleep + since four o'clock, and all of whom were fully dressed before six. Mr + Towlinson is an object of greater consideration than usual to the + housemaid, and the cook says at breakfast time that one wedding makes + many, which the housemaid can't believe, and don't think true at all. Mr + Towlinson reserves his sentiments on this question; being rendered + something gloomy by the engagement of a foreigner with whiskers (Mr + Towlinson is whiskerless himself), who has been hired to accompany the + happy pair to Paris, and who is busy packing the new chariot. In respect + of this personage, Mr Towlinson admits, presently, that he never knew of + any good that ever come of foreigners; and being charged by the ladies + with prejudice, says, look at Bonaparte who was at the head of 'em, and + see what he was always up to! Which the housemaid says is very true. + </p> + <p> + The pastry-cook is hard at work in the funereal room in Brook Street, and + the very tall young men are busy looking on. One of the very tall young + men already smells of sherry, and his eyes have a tendency to become fixed + in his head, and to stare at objects without seeing them. The very tall + young man is conscious of this failing in himself; and informs his comrade + that it's his 'exciseman.' The very tall young man would say excitement, + but his speech is hazy. + </p> + <p> + The men who play the bells have got scent of the marriage; and the + marrow-bones and cleavers too; and a brass band too. The first, are + practising in a back settlement near Battlebridge; the second, put + themselves in communication, through their chief, with Mr Towlinson, to + whom they offer terms to be bought off; and the third, in the person of an + artful trombone, lurks and dodges round the corner, waiting for some + traitor tradesman to reveal the place and hour of breakfast, for a bribe. + Expectation and excitement extend further yet, and take a wider range. + From Balls Pond, Mr Perch brings Mrs Perch to spend the day with Mr + Dombey's servants, and accompany them, surreptitiously, to see the + wedding. In Mr Toots's lodgings, Mr Toots attires himself as if he were at + least the Bridegroom; determined to behold the spectacle in splendour from + a secret corner of the gallery, and thither to convey the Chicken: for it + is Mr Toots's desperate intent to point out Florence to the Chicken, then + and there, and openly to say, 'Now, Chicken, I will not deceive you any + longer; the friend I have sometimes mentioned to you is myself; Miss + Dombey is the object of my passion; what are your opinions, Chicken, in + this state of things, and what, on the spot, do you advise? The + so-much-to-be-astonished Chicken, in the meanwhile, dips his beak into a + tankard of strong beer, in Mr Toots's kitchen, and pecks up two pounds of + beefsteaks. In Princess's Place, Miss Tox is up and doing; for she too, + though in sore distress, is resolved to put a shilling in the hands of Mrs + Miff, and see the ceremony which has a cruel fascination for her, from + some lonely corner. The quarters of the wooden Midshipman are all alive; + for Captain Cuttle, in his ankle-jacks and with a huge shirt-collar, is + seated at his breakfast, listening to Rob the Grinder as he reads the + marriage service to him beforehand, under orders, to the end that the + Captain may perfectly understand the solemnity he is about to witness: for + which purpose, the Captain gravely lays injunctions on his chaplain, from + time to time, to 'put about,' or to 'overhaul that 'ere article again,' or + to stick to his own duty, and leave the Amens to him, the Captain; one of + which he repeats, whenever a pause is made by Rob the Grinder, with + sonorous satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Besides all this, and much more, twenty nursery-maids in Mr Dombey's + street alone, have promised twenty families of little women, whose + instinctive interest in nuptials dates from their cradles, that they shall + go and see the marriage. Truly, Mr Sownds the Beadle has good reason to + feel himself in office, as he suns his portly figure on the church steps, + waiting for the marriage hour. Truly, Mrs Miff has cause to pounce on an + unlucky dwarf child, with a giant baby, who peeps in at the porch, and + drive her forth with indignation! + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix has come over from abroad, expressly to attend the marriage. + Cousin Feenix was a man about town, forty years ago; but he is still so + juvenile in figure and in manner, and so well got up, that strangers are + amazed when they discover latent wrinkles in his lordship's face, and + crows' feet in his eyes: and first observe him, not exactly certain when + he walks across a room, of going quite straight to where he wants to go. + But Cousin Feenix, getting up at half-past seven o'clock or so, is quite + another thing from Cousin Feenix got up; and very dim, indeed, he looks, + while being shaved at Long's Hotel, in Bond Street. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey leaves his dressing-room, amidst a general whisking away of the + women on the staircase, who disperse in all directions, with a great + rustling of skirts, except Mrs Perch, who, being (but that she always is) + in an interesting situation, is not nimble, and is obliged to face him, + and is ready to sink with confusion as she curtesys;—may Heaven + avert all evil consequences from the house of Perch! Mr Dombey walks up to + the drawing-room, to bide his time. Gorgeous are Mr Dombey's new blue + coat, fawn-coloured pantaloons, and lilac waistcoat; and a whisper goes + about the house, that Mr Dombey's hair is curled. + </p> + <p> + A double knock announces the arrival of the Major, who is gorgeous too, + and wears a whole geranium in his button-hole, and has his hair curled + tight and crisp, as well the Native knows. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey!' says the Major, putting out both hands, 'how are you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Major,' says Mr Dombey, 'how are You?' + </p> + <p> + 'By Jove, Sir,' says the Major, 'Joey B. is in such case this morning, + Sir,'—and here he hits himself hard upon the breast—'In such + case this morning, Sir, that, damme, Dombey, he has half a mind to make a + double marriage of it, Sir, and take the mother.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey smiles; but faintly, even for him; for Mr Dombey feels that he + is going to be related to the mother, and that, under those circumstances, + she is not to be joked about. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' says the Major, seeing this, 'I give you joy. I congratulate + you, Dombey. By the Lord, Sir,' says the Major, 'you are more to be + envied, this day, than any man in England!' + </p> + <p> + Here again Mr Dombey's assent is qualified; because he is going to confer + a great distinction on a lady; and, no doubt, she is to be envied most. + </p> + <p> + 'As to Edith Granger, Sir,' pursues the Major, 'there is not a woman in + all Europe but might—and would, Sir, you will allow Bagstock to add—and + would—give her ears, and her earrings, too, to be in Edith Granger's + place.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are good enough to say so, Major,' says Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' returns the Major, 'you know it. Let us have no false delicacy. + You know it. Do you know it, or do you not, Dombey?' says the Major, + almost in a passion. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, really, Major—' + </p> + <p> + 'Damme, Sir,' retorts the Major, 'do you know that fact, or do you not? + Dombey! Is old Joe your friend? Are we on that footing of unreserved + intimacy, Dombey, that may justify a man—a blunt old Joseph B., Sir—in + speaking out; or am I to take open order, Dombey, and to keep my distance, + and to stand on forms?' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Major Bagstock,' says Mr Dombey, with a gratified air, 'you are + quite warm.' + </p> + <p> + 'By Gad, Sir,' says the Major, 'I am warm. Joseph B. does not deny it, + Dombey. He is warm. This is an occasion, Sir, that calls forth all the + honest sympathies remaining in an old, infernal, battered, used-up, + invalided, J. B. carcase. And I tell you what, Dombey—at such a time + a man must blurt out what he feels, or put a muzzle on; and Joseph + Bagstock tells you to your face, Dombey, as he tells his club behind your + back, that he never will be muzzled when Paul Dombey is in question. Now, + damme, Sir,' concludes the Major, with great firmness, 'what do you make + of that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Major,' says Mr Dombey, 'I assure you that I am really obliged to you. I + had no idea of checking your too partial friendship.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not too partial, Sir!' exclaims the choleric Major. 'Dombey, I deny it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your friendship I will say then,' pursues Mr Dombey, 'on any account. Nor + can I forget, Major, on such an occasion as the present, how much I am + indebted to it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' says the Major, with appropriate action, 'that is the hand of + Joseph Bagstock: of plain old Joey B., Sir, if you like that better! That + is the hand, of which His Royal Highness the late Duke of York, did me the + honour to observe, Sir, to His Royal Highness the late Duke of Kent, that + it was the hand of Josh: a rough and tough, and possibly an up-to-snuff, + old vagabond. Dombey, may the present moment be the least unhappy of our + lives. God bless you!' + </p> + <p> + Now enters Mr Carker, gorgeous likewise, and smiling like a wedding-guest + indeed. He can scarcely let Mr Dombey's hand go, he is so congratulatory; + and he shakes the Major's hand so heartily at the same time, that his + voice shakes too, in accord with his arms, as it comes sliding from + between his teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'The very day is auspicious,' says Mr Carker. 'The brightest and most + genial weather! I hope I am not a moment late?' + </p> + <p> + 'Punctual to your time, Sir,' says the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'I am rejoiced, I am sure,' says Mr Carker. 'I was afraid I might be a few + seconds after the appointed time, for I was delayed by a procession of + waggons; and I took the liberty of riding round to Brook Street'—this + to Mr Dombey—'to leave a few poor rarities of flowers for Mrs + Dombey. A man in my position, and so distinguished as to be invited here, + is proud to offer some homage in acknowledgment of his vassalage: and as I + have no doubt Mrs Dombey is overwhelmed with what is costly and + magnificent;' with a strange glance at his patron; 'I hope the very + poverty of my offering, may find favour for it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey, that is to be,' returns Mr Dombey, condescendingly, 'will be + very sensible of your attention, Carker, I am sure.' + </p> + <p> + 'And if she is to be Mrs Dombey this morning, Sir,' says the Major, + putting down his coffee-cup, and looking at his watch, 'it's high time we + were off!' + </p> + <p> + Forth, in a barouche, ride Mr Dombey, Major Bagstock, and Mr Carker, to + the church. Mr Sownds the Beadle has long risen from the steps, and is in + waiting with his cocked hat in his hand. Mrs Miff curtseys and proposes + chairs in the vestry. Mr Dombey prefers remaining in the church. As he + looks up at the organ, Miss Tox in the gallery shrinks behind the fat leg + of a cherubim on a monument, with cheeks like a young Wind. Captain + Cuttle, on the contrary, stands up and waves his hook, in token of welcome + and encouragement. Mr Toots informs the Chicken, behind his hand, that the + middle gentleman, he in the fawn-coloured pantaloons, is the father of his + love. The Chicken hoarsely whispers Mr Toots that he's as stiff a cove as + ever he see, but that it is within the resources of Science to double him + up, with one blow in the waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + Mr Sownds and Mrs Miff are eyeing Mr Dombey from a little distance, when + the noise of approaching wheels is heard, and Mr Sownds goes out. Mrs + Miff, meeting Mr Dombey's eye as it is withdrawn from the presumptuous + maniac upstairs, who salutes him with so much urbanity, drops a curtsey, + and informs him that she believes his 'good lady' is come. Then there is a + crowding and a whispering at the door, and the good lady enters, with a + haughty step. + </p> + <p> + There is no sign upon her face, of last night's suffering; there is no + trace in her manner, of the woman on the bended knees, reposing her wild + head, in beautiful abandonment, upon the pillow of the sleeping girl. That + girl, all gentle and lovely, is at her side—a striking contrast to + her own disdainful and defiant figure, standing there, composed, erect, + inscrutable of will, resplendent and majestic in the zenith of its charms, + yet beating down, and treading on, the admiration that it challenges. + </p> + <p> + There is a pause while Mr Sownds the Beadle glides into the vestry for the + clergyman and clerk. At this juncture, Mrs Skewton speaks to Mr Dombey: + more distinctly and emphatically than her custom is, and moving at the + same time, close to Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' said the good Mama, 'I fear I must relinquish darling + Florence after all, and suffer her to go home, as she herself proposed. + After my loss of to-day, my dear Dombey, I feel I shall not have spirits, + even for her society.' + </p> + <p> + 'Had she not better stay with you?' returns the Bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + 'I think not, my dear Dombey. No, I think not. I shall be better alone. + Besides, my dearest Edith will be her natural and constant guardian when + you return, and I had better not encroach upon her trust, perhaps. She + might be jealous. Eh, dear Edith?' + </p> + <p> + The affectionate Mama presses her daughter's arm, as she says this; + perhaps entreating her attention earnestly. + </p> + <p> + 'To be serious, my dear Dombey,' she resumes, 'I will relinquish our dear + child, and not inflict my gloom upon her. We have settled that, just now. + She fully understands, dear Dombey. Edith, my dear,—she fully + understands.' + </p> + <p> + Again, the good mother presses her daughter's arm. Mr Dombey offers no + additional remonstrance; for the clergyman and clerk appear; and Mrs Miff, + and Mr Sownds the Beadle, group the party in their proper places at the + altar rails. + </p> + <p> + The sun is shining down, upon the golden letters of the ten commandments. + Why does the Bride's eye read them, one by one? Which one of all the ten + appears the plainest to her in the glare of light? False Gods; murder; + theft; the honour that she owes her mother;—which is it that appears + to leave the wall, and printing itself in glowing letters, on her book! + </p> + <p> + 'Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?' + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix does that. He has come from Baden-Baden on purpose. + 'Confound it,' Cousin Feenix says—good-natured creature, Cousin + Feenix—'when we do get a rich City fellow into the family, let us + show him some attention; let us do something for him.' + </p> + <p> + 'I give this woman to be married to this man,' saith Cousin Feenix + therefore. Cousin Feenix, meaning to go in a straight line, but turning + off sideways by reason of his wilful legs, gives the wrong woman to be + married to this man, at first—to wit, a brides—maid of some + condition, distantly connected with the family, and ten years Mrs + Skewton's junior —but Mrs Miff, interposing her mortified bonnet, + dexterously turns him back, and runs him, as on castors, full at the 'good + lady:' whom Cousin Feenix giveth to married to this man accordingly. + </p> + <p> + And will they in the sight of heaven—? + </p> + <p> + Ay, that they will: Mr Dombey says he will. And what says Edith? She will. + </p> + <p> + So, from that day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in + sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do them part, + they plight their troth to one another, and are married. + </p> + <p> + In a firm, free hand, the Bride subscribes her name in the register, when + they adjourn to the vestry. 'There ain't a many ladies come here,' Mrs + Miff says with a curtsey—to look at Mrs Miff, at such a season, is + to make her mortified bonnet go down with a dip—'writes their names + like this good lady!' Mr Sownds the Beadle thinks it is a truly spanking + signature, and worthy of the writer—this, however, between himself + and conscience. + </p> + <p> + Florence signs too, but unapplauded, for her hand shakes. All the party + sign; Cousin Feenix last; who puts his noble name into a wrong place, and + enrols himself as having been born that morning. + </p> + <p> + The Major now salutes the Bride right gallantly, and carries out that + branch of military tactics in reference to all the ladies: notwithstanding + Mrs Skewton's being extremely hard to kiss, and squeaking shrilly in the + sacred edifice. The example is followed by Cousin Feenix and even by Mr + Dombey. Lastly, Mr Carker, with his white teeth glistening, approaches + Edith, more as if he meant to bite her, than to taste the sweets that + linger on her lips. + </p> + <p> + There is a glow upon her proud cheek, and a flashing in her eyes, that may + be meant to stay him; but it does not, for he salutes her as the rest have + done, and wishes her all happiness. + </p> + <p> + 'If wishes,' says he in a low voice, 'are not superfluous, applied to such + a union.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thank you, Sir,' she answers, with a curled lip, and a heaving bosom. + </p> + <p> + But, does Edith feel still, as on the night when she knew that Mr Dombey + would return to offer his alliance, that Carker knows her thoroughly, and + reads her right, and that she is more degraded by his knowledge of her, + than by aught else? Is it for this reason that her haughtiness shrinks + beneath his smile, like snow within the hands that grasps it firmly, and + that her imperious glance droops in meeting his, and seeks the ground? + </p> + <p> + 'I am proud to see,' said Mr Carker, with a servile stooping of his neck, + which the revelations making by his eyes and teeth proclaim to be a lie, + 'I am proud to see that my humble offering is graced by Mrs Dombey's hand, + and permitted to hold so favoured a place in so joyful an occasion.' + </p> + <p> + Though she bends her head, in answer, there is something in the momentary + action of her hand, as if she would crush the flowers it holds, and fling + them, with contempt, upon the ground. But, she puts the hand through the + arm of her new husband, who has been standing near, conversing with the + Major, and is proud again, and motionless, and silent. + </p> + <p> + The carriages are once more at the church door. Mr Dombey, with his bride + upon his arm, conducts her through the twenty families of little women who + are on the steps, and every one of whom remembers the fashion and the + colour of her every article of dress from that moment, and reproduces it + on her doll, who is for ever being married. Cleopatra and Cousin Feenix + enter the same carriage. The Major hands into a second carriage, Florence, + and the bridesmaid who so narrowly escaped being given away by mistake, + and then enters it himself, and is followed by Mr Carker. Horses prance + and caper; coachmen and footmen shine in fluttering favours, flowers, and + new-made liveries. Away they dash and rattle through the streets; and as + they pass along, a thousand heads are turned to look at them, and a + thousand sober moralists revenge themselves for not being married too, + that morning, by reflecting that these people little think such happiness + can't last. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0413m.jpg" alt="0413m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0413.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Miss Tox emerges from behind the cherubim's leg, when all is quiet, and + comes slowly down from the gallery. Miss Tox's eyes are red, and her + pocket-handkerchief is damp. She is wounded, but not exasperated, and she + hopes they may be happy. She quite admits to herself the beauty of the + bride, and her own comparatively feeble and faded attractions; but the + stately image of Mr Dombey in his lilac waistcoat, and his fawn-coloured + pantaloons, is present to her mind, and Miss Tox weeps afresh, behind her + veil, on her way home to Princess's Place. Captain Cuttle, having joined + in all the amens and responses, with a devout growl, feels much improved + by his religious exercises; and in a peaceful frame of mind pervades the + body of the church, glazed hat in hand, and reads the tablet to the memory + of little Paul. The gallant Mr Toots, attended by the faithful Chicken, + leaves the building in torments of love. The Chicken is as yet unable to + elaborate a scheme for winning Florence, but his first idea has gained + possession of him, and he thinks the doubling up of Mr Dombey would be a + move in the right direction. Mr Dombey's servants come out of their + hiding-places, and prepare to rush to Brook Street, when they are delayed + by symptoms of indisposition on the part of Mrs Perch, who entreats a + glass of water, and becomes alarming; Mrs Perch gets better soon, however, + and is borne away; and Mrs Miff, and Mr Sownds the Beadle, sit upon the + steps to count what they have gained by the affair, and talk it over, + while the sexton tolls a funeral. + </p> + <p> + Now, the carriages arrive at the Bride's residence, and the players on the + bells begin to jingle, and the band strikes up, and Mr Punch, that model + of connubial bliss, salutes his wife. Now, the people run, and push, and + press round in a gaping throng, while Mr Dombey, leading Mrs Dombey by the + hand, advances solemnly into the Feenix Halls. Now, the rest of the + wedding party alight, and enter after them. And why does Mr Carker, + passing through the people to the hall-door, think of the old woman who + called to him in the Grove that morning? Or why does Florence, as she + passes, think, with a tremble, of her childhood, when she was lost, and of + the visage of Good Mrs Brown? + </p> + <p> + Now, there are more congratulations on this happiest of days, and more + company, though not much; and now they leave the drawing-room, and range + themselves at table in the dark-brown dining-room, which no confectioner + can brighten up, let him garnish the exhausted negroes with as many + flowers and love-knots as he will. + </p> + <p> + The pastry-cook has done his duty like a man, though, and a rich breakfast + is set forth. Mr and Mrs Chick have joined the party, among others. Mrs + Chick admires that Edith should be, by nature, such a perfect Dombey; and + is affable and confidential to Mrs Skewton, whose mind is relieved of a + great load, and who takes her share of the champagne. The very tall young + man who suffered from excitement early, is better; but a vague sentiment + of repentance has seized upon him, and he hates the other very tall young + man, and wrests dishes from him by violence, and takes a grim delight in + disobliging the company. The company are cool and calm, and do not outrage + the black hatchments of pictures looking down upon them, by any excess of + mirth. Cousin Feenix and the Major are the gayest there; but Mr Carker has + a smile for the whole table. He has an especial smile for the Bride, who + very, very seldom meets it. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix rises, when the company have breakfasted, and the servants + have left the room; and wonderfully young he looks, with his white + wristbands almost covering his hands (otherwise rather bony), and the + bloom of the champagne in his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my honour,' says Cousin Feenix, 'although it's an unusual sort of + thing in a private gentleman's house, I must beg leave to call upon you to + drink what is usually called a—in fact a toast.' + </p> + <p> + The Major very hoarsely indicates his approval. Mr Carker, bending his + head forward over the table in the direction of Cousin Feenix, smiles and + nods a great many times. + </p> + <p> + 'A—in fact it's not a—' Cousin Feenix beginning again, thus, + comes to a dead stop. + </p> + <p> + 'Hear, hear!' says the Major, in a tone of conviction. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker softly claps his hands, and bending forward over the table + again, smiles and nods a great many more times than before, as if he were + particularly struck by this last observation, and desired personally to + express his sense of the good it has done. + </p> + <p> + 'It is,' says Cousin Feenix, 'an occasion in fact, when the general usages + of life may be a little departed from, without impropriety; and although I + never was an orator in my life, and when I was in the House of Commons, + and had the honour of seconding the address, was—in fact, was laid + up for a fortnight with the consciousness of failure—' + </p> + <p> + The Major and Mr Carker are so much delighted by this fragment of personal + history, that Cousin Feenix laughs, and addressing them individually, goes + on to say: + </p> + <p> + 'And in point of fact, when I was devilish ill—still, you know, I + feel that a duty devolves upon me. And when a duty devolves upon an + Englishman, he is bound to get out of it, in my opinion, in the best way + he can. Well! our family has had the gratification, to-day, of connecting + itself, in the person of my lovely and accomplished relative, whom I now + see—in point of fact, present—' + </p> + <p> + Here there is general applause. + </p> + <p> + 'Present,' repeats Cousin Feenix, feeling that it is a neat point which + will bear repetition,—'with one who—that is to say, with a + man, at whom the finger of scorn can never—in fact, with my + honourable friend Dombey, if he will allow me to call him so.' + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix bows to Mr Dombey; Mr Dombey solemnly returns the bow; + everybody is more or less gratified and affected by this extraordinary, + and perhaps unprecedented, appeal to the feelings. + </p> + <p> + 'I have not,' says Cousin Feenix, 'enjoyed those opportunities which I + could have desired, of cultivating the acquaintance of my friend Dombey, + and studying those qualities which do equal honour to his head, and, in + point of fact, to his heart; for it has been my misfortune to be, as we + used to say in my time in the House of Commons, when it was not the custom + to allude to the Lords, and when the order of parliamentary proceedings + was perhaps better observed than it is now—to be in—in point + of fact,' says Cousin Feenix, cherishing his joke, with great slyness, and + finally bringing it out with a jerk, "'in another place!"' + </p> + <p> + The Major falls into convulsions, and is recovered with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + 'But I know sufficient of my friend Dombey,' resumes Cousin Feenix in a + graver tone, as if he had suddenly become a sadder and wiser man, 'to know + that he is, in point of fact, what may be emphatically called a—a + merchant—a British merchant—and a—and a man. And + although I have been resident abroad, for some years (it would give me + great pleasure to receive my friend Dombey, and everybody here, at + Baden-Baden, and to have an opportunity of making 'em known to the Grand + Duke), still I know enough, I flatter myself, of my lovely and + accomplished relative, to know that she possesses every requisite to make + a man happy, and that her marriage with my friend Dombey is one of + inclination and affection on both sides.' + </p> + <p> + Many smiles and nods from Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Therefore,' says Cousin Feenix, 'I congratulate the family of which I am + a member, on the acquisition of my friend Dombey. I congratulate my friend + Dombey on his union with my lovely and accomplished relative who possesses + every requisite to make a man happy; and I take the liberty of calling on + you all, in point of fact, to congratulate both my friend Dombey and my + lovely and accomplished relative, on the present occasion.' + </p> + <p> + The speech of Cousin Feenix is received with great applause, and Mr Dombey + returns thanks on behalf of himself and Mrs Dombey. J. B. shortly + afterwards proposes Mrs Skewton. The breakfast languishes when that is + done, the violated hatchments are avenged, and Edith rises to assume her + travelling dress. + </p> + <p> + All the servants in the meantime, have been breakfasting below. Champagne + has grown too common among them to be mentioned, and roast fowls, raised + pies, and lobster-salad, have become mere drugs. The very tall young man + has recovered his spirits, and again alludes to the exciseman. His + comrade's eye begins to emulate his own, and he, too, stares at objects + without taking cognizance thereof. There is a general redness in the faces + of the ladies; in the face of Mrs Perch particularly, who is joyous and + beaming, and lifted so far above the cares of life, that if she were asked + just now to direct a wayfarer to Ball's Pond, where her own cares lodge, + she would have some difficulty in recalling the way. Mr Towlinson has + proposed the happy pair; to which the silver-headed butler has responded + neatly, and with emotion; for he half begins to think he is an old + retainer of the family, and that he is bound to be affected by these + changes. The whole party, and especially the ladies, are very frolicsome. + Mr Dombey's cook, who generally takes the lead in society, has said, it is + impossible to settle down after this, and why not go, in a party, to the + play? Everybody (Mrs Perch included) has agreed to this; even the Native, + who is tigerish in his drink, and who alarms the ladies (Mrs Perch + particularly) by the rolling of his eyes. One of the very tall young men + has even proposed a ball after the play, and it presents itself to no one + (Mrs Perch included) in the light of an impossibility. Words have arisen + between the housemaid and Mr Towlinson; she, on the authority of an old + saw, asserting marriages to be made in Heaven: he, affecting to trace the + manufacture elsewhere; he, supposing that she says so, because she thinks + of being married her own self: she, saying, Lord forbid, at any rate, that + she should ever marry him. To calm these flying taunts, the silver-headed + butler rises to propose the health of Mr Towlinson, whom to know is to + esteem, and to esteem is to wish well settled in life with the object of + his choice, wherever (here the silver-headed butler eyes the housemaid) + she may be. Mr Towlinson returns thanks in a speech replete with feeling, + of which the peroration turns on foreigners, regarding whom he says they + may find favour, sometimes, with weak and inconstant intellects that can + be led away by hair, but all he hopes, is, he may never hear of no + foreigner never boning nothing out of no travelling chariot. The eye of Mr + Towlinson is so severe and so expressive here, that the housemaid is + turning hysterical, when she and all the rest, roused by the intelligence + that the Bride is going away, hurry upstairs to witness her departure. + </p> + <p> + The chariot is at the door; the Bride is descending to the hall, where Mr + Dombey waits for her. Florence is ready on the staircase to depart too; + and Miss Nipper, who has held a middle state between the parlour and the + kitchen, is prepared to accompany her. As Edith appears, Florence hastens + towards her, to bid her farewell. + </p> + <p> + Is Edith cold, that she should tremble! Is there anything unnatural or + unwholesome in the touch of Florence, that the beautiful form recedes and + contracts, as if it could not bear it! Is there so much hurry in this + going away, that Edith, with a wave of her hand, sweeps on, and is gone! + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton, overpowered by her feelings as a mother, sinks on her sofa in + the Cleopatra attitude, when the clatter of the chariot wheels is lost, + and sheds several tears. The Major, coming with the rest of the company + from table, endeavours to comfort her; but she will not be comforted on + any terms, and so the Major takes his leave. Cousin Feenix takes his + leave, and Mr Carker takes his leave. The guests all go away. Cleopatra, + left alone, feels a little giddy from her strong emotion, and falls + asleep. + </p> + <p> + Giddiness prevails below stairs too. The very tall young man whose + excitement came on so soon, appears to have his head glued to the table in + the pantry, and cannot be detached from it. A violent revulsion has taken + place in the spirits of Mrs Perch, who is low on account of Mr Perch, and + tells cook that she fears he is not so much attached to his home, as he + used to be, when they were only nine in family. Mr Towlinson has a singing + in his ears and a large wheel going round and round inside his head. The + housemaid wishes it wasn't wicked to wish that one was dead. + </p> + <p> + There is a general delusion likewise, in these lower regions, on the + subject of time; everybody conceiving that it ought to be, at the + earliest, ten o'clock at night, whereas it is not yet three in the + afternoon. A shadowy idea of wickedness committed, haunts every individual + in the party; and each one secretly thinks the other a companion in guilt, + whom it would be agreeable to avoid. No man or woman has the hardihood to + hint at the projected visit to the play. Anyone reviving the notion of the + ball, would be scouted as a malignant idiot. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton sleeps upstairs, two hours afterwards, and naps are not yet + over in the kitchen. The hatchments in the dining-room look down on + crumbs, dirty plates, spillings of wine, half-thawed ice, stale + discoloured heel-taps, scraps of lobster, drumsticks of fowls, and pensive + jellies, gradually resolving themselves into a lukewarm gummy soup. The + marriage is, by this time, almost as denuded of its show and garnish as + the breakfast. Mr Dombey's servants moralise so much about it, and are so + repentant over their early tea, at home, that by eight o'clock or so, they + settle down into confirmed seriousness; and Mr Perch, arriving at that + time from the City, fresh and jocular, with a white waistcoat and a comic + song, ready to spend the evening, and prepared for any amount of + dissipation, is amazed to find himself coldly received, and Mrs Perch but + poorly, and to have the pleasing duty of escorting that lady home by the + next omnibus. + </p> + <p> + Night closes in. Florence, having rambled through the handsome house, from + room to room, seeks her own chamber, where the care of Edith has + surrounded her with luxuries and comforts; and divesting herself of her + handsome dress, puts on her old simple mourning for dear Paul, and sits + down to read, with Diogenes winking and blinking on the ground beside her. + But Florence cannot read tonight. The house seems strange and new, and + there are loud echoes in it. There is a shadow on her heart: she knows not + why or what: but it is heavy. Florence shuts her book, and gruff Diogenes, + who takes that for a signal, puts his paws upon her lap, and rubs his ears + against her caressing hands. But Florence cannot see him plainly, in a + little time, for there is a mist between her eyes and him, and her dead + brother and dead mother shine in it like angels. Walter, too, poor + wandering shipwrecked boy, oh, where is he? + </p> + <p> + The Major don't know; that's for certain; and don't care. The Major, + having choked and slumbered, all the afternoon, has taken a late dinner at + his club, and now sits over his pint of wine, driving a modest young man, + with a fresh-coloured face, at the next table (who would give a handsome + sum to be able to rise and go away, but cannot do it) to the verge of + madness, by anecdotes of Bagstock, Sir, at Dombey's wedding, and Old Joe's + devilish gentle manly friend, Lord Feenix. While Cousin Feenix, who ought + to be at Long's, and in bed, finds himself, instead, at a gaming-table, + where his wilful legs have taken him, perhaps, in his own despite. + </p> + <p> + Night, like a giant, fills the church, from pavement to roof, and holds + dominion through the silent hours. Pale dawn again comes peeping through + the windows: and, giving place to day, sees night withdraw into the + vaults, and follows it, and drives it out, and hides among the dead. The + timid mice again cower close together, when the great door clashes, and Mr + Sownds and Mrs Miff treading the circle of their daily lives, unbroken as + a marriage ring, come in. Again, the cocked hat and the mortified bonnet + stand in the background at the marriage hour; and again this man taketh + this woman, and this woman taketh this man, on the solemn terms: + </p> + <p> + 'To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for + richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, + until death do them part.' + </p> + <p> + The very words that Mr Carker rides into town repeating, with his mouth + stretched to the utmost, as he picks his dainty way. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 32. The Wooden Midshipman goes to Pieces + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span>onest Captain Cuttle, as the weeks flew over him in his fortified + retreat, by no means abated any of his prudent provisions against + surprise, because of the non-appearance of the enemy. The Captain argued + that his present security was too profound and wonderful to endure much + longer; he knew that when the wind stood in a fair quarter, the + weathercock was seldom nailed there; and he was too well acquainted with + the determined and dauntless character of Mrs MacStinger, to doubt that + that heroic woman had devoted herself to the task of his discovery and + capture. Trembling beneath the weight of these reasons, Captain Cuttle + lived a very close and retired life; seldom stirring abroad until after + dark; venturing even then only into the obscurest streets; never going + forth at all on Sundays; and both within and without the walls of his + retreat, avoiding bonnets, as if they were worn by raging lions. + </p> + <p> + The Captain never dreamed that in the event of his being pounced upon by + Mrs MacStinger, in his walks, it would be possible to offer resistance. He + felt that it could not be done. He saw himself, in his mind's eye, put + meekly in a hackney-coach, and carried off to his old lodgings. He foresaw + that, once immured there, he was a lost man: his hat gone; Mrs MacStinger + watchful of him day and night; reproaches heaped upon his head, before the + infant family; himself the guilty object of suspicion and distrust; an + ogre in the children's eyes, and in their mother's a detected traitor. + </p> + <p> + A violent perspiration, and a lowness of spirits, always came over the + Captain as this gloomy picture presented itself to his imagination. It + generally did so previous to his stealing out of doors at night for air + and exercise. Sensible of the risk he ran, the Captain took leave of Rob, + at those times, with the solemnity which became a man who might never + return: exhorting him, in the event of his (the Captain's) being lost + sight of, for a time, to tread in the paths of virtue, and keep the brazen + instruments well polished. + </p> + <p> + But not to throw away a chance; and to secure to himself a means, in case + of the worst, of holding communication with the external world; Captain + Cuttle soon conceived the happy idea of teaching Rob the Grinder some + secret signal, by which that adherent might make his presence and fidelity + known to his commander, in the hour of adversity. After much cogitation, + the Captain decided in favour of instructing him to whistle the marine + melody, 'Oh cheerily, cheerily!' and Rob the Grinder attaining a point as + near perfection in that accomplishment as a landsman could hope to reach, + the Captain impressed these mysterious instructions on his mind: + </p> + <p> + 'Now, my lad, stand by! If ever I'm took—' + </p> + <p> + 'Took, Captain!' interposed Rob, with his round eyes wide open. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said Captain Cuttle darkly, 'if ever I goes away, meaning to come + back to supper, and don't come within hail again, twenty-four hours arter + my loss, go you to Brig Place and whistle that 'ere tune near my old + moorings—not as if you was a meaning of it, you understand, but as + if you'd drifted there, promiscuous. If I answer in that tune, you sheer + off, my lad, and come back four-and-twenty hours arterwards; if I answer + in another tune, do you stand off and on, and wait till I throw out + further signals. Do you understand them orders, now?' + </p> + <p> + 'What am I to stand off and on of, Captain?' inquired Rob. 'The + horse-road?' + </p> + <p> + 'Here's a smart lad for you!' cried the Captain eyeing him sternly, 'as + don't know his own native alphabet! Go away a bit and come back again + alternate—d'ye understand that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Captain,' said Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Very good my lad, then,' said the Captain, relenting. 'Do it!' + </p> + <p> + That he might do it the better, Captain Cuttle sometimes condescended, of + an evening after the shop was shut, to rehearse this scene: retiring into + the parlour for the purpose, as into the lodgings of a supposititious + MacStinger, and carefully observing the behaviour of his ally, from the + hole of espial he had cut in the wall. Rob the Grinder discharged himself + of his duty with so much exactness and judgment, when thus put to the + proof, that the Captain presented him, at divers times, with seven + sixpences, in token of satisfaction; and gradually felt stealing over his + spirit the resignation of a man who had made provision for the worst, and + taken every reasonable precaution against an unrelenting fate. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the Captain did not tempt ill-fortune, by being a whit more + venturesome than before. Though he considered it a point of good breeding + in himself, as a general friend of the family, to attend Mr Dombey's + wedding (of which he had heard from Mr Perch), and to show that gentleman + a pleasant and approving countenance from the gallery, he had repaired to + the church in a hackney cabriolet with both windows up; and might have + scrupled even to make that venture, in his dread of Mrs MacStinger, but + that the lady's attendance on the ministry of the Reverend Melchisedech + rendered it peculiarly unlikely that she would be found in communion with + the Establishment. + </p> + <p> + The Captain got safe home again, and fell into the ordinary routine of his + new life, without encountering any more direct alarm from the enemy, than + was suggested to him by the daily bonnets in the street. But other + subjects began to lay heavy on the Captain's mind. Walter's ship was still + unheard of. No news came of old Sol Gills. Florence did not even know of + the old man's disappearance, and Captain Cuttle had not the heart to tell + her. Indeed the Captain, as his own hopes of the generous, handsome, + gallant-hearted youth, whom he had loved, according to his rough manner, + from a child, began to fade, and faded more and more from day to day, + shrunk with instinctive pain from the thought of exchanging a word with + Florence. If he had had good news to carry to her, the honest Captain + would have braved the newly decorated house and splendid furniture—though + these, connected with the lady he had seen at church, were awful to him—and + made his way into her presence. With a dark horizon gathering around their + common hopes, however, that darkened every hour, the Captain almost felt + as if he were a new misfortune and affliction to her; and was scarcely + less afraid of a visit from Florence, than from Mrs MacStinger herself. + </p> + <p> + It was a chill dark autumn evening, and Captain Cuttle had ordered a fire + to be kindled in the little back parlour, now more than ever like the + cabin of a ship. The rain fell fast, and the wind blew hard; and straying + out on the house-top by that stormy bedroom of his old friend, to take an + observation of the weather, the Captain's heart died within him, when he + saw how wild and desolate it was. Not that he associated the weather of + that time with poor Walter's destiny, or doubted that if Providence had + doomed him to be lost and shipwrecked, it was over, long ago; but that + beneath an outward influence, quite distinct from the subject-matter of + his thoughts, the Captain's spirits sank, and his hopes turned pale, as + those of wiser men had often done before him, and will often do again. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, addressing his face to the sharp wind and slanting rain, + looked up at the heavy scud that was flying fast over the wilderness of + house-tops, and looked for something cheery there in vain. The prospect + near at hand was no better. In sundry tea-chests and other rough boxes at + his feet, the pigeons of Rob the Grinder were cooing like so many dismal + breezes getting up. A crazy weathercock of a midshipman, with a telescope + at his eye, once visible from the street, but long bricked out, creaked + and complained upon his rusty pivot as the shrill blast spun him round and + round, and sported with him cruelly. Upon the Captain's coarse blue vest + the cold raindrops started like steel beads; and he could hardly maintain + himself aslant against the stiff Nor'-Wester that came pressing against + him, importunate to topple him over the parapet, and throw him on the + pavement below. If there were any Hope alive that evening, the Captain + thought, as he held his hat on, it certainly kept house, and wasn't out of + doors; so the Captain, shaking his head in a despondent manner, went in to + look for it. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle descended slowly to the little back parlour, and, seated in + his accustomed chair, looked for it in the fire; but it was not there, + though the fire was bright. He took out his tobacco-box and pipe, and + composing himself to smoke, looked for it in the red glow from the bowl, + and in the wreaths of vapour that curled upward from his lips; but there + was not so much as an atom of the rust of Hope's anchor in either. He + tried a glass of grog; but melancholy truth was at the bottom of that + well, and he couldn't finish it. He made a turn or two in the shop, and + looked for Hope among the instruments; but they obstinately worked out + reckonings for the missing ship, in spite of any opposition he could + offer, that ended at the bottom of the lone sea. + </p> + <p> + The wind still rushing, and the rain still pattering, against the closed + shutters, the Captain brought to before the wooden Midshipman upon the + counter, and thought, as he dried the little officer's uniform with his + sleeve, how many years the Midshipman had seen, during which few changes—hardly + any—had transpired among his ship's company; how the changes had + come all together, one day, as it might be; and of what a sweeping kind + they were. Here was the little society of the back parlour broken up, and + scattered far and wide. Here was no audience for Lovely Peg, even if there + had been anybody to sing it, which there was not; for the Captain was as + morally certain that nobody but he could execute that ballad, as he was + that he had not the spirit, under existing circumstances, to attempt it. + There was no bright face of 'Wal'r' in the house;—here the Captain + transferred his sleeve for a moment from the Midshipman's uniform to his + own cheek;—the familiar wig and buttons of Sol Gills were a vision + of the past; Richard Whittington was knocked on the head; and every plan + and project in connexion with the Midshipman, lay drifting, without mast + or rudder, on the waste of waters. + </p> + <p> + As the Captain, with a dejected face, stood revolving these thoughts, and + polishing the Midshipman, partly in the tenderness of old acquaintance, + and partly in the absence of his mind, a knocking at the shop-door + communicated a frightful start to the frame of Rob the Grinder, seated on + the counter, whose large eyes had been intently fixed on the Captain's + face, and who had been debating within himself, for the five hundredth + time, whether the Captain could have done a murder, that he had such an + evil conscience, and was always running away. + </p> + <p> + 'What's that?' said Captain Cuttle, softly. + </p> + <p> + 'Somebody's knuckles, Captain,' answered Rob the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, with an abashed and guilty air, immediately walked on tiptoe + to the little parlour and locked himself in. Rob, opening the door, would + have parleyed with the visitor on the threshold if the visitor had come in + female guise; but the figure being of the male sex, and Rob's orders only + applying to women, Rob held the door open and allowed it to enter: which + it did very quickly, glad to get out of the driving rain. + </p> + <p> + 'A job for Burgess and Co. at any rate,' said the visitor, looking over + his shoulder compassionately at his own legs, which were very wet and + covered with splashes. 'Oh, how-de-do, Mr Gills?' + </p> + <p> + The salutation was addressed to the Captain, now emerging from the back + parlour with a most transparent and utterly futile affectation of coming + out by accidence. + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee,' the gentleman went on to say in the same breath; 'I'm very well + indeed, myself, I'm much obliged to you. My name is Toots,—Mister + Toots.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain remembered to have seen this young gentleman at the wedding, + and made him a bow. Mr Toots replied with a chuckle; and being + embarrassed, as he generally was, breathed hard, shook hands with the + Captain for a long time, and then falling on Rob the Grinder, in the + absence of any other resource, shook hands with him in a most affectionate + and cordial manner. + </p> + <p> + 'I say! I should like to speak a word to you, Mr Gills, if you please,' + said Toots at length, with surprising presence of mind. 'I say! Miss + D.O.M. you know!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, with responsive gravity and mystery, immediately waved his + hook towards the little parlour, whither Mr Toots followed him. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I beg your pardon though,' said Mr Toots, looking up in the Captain's + face as he sat down in a chair by the fire, which the Captain placed for + him; 'you don't happen to know the Chicken at all; do you, Mr Gills?' + </p> + <p> + 'The Chicken?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'The Game Chicken,' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + The Captain shaking his head, Mr Toots explained that the man alluded to + was the celebrated public character who had covered himself and his + country with glory in his contest with the Nobby Shropshire One; but this + piece of information did not appear to enlighten the Captain very much. + </p> + <p> + 'Because he's outside: that's all,' said Mr Toots. 'But it's of no + consequence; he won't get very wet, perhaps.' + </p> + <p> + 'I can pass the word for him in a moment,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, if you would have the goodness to let him sit in the shop with your + young man,' chuckled Mr Toots, 'I should be glad; because, you know, he's + easily offended, and the damp's rather bad for his stamina. I'll call him + in, Mr Gills.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0425m.jpg" alt="0425m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0425.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + + <p> + With that, Mr Toots repairing to the shop-door, sent a peculiar whistle + into the night, which produced a stoical gentleman in a shaggy white + great-coat and a flat-brimmed hat, with very short hair, a broken nose, + and a considerable tract of bare and sterile country behind each ear. + </p> + <p> + 'Sit down, Chicken,' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + The compliant Chicken spat out some small pieces of straw on which he was + regaling himself, and took in a fresh supply from a reserve he carried in + his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'There ain't no drain of nothing short handy, is there?' said the Chicken, + generally. 'This here sluicing night is hard lines to a man as lives on + his condition.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle proffered a glass of rum, which the Chicken, throwing back + his head, emptied into himself, as into a cask, after proposing the brief + sentiment, 'Towards us!' Mr Toots and the Captain returning then to the + parlour, and taking their seats before the fire, Mr Toots began: + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Gills—' + </p> + <p> + 'Awast!' said the Captain. 'My name's Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots looked greatly disconcerted, while the Captain proceeded gravely. + </p> + <p> + 'Cap'en Cuttle is my name, and England is my nation, this here is my + dwelling-place, and blessed be creation—Job,' said the Captain, as + an index to his authority. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I couldn't see Mr Gills, could I?' said Mr Toots; 'because—' + </p> + <p> + 'If you could see Sol Gills, young gen'l'm'n,' said the Captain, + impressively, and laying his heavy hand on Mr Toots's knee, 'old Sol, mind + you—with your own eyes—as you sit there—you'd be + welcomer to me, than a wind astern, to a ship becalmed. But you can't see + Sol Gills. And why can't you see Sol Gills?' said the Captain, apprised by + the face of Mr Toots that he was making a profound impression on that + gentleman's mind. 'Because he's inwisible.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots in his agitation was going to reply that it was of no consequence + at all. But he corrected himself, and said, 'Lor bless me!' + </p> + <p> + 'That there man,' said the Captain, 'has left me in charge here by a piece + of writing, but though he was a'most as good as my sworn brother, I know + no more where he's gone, or why he's gone; if so be to seek his nevy, or + if so be along of being not quite settled in his mind; than you do. One + morning at daybreak, he went over the side,' said the Captain, 'without a + splash, without a ripple I have looked for that man high and low, and + never set eyes, nor ears, nor nothing else, upon him from that hour.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, good Gracious, Miss Dombey don't know—' Mr Toots began. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I ask you, as a feeling heart,' said the Captain, dropping his + voice, 'why should she know? why should she be made to know, until such + time as there wam't any help for it? She took to old Sol Gills, did that + sweet creetur, with a kindness, with a affability, with a—what's the + good of saying so? you know her.' + </p> + <p> + 'I should hope so,' chuckled Mr Toots, with a conscious blush that + suffused his whole countenance. + </p> + <p> + 'And you come here from her?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'I should think so,' chuckled Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Then all I need observe, is,' said the Captain, 'that you know a angel, + and are chartered a angel.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots instantly seized the Captain's hand, and requested the favour of + his friendship. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my word and honour,' said Mr Toots, earnestly, 'I should be very + much obliged to you if you'd improve my acquaintance I should like to know + you, Captain, very much. I really am in want of a friend, I am. Little + Dombey was my friend at old Blimber's, and would have been now, if he'd + have lived. The Chicken,' said Mr Toots, in a forlorn whisper, 'is very + well—admirable in his way—the sharpest man perhaps in the + world; there's not a move he isn't up to, everybody says so—but I + don't know—he's not everything. So she is an angel, Captain. If + there is an angel anywhere, it's Miss Dombey. That's what I've always + said. Really though, you know,' said Mr Toots, 'I should be very much + obliged to you if you'd cultivate my acquaintance.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle received this proposal in a polite manner, but still + without committing himself to its acceptance; merely observing, 'Ay, ay, + my lad. We shall see, we shall see;' and reminding Mr Toots of his + immediate mission, by inquiring to what he was indebted for the honour of + that visit. + </p> + <p> + 'Why the fact is,' replied Mr Toots, 'that it's the young woman I come + from. Not Miss Dombey—Susan, you know. + </p> + <p> + The Captain nodded his head once, with a grave expression of face + indicative of his regarding that young woman with serious respect. + </p> + <p> + 'And I'll tell you how it happens,' said Mr Toots. 'You know, I go and + call sometimes, on Miss Dombey. I don't go there on purpose, you know, but + I happen to be in the neighbourhood very often; and when I find myself + there, why—why I call.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nat'rally,' observed the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Mr Toots. 'I called this afternoon. Upon my word and honour, I + don't think it's possible to form an idea of the angel Miss Dombey was + this afternoon.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain answered with a jerk of his head, implying that it might not + be easy to some people, but was quite so to him. + </p> + <p> + 'As I was coming out,' said Mr Toots, 'the young woman, in the most + unexpected manner, took me into the pantry.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain seemed, for the moment, to object to this proceeding; and + leaning back in his chair, looked at Mr Toots with a distrustful, if not + threatening visage. + </p> + <p> + 'Where she brought out,' said Mr Toots, 'this newspaper. She told me that + she had kept it from Miss Dombey all day, on account of something that was + in it, about somebody that she and Dombey used to know; and then she read + the passage to me. Very well. Then she said—wait a minute; what was + it she said, though!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, endeavouring to concentrate his mental powers on this question, + unintentionally fixed the Captain's eye, and was so much discomposed by + its stern expression, that his difficulty in resuming the thread of his + subject was enhanced to a painful extent. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' said Mr Toots after long consideration. 'Oh, ah! Yes! She said that + she hoped there was a bare possibility that it mightn't be true; and that + as she couldn't very well come out herself, without surprising Miss + Dombey, would I go down to Mr Solomon Gills the Instrument-maker's in this + street, who was the party's Uncle, and ask whether he believed it was + true, or had heard anything else in the City. She said, if he couldn't + speak to me, no doubt Captain Cuttle could. By the bye!' said Mr Toots, as + the discovery flashed upon him, 'you, you know!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain glanced at the newspaper in Mr Toots's hand, and breathed + short and hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' pursued Mr Toots, 'the reason why I'm rather late is, because I + went up as far as Finchley first, to get some uncommonly fine chickweed + that grows there, for Miss Dombey's bird. But I came on here, directly + afterwards. You've seen the paper, I suppose?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who had become cautious of reading the news, lest he should + find himself advertised at full length by Mrs MacStinger, shook his head. + </p> + <p> + 'Shall I read the passage to you?' inquired Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + The Captain making a sign in the affirmative, Mr Toots read as follows, + from the Shipping Intelligence: + </p> + <p> + '"Southampton. The barque Defiance, Henry James, Commander, arrived in + this port to-day, with a cargo of sugar, coffee, and rum, reports that + being becalmed on the sixth day of her passage home from Jamaica, in"—in + such and such a latitude, you know,' said Mr Toots, after making a feeble + dash at the figures, and tumbling over them. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay!' cried the Captain, striking his clenched hand on the table. 'Heave + ahead, my lad!' + </p> + <p> + '—latitude,' repeated Mr Toots, with a startled glance at the + Captain, 'and longitude so-and-so,—"the look-out observed, half an + hour before sunset, some fragments of a wreck, drifting at about the + distance of a mile. The weather being clear, and the barque making no way, + a boat was hoisted out, with orders to inspect the same, when they were + found to consist of sundry large spars, and a part of the main rigging of + an English brig, of about five hundred tons burden, together with a + portion of the stem on which the words and letters 'Son and H-' were yet + plainly legible. No vestige of any dead body was to be seen upon the + floating fragments. Log of the Defiance states, that a breeze springing up + in the night, the wreck was seen no more. There can be no doubt that all + surmises as to the fate of the missing vessel, the Son and Heir, port of + London, bound for Barbados, are now set at rest for ever; that she broke + up in the last hurricane; and that every soul on board perished."' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, like all mankind, little knew how much hope had survived + within him under discouragement, until he felt its death-shock. During the + reading of the paragraph, and for a minute or two afterwards, he sat with + his gaze fixed on the modest Mr Toots, like a man entranced; then, + suddenly rising, and putting on his glazed hat, which, in his visitor's + honour, he had laid upon the table, the Captain turned his back, and bent + his head down on the little chimneypiece. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh' upon my word and honour,' cried Mr Toots, whose tender heart was + moved by the Captain's unexpected distress, 'this is a most wretched sort + of affair this world is! Somebody's always dying, or going and doing + something uncomfortable in it. I'm sure I never should have looked forward + so much, to coming into my property, if I had known this. I never saw such + a world. It's a great deal worse than Blimber's.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, without altering his position, signed to Mr Toots not to + mind him; and presently turned round, with his glazed hat thrust back upon + his ears, and his hand composing and smoothing his brown face. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my dear lad,' said the Captain, 'farewell! Wal'r my child, my boy, + and man, I loved you! He warn't my flesh and blood,' said the Captain, + looking at the fire—'I ain't got none—but something of what a + father feels when he loses a son, I feel in losing Wal'r. For why?' said + the Captain. 'Because it ain't one loss, but a round dozen. Where's that + there young school-boy with the rosy face and curly hair, that used to be + as merry in this here parlour, come round every week, as a piece of music? + Gone down with Wal'r. Where's that there fresh lad, that nothing couldn't + tire nor put out, and that sparkled up and blushed so, when we joked him + about Heart's Delight, that he was beautiful to look at? Gone down with + Wal'r. Where's that there man's spirit, all afire, that wouldn't see the + old man hove down for a minute, and cared nothing for itself? Gone down + with Wal'r. It ain't one Wal'r. There was a dozen Wal'rs that I know'd and + loved, all holding round his neck when he went down, and they're a-holding + round mine now!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots sat silent: folding and refolding the newspaper as small as + possible upon his knee. + </p> + <p> + 'And Sol Gills,' said the Captain, gazing at the fire, 'poor nevyless old + Sol, where are you got to! you was left in charge of me; his last words + was, "Take care of my Uncle!" What came over you, Sol, when you went and + gave the go-bye to Ned Cuttle; and what am I to put in my accounts that + he's a looking down upon, respecting you! Sol Gills, Sol Gills!' said the + Captain, shaking his head slowly, 'catch sight of that there newspaper, + away from home, with no one as know'd Wal'r by, to say a word; and + broadside to you broach, and down you pitch, head foremost!' + </p> + <p> + Drawing a heavy sigh, the Captain turned to Mr Toots, and roused himself + to a sustained consciousness of that gentleman's presence. + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' said the Captain, 'you must tell the young woman honestly that + this here fatal news is too correct. They don't romance, you see, on such + pints. It's entered on the ship's log, and that's the truest book as a man + can write. To-morrow morning,' said the Captain, 'I'll step out and make + inquiries; but they'll lead to no good. They can't do it. If you'll give + me a look-in in the forenoon, you shall know what I have heerd; but tell + the young woman from Cap'en Cuttle, that it's over. Over!' And the + Captain, hooking off his glazed hat, pulled his handkerchief out of the + crown, wiped his grizzled head despairingly, and tossed the handkerchief + in again, with the indifference of deep dejection. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I assure you,' said Mr Toots, 'really I am dreadfully sorry. Upon my + word I am, though I wasn't acquainted with the party. Do you think Miss + Dombey will be very much affected, Captain Gills—I mean Mr Cuttle?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Lord love you,' returned the Captain, with something of compassion + for Mr Toots's innocence. 'When she warn't no higher than that, they were + as fond of one another as two young doves.' + </p> + <p> + 'Were they though!' said Mr Toots, with a considerably lengthened face. + </p> + <p> + 'They were made for one another,' said the Captain, mournfully; 'but what + signifies that now!' + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my word and honour,' cried Mr Toots, blurting out his words through + a singular combination of awkward chuckles and emotion, 'I'm even more + sorry than I was before. You know, Captain Gills, I—I positively + adore Miss Dombey;—I—I am perfectly sore with loving her;' the + burst with which this confession forced itself out of the unhappy Mr + Toots, bespoke the vehemence of his feelings; 'but what would be the good + of my regarding her in this manner, if I wasn't truly sorry for her + feeling pain, whatever was the cause of it. Mine ain't a selfish + affection, you know,' said Mr Toots, in the confidence engendered by his + having been a witness of the Captain's tenderness. 'It's the sort of thing + with me, Captain Gills, that if I could be run over—or—or + trampled upon—or—or thrown off a very high place-or anything + of that sort—for Miss Dombey's sake, it would be the most delightful + thing that could happen to me.' + </p> + <p> + All this, Mr Toots said in a suppressed voice, to prevent its reaching the + jealous ears of the Chicken, who objected to the softer emotions; which + effort of restraint, coupled with the intensity of his feelings, made him + red to the tips of his ears, and caused him to present such an affecting + spectacle of disinterested love to the eyes of Captain Cuttle, that the + good Captain patted him consolingly on the back, and bade him cheer up. + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'it's kind of you, in the midst + of your own troubles, to say so. I'm very much obliged to you. As I said + before, I really want a friend, and should be glad to have your + acquaintance. Although I am very well off,' said Mr Toots, with energy, + 'you can't think what a miserable Beast I am. The hollow crowd, you know, + when they see me with the Chicken, and characters of distinction like + that, suppose me to be happy; but I'm wretched. I suffer for Miss Dombey, + Captain Gills. I can't get through my meals; I have no pleasure in my + tailor; I often cry when I'm alone. I assure you it'll be a satisfaction + to me to come back to-morrow, or to come back fifty times.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, with these words, shook the Captain's hand; and disguising such + traces of his agitation as could be disguised on so short a notice, before + the Chicken's penetrating glance, rejoined that eminent gentleman in the + shop. The Chicken, who was apt to be jealous of his ascendancy, eyed + Captain Cuttle with anything but favour as he took leave of Mr Toots, but + followed his patron without being otherwise demonstrative of his ill-will: + leaving the Captain oppressed with sorrow; and Rob the Grinder elevated + with joy, on account of having had the honour of staring for nearly half + an hour at the conqueror of the Nobby Shropshire One. + </p> + <p> + Long after Rob was fast asleep in his bed under the counter, the Captain + sat looking at the fire; and long after there was no fire to look at, the + Captain sat gazing on the rusty bars, with unavailing thoughts of Walter + and old Sol crowding through his mind. Retirement to the stormy chamber at + the top of the house brought no rest with it; and the Captain rose up in + the morning, sorrowful and unrefreshed. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the City offices were opened, the Captain issued forth to the + counting-house of Dombey and Son. But there was no opening of the + Midshipman's windows that morning. Rob the Grinder, by the Captain's + orders, left the shutters closed, and the house was as a house of death. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that Mr Carker was entering the office, as Captain Cuttle + arrived at the door. Receiving the Manager's benison gravely and silently, + Captain Cuttle made bold to accompany him into his own room. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Captain Cuttle,' said Mr Carker, taking up his usual position + before the fireplace, and keeping on his hat, 'this is a bad business.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have received the news as was in print yesterday, Sir?' said the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Mr Carker, 'we have received it! It was accurately stated. The + underwriters suffer a considerable loss. We are very sorry. No help! Such + is life!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker pared his nails delicately with a penknife, and smiled at the + Captain, who was standing by the door looking at him. + </p> + <p> + 'I excessively regret poor Gay,' said Carker, 'and the crew. I understand + there were some of our very best men among 'em. It always happens so. Many + men with families too. A comfort to reflect that poor Gay had no family, + Captain Cuttle!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain stood rubbing his chin, and looking at the Manager. The + Manager glanced at the unopened letters lying on his desk, and took up the + newspaper. + </p> + <p> + 'Is there anything I can do for you, Captain Cuttle?' he asked looking off + it, with a smiling and expressive glance at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'I wish you could set my mind at rest, Sir, on something it's uneasy + about,' returned the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay!' exclaimed the Manager, 'what's that? Come, Captain Cuttle, I must + trouble you to be quick, if you please. I am much engaged.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lookee here, Sir,' said the Captain, advancing a step. 'Afore my friend + Wal'r went on this here disastrous voyage—' + </p> + <p> + 'Come, come, Captain Cuttle,' interposed the smiling Manager, 'don't talk + about disastrous voyages in that way. We have nothing to do with + disastrous voyages here, my good fellow. You must have begun very early on + your day's allowance, Captain, if you don't remember that there are + hazards in all voyages, whether by sea or land. You are not made uneasy by + the supposition that young what's-his-name was lost in bad weather that + was got up against him in these offices—are you? Fie, Captain! + Sleep, and soda-water, are the best cures for such uneasiness as that.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' returned the Captain, slowly—'you are a'most a lad to me, + and so I don't ask your pardon for that slip of a word,—if you find + any pleasure in this here sport, you ain't the gentleman I took you for. + And if you ain't the gentleman I took you for, may be my mind has call to + be uneasy. Now this is what it is, Mr Carker.—Afore that poor lad + went away, according to orders, he told me that he warn't a going away for + his own good, or for promotion, he know'd. It was my belief that he was + wrong, and I told him so, and I come here, your head governor being + absent, to ask a question or two of you in a civil way, for my own + satisfaction. Them questions you answered—free. Now it'll ease my + mind to know, when all is over, as it is, and when what can't be cured + must be endoored—for which, as a scholar, you'll overhaul the book + it's in, and thereof make a note—to know once more, in a word, that + I warn't mistaken; that I warn't back'ard in my duty when I didn't tell + the old man what Wal'r told me; and that the wind was truly in his sail, + when he highsted of it for Barbados Harbour. Mr Carker,' said the Captain, + in the goodness of his nature, 'when I was here last, we was very pleasant + together. If I ain't been altogether so pleasant myself this morning, on + account of this poor lad, and if I have chafed again any observation of + yours that I might have fended off, my name is Ed'ard Cuttle, and I ask + your pardon.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle,' returned the Manager, with all possible politeness, 'I + must ask you to do me a favour.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what is it, Sir?' inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'To have the goodness to walk off, if you please,' rejoined the Manager, + stretching forth his arm, 'and to carry your jargon somewhere else.' + </p> + <p> + Every knob in the Captain's face turned white with astonishment and + indignation; even the red rim on his forehead faded, like a rainbow among + the gathering clouds. + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you what, Captain Cuttle,' said the Manager, shaking his + forefinger at him, and showing him all his teeth, but still amiably + smiling, 'I was much too lenient with you when you came here before. You + belong to an artful and audacious set of people. In my desire to save + young what's-his-name from being kicked out of this place, neck and crop, + my good Captain, I tolerated you; but for once, and only once. Now, go, my + friend!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain was absolutely rooted to the ground, and speechless— + </p> + <p> + 'Go,' said the good-humoured Manager, gathering up his skirts, and + standing astride upon the hearth-rug, 'like a sensible fellow, and let us + have no turning out, or any such violent measures. If Mr Dombey were here, + Captain, you might be obliged to leave in a more ignominious manner, + possibly. I merely say, Go!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, laying his ponderous hand upon his chest, to assist himself + in fetching a deep breath, looked at Mr Carker from head to foot, and + looked round the little room, as if he did not clearly understand where he + was, or in what company. + </p> + <p> + 'You are deep, Captain Cuttle,' pursued Carker, with the easy and + vivacious frankness of a man of the world who knew the world too well to + be ruffled by any discovery of misdoing, when it did not immediately + concern himself, 'but you are not quite out of soundings, either—neither + you nor your absent friend, Captain. What have you done with your absent + friend, hey?' + </p> + <p> + Again the Captain laid his hand upon his chest. After drawing another deep + breath, he conjured himself to 'stand by!' But in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + 'You hatch nice little plots, and hold nice little councils, and make nice + little appointments, and receive nice little visitors, too, Captain, hey?' + said Carker, bending his brows upon him, without showing his teeth any the + less: 'but it's a bold measure to come here afterwards. Not like your + discretion! You conspirators, and hiders, and runners-away, should know + better than that. Will you oblige me by going?' + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' gasped the Captain, in a choked and trembling voice, and with a + curious action going on in the ponderous fist; 'there's a many words I + could wish to say to you, but I don't rightly know where they're stowed + just at present. My young friend, Wal'r, was drownded only last night, + according to my reckoning, and it puts me out, you see. But you and me + will come alongside o'one another again, my lad,' said the Captain, + holding up his hook, 'if we live.' + </p> + <p> + 'It will be anything but shrewd in you, my good fellow, if we do,' + returned the Manager, with the same frankness; 'for you may rely, I give + you fair warning, upon my detecting and exposing you. I don't pretend to + be a more moral man than my neighbours, my good Captain; but the + confidence of this House, or of any member of this House, is not to be + abused and undermined while I have eyes and ears. Good day!' said Mr + Carker, nodding his head. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, looking at him steadily (Mr Carker looked full as steadily + at the Captain), went out of the office and left him standing astride + before the fire, as calm and pleasant as if there were no more spots upon + his soul than on his pure white linen, and his smooth sleek skin. + </p> + <p> + The Captain glanced, in passing through the outer counting-house, at the + desk where he knew poor Walter had been used to sit, now occupied by + another young boy, with a face almost as fresh and hopeful as his on the + day when they tapped the famous last bottle but one of the old Madeira, in + the little back parlour. The nation of ideas, thus awakened, did the + Captain a great deal of good; it softened him in the very height of his + anger, and brought the tears into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the wooden Midshipman's again, and sitting down in a corner of + the dark shop, the Captain's indignation, strong as it was, could make no + head against his grief. Passion seemed not only to do wrong and violence + to the memory of the dead, but to be infected by death, and to droop and + decline beside it. All the living knaves and liars in the world, were + nothing to the honesty and truth of one dead friend. + </p> + <p> + The only thing the honest Captain made out clearly, in this state of mind, + besides the loss of Walter, was, that with him almost the whole world of + Captain Cuttle had been drowned. If he reproached himself sometimes, and + keenly too, for having ever connived at Walter's innocent deceit, he + thought at least as often of the Mr Carker whom no sea could ever render + up; and the Mr Dombey, whom he now began to perceive was as far beyond + human recall; and the 'Heart's Delight,' with whom he must never + foregather again; and the Lovely Peg, that teak-built and trim ballad, + that had gone ashore upon a rock, and split into mere planks and beams of + rhyme. The Captain sat in the dark shop, thinking of these things, to the + entire exclusion of his own injury; and looking with as sad an eye upon + the ground, as if in contemplation of their actual fragments, as they + floated past. + </p> + <p> + But the Captain was not unmindful, for all that, of such decent and rest + observances in memory of poor Walter, as he felt within his power. Rousing + himself, and rousing Rob the Grinder (who in the unnatural twilight was + fast asleep), the Captain sallied forth with his attendant at his heels, + and the door-key in his pocket, and repairing to one of those convenient + slop-selling establishments of which there is abundant choice at the + eastern end of London, purchased on the spot two suits of mourning—one + for Rob the Grinder, which was immensely too small, and one for himself, + which was immensely too large. He also provided Rob with a species of hat, + greatly to be admired for its symmetry and usefulness, as well as for a + happy blending of the mariner with the coal-heaver; which is usually + termed a sou'wester; and which was something of a novelty in connexion + with the instrument business. In their several garments, which the vendor + declared to be such a miracle in point of fit as nothing but a rare + combination of fortuitous circumstances ever brought about, and the + fashion of which was unparalleled within the memory of the oldest + inhabitant, the Captain and Grinder immediately arrayed themselves: + presenting a spectacle fraught with wonder to all who beheld it. + </p> + <p> + In this altered form, the Captain received Mr Toots. 'I'm took aback, my + lad, at present,' said the Captain, 'and will only confirm that there ill + news. Tell the young woman to break it gentle to the young lady, and for + neither of 'em never to think of me no more—'special, mind you, that + is—though I will think of them, when night comes on a hurricane and + seas is mountains rowling, for which overhaul your Doctor Watts, brother, + and when found make a note on.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain reserved, until some fitter time, the consideration of Mr + Toots's offer of friendship, and thus dismissed him. Captain Cuttle's + spirits were so low, in truth, that he half determined, that day, to take + no further precautions against surprise from Mrs MacStinger, but to + abandon himself recklessly to chance, and be indifferent to what might + happen. As evening came on, he fell into a better frame of mind, however; + and spoke much of Walter to Rob the Grinder, whose attention and fidelity + he likewise incidentally commended. Rob did not blush to hear the Captain + earnest in his praises, but sat staring at him, and affecting to snivel + with sympathy, and making a feint of being virtuous, and treasuring up + every word he said (like a young spy as he was) with very promising + deceit. + </p> + <p> + When Rob had turned in, and was fast asleep, the Captain trimmed the + candle, put on his spectacles—he had felt it appropriate to take to + spectacles on entering into the Instrument Trade, though his eyes were + like a hawk's—and opened the prayer-book at the Burial Service. And + reading softly to himself, in the little back parlour, and stopping now + and then to wipe his eyes, the Captain, in a true and simple spirit, + committed Walter's body to the deep. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 33. Contrasts + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>urn we our eyes upon two homes; not lying side by side, but wide apart, + though both within easy range and reach of the great city of London. + </p> + <p> + The first is situated in the green and wooded country near Norwood. It is + not a mansion; it is of no pretensions as to size; but it is beautifully + arranged, and tastefully kept. The lawn, the soft, smooth slope, the + flower-garden, the clumps of trees where graceful forms of ash and willow + are not wanting, the conservatory, the rustic verandah with sweet-smelling + creeping plants entwined about the pillars, the simple exterior of the + house, the well-ordered offices, though all upon the diminutive scale + proper to a mere cottage, bespeak an amount of elegant comfort within, + that might serve for a palace. This indication is not without warrant; + for, within, it is a house of refinement and luxury. Rich colours, + excellently blended, meet the eye at every turn; in the furniture—its + proportions admirably devised to suit the shapes and sizes of the small + rooms; on the walls; upon the floors; tingeing and subduing the light that + comes in through the odd glass doors and windows here and there. There are + a few choice prints and pictures too; in quaint nooks and recesses there + is no want of books; and there are games of skill and chance set forth on + tables—fantastic chessmen, dice, backgammon, cards, and billiards. + </p> + <p> + And yet amidst this opulence of comfort, there is something in the general + air that is not well. Is it that the carpets and the cushions are too soft + and noiseless, so that those who move or repose among them seem to act by + stealth? Is it that the prints and pictures do not commemorate great + thoughts or deeds, or render nature in the Poetry of landscape, hall, or + hut, but are of one voluptuous cast—mere shows of form and colour—and + no more? Is it that the books have all their gold outside, and that the + titles of the greater part qualify them to be companions of the prints and + pictures? Is it that the completeness and the beauty of the place are here + and there belied by an affectation of humility, in some unimportant and + inexpensive regard, which is as false as the face of the too truly painted + portrait hanging yonder, or its original at breakfast in his easy chair + below it? Or is it that, with the daily breath of that original and master + of all here, there issues forth some subtle portion of himself, which + gives a vague expression of himself to everything about him? + </p> + <p> + It is Mr Carker the Manager who sits in the easy chair. A gaudy parrot in + a burnished cage upon the table tears at the wires with her beak, and goes + walking, upside down, in its dome-top, shaking her house and screeching; + but Mr Carker is indifferent to the bird, and looks with a musing smile at + a picture on the opposite wall. + </p> + <p> + 'A most extraordinary accidental likeness, certainly,' says he. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it is a Juno; perhaps a Potiphar's Wife'; perhaps some scornful + Nymph—according as the Picture Dealers found the market, when they + christened it. It is the figure of a woman, supremely handsome, who, + turning away, but with her face addressed to the spectator, flashes her + proud glance upon him. + </p> + <p> + It is like Edith. + </p> + <p> + With a passing gesture of his hand at the picture—what! a menace? + No; yet something like it. A wave as of triumph? No; yet more like that. + An insolent salute wafted from his lips? No; yet like that too—he + resumes his breakfast, and calls to the chafing and imprisoned bird, who + coming down into a pendant gilded hoop within the cage, like a great + wedding-ring, swings in it, for his delight. + </p> + <p> + The second home is on the other side of London, near to where the busy + great north road of bygone days is silent and almost deserted, except by + wayfarers who toil along on foot. It is a poor small house, barely and + sparely furnished, but very clean; and there is even an attempt to + decorate it, shown in the homely flowers trained about the porch and in + the narrow garden. The neighbourhood in which it stands has as little of + the country to recommend it, as it has of the town. It is neither of the + town nor country. The former, like the giant in his travelling boots, has + made a stride and passed it, and has set his brick-and-mortar heel a long + way in advance; but the intermediate space between the giant's feet, as + yet, is only blighted country, and not town; and, here, among a few tall + chimneys belching smoke all day and night, and among the brick-fields and + the lanes where turf is cut, and where the fences tumble down, and where + the dusty nettles grow, and where a scrap or two of hedge may yet be seen, + and where the bird-catcher still comes occasionally, though he swears + every time to come no more—this second home is to be found.' + </p> + <p> + She who inhabits it, is she who left the first in her devotion to an + outcast brother. She withdrew from that home its redeeming spirit, and + from its master's breast his solitary angel: but though his liking for her + is gone, after this ungrateful slight as he considers it; and though he + abandons her altogether in return, an old idea of her is not quite + forgotten even by him. Let her flower-garden, in which he never sets his + foot, but which is yet maintained, among all his costly alterations, as if + she had quitted it but yesterday, bear witness! + </p> + <p> + Harriet Carker has changed since then, and on her beauty there has fallen + a heavier shade than Time of his unassisted self can cast, all-potent as + he is—the shadow of anxiety and sorrow, and the daily struggle of a + poor existence. But it is beauty still; and still a gentle, quiet, and + retiring beauty that must be sought out, for it cannot vaunt itself; if it + could, it would be what it is, no more. + </p> + <p> + Yes. This slight, small, patient figure, neatly dressed in homely stuffs, + and indicating nothing but the dull, household virtues, that have so + little in common with the received idea of heroism and greatness, unless, + indeed, any ray of them should shine through the lives of the great ones + of the earth, when it becomes a constellation and is tracked in Heaven + straightway—this slight, small, patient figure, leaning on the man + still young but worn and grey, is she, his sister, who, of all the world, + went over to him in his shame and put her hand in his, and with a sweet + composure and determination, led him hopefully upon his barren way. + </p> + <p> + 'It is early, John,' she said. 'Why do you go so early?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not many minutes earlier than usual, Harriet. If I have the time to + spare, I should like, I think—it's a fancy—to walk once by the + house where I took leave of him.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish I had ever seen or known him, John.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is better as it is, my dear, remembering his fate.' + </p> + <p> + 'But I could not regret it more, though I had known him. Is not your + sorrow mine? And if I had, perhaps you would feel that I was a better + companion to you in speaking about him, than I may seem now.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest sister! Is there anything within the range of rejoicing or + regret, in which I am not sure of your companionship?' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope you think not, John, for surely there is nothing!' + </p> + <p> + 'How could you be better to me, or nearer to me then, than you are in + this, or anything?' said her brother. 'I feel that you did know him, + Harriet, and that you shared my feelings towards him.' + </p> + <p> + She drew the hand which had been resting on his shoulder, round his neck, + and answered, with some hesitation: + </p> + <p> + 'No, not quite.' + </p> + <p> + 'True, true!' he said; 'you think I might have done him no harm if I had + allowed myself to know him better?' + </p> + <p> + 'Think! I know it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Designedly, Heaven knows I would not,' he replied, shaking his head + mournfully; 'but his reputation was too precious to be perilled by such + association. Whether you share that knowledge, or do not, my dear—' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not,' she said quietly. + </p> + <p> + 'It is still the truth, Harriet, and my mind is lighter when I think of + him for that which made it so much heavier then.' He checked himself in + his tone of melancholy, and smiled upon her as he said 'Good-bye!' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, dear John! In the evening, at the old time and place, I shall + meet you as usual on your way home. Good-bye.' + </p> + <p> + The cordial face she lifted up to his to kiss him, was his home, his life, + his universe, and yet it was a portion of his punishment and grief; for in + the cloud he saw upon it—though serene and calm as any radiant cloud + at sunset—and in the constancy and devotion of her life, and in the + sacrifice she had made of ease, enjoyment, and hope, he saw the bitter + fruits of his old crime, for ever ripe and fresh. + </p> + <p> + She stood at the door looking after him, with her hands loosely clasped in + each other, as he made his way over the frowzy and uneven patch of ground + which lay before their house, which had once (and not long ago) been a + pleasant meadow, and was now a very waste, with a disorderly crop of + beginnings of mean houses, rising out of the rubbish, as if they had been + unskilfully sown there. Whenever he looked back—as once or twice he + did—her cordial face shone like a light upon his heart; but when he + plodded on his way, and saw her not, the tears were in her eyes as she + stood watching him. + </p> + <p> + Her pensive form was not long idle at the door. There was daily duty to + discharge, and daily work to do—for such commonplace spirits that + are not heroic, often work hard with their hands—and Harriet was + soon busy with her household tasks. These discharged, and the poor house + made quite neat and orderly, she counted her little stock of money, with + an anxious face, and went out thoughtfully to buy some necessaries for + their table, planning and conniving, as she went, how to save. So sordid + are the lives of such low natures, who are not only not heroic to their + valets and waiting-women, but have neither valets nor waiting-women to be + heroic to withal! + </p> + <p> + While she was absent, and there was no one in the house, there approached + it by a different way from that the brother had taken, a gentleman, a very + little past his prime of life perhaps, but of a healthy florid hue, an + upright presence, and a bright clear aspect, that was gracious and + good-humoured. His eyebrows were still black, and so was much of his hair; + the sprinkling of grey observable among the latter, graced the former very + much, and showed his broad frank brow and honest eyes to great advantage. + </p> + <p> + After knocking once at the door, and obtaining no response, this gentleman + sat down on a bench in the little porch to wait. A certain skilful action + of his fingers as he hummed some bars, and beat time on the seat beside + him, seemed to denote the musician; and the extraordinary satisfaction he + derived from humming something very slow and long, which had no + recognisable tune, seemed to denote that he was a scientific one. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman was still twirling a theme, which seemed to go round and + round and round, and in and in and in, and to involve itself like a + corkscrew twirled upon a table, without getting any nearer to anything, + when Harriet appeared returning. He rose up as she advanced, and stood + with his head uncovered. + </p> + <p> + 'You are come again, Sir!' she said, faltering. + </p> + <p> + 'I take that liberty,' he answered. 'May I ask for five minutes of your + leisure?' + </p> + <p> + After a moment's hesitation, she opened the door, and gave him admission + to the little parlour. The gentleman sat down there, drew his chair to the + table over against her, and said, in a voice that perfectly corresponded + to his appearance, and with a simplicity that was very engaging: + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Harriet, you cannot be proud. You signified to me, when I called + t'other morning, that you were. Pardon me if I say that I looked into your + face while you spoke, and that it contradicted you. I look into it again,' + he added, laying his hand gently on her arm, for an instant, 'and it + contradicts you more and more.' + </p> + <p> + She was somewhat confused and agitated, and could make no ready answer. + </p> + <p> + 'It is the mirror of truth,' said her visitor, 'and gentleness. Excuse my + trusting to it, and returning.' + </p> + <p> + His manner of saying these words, divested them entirely of the character + of compliments. It was so plain, grave, unaffected, and sincere, that she + bent her head, as if at once to thank him, and acknowledge his sincerity. + </p> + <p> + 'The disparity between our ages,' said the gentleman, 'and the plainness + of my purpose, empower me, I am glad to think, to speak my mind. That is + my mind; and so you see me for the second time.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is a kind of pride, Sir,' she returned, after a moment's silence, + 'or what may be supposed to be pride, which is mere duty. I hope I cherish + no other.' + </p> + <p> + 'For yourself,' he said. + </p> + <p> + 'For myself.' + </p> + <p> + 'But—pardon me—' suggested the gentleman. 'For your brother + John?' + </p> + <p> + 'Proud of his love, I am,' said Harriet, looking full upon her visitor, + and changing her manner on the instant—not that it was less composed + and quiet, but that there was a deep impassioned earnestness in it that + made the very tremble in her voice a part of her firmness, 'and proud of + him. Sir, you who strangely know the story of his life, and repeated it to + me when you were here last—' + </p> + <p> + 'Merely to make my way into your confidence,' interposed the gentleman. + 'For heaven's sake, don't suppose—' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure,' she said, 'you revived it, in my hearing, with a kind and + good purpose. I am quite sure of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thank you,' returned her visitor, pressing her hand hastily. 'I am much + obliged to you. You do me justice, I assure you. You were going to say, + that I, who know the story of John Carker's life—' + </p> + <p> + 'May think it pride in me,' she continued, 'when I say that I am proud of + him! I am. You know the time was, when I was not—when I could not be—but + that is past. The humility of many years, the uncomplaining expiation, the + true repentance, the terrible regret, the pain I know he has even in my + affection, which he thinks has cost me dear, though Heaven knows I am + happy, but for his sorrow I—oh, Sir, after what I have seen, let me + conjure you, if you are in any place of power, and are ever wronged, + never, for any wrong, inflict a punishment that cannot be recalled; while + there is a GOD above us to work changes in the hearts He made.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your brother is an altered man,' returned the gentleman, compassionately. + 'I assure you I don't doubt it.' + </p> + <p> + 'He was an altered man when he did wrong,' said Harriet. 'He is an altered + man again, and is his true self now, believe me, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'But we go on,' said her visitor, rubbing his forehead, in an absent + manner, with his hand, and then drumming thoughtfully on the table, 'we go + on in our clockwork routine, from day to day, and can't make out, or + follow, these changes. They—they're a metaphysical sort of thing. We—we + haven't leisure for it. We—we haven't courage. They're not taught at + schools or colleges, and we don't know how to set about it. In short, we + are so d——d business-like,' said the gentleman, walking to the + window, and back, and sitting down again, in a state of extreme + dissatisfaction and vexation. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure,' said the gentleman, rubbing his forehead again; and drumming + on the table as before, 'I have good reason to believe that a jog-trot + life, the same from day to day, would reconcile one to anything. One don't + see anything, one don't hear anything, one don't know anything; that's the + fact. We go on taking everything for granted, and so we go on, until + whatever we do, good, bad, or indifferent, we do from habit. Habit is all + I shall have to report, when I am called upon to plead to my conscience, + on my death-bed. "Habit," says I; "I was deaf, dumb, blind, and paralytic, + to a million things, from habit." "Very business-like indeed, Mr + What's-your-name," says Conscience, "but it won't do here!"' + </p> + <p> + The gentleman got up and walked to the window again and back: seriously + uneasy, though giving his uneasiness this peculiar expression. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Harriet,' he said, resuming his chair, 'I wish you would let me + serve you. Look at me; I ought to look honest, for I know I am so, at + present. Do I?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' she answered with a smile. + </p> + <p> + 'I believe every word you have said,' he returned. 'I am full of + self-reproach that I might have known this and seen this, and known you + and seen you, any time these dozen years, and that I never have. I hardly + know how I ever got here—creature that I am, not only of my own + habit, but of other people's! But having done so, let me do something. I + ask it in all honour and respect. You inspire me with both, in the highest + degree. Let me do something.' + </p> + <p> + 'We are contented, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, not quite,' returned the gentleman. 'I think not quite. There are + some little comforts that might smooth your life, and his. And his!' he + repeated, fancying that had made some impression on her. 'I have been in + the habit of thinking that there was nothing wanting to be done for him; + that it was all settled and over; in short, of not thinking at all about + it. I am different now. Let me do something for him. You too,' said the + visitor, with careful delicacy, 'have need to watch your health closely, + for his sake, and I fear it fails.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whoever you may be, Sir,' answered Harriet, raising her eyes to his face, + 'I am deeply grateful to you. I feel certain that in all you say, you have + no object in the world but kindness to us. But years have passed since we + began this life; and to take from my brother any part of what has so + endeared him to me, and so proved his better resolution—any fragment + of the merit of his unassisted, obscure, and forgotten reparation—would + be to diminish the comfort it will be to him and me, when that time comes + to each of us, of which you spoke just now. I thank you better with these + tears than any words. Believe it, pray.' + </p> + <p> + The gentleman was moved, and put the hand she held out, to his lips, much + as a tender father might kiss the hand of a dutiful child. But more + reverently. + </p> + <p> + 'If the day should ever come,' said Harriet, 'when he is restored, in + part, to the position he lost—' + </p> + <p> + 'Restored!' cried the gentleman, quickly. 'How can that be hoped for? In + whose hands does the power of any restoration lie? It is no mistake of + mine, surely, to suppose that his having gained the priceless blessing of + his life, is one cause of the animosity shown to him by his brother.' + </p> + <p> + 'You touch upon a subject that is never breathed between us; not even + between us,' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your forgiveness,' said the visitor. 'I should have known it. I + entreat you to forget that I have done so, inadvertently. And now, as I + dare urge no more—as I am not sure that I have a right to do so—though + Heaven knows, even that doubt may be habit,' said the gentleman, rubbing + his head, as despondently as before, 'let me; though a stranger, yet no + stranger; ask two favours.' + </p> + <p> + 'What are they?' she inquired. + </p> + <p> + 'The first, that if you should see cause to change your resolution, you + will suffer me to be as your right hand. My name shall then be at your + service; it is useless now, and always insignificant.' + </p> + <p> + 'Our choice of friends,' she answered, smiling faintly, 'is not so great, + that I need any time for consideration. I can promise that.' + </p> + <p> + 'The second, that you will allow me sometimes, say every Monday morning, + at nine o'clock—habit again—I must be businesslike,' said the + gentleman, with a whimsical inclination to quarrel with himself on that + head, 'in walking past, to see you at the door or window. I don't ask to + come in, as your brother will be gone out at that hour. I don't ask to + speak to you. I merely ask to see, for the satisfaction of my own mind, + that you are well, and without intrusion to remind you, by the sight of + me, that you have a friend—an elderly friend, grey-haired already, + and fast growing greyer—whom you may ever command.' + </p> + <p> + The cordial face looked up in his; confided in it; and promised. + </p> + <p> + 'I understand, as before,' said the gentleman, rising, 'that you purpose + not to mention my visit to John Carker, lest he should be at all + distressed by my acquaintance with his history. I am glad of it, for it is + out of the ordinary course of things, and—habit again!' said the + gentleman, checking himself impatiently, 'as if there were no better + course than the ordinary course!' + </p> + <p> + With that he turned to go, and walking, bareheaded, to the outside of the + little porch, took leave of her with such a happy mixture of unconstrained + respect and unaffected interest, as no breeding could have taught, no + truth mistrusted, and nothing but a pure and single heart expressed. + </p> + <p> + Many half-forgotten emotions were awakened in the sister's mind by this + visit. It was so very long since any other visitor had crossed their + threshold; it was so very long since any voice of apathy had made sad + music in her ears; that the stranger's figure remained present to her, + hours afterwards, when she sat at the window, plying her needle; and his + words seemed newly spoken, again and again. He had touched the spring that + opened her whole life; and if she lost him for a short space, it was only + among the many shapes of the one great recollection of which that life was + made. + </p> + <p> + Musing and working by turns; now constraining herself to be steady at her + needle for a long time together, and now letting her work fall, + unregarded, on her lap, and straying wheresoever her busier thoughts led, + Harriet Carker found the hours glide by her, and the day steal on. The + morning, which had been bright and clear, gradually became overcast; a + sharp wind set in; the rain fell heavily; and a dark mist drooping over + the distant town, hid it from the view. + </p> + <p> + She often looked with compassion, at such a time, upon the stragglers who + came wandering into London, by the great highway hard by, and who, + footsore and weary, and gazing fearfully at the huge town before them, as + if foreboding that their misery there would be but as a drop of water in + the sea, or as a grain of sea-sand on the shore, went shrinking on, + cowering before the angry weather, and looking as if the very elements + rejected them. Day after day, such travellers crept past, but always, as + she thought, in one direction—always towards the town. Swallowed up + in one phase or other of its immensity, towards which they seemed impelled + by a desperate fascination, they never returned. Food for the hospitals, + the churchyards, the prisons, the river, fever, madness, vice, and death,—they + passed on to the monster, roaring in the distance, and were lost. + </p> + <p> + The chill wind was howling, and the rain was falling, and the day was + darkening moodily, when Harriet, raising her eyes from the work on which + she had long since been engaged with unremitting constancy, saw one of + these travellers approaching. + </p> + <p> + A woman. A solitary woman of some thirty years of age; tall; well-formed; + handsome; miserably dressed; the soil of many country roads in varied + weather—dust, chalk, clay, gravel—clotted on her grey cloak by + the streaming wet; no bonnet on her head, nothing to defend her rich black + hair from the rain, but a torn handkerchief; with the fluttering ends of + which, and with her hair, the wind blinded her so that she often stopped + to push them back, and look upon the way she was going. + </p> + <p> + She was in the act of doing so, when Harriet observed her. As her hands, + parting on her sunburnt forehead, swept across her face, and threw aside + the hindrances that encroached upon it, there was a reckless and + regardless beauty in it: a dauntless and depraved indifference to more + than weather: a carelessness of what was cast upon her bare head from + Heaven or earth: that, coupled with her misery and loneliness, touched the + heart of her fellow-woman. She thought of all that was perverted and + debased within her, no less than without: of modest graces of the mind, + hardened and steeled, like these attractions of the person; of the many + gifts of the Creator flung to the winds like the wild hair; of all the + beautiful ruin upon which the storm was beating and the night was coming. + </p> + <p> + Thinking of this, she did not turn away with a delicate indignation—too + many of her own compassionate and tender sex too often do—but pitied + her. + </p> + <p> + Her fallen sister came on, looking far before her, trying with her eager + eyes to pierce the mist in which the city was enshrouded, and glancing, + now and then, from side to side, with the bewildered—and uncertain + aspect of a stranger. Though her tread was bold and courageous, she was + fatigued, and after a moment of irresolution,—sat down upon a heap + of stones; seeking no shelter from the rain, but letting it rain on her as + it would. + </p> + <p> + She was now opposite the house; raising her head after resting it for a + moment on both hands, her eyes met those of Harriet. + </p> + <p> + In a moment, Harriet was at the door; and the other, rising from her seat + at her beck, came slowly, and with no conciliatory look, towards her. + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you rest in the rain?' said Harriet, gently. + </p> + <p> + 'Because I have no other resting-place,' was the reply. + </p> + <p> + 'But there are many places of shelter near here. This,' referring to the + little porch, 'is better than where you were. You are very welcome to rest + here.' + </p> + <p> + The wanderer looked at her, in doubt and surprise, but without any + expression of thankfulness; and sitting down, and taking off one of her + worn shoes to beat out the fragments of stone and dust that were inside, + showed that her foot was cut and bleeding. + </p> + <p> + Harriet uttering an expression of pity, the traveller looked up with a + contemptuous and incredulous smile. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, what's a torn foot to such as me?' she said. 'And what's a torn foot + in such as me, to such as you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Come in and wash it,' answered Harriet, mildly, 'and let me give you + something to bind it up.' + </p> + <p> + The woman caught her arm, and drawing it before her own eyes, hid them + against it, and wept. Not like a woman, but like a stern man surprised + into that weakness; with a violent heaving of her breast, and struggle for + recovery, that showed how unusual the emotion was with her. + </p> + <p> + She submitted to be led into the house, and, evidently more in gratitude + than in any care for herself, washed and bound the injured place. Harriet + then put before her fragments of her own frugal dinner, and when she had + eaten of them, though sparingly, besought her, before resuming her road + (which she showed her anxiety to do), to dry her clothes before the fire. + Again, more in gratitude than with any evidence of concern in her own + behalf, she sat down in front of it, and unbinding the handkerchief about + her head, and letting her thick wet hair fall down below her waist, sat + drying it with the palms of her hands, and looking at the blaze. + </p> + <p> + 'I daresay you are thinking,' she said, lifting her head suddenly, 'that I + used to be handsome, once. I believe I was—I know I was—Look + here!' + </p> + <p> + She held up her hair roughly with both hands; seizing it as if she would + have torn it out; then, threw it down again, and flung it back as though + it were a heap of serpents. + </p> + <p> + 'Are you a stranger in this place?' asked Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'A stranger!' she returned, stopping between each short reply, and looking + at the fire. 'Yes. Ten or a dozen years a stranger. I have had no almanack + where I have been. Ten or a dozen years. I don't know this part. It's much + altered since I went away.' + </p> + <p> + 'Have you been far?' + </p> + <p> + 'Very far. Months upon months over the sea, and far away even then. I have + been where convicts go,' she added, looking full upon her entertainer. 'I + have been one myself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Heaven help you and forgive you!' was the gentle answer. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! Heaven help me and forgive me!' she returned, nodding her head at the + fire. 'If man would help some of us a little more, God would forgive us + all the sooner perhaps.' + </p> + <p> + But she was softened by the earnest manner, and the cordial face so full + of mildness and so free from judgment, of her, and said, less hardily: + </p> + <p> + 'We may be about the same age, you and me. If I am older, it is not above + a year or two. Oh think of that!' + </p> + <p> + She opened her arms, as though the exhibition of her outward form would + show the moral wretch she was; and letting them drop at her sides, hung + down her head. + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing we may not hope to repair; it is never too late to + amend,' said Harriet. 'You are penitent?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' she answered. 'I am not! I can't be. I am no such thing. Why should + I be penitent, and all the world go free? They talk to me of my penitence. + Who's penitent for the wrongs that have been done to me?' + </p> + <p> + She rose up, bound her handkerchief about her head, and turned to move + away. + </p> + <p> + 'Where are you going?' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Yonder,' she answered, pointing with her hand. 'To London.' + </p> + <p> + 'Have you any home to go to?' + </p> + <p> + 'I think I have a mother. She's as much a mother, as her dwelling is a + home,' she answered with a bitter laugh. + </p> + <p> + 'Take this,' cried Harriet, putting money in her hand. 'Try to do well. It + is very little, but for one day it may keep you from harm.' + </p> + <p> + 'Are you married?' said the other, faintly, as she took it. + </p> + <p> + 'No. I live here with my brother. We have not much to spare, or I would + give you more.' + </p> + <p> + 'Will you let me kiss you?' + </p> + <p> + Seeing no scorn or repugnance in her face, the object of her charity bent + over her as she asked the question, and pressed her lips against her + cheek. Once more she caught her arm, and covered her eyes with it; and + then was gone. + </p> + <p> + Gone into the deepening night, and howling wind, and pelting rain; urging + her way on towards the mist-enshrouded city where the blurred lights + gleamed; and with her black hair, and disordered head-gear, fluttering + round her reckless face. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 34. Another Mother and Daughter + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>n an ugly and dark room, an old woman, ugly and dark too, sat listening + to the wind and rain, and crouching over a meagre fire. More constant to + the last-named occupation than the first, she never changed her attitude, + unless, when any stray drops of rain fell hissing on the smouldering + embers, to raise her head with an awakened attention to the whistling and + pattering outside, and gradually to let it fall again lower and lower and + lower as she sunk into a brooding state of thought, in which the noises of + the night were as indistinctly regarded as is the monotonous rolling of a + sea by one who sits in contemplation on its shore. + </p> + <p> + There was no light in the room save that which the fire afforded. Glaring + sullenly from time to time like the eye of a fierce beast half asleep, it + revealed no objects that needed to be jealous of a better display. A heap + of rags, a heap of bones, a wretched bed, two or three mutilated chairs or + stools, the black walls and blacker ceiling, were all its winking + brightness shone upon. As the old woman, with a gigantic and distorted + image of herself thrown half upon the wall behind her, half upon the roof + above, sat bending over the few loose bricks within which it was pent, on + the damp hearth of the chimney—for there was no stove—she + looked as if she were watching at some witch's altar for a favourable + token; and but that the movement of her chattering jaws and trembling chin + was too frequent and too fast for the slow flickering of the fire, it + would have seemed an illusion wrought by the light, as it came and went, + upon a face as motionless as the form to which it belonged. + </p> + <p> + If Florence could have stood within the room and looked upon the original + of the shadow thrown upon the wall and roof as it cowered thus over the + fire, a glance might have sufficed to recall the figure of Good Mrs Brown; + notwithstanding that her childish recollection of that terrible old woman + was as grotesque and exaggerated a presentment of the truth, perhaps, as + the shadow on the wall. But Florence was not there to look on; and Good + Mrs Brown remained unrecognised, and sat staring at her fire, unobserved. + </p> + <p> + Attracted by a louder sputtering than usual, as the rain came hissing down + the chimney in a little stream, the old woman raised her head, + impatiently, to listen afresh. And this time she did not drop it again; + for there was a hand upon the door, and a footstep in the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Who's that?' she said, looking over her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + 'One who brings you news, was the answer, in a woman's voice. + </p> + <p> + 'News? Where from?' + </p> + <p> + 'From abroad.' + </p> + <p> + 'From beyond seas?' cried the old woman, starting up. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, from beyond seas.' + </p> + <p> + The old woman raked the fire together, hurriedly, and going close to her + visitor who had entered, and shut the door, and who now stood in the + middle of the room, put her hand upon the drenched cloak, and turned the + unresisting figure, so as to have it in the full light of the fire. She + did not find what she had expected, whatever that might be; for she let + the cloak go again, and uttered a querulous cry of disappointment and + misery. + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter?' asked her visitor. + </p> + <p> + 'Oho! Oho!' cried the old woman, turning her face upward, with a terrible + howl. + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter?' asked the visitor again. + </p> + <p> + 'It's not my gal!' cried the old woman, tossing up her arms, and clasping + her hands above her head. 'Where's my Alice? Where's my handsome daughter? + They've been the death of her!' + </p> + <p> + 'They've not been the death of her yet, if your name's Marwood,' said the + visitor. + </p> + <p> + 'Have you seen my gal, then?' cried the old woman. 'Has she wrote to me?' + </p> + <p> + 'She said you couldn't read,' returned the other. + </p> + <p> + 'No more I can!' exclaimed the old woman, wringing her hands. + </p> + <p> + 'Have you no light here?' said the other, looking round the room. + </p> + <p> + The old woman, mumbling and shaking her head, and muttering to herself + about her handsome daughter, brought a candle from a cupboard in the + corner, and thrusting it into the fire with a trembling hand, lighted it + with some difficulty and set it on the table. Its dirty wick burnt dimly + at first, being choked in its own grease; and when the bleared eyes and + failing sight of the old woman could distinguish anything by its light, + her visitor was sitting with her arms folded, her eyes turned downwards, + and a handkerchief she had worn upon her head lying on the table by her + side. + </p> + <p> + 'She sent to me by word of mouth then, my gal, Alice?' mumbled the old + woman, after waiting for some moments. 'What did she say?' + </p> + <p> + 'Look,' returned the visitor. + </p> + <p> + The old woman repeated the word in a scared uncertain way; and, shading + her eyes, looked at the speaker, round the room, and at the speaker once + again. + </p> + <p> + 'Alice said look again, mother;' and the speaker fixed her eyes upon her. + </p> + <p> + Again the old woman looked round the room, and at her visitor, and round + the room once more. Hastily seizing the candle, and rising from her seat, + she held it to the visitor's face, uttered a loud cry, set down the light, + and fell upon her neck! + </p> + <p> + 'It's my gal! It's my Alice! It's my handsome daughter, living and come + back!' screamed the old woman, rocking herself to and fro upon the breast + that coldly suffered her embrace. 'It's my gal! It's my Alice! It's my + handsome daughter, living and come back!' she screamed again, dropping on + the floor before her, clasping her knees, laying her head against them, + and still rocking herself to and fro with every frantic demonstration of + which her vitality was capable. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, mother,' returned Alice, stooping forward for a moment and kissing + her, but endeavouring, even in the act, to disengage herself from her + embrace. 'I am here, at last. Let go, mother; let go. Get up, and sit in + your chair. What good does this do?' + </p> + <p> + 'She's come back harder than she went!' cried the mother, looking up in + her face, and still holding to her knees. 'She don't care for me! after + all these years, and all the wretched life I've led!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, mother!' said Alice, shaking her ragged skirts to detach the old + woman from them: 'there are two sides to that. There have been years for + me as well as you, and there has been wretchedness for me as well as you. + Get up, get up!' + </p> + <p> + Her mother rose, and cried, and wrung her hands, and stood at a little + distance gazing on her. Then she took the candle again, and going round + her, surveyed her from head to foot, making a low moaning all the time. + Then she put the candle down, resumed her chair, and beating her hands + together to a kind of weary tune, and rolling herself from side to side, + continued moaning and wailing to herself. + </p> + <p> + Alice got up, took off her wet cloak, and laid it aside. That done, she + sat down as before, and with her arms folded, and her eyes gazing at the + fire, remained silently listening with a contemptuous face to her old + mother's inarticulate complainings. + </p> + <p> + 'Did you expect to see me return as youthful as I went away, mother?' she + said at length, turning her eyes upon the old woman. 'Did you think a + foreign life, like mine, was good for good looks? One would believe so, to + hear you!' + </p> + <p> + 'It ain't that!' cried the mother. 'She knows it!' + </p> + <p> + 'What is it then?' returned the daughter. 'It had best be something that + don't last, mother, or my way out is easier than my way in.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hear that!' exclaimed the mother. 'After all these years she threatens to + desert me in the moment of her coming back again!' + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you, mother, for the second time, there have been years for me as + well as you,' said Alice. 'Come back harder? Of course I have come back + harder. What else did you expect?' + </p> + <p> + 'Harder to me! To her own dear mother!' cried the old woman + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know who began to harden me, if my own dear mother didn't,' she + returned, sitting with her folded arms, and knitted brows, and compressed + lips as if she were bent on excluding, by force, every softer feeling from + her breast. 'Listen, mother, to a word or two. If we understand each other + now, we shall not fall out any more, perhaps. I went away a girl, and have + come back a woman. I went away undutiful enough, and have come back no + better, you may swear. But have you been very dutiful to me?' + </p> + <p> + 'I!' cried the old woman. 'To my gal! A mother dutiful to her own child!' + </p> + <p> + 'It sounds unnatural, don't it?' returned the daughter, looking coldly on + her with her stern, regardless, hardy, beautiful face; 'but I have thought + of it sometimes, in the course of my lone years, till I have got used to + it. I have heard some talk about duty first and last; but it has always + been of my duty to other people. I have wondered now and then—to + pass away the time—whether no one ever owed any duty to me.' + </p> + <p> + Her mother sat mowing, and mumbling, and shaking her head, but whether + angrily or remorsefully, or in denial, or only in her physical infirmity, + did not appear. + </p> + <p> + 'There was a child called Alice Marwood,' said the daughter, with a laugh, + and looking down at herself in terrible derision of herself, 'born, among + poverty and neglect, and nursed in it. Nobody taught her, nobody stepped + forward to help her, nobody cared for her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nobody!' echoed the mother, pointing to herself, and striking her breast. + </p> + <p> + 'The only care she knew,' returned the daughter, 'was to be beaten, and + stinted, and abused sometimes; and she might have done better without + that. She lived in homes like this, and in the streets, with a crowd of + little wretches like herself; and yet she brought good looks out of this + childhood. So much the worse for her. She had better have been hunted and + worried to death for ugliness.' + </p> + <p> + 'Go on! go on!' exclaimed the mother. + </p> + <p> + 'I am going on,' returned the daughter. 'There was a girl called Alice + Marwood. She was handsome. She was taught too late, and taught all wrong. + She was too well cared for, too well trained, too well helped on, too much + looked after. You were very fond of her—you were better off then. + What came to that girl comes to thousands every year. It was only ruin, + and she was born to it.' + </p> + <p> + 'After all these years!' whined the old woman. 'My gal begins with this.' + </p> + <p> + 'She'll soon have ended,' said the daughter. 'There was a criminal called + Alice Marwood—a girl still, but deserted and an outcast. And she was + tried, and she was sentenced. And lord, how the gentlemen in the Court + talked about it! and how grave the judge was on her duty, and on her + having perverted the gifts of nature—as if he didn't know better + than anybody there, that they had been made curses to her!—and how + he preached about the strong arm of the Law—so very strong to save + her, when she was an innocent and helpless little wretch!—and how + solemn and religious it all was! I have thought of that, many times since, + to be sure!' + </p> + <p> + She folded her arms tightly on her breast, and laughed in a tone that made + the howl of the old woman musical. + </p> + <p> + 'So Alice Marwood was transported, mother,' she pursued, 'and was sent to + learn her duty, where there was twenty times less duty, and more + wickedness, and wrong, and infamy, than here. And Alice Marwood is come + back a woman. Such a woman as she ought to be, after all this. In good + time, there will be more solemnity, and more fine talk, and more strong + arm, most likely, and there will be an end of her; but the gentlemen + needn't be afraid of being thrown out of work. There's crowds of little + wretches, boy and girl, growing up in any of the streets they live in, + that'll keep them to it till they've made their fortunes.' + </p> + <p> + The old woman leaned her elbows on the table, and resting her face upon + her two hands, made a show of being in great distress—or really was, + perhaps. + </p> + <p> + 'There! I have done, mother,' said the daughter, with a motion of her + head, as if in dismissal of the subject. 'I have said enough. Don't let + you and I talk of being dutiful, whatever we do. Your childhood was like + mine, I suppose. So much the worse for both of us. I don't want to blame + you, or to defend myself; why should I? That's all over long ago. But I am + a woman—not a girl, now—and you and I needn't make a show of + our history, like the gentlemen in the Court. We know all about it, well + enough.' + </p> + <p> + Lost and degraded as she was, there was a beauty in her, both of face and + form, which, even in its worst expression, could not but be recognised as + such by anyone regarding her with the least attention. As she subsided + into silence, and her face which had been harshly agitated, quieted down; + while her dark eyes, fixed upon the fire, exchanged the reckless light + that had animated them, for one that was softened by something like + sorrow; there shone through all her wayworn misery and fatigue, a ray of + the departed radiance of the fallen angel. + </p> + <p> + Her mother, after watching her for some time without speaking, ventured to + steal her withered hand a little nearer to her across the table; and + finding that she permitted this, to touch her face, and smooth her hair. + With the feeling, as it seemed, that the old woman was at least sincere in + this show of interest, Alice made no movement to check her; so, advancing + by degrees, she bound up her daughter's hair afresh, took off her wet + shoes, if they deserved the name, spread something dry upon her shoulders, + and hovered humbly about her, muttering to herself, as she recognised her + old features and expression more and more. + </p> + <p> + 'You are very poor, mother, I see,' said Alice, looking round, when she + had sat thus for some time. + </p> + <p> + 'Bitter poor, my deary,' replied the old woman. + </p> + <p> + She admired her daughter, and was afraid of her. Perhaps her admiration, + such as it was, had originated long ago, when she first found anything + that was beautiful appearing in the midst of the squalid fight of her + existence. Perhaps her fear was referable, in some sort, to the retrospect + she had so lately heard. Be this as it might, she stood, submissively and + deferentially, before her child, and inclined her head, as if in a pitiful + entreaty to be spared any further reproach. + </p> + <p> + 'How have you lived?' + </p> + <p> + 'By begging, my deary. + </p> + <p> + 'And pilfering, mother?' + </p> + <p> + 'Sometimes, Ally—in a very small way. I am old and timid. I have + taken trifles from children now and then, my deary, but not often. I have + tramped about the country, pet, and I know what I know. I have watched.' + </p> + <p> + 'Watched?' returned the daughter, looking at her. + </p> + <p> + 'I have hung about a family, my deary,' said the mother, even more humbly + and submissively than before. + </p> + <p> + 'What family?' + </p> + <p> + 'Hush, darling. Don't be angry with me. I did it for the love of you. In + memory of my poor gal beyond seas.' She put out her hand deprecatingly, + and drawing it back again, laid it on her lips. + </p> + <p> + 'Years ago, my deary,' she pursued, glancing timidly at the attentive and + stem face opposed to her, 'I came across his little child, by chance.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whose child?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not his, Alice deary; don't look at me like that; not his. How could it + be his? You know he has none.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whose then?' returned the daughter. 'You said his.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hush, Ally; you frighten me, deary. Mr Dombey's—only Mr Dombey's. + Since then, darling, I have seen them often. I have seen him.' + </p> + <p> + In uttering this last word, the old woman shrunk and recoiled, as if with + sudden fear that her daughter would strike her. But though the daughter's + face was fixed upon her, and expressed the most vehement passion, she + remained still: except that she clenched her arms tighter and tighter + within each other, on her bosom, as if to restrain them by that means from + doing an injury to herself, or someone else, in the blind fury of the + wrath that suddenly possessed her. + </p> + <p> + 'Little he thought who I was!' said the old woman, shaking her clenched + hand. + </p> + <p> + 'And little he cared!' muttered her daughter, between her teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'But there we were, said the old woman, 'face to face. I spoke to him, and + he spoke to me. I sat and watched him as he went away down a long grove of + trees: and at every step he took, I cursed him soul and body.' + </p> + <p> + 'He will thrive in spite of that,' returned the daughter disdainfully. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, he is thriving,' said the mother. + </p> + <p> + She held her peace; for the face and form before her were unshaped by + rage. It seemed as if the bosom would burst with the emotions that strove + within it. The effort that constrained and held it pent up, was no less + formidable than the rage itself: no less bespeaking the violent and + dangerous character of the woman who made it. But it succeeded, and she + asked, after a silence: + </p> + <p> + 'Is he married?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, deary,' said the mother. + </p> + <p> + 'Going to be?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not that I know of, deary. But his master and friend is married. Oh, we + may give him joy! We may give 'em all joy!' cried the old woman, hugging + herself with her lean arms in her exultation. 'Nothing but joy to us will + come of that marriage. Mind me!' + </p> + <p> + The daughter looked at her for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + 'But you are wet and tired; hungry and thirsty,' said the old woman, + hobbling to the cupboard; 'and there's little here, and little'—diving + down into her pocket, and jingling a few half—pence on the table—'little + here. Have you any money, Alice, deary?' + </p> + <p> + The covetous, sharp, eager face, with which she asked the question and + looked on, as her daughter took out of her bosom the little gift she had + so lately received, told almost as much of the history of this parent and + child as the child herself had told in words. + </p> + <p> + 'Is that all?' said the mother. + </p> + <p> + 'I have no more. I should not have this, but for charity.' + </p> + <p> + 'But for charity, eh, deary?' said the old woman, bending greedily over + the table to look at the money, which she appeared distrustful of her + daughter's still retaining in her hand, and gazing on. 'Humph! six and six + is twelve, and six eighteen—so—we must make the most of it. + I'll go buy something to eat and drink.' + </p> + <p> + With greater alacrity than might have been expected in one of her + appearance—for age and misery seemed to have made her as decrepit as + ugly—she began to occupy her trembling hands in tying an old bonnet + on her head, and folding a torn shawl about herself: still eyeing the + money in her daughter's hand, with the same sharp desire. + </p> + <p> + 'What joy is to come to us of this marriage, mother?' asked the daughter. + 'You have not told me that.' + </p> + <p> + 'The joy,' she replied, attiring herself, with fumbling fingers, 'of no + love at all, and much pride and hate, my deary. The joy of confusion and + strife among 'em, proud as they are, and of danger—danger, Alice!' + </p> + <p> + 'What danger?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have seen what I have seen. I know what I know!' chuckled the mother. + 'Let some look to it. Let some be upon their guard. My gal may keep good + company yet!' + </p> + <p> + Then, seeing that in the wondering earnestness with which her daughter + regarded her, her hand involuntarily closed upon the money, the old woman + made more speed to secure it, and hurriedly added, 'but I'll go buy + something; I'll go buy something.' + </p> + <p> + As she stood with her hand stretched out before her daughter, her + daughter, glancing again at the money, put it to her lips before parting + with it. + </p> + <p> + 'What, Ally! Do you kiss it?' chuckled the old woman. 'That's like me—I + often do. Oh, it's so good to us!' squeezing her own tarnished halfpence + up to her bag of a throat, 'so good to us in everything but not coming in + heaps!' + </p> + <p> + 'I kiss it, mother,' said the daughter, 'or I did then—I don't know + that I ever did before—for the giver's sake.' + </p> + <p> + 'The giver, eh, deary?' retorted the old woman, whose dimmed eyes + glistened as she took it. 'Ay! I'll kiss it for the giver's sake, too, + when the giver can make it go farther. But I'll go spend it, deary. I'll + be back directly.' + </p> + <p> + 'You seem to say you know a great deal, mother,' said the daughter, + following her to the door with her eyes. 'You have grown very wise since + we parted.' + </p> + <p> + 'Know!' croaked the old woman, coming back a step or two, 'I know more + than you think I know more than he thinks, deary, as I'll tell you by and + bye. I know all.' + </p> + <p> + The daughter smiled incredulously. + </p> + <p> + 'I know of his brother, Alice,' said the old woman, stretching out her + neck with a leer of malice absolutely frightful, 'who might have been + where you have been—for stealing money—and who lives with his + sister, over yonder, by the north road out of London.' + </p> + <p> + 'Where?' + </p> + <p> + 'By the north road out of London, deary. You shall see the house if you + like. It ain't much to boast of, genteel as his own is. No, no, no,' cried + the old woman, shaking her head and laughing; for her daughter had started + up, 'not now; it's too far off; it's by the milestone, where the stones + are heaped;—to-morrow, deary, if it's fine, and you are in the + humour. But I'll go spend—' + </p> + <p> + 'Stop!' and the daughter flung herself upon her, with her former passion + raging like a fire. 'The sister is a fair-faced Devil, with brown hair?' + </p> + <p> + The old woman, amazed and terrified, nodded her head. + </p> + <p> + 'I see the shadow of him in her face! It's a red house standing by itself. + Before the door there is a small green porch.' + </p> + <p> + Again the old woman nodded. + </p> + <p> + 'In which I sat to-day! Give me back the money.' + </p> + <p> + 'Alice! Deary!' + </p> + <p> + 'Give me back the money, or you'll be hurt.' + </p> + <p> + She forced it from the old woman's hand as she spoke, and utterly + indifferent to her complainings and entreaties, threw on the garments she + had taken off, and hurried out, with headlong speed. + </p> + <p> + The mother followed, limping after her as she could, and expostulating + with no more effect upon her than upon the wind and rain and darkness that + encompassed them. Obdurate and fierce in her own purpose, and indifferent + to all besides, the daughter defied the weather and the distance, as if + she had known no travel or fatigue, and made for the house where she had + been relieved. After some quarter of an hour's walking, the old woman, + spent and out of breath, ventured to hold by her skirts; but she ventured + no more, and they travelled on in silence through the wet and gloom. If + the mother now and then uttered a word of complaint, she stifled it lest + her daughter should break away from her and leave her behind; and the + daughter was dumb. + </p> + <p> + It was within an hour or so of midnight, when they left the regular + streets behind them, and entered on the deeper gloom of that neutral + ground where the house was situated. The town lay in the distance, lurid + and lowering; the bleak wind howled over the open space; all around was + black, wild, desolate. + </p> + <p> + 'This is a fit place for me!' said the daughter, stopping to look back. 'I + thought so, when I was here before, to-day.' + </p> + <p> + 'Alice, my deary,' cried the mother, pulling her gently by the skirt. + 'Alice!' + </p> + <p> + 'What now, mother?' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't give the money back, my darling; please don't. We can't afford it. + We want supper, deary. Money is money, whoever gives it. Say what you + will, but keep the money.' + </p> + <p> + 'See there!' was all the daughter's answer. 'That is the house I mean. Is + that it?' + </p> + <p> + The old woman nodded in the affirmative; and a few more paces brought them + to the threshold. There was the light of fire and candle in the room where + Alice had sat to dry her clothes; and on her knocking at the door, John + Carker appeared from that room. + </p> + <p> + He was surprised to see such visitors at such an hour, and asked Alice + what she wanted. + </p> + <p> + 'I want your sister,' she said. 'The woman who gave me money to-day.' + </p> + <p> + At the sound of her raised voice, Harriet came out. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' said Alice. 'You are here! Do you remember me?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' she answered, wondering. + </p> + <p> + The face that had humbled itself before her, looked on her now with such + invincible hatred and defiance; and the hand that had gently touched her + arm, was clenched with such a show of evil purpose, as if it would gladly + strangle her; that she drew close to her brother for protection. + </p> + <p> + 'That I could speak with you, and not know you! That I could come near + you, and not feel what blood was running in your veins, by the tingling of + my own!' said Alice, with a menacing gesture. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean? What have I done?' + </p> + <p> + 'Done!' returned the other. 'You have sat me by your fire; you have given + me food and money; you have bestowed your compassion on me! You! whose + name I spit upon!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman, with a malevolence that made her ugliness quite awful, + shook her withered hand at the brother and sister in confirmation of her + daughter, but plucked her by the skirts again, nevertheless, imploring her + to keep the money. + </p> + <p> + 'If I dropped a tear upon your hand, may it wither it up! If I spoke a + gentle word in your hearing, may it deafen you! If I touched you with my + lips, may the touch be poison to you! A curse upon this roof that gave me + shelter! Sorrow and shame upon your head! Ruin upon all belonging to you!' + </p> + <p> + As she said the words, she threw the money down upon the ground, and + spurned it with her foot. + </p> + <p> + 'I tread it in the dust: I wouldn't take it if it paved my way to Heaven! + I would the bleeding foot that brought me here to-day, had rotted off, + before it led me to your house!' + </p> + <p> + Harriet, pale and trembling, restrained her brother, and suffered her to + go on uninterrupted. + </p> + <p> + 'It was well that I should be pitied and forgiven by you, or anyone of + your name, in the first hour of my return! It was well that you should act + the kind good lady to me! I'll thank you when I die; I'll pray for you, + and all your race, you may be sure!' + </p> + <p> + With a fierce action of her hand, as if she sprinkled hatred on the + ground, and with it devoted those who were standing there to destruction, + she looked up once at the black sky, and strode out into the wild night. + </p> + <p> + The mother, who had plucked at her skirts again and again in vain, and had + eyed the money lying on the threshold with an absorbing greed that seemed + to concentrate her faculties upon it, would have prowled about, until the + house was dark, and then groped in the mire on the chance of repossessing + herself of it. But the daughter drew her away, and they set forth, + straight, on their return to their dwelling; the old woman whimpering and + bemoaning their loss upon the road, and fretfully bewailing, as openly as + she dared, the undutiful conduct of her handsome girl in depriving her of + a supper, on the very first night of their reunion. + </p> + <p> + Supperless to bed she went, saving for a few coarse fragments; and those + she sat mumbling and munching over a scrap of fire, long after her + undutiful daughter lay asleep. + </p> + <p> + Were this miserable mother, and this miserable daughter, only the + reduction to their lowest grade, of certain social vices sometimes + prevailing higher up? In this round world of many circles within circles, + do we make a weary journey from the high grade to the low, to find at last + that they lie close together, that the two extremes touch, and that our + journey's end is but our starting-place? Allowing for great difference of + stuff and texture, was the pattern of this woof repeated among gentle + blood at all? + </p> + <p> + Say, Edith Dombey! And Cleopatra, best of mothers, let us have your + testimony! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 35. The Happy Pair + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he dark blot on the street is gone. Mr Dombey's mansion, if it be a gap + among the other houses any longer, is only so because it is not to be vied + with in its brightness, and haughtily casts them off. The saying is, that + home is home, be it never so homely. If it hold good in the opposite + contingency, and home is home be it never so stately, what an altar to the + Household Gods is raised up here! + </p> + <p> + Lights are sparkling in the windows this evening, and the ruddy glow of + fires is warm and bright upon the hangings and soft carpets, and the + dinner waits to be served, and the dinner-table is handsomely set forth, + though only for four persons, and the side board is cumbrous with plate. + It is the first time that the house has been arranged for occupation since + its late changes, and the happy pair are looked for every minute. + </p> + <p> + Only second to the wedding morning, in the interest and expectation it + engenders among the household, is this evening of the coming home. Mrs + Perch is in the kitchen taking tea; and has made the tour of the + establishment, and priced the silks and damasks by the yard, and exhausted + every interjection in the dictionary and out of it expressive of + admiration and wonder. The upholsterer's foreman, who has left his hat, + with a pocket-handkerchief in it, both smelling strongly of varnish, under + a chair in the hall, lurks about the house, gazing upwards at the + cornices, and downward at the carpets, and occasionally, in a silent + transport of enjoyment, taking a rule out of his pocket, and skirmishingly + measuring expensive objects, with unutterable feelings. Cook is in high + spirits, and says give her a place where there's plenty of company (as + she'll bet you sixpence there will be now), for she is of a lively + disposition, and she always was from a child, and she don't mind who knows + it; which sentiment elicits from the breast of Mrs Perch a responsive + murmur of support and approbation. All the housemaid hopes is, happiness + for 'em—but marriage is a lottery, and the more she thinks about it, + the more she feels the independence and the safety of a single life. Mr + Towlinson is saturnine and grim, and says that's his opinion too, and give + him War besides, and down with the French—for this young man has a + general impression that every foreigner is a Frenchman, and must be by the + laws of nature. + </p> + <p> + At each new sound of wheels, they all stop, whatever they are saying, and + listen; and more than once there is a general starting up and a cry of + 'Here they are!' But here they are not yet; and Cook begins to mourn over + the dinner, which has been put back twice, and the upholsterer's foreman + still goes lurking about the rooms, undisturbed in his blissful reverie! + </p> + <p> + Florence is ready to receive her father and her new Mama Whether the + emotions that are throbbing in her breast originate in pleasure or in + pain, she hardly knows. But the fluttering heart sends added colour to her + cheeks, and brightness to her eyes; and they say downstairs, drawing their + heads together—for they always speak softly when they speak of her—how + beautiful Miss Florence looks to-night, and what a sweet young lady she + has grown, poor dear! A pause succeeds; and then Cook, feeling, as + president, that her sentiments are waited for, wonders whether—and + there stops. The housemaid wonders too, and so does Mrs Perch, who has the + happy social faculty of always wondering when other people wonder, without + being at all particular what she wonders at. Mr Towlinson, who now + descries an opportunity of bringing down the spirits of the ladies to his + own level, says wait and see; he wishes some people were well out of this. + Cook leads a sigh then, and a murmur of 'Ah, it's a strange world, it is + indeed!' and when it has gone round the table, adds persuasively, 'but + Miss Florence can't well be the worse for any change, Tom.' Mr Towlinson's + rejoinder, pregnant with frightful meaning, is 'Oh, can't she though!' and + sensible that a mere man can scarcely be more prophetic, or improve upon + that, he holds his peace. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton, prepared to greet her darling daughter and dear son-in-law + with open arms, is appropriately attired for that purpose in a very + youthful costume, with short sleeves. At present, however, her ripe charms + are blooming in the shade of her own apartments, whence she had not + emerged since she took possession of them a few hours ago, and where she + is fast growing fretful, on account of the postponement of dinner. The + maid who ought to be a skeleton, but is in truth a buxom damsel, is, on + the other hand, in a most amiable state: considering her quarterly stipend + much safer than heretofore, and foreseeing a great improvement in her + board and lodging. + </p> + <p> + Where are the happy pair, for whom this brave home is waiting? Do steam, + tide, wind, and horses, all abate their speed, to linger on such + happiness? Does the swarm of loves and graces hovering about them retard + their progress by its numbers? Are there so many flowers in their happy + path, that they can scarcely move along, without entanglement in thornless + roses, and sweetest briar? + </p> + <p> + They are here at last! The noise of wheels is heard, grows louder, and a + carriage drives up to the door! A thundering knock from the obnoxious + foreigner anticipates the rush of Mr Towlinson and party to open it; and + Mr Dombey and his bride alight, and walk in arm in arm. + </p> + <p> + 'My sweetest Edith!' cries an agitated voice upon the stairs. 'My dearest + Dombey!' and the short sleeves wreath themselves about the happy couple in + turn, and embrace them. + </p> + <p> + Florence had come down to the hall too, but did not advance: reserving her + timid welcome until these nearer and dearer transports should subside. But + the eyes of Edith sought her out, upon the threshold; and dismissing her + sensitive parent with a slight kiss on the cheek, she hurried on to + Florence and embraced her. + </p> + <p> + 'How do you do, Florence?' said Mr Dombey, putting out his hand. + </p> + <p> + As Florence, trembling, raised it to her lips, she met his glance. The + look was cold and distant enough, but it stirred her heart to think that + she observed in it something more of interest than he had ever shown + before. It even expressed a kind of faint surprise, and not a disagreeable + surprise, at sight of her. She dared not raise her eyes to his any more; + but she felt that he looked at her once again, and not less favourably. Oh + what a thrill of joy shot through her, awakened by even this intangible + and baseless confirmation of her hope that she would learn to win him, + through her new and beautiful Mama! + </p> + <p> + 'You will not be long dressing, Mrs Dombey, I presume?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall be ready immediately.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let them send up dinner in a quarter of an hour.' + </p> + <p> + With that Mr Dombey stalked away to his own dressing-room, and Mrs Dombey + went upstairs to hers. Mrs Skewton and Florence repaired to the + drawing-room, where that excellent mother considered it incumbent on her + to shed a few irrepressible tears, supposed to be forced from her by her + daughter's felicity; and which she was still drying, very gingerly, with a + laced corner of her pocket-handkerchief, when her son-in-law appeared. + </p> + <p> + 'And how, my dearest Dombey, did you find that delightfullest of cities, + Paris?' she asked, subduing her emotion. + </p> + <p> + 'It was cold,' returned Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Gay as ever,' said Mrs Skewton, 'of course. + </p> + <p> + 'Not particularly. I thought it dull,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Fie, my dearest Dombey!' archly; 'dull!' + </p> + <p> + 'It made that impression upon me, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, with grave + politeness. 'I believe Mrs Dombey found it dull too. She mentioned once or + twice that she thought it so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you naughty girl!' cried Mrs Skewton, rallying her dear child, who + now entered, 'what dreadfully heretical things have you been saying about + Paris?' + </p> + <p> + Edith raised her eyebrows with an air of weariness; and passing the + folding-doors which were thrown open to display the suite of rooms in + their new and handsome garniture, and barely glancing at them as she + passed, sat down by Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Dombey,' said Mrs Skewton, 'how charmingly these people have + carried out every idea that we hinted. They have made a perfect palace of + the house, positively.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is handsome,' said Mr Dombey, looking round. 'I directed that no + expense should be spared; and all that money could do, has been done, I + believe.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what can it not do, dear Dombey?' observed Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + 'It is powerful, Madam,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + He looked in his solemn way towards his wife, but not a word said she. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, Mrs Dombey,' addressing her after a moment's silence, with + especial distinctness; 'that these alterations meet with your approval?' + </p> + <p> + 'They are as handsome as they can be,' she returned, with haughty + carelessness. 'They should be so, of course. And I suppose they are.' + </p> + <p> + An expression of scorn was habitual to the proud face, and seemed + inseparable from it; but the contempt with which it received any appeal to + admiration, respect, or consideration on the ground of his riches, no + matter how slight or ordinary in itself, was a new and different + expression, unequalled in intensity by any other of which it was capable. + Whether Mr Dombey, wrapped in his own greatness, was at all aware of this, + or no, there had not been wanting opportunities already for his complete + enlightenment; and at that moment it might have been effected by the one + glance of the dark eye that lighted on him, after it had rapidly and + scornfully surveyed the theme of his self-glorification. He might have + read in that one glance that nothing that his wealth could do, though it + were increased ten thousand fold, could win him for its own sake, one look + of softened recognition from the defiant woman, linked to him, but arrayed + with her whole soul against him. He might have read in that one glance + that even for its sordid and mercenary influence upon herself, she spurned + it, while she claimed its utmost power as her right, her bargain—as + the base and worthless recompense for which she had become his wife. He + might have read in it that, ever baring her own head for the lightning of + her own contempt and pride to strike, the most innocent allusion to the + power of his riches degraded her anew, sunk her deeper in her own respect, + and made the blight and waste within her more complete. + </p> + <p> + But dinner was announced, and Mr Dombey led down Cleopatra; Edith and his + daughter following. Sweeping past the gold and silver demonstration on the + sideboard as if it were heaped-up dirt, and deigning to bestow no look + upon the elegancies around her, she took her place at his board for the + first time, and sat, like a statue, at the feast. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, being a good deal in the statue way himself, was well enough + pleased to see his handsome wife immovable and proud and cold. Her + deportment being always elegant and graceful, this as a general behaviour + was agreeable and congenial to him. Presiding, therefore, with his + accustomed dignity, and not at all reflecting on his wife by any warmth or + hilarity of his own, he performed his share of the honours of the table + with a cool satisfaction; and the installation dinner, though not regarded + downstairs as a great success, or very promising beginning, passed off, + above, in a sufficiently polite, genteel, and frosty manner. + </p> + <p> + Soon after tea, Mrs Skewton, who affected to be quite overcome and worn + out by her emotions of happiness, arising in the contemplation of her dear + child united to the man of her heart, but who, there is reason to suppose, + found this family party somewhat dull, as she yawned for one hour + continually behind her fan, retired to bed. Edith, also, silently withdrew + and came back no more. Thus, it happened that Florence, who had been + upstairs to have some conversation with Diogenes, returning to the + drawing-room with her little work-basket, found no one there but her + father, who was walking to and fro, in dreary magnificence. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon. Shall I go away, Papa?' said Florence faintly, + hesitating at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'No,' returned Mr Dombey, looking round over his shoulder; 'you can come + and go here, Florence, as you please. This is not my private room.' + </p> + <p> + Florence entered, and sat down at a distant little table with her work: + finding herself for the first time in her life—for the very first + time within her memory from her infancy to that hour—alone with her + father, as his companion. She, his natural companion, his only child, who + in her lonely life and grief had known the suffering of a breaking heart; + who, in her rejected love, had never breathed his name to God at night, + but with a tearful blessing, heavier on him than a curse; who had prayed + to die young, so she might only die in his arms; who had, all through, + repaid the agony of slight and coldness, and dislike, with patient + unexacting love, excusing him, and pleading for him, like his better + angel! + </p> + <p> + She trembled, and her eyes were dim. His figure seemed to grow in height + and bulk before her as he paced the room: now it was all blurred and + indistinct; now clear again, and plain; and now she seemed to think that + this had happened, just the same, a multitude of years ago. She yearned + towards him, and yet shrunk from his approach. Unnatural emotion in a + child, innocent of wrong! Unnatural the hand that had directed the sharp + plough, which furrowed up her gentle nature for the sowing of its seeds! + </p> + <p> + Bent upon not distressing or offending him by her distress, Florence + controlled herself, and sat quietly at her work. After a few more turns + across and across the room, he left off pacing it; and withdrawing into a + shadowy corner at some distance, where there was an easy chair, covered + his head with a handkerchief, and composed himself to sleep. + </p> + <p> + It was enough for Florence to sit there watching him; turning her eyes + towards his chair from time to time; watching him with her thoughts, when + her face was intent upon her work; and sorrowfully glad to think that he + could sleep, while she was there, and that he was not made restless by her + strange and long-forbidden presence. + </p> + <p> + What would have been her thoughts if she had known that he was steadily + regarding her; that the veil upon his face, by accident or by design, was + so adjusted that his sight was free, and that it never wandered from her + face face an instant. That when she looked towards him, in the obscure + dark corner, her speaking eyes, more earnest and pathetic in their + voiceless speech than all the orators of all the world, and impeaching him + more nearly in their mute address, met his, and did not know it! That when + she bent her head again over her work, he drew his breath more easily, but + with the same attention looked upon her still—upon her white brow + and her falling hair, and busy hands; and once attracted, seemed to have + no power to turn his eyes away! + </p> + <p> + And what were his thoughts meanwhile? With what emotions did he prolong + the attentive gaze covertly directed on his unknown daughter? Was there + reproach to him in the quiet figure and the mild eyes? Had he begun to her + disregarded claims and did they touch him home at last, and waken him to + some sense of his cruel injustice? + </p> + <p> + There are yielding moments in the lives of the sternest and harshest men, + though such men often keep their secret well. The sight of her in her + beauty, almost changed into a woman without his knowledge, may have struck + out some such moments even in his life of pride. Some passing thought that + he had had a happy home within his reach—had had a household spirit + bending at has feet—had overlooked it in his stiffnecked sullen + arrogance, and wandered away and lost himself, may have engendered them. + Some simple eloquence distinctly heard, though only uttered in her eyes, + unconscious that he read them as 'By the death-beds I have tended, by the + childhood I have suffered, by our meeting in this dreary house at + midnight, by the cry wrung from me in the anguish of my heart, oh, father, + turn to me and seek a refuge in my love before it is too late!' may have + arrested them. Meaner and lower thoughts, as that his dead boy was now + superseded by new ties, and he could forgive the having been supplanted in + his affection, may have occasioned them. The mere association of her as an + ornament, with all the ornament and pomp about him, may have been + sufficient. But as he looked, he softened to her, more and more. As he + looked, she became blended with the child he had loved, and he could + hardly separate the two. As he looked, he saw her for an instant by a + clearer and a brighter light, not bending over that child's pillow as his + rival—monstrous thought—but as the spirit of his home, and in + the action tending himself no less, as he sat once more with his + bowed-down head upon his hand at the foot of the little bed. He felt + inclined to speak to her, and call her to him. The words 'Florence, come + here!' were rising to his lips—but slowly and with difficulty, they + were so very strange—when they were checked and stifled by a + footstep on the stair. + </p> + <p> + It was his wife's. She had exchanged her dinner dress for a loose robe, + and unbound her hair, which fell freely about her neck. But this was not + the change in her that startled him. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence, dear,' she said, 'I have been looking for you everywhere.' + </p> + <p> + As she sat down by the side of Florence, she stooped and kissed her hand. + He hardly knew his wife. She was so changed. It was not merely that her + smile was new to him—though that he had never seen; but her manner, + the tone of her voice, the light of her eyes, the interest, and + confidence, and winning wish to please, expressed in all-this was not + Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Softly, dear Mama. Papa is asleep.' + </p> + <p> + It was Edith now. She looked towards the corner where he was, and he knew + that face and manner very well. + </p> + <p> + 'I scarcely thought you could be here, Florence.' + </p> + <p> + Again, how altered and how softened, in an instant! + </p> + <p> + 'I left here early,' pursued Edith, 'purposely to sit upstairs and talk + with you. But, going to your room, I found my bird was flown, and I have + been waiting there ever since, expecting its return. + </p> + <p> + If it had been a bird, indeed, she could not have taken it more tenderly + and gently to her breast, than she did Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Papa will not expect to find me, I suppose, when he wakes,' hesitated + Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think he will, Florence?' said Edith, looking full upon her. + </p> + <p> + Florence drooped her head, and rose, and put up her work-basket Edith drew + her hand through her arm, and they went out of the room like sisters. Her + very step was different and new to him, Mr Dombey thought, as his eyes + followed her to the door. + </p> + <p> + He sat in his shadowy corner so long, that the church clocks struck the + hour three times before he moved that night. All that while his face was + still intent upon the spot where Florence had been seated. The room grew + darker, as the candles waned and went out; but a darkness gathered on his + face, exceeding any that the night could cast, and rested there. + </p> + <p> + Florence and Edith, seated before the fire in the remote room where little + Paul had died, talked together for a long time. Diogenes, who was of the + party, had at first objected to the admission of Edith, and, even in + deference to his mistress's wish, had only permitted it under growling + protest. But, emerging by little and little from the ante-room, whither he + had retired in dudgeon, he soon appeared to comprehend, that with the most + amiable intentions he had made one of those mistakes which will + occasionally arise in the best-regulated dogs' minds; as a friendly + apology for which he stuck himself up on end between the two, in a very + hot place in front of the fire, and sat panting at it, with his tongue + out, and a most imbecile expression of countenance, listening to the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + It turned, at first, on Florence's books and favourite pursuits, and on + the manner in which she had beguiled the interval since the marriage. The + last theme opened up to her a subject which lay very near her heart, and + she said, with the tears starting to her eyes: + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Mama! I have had a great sorrow since that day.' + </p> + <p> + 'You a great sorrow, Florence!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Poor Walter is drowned.' + </p> + <p> + Florence spread her hands before her face, and wept with all her heart. + Many as were the secret tears which Walter's fate had cost her, they + flowed yet, when she thought or spoke of him. + </p> + <p> + 'But tell me, dear,' said Edith, soothing her. 'Who was Walter? What was + he to you?' + </p> + <p> + 'He was my brother, Mama. After dear Paul died, we said we would be + brother and sister. I had known him a long time—from a little child. + He knew Paul, who liked him very much; Paul said, almost at the last, + "Take care of Walter, dear Papa! I was fond of him!" Walter had been + brought in to see him, and was there then—in this room.' + </p> + <p> + 'And did he take care of Walter?' inquired Edith, sternly. + </p> + <p> + 'Papa? He appointed him to go abroad. He was drowned in shipwreck on his + voyage,' said Florence, sobbing. + </p> + <p> + 'Does he know that he is dead?' asked Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot tell, Mama. I have no means of knowing. Dear Mama!' cried + Florence, clinging to her as for help, and hiding her face upon her bosom, + 'I know that you have seen—' + </p> + <p> + 'Stay! Stop, Florence.' Edith turned so pale, and spoke so earnestly, that + Florence did not need her restraining hand upon her lips. 'Tell me all + about Walter first; let me understand this history all through.' + </p> + <p> + Florence related it, and everything belonging to it, even down to the + friendship of Mr Toots, of whom she could hardly speak in her distress + without a tearful smile, although she was deeply grateful to him. When she + had concluded her account, to the whole of which Edith, holding her hand, + listened with close attention, and when a silence had succeeded, Edith + said: + </p> + <p> + 'What is it that you know I have seen, Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'That I am not,' said Florence, with the same mute appeal, and the same + quick concealment of her face as before, 'that I am not a favourite child, + Mama. I never have been. I have never known how to be. I have missed the + way, and had no one to show it to me. Oh, let me learn from you how to + become dearer to Papa Teach me! you, who can so well!' and clinging closer + to her, with some broken fervent words of gratitude and endearment, + Florence, relieved of her sad secret, wept long, but not as painfully as + of yore, within the encircling arms of her new mother. + </p> + <p> + Pale even to her lips, and with a face that strove for composure until its + proud beauty was as fixed as death, Edith looked down upon the weeping + girl, and once kissed her. Then gradually disengaging herself, and putting + Florence away, she said, stately, and quiet as a marble image, and in a + voice that deepened as she spoke, but had no other token of emotion in it: + </p> + <p> + 'Florence, you do not know me! Heaven forbid that you should learn from + me!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not learn from you?' repeated Florence, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + 'That I should teach you how to love, or be loved, Heaven forbid!' said + Edith. 'If you could teach me, that were better; but it is too late. You + are dear to me, Florence. I did not think that anything could ever be so + dear to me, as you are in this little time.' + </p> + <p> + She saw that Florence would have spoken here, so checked her with her + hand, and went on. + </p> + <p> + 'I will be your true friend always. I will cherish you, as much, if not as + well as anyone in this world could. You may trust in me—I know it + and I say it, dear,—with the whole confidence even of your pure + heart. There are hosts of women whom he might have married, better and + truer in all other respects than I am, Florence; but there is not one who + could come here, his wife, whose heart could beat with greater truth to + you than mine does.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know it, dear Mama!' cried Florence. 'From that first most happy day I + have known it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Most happy day!' Edith seemed to repeat the words involuntarily, and went + on. 'Though the merit is not mine, for I thought little of you until I saw + you, let the undeserved reward be mine in your trust and love. And in this—in + this, Florence; on the first night of my taking up my abode here; I am led + on as it is best I should be, to say it for the first and last time.' + </p> + <p> + Florence, without knowing why, felt almost afraid to hear her proceed, but + kept her eyes riveted on the beautiful face so fixed upon her own. + </p> + <p> + 'Never seek to find in me,' said Edith, laying her hand upon her breast, + 'what is not here. Never if you can help it, Florence, fall off from me + because it is not here. Little by little you will know me better, and the + time will come when you will know me, as I know myself. Then, be as + lenient to me as you can, and do not turn to bitterness the only sweet + remembrance I shall have.' + </p> + <p> + The tears that were visible in her eyes as she kept them fixed on + Florence, showed that the composed face was but as a handsome mask; but + she preserved it, and continued: + </p> + <p> + 'I have seen what you say, and know how true it is. But believe me—you + will soon, if you cannot now—there is no one on this earth less + qualified to set it right or help you, Florence, than I. Never ask me why, + or speak to me about it or of my husband, more. There should be, so far, a + division, and a silence between us two, like the grave itself.' + </p> + <p> + She sat for some time silent; Florence scarcely venturing to breathe + meanwhile, as dim and imperfect shadows of the truth, and all its daily + consequences, chased each other through her terrified, yet incredulous + imagination. Almost as soon as she had ceased to speak, Edith's face began + to subside from its set composure to that quieter and more relenting + aspect, which it usually wore when she and Florence were alone together. + She shaded it, after this change, with her hands; and when she arose, and + with an affectionate embrace bade Florence good-night, went quickly, and + without looking round. + </p> + <p> + But when Florence was in bed, and the room was dark except for the glow of + the fire, Edith returned, and saying that she could not sleep, and that + her dressing-room was lonely, drew a chair upon the hearth, and watched + the embers as they died away. Florence watched them too from her bed, + until they, and the noble figure before them, crowned with its flowing + hair, and in its thoughtful eyes reflecting back their light, became + confused and indistinct, and finally were lost in slumber. + </p> + <p> + In her sleep, however, Florence could not lose an undefined impression of + what had so recently passed. It formed the subject of her dreams, and + haunted her; now in one shape, now in another; but always oppressively; + and with a sense of fear. She dreamed of seeking her father in + wildernesses, of following his track up fearful heights, and down into + deep mines and caverns; of being charged with something that would release + him from extraordinary suffering—she knew not what, or why—yet + never being able to attain the goal and set him free. Then she saw him + dead, upon that very bed, and in that very room, and knew that he had + never loved her to the last, and fell upon his cold breast, passionately + weeping. Then a prospect opened, and a river flowed, and a plaintive voice + she knew, cried, 'It is running on, Floy! It has never stopped! You are + moving with it!' And she saw him at a distance stretching out his arms + towards her, while a figure such as Walter's used to be, stood near him, + awfully serene and still. In every vision, Edith came and went, sometimes + to her joy, sometimes to her sorrow, until they were alone upon the brink + of a dark grave, and Edith pointing down, she looked and saw—what!—another + Edith lying at the bottom. + </p> + <p> + In the terror of this dream, she cried out and awoke, she thought. A soft + voice seemed to whisper in her ear, 'Florence, dear Florence, it is + nothing but a dream!' and stretching out her arms, she returned the caress + of her new Mama, who then went out at the door in the light of the grey + morning. In a moment, Florence sat up wondering whether this had really + taken place or not; but she was only certain that it was grey morning + indeed, and that the blackened ashes of the fire were on the hearth, and + that she was alone. + </p> + <p> + So passed the night on which the happy pair came home. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 36. Housewarming + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>any succeeding days passed in like manner; except that there were + numerous visits received and paid, and that Mrs Skewton held little levees + in her own apartments, at which Major Bagstock was a frequent attendant, + and that Florence encountered no second look from her father, although she + saw him every day. Nor had she much communication in words with her new + Mama, who was imperious and proud to all the house but her—Florence + could not but observe that—and who, although she always sent for her + or went to her when she came home from visiting, and would always go into + her room at night, before retiring to rest, however late the hour, and + never lost an opportunity of being with her, was often her silent and + thoughtful companion for a long time together. + </p> + <p> + Florence, who had hoped for so much from this marriage, could not help + sometimes comparing the bright house with the faded dreary place out of + which it had arisen, and wondering when, in any shape, it would begin to + be a home; for that it was no home then, for anyone, though everything + went on luxuriously and regularly, she had always a secret misgiving. Many + an hour of sorrowful reflection by day and night, and many a tear of + blighted hope, Florence bestowed upon the assurance her new Mama had given + her so strongly, that there was no one on the earth more powerless than + herself to teach her how to win her father's heart. And soon Florence + began to think—resolved to think would be the truer phrase—that + as no one knew so well, how hopeless of being subdued or changed her + father's coldness to her was, so she had given her this warning, and + forbidden the subject in very compassion. Unselfish here, as in her every + act and fancy, Florence preferred to bear the pain of this new wound, + rather than encourage any faint foreshadowings of the truth as it + concerned her father; tender of him, even in her wandering thoughts. As + for his home, she hoped it would become a better one, when its state of + novelty and transition should be over; and for herself, thought little and + lamented less. + </p> + <p> + If none of the new family were particularly at home in private, it was + resolved that Mrs Dombey at least should be at home in public, without + delay. A series of entertainments in celebration of the late nuptials, and + in cultivation of society, were arranged, chiefly by Mr Dombey and Mrs + Skewton; and it was settled that the festive proceedings should commence + by Mrs Dombey's being at home upon a certain evening, and by Mr and Mrs + Dombey's requesting the honour of the company of a great many incongruous + people to dinner on the same day. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Mr Dombey produced a list of sundry eastern magnates who were + to be bidden to this feast on his behalf; to which Mrs Skewton, acting for + her dearest child, who was haughtily careless on the subject, subjoined a + western list, comprising Cousin Feenix, not yet returned to Baden-Baden, + greatly to the detriment of his personal estate; and a variety of moths of + various degrees and ages, who had, at various times, fluttered round the + light of her fair daughter, or herself, without any lasting injury to + their wings. Florence was enrolled as a member of the dinner-party, by + Edith's command—elicited by a moment's doubt and hesitation on the + part of Mrs Skewton; and Florence, with a wondering heart, and with a + quick instinctive sense of everything that grated on her father in the + least, took her silent share in the proceedings of the day. + </p> + <p> + The proceedings commenced by Mr Dombey, in a cravat of extraordinary + height and stiffness, walking restlessly about the drawing-room until the + hour appointed for dinner; punctual to which, an East India Director, of + immense wealth, in a waistcoat apparently constructed in serviceable deal + by some plain carpenter, but really engendered in the tailor's art, and + composed of the material called nankeen, arrived and was received by Mr + Dombey alone. The next stage of the proceedings was Mr Dombey's sending + his compliments to Mrs Dombey, with a correct statement of the time; and + the next, the East India Director's falling prostrate, in a conversational + point of view, and as Mr Dombey was not the man to pick him up, staring at + the fire until rescue appeared in the shape of Mrs Skewton; whom the + director, as a pleasant start in life for the evening, mistook for Mrs + Dombey, and greeted with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + The next arrival was a Bank Director, reputed to be able to buy up + anything—human Nature generally, if he should take it in his head to + influence the money market in that direction—but who was a + wonderfully modest-spoken man, almost boastfully so, and mentioned his + 'little place' at Kingston-upon-Thames, and its just being barely equal to + giving Dombey a bed and a chop, if he would come and visit it. Ladies, he + said, it was not for a man who lived in his quiet way to take upon himself + to invite—but if Mrs Skewton and her daughter, Mrs Dombey, should + ever find themselves in that direction, and would do him the honour to + look at a little bit of a shrubbery they would find there, and a poor + little flower-bed or so, and a humble apology for a pinery, and two or + three little attempts of that sort without any pretension, they would + distinguish him very much. Carrying out his character, this gentleman was + very plainly dressed, in a wisp of cambric for a neckcloth, big shoes, a + coat that was too loose for him, and a pair of trousers that were too + spare; and mention being made of the Opera by Mrs Skewton, he said he very + seldom went there, for he couldn't afford it. It seemed greatly to delight + and exhilarate him to say so: and he beamed on his audience afterwards, + with his hands in his pockets, and excessive satisfaction twinkling in his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Now Mrs Dombey appeared, beautiful and proud, and as disdainful and + defiant of them all as if the bridal wreath upon her head had been a + garland of steel spikes put on to force concession from her which she + would die sooner than yield. With her was Florence. When they entered + together, the shadow of the night of the return again darkened Mr Dombey's + face. But unobserved; for Florence did not venture to raise her eyes to + his, and Edith's indifference was too supreme to take the least heed of + him. + </p> + <p> + The arrivals quickly became numerous. More directors, chairmen of public + companies, elderly ladies carrying burdens on their heads for full dress, + Cousin Feenix, Major Bagstock, friends of Mrs Skewton, with the same + bright bloom on their complexion, and very precious necklaces on very + withered necks. Among these, a young lady of sixty-five, remarkably coolly + dressed as to her back and shoulders, who spoke with an engaging lisp, and + whose eyelids wouldn't keep up well, without a great deal of trouble on + her part, and whose manners had that indefinable charm which so frequently + attaches to the giddiness of youth. As the greater part of Mr Dombey's + list were disposed to be taciturn, and the greater part of Mrs Dombey's + list were disposed to be talkative, and there was no sympathy between + them, Mrs Dombey's list, by magnetic agreement, entered into a bond of + union against Mr Dombey's list, who, wandering about the rooms in a + desolate manner, or seeking refuge in corners, entangled themselves with + company coming in, and became barricaded behind sofas, and had doors + opened smartly from without against their heads, and underwent every sort + of discomfiture. + </p> + <p> + When dinner was announced, Mr Dombey took down an old lady like a crimson + velvet pincushion stuffed with bank notes, who might have been the + identical old lady of Threadneedle Street, she was so rich, and looked so + unaccommodating; Cousin Feenix took down Mrs Dombey; Major Bagstock took + down Mrs Skewton; the young thing with the shoulders was bestowed, as an + extinguisher, upon the East India Director; and the remaining ladies were + left on view in the drawing-room by the remaining gentlemen, until a + forlorn hope volunteered to conduct them downstairs, and those brave + spirits with their captives blocked up the dining-room door, shutting out + seven mild men in the stony-hearted hall. When all the rest were got in + and were seated, one of these mild men still appeared, in smiling + confusion, totally destitute and unprovided for, and, escorted by the + butler, made the complete circuit of the table twice before his chair + could be found, which it finally was, on Mrs Dombey's left hand; after + which the mild man never held up his head again. + </p> + <p> + Now, the spacious dining-room, with the company seated round the + glittering table, busy with their glittering spoons, and knives and forks, + and plates, might have been taken for a grown-up exposition of Tom + Tiddler's ground, where children pick up gold and silver. Mr Dombey, as + Tiddler, looked his character to admiration; and the long plateau of + precious metal frosted, separating him from Mrs Dombey, whereon frosted + Cupids offered scentless flowers to each of them, was allegorical to see. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix was in great force, and looked astonishingly young. But he + was sometimes thoughtless in his good humour—his memory occasionally + wandering like his legs—and on this occasion caused the company to + shudder. It happened thus. The young lady with the back, who regarded + Cousin Feenix with sentiments of tenderness, had entrapped the East India + Director into leading her to the chair next him; in return for which good + office, she immediately abandoned the Director, who, being shaded on the + other side by a gloomy black velvet hat surmounting a bony and speechless + female with a fan, yielded to a depression of spirits and withdrew into + himself. Cousin Feenix and the young lady were very lively and humorous, + and the young lady laughed so much at something Cousin Feenix related to + her, that Major Bagstock begged leave to inquire on behalf of Mrs Skewton + (they were sitting opposite, a little lower down), whether that might not + be considered public property. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, upon my life,' said Cousin Feenix, 'there's nothing in it; it really + is not worth repeating: in point of fact, it's merely an anecdote of Jack + Adams. I dare say my friend Dombey;' for the general attention was + concentrated on Cousin Feenix; 'may remember Jack Adams, Jack Adams, not + Joe; that was his brother. Jack—little Jack—man with a cast in + his eye, and slight impediment in his speech—man who sat for + somebody's borough. We used to call him in my parliamentary time W. P. + Adams, in consequence of his being Warming Pan for a young fellow who was + in his minority. Perhaps my friend Dombey may have known the man?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, who was as likely to have known Guy Fawkes, replied in the + negative. But one of the seven mild men unexpectedly leaped into + distinction, by saying he had known him, and adding—'always wore + Hessian boots!' + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly,' said Cousin Feenix, bending forward to see the mild man, and + smile encouragement at him down the table. 'That was Jack. Joe wore—' + </p> + <p> + 'Tops!' cried the mild man, rising in public estimation every Instant. + </p> + <p> + 'Of course,' said Cousin Feenix, 'you were intimate with em?' + </p> + <p> + 'I knew them both,' said the mild man. With whom Mr Dombey immediately + took wine. + </p> + <p> + 'Devilish good fellow, Jack!' said Cousin Feenix, again bending forward, + and smiling. + </p> + <p> + 'Excellent,' returned the mild man, becoming bold on his success. 'One of + the best fellows I ever knew.' + </p> + <p> + 'No doubt you have heard the story?' said Cousin Feenix. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall know,' replied the bold mild man, 'when I have heard your Ludship + tell it.' With that, he leaned back in his chair and smiled at the + ceiling, as knowing it by heart, and being already tickled. + </p> + <p> + 'In point of fact, it's nothing of a story in itself,' said Cousin Feenix, + addressing the table with a smile, and a gay shake of his head, 'and not + worth a word of preface. But it's illustrative of the neatness of Jack's + humour. The fact is, that Jack was invited down to a marriage—which + I think took place in Berkshire?' + </p> + <p> + 'Shropshire,' said the bold mild man, finding himself appealed to. + </p> + <p> + 'Was it? Well! In point of fact it might have been in any shire,' said + Cousin Feenix. 'So my friend being invited down to this marriage in + Anyshire,' with a pleasant sense of the readiness of this joke, 'goes. + Just as some of us, having had the honour of being invited to the marriage + of my lovely and accomplished relative with my friend Dombey, didn't + require to be asked twice, and were devilish glad to be present on so + interesting an occasion.—Goes—Jack goes. Now, this marriage + was, in point of fact, the marriage of an uncommonly fine girl with a man + for whom she didn't care a button, but whom she accepted on account of his + property, which was immense. When Jack returned to town, after the + nuptials, a man he knew, meeting him in the lobby of the House of Commons, + says, "Well, Jack, how are the ill-matched couple?" "Ill-matched," says + Jack "Not at all. It's a perfectly and equal transaction. She is regularly + bought, and you may take your oath he is as regularly sold!"' + </p> + <p> + In his full enjoyment of this culminating point of his story, the shudder, + which had gone all round the table like an electric spark, struck Cousin + Feenix, and he stopped. Not a smile occasioned by the only general topic + of conversation broached that day, appeared on any face. A profound + silence ensued; and the wretched mild man, who had been as innocent of any + real foreknowledge of the story as the child unborn, had the exquisite + misery of reading in every eye that he was regarded as the prime mover of + the mischief. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey's face was not a changeful one, and being cast in its mould of + state that day, showed little other apprehension of the story, if any, + than that which he expressed when he said solemnly, amidst the silence, + that it was 'Very good.' There was a rapid glance from Edith towards + Florence, but otherwise she remained, externally, impassive and + unconscious. + </p> + <p> + Through the various stages of rich meats and wines, continual gold and + silver, dainties of earth, air, fire, and water, heaped-up fruits, and + that unnecessary article in Mr Dombey's banquets—ice—the + dinner slowly made its way: the later stages being achieved to the + sonorous music of incessant double knocks, announcing the arrival of + visitors, whose portion of the feast was limited to the smell thereof. + When Mrs Dombey rose, it was a sight to see her lord, with stiff throat + and erect head, hold the door open for the withdrawal of the ladies; and + to see how she swept past him with his daughter on her arm. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was a grave sight, behind the decanters, in a state of dignity; + and the East India Director was a forlorn sight near the unoccupied end of + the table, in a state of solitude; and the Major was a military sight, + relating stories of the Duke of York to six of the seven mild men (the + ambitious one was utterly quenched); and the Bank Director was a lowly + sight, making a plan of his little attempt at a pinery, with + dessert-knives, for a group of admirers; and Cousin Feenix was a + thoughtful sight, as he smoothed his long wristbands and stealthily + adjusted his wig. But all these sights were of short duration, being + speedily broken up by coffee, and the desertion of the room. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0475m.jpg" alt="0475m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0475.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + There was a throng in the state-rooms upstairs, increasing every minute; + but still Mr Dombey's list of visitors appeared to have some native + impossibility of amalgamation with Mrs Dombey's list, and no one could + have doubted which was which. The single exception to this rule perhaps + was Mr Carker, who now smiled among the company, and who, as he stood in + the circle that was gathered about Mrs Dombey—watchful of her, of + them, his chief, Cleopatra and the Major, Florence, and everything around—appeared + at ease with both divisions of guests, and not marked as exclusively + belonging to either. + </p> + <p> + Florence had a dread of him, which made his presence in the room a + nightmare to her. She could not avoid the recollection of it, for her eyes + were drawn towards him every now and then, by an attraction of dislike and + distrust that she could not resist. Yet her thoughts were busy with other + things; for as she sat apart—not unadmired or unsought, but in the + gentleness of her quiet spirit—she felt how little part her father + had in what was going on, and saw, with pain, how ill at ease he seemed to + be, and how little regarded he was as he lingered about near the door, for + those visitors whom he wished to distinguish with particular attention, + and took them up to introduce them to his wife, who received them with + proud coldness, but showed no interest or wish to please, and never, after + the bare ceremony of reception, in consultation of his wishes, or in + welcome of his friends, opened her lips. It was not the less perplexing or + painful to Florence, that she who acted thus, treated her so kindly and + with such loving consideration, that it almost seemed an ungrateful return + on her part even to know of what was passing before her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Happy Florence would have been, might she have ventured to bear her father + company, by so much as a look; and happy Florence was, in little + suspecting the main cause of his uneasiness. But afraid of seeming to know + that he was placed at any disadvantage, lest he should be resentful of + that knowledge; and divided between her impulse towards him, and her + grateful affection for Edith; she scarcely dared to raise her eyes towards + either. Anxious and unhappy for them both, the thought stole on her + through the crowd, that it might have been better for them if this noise + of tongues and tread of feet had never come there,—if the old + dulness and decay had never been replaced by novelty and splendour,—if + the neglected child had found no friend in Edith, but had lived her + solitary life, unpitied and forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick had some such thoughts too, but they were not so quietly + developed in her mind. This good matron had been outraged in the first + instance by not receiving an invitation to dinner. That blow partially + recovered, she had gone to a vast expense to make such a figure before Mrs + Dombey at home, as should dazzle the senses of that lady, and heap + mortification, mountains high, on the head of Mrs Skewton. + </p> + <p> + 'But I am made,' said Mrs Chick to Mr Chick, 'of no more account than + Florence! Who takes the smallest notice of me? No one!' + </p> + <p> + 'No one, my dear,' assented Mr Chick, who was seated by the side of Mrs + Chick against the wall, and could console himself, even there, by softly + whistling. + </p> + <p> + 'Does it at all appear as if I was wanted here?' exclaimed Mrs Chick, with + flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'No, my dear, I don't think it does,' said Mr Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'Paul's mad!' said Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + Mr Chick whistled. + </p> + <p> + 'Unless you are a monster, which I sometimes think you are,' said Mrs + Chick with candour, 'don't sit there humming tunes. How anyone with the + most distant feelings of a man, can see that mother-in-law of Paul's, + dressed as she is, going on like that, with Major Bagstock, for whom, + among other precious things, we are indebted to your Lucretia Tox.' + </p> + <p> + 'My Lucretia Tox, my dear!' said Mr Chick, astounded. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' retorted Mrs Chick, with great severity, 'your Lucretia Tox—I + say how anybody can see that mother-in-law of Paul's, and that haughty + wife of Paul's, and these indecent old frights with their backs and + shoulders, and in short this at home generally, and hum—' on which + word Mrs Chick laid a scornful emphasis that made Mr Chick start, 'is, I + thank Heaven, a mystery to me!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Chick screwed his mouth into a form irreconcilable with humming or + whistling, and looked very contemplative. + </p> + <p> + 'But I hope I know what is due to myself,' said Mrs Chick, swelling with + indignation, 'though Paul has forgotten what is due to me. I am not going + to sit here, a member of this family, to be taken no notice of. I am not + the dirt under Mrs Dombey's feet, yet—not quite yet,' said Mrs + Chick, as if she expected to become so, about the day after to-morrow. + 'And I shall go. I will not say (whatever I may think) that this affair + has been got up solely to degrade and insult me. I shall merely go. I + shall not be missed!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick rose erect with these words, and took the arm of Mr Chick, who + escorted her from the room, after half an hour's shady sojourn there. And + it is due to her penetration to observe that she certainly was not missed + at all. + </p> + <p> + But she was not the only indignant guest; for Mr Dombey's list (still + constantly in difficulties) were, as a body, indignant with Mrs Dombey's + list, for looking at them through eyeglasses, and audibly wondering who + all those people were; while Mrs Dombey's list complained of weariness, + and the young thing with the shoulders, deprived of the attentions of that + gay youth Cousin Feenix (who went away from the dinner-table), + confidentially alleged to thirty or forty friends that she was bored to + death. All the old ladies with the burdens on their heads, had greater or + less cause of complaint against Mr Dombey; and the Directors and Chairmen + coincided in thinking that if Dombey must marry, he had better have + married somebody nearer his own age, not quite so handsome, and a little + better off. The general opinion among this class of gentlemen was, that it + was a weak thing in Dombey, and he'd live to repent it. Hardly anybody + there, except the mild men, stayed, or went away, without considering + himself or herself neglected and aggrieved by Mr Dombey or Mrs Dombey; and + the speechless female in the black velvet hat was found to have been + stricken mute, because the lady in the crimson velvet had been handed down + before her. The nature even of the mild men got corrupted, either from + their curdling it with too much lemonade, or from the general inoculation + that prevailed; and they made sarcastic jokes to one another, and + whispered disparagement on stairs and in bye-places. The general + dissatisfaction and discomfort so diffused itself, that the assembled + footmen in the hall were as well acquainted with it as the company above. + Nay, the very linkmen outside got hold of it, and compared the party to a + funeral out of mourning, with none of the company remembered in the will. + </p> + <p> + At last, the guests were all gone, and the linkmen too; and the street, + crowded so long with carriages, was clear; and the dying lights showed no + one in the rooms, but Mr Dombey and Mr Carker, who were talking together + apart, and Mrs Dombey and her mother: the former seated on an ottoman; the + latter reclining in the Cleopatra attitude, awaiting the arrival of her + maid. Mr Dombey having finished his communication to Carker, the latter + advanced obsequiously to take leave. + </p> + <p> + 'I trust,' he said, 'that the fatigues of this delightful evening will not + inconvenience Mrs Dombey to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey,' said Mr Dombey, advancing, 'has sufficiently spared herself + fatigue, to relieve you from any anxiety of that kind. I regret to say, + Mrs Dombey, that I could have wished you had fatigued yourself a little + more on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with a supercilious glance, that it seemed not worth her + while to protract, and turned away her eyes without speaking. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sorry, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, 'that you should not have thought it + your duty—' + </p> + <p> + She looked at him again. + </p> + <p> + 'Your duty, Madam,' pursued Mr Dombey, 'to have received my friends with a + little more deference. Some of those whom you have been pleased to slight + to-night in a very marked manner, Mrs Dombey, confer a distinction upon + you, I must tell you, in any visit they pay you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know that there is someone here?' she returned, now looking at him + steadily. + </p> + <p> + 'No! Carker! I beg that you do not. I insist that you do not,' cried Mr + Dombey, stopping that noiseless gentleman in his withdrawal. 'Mr Carker, + Madam, as you know, possesses my confidence. He is as well acquainted as + myself with the subject on which I speak. I beg to tell you, for your + information, Mrs Dombey, that I consider these wealthy and important + persons confer a distinction upon me:' and Mr Dombey drew himself up, as + having now rendered them of the highest possible importance. + </p> + <p> + 'I ask you,' she repeated, bending her disdainful, steady gaze upon him, + 'do you know that there is someone here, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'I must entreat,' said Mr Carker, stepping forward, 'I must beg, I must + demand, to be released. Slight and unimportant as this difference is—' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton, who had been intent upon her daughter's face, took him up + here. + </p> + <p> + 'My sweetest Edith,' she said, 'and my dearest Dombey; our excellent + friend Mr Carker, for so I am sure I ought to mention him—' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker murmured, 'Too much honour.' + </p> + <p> + '—has used the very words that were in my mind, and that I have been + dying, these ages, for an opportunity of introducing. Slight and + unimportant! My sweetest Edith, and my dearest Dombey, do we not know that + any difference between you two—No, Flowers; not now.' + </p> + <p> + Flowers was the maid, who, finding gentlemen present, retreated with + precipitation. + </p> + <p> + 'That any difference between you two,' resumed Mrs Skewton, 'with the + Heart you possess in common, and the excessively charming bond of feeling + that there is between you, must be slight and unimportant? What words + could better define the fact? None. Therefore I am glad to take this + slight occasion—this trifling occasion, that is so replete with + Nature, and your individual characters, and all that—so truly + calculated to bring the tears into a parent's eyes—to say that I + attach no importance to them in the least, except as developing these + minor elements of Soul; and that, unlike most Mamas-in-law (that odious + phrase, dear Dombey!) as they have been represented to me to exist in this + I fear too artificial world, I never shall attempt to interpose between + you, at such a time, and never can much regret, after all, such little + flashes of the torch of What's-his-name—not Cupid, but the other + delightful creature.' + </p> + <p> + There was a sharpness in the good mother's glance at both her children as + she spoke, that may have been expressive of a direct and well-considered + purpose hidden between these rambling words. That purpose, providently to + detach herself in the beginning from all the clankings of their chain that + were to come, and to shelter herself with the fiction of her innocent + belief in their mutual affection, and their adaptation to each other. + </p> + <p> + 'I have pointed out to Mrs Dombey,' said Mr Dombey, in his most stately + manner, 'that in her conduct thus early in our married life, to which I + object, and which, I request, may be corrected. Carker,' with a nod of + dismissal, 'good-night to you!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker bowed to the imperious form of the Bride, whose sparkling eye + was fixed upon her husband; and stopping at Cleopatra's couch on his way + out, raised to his lips the hand she graciously extended to him, in lowly + and admiring homage. + </p> + <p> + If his handsome wife had reproached him, or even changed countenance, or + broken the silence in which she remained, by one word, now that they were + alone (for Cleopatra made off with all speed), Mr Dombey would have been + equal to some assertion of his case against her. But the intense, + unutterable, withering scorn, with which, after looking upon him, she + dropped her eyes, as if he were too worthless and indifferent to her to be + challenged with a syllable—the ineffable disdain and haughtiness in + which she sat before him—the cold inflexible resolve with which her + every feature seemed to bear him down, and put him by—these, he had + no resource against; and he left her, with her whole overbearing beauty + concentrated on despising him. + </p> + <p> + Was he coward enough to watch her, an hour afterwards, on the old well + staircase, where he had once seen Florence in the moonlight, toiling up + with Paul? Or was he in the dark by accident, when, looking up, he saw her + coming, with a light, from the room where Florence lay, and marked again + the face so changed, which he could not subdue? + </p> + <p> + But it could never alter as his own did. It never, in its uttermost pride + and passion, knew the shadow that had fallen on his, in the dark corner, + on the night of the return; and often since; and which deepened on it now, + as he looked up. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 37. More Warnings than One + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>lorence, Edith, and Mrs Skewton were together next day, and the carriage + was waiting at the door to take them out. For Cleopatra had her galley + again now, and Withers, no longer the-wan, stood upright in a + pigeon-breasted jacket and military trousers, behind her wheel-less chair + at dinner-time and butted no more. The hair of Withers was radiant with + pomatum, in these days of down, and he wore kid gloves and smelt of the + water of Cologne. + </p> + <p> + They were assembled in Cleopatra's room. The Serpent of old Nile (not to + mention her disrespectfully) was reposing on her sofa, sipping her morning + chocolate at three o'clock in the afternoon, and Flowers the Maid was + fastening on her youthful cuffs and frills, and performing a kind of + private coronation ceremony on her, with a peach-coloured velvet bonnet; + the artificial roses in which nodded to uncommon advantage, as the palsy + trifled with them, like a breeze. + </p> + <p> + 'I think I am a little nervous this morning, Flowers,' said Mrs Skewton. + 'My hand quite shakes.' + </p> + <p> + 'You were the life of the party last night, Ma'am, you know,' returned + Flowers, 'and you suffer for it, to-day, you see.' + </p> + <p> + Edith, who had beckoned Florence to the window, and was looking out, with + her back turned on the toilet of her esteemed mother, suddenly withdrew + from it, as if it had lightened. + </p> + <p> + 'My darling child,' cried Cleopatra, languidly, 'you are not nervous? + Don't tell me, my dear Edith, that you, so enviably self-possessed, are + beginning to be a martyr too, like your unfortunately constituted mother! + Withers, someone at the door.' + </p> + <p> + 'Card, Ma'am,' said Withers, taking it towards Mrs Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I am going out,' she said without looking at it. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear love,' drawled Mrs Skewton, 'how very odd to send that message + without seeing the name! Bring it here, Withers. Dear me, my love; Mr + Carker, too! That very sensible person!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am going out,' repeated Edith, in so imperious a tone that Withers, + going to the door, imperiously informed the servant who was waiting, 'Mrs + Dombey is going out. Get along with you,' and shut it on him. + </p> + <p> + But the servant came back after a short absence, and whispered to Withers + again, who once more, and not very willingly, presented himself before Mrs + Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Ma'am, Mr Carker sends his respectful compliments, and + begs you would spare him one minute, if you could—for business, + Ma'am, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Really, my love,' said Mrs Skewton in her mildest manner; for her + daughter's face was threatening; 'if you would allow me to offer a word, I + should recommend—' + </p> + <p> + 'Show him this way,' said Edith. As Withers disappeared to execute the + command, she added, frowning on her mother, 'As he comes at your + recommendation, let him come to your room.' + </p> + <p> + 'May I—shall I go away?' asked Florence, hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + Edith nodded yes, but on her way to the door Florence met the visitor + coming in. With the same disagreeable mixture of familiarity and + forbearance, with which he had first addressed her, he addressed her now + in his softest manner—hoped she was quite well—needed not to + ask, with such looks to anticipate the answer—had scarcely had the + honour to know her, last night, she was so greatly changed—and held + the door open for her to pass out; with a secret sense of power in her + shrinking from him, that all the deference and politeness of his manner + could not quite conceal. + </p> + <p> + He then bowed himself for a moment over Mrs Skewton's condescending hand, + and lastly bowed to Edith. Coldly returning his salute without looking at + him, and neither seating herself nor inviting him to be seated, she waited + for him to speak. + </p> + <p> + Entrenched in her pride and power, and with all the obduracy of her spirit + summoned about her, still her old conviction that she and her mother had + been known by this man in their worst colours, from their first + acquaintance; that every degradation she had suffered in her own eyes was + as plain to him as to herself; that he read her life as though it were a + vile book, and fluttered the leaves before her in slight looks and tones + of voice which no one else could detect; weakened and undermined her. + Proudly as she opposed herself to him, with her commanding face exacting + his humility, her disdainful lip repulsing him, her bosom angry at his + intrusion, and the dark lashes of her eyes sullenly veiling their light, + that no ray of it might shine upon him—and submissively as he stood + before her, with an entreating injured manner, but with complete + submission to her will—she knew, in her own soul, that the cases + were reversed, and that the triumph and superiority were his, and that he + knew it full well. + </p> + <p> + 'I have presumed,' said Mr Carker, 'to solicit an interview, and I have + ventured to describe it as being one of business, because—' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps you are charged by Mr Dombey with some message of reproof,' said + Edit 'You possess Mr Dombey's confidence in such an unusual degree, Sir, + that you would scarcely surprise me if that were your business.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have no message to the lady who sheds a lustre upon his name,' said Mr + Carker. 'But I entreat that lady, on my own behalf to be just to a very + humble claimant for justice at her hands—a mere dependant of Mr + Dombey's—which is a position of humility; and to reflect upon my + perfect helplessness last night, and the impossibility of my avoiding the + share that was forced upon me in a very painful occasion.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith,' hinted Cleopatra in a low voice, as she held her + eye-glass aside, 'really very charming of Mr What's-his-name. And full of + heart!' + </p> + <p> + 'For I do,' said Mr Carker, appealing to Mrs Skewton with a look of + grateful deference,—'I do venture to call it a painful occasion, + though merely because it was so to me, who had the misfortune to be + present. So slight a difference, as between the principals—between + those who love each other with disinterested devotion, and would make any + sacrifice of self in such a cause—is nothing. As Mrs Skewton herself + expressed, with so much truth and feeling last night, it is nothing.' + </p> + <p> + Edith could not look at him, but she said after a few moments. + </p> + <p> + 'And your business, Sir—' + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, my pet,' said Mrs Skewton, 'all this time Mr Carker is standing! + My dear Mr Carker, take a seat, I beg.' + </p> + <p> + He offered no reply to the mother, but fixed his eyes on the proud + daughter, as though he would only be bidden by her, and was resolved to be + bidden by her. Edith, in spite of herself sat down, and slightly motioned + with her hand to him to be seated too. No action could be colder, + haughtier, more insolent in its air of supremacy and disrespect, but she + had struggled against even that concession ineffectually, and it was + wrested from her. That was enough! Mr Carker sat down. + </p> + <p> + 'May I be allowed, Madam,' said Carker, turning his white teeth on Mrs + Skewton like a light—'a lady of your excellent sense and quick + feeling will give me credit, for good reason, I am sure—to address + what I have to say, to Mrs Dombey, and to leave her to impart it to you + who are her best and dearest friend—next to Mr Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton would have retired, but Edith stopped her. Edith would have + stopped him too, and indignantly ordered him to speak openly or not at + all, but that he said, in a low Voice—'Miss Florence—the young + lady who has just left the room—' + </p> + <p> + Edith suffered him to proceed. She looked at him now. As he bent forward, + to be nearer, with the utmost show of delicacy and respect, and with his + teeth persuasively arrayed, in a self-depreciating smile, she felt as if + she could have struck him dead. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence's position,' he began, 'has been an unfortunate one. I have + a difficulty in alluding to it to you, whose attachment to her father is + naturally watchful and jealous of every word that applies to him.' Always + distinct and soft in speech, no language could describe the extent of his + distinctness and softness, when he said these words, or came to any others + of a similar import. 'But, as one who is devoted to Mr Dombey in his + different way, and whose life is passed in admiration of Mr Dombey's + character, may I say, without offence to your tenderness as a wife, that + Miss Florence has unhappily been neglected—by her father. May I say + by her father?' + </p> + <p> + Edith replied, 'I know it.' + </p> + <p> + 'You know it!' said Mr Carker, with a great appearance of relief. 'It + removes a mountain from my breast. May I hope you know how the neglect + originated; in what an amiable phase of Mr Dombey's pride—character + I mean?' + </p> + <p> + 'You may pass that by, Sir,' she returned, 'and come the sooner to the end + of what you have to say.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, I am sensible, Madam,' replied Carker,—'trust me, I am + deeply sensible, that Mr Dombey can require no justification in anything + to you. But, kindly judge of my breast by your own, and you will forgive + my interest in him, if in its excess, it goes at all astray.' + </p> + <p> + What a stab to her proud heart, to sit there, face to face with him, and + have him tendering her false oath at the altar again and again for her + acceptance, and pressing it upon her like the dregs of a sickening cup she + could not own her loathing of, or turn away from! How shame, remorse, and + passion raged within her, when, upright and majestic in her beauty before + him, she knew that in her spirit she was down at his feet! + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence,' said Carker, 'left to the care—if one may call it + care—of servants and mercenary people, in every way her inferiors, + necessarily wanted some guide and compass in her younger days, and, + naturally, for want of them, has been indiscreet, and has in some degree + forgotten her station. There was some folly about one Walter, a common + lad, who is fortunately dead now: and some very undesirable association, I + regret to say, with certain coasting sailors, of anything but good repute, + and a runaway old bankrupt.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have heard the circumstances, Sir,' said Edith, flashing her disdainful + glance upon him, 'and I know that you pervert them. You may not know it. I + hope so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon me,' said Mr Carker, 'I believe that nobody knows them so well as + I. Your generous and ardent nature, Madam—the same nature which is + so nobly imperative in vindication of your beloved and honoured husband, + and which has blessed him as even his merits deserve—I must respect, + defer to, bow before. But, as regards the circumstances, which is indeed + the business I presumed to solicit your attention to, I can have no doubt, + since, in the execution of my trust as Mr Dombey's confidential—I + presume to say—friend, I have fully ascertained them. In my + execution of that trust; in my deep concern, which you can so well + understand, for everything relating to him, intensified, if you will (for + I fear I labour under your displeasure), by the lower motive of desire to + prove my diligence, and make myself the more acceptable; I have long + pursued these circumstances by myself and trustworthy instruments, and + have innumerable and most minute proofs.' + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes no higher than his mouth, but she saw the means of + mischief vaunted in every tooth it contained. + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon me, Madam,' he continued, 'if in my perplexity, I presume to take + counsel with you, and to consult your pleasure. I think I have observed + that you are greatly interested in Miss Florence?' + </p> + <p> + What was there in her he had not observed, and did not know? Humbled and + yet maddened by the thought, in every new presentment of it, however + faint, she pressed her teeth upon her quivering lip to force composure on + it, and distantly inclined her head in reply. + </p> + <p> + 'This interest, Madam—so touching an evidence of everything + associated with Mr Dombey being dear to you—induces me to pause + before I make him acquainted with these circumstances, which, as yet, he + does not know. It so shakes me, if I may make the confession, in my + allegiance, that on the intimation of the least desire to that effect from + you, I would suppress them.' + </p> + <p> + Edith raised her head quickly, and starting back, bent her dark glance + upon him. He met it with his blandest and most deferential smile, and went + on. + </p> + <p> + 'You say that as I describe them, they are perverted. I fear not—I + fear not: but let us assume that they are. The uneasiness I have for some + time felt on the subject, arises in this: that the mere circumstance of + such association often repeated, on the part of Miss Florence, however + innocently and confidingly, would be conclusive with Mr Dombey, already + predisposed against her, and would lead him to take some step (I know he + has occasionally contemplated it) of separation and alienation of her from + his home. Madam, bear with me, and remember my intercourse with Mr Dombey, + and my knowledge of him, and my reverence for him, almost from childhood, + when I say that if he has a fault, it is a lofty stubbornness, rooted in + that noble pride and sense of power which belong to him, and which we must + all defer to; which is not assailable like the obstinacy of other + characters; and which grows upon itself from day to day, and year to + year.' + </p> + <p> + She bent her glance upon him still; but, look as steadfast as she would, + her haughty nostrils dilated, and her breath came somewhat deeper, and her + lip would slightly curl, as he described that in his patron to which they + must all bow down. He saw it; and though his expression did not change, + she knew he saw it. + </p> + <p> + 'Even so slight an incident as last night's,' he said, 'if I might refer + to it once more, would serve to illustrate my meaning, better than a + greater one. Dombey and Son know neither time, nor place, nor season, but + bear them all down. But I rejoice in its occurrence, for it has opened the + way for me to approach Mrs Dombey with this subject to-day, even if it has + entailed upon me the penalty of her temporary displeasure. Madam, in the + midst of my uneasiness and apprehension on this subject, I was summoned by + Mr Dombey to Leamington. There I saw you. There I could not help knowing + what relation you would shortly occupy towards him—to his enduring + happiness and yours. There I resolved to await the time of your + establishment at home here, and to do as I have now done. I have, at + heart, no fear that I shall be wanting in my duty to Mr Dombey, if I bury + what I know in your breast; for where there is but one heart and mind + between two persons—as in such a marriage—one almost + represents the other. I can acquit my conscience therefore, almost + equally, by confidence, on such a theme, in you or him. For the reasons I + have mentioned I would select you. May I aspire to the distinction of + believing that my confidence is accepted, and that I am relieved from my + responsibility?' + </p> + <p> + He long remembered the look she gave him—who could see it, and + forget it?—and the struggle that ensued within her. At last she + said: + </p> + <p> + 'I accept it, Sir You will please to consider this matter at an end, and + that it goes no farther.' + </p> + <p> + He bowed low, and rose. She rose too, and he took leave with all humility. + But Withers, meeting him on the stairs, stood amazed at the beauty of his + teeth, and at his brilliant smile; and as he rode away upon his + white-legged horse, the people took him for a dentist, such was the + dazzling show he made. The people took her, when she rode out in her + carriage presently, for a great lady, as happy as she was rich and fine. + But they had not seen her, just before, in her own room with no one by; + and they had not heard her utterance of the three words, 'Oh Florence, + Florence!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton, reposing on her sofa, and sipping her chocolate, had heard + nothing but the low word business, for which she had a mortal aversion, + insomuch that she had long banished it from her vocabulary, and had gone + nigh, in a charming manner and with an immense amount of heart, to say + nothing of soul, to ruin divers milliners and others in consequence. + Therefore Mrs Skewton asked no questions, and showed no curiosity. Indeed, + the peach-velvet bonnet gave her sufficient occupation out of doors; for + being perched on the back of her head, and the day being rather windy, it + was frantic to escape from Mrs Skewton's company, and would be coaxed into + no sort of compromise. When the carriage was closed, and the wind shut + out, the palsy played among the artificial roses again like an + almshouse-full of superannuated zephyrs; and altogether Mrs Skewton had + enough to do, and got on but indifferently. + </p> + <p> + She got on no better towards night; for when Mrs Dombey, in her + dressing-room, had been dressed and waiting for her half an hour, and Mr + Dombey, in the drawing-room, had paraded himself into a state of solemn + fretfulness (they were all three going out to dinner), Flowers the Maid + appeared with a pale face to Mrs Dombey, saying: + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Ma'am, I beg your pardon, but I can't do nothing with + Missis!' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean?' asked Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Ma'am,' replied the frightened maid, 'I hardly know. She's making + faces!' + </p> + <p> + Edith hurried with her to her mother's room. Cleopatra was arrayed in full + dress, with the diamonds, short sleeves, rouge, curls, teeth, and other + juvenility all complete; but Paralysis was not to be deceived, had known + her for the object of its errand, and had struck her at her glass, where + she lay like a horrible doll that had tumbled down. + </p> + <p> + They took her to pieces in very shame, and put the little of her that was + real on a bed. Doctors were sent for, and soon came. Powerful remedies + were resorted to; opinions given that she would rally from this shock, but + would not survive another; and there she lay speechless, and staring at + the ceiling, for days; sometimes making inarticulate sounds in answer to + such questions as did she know who were present, and the like: sometimes + giving no reply either by sign or gesture, or in her unwinking eyes. + </p> + <p> + At length she began to recover consciousness, and in some degree the power + of motion, though not yet of speech. One day the use of her right hand + returned; and showing it to her maid who was in attendance on her, and + appearing very uneasy in her mind, she made signs for a pencil and some + paper. This the maid immediately provided, thinking she was going to make + a will, or write some last request; and Mrs Dombey being from home, the + maid awaited the result with solemn feelings. + </p> + <p> + After much painful scrawling and erasing, and putting in of wrong + characters, which seemed to tumble out of the pencil of their own accord, + the old woman produced this document: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Rose-coloured curtains.' +</pre> + <p> + The maid being perfectly transfixed, and with tolerable reason, Cleopatra + amended the manuscript by adding two words more, when it stood thus: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Rose-coloured curtains for doctors.' +</pre> + <p> + The maid now perceived remotely that she wished these articles to be + provided for the better presentation of her complexion to the faculty; and + as those in the house who knew her best, had no doubt of the correctness + of this opinion, which she was soon able to establish for herself the + rose-coloured curtains were added to her bed, and she mended with + increased rapidity from that hour. She was soon able to sit up, in curls + and a laced cap and nightgown, and to have a little artificial bloom + dropped into the hollow caverns of her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + It was a tremendous sight to see this old woman in her finery leering and + mincing at Death, and playing off her youthful tricks upon him as if he + had been the Major; but an alteration in her mind that ensued on the + paralytic stroke was fraught with as much matter for reflection, and was + quite as ghastly. + </p> + <p> + Whether the weakening of her intellect made her more cunning and false + than before, or whether it confused her between what she had assumed to be + and what she really had been, or whether it had awakened any glimmering of + remorse, which could neither struggle into light nor get back into total + darkness, or whether, in the jumble of her faculties, a combination of + these effects had been shaken up, which is perhaps the more likely + supposition, the result was this:—That she became hugely exacting in + respect of Edith's affection and gratitude and attention to her; highly + laudatory of herself as a most inestimable parent; and very jealous of + having any rival in Edith's regard. Further, in place of remembering that + compact made between them for an avoidance of the subject, she constantly + alluded to her daughter's marriage as a proof of her being an incomparable + mother; and all this, with the weakness and peevishness of such a state, + always serving for a sarcastic commentary on her levity and youthfulness. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is Mrs Dombey?' she would say to her maid. + </p> + <p> + 'Gone out, Ma'am.' + </p> + <p> + 'Gone out! Does she go out to shun her Mama, Flowers?' + </p> + <p> + 'La bless you, no, Ma'am. Mrs Dombey has only gone out for a ride with + Miss Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Florence. Who's Miss Florence? Don't tell me about Miss Florence. + What's Miss Florence to her, compared to me?' + </p> + <p> + The apposite display of the diamonds, or the peach-velvet bonnet (she sat + in the bonnet to receive visitors, weeks before she could stir out of + doors), or the dressing of her up in some gaud or other, usually stopped + the tears that began to flow hereabouts; and she would remain in a + complacent state until Edith came to see her; when, at a glance of the + proud face, she would relapse again. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I am sure, Edith!' she would cry, shaking her head. + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter, mother?' + </p> + <p> + 'Matter! I really don't know what is the matter. The world is coming to + such an artificial and ungrateful state, that I begin to think there's no + Heart—or anything of that sort—left in it, positively. Withers + is more a child to me than you are. He attends to me much more than my own + daughter. I almost wish I didn't look so young—and all that kind of + thing—and then perhaps I should be more considered.' + </p> + <p> + 'What would you have, mother?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, a great deal, Edith,' impatiently. + </p> + <p> + 'Is there anything you want that you have not? It is your own fault if + there be.' + </p> + <p> + 'My own fault!' beginning to whimper. 'The parent I have been to you, + Edith: making you a companion from your cradle! And when you neglect me, + and have no more natural affection for me than if I was a stranger—not + a twentieth part of the affection that you have for Florence—but I + am only your mother, and should corrupt her in a day!—you reproach + me with its being my own fault.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mother, mother, I reproach you with nothing. Why will you always dwell on + this?' + </p> + <p> + 'Isn't it natural that I should dwell on this, when I am all affection and + sensitiveness, and am wounded in the cruellest way, whenever you look at + me?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not mean to wound you, mother. Have you no remembrance of what has + been said between us? Let the Past rest.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, rest! And let gratitude to me rest; and let affection for me rest; + and let me rest in my out-of-the-way room, with no society and no + attention, while you find new relations to make much of, who have no + earthly claim upon you! Good gracious, Edith, do you know what an elegant + establishment you are at the head of?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Hush!' + </p> + <p> + 'And that gentlemanly creature, Dombey? Do you know that you are married + to him, Edith, and that you have a settlement and a position, and a + carriage, and I don't know what?' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, I know it, mother; well.' + </p> + <p> + 'As you would have had with that delightful good soul—what did they + call him?—Granger—if he hadn't died. And who have you to thank + for all this, Edith?' + </p> + <p> + 'You, mother; you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then put your arms round my neck, and kiss me; and show me, Edith, that + you know there never was a better Mama than I have been to you. And don't + let me become a perfect fright with teasing and wearing myself at your + ingratitude, or when I'm out again in society no soul will know me, not + even that hateful animal, the Major.' + </p> + <p> + But, sometimes, when Edith went nearer to her, and bending down her + stately head, put her cold cheek to hers, the mother would draw back as If + she were afraid of her, and would fall into a fit of trembling, and cry + out that there was a wandering in her wits. And sometimes she would + entreat her, with humility, to sit down on the chair beside her bed, and + would look at her (as she sat there brooding) with a face that even the + rose-coloured curtains could not make otherwise than scared and wild. + </p> + <p> + The rose-coloured curtains blushed, in course of time, on Cleopatra's + bodily recovery, and on her dress—more juvenile than ever, to repair + the ravages of illness—and on the rouge, and on the teeth, and on + the curls, and on the diamonds, and the short sleeves, and the whole + wardrobe of the doll that had tumbled down before the mirror. They + blushed, too, now and then, upon an indistinctness in her speech which she + turned off with a girlish giggle, and on an occasional failing in her + memory, that had no rule in it, but came and went fantastically, as if in + mockery of her fantastic self. + </p> + <p> + But they never blushed upon a change in the new manner of her thought and + speech towards her daughter. And though that daughter often came within + their influence, they never blushed upon her loveliness irradiated by a + smile, or softened by the light of filial love, in its stem beauty. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 38. Miss Tox improves an Old Acquaintance + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he forlorn Miss Tox, abandoned by her friend Louisa Chick, and bereft of + Mr Dombey's countenance—for no delicate pair of wedding cards, + united by a silver thread, graced the chimney-glass in Princess's Place, + or the harpsichord, or any of those little posts of display which Lucretia + reserved for holiday occupation—became depressed in her spirits, and + suffered much from melancholy. For a time the Bird Waltz was unheard in + Princess's Place, the plants were neglected, and dust collected on the + miniature of Miss Tox's ancestor with the powdered head and pigtail. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox, however, was not of an age or of a disposition long to abandon + herself to unavailing regrets. Only two notes of the harpsichord were dumb + from disuse when the Bird Waltz again warbled and trilled in the crooked + drawing-room: only one slip of geranium fell a victim to imperfect + nursing, before she was gardening at her green baskets again, regularly + every morning; the powdered-headed ancestor had not been under a cloud for + more than six weeks, when Miss Tox breathed on his benignant visage, and + polished him up with a piece of wash-leather. + </p> + <p> + Still, Miss Tox was lonely, and at a loss. Her attachments, however + ludicrously shown, were real and strong; and she was, as she expressed it, + 'deeply hurt by the unmerited contumely she had met with from Louisa.' But + there was no such thing as anger in Miss Tox's composition. If she had + ambled on through life, in her soft spoken way, without any opinions, she + had, at least, got so far without any harsh passions. The mere sight of + Louisa Chick in the street one day, at a considerable distance, so + overpowered her milky nature, that she was fain to seek immediate refuge + in a pastrycook's, and there, in a musty little back room usually devoted + to the consumption of soups, and pervaded by an ox-tail atmosphere, + relieve her feelings by weeping plentifully. + </p> + <p> + Against Mr Dombey Miss Tox hardly felt that she had any reason of + complaint. Her sense of that gentleman's magnificence was such, that once + removed from him, she felt as if her distance always had been + immeasurable, and as if he had greatly condescended in tolerating her at + all. No wife could be too handsome or too stately for him, according to + Miss Tox's sincere opinion. It was perfectly natural that in looking for + one, he should look high. Miss Tox with tears laid down this proposition, + and fully admitted it, twenty times a day. She never recalled the lofty + manner in which Mr Dombey had made her subservient to his convenience and + caprices, and had graciously permitted her to be one of the nurses of his + little son. She only thought, in her own words, 'that she had passed a + great many happy hours in that house, which she must ever remember with + gratification, and that she could never cease to regard Mr Dombey as one + of the most impressive and dignified of men.' + </p> + <p> + Cut off, however, from the implacable Louisa, and being shy of the Major + (whom she viewed with some distrust now), Miss Tox found it very irksome + to know nothing of what was going on in Mr Dombey's establishment. And as + she really had got into the habit of considering Dombey and Son as the + pivot on which the world in general turned, she resolved, rather than be + ignorant of intelligence which so strongly interested her, to cultivate + her old acquaintance, Mrs Richards, who she knew, since her last memorable + appearance before Mr Dombey, was in the habit of sometimes holding + communication with his servants. Perhaps Miss Tox, in seeking out the + Toodle family, had the tender motive hidden in her breast of having + somebody to whom she could talk about Mr Dombey, no matter how humble that + somebody might be. + </p> + <p> + At all events, towards the Toodle habitation Miss Tox directed her steps + one evening, what time Mr Toodle, cindery and swart, was refreshing + himself with tea, in the bosom of his family. Mr Toodle had only three + stages of existence. He was either taking refreshment in the bosom just + mentioned, or he was tearing through the country at from twenty-five to + fifty miles an hour, or he was sleeping after his fatigues. He was always + in a whirlwind or a calm, and a peaceable, contented, easy-going man Mr + Toodle was in either state, who seemed to have made over all his own + inheritance of fuming and fretting to the engines with which he was + connected, which panted, and gasped, and chafed, and wore themselves out, + in a most unsparing manner, while Mr Toodle led a mild and equable life. + </p> + <p> + 'Polly, my gal,' said Mr Toodle, with a young Toodle on each knee, and two + more making tea for him, and plenty more scattered about—Mr Toodle + was never out of children, but always kept a good supply on hand—'you + ain't seen our Biler lately, have you?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' replied Polly, 'but he's almost certain to look in tonight. It's his + right evening, and he's very regular.' + </p> + <p> + 'I suppose,' said Mr Toodle, relishing his meal infinitely, 'as our Biler + is a doin' now about as well as a boy can do, eh, Polly?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! he's a doing beautiful!' responded Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'He ain't got to be at all secret-like—has he, Polly?' inquired Mr + Toodle. + </p> + <p> + 'No!' said Mrs Toodle, plumply. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm glad he ain't got to be at all secret-like, Polly,' observed Mr + Toodle in his slow and measured way, and shovelling in his bread and + butter with a clasp knife, as if he were stoking himself, 'because that + don't look well; do it, Polly?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, of course it don't, father. How can you ask!' + </p> + <p> + 'You see, my boys and gals,' said Mr Toodle, looking round upon his + family, 'wotever you're up to in a honest way, it's my opinion as you + can't do better than be open. If you find yourselves in cuttings or in + tunnels, don't you play no secret games. Keep your whistles going, and + let's know where you are.' + </p> + <p> + The rising Toodles set up a shrill murmur, expressive of their resolution + to profit by the paternal advice. + </p> + <p> + 'But what makes you say this along of Rob, father?' asked his wife, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + 'Polly, old 'ooman,' said Mr Toodle, 'I don't know as I said it partickler + along o' Rob, I'm sure. I starts light with Rob only; I comes to a branch; + I takes on what I finds there; and a whole train of ideas gets coupled on + to him, afore I knows where I am, or where they comes from. What a + Junction a man's thoughts is,' said Mr Toodle, 'to-be-sure!' + </p> + <p> + This profound reflection Mr Toodle washed down with a pint mug of tea, and + proceeded to solidify with a great weight of bread and butter; charging + his young daughters meanwhile, to keep plenty of hot water in the pot, as + he was uncommon dry, and should take the indefinite quantity of 'a sight + of mugs,' before his thirst was appeased. + </p> + <p> + In satisfying himself, however, Mr Toodle was not regardless of the + younger branches about him, who, although they had made their own evening + repast, were on the look-out for irregular morsels, as possessing a + relish. These he distributed now and then to the expectant circle, by + holding out great wedges of bread and butter, to be bitten at by the + family in lawful succession, and by serving out small doses of tea in like + manner with a spoon; which snacks had such a relish in the mouths of these + young Toodles, that, after partaking of the same, they performed private + dances of ecstasy among themselves, and stood on one leg apiece, and + hopped, and indulged in other saltatory tokens of gladness. These vents + for their excitement found, they gradually closed about Mr Toodle again, + and eyed him hard as he got through more bread and butter and tea; + affecting, however, to have no further expectations of their own in + reference to those viands, but to be conversing on foreign subjects, and + whispering confidentially. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toodle, in the midst of this family group, and setting an awful example + to his children in the way of appetite, was conveying the two young + Toodles on his knees to Birmingham by special engine, and was + contemplating the rest over a barrier of bread and butter, when Rob the + Grinder, in his sou'wester hat and mourning slops, presented himself, and + was received with a general rush of brothers and sisters. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, mother!' said Rob, dutifully kissing her; 'how are you, mother?' + </p> + <p> + 'There's my boy!' cried Polly, giving him a hug and a pat on the back. + 'Secret! Bless you, father, not he!' + </p> + <p> + This was intended for Mr Toodle's private edification, but Rob the + Grinder, whose withers were not unwrung, caught the words as they were + spoken. + </p> + <p> + 'What! father's been a saying something more again me, has he?' cried the + injured innocent. 'Oh, what a hard thing it is that when a cove has once + gone a little wrong, a cove's own father should be always a throwing it in + his face behind his back! It's enough,' cried Rob, resorting to his + coat-cuff in anguish of spirit, 'to make a cove go and do something, out + of spite!' + </p> + <p> + 'My poor boy!' cried Polly, 'father didn't mean anything.' + </p> + <p> + 'If father didn't mean anything,' blubbered the injured Grinder, 'why did + he go and say anything, mother? Nobody thinks half so bad of me as my own + father does. What a unnatural thing! I wish somebody'd take and chop my + head off. Father wouldn't mind doing it, I believe, and I'd much rather he + did that than t'other.' + </p> + <p> + At these desperate words all the young Toodles shrieked; a pathetic + effect, which the Grinder improved by ironically adjuring them not to cry + for him, for they ought to hate him, they ought, if they was good boys and + girls; and this so touched the youngest Toodle but one, who was easily + moved, that it touched him not only in his spirit but in his wind too; + making him so purple that Mr Toodle in consternation carried him out to + the water-butt, and would have put him under the tap, but for his being + recovered by the sight of that instrument. + </p> + <p> + Matters having reached this point, Mr Toodle explained, and the virtuous + feelings of his son being thereby calmed, they shook hands, and harmony + reigned again. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you do as I do, Biler, my boy?' inquired his father, returning to + his tea with new strength. + </p> + <p> + 'No, thank'ee, father. Master and I had tea together.' + </p> + <p> + 'And how is master, Rob?' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I don't know, mother; not much to boast on. There ain't no bis'ness + done, you see. He don't know anything about it—the Cap'en don't. + There was a man come into the shop this very day, and says, "I want a + so-and-so," he says—some hard name or another. "A which?" says the + Cap'en. "A so-and-so," says the man. "Brother," says the Cap'en, "will you + take a observation round the shop." "Well," says the man, "I've done." "Do + you see wot you want?" says the Cap'en "No, I don't," says the man. "Do + you know it wen you do see it?" says the Cap'en. "No, I don't," says the + man. "Why, then I tell you wot, my lad," says the Cap'en, "you'd better go + back and ask wot it's like, outside, for no more don't I!"' + </p> + <p> + 'That ain't the way to make money, though, is it?' said Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Money, mother! He'll never make money. He has such ways as I never see. + He ain't a bad master though, I'll say that for him. But that ain't much + to me, for I don't think I shall stop with him long.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not stop in your place, Rob!' cried his mother; while Mr Toodle opened + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Not in that place, p'raps,' returned the Grinder, with a wink. 'I + shouldn't wonder—friends at court you know—but never you mind, + mother, just now; I'm all right, that's all.' + </p> + <p> + The indisputable proof afforded in these hints, and in the Grinder's + mysterious manner, of his not being subject to that failing which Mr + Toodle had, by implication, attributed to him, might have led to a renewal + of his wrongs, and of the sensation in the family, but for the opportune + arrival of another visitor, who, to Polly's great surprise, appeared at + the door, smiling patronage and friendship on all there. + </p> + <p> + 'How do you do, Mrs Richards?' said Miss Tox. 'I have come to see you. May + I come in?' + </p> + <p> + The cheery face of Mrs Richards shone with a hospitable reply, and Miss + Tox, accepting the proffered chair, and grab fully recognising Mr Toodle + on her way to it, untied her bonnet strings, and said that in the first + place she must beg the dear children, one and all, to come and kiss her. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0495m.jpg" alt="0495m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0495.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The ill-starred youngest Toodle but one, who would appear, from the + frequency of his domestic troubles, to have been born under an unlucky + planet, was prevented from performing his part in this general salutation + by having fixed the sou'wester hat (with which he had been previously + trifling) deep on his head, hind side before, and being unable to get it + off again; which accident presenting to his terrified imagination a dismal + picture of his passing the rest of his days in darkness, and in hopeless + seclusion from his friends and family, caused him to struggle with great + violence, and to utter suffocating cries. Being released, his face was + discovered to be very hot, and red, and damp; and Miss Tox took him on her + lap, much exhausted. + </p> + <p> + 'You have almost forgotten me, Sir, I daresay,' said Miss Tox to Mr + Toodle. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Ma'am, no,' said Toodle. 'But we've all on us got a little older + since then.' + </p> + <p> + 'And how do you find yourself, Sir?' inquired Miss Tox, blandly. + </p> + <p> + 'Hearty, Ma'am, thank'ee,' replied Toodle. 'How do you find yourself, + Ma'am? Do the rheumaticks keep off pretty well, Ma'am? We must all expect + to grow into 'em, as we gets on.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you,' said Miss Tox. 'I have not felt any inconvenience from that + disorder yet.' + </p> + <p> + 'You're wery fortunate, Ma'am,' returned Mr Toodle. 'Many people at your + time of life, Ma'am, is martyrs to it. There was my mother—' But + catching his wife's eye here, Mr Toodle judiciously buried the rest in + another mug of tea. + </p> + <p> + 'You never mean to say, Mrs Richards,' cried Miss Tox, looking at Rob, + 'that that is your—' + </p> + <p> + 'Eldest, Ma'am,' said Polly. 'Yes, indeed, it is. That's the little + fellow, Ma'am, that was the innocent cause of so much.' + </p> + <p> + 'This here, Ma'am,' said Toodle, 'is him with the short legs—and + they was,' said Mr Toodle, with a touch of poetry in his tone, 'unusual + short for leathers—as Mr Dombey made a Grinder on.' + </p> + <p> + The recollection almost overpowered Miss Tox. The subject of it had a + peculiar interest for her directly. She asked him to shake hands, and + congratulated his mother on his frank, ingenuous face. Rob, overhearing + her, called up a look, to justify the eulogium, but it was hardly the + right look. + </p> + <p> + 'And now, Mrs Richards,' said Miss Tox,—'and you too, Sir,' + addressing Toodle—'I'll tell you, plainly and truly, what I have + come here for. You may be aware, Mrs Richards—and, possibly, you may + be aware too, Sir—that a little distance has interposed itself + between me and some of my friends, and that where I used to visit a good + deal, I do not visit now.' + </p> + <p> + Polly, who, with a woman's tact, understood this at once, expressed as + much in a little look. Mr Toodle, who had not the faintest idea of what + Miss Tox was talking about, expressed that also, in a stare. + </p> + <p> + 'Of course,' said Miss Tox, 'how our little coolness has arisen is of no + moment, and does not require to be discussed. It is sufficient for me to + say, that I have the greatest possible respect for, and interest in, Mr + Dombey;' Miss Tox's voice faltered; 'and everything that relates to him.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toodle, enlightened, shook his head, and said he had heerd it said, + and, for his own part, he did think, as Mr Dombey was a difficult subject. + </p> + <p> + 'Pray don't say so, Sir, if you please,' returned Miss Tox. 'Let me + entreat you not to say so, Sir, either now, or at any future time. Such + observations cannot but be very painful to me; and to a gentleman, whose + mind is constituted as, I am quite sure, yours is, can afford no permanent + satisfaction.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toodle, who had not entertained the least doubt of offering a remark + that would be received with acquiescence, was greatly confounded. + </p> + <p> + 'All that I wish to say, Mrs Richards,' resumed Miss Tox,—'and I + address myself to you too, Sir,—is this. That any intelligence of + the proceedings of the family, of the welfare of the family, of the health + of the family, that reaches you, will be always most acceptable to me. + That I shall be always very glad to chat with Mrs Richards about the + family, and about old time And as Mrs Richards and I never had the least + difference (though I could wish now that we had been better acquainted, + but I have no one but myself to blame for that), I hope she will not + object to our being very good friends now, and to my coming backwards and + forwards here, when I like, without being a stranger. Now, I really hope, + Mrs Richards,' said Miss Tox—earnestly, 'that you will take this, as + I mean it, like a good-humoured creature, as you always were.' + </p> + <p> + Polly was gratified, and showed it. Mr Toodle didn't know whether he was + gratified or not, and preserved a stolid calmness. + </p> + <p> + 'You see, Mrs Richards,' said Miss Tox—'and I hope you see too, Sir—there + are many little ways in which I can be slightly useful to you, if you will + make no stranger of me; and in which I shall be delighted to be so. For + instance, I can teach your children something. I shall bring a few little + books, if you'll allow me, and some work, and of an evening now and then, + they'll learn—dear me, they'll learn a great deal, I trust, and be a + credit to their teacher.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toodle, who had a great respect for learning, jerked his head + approvingly at his wife, and moistened his hands with dawning + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + 'Then, not being a stranger, I shall be in nobody's way,' said Miss Tox, + 'and everything will go on just as if I were not here. Mrs Richards will + do her mending, or her ironing, or her nursing, whatever it is, without + minding me: and you'll smoke your pipe, too, if you're so disposed, Sir, + won't you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee, Mum,' said Mr Toodle. 'Yes; I'll take my bit of backer.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very good of you to say so, Sir,' rejoined Miss Tox, 'and I really do + assure you now, unfeignedly, that it will be a great comfort to me, and + that whatever good I may be fortunate enough to do the children, you will + more than pay back to me, if you'll enter into this little bargain + comfortably, and easily, and good-naturedly, without another word about + it.' + </p> + <p> + The bargain was ratified on the spot; and Miss Tox found herself so much + at home already, that without delay she instituted a preliminary + examination of the children all round—which Mr Toodle much admired—and + booked their ages, names, and acquirements, on a piece of paper. This + ceremony, and a little attendant gossip, prolonged the time until after + their usual hour of going to bed, and detained Miss Tox at the Toodle + fireside until it was too late for her to walk home alone. The gallant + Grinder, however, being still there, politely offered to attend her to her + own door; and as it was something to Miss Tox to be seen home by a youth + whom Mr Dombey had first inducted into those manly garments which are + rarely mentioned by name, she very readily accepted the proposal. + </p> + <p> + After shaking hands with Mr Toodle and Polly, and kissing all the + children, Miss Tox left the house, therefore, with unlimited popularity, + and carrying away with her so light a heart that it might have given Mrs + Chick offence if that good lady could have weighed it. + </p> + <p> + Rob the Grinder, in his modesty, would have walked behind, but Miss Tox + desired him to keep beside her, for conversational purposes; and, as she + afterwards expressed it to his mother, 'drew him out,' upon the road. + </p> + <p> + He drew out so bright, and clear, and shining, that Miss Tox was charmed + with him. The more Miss Tox drew him out, the finer he came—like + wire. There never was a better or more promising youth—a more + affectionate, steady, prudent, sober, honest, meek, candid young man—than + Rob drew out, that night. + </p> + <p> + 'I am quite glad,' said Miss Tox, arrived at her own door, 'to know you. I + hope you'll consider me your friend, and that you'll come and see me as + often as you like. Do you keep a money-box?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Ma'am,' returned Rob; 'I'm saving up, against I've got enough to put + in the Bank, Ma'am. + </p> + <p> + 'Very laudable indeed,' said Miss Tox. 'I'm glad to hear it. Put this + half-crown into it, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh thank you, Ma'am,' replied Rob, 'but really I couldn't think of + depriving you.' + </p> + <p> + 'I commend your independent spirit,' said Miss Tox, 'but it's no + deprivation, I assure you. I shall be offended if you don't take it, as a + mark of my good-will. Good-night, Robin.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, Ma'am,' said Rob, 'and thank you!' + </p> + <p> + Who ran sniggering off to get change, and tossed it away with a pieman. + But they never taught honour at the Grinders' School, where the system + that prevailed was particularly strong in the engendering of hypocrisy. + Insomuch, that many of the friends and masters of past Grinders said, if + this were what came of education for the common people, let us have none. + Some more rational said, let us have a better one. But the governing + powers of the Grinders' Company were always ready for them, by picking out + a few boys who had turned out well in spite of the system, and roundly + asserting that they could have only turned out well because of it. Which + settled the business of those objectors out of hand, and established the + glory of the Grinders' Institution. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 39. Further Adventures of Captain Edward Cuttle, Mariner + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>ime, sure of foot and strong of will, had so pressed onward, that the + year enjoined by the old Instrument-maker, as the term during which his + friend should refrain from opening the sealed packet accompanying the + letter he had left for him, was now nearly expired, and Captain Cuttle + began to look at it, of an evening, with feelings of mystery and + uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, in his honour, would as soon have thought of opening the + parcel one hour before the expiration of the term, as he would have + thought of opening himself, to study his own anatomy. He merely brought it + out, at a certain stage of his first evening pipe, laid it on the table, + and sat gazing at the outside of it, through the smoke, in silent gravity, + for two or three hours at a spell. Sometimes, when he had contemplated it + thus for a pretty long while, the Captain would hitch his chair, by + degrees, farther and farther off, as if to get beyond the range of its + fascination; but if this were his design, he never succeeded: for even + when he was brought up by the parlour wall, the packet still attracted + him; or if his eyes, in thoughtful wandering, roved to the ceiling or the + fire, its image immediately followed, and posted itself conspicuously + among the coals, or took up an advantageous position on the whitewash. + </p> + <p> + In respect of Heart's Delight, the Captain's parental and admiration knew + no change. But since his last interview with Mr Carker, Captain Cuttle had + come to entertain doubts whether his former intervention in behalf of that + young lady and his dear boy Wal'r, had proved altogether so favourable as + he could have wished, and as he at the time believed. The Captain was + troubled with a serious misgiving that he had done more harm than good, in + short; and in his remorse and modesty he made the best atonement he could + think of, by putting himself out of the way of doing any harm to anyone, + and, as it were, throwing himself overboard for a dangerous person. + </p> + <p> + Self-buried, therefore, among the instruments, the Captain never went near + Mr Dombey's house, or reported himself in any way to Florence or Miss + Nipper. He even severed himself from Mr Perch, on the occasion of his next + visit, by dryly informing that gentleman, that he thanked him for his + company, but had cut himself adrift from all such acquaintance, as he + didn't know what magazine he mightn't blow up, without meaning of it. In + this self-imposed retirement, the Captain passed whole days and weeks + without interchanging a word with anyone but Rob the Grinder, whom he + esteemed as a pattern of disinterested attachment and fidelity. In this + retirement, the Captain, gazing at the packet of an evening, would sit + smoking, and thinking of Florence and poor Walter, until they both seemed + to his homely fancy to be dead, and to have passed away into eternal + youth, the beautiful and innocent children of his first remembrance. + </p> + <p> + The Captain did not, however, in his musings, neglect his own improvement, + or the mental culture of Rob the Grinder. That young man was generally + required to read out of some book to the Captain, for one hour, every + evening; and as the Captain implicitly believed that all books were true, + he accumulated, by this means, many remarkable facts. On Sunday nights, + the Captain always read for himself, before going to bed, a certain Divine + Sermon once delivered on a Mount; and although he was accustomed to quote + the text, without book, after his own manner, he appeared to read it with + as reverent an understanding of its heavenly spirit, as if he had got it + all by heart in Greek, and had been able to write any number of fierce + theological disquisitions on its every phrase. + </p> + <p> + Rob the Grinder, whose reverence for the inspired writings, under the + admirable system of the Grinders' School, had been developed by a + perpetual bruising of his intellectual shins against all the proper names + of all the tribes of Judah, and by the monotonous repetition of hard + verses, especially by way of punishment, and by the parading of him at six + years old in leather breeches, three times a Sunday, very high up, in a + very hot church, with a great organ buzzing against his drowsy head, like + an exceedingly busy bee—Rob the Grinder made a mighty show of being + edified when the Captain ceased to read, and generally yawned and nodded + while the reading was in progress. The latter fact being never so much as + suspected by the good Captain. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, also, as a man of business; took to keeping books. In + these he entered observations on the weather, and on the currents of the + waggons and other vehicles: which he observed, in that quarter, to set + westward in the morning and during the greater part of the day, and + eastward towards the evening. Two or three stragglers appearing in one + week, who 'spoke him'—so the Captain entered it—on the subject + of spectacles, and who, without positively purchasing, said they would + look in again, the Captain decided that the business was improving, and + made an entry in the day-book to that effect: the wind then blowing (which + he first recorded) pretty fresh, west and by north; having changed in the + night. + </p> + <p> + One of the Captain's chief difficulties was Mr Toots, who called + frequently, and who without saying much seemed to have an idea that the + little back parlour was an eligible room to chuckle in, as he would sit + and avail himself of its accommodations in that regard by the half-hour + together, without at all advancing in intimacy with the Captain. The + Captain, rendered cautious by his late experience, was unable quite to + satisfy his mind whether Mr Toots was the mild subject he appeared to be, + or was a profoundly artful and dissimulating hypocrite. His frequent + reference to Miss Dombey was suspicious; but the Captain had a secret + kindness for Mr Toots's apparent reliance on him, and forbore to decide + against him for the present; merely eyeing him, with a sagacity not to be + described, whenever he approached the subject that was nearest to his + heart. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' blurted out Mr Toots, one day all at once, as his manner + was, 'do you think you could think favourably of that proposition of mine, + and give me the pleasure of your acquaintance?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I tell you what it is, my lad,' replied the Captain, who had at + length concluded on a course of action; 'I've been turning that there, + over.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills, it's very kind of you,' retorted Mr Toots. 'I'm much + obliged to you. Upon my word and honour, Captain Gills, it would be a + charity to give me the pleasure of your acquaintance. It really would.' + </p> + <p> + 'You see, brother,' argued the Captain slowly, 'I don't know you.' + </p> + <p> + 'But you never can know me, Captain Gills,' replied Mr Toots, steadfast to + his point, 'if you don't give me the pleasure of your acquaintance.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain seemed struck by the originality and power of this remark, and + looked at Mr Toots as if he thought there was a great deal more in him + than he had expected. + </p> + <p> + 'Well said, my lad,' observed the Captain, nodding his head thoughtfully; + 'and true. Now look'ee here: You've made some observations to me, which + gives me to understand as you admire a certain sweet creetur. Hey?' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, gesticulating violently with the hand in + which he held his hat, 'Admiration is not the word. Upon my honour, you + have no conception what my feelings are. If I could be dyed black, and + made Miss Dombey's slave, I should consider it a compliment. If, at the + sacrifice of all my property, I could get transmigrated into Miss Dombey's + dog—I—I really think I should never leave off wagging my tail. + I should be so perfectly happy, Captain Gills!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots said it with watery eyes, and pressed his hat against his bosom + with deep emotion. + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' returned the Captain, moved to compassion, 'if you're in arnest—' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' cried Mr Toots, 'I'm in such a state of mind, and am so + dreadfully in earnest, that if I could swear to it upon a hot piece of + iron, or a live coal, or melted lead, or burning sealing-wax, Or anything + of that sort, I should be glad to hurt myself, as a relief to my + feelings.' And Mr Toots looked hurriedly about the room, as if for some + sufficiently painful means of accomplishing his dread purpose. + </p> + <p> + The Captain pushed his glazed hat back upon his head, stroked his face + down with his heavy hand—making his nose more mottled in the process—and + planting himself before Mr Toots, and hooking him by the lapel of his + coat, addressed him in these words, while Mr Toots looked up into his + face, with much attention and some wonder. + </p> + <p> + 'If you're in arnest, you see, my lad,' said the Captain, 'you're a object + of clemency, and clemency is the brightest jewel in the crown of a + Briton's head, for which you'll overhaul the constitution as laid down in + Rule Britannia, and, when found, that is the charter as them garden angels + was a singing of, so many times over. Stand by! This here proposal o' + you'rn takes me a little aback. And why? Because I holds my own only, you + understand, in these here waters, and haven't got no consort, and may be + don't wish for none. Steady! You hailed me first, along of a certain young + lady, as you was chartered by. Now if you and me is to keep one another's + company at all, that there young creetur's name must never be named nor + referred to. I don't know what harm mayn't have been done by naming of it + too free, afore now, and thereby I brings up short. D'ye make me out + pretty clear, brother?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, you'll excuse me, Captain Gills,' replied Mr Toots, 'if I don't + quite follow you sometimes. But upon my word I—it's a hard thing, + Captain Gills, not to be able to mention Miss Dombey. I really have got + such a dreadful load here!'—Mr Toots pathetically touched his + shirt-front with both hands—'that I feel night and day, exactly as + if somebody was sitting upon me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Them,' said the Captain, 'is the terms I offer. If they're hard upon you, + brother, as mayhap they are, give 'em a wide berth, sheer off, and part + company cheerily!' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' returned Mr Toots, 'I hardly know how it is, but after + what you told me when I came here, for the first time, I—I feel that + I'd rather think about Miss Dombey in your society than talk about her in + almost anybody else's. Therefore, Captain Gills, if you'll give me the + pleasure of your acquaintance, I shall be very happy to accept it on your + own conditions. I wish to be honourable, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, + holding back his extended hand for a moment, 'and therefore I am obliged + to say that I can not help thinking about Miss Dombey. It's impossible for + me to make a promise not to think about her.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' said the Captain, whose opinion of Mr Toots was much improved by + this candid avowal, 'a man's thoughts is like the winds, and nobody can't + answer for 'em for certain, any length of time together. Is it a treaty as + to words?' + </p> + <p> + 'As to words, Captain Gills,' returned Mr Toots, 'I think I can bind + myself.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots gave Captain Cuttle his hand upon it, then and there; and the + Captain with a pleasant and gracious show of condescension, bestowed his + acquaintance upon him formally. Mr Toots seemed much relieved and + gladdened by the acquisition, and chuckled rapturously during the + remainder of his visit. The Captain, for his part, was not ill pleased to + occupy that position of patronage, and was exceedingly well satisfied by + his own prudence and foresight. + </p> + <p> + But rich as Captain Cuttle was in the latter quality, he received a + surprise that same evening from a no less ingenuous and simple youth, than + Rob the Grinder. That artless lad, drinking tea at the same table, and + bending meekly over his cup and saucer, having taken sidelong observations + of his master for some time, who was reading the newspaper with great + difficulty, but much dignity, through his glasses, broke silence by saying— + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I beg your pardon, Captain, but you mayn't be in want of any pigeons, + may you, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, my lad,' replied the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Because I was wishing to dispose of mine, Captain,' said Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay?' cried the Captain, lifting up his bushy eyebrows a little. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes; I'm going, Captain, if you please,' said Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'Going? Where are you going?' asked the Captain, looking round at him over + the glasses. + </p> + <p> + 'What? didn't you know that I was going to leave you, Captain?' asked Rob, + with a sneaking smile. + </p> + <p> + The Captain put down the paper, took off his spectacles, and brought his + eyes to bear on the deserter. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, Captain, I am going to give you warning. I thought you'd have + known that beforehand, perhaps,' said Rob, rubbing his hands, and getting + up. 'If you could be so good as provide yourself soon, Captain, it would + be a great convenience to me. You couldn't provide yourself by to-morrow + morning, I am afraid, Captain: could you, do you think?' + </p> + <p> + 'And you're a going to desert your colours, are you, my lad?' said the + Captain, after a long examination of his face. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's very hard upon a cove, Captain,' cried the tender Rob, injured + and indignant in a moment, 'that he can't give lawful warning, without + being frowned at in that way, and called a deserter. You haven't any right + to call a poor cove names, Captain. It ain't because I'm a servant and + you're a master, that you're to go and libel me. What wrong have I done? + Come, Captain, let me know what my crime is, will you?' + </p> + <p> + The stricken Grinder wept, and put his coat-cuff in his eye. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, Captain,' cried the injured youth, 'give my crime a name! What have + I been and done? Have I stolen any of the property? have I set the house + a-fire? If I have, why don't you give me in charge, and try it? But to + take away the character of a lad that's been a good servant to you, + because he can't afford to stand in his own light for your good, what a + injury it is, and what a bad return for faithful service! This is the way + young coves is spiled and drove wrong. I wonder at you, Captain, I do.' + </p> + <p> + All of which the Grinder howled forth in a lachrymose whine, and backing + carefully towards the door. + </p> + <p> + 'And so you've got another berth, have you, my lad?' said the Captain, + eyeing him intently. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Captain, since you put it in that shape, I have got another berth,' + cried Rob, backing more and more; 'a better berth than I've got here, and + one where I don't so much as want your good word, Captain, which is + fort'nate for me, after all the dirt you've throw'd at me, because I'm + poor, and can't afford to stand in my own light for your good. Yes, I have + got another berth; and if it wasn't for leaving you unprovided, Captain, + I'd go to it now, sooner than I'd take them names from you, because I'm + poor, and can't afford to stand in my own light for your good. Why do you + reproach me for being poor, and not standing in my own light for your + good, Captain? How can you so demean yourself?' + </p> + <p> + 'Look ye here, my boy,' replied the peaceful Captain. 'Don't you pay out + no more of them words.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, then, don't you pay in no more of your words, Captain,' retorted + the roused innocent, getting louder in his whine, and backing into the + shop. 'I'd sooner you took my blood than my character.' + </p> + <p> + 'Because,' pursued the Captain calmly, 'you have heerd, may be, of such a + thing as a rope's end.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, have I though, Captain?' cried the taunting Grinder. 'No I haven't. I + never heerd of any such a article!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' said the Captain, 'it's my belief as you'll know more about it + pretty soon, if you don't keep a bright look-out. I can read your signals, + my lad. You may go.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I may go at once, may I, Captain?' cried Rob, exulting in his + success. 'But mind! I never asked to go at once, Captain. You are not to + take away my character again, because you send me off of your own accord. + And you're not to stop any of my wages, Captain!' + </p> + <p> + His employer settled the last point by producing the tin canister and + telling the Grinder's money out in full upon the table. Rob, snivelling + and sobbing, and grievously wounded in his feelings, took up the pieces + one by one, with a sob and a snivel for each, and tied them up separately + in knots in his pockethandkerchief; then he ascended to the roof of the + house and filled his hat and pockets with pigeons; then, came down to his + bed under the counter and made up his bundle, snivelling and sobbing + louder, as if he were cut to the heart by old associations; then he + whined, 'Good-night, Captain. I leave you without malice!' and then, going + out upon the door-step, pulled the little Midshipman's nose as a parting + indignity, and went away down the street grinning triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, left to himself, resumed his perusal of the news as if + nothing unusual or unexpected had taken place, and went reading on with + the greatest assiduity. But never a word did Captain Cuttle understand, + though he read a vast number, for Rob the Grinder was scampering up one + column and down another all through the newspaper. + </p> + <p> + It is doubtful whether the worthy Captain had ever felt himself quite + abandoned until now; but now, old Sol Gills, Walter, and Heart's Delight + were lost to him indeed, and now Mr Carker deceived and jeered him + cruelly. They were all represented in the false Rob, to whom he had held + forth many a time on the recollections that were warm within him; he had + believed in the false Rob, and had been glad to believe in him; he had + made a companion of him as the last of the old ship's company; he had + taken the command of the little Midshipman with him at his right hand; he + had meant to do his duty by him, and had felt almost as kindly towards the + boy as if they had been shipwrecked and cast upon a desert place together. + And now, that the false Rob had brought distrust, treachery, and meanness + into the very parlour, which was a kind of sacred place, Captain Cuttle + felt as if the parlour might have gone down next, and not surprised him + much by its sinking, or given him any very great concern. + </p> + <p> + Therefore Captain Cuttle read the newspaper with profound attention and no + comprehension, and therefore Captain Cuttle said nothing whatever about + Rob to himself, or admitted to himself that he was thinking about him, or + would recognise in the most distant manner that Rob had anything to do + with his feeling as lonely as Robinson Crusoe. + </p> + <p> + In the same composed, business-like way, the Captain stepped over to + Leadenhall Market in the dusk, and effected an arrangement with a private + watchman on duty there, to come and put up and take down the shutters of + the wooden Midshipman every night and morning. He then called in at the + eating-house to diminish by one half the daily rations theretofore + supplied to the Midshipman, and at the public-house to stop the traitor's + beer. 'My young man,' said the Captain, in explanation to the young lady + at the bar, 'my young man having bettered himself, Miss.' Lastly, the + Captain resolved to take possession of the bed under the counter, and to + turn in there o' nights instead of upstairs, as sole guardian of the + property. + </p> + <p> + From this bed Captain Cuttle daily rose thenceforth, and clapped on his + glazed hat at six o'clock in the morning, with the solitary air of Crusoe + finishing his toilet with his goat-skin cap; and although his fears of a + visitation from the savage tribe, MacStinger, were somewhat cooled, as + similar apprehensions on the part of that lone mariner used to be by the + lapse of a long interval without any symptoms of the cannibals, he still + observed a regular routine of defensive operations, and never encountered + a bonnet without previous survey from his castle of retreat. In the + meantime (during which he received no call from Mr Toots, who wrote to say + he was out of town) his own voice began to have a strange sound in his + ears; and he acquired such habits of profound meditation from much + polishing and stowing away of the stock, and from much sitting behind the + counter reading, or looking out of window, that the red rim made on his + forehead by the hard glazed hat, sometimes ached again with excess of + reflection. + </p> + <p> + The year being now expired, Captain Cuttle deemed it expedient to open the + packet; but as he had always designed doing this in the presence of Rob + the Grinder, who had brought it to him, and as he had an idea that it + would be regular and ship-shape to open it in the presence of somebody, he + was sadly put to it for want of a witness. In this difficulty, he hailed + one day with unusual delight the announcement in the Shipping Intelligence + of the arrival of the Cautious Clara, Captain John Bunsby, from a coasting + voyage; and to that philosopher immediately dispatched a letter by post, + enjoining inviolable secrecy as to his place of residence, and requesting + to be favoured with an early visit, in the evening season. + </p> + <p> + Bunsby, who was one of those sages who act upon conviction, took some days + to get the conviction thoroughly into his mind, that he had received a + letter to this effect. But when he had grappled with the fact, and + mastered it, he promptly sent his boy with the message, 'He's a coming + to-night.' Who being instructed to deliver those words and disappear, + fulfilled his mission like a tarry spirit, charged with a mysterious + warning. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, well pleased to receive it, made preparation of pipes and rum + and water, and awaited his visitor in the back parlour. At the hour of + eight, a deep lowing, as of a nautical Bull, outside the shop-door, + succeeded by the knocking of a stick on the panel, announced to the + listening ear of Captain Cuttle, that Bunsby was alongside; whom he + instantly admitted, shaggy and loose, and with his stolid mahogany visage, + as usual, appearing to have no consciousness of anything before it, but to + be attentively observing something that was taking place in quite another + part of the world. + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby,' said the Captain, grasping him by the hand, 'what cheer, my lad, + what cheer?' + </p> + <p> + 'Shipmet,' replied the voice within Bunsby, unaccompanied by any sign on + the part of the Commander himself, 'hearty, hearty.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby!' said the Captain, rendering irrepressible homage to his genius, + 'here you are! a man as can give an opinion as is brighter than di'monds—and + give me the lad with the tarry trousers as shines to me like di'monds + bright, for which you'll overhaul the Stanfell's Budget, and when found + make a note. Here you are, a man as gave an opinion in this here very + place, that has come true, every letter on it,' which the Captain + sincerely believed. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay?' growled Bunsby. + </p> + <p> + 'Every letter,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'For why?' growled Bunsby, looking at his friend for the first time. + 'Which way? If so, why not? Therefore.' With these oracular words—they + seemed almost to make the Captain giddy; they launched him upon such a sea + of speculation and conjecture—the sage submitted to be helped off + with his pilot-coat, and accompanied his friend into the back parlour, + where his hand presently alighted on the rum-bottle, from which he brewed + a stiff glass of grog; and presently afterwards on a pipe, which he + filled, lighted, and began to smoke. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, imitating his visitor in the matter of these particulars, + though the rapt and imperturbable manner of the great Commander was far + above his powers, sat in the opposite corner of the fireside, observing + him respectfully, and as if he waited for some encouragement or expression + of curiosity on Bunsby's part which should lead him to his own affairs. + But as the mahogany philosopher gave no evidence of being sentient of + anything but warmth and tobacco, except once, when taking his pipe from + his lips to make room for his glass, he incidentally remarked with + exceeding gruffness, that his name was Jack Bunsby—a declaration + that presented but small opening for conversation—the Captain + bespeaking his attention in a short complimentary exordium, narrated the + whole history of Uncle Sol's departure, with the change it had produced in + his own life and fortunes; and concluded by placing the packet on the + table. + </p> + <p> + After a long pause, Mr Bunsby nodded his head. + </p> + <p> + 'Open?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Bunsby nodded again. + </p> + <p> + The Captain accordingly broke the seal, and disclosed to view two folded + papers, of which he severally read the endorsements, thus: 'Last Will and + Testament of Solomon Gills.' 'Letter for Ned Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + Bunsby, with his eye on the coast of Greenland, seemed to listen for the + contents. The Captain therefore hemmed to clear his throat, and read the + letter aloud. + </p> + <p> + '"My dear Ned Cuttle. When I left home for the West Indies"—' + </p> + <p> + Here the Captain stopped, and looked hard at Bunsby, who looked fixedly at + the coast of Greenland. + </p> + <p> + '—"in forlorn search of intelligence of my dear boy, I knew that if + you were acquainted with my design, you would thwart it, or accompany me; + and therefore I kept it secret. If you ever read this letter, Ned, I am + likely to be dead. You will easily forgive an old friend's folly then, and + will feel for the restlessness and uncertainty in which he wandered away + on such a wild voyage. So no more of that. I have little hope that my poor + boy will ever read these words, or gladden your eyes with the sight of his + frank face any more." No, no; no more,' said Captain Cuttle, sorrowfully + meditating; 'no more. There he lays, all his days—' + </p> + <p> + Mr Bunsby, who had a musical ear, suddenly bellowed, 'In the Bays of + Biscay, O!' which so affected the good Captain, as an appropriate tribute + to departed worth, that he shook him by the hand in acknowledgment, and + was fain to wipe his eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well!' said the Captain with a sigh, as the Lament of Bunsby ceased + to ring and vibrate in the skylight. 'Affliction sore, long time he bore, + and let us overhaul the wollume, and there find it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Physicians,' observed Bunsby, 'was in vain.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, to be sure,' said the Captain, 'what's the good o' them in two or + three hundred fathoms o' water!' Then, returning to the letter, he read + on:—'"But if he should be by, when it is opened;"' the Captain + involuntarily looked round, and shook his head; '"or should know of it at + any other time;"' the Captain shook his head again; '"my blessing on him! + In case the accompanying paper is not legally written, it matters very + little, for there is no one interested but you and he, and my plain wish + is, that if he is living he should have what little there may be, and if + (as I fear) otherwise, that you should have it, Ned. You will respect my + wish, I know. God bless you for it, and for all your friendliness besides, + to Solomon Gills." Bunsby!' said the Captain, appealing to him solemnly, + 'what do you make of this? There you sit, a man as has had his head broke + from infancy up'ards, and has got a new opinion into it at every seam as + has been opened. Now, what do you make o' this?' + </p> + <p> + 'If so be,' returned Bunsby, with unusual promptitude, 'as he's dead, my + opinion is he won't come back no more. If so be as he's alive, my opinion + is he will. Do I say he will? No. Why not? Because the bearings of this + obserwation lays in the application on it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby!' said Captain Cuttle, who would seem to have estimated the value + of his distinguished friend's opinions in proportion to the immensity of + the difficulty he experienced in making anything out of them; 'Bunsby,' + said the Captain, quite confounded by admiration, 'you carry a weight of + mind easy, as would swamp one of my tonnage soon. But in regard o' this + here will, I don't mean to take no steps towards the property—Lord + forbid!—except to keep it for a more rightful owner; and I hope yet + as the rightful owner, Sol Gills, is living and'll come back, strange as + it is that he ain't forwarded no dispatches. Now, what is your opinion, + Bunsby, as to stowing of these here papers away again, and marking outside + as they was opened, such a day, in the presence of John Bunsby and Ed'ard + Cuttle?' + </p> + <p> + Bunsby, descrying no objection, on the coast of Greenland or elsewhere, to + this proposal, it was carried into execution; and that great man, bringing + his eye into the present for a moment, affixed his sign-manual to the + cover, totally abstaining, with characteristic modesty, from the use of + capital letters. Captain Cuttle, having attached his own left-handed + signature, and locked up the packet in the iron safe, entreated his guest + to mix another glass and smoke another pipe; and doing the like himself, + fell a musing over the fire on the possible fortunes of the poor old + Instrument-maker. + </p> + <p> + And now a surprise occurred, so overwhelming and terrific that Captain + Cuttle, unsupported by the presence of Bunsby, must have sunk beneath it, + and been a lost man from that fatal hour. + </p> + <p> + How the Captain, even in the satisfaction of admitting such a guest, could + have only shut the door, and not locked it, of which negligence he was + undoubtedly guilty, is one of those questions that must for ever remain + mere points of speculation, or vague charges against destiny. But by that + unlocked door, at this quiet moment, did the fell MacStinger dash into the + parlour, bringing Alexander MacStinger in her parental arms, and confusion + and vengeance (not to mention Juliana MacStinger, and the sweet child's + brother, Charles MacStinger, popularly known about the scenes of his + youthful sports, as Chowley) in her train. She came so swiftly and so + silently, like a rushing air from the neighbourhood of the East India + Docks, that Captain Cuttle found himself in the very act of sitting + looking at her, before the calm face with which he had been meditating, + changed to one of horror and dismay. + </p> + <p> + But the moment Captain Cuttle understood the full extent of his + misfortune, self-preservation dictated an attempt at flight. Darting at + the little door which opened from the parlour on the steep little range of + cellar-steps, the Captain made a rush, head-foremost, at the latter, like + a man indifferent to bruises and contusions, who only sought to hide + himself in the bowels of the earth. In this gallant effort he would + probably have succeeded, but for the affectionate dispositions of Juliana + and Chowley, who pinning him by the legs—one of those dear children + holding on to each—claimed him as their friend, with lamentable + cries. In the meantime, Mrs MacStinger, who never entered upon any action + of importance without previously inverting Alexander MacStinger, to bring + him within the range of a brisk battery of slaps, and then sitting him + down to cool as the reader first beheld him, performed that solemn rite, + as if on this occasion it were a sacrifice to the Furies; and having + deposited the victim on the floor, made at the Captain with a strength of + purpose that appeared to threaten scratches to the interposing Bunsby. + </p> + <p> + The cries of the two elder MacStingers, and the wailing of young + Alexander, who may be said to have passed a piebald childhood, forasmuch + as he was black in the face during one half of that fairy period of + existence, combined to make this visitation the more awful. But when + silence reigned again, and the Captain, in a violent perspiration, stood + meekly looking at Mrs MacStinger, its terrors were at their height. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Cap'en Cuttle, Cap'en Cuttle!' said Mrs MacStinger, making her chin + rigid, and shaking it in unison with what, but for the weakness of her + sex, might be described as her fist. 'Oh, Cap'en Cuttle, Cap'en Cuttle, do + you dare to look me in the face, and not be struck down in the berth!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who looked anything but daring, feebly muttered 'Stand by!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh I was a weak and trusting Fool when I took you under my roof, Cap'en + Cuttle, I was!' cried Mrs MacStinger. 'To think of the benefits I've + showered on that man, and the way in which I brought my children up to + love and honour him as if he was a father to 'em, when there ain't a + housekeeper, no nor a lodger in our street, don't know that I lost money + by that man, and by his guzzlings and his muzzlings'—Mrs MacStinger + used the last word for the joint sake of alliteration and aggravation, + rather than for the expression of any idea—'and when they cried out + one and all, shame upon him for putting upon an industrious woman, up + early and late for the good of her young family, and keeping her poor + place so clean that a individual might have ate his dinner, yes, and his + tea too, if he was so disposed, off any one of the floors or stairs, in + spite of all his guzzlings and his muzzlings, such was the care and pains + bestowed upon him!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs MacStinger stopped to fetch her breath; and her face flushed with + triumph in this second happy introduction of Captain Cuttle's muzzlings. + </p> + <p> + 'And he runs awa-a-a-y!' cried Mrs MacStinger, with a lengthening out of + the last syllable that made the unfortunate Captain regard himself as the + meanest of men; 'and keeps away a twelve-month! From a woman! Such is his + conscience! He hasn't the courage to meet her hi-i-igh;' long syllable + again; 'but steals away, like a fellon. Why, if that baby of mine,' said + Mrs MacStinger, with sudden rapidity, 'was to offer to go and steal away, + I'd do my duty as a mother by him, till he was covered with wales!' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0511m.jpg" alt="0511m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0511.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The young Alexander, interpreting this into a positive promise, to be + shortly redeemed, tumbled over with fear and grief, and lay upon the + floor, exhibiting the soles of his shoes and making such a deafening + outcry, that Mrs MacStinger found it necessary to take him up in her arms, + where she quieted him, ever and anon, as he broke out again, by a shake + that seemed enough to loosen his teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'A pretty sort of a man is Cap'en Cuttle,' said Mrs MacStinger, with a + sharp stress on the first syllable of the Captain's name, 'to take on for—and + to lose sleep for—and to faint along of—and to think dead + forsooth—and to go up and down the blessed town like a madwoman, + asking questions after! Oh, a pretty sort of a man! Ha ha ha ha! He's + worth all that trouble and distress of mind, and much more. That's + nothing, bless you! Ha ha ha ha! Cap'en Cuttle,' said Mrs MacStinger, with + severe reaction in her voice and manner, 'I wish to know if you're + a-coming home.' + </p> + <p> + The frightened Captain looked into his hat, as if he saw nothing for it + but to put it on, and give himself up. + </p> + <p> + 'Cap'en Cuttle,' repeated Mrs MacStinger, in the same determined manner, + 'I wish to know if you're a-coming home, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain seemed quite ready to go, but faintly suggested something to + the effect of 'not making so much noise about it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, ay,' said Bunsby, in a soothing tone. 'Awast, my lass, awast!' + </p> + <p> + 'And who may you be, if you please!' retorted Mrs MacStinger, with chaste + loftiness. 'Did you ever lodge at Number Nine, Brig Place, Sir? My memory + may be bad, but not with me, I think. There was a Mrs Jollson lived at + Number Nine before me, and perhaps you're mistaking me for her. That is my + only ways of accounting for your familiarity, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Come, come, my lass, awast, awast!' said Bunsby. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle could hardly believe it, even of this great man, though he + saw it done with his waking eyes; but Bunsby, advancing boldly, put his + shaggy blue arm round Mrs MacStinger, and so softened her by his magic way + of doing it, and by these few words—he said no more—that she + melted into tears, after looking upon him for a few moments, and observed + that a child might conquer her now, she was so low in her courage. + </p> + <p> + Speechless and utterly amazed, the Captain saw him gradually persuade this + inexorable woman into the shop, return for rum and water and a candle, + take them to her, and pacify her without appearing to utter one word. + Presently he looked in with his pilot-coat on, and said, 'Cuttle, I'm + a-going to act as convoy home;' and Captain Cuttle, more to his confusion + than if he had been put in irons himself, for safe transport to Brig + Place, saw the family pacifically filing off, with Mrs MacStinger at their + head. He had scarcely time to take down his canister, and stealthily + convey some money into the hands of Juliana MacStinger, his former + favourite, and Chowley, who had the claim upon him that he was naturally + of a maritime build, before the Midshipman was abandoned by them all; and + Bunsby whispering that he'd carry on smart, and hail Ned Cuttle again + before he went aboard, shut the door upon himself, as the last member of + the party. + </p> + <p> + Some uneasy ideas that he must be walking in his sleep, or that he had + been troubled with phantoms, and not a family of flesh and blood, beset + the Captain at first, when he went back to the little parlour, and found + himself alone. Illimitable faith in, and immeasurable admiration of, the + Commander of the Cautious Clara, succeeded, and threw the Captain into a + wondering trance. + </p> + <p> + Still, as time wore on, and Bunsby failed to reappear, the Captain began + to entertain uncomfortable doubts of another kind. Whether Bunsby had been + artfully decoyed to Brig Place, and was there detained in safe custody as + hostage for his friend; in which case it would become the Captain, as a + man of honour, to release him, by the sacrifice of his own liberty. + Whether he had been attacked and defeated by Mrs MacStinger, and was + ashamed to show himself after his discomfiture. Whether Mrs MacStinger, + thinking better of it, in the uncertainty of her temper, had turned back + to board the Midshipman again, and Bunsby, pretending to conduct her by a + short cut, was endeavouring to lose the family amid the wilds and savage + places of the City. Above all, what it would behove him, Captain Cuttle, + to do, in case of his hearing no more, either of the MacStingers or of + Bunsby, which, in these wonderful and unforeseen conjunctions of events, + might possibly happen. + </p> + <p> + He debated all this until he was tired; and still no Bunsby. He made up + his bed under the counter, all ready for turning in; and still no Bunsby. + At length, when the Captain had given him up, for that night at least, and + had begun to undress, the sound of approaching wheels was heard, and, + stopping at the door, was succeeded by Bunsby's hail. + </p> + <p> + The Captain trembled to think that Mrs MacStinger was not to be got rid + of, and had been brought back in a coach. + </p> + <p> + But no. Bunsby was accompanied by nothing but a large box, which he hauled + into the shop with his own hands, and as soon as he had hauled in, sat + upon. Captain Cuttle knew it for the chest he had left at Mrs MacStinger's + house, and looking, candle in hand, at Bunsby more attentively, believed + that he was three sheets in the wind, or, in plain words, drunk. It was + difficult, however, to be sure of this; the Commander having no trace of + expression in his face when sober. + </p> + <p> + 'Cuttle,' said the Commander, getting off the chest, and opening the lid, + 'are these here your traps?' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle looked in and identified his property. + </p> + <p> + 'Done pretty taut and trim, hey, shipmet?' said Bunsby. + </p> + <p> + The grateful and bewildered Captain grasped him by the hand, and was + launching into a reply expressive of his astonished feelings, when Bunsby + disengaged himself by a jerk of his wrist, and seemed to make an effort to + wink with his revolving eye, the only effect of which attempt, in his + condition, was nearly to over-balance him. He then abruptly opened the + door, and shot away to rejoin the Cautious Clara with all speed—supposed + to be his invariable custom, whenever he considered he had made a point. + </p> + <p> + As it was not his humour to be often sought, Captain Cuttle decided not to + go or send to him next day, or until he should make his gracious pleasure + known in such wise, or failing that, until some little time should have + lapsed. The Captain, therefore, renewed his solitary life next morning, + and thought profoundly, many mornings, noons, and nights, of old Sol + Gills, and Bunsby's sentiments concerning him, and the hopes there were of + his return. Much of such thinking strengthened Captain Cuttle's hopes; and + he humoured them and himself by watching for the Instrument-maker at the + door—as he ventured to do now, in his strange liberty—and + setting his chair in its place, and arranging the little parlour as it + used to be, in case he should come home unexpectedly. He likewise, in his + thoughtfulness, took down a certain little miniature of Walter as a + schoolboy, from its accustomed nail, lest it should shock the old man on + his return. The Captain had his presentiments, too, sometimes, that he + would come on such a day; and one particular Sunday, even ordered a double + allowance of dinner, he was so sanguine. But come, old Solomon did not; + and still the neighbours noticed how the seafaring man in the glazed hat, + stood at the shop-door of an evening, looking up and down the street. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 40. Domestic Relations + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>t was not in the nature of things that a man of Mr Dombey's mood, opposed + to such a spirit as he had raised against himself, should be softened in + the imperious asperity of his temper; or that the cold hard armour of + pride in which he lived encased, should be made more flexible by constant + collision with haughty scorn and defiance. It is the curse of such a + nature—it is a main part of the heavy retribution on itself it bears + within itself—that while deference and concession swell its evil + qualities, and are the food it grows upon, resistance and a questioning of + its exacting claims, foster it too, no less. The evil that is in it finds + equally its means of growth and propagation in opposites. It draws support + and life from sweets and bitters; bowed down before, or unacknowledged, it + still enslaves the breast in which it has its throne; and, worshipped or + rejected, is as hard a master as the Devil in dark fables. + </p> + <p> + Towards his first wife, Mr Dombey, in his cold and lofty arrogance, had + borne himself like the removed Being he almost conceived himself to be. He + had been 'Mr Dombey' with her when she first saw him, and he was 'Mr + Dombey' when she died. He had asserted his greatness during their whole + married life, and she had meekly recognised it. He had kept his distant + seat of state on the top of his throne, and she her humble station on its + lowest step; and much good it had done him, so to live in solitary bondage + to his one idea. He had imagined that the proud character of his second + wife would have been added to his own—would have merged into it, and + exalted his greatness. He had pictured himself haughtier than ever, with + Edith's haughtiness subservient to his. He had never entertained the + possibility of its arraying itself against him. And now, when he found it + rising in his path at every step and turn of his daily life, fixing its + cold, defiant, and contemptuous face upon him, this pride of his, instead + of withering, or hanging down its head beneath the shock, put forth new + shoots, became more concentrated and intense, more gloomy, sullen, + irksome, and unyielding, than it had ever been before. + </p> + <p> + Who wears such armour, too, bears with him ever another heavy retribution. + It is of proof against conciliation, love, and confidence; against all + gentle sympathy from without, all trust, all tenderness, all soft emotion; + but to deep stabs in the self-love, it is as vulnerable as the bare breast + to steel; and such tormenting festers rankle there, as follow on no other + wounds, no, though dealt with the mailed hand of Pride itself, on weaker + pride, disarmed and thrown down. + </p> + <p> + Such wounds were his. He felt them sharply, in the solitude of his old + rooms; whither he now began often to retire again, and pass long solitary + hours. It seemed his fate to be ever proud and powerful; ever humbled and + powerless where he would be most strong. Who seemed fated to work out that + doom? + </p> + <p> + Who? Who was it who could win his wife as she had won his boy? Who was it + who had shown him that new victory, as he sat in the dark corner? Who was + it whose least word did what his utmost means could not? Who was it who, + unaided by his love, regard or notice, thrived and grew beautiful when + those so aided died? Who could it be, but the same child at whom he had + often glanced uneasily in her motherless infancy, with a kind of dread, + lest he might come to hate her; and of whom his foreboding was fulfilled, + for he DID hate her in his heart? + </p> + <p> + Yes, and he would have it hatred, and he made it hatred, though some + sparkles of the light in which she had appeared before him on the + memorable night of his return home with his Bride, occasionally hung about + her still. He knew now that she was beautiful; he did not dispute that she + was graceful and winning, and that in the bright dawn of her womanhood she + had come upon him, a surprise. But he turned even this against her. In his + sullen and unwholesome brooding, the unhappy man, with a dull perception + of his alienation from all hearts, and a vague yearning for what he had + all his life repelled, made a distorted picture of his rights and wrongs, + and justified himself with it against her. The worthier she promised to be + of him, the greater claim he was disposed to antedate upon her duty and + submission. When had she ever shown him duty and submission? Did she grace + his life—or Edith's? Had her attractions been manifested first to + him—or Edith? Why, he and she had never been, from her birth, like + father and child! They had always been estranged. She had crossed him + every way and everywhere. She was leagued against him now. Her very beauty + softened natures that were obdurate to him, and insulted him with an + unnatural triumph. + </p> + <p> + It may have been that in all this there were mutterings of an awakened + feeling in his breast, however selfishly aroused by his position of + disadvantage, in comparison with what she might have made his life. But he + silenced the distant thunder with the rolling of his sea of pride. He + would bear nothing but his pride. And in his pride, a heap of + inconsistency, and misery, and self-inflicted torment, he hated her. + </p> + <p> + To the moody, stubborn, sullen demon, that possessed him, his wife opposed + her different pride in its full force. They never could have led a happy + life together; but nothing could have made it more unhappy, than the + wilful and determined warfare of such elements. His pride was set upon + maintaining his magnificent supremacy, and forcing recognition of it from + her. She would have been racked to death, and turned but her haughty + glance of calm inflexible disdain upon him, to the last. Such recognition + from Edith! He little knew through what a storm and struggle she had been + driven onward to the crowning honour of his hand. He little knew how much + she thought she had conceded, when she suffered him to call her wife. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was resolved to show her that he was supreme. There must be no + will but his. Proud he desired that she should be, but she must be proud + for, not against him. As he sat alone, hardening, he would often hear her + go out and come home, treading the round of London life with no more heed + of his liking or disliking, pleasure or displeasure, than if he had been + her groom. Her cold supreme indifference—his own unquestioned + attribute usurped—stung him more than any other kind of treatment + could have done; and he determined to bend her to his magnificent and + stately will. + </p> + <p> + He had been long communing with these thoughts, when one night he sought + her in her own apartment, after he had heard her return home late. She was + alone, in her brilliant dress, and had but that moment come from her + mother's room. Her face was melancholy and pensive, when he came upon her; + but it marked him at the door; for, glancing at the mirror before it, he + saw immediately, as in a picture-frame, the knitted brow, and darkened + beauty that he knew so well. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey,' he said, entering, 'I must beg leave to have a few words + with you.' + </p> + <p> + 'To-morrow,' she replied. + </p> + <p> + 'There is no time like the present, Madam,' he returned. 'You mistake your + position. I am used to choose my own times; not to have them chosen for + me. I think you scarcely understand who and what I am, Mrs Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'I think,' she answered, 'that I understand you very well.' + </p> + <p> + She looked upon him as she said so, and folding her white arms, sparkling + with gold and gems, upon her swelling breast, turned away her eyes. + </p> + <p> + If she had been less handsome, and less stately in her cold composure, she + might not have had the power of impressing him with the sense of + disadvantage that penetrated through his utmost pride. But she had the + power, and he felt it keenly. He glanced round the room: saw how the + splendid means of personal adornment, and the luxuries of dress, were + scattered here and there, and disregarded; not in mere caprice and + carelessness (or so he thought), but in a steadfast haughty disregard of + costly things: and felt it more and more. Chaplets of flowers, plumes of + feathers, jewels, laces, silks and satins; look where he would, he saw + riches, despised, poured out, and made of no account. The very diamonds—a + marriage gift—that rose and fell impatiently upon her bosom, seemed + to pant to break the chain that clasped them round her neck, and roll down + on the floor where she might tread upon them. + </p> + <p> + He felt his disadvantage, and he showed it. Solemn and strange among this + wealth of colour and voluptuous glitter, strange and constrained towards + its haughty mistress, whose repellent beauty it repeated, and presented + all around him, as in so many fragments of a mirror, he was conscious of + embarrassment and awkwardness. Nothing that ministered to her disdainful + self-possession could fail to gall him. Galled and irritated with himself, + he sat down, and went on, in no improved humour: + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey, it is very necessary that there should be some understanding + arrived at between us. Your conduct does not please me, Madam.' + </p> + <p> + She merely glanced at him again, and again averted her eyes; but she might + have spoken for an hour, and expressed less. + </p> + <p> + 'I repeat, Mrs Dombey, does not please me. I have already taken occasion + to request that it may be corrected. I now insist upon it.' + </p> + <p> + 'You chose a fitting occasion for your first remonstrance, Sir, and you + adopt a fitting manner, and a fitting word for your second. You insist! To + me!' + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' said Mr Dombey, with his most offensive air of state, 'I have + made you my wife. You bear my name. You are associated with my position + and my reputation. I will not say that the world in general may be + disposed to think you honoured by that association; but I will say that I + am accustomed to "insist," to my connexions and dependents.' + </p> + <p> + 'Which may you be pleased to consider me? she asked. + </p> + <p> + 'Possibly I may think that my wife should partake—or does partake, + and cannot help herself—of both characters, Mrs Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + She bent her eyes upon him steadily, and set her trembling lips. He saw + her bosom throb, and saw her face flush and turn white. All this he could + know, and did: but he could not know that one word was whispering in the + deep recesses of her heart, to keep her quiet; and that the word was + Florence. + </p> + <p> + Blind idiot, rushing to a precipice! He thought she stood in awe of him. + </p> + <p> + 'You are too expensive, Madam,' said Mr Dombey. 'You are extravagant. You + waste a great deal of money—or what would be a great deal in the + pockets of most gentlemen—in cultivating a kind of society that is + useless to me, and, indeed, that upon the whole is disagreeable to me. I + have to insist upon a total change in all these respects. I know that in + the novelty of possessing a tithe of such means as Fortune has placed at + your disposal, ladies are apt to run into a sudden extreme. There has been + more than enough of that extreme. I beg that Mrs Granger's very different + experiences may now come to the instruction of Mrs Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Still the fixed look, the trembling lips, the throbbing breast, the face + now crimson and now white; and still the deep whisper Florence, Florence, + speaking to her in the beating of her heart. + </p> + <p> + His insolence of self-importance dilated as he saw this alteration in her. + Swollen no less by her past scorn of him, and his so recent feeling of + disadvantage, than by her present submission (as he took it to be), it + became too mighty for his breast, and burst all bounds. Why, who could + long resist his lofty will and pleasure! He had resolved to conquer her, + and look here! + </p> + <p> + 'You will further please, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, in a tone of sovereign + command, 'to understand distinctly, that I am to be deferred to and + obeyed. That I must have a positive show and confession of deference + before the world, Madam. I am used to this. I require it as my right. In + short I will have it. I consider it no unreasonable return for the worldly + advancement that has befallen you; and I believe nobody will be surprised, + either at its being required from you, or at your making it.—To Me—To + Me!' he added, with emphasis. + </p> + <p> + No word from her. No change in her. Her eyes upon him. + </p> + <p> + 'I have learnt from your mother, Mrs Dombey,' said Mr Dombey, with + magisterial importance, 'what no doubt you know, namely, that Brighton is + recommended for her health. Mr Carker has been so good.' + </p> + <p> + She changed suddenly. Her face and bosom glowed as if the red light of an + angry sunset had been flung upon them. Not unobservant of the change, and + putting his own interpretation upon it, Mr Dombey resumed: + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker has been so good as to go down and secure a house there, for a + time. On the return of the establishment to London, I shall take such + steps for its better management as I consider necessary. One of these, + will be the engagement at Brighton (if it is to be effected), of a very + respectable reduced person there, a Mrs Pipchin, formerly employed in a + situation of trust in my family, to act as housekeeper. An establishment + like this, presided over but nominally, Mrs Dombey, requires a competent + head.' + </p> + <p> + She had changed her attitude before he arrived at these words, and now sat—still + looking at him fixedly—turning a bracelet round and round upon her + arm; not winding it about with a light, womanly touch, but pressing and + dragging it over the smooth skin, until the white limb showed a bar of + red. + </p> + <p> + 'I observed,' said Mr Dombey—'and this concludes what I deem it + necessary to say to you at present, Mrs Dombey—I observed a moment + ago, Madam, that my allusion to Mr Carker was received in a peculiar + manner. On the occasion of my happening to point out to you, before that + confidential agent, the objection I had to your mode of receiving my + visitors, you were pleased to object to his presence. You will have to get + the better of that objection, Madam, and to accustom yourself to it very + probably on many similar occasions; unless you adopt the remedy which is + in your own hands, of giving me no cause of complaint. Mr Carker,' said Mr + Dombey, who, after the emotion he had just seen, set great store by this + means of reducing his proud wife, and who was perhaps sufficiently willing + to exhibit his power to that gentleman in a new and triumphant aspect, 'Mr + Carker being in my confidence, Mrs Dombey, may very well be in yours to + such an extent. I hope, Mrs Dombey,' he continued, after a few moments, + during which, in his increasing haughtiness, he had improved on his idea, + 'I may not find it necessary ever to entrust Mr Carker with any message of + objection or remonstrance to you; but as it would be derogatory to my + position and reputation to be frequently holding trivial disputes with a + lady upon whom I have conferred the highest distinction that it is in my + power to bestow, I shall not scruple to avail myself of his services if I + see occasion.' + </p> + <p> + 'And now,' he thought, rising in his moral magnificence, and rising a + stiffer and more impenetrable man than ever, 'she knows me and my + resolution.' + </p> + <p> + The hand that had so pressed the bracelet was laid heavily upon her + breast, but she looked at him still, with an unaltered face, and said in a + low voice: + </p> + <p> + 'Wait! For God's sake! I must speak to you.' + </p> + <p> + Why did she not, and what was the inward struggle that rendered her + incapable of doing so, for minutes, while, in the strong constraint she + put upon her face, it was as fixed as any statue's—looking upon him + with neither yielding nor unyielding, liking nor hatred, pride not + humility: nothing but a searching gaze? + </p> + <p> + 'Did I ever tempt you to seek my hand? Did I ever use any art to win you? + Was I ever more conciliating to you when you pursued me, than I have been + since our marriage? Was I ever other to you than I am?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is wholly unnecessary, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, 'to enter upon such + discussions.' + </p> + <p> + 'Did you think I loved you? Did you know I did not? Did you ever care, + Man! for my heart, or propose to yourself to win the worthless thing? Was + there any poor pretence of any in our bargain? Upon your side, or on + mine?' + </p> + <p> + 'These questions,' said Mr Dombey, 'are all wide of the purpose, Madam.' + </p> + <p> + She moved between him and the door to prevent his going away, and drawing + her majestic figure to its height, looked steadily upon him still. + </p> + <p> + 'You answer each of them. You answer me before I speak, I see. How can you + help it; you who know the miserable truth as well as I? Now, tell me. If I + loved you to devotion, could I do more than render up my whole will and + being to you, as you have just demanded? If my heart were pure and all + untried, and you its idol, could you ask more; could you have more?' + </p> + <p> + 'Possibly not, Madam,' he returned coolly. + </p> + <p> + 'You know how different I am. You see me looking on you now, and you can + read the warmth of passion for you that is breathing in my face.' Not a + curl of the proud lip, not a flash of the dark eye, nothing but the same + intent and searching look, accompanied these words. 'You know my general + history. You have spoken of my mother. Do you think you can degrade, or + bend or break, me to submission and obedience?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey smiled, as he might have smiled at an inquiry whether he thought + he could raise ten thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + 'If there is anything unusual here,' she said, with a slight motion of her + hand before her brow, which did not for a moment flinch from its immovable + and otherwise expressionless gaze, 'as I know there are unusual feelings + here,' raising the hand she pressed upon her bosom, and heavily returning + it, 'consider that there is no common meaning in the appeal I am going to + make you. Yes, for I am going;' she said it as in prompt reply to + something in his face; 'to appeal to you.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, with a slightly condescending bend of his chin that rustled and + crackled his stiff cravat, sat down on a sofa that was near him, to hear + the appeal. + </p> + <p> + 'If you can believe that I am of such a nature now,'—he fancied he + saw tears glistening in her eyes, and he thought, complacently, that he + had forced them from her, though none fell on her cheek, and she regarded + him as steadily as ever,—'as would make what I now say almost + incredible to myself, said to any man who had become my husband, but, + above all, said to you, you may, perhaps, attach the greater weight to it. + In the dark end to which we are tending, and may come, we shall not + involve ourselves alone (that might not be much) but others.' + </p> + <p> + Others! He knew at whom that word pointed, and frowned heavily. + </p> + <p> + 'I speak to you for the sake of others. Also your own sake; and for mine. + Since our marriage, you have been arrogant to me; and I have repaid you in + kind. You have shown to me and everyone around us, every day and hour, + that you think I am graced and distinguished by your alliance. I do not + think so, and have shown that too. It seems you do not understand, or (so + far as your power can go) intend that each of us shall take a separate + course; and you expect from me instead, a homage you will never have.' + </p> + <p> + Although her face was still the same, there was emphatic confirmation of + this 'Never' in the very breath she drew. + </p> + <p> + 'I feel no tenderness towards you; that you know. You would care nothing + for it, if I did or could. I know as well that you feel none towards me. + But we are linked together; and in the knot that ties us, as I have said, + others are bound up. We must both die; we are both connected with the dead + already, each by a little child. Let us forbear.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey took a long respiration, as if he would have said, Oh! was this + all! + </p> + <p> + 'There is no wealth,' she went on, turning paler as she watched him, while + her eyes grew yet more lustrous in their earnestness, 'that could buy + these words of me, and the meaning that belongs to them. Once cast away as + idle breath, no wealth or power can bring them back. I mean them; I have + weighed them; and I will be true to what I undertake. If you will promise + to forbear on your part, I will promise to forbear on mine. We are a most + unhappy pair, in whom, from different causes, every sentiment that blesses + marriage, or justifies it, is rooted out; but in the course of time, some + friendship, or some fitness for each other, may arise between us. I will + try to hope so, if you will make the endeavour too; and I will look + forward to a better and a happier use of age than I have made of youth or + prime.' + </p> + <p> + Throughout she had spoken in a low plain voice, that neither rose nor + fell; ceasing, she dropped the hand with which she had enforced herself to + be so passionless and distinct, but not the eyes with which she had so + steadily observed him. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' said Mr Dombey, with his utmost dignity, 'I cannot entertain any + proposal of this extraordinary nature.' + </p> + <p> + She looked at him yet, without the least change. + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot,' said Mr Dombey, rising as he spoke, 'consent to temporise or + treat with you, Mrs Dombey, upon a subject as to which you are in + possession of my opinions and expectations. I have stated my ultimatum, + Madam, and have only to request your very serious attention to it.' + </p> + <p> + To see the face change to its old expression, deepened in intensity! To + see the eyes droop as from some mean and odious object! To see the + lighting of the haughty brow! To see scorn, anger, indignation, and + abhorrence starting into sight, and the pale blank earnestness vanish like + a mist! He could not choose but look, although he looked to his dismay. + </p> + <p> + 'Go, Sir!' she said, pointing with an imperious hand towards the door. + 'Our first and last confidence is at an end. Nothing can make us stranger + to each other than we are henceforth.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall take my rightful course, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, 'undeterred, you + may be sure, by any general declamation.' + </p> + <p> + She turned her back upon him, and, without reply, sat down before her + glass. + </p> + <p> + 'I place my reliance on your improved sense of duty, and more correct + feeling, and better reflection, Madam,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + She answered not one word. He saw no more expression of any heed of him, + in the mirror, than if he had been an unseen spider on the wall, or beetle + on the floor, or rather, than if he had been the one or other, seen and + crushed when she last turned from him, and forgotten among the ignominious + and dead vermin of the ground. + </p> + <p> + He looked back, as he went out at the door, upon the well-lighted and + luxurious room, the beautiful and glittering objects everywhere displayed, + the shape of Edith in its rich dress seated before her glass, and the face + of Edith as the glass presented it to him; and betook himself to his old + chamber of cogitation, carrying away with him a vivid picture in his mind + of all these things, and a rambling and unaccountable speculation (such as + sometimes comes into a man's head) how they would all look when he saw + them next. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, Mr Dombey was very taciturn, and very dignified, and very + confident of carrying out his purpose; and remained so. + </p> + <p> + He did not design accompanying the family to Brighton; but he graciously + informed Cleopatra at breakfast, on the morning of departure, which + arrived a day or two afterwards, that he might be expected down, soon. + There was no time to be lost in getting Cleopatra to any place recommended + as being salutary; for, indeed, she seemed upon the wane, and turning of + the earth, earthy. + </p> + <p> + Without having undergone any decided second attack of her malady, the old + woman seemed to have crawled backward in her recovery from the first. She + was more lean and shrunken, more uncertain in her imbecility, and made + stranger confusions in her mind and memory. Among other symptoms of this + last affliction, she fell into the habit of confounding the names of her + two sons-in-law, the living and the deceased; and in general called Mr + Dombey, either 'Grangeby,' or 'Domber,' or indifferently, both. + </p> + <p> + But she was youthful, very youthful still; and in her youthfulness + appeared at breakfast, before going away, in a new bonnet made express, + and a travelling robe that was embroidered and braided like an old baby's. + It was not easy to put her into a fly-away bonnet now, or to keep the + bonnet in its place on the back of her poor nodding head, when it was got + on. In this instance, it had not only the extraneous effect of being + always on one side, but of being perpetually tapped on the crown by + Flowers the maid, who attended in the background during breakfast to + perform that duty. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, my dearest Grangeby,' said Mrs Skewton, 'you must posively prom,' + she cut some of her words short, and cut out others altogether, 'come down + very soon.' + </p> + <p> + 'I said just now, Madam,' returned Mr Dombey, loudly and laboriously, + 'that I am coming in a day or two.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bless you, Domber!' + </p> + <p> + Here the Major, who was come to take leave of the ladies, and who was + staring through his apoplectic eyes at Mrs Skewton's face with the + disinterested composure of an immortal being, said: + </p> + <p> + 'Begad, Ma'am, you don't ask old Joe to come!' + </p> + <p> + 'Sterious wretch, who's he?' lisped Cleopatra. But a tap on the bonnet + from Flowers seeming to jog her memory, she added, 'Oh! You mean yourself, + you naughty creature!' + </p> + <p> + 'Devilish queer, Sir,' whispered the Major to Mr Dombey. 'Bad case. Never + did wrap up enough;' the Major being buttoned to the chin. 'Why who should + J. B. mean by Joe, but old Joe Bagstock—Joseph—your slave—Joe, + Ma'am? Here! Here's the man! Here are the Bagstock bellows, Ma'am!' cried + the Major, striking himself a sounding blow on the chest. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Edith—Grangeby—it's most trordinry thing,' said + Cleopatra, pettishly, 'that Major—' + </p> + <p> + 'Bagstock! J. B.!' cried the Major, seeing that she faltered for his name. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, it don't matter,' said Cleopatra. 'Edith, my love, you know I never + could remember names—what was it? oh!—most trordinry thing + that so many people want to come down to see me. I'm not going for long. + I'm coming back. Surely they can wait, till I come back!' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra looked all round the table as she said it, and appeared very + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + 'I won't have visitors—really don't want visitors,' she said; + 'little repose—and all that sort of thing—is what I quire. No + odious brutes must proach me till I've shaken off this numbness;' and in a + grisly resumption of her coquettish ways, she made a dab at the Major with + her fan, but overset Mr Dombey's breakfast cup instead, which was in quite + a different direction. + </p> + <p> + Then she called for Withers, and charged him to see particularly that word + was left about some trivial alterations in her room, which must be all + made before she came back, and which must be set about immediately, as + there was no saying how soon she might come back; for she had a great many + engagements, and all sorts of people to call upon. Withers received these + directions with becoming deference, and gave his guarantee for their + execution; but when he withdrew a pace or two behind her, it appeared as + if he couldn't help looking strangely at the Major, who couldn't help + looking strangely at Mr Dombey, who couldn't help looking strangely at + Cleopatra, who couldn't help nodding her bonnet over one eye, and rattling + her knife and fork upon her plate in using them, as if she were playing + castanets. + </p> + <p> + Edith alone never lifted her eyes to any face at the table, and never + seemed dismayed by anything her mother said or did. She listened to her + disjointed talk, or at least, turned her head towards her when addressed; + replied in a few low words when necessary; and sometimes stopped her when + she was rambling, or brought her thoughts back with a monosyllable, to the + point from which they had strayed. The mother, however unsteady in other + things, was constant in this—that she was always observant of her. + She would look at the beautiful face, in its marble stillness and + severity, now with a kind of fearful admiration; now in a giggling foolish + effort to move it to a smile; now with capricious tears and jealous + shakings of her head, as imagining herself neglected by it; always with an + attraction towards it, that never fluctuated like her other ideas, but had + constant possession of her. From Edith she would sometimes look at + Florence, and back again at Edith, in a manner that was wild enough; and + sometimes she would try to look elsewhere, as if to escape from her + daughter's face; but back to it she seemed forced to come, although it + never sought hers unless sought, or troubled her with one single glance. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast concluded, Mrs Skewton, affecting to lean girlishly upon the + Major's arm, but heavily supported on the other side by Flowers the maid, + and propped up behind by Withers the page, was conducted to the carriage, + which was to take her, Florence, and Edith to Brighton. + </p> + <p> + 'And is Joseph absolutely banished?' said the Major, thrusting in his + purple face over the steps. 'Damme, Ma'am, is Cleopatra so hard-hearted as + to forbid her faithful Antony Bagstock to approach the presence?' + </p> + <p> + 'Go along!' said Cleopatra, 'I can't bear you. You shall see me when I + come back, if you are very good.' + </p> + <p> + 'Tell Joseph, he may live in hope, Ma'am,' said the Major; 'or he'll die + in despair.' + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra shuddered, and leaned back. 'Edith, my dear,' she said. 'Tell + him—' + </p> + <p> + 'What?' + </p> + <p> + 'Such dreadful words,' said Cleopatra. 'He uses such dreadful words!' + </p> + <p> + Edith signed to him to retire, gave the word to go on, and left the + objectionable Major to Mr Dombey. To whom he returned, whistling. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll tell you what, Sir,' said the Major, with his hands behind him, and + his legs very wide asunder, 'a fair friend of ours has removed to Queer + Street.' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean, Major?' inquired Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'I mean to say, Dombey,' returned the Major, 'that you'll soon be an + orphan-in-law.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey appeared to relish this waggish description of himself so very + little, that the Major wound up with the horse's cough, as an expression + of gravity. + </p> + <p> + 'Damme, Sir,' said the Major, 'there is no use in disguising a fact. Joe + is blunt, Sir. That's his nature. If you take old Josh at all, you take + him as you find him; and a devilish rusty, old rasper, of a close-toothed, + J. B. file, you do find him. Dombey,' said the Major, 'your wife's mother + is on the move, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'I fear,' returned Mr Dombey, with much philosophy, 'that Mrs Skewton is + shaken.' + </p> + <p> + 'Shaken, Dombey!' said the Major. 'Smashed!' + </p> + <p> + 'Change, however,' pursued Mr Dombey, 'and attention, may do much yet.' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't believe it, Sir,' returned the Major. 'Damme, Sir, she never + wrapped up enough. If a man don't wrap up,' said the Major, taking in + another button of his buff waistcoat, 'he has nothing to fall back upon. + But some people will die. They will do it. Damme, they will. They're + obstinate. I tell you what, Dombey, it may not be ornamental; it may not + be refined; it may be rough and tough; but a little of the genuine old + English Bagstock stamina, Sir, would do all the good in the world to the + human breed.' + </p> + <p> + After imparting this precious piece of information, the Major, who was + certainly true-blue, whatever other endowments he may have had or wanted, + coming within the 'genuine old English' classification, which has never + been exactly ascertained, took his lobster-eyes and his apoplexy to the + club, and choked there all day. + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra, at one time fretful, at another self-complacent, sometimes + awake, sometimes asleep, and at all times juvenile, reached Brighton the + same night, fell to pieces as usual, and was put away in bed; where a + gloomy fancy might have pictured a more potent skeleton than the maid, who + should have been one, watching at the rose-coloured curtains, which were + carried down to shed their bloom upon her. + </p> + <p> + It was settled in high council of medical authority that she should take a + carriage airing every day, and that it was important she should get out + every day, and walk if she could. Edith was ready to attend her—always + ready to attend her, with the same mechanical attention and immovable + beauty—and they drove out alone; for Edith had an uneasiness in the + presence of Florence, now that her mother was worse, and told Florence, + with a kiss, that she would rather they two went alone. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Skewton, on one particular day, was in the irresolute, exacting, + jealous temper that had developed itself on her recovery from her first + attack. After sitting silent in the carriage watching Edith for some time, + she took her hand and kissed it passionately. The hand was neither given + nor withdrawn, but simply yielded to her raising of it, and being + released, dropped down again, almost as if it were insensible. At this she + began to whimper and moan, and say what a mother she had been, and how she + was forgotten! This she continued to do at capricious intervals, even when + they had alighted: when she herself was halting along with the joint + support of Withers and a stick, and Edith was walking by her side, and the + carriage slowly following at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + It was a bleak, lowering, windy day, and they were out upon the Downs with + nothing but a bare sweep of land between them and the sky. The mother, + with a querulous satisfaction in the monotony of her complaint, was still + repeating it in a low voice from time to time, and the proud form of her + daughter moved beside her slowly, when there came advancing over a dark + ridge before them, two other figures, which in the distance, were so like + an exaggerated imitation of their own, that Edith stopped. + </p> + <p> + Almost as she stopped, the two figures stopped; and that one which to + Edith's thinking was like a distorted shadow of her mother, spoke to the + other, earnestly, and with a pointing hand towards them. That one seemed + inclined to turn back, but the other, in which Edith recognised enough + that was like herself to strike her with an unusual feeling, not quite + free from fear, came on; and then they came on together. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0528m.jpg" alt="0528m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0528.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The greater part of this observation, she made while walking towards them, + for her stoppage had been momentary. Nearer observation showed her that + they were poorly dressed, as wanderers about the country; that the younger + woman carried knitted work or some such goods for sale; and that the old + one toiled on empty-handed. + </p> + <p> + And yet, however far removed she was in dress, in dignity, in beauty, + Edith could not but compare the younger woman with herself, still. It may + have been that she saw upon her face some traces which she knew were + lingering in her own soul, if not yet written on that index; but, as the + woman came on, returning her gaze, fixing her shining eyes upon her, + undoubtedly presenting something of her own air and stature, and appearing + to reciprocate her own thoughts, she felt a chill creep over her, as if + the day were darkening, and the wind were colder. + </p> + <p> + They had now come up. The old woman, holding out her hand importunately, + stopped to beg of Mrs Skewton. The younger one stopped too, and she and + Edith looked in one another's eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'What is it that you have to sell?' said Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'Only this,' returned the woman, holding out her wares, without looking at + them. 'I sold myself long ago.' + </p> + <p> + 'My Lady, don't believe her,' croaked the old woman to Mrs Skewton; 'don't + believe what she says. She loves to talk like that. She's my handsome and + undutiful daughter. She gives me nothing but reproaches, my Lady, for all + I have done for her. Look at her now, my Lady, how she turns upon her poor + old mother with her looks.' + </p> + <p> + As Mrs Skewton drew her purse out with a trembling hand, and eagerly + fumbled for some money, which the other old woman greedily watched for—their + heads all but touching, in their hurry and decrepitude—Edith + interposed: + </p> + <p> + 'I have seen you,' addressing the old woman, 'before.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my Lady,' with a curtsey. 'Down in Warwickshire. The morning among + the trees. When you wouldn't give me nothing. But the gentleman, he give + me something! Oh, bless him, bless him!' mumbled the old woman, holding up + her skinny hand, and grinning frightfully at her daughter. + </p> + <p> + 'It's of no use attempting to stay me, Edith!' said Mrs Skewton, angrily + anticipating an objection from her. 'You know nothing about it. I won't be + dissuaded. I am sure this is an excellent woman, and a good mother.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my Lady, yes,' chattered the old woman, holding out her avaricious + hand. 'Thankee, my Lady. Lord bless you, my Lady. Sixpence more, my pretty + Lady, as a good mother yourself.' + </p> + <p> + 'And treated undutifully enough, too, my good old creature, sometimes, I + assure you,' said Mrs Skewton, whimpering. 'There! Shake hands with me. + You're a very good old creature—full of what's-his-name—and + all that. You're all affection and et cetera, ain't you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, yes, my Lady!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I'm sure you are; and so's that gentlemanly creature Grangeby. I + must really shake hands with you again. And now you can go, you know; and + I hope,' addressing the daughter, 'that you'll show more gratitude, and + natural what's-its-name, and all the rest of it—but I never remember + names—for there never was a better mother than the good old + creature's been to you. Come, Edith!' + </p> + <p> + As the ruin of Cleopatra tottered off whimpering, and wiping its eyes with + a gingerly remembrance of rouge in their neighbourhood, the old woman + hobbled another way, mumbling and counting her money. Not one word more, + nor one other gesture, had been exchanged between Edith and the younger + woman, but neither had removed her eyes from the other for a moment. They + had remained confronted until now, when Edith, as awakening from a dream, + passed slowly on. + </p> + <p> + 'You're a handsome woman,' muttered her shadow, looking after her; 'but + good looks won't save us. And you're a proud woman; but pride won't save + us. We had need to know each other when we meet again!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 41. New Voices in the Waves + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>ll is going on as it was wont. The waves are hoarse with repetition of + their mystery; the dust lies piled upon the shore; the sea-birds soar and + hover; the winds and clouds go forth upon their trackless flight; the + white arms beckon, in the moonlight, to the invisible country far away. + </p> + <p> + With a tender melancholy pleasure, Florence finds herself again on the old + ground so sadly trodden, yet so happily, and thinks of him in the quiet + place, where he and she have many and many a time conversed together, with + the water welling up about his couch. And now, as she sits pensive there, + she hears in the wild low murmur of the sea, his little story told again, + his very words repeated; and finds that all her life and hopes, and + griefs, since—in the solitary house, and in the pageant it has + changed to—have a portion in the burden of the marvellous song. + </p> + <p> + And gentle Mr Toots, who wanders at a distance, looking wistfully towards + the figure that he dotes upon, and has followed there, but cannot in his + delicacy disturb at such a time, likewise hears the requiem of little + Dombey on the waters, rising and falling in the lulls of their eternal + madrigal in praise of Florence. Yes! and he faintly understands, poor Mr + Toots, that they are saying something of a time when he was sensible of + being brighter and not addle-brained; and the tears rising in his eyes + when he fears that he is dull and stupid now, and good for little but to + be laughed at, diminish his satisfaction in their soothing reminder that + he is relieved from present responsibility to the Chicken, by the absence + of that game head of poultry in the country, training (at Toots's cost) + for his great mill with the Larkey Boy. + </p> + <p> + But Mr Toots takes courage, when they whisper a kind thought to him; and + by slow degrees and with many indecisive stoppages on the way, approaches + Florence. Stammering and blushing, Mr Toots affects amazement when he + comes near her, and says (having followed close on the carriage in which + she travelled, every inch of the way from London, loving even to be choked + by the dust of its wheels) that he never was so surprised in all his life. + </p> + <p> + 'And you've brought Diogenes, too, Miss Dombey!' says Mr Toots, thrilled + through and through by the touch of the small hand so pleasantly and + frankly given him. + </p> + <p> + No doubt Diogenes is there, and no doubt Mr Toots has reason to observe + him, for he comes straightway at Mr Toots's legs, and tumbles over himself + in the desperation with which he makes at him, like a very dog of + Montargis. But he is checked by his sweet mistress. + </p> + <p> + 'Down, Di, down. Don't you remember who first made us friends, Di? For + shame!' + </p> + <p> + Oh! Well may Di lay his loving cheek against her hand, and run off, and + run back, and run round her, barking, and run headlong at anybody coming + by, to show his devotion. Mr Toots would run headlong at anybody, too. A + military gentleman goes past, and Mr Toots would like nothing better than + to run at him, full tilt. + </p> + <p> + 'Diogenes is quite in his native air, isn't he, Miss Dombey?' says Mr + Toots. + </p> + <p> + Florence assents, with a grateful smile. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' says Mr Toots, 'beg your pardon, but if you would like to + walk to Blimber's, I—I'm going there.' + </p> + <p> + Florence puts her arm in that of Mr Toots without a word, and they walk + away together, with Diogenes going on before. Mr Toots's legs shake under + him; and though he is splendidly dressed, he feels misfits, and sees + wrinkles, in the masterpieces of Burgess and Co., and wishes he had put on + that brightest pair of boots. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Blimber's house, outside, has as scholastic and studious an air as + ever; and up there is the window where she used to look for the pale face, + and where the pale face brightened when it saw her, and the wasted little + hand waved kisses as she passed. The door is opened by the same weak-eyed + young man, whose imbecility of grin at sight of Mr Toots is feebleness of + character personified. They are shown into the Doctor's study, where blind + Homer and Minerva give them audience as of yore, to the sober ticking of + the great clock in the hall; and where the globes stand still in their + accustomed places, as if the world were stationary too, and nothing in it + ever perished in obedience to the universal law, that, while it keeps it + on the roll, calls everything to earth. + </p> + <p> + And here is Doctor Blimber, with his learned legs; and here is Mrs + Blimber, with her sky-blue cap; and here Cornelia, with her sandy little + row of curls, and her bright spectacles, still working like a sexton in + the graves of languages. Here is the table upon which he sat forlorn and + strange, the 'new boy' of the school; and hither comes the distant cooing + of the old boys, at their old lives in the old room on the old principle! + </p> + <p> + 'Toots,' says Doctor Blimber, 'I am very glad to see you, Toots.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots chuckles in reply. + </p> + <p> + 'Also to see you, Toots, in such good company,' says Doctor Blimber. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, with a scarlet visage, explains that he has met Miss Dombey by + accident, and that Miss Dombey wishing, like himself, to see the old + place, they have come together. + </p> + <p> + 'You will like,' says Doctor Blimber, 'to step among our young friends, + Miss Dombey, no doubt. All fellow-students of yours, Toots, once. I think + we have no new disciples in our little portico, my dear,' says Doctor + Blimber to Cornelia, 'since Mr Toots left us.' + </p> + <p> + 'Except Bitherstone,' returns Cornelia. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, truly,' says the Doctor. 'Bitherstone is new to Mr Toots.' + </p> + <p> + New to Florence, too, almost; for, in the schoolroom, Bitherstone—no + longer Master Bitherstone of Mrs Pipchin's—shows in collars and a + neckcloth, and wears a watch. But Bitherstone, born beneath some Bengal + star of ill-omen, is extremely inky; and his Lexicon has got so dropsical + from constant reference, that it won't shut, and yawns as if it really + could not bear to be so bothered. So does Bitherstone its master, forced + at Doctor Blimber's highest pressure; but in the yawn of Bitherstone there + is malice and snarl, and he has been heard to say that he wishes he could + catch 'old Blimber' in India. He'd precious soon find himself carried up + the country by a few of his (Bitherstone's) Coolies, and handed over to + the Thugs; he can tell him that. + </p> + <p> + Briggs is still grinding in the mill of knowledge; and Tozer, too; and + Johnson, too; and all the rest; the older pupils being principally engaged + in forgetting, with prodigious labour, everything they knew when they were + younger. All are as polite and as pale as ever; and among them, Mr Feeder, + B.A., with his bony hand and bristly head, is still hard at it; with his + Herodotus stop on just at present, and his other barrels on a shelf behind + him. + </p> + <p> + A mighty sensation is created, even among these grave young gentlemen, by + a visit from the emancipated Toots; who is regarded with a kind of awe, as + one who has passed the Rubicon, and is pledged never to come back, and + concerning the cut of whose clothes, and fashion of whose jewellery, + whispers go about, behind hands; the bilious Bitherstone, who is not of Mr + Toots's time, affecting to despise the latter to the smaller boys, and + saying he knows better, and that he should like to see him coming that + sort of thing in Bengal, where his mother had got an emerald belonging to + him that was taken out of the footstool of a Rajah. Come now! + </p> + <p> + Bewildering emotions are awakened also by the sight of Florence, with whom + every young gentleman immediately falls in love, again; except, as + aforesaid, the bilious Bitherstone, who declines to do so, out of + contradiction. Black jealousies of Mr Toots arise, and Briggs is of + opinion that he ain't so very old after all. But this disparaging + insinuation is speedily made nought by Mr Toots saying aloud to Mr Feeder, + B.A., 'How are you, Feeder?' and asking him to come and dine with him + to-day at the Bedford; in right of which feats he might set up as Old + Parr, if he chose, unquestioned. + </p> + <p> + There is much shaking of hands, and much bowing, and a great desire on the + part of each young gentleman to take Toots down in Miss Dombey's good + graces; and then, Mr Toots having bestowed a chuckle on his old desk, + Florence and he withdraw with Mrs Blimber and Cornelia; and Doctor Blimber + is heard to observe behind them as he comes out last, and shuts the door, + 'Gentlemen, we will now resume our studies,' For that and little else is + what the Doctor hears the sea say, or has heard it saying all his life. + </p> + <p> + Florence then steals away and goes upstairs to the old bedroom with Mrs + Blimber and Cornelia; Mr Toots, who feels that neither he nor anybody else + is wanted there, stands talking to the Doctor at the study-door, or rather + hearing the Doctor talk to him, and wondering how he ever thought the + study a great sanctuary, and the Doctor, with his round turned legs, like + a clerical pianoforte, an awful man. Florence soon comes down and takes + leave; Mr Toots takes leave; and Diogenes, who has been worrying the + weak-eyed young man pitilessly all the time, shoots out at the door, and + barks a glad defiance down the cliff; while Melia, and another of the + Doctor's female domestics, looks out of an upper window, laughing 'at that + there Toots,' and saying of Miss Dombey, 'But really though, now—ain't + she like her brother, only prettier?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, who saw when Florence came down that there were tears upon her + face, is desperately anxious and uneasy, and at first fears that he did + wrong in proposing the visit. But he is soon relieved by her saying she is + very glad to have been there again, and by her talking quite cheerfully + about it all, as they walked on by the sea. What with the voices there, + and her sweet voice, when they come near Mr Dombey's house, and Mr Toots + must leave her, he is so enslaved that he has not a scrap of free-will + left; when she gives him her hand at parting, he cannot let it go. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey, I beg your pardon,' says Mr Toots, in a sad fluster, 'but if + you would allow me to—to—' + </p> + <p> + The smiling and unconscious look of Florence brings him to a dead stop. + </p> + <p> + 'If you would allow me to—if you would not consider it a liberty, + Miss Dombey, if I was to—without any encouragement at all, if I was + to hope, you know,' says Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + Florence looks at him inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' says Mr Toots, who feels that he is in for it now, 'I + really am in that state of adoration of you that I don't know what to do + with myself. I am the most deplorable wretch. If it wasn't at the corner + of the Square at present, I should go down on my knees, and beg and + entreat of you, without any encouragement at all, just to let me hope that + I may—may think it possible that you—' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, if you please, don't!' cries Florence, for the moment quite alarmed + and distressed. 'Oh, pray don't, Mr Toots. Stop, if you please. Don't say + any more. As a kindness and a favour to me, don't.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots is dreadfully abashed, and his mouth opens. + </p> + <p> + 'You have been so good to me,' says Florence, 'I am so grateful to you, I + have such reason to like you for being a kind friend to me, and I do like + you so much;' and here the ingenuous face smiles upon him with the + pleasantest look of honesty in the world; 'that I am sure you are only + going to say good-bye!' + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly, Miss Dombey,' says Mr Toots, 'I—I—that's exactly + what I mean. It's of no consequence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye!' cries Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye, Miss Dombey!' stammers Mr Toots. 'I hope you won't think + anything about it. It's—it's of no consequence, thank you. It's not + of the least consequence in the world.' + </p> + <p> + Poor Mr Toots goes home to his hotel in a state of desperation, locks + himself into his bedroom, flings himself upon his bed, and lies there for + a long time; as if it were of the greatest consequence, nevertheless. But + Mr Feeder, B.A., is coming to dinner, which happens well for Mr Toots, or + there is no knowing when he might get up again. Mr Toots is obliged to get + up to receive him, and to give him hospitable entertainment. + </p> + <p> + And the generous influence of that social virtue, hospitality (to make no + mention of wine and good cheer), opens Mr Toots's heart, and warms him to + conversation. He does not tell Mr Feeder, B.A., what passed at the corner + of the Square; but when Mr Feeder asks him 'When it is to come off?' Mr + Toots replies, 'that there are certain subjects'—which brings Mr + Feeder down a peg or two immediately. Mr Toots adds, that he don't know + what right Blimber had to notice his being in Miss Dombey's company, and + that if he thought he meant impudence by it, he'd have him out, Doctor or + no Doctor; but he supposes its only his ignorance. Mr Feeder says he has + no doubt of it. + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder, however, as an intimate friend, is not excluded from the + subject. Mr Toots merely requires that it should be mentioned + mysteriously, and with feeling. After a few glasses of wine, he gives Miss + Dombey's health, observing, 'Feeder, you have no idea of the sentiments + with which I propose that toast.' Mr Feeder replies, 'Oh, yes, I have, my + dear Toots; and greatly they redound to your honour, old boy.' Mr Feeder + is then agitated by friendship, and shakes hands; and says, if ever Toots + wants a brother, he knows where to find him, either by post or parcel. Mr + Feeder like-wise says, that if he may advise, he would recommend Mr Toots + to learn the guitar, or, at least the flute; for women like music, when + you are paying your addresses to 'em, and he has found the advantage of it + himself. + </p> + <p> + This brings Mr Feeder, B.A., to the confession that he has his eye upon + Cornelia Blimber. He informs Mr Toots that he don't object to spectacles, + and that if the Doctor were to do the handsome thing and give up the + business, why, there they are—provided for. He says it's his opinion + that when a man has made a handsome sum by his business, he is bound to + give it up; and that Cornelia would be an assistance in it which any man + might be proud of. Mr Toots replies by launching wildly out into Miss + Dombey's praises, and by insinuations that sometimes he thinks he should + like to blow his brains out. Mr Feeder strongly urges that it would be a + rash attempt, and shows him, as a reconcilement to existence, Cornelia's + portrait, spectacles and all. + </p> + <p> + Thus these quiet spirits pass the evening; and when it has yielded place + to night, Mr Toots walks home with Mr Feeder, and parts with him at Doctor + Blimber's door. But Mr Feeder only goes up the steps, and when Mr Toots is + gone, comes down again, to stroll upon the beach alone, and think about + his prospects. Mr Feeder plainly hears the waves informing him, as he + loiters along, that Doctor Blimber will give up the business; and he feels + a soft romantic pleasure in looking at the outside of the house, and + thinking that the Doctor will first paint it, and put it into thorough + repair. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots is likewise roaming up and down, outside the casket that contains + his jewel; and in a deplorable condition of mind, and not unsuspected by + the police, gazes at a window where he sees a light, and which he has no + doubt is Florence's. But it is not, for that is Mrs Skewton's room; and + while Florence, sleeping in another chamber, dreams lovingly, in the midst + of the old scenes, and their old associations live again, the figure which + in grim reality is substituted for the patient boy's on the same theatre, + once more to connect it—but how differently!—with decay and + death, is stretched there, wakeful and complaining. Ugly and haggard it + lies upon its bed of unrest; and by it, in the terror of her unimpassioned + loveliness—for it has terror in the sufferer's failing eyes—sits + Edith. What do the waves say, in the stillness of the night, to them? + </p> + <p> + 'Edith, what is that stone arm raised to strike me? Don't you see it?' + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing, mother, but your fancy.' + </p> + <p> + 'But my fancy! Everything is my fancy. Look! Is it possible that you don't + see it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, mother, there is nothing. Should I sit unmoved, if there were any + such thing there?' + </p> + <p> + 'Unmoved?' looking wildly at her—'it's gone now—and why are + you so unmoved? That is not my fancy, Edith. It turns me cold to see you + sitting at my side.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sorry, mother.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sorry! You seem always sorry. But it is not for me!' + </p> + <p> + With that, she cries; and tossing her restless head from side to side upon + her pillow, runs on about neglect, and the mother she has been, and the + mother the good old creature was, whom they met, and the cold return the + daughters of such mothers make. In the midst of her incoherence, she + stops, looks at her daughter, cries out that her wits are going, and hides + her face upon the bed. + </p> + <p> + Edith, in compassion, bends over her and speaks to her. The sick old woman + clutches her round the neck, and says, with a look of horror, + </p> + <p> + 'Edith! we are going home soon; going back. You mean that I shall go home + again?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, mother, yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what he said—what's-his-name, I never could remember names—Major—that + dreadful word, when we came away—it's not true? Edith!' with a + shriek and a stare, 'it's not that that is the matter with me.' + </p> + <p> + Night after night, the lights burn in the window, and the figure lies upon + the bed, and Edith sits beside it, and the restless waves are calling to + them both the whole night long. Night after night, the waves are hoarse + with repetition of their mystery; the dust lies piled upon the shore; the + sea-birds soar and hover; the winds and clouds are on their trackless + flight; the white arms beckon, in the moonlight, to the invisible country + far away. + </p> + <p> + And still the sick old woman looks into the corner, where the stone arm—part + of a figure of some tomb, she says—is raised to strike her. At last + it falls; and then a dumb old woman lies upon the bed, and she is crooked + and shrunk up, and half of her is dead. + </p> + <p> + Such is the figure, painted and patched for the sun to mock, that is drawn + slowly through the crowd from day to day; looking, as it goes, for the + good old creature who was such a mother, and making mouths as it peers + among the crowd in vain. Such is the figure that is often wheeled down to + the margin of the sea, and stationed there; but on which no wind can blow + freshness, and for which the murmur of the ocean has no soothing word. She + lies and listens to it by the hour; but its speech is dark and gloomy to + her, and a dread is on her face, and when her eyes wander over the + expanse, they see but a broad stretch of desolation between earth and + heaven. + </p> + <p> + Florence she seldom sees, and when she does, is angry with and mows at. + Edith is beside her always, and keeps Florence away; and Florence, in her + bed at night, trembles at the thought of death in such a shape, and often + wakes and listens, thinking it has come. No one attends on her but Edith. + It is better that few eyes should see her; and her daughter watches alone + by the bedside. + </p> + <p> + A shadow even on that shadowed face, a sharpening even of the sharpened + features, and a thickening of the veil before the eyes into a pall that + shuts out the dim world, is come. Her wandering hands upon the coverlet + join feebly palm to palm, and move towards her daughter; and a voice not + like hers, not like any voice that speaks our mortal language—says, + 'For I nursed you!' + </p> + <p> + Edith, without a tear, kneels down to bring her voice closer to the + sinking head, and answers: + </p> + <p> + 'Mother, can you hear me?' + </p> + <p> + Staring wide, she tries to nod in answer. + </p> + <p> + 'Can you recollect the night before I married?' + </p> + <p> + The head is motionless, but it expresses somehow that she does. + </p> + <p> + 'I told you then that I forgave your part in it, and prayed God to forgive + my own. I told you that time past was at an end between us. I say so now, + again. Kiss me, mother.' + </p> + <p> + Edith touches the white lips, and for a moment all is still. A moment + afterwards, her mother, with her girlish laugh, and the skeleton of the + Cleopatra manner, rises in her bed. + </p> + <p> + Draw the rose-coloured curtains. There is something else upon its flight + besides the wind and clouds. Draw the rose-coloured curtains close! + </p> + <p> + Intelligence of the event is sent to Mr Dombey in town, who waits upon + Cousin Feenix (not yet able to make up his mind for Baden-Baden), who has + just received it too. A good-natured creature like Cousin Feenix is the + very man for a marriage or a funeral, and his position in the family + renders it right that he should be consulted. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey,' said Cousin Feenix, 'upon my soul, I am very much shocked to see + you on such a melancholy occasion. My poor aunt! She was a devilish lively + woman.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey replies, 'Very much so.' + </p> + <p> + 'And made up,' says Cousin Feenix, 'really young, you know, considering. I + am sure, on the day of your marriage, I thought she was good for another + twenty years. In point of fact, I said so to a man at Brooks's—little + Billy Joper—you know him, no doubt—man with a glass in his + eye?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey bows a negative. 'In reference to the obsequies,' he hints, + 'whether there is any suggestion—' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, upon my life,' says Cousin Feenix, stroking his chin, which he has + just enough of hand below his wristbands to do; 'I really don't know. + There's a Mausoleum down at my place, in the park, but I'm afraid it's in + bad repair, and, in point of fact, in a devil of a state. But for being a + little out at elbows, I should have had it put to rights; but I believe + the people come and make pic-nic parties there inside the iron railings.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey is clear that this won't do. + </p> + <p> + 'There's an uncommon good church in the village,' says Cousin Feenix, + thoughtfully; 'pure specimen of the Anglo-Norman style, and admirably well + sketched too by Lady Jane Finchbury—woman with tight stays—but + they've spoilt it with whitewash, I understand, and it's a long journey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps Brighton itself,' Mr Dombey suggests. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my honour, Dombey, I don't think we could do better,' says Cousin + Feenix. 'It's on the spot, you see, and a very cheerful place.' + </p> + <p> + 'And when,' hints Mr Dombey, 'would it be convenient?' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall make a point,' says Cousin Feenix, 'of pledging myself for any + day you think best. I shall have great pleasure (melancholy pleasure, of + course) in following my poor aunt to the confines of the—in point of + fact, to the grave,' says Cousin Feenix, failing in the other turn of + speech. + </p> + <p> + 'Would Monday do for leaving town?' says Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Monday would suit me to perfection,' replies Cousin Feenix. Therefore Mr + Dombey arranges to take Cousin Feenix down on that day, and presently + takes his leave, attended to the stairs by Cousin Feenix, who says, at + parting, 'I'm really excessively sorry, Dombey, that you should have so + much trouble about it;' to which Mr Dombey answers, 'Not at all.' + </p> + <p> + At the appointed time, Cousin Feenix and Mr Dombey meet, and go down to + Brighton, and representing, in their two selves, all the other mourners + for the deceased lady's loss, attend her remains to their place of rest. + Cousin Feenix, sitting in the mourning-coach, recognises innumerable + acquaintances on the road, but takes no other notice of them, in decorum, + than checking them off aloud, as they go by, for Mr Dombey's information, + as 'Tom Johnson. Man with cork leg, from White's. What, are you here, + Tommy? Foley on a blood mare. The Smalder girls'—and so forth. At + the ceremony Cousin Feenix is depressed, observing, that these are the + occasions to make a man think, in point of fact, that he is getting shaky; + and his eyes are really moistened, when it is over. But he soon recovers; + and so do the rest of Mrs Skewton's relatives and friends, of whom the + Major continually tells the club that she never did wrap up enough; while + the young lady with the back, who has so much trouble with her eyelids, + says, with a little scream, that she must have been enormously old, and + that she died of all kinds of horrors, and you mustn't mention it. + </p> + <p> + So Edith's mother lies unmentioned of her dear friends, who are deaf to + the waves that are hoarse with repetition of their mystery, and blind to + the dust that is piled upon the shore, and to the white arms that are + beckoning, in the moonlight, to the invisible country far away. But all + goes on, as it was wont, upon the margin of the unknown sea; and Edith + standing there alone, and listening to its waves, has dank weed cast up at + her feet, to strew her path in life withal. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 42. Confidential and Accidental + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>ttired no more in Captain Cuttle's sable slops and sou'-wester hat, but + dressed in a substantial suit of brown livery, which, while it affected to + be a very sober and demure livery indeed, was really as self-satisfied and + confident a one as tailor need desire to make, Rob the Grinder, thus + transformed as to his outer man, and all regardless within of the Captain + and the Midshipman, except when he devoted a few minutes of his leisure + time to crowing over those inseparable worthies, and recalling, with much + applauding music from that brazen instrument, his conscience, the + triumphant manner in which he had disembarrassed himself of their company, + now served his patron, Mr Carker. Inmate of Mr Carker's house, and serving + about his person, Rob kept his round eyes on the white teeth with fear and + trembling, and felt that he had need to open them wider than ever. + </p> + <p> + He could not have quaked more, through his whole being, before the teeth, + though he had come into the service of some powerful enchanter, and they + had been his strongest spells. The boy had a sense of power and authority + in this patron of his that engrossed his whole attention and exacted his + most implicit submission and obedience. He hardly considered himself safe + in thinking about him when he was absent, lest he should feel himself + immediately taken by the throat again, as on the morning when he first + became bound to him, and should see every one of the teeth finding him + out, and taxing him with every fancy of his mind. Face to face with him, + Rob had no more doubt that Mr Carker read his secret thoughts, or that he + could read them by the least exertion of his will if he were so inclined, + than he had that Mr Carker saw him when he looked at him. The ascendancy + was so complete, and held him in such enthralment, that, hardly daring to + think at all, but with his mind filled with a constantly dilating + impression of his patron's irresistible command over him, and power of + doing anything with him, he would stand watching his pleasure, and trying + to anticipate his orders, in a state of mental suspension, as to all other + things. + </p> + <p> + Rob had not informed himself perhaps—in his then state of mind it + would have been an act of no common temerity to inquire—whether he + yielded so completely to this influence in any part, because he had + floating suspicions of his patron's being a master of certain treacherous + arts in which he had himself been a poor scholar at the Grinders' School. + But certainly Rob admired him, as well as feared him. Mr Carker, perhaps, + was better acquainted with the sources of his power, which lost nothing by + his management of it. + </p> + <p> + On the very night when he left the Captain's service, Rob, after disposing + of his pigeons, and even making a bad bargain in his hurry, had gone + straight down to Mr Carker's house, and hotly presented himself before his + new master with a glowing face that seemed to expect commendation. + </p> + <p> + 'What, scapegrace!' said Mr Carker, glancing at his bundle 'Have you left + your situation and come to me?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh if you please, Sir,' faltered Rob, 'you said, you know, when I come + here last—' + </p> + <p> + 'I said,' returned Mr Carker, 'what did I say?' + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Sir, you didn't say nothing at all, Sir,' returned Rob, + warned by the manner of this inquiry, and very much disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + His patron looked at him with a wide display of gums, and shaking his + forefinger, observed: + </p> + <p> + 'You'll come to an evil end, my vagabond friend, I foresee. There's ruin + in store for you. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh if you please, don't, Sir!' cried Rob, with his legs trembling under + him. 'I'm sure, Sir, I only want to work for you, Sir, and to wait upon + you, Sir, and to do faithful whatever I'm bid, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'You had better do faithfully whatever you are bid,' returned his patron, + 'if you have anything to do with me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I know that, Sir,' pleaded the submissive Rob; 'I'm sure of that, + SIr. If you'll only be so good as try me, Sir! And if ever you find me + out, Sir, doing anything against your wishes, I give you leave to kill + me.' + </p> + <p> + 'You dog!' said Mr Carker, leaning back in his chair, and smiling at him + serenely. 'That's nothing to what I'd do to you, if you tried to deceive + me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir,' replied the abject Grinder, 'I'm sure you would be down upon + me dreadful, Sir. I wouldn't attempt for to go and do it, Sir, not if I + was bribed with golden guineas.' + </p> + <p> + Thoroughly checked in his expectations of commendation, the crestfallen + Grinder stood looking at his patron, and vainly endeavouring not to look + at him, with the uneasiness which a cur will often manifest in a similar + situation. + </p> + <p> + 'So you have left your old service, and come here to ask me to take you + into mine, eh?' said Mr Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, if you please, Sir,' returned Rob, who, in doing so, had acted on + his patron's own instructions, but dared not justify himself by the least + insinuation to that effect. + </p> + <p> + 'Well!' said Mr Carker. 'You know me, boy?' + </p> + <p> + 'Please, Sir, yes, Sir,' returned Rob, tumbling with his hat, and still + fixed by Mr Carker's eye, and fruitlessly endeavouring to unfix himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker nodded. 'Take care, then!' + </p> + <p> + Rob expressed in a number of short bows his lively understanding of this + caution, and was bowing himself back to the door, greatly relieved by the + prospect of getting on the outside of it, when his patron stopped him. + </p> + <p> + 'Halloa!' he cried, calling him roughly back. 'You have been—shut + that door.' + </p> + <p> + Rob obeyed as if his life had depended on his alacrity. + </p> + <p> + 'You have been used to eaves-dropping. Do you know what that means?' + </p> + <p> + 'Listening, Sir?' Rob hazarded, after some embarrassed reflection. + </p> + <p> + His patron nodded. 'And watching, and so forth.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wouldn't do such a thing here, Sir,' answered Rob; 'upon my word and + honour, I wouldn't, Sir, I wish I may die if I would, Sir, for anything + that could be promised to me. I should consider it is as much as all the + world was worth, to offer to do such a thing, unless I was ordered, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'You had better not' You have been used, too, to babbling and tattling,' + said his patron with perfect coolness. 'Beware of that here, or you're a + lost rascal,' and he smiled again, and again cautioned him with his + forefinger. + </p> + <p> + The Grinder's breath came short and thick with consternation. He tried to + protest the purity of his intentions, but could only stare at the smiling + gentleman in a stupor of submission, with which the smiling gentleman + seemed well enough satisfied, for he ordered him downstairs, after + observing him for some moments in silence, and gave him to understand that + he was retained in his employment. + </p> + <p> + This was the manner of Rob the Grinder's engagement by Mr Carker, and his + awe-stricken devotion to that gentleman had strengthened and increased, if + possible, with every minute of his service. + </p> + <p> + It was a service of some months' duration, when early one morning, Rob + opened the garden gate to Mr Dombey, who was come to breakfast with his + master, by appointment. At the same moment his master himself came, + hurrying forth to receive the distinguished guest, and give him welcome + with all his teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'I never thought,' said Carker, when he had assisted him to alight from + his horse, 'to see you here, I'm sure. This is an extraordinary day in my + calendar. No occasion is very special to a man like you, who may do + anything; but to a man like me, the case is widely different.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have a tasteful place here, Carker,' said Mr Dombey, condescending to + stop upon the lawn, to look about him. + </p> + <p> + 'You can afford to say so,' returned Carker. 'Thank you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed,' said Mr Dombey, in his lofty patronage, 'anyone might say so. As + far as it goes, it is a very commodious and well-arranged place—quite + elegant.' + </p> + <p> + 'As far as it goes, truly,' returned Carker, with an air of disparagement. + 'It wants that qualification. Well! we have said enough about it; and + though you can afford to praise it, I thank you nonetheless. Will you walk + in?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, entering the house, noticed, as he had reason to do, the + complete arrangement of the rooms, and the numerous contrivances for + comfort and effect that abounded there. Mr Carker, in his ostentation of + humility, received this notice with a deferential smile, and said he + understood its delicate meaning, and appreciated it, but in truth the + cottage was good enough for one in his position—better, perhaps, + than such a man should occupy, poor as it was. + </p> + <p> + 'But perhaps to you, who are so far removed, it really does look better + than it is,' he said, with his false mouth distended to its fullest + stretch. 'Just as monarchs imagine attractions in the lives of beggars.' + </p> + <p> + He directed a sharp glance and a sharp smile at Mr Dombey as he spoke, and + a sharper glance, and a sharper smile yet, when Mr Dombey, drawing himself + up before the fire, in the attitude so often copied by his second in + command, looked round at the pictures on the walls. Cursorily as his cold + eye wandered over them, Carker's keen glance accompanied his, and kept + pace with his, marking exactly where it went, and what it saw. As it + rested on one picture in particular, Carker hardly seemed to breathe, his + sidelong scrutiny was so cat-like and vigilant, but the eye of his great + chief passed from that, as from the others, and appeared no more impressed + by it than by the rest. + </p> + <p> + Carker looked at it—it was the picture that resembled Edith—as + if it were a living thing; and with a wicked, silent laugh upon his face, + that seemed in part addressed to it, though it was all derisive of the + great man standing so unconscious beside him. Breakfast was soon set upon + the table; and, inviting Mr Dombey to a chair which had its back towards + this picture, he took his own seat opposite to it as usual. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey was even graver than it was his custom to be, and quite silent. + The parrot, swinging in the gilded hoop within her gaudy cage, attempted + in vain to attract notice, for Carker was too observant of his visitor to + heed her; and the visitor, abstracted in meditation, looked fixedly, not + to say sullenly, over his stiff neckcloth, without raising his eyes from + the table-cloth. As to Rob, who was in attendance, all his faculties and + energies were so locked up in observation of his master, that he scarcely + ventured to give shelter to the thought that the visitor was the great + gentleman before whom he had been carried as a certificate of the family + health, in his childhood, and to whom he had been indebted for his leather + smalls. + </p> + <p> + 'Allow me,' said Carker suddenly, 'to ask how Mrs Dombey is?' + </p> + <p> + He leaned forward obsequiously, as he made the inquiry, with his chin + resting on his hand; and at the same time his eyes went up to the picture, + as if he said to it, 'Now, see, how I will lead him on!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey reddened as he answered: + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey is quite well. You remind me, Carker, of some conversation + that I wish to have with you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Robin, you can leave us,' said his master, at whose mild tones Robin + started and disappeared, with his eyes fixed on his patron to the last. + 'You don't remember that boy, of course?' he added, when the enmeshed + Grinder was gone. + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Mr Dombey, with magnificent indifference. + </p> + <p> + 'Not likely that a man like you would. Hardly possible,' murmured Carker. + 'But he is one of that family from whom you took a nurse. Perhaps you may + remember having generously charged yourself with his education?' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it that boy?' said Mr Dombey, with a frown. 'He does little credit to + his education, I believe.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, he is a young rip, I am afraid,' returned Carker, with a shrug. 'He + bears that character. But the truth is, I took him into my service + because, being able to get no other employment, he conceived (had been + taught at home, I daresay) that he had some sort of claim upon you, and + was constantly trying to dog your heels with his petition. And although my + defined and recognised connexion with your affairs is merely of a business + character, still I have that spontaneous interest in everything belonging + to you, that—' + </p> + <p> + He stopped again, as if to discover whether he had led Mr Dombey far + enough yet. And again, with his chin resting on his hand, he leered at the + picture. + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' said Mr Dombey, 'I am sensible that you do not limit your—' + </p> + <p> + 'Service,' suggested his smiling entertainer. + </p> + <p> + 'No; I prefer to say your regard,' observed Mr Dombey; very sensible, as + he said so, that he was paying him a handsome and flattering compliment, + 'to our mere business relations. Your consideration for my feelings, + hopes, and disappointments, in the little instance you have just now + mentioned, is an example in point. I am obliged to you, Carker.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker bent his head slowly, and very softly rubbed his hands, as if he + were afraid by any action to disturb the current of Mr Dombey's + confidence. + </p> + <p> + 'Your allusion to it is opportune,' said Mr Dombey, after a little + hesitation; 'for it prepares the way to what I was beginning to say to + you, and reminds me that that involves no absolutely new relations between + us, although it may involve more personal confidence on my part than I + have hitherto—' + </p> + <p> + 'Distinguished me with,' suggested Carker, bending his head again: 'I will + not say to you how honoured I am; for a man like you well knows how much + honour he has in his power to bestow at pleasure.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey and myself,' said Mr Dombey, passing this compliment with + august self-denial, 'are not quite agreed upon some points. We do not + appear to understand each other yet. Mrs Dombey has something to learn.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey is distinguished by many rare attractions; and has been + accustomed, no doubt, to receive much adulation,' said the smooth, sleek + watcher of his slightest look and tone. 'But where there is affection, + duty, and respect, any little mistakes engendered by such causes are soon + set right.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey's thoughts instinctively flew back to the face that had looked + at him in his wife's dressing-room when an imperious hand was stretched + towards the door; and remembering the affection, duty, and respect, + expressed in it, he felt the blood rush to his own face quite as plainly + as the watchful eyes upon him saw it there. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey and myself,' he went on to say, 'had some discussion, before + Mrs Skewton's death, upon the causes of my dissatisfaction; of which you + will have formed a general understanding from having been a witness of + what passed between Mrs Dombey and myself on the evening when you were at + our—at my house.' + </p> + <p> + 'When I so much regretted being present,' said the smiling Carker. 'Proud + as a man in my position necessarily must be of your familiar notice—though + I give you no credit for it; you may do anything you please without losing + caste—and honoured as I was by an early presentation to Mrs Dombey, + before she was made eminent by bearing your name, I almost regretted that + night, I assure you, that I had been the object of such especial good + fortune.' + </p> + <p> + That any man could, under any possible circumstances, regret the being + distinguished by his condescension and patronage, was a moral phenomenon + which Mr Dombey could not comprehend. He therefore responded, with a + considerable accession of dignity. 'Indeed! And why, Carker?' + </p> + <p> + 'I fear,' returned the confidential agent, 'that Mrs Dombey, never very + much disposed to regard me with favourable interest—one in my + position could not expect that, from a lady naturally proud, and whose + pride becomes her so well—may not easily forgive my innocent part in + that conversation. Your displeasure is no light matter, you must remember; + and to be visited with it before a third party—' + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' said Mr Dombey, arrogantly; 'I presume that I am the first + consideration?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Can there be a doubt about it?' replied the other, with the + impatience of a man admitting a notorious and incontrovertible fact. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey becomes a secondary consideration, when we are both in + question, I imagine,' said Mr Dombey. 'Is that so?' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it so?' returned Carker. 'Do you know better than anyone, that you + have no need to ask?' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I hope, Carker,' said Mr Dombey, 'that your regret in the + acquisition of Mrs Dombey's displeasure, may be almost counterbalanced by + your satisfaction in retaining my confidence and good opinion.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have the misfortune, I find,' returned Carker, 'to have incurred that + displeasure. Mrs Dombey has expressed it to you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey has expressed various opinions,' said Mr Dombey, with majestic + coldness and indifference, 'in which I do not participate, and which I am + not inclined to discuss, or to recall. I made Mr Dombey acquainted, some + time since, as I have already told you, with certain points of domestic + deference and submission on which I felt it necessary to insist. I failed + to convince Mrs Dombey of the expediency of her immediately altering her + conduct in those respects, with a view to her own peace and welfare, and + my dignity; and I informed Mrs Dombey that if I should find it necessary + to object or remonstrate again, I should express my opinion to her through + yourself, my confidential agent.' + </p> + <p> + Blended with the look that Carker bent upon him, was a devilish look at + the picture over his head, that struck upon it like a flash of lightning. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Carker,' said Mr Dombey, 'I do not hesitate to say to you that I + will carry my point. I am not to be trifled with. Mrs Dombey must + understand that my will is law, and that I cannot allow of one exception + to the whole rule of my life. You will have the goodness to undertake this + charge, which, coming from me, is not unacceptable to you, I hope, + whatever regret you may politely profess—for which I am obliged to + you on behalf of Mrs Dombey; and you will have the goodness, I am + persuaded, to discharge it as exactly as any other commission.' + </p> + <p> + 'You know,' said Mr Carker, 'that you have only to command me.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know,' said Mr Dombey, with a majestic indication of assent, 'that I + have only to command you. It is necessary that I should proceed in this. + Mrs Dombey is a lady undoubtedly highly qualified, in many respects, to—' + </p> + <p> + 'To do credit even to your choice,' suggested Carker, with a yawning show + of teeth. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes; if you please to adopt that form of words,' said Mr Dombey, in his + tone of state; 'and at present I do not conceive that Mrs Dombey does that + credit to it, to which it is entitled. There is a principle of opposition + in Mrs Dombey that must be eradicated; that must be overcome: Mrs Dombey + does not appear to understand,' said Mr Dombey, forcibly, 'that the idea + of opposition to Me is monstrous and absurd.' + </p> + <p> + 'We, in the City, know you better,' replied Carker, with a smile from ear + to ear. + </p> + <p> + 'You know me better,' said Mr Dombey. 'I hope so. Though, indeed, I am + bound to do Mrs Dombey the justice of saying, however inconsistent it may + seem with her subsequent conduct (which remains unchanged), that on my + expressing my disapprobation and determination to her, with some severity, + on the occasion to which I have referred, my admonition appeared to + produce a very powerful effect.' Mr Dombey delivered himself of those + words with most portentous stateliness. 'I wish you to have the goodness, + then, to inform Mrs Dombey, Carker, from me, that I must recall our former + conversation to her remembrance, in some surprise that it has not yet had + its effect. That I must insist upon her regulating her conduct by the + injunctions laid upon her in that conversation. That I am not satisfied + with her conduct. That I am greatly dissatisfied with it. And that I shall + be under the very disagreeable necessity of making you the bearer of yet + more unwelcome and explicit communications, if she has not the good sense + and the proper feeling to adapt herself to my wishes, as the first Mrs + Dombey did, and, I believe I may add, as any other lady in her place + would.' + </p> + <p> + 'The first Mrs Dombey lived very happily,' said Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'The first Mrs Dombey had great good sense,' said Mr Dombey, in a + gentlemanly toleration of the dead, 'and very correct feeling.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is Miss Dombey like her mother, do you think?' said Carker. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly and darkly, Mr Dombey's face changed. His confidential agent eyed + it keenly. + </p> + <p> + 'I have approached a painful subject,' he said, in a soft regretful tone + of voice, irreconcilable with his eager eye. 'Pray forgive me. I forget + these chains of association in the interest I have. Pray forgive me.' + </p> + <p> + But for all he said, his eager eye scanned Mr Dombey's downcast face none + the less closely; and then it shot a strange triumphant look at the + picture, as appealing to it to bear witness how he led him on again, and + what was coming. + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' said Mr Dombey, looking here and there upon the table, and + saying in a somewhat altered and more hurried voice, and with a paler lip, + 'there is no occasion for apology. You mistake. The association is with + the matter in hand, and not with any recollection, as you suppose. I do + not approve of Mrs Dombey's behaviour towards my daughter.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon me,' said Mr Carker, 'I don't quite understand.' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0548m.jpg" alt="0548m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0548.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'Understand then,' returned Mr Dombey, 'that you may make that—that + you will make that, if you please—matter of direct objection from me + to Mrs Dombey. You will please to tell her that her show of devotion for + my daughter is disagreeable to me. It is likely to be noticed. It is + likely to induce people to contrast Mrs Dombey in her relation towards my + daughter, with Mrs Dombey in her relation towards myself. You will have + the goodness to let Mrs Dombey know, plainly, that I object to it; and + that I expect her to defer, immediately, to my objection. Mrs Dombey may + be in earnest, or she may be pursuing a whim, or she may be opposing me; + but I object to it in any case, and in every case. If Mrs Dombey is in + earnest, so much the less reluctant should she be to desist; for she will + not serve my daughter by any such display. If my wife has any superfluous + gentleness, and duty over and above her proper submission to me, she may + bestow them where she pleases, perhaps; but I will have submission first!—Carker,' + said Mr Dombey, checking the unusual emotion with which he had spoken, and + falling into a tone more like that in which he was accustomed to assert + his greatness, 'you will have the goodness not to omit or slur this point, + but to consider it a very important part of your instructions.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker bowed his head, and rising from the table, and standing + thoughtfully before the fire, with his hand to his smooth chin, looked + down at Mr Dombey with the evil slyness of some monkish carving, half + human and half brute; or like a leering face on an old water-spout. Mr + Dombey, recovering his composure by degrees, or cooling his emotion in his + sense of having taken a high position, sat gradually stiffening again, and + looking at the parrot as she swung to and fro, in her great wedding ring. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon,' said Carker, after a silence, suddenly resuming his + chair, and drawing it opposite to Mr Dombey's, 'but let me understand. Mrs + Dombey is aware of the probability of your making me the organ of your + displeasure?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' replied Mr Dombey. 'I have said so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' rejoined Carker, quickly; 'but why?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why!' Mr Dombey repeated, not without hesitation. 'Because I told her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' replied Carker. 'But why did you tell her? You see,' he continued + with a smile, and softly laying his velvet hand, as a cat might have laid + its sheathed claws, on Mr Dombey's arm; 'if I perfectly understand what is + in your mind, I am so much more likely to be useful, and to have the + happiness of being effectually employed. I think I do understand. I have + not the honour of Mrs Dombey's good opinion. In my position, I have no + reason to expect it; but I take the fact to be, that I have not got it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Possibly not,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Consequently,' pursued Carker, 'your making the communications to Mrs + Dombey through me, is sure to be particularly unpalatable to that lady?' + </p> + <p> + 'It appears to me,' said Mr Dombey, with haughty reserve, and yet with + some embarrassment, 'that Mrs Dombey's views upon the subject form no part + of it as it presents itself to you and me, Carker. But it may be so.' + </p> + <p> + 'And—pardon me—do I misconceive you,' said Carker, 'when I + think you descry in this, a likely means of humbling Mrs Dombey's pride—I + use the word as expressive of a quality which, kept within due bounds, + adorns and graces a lady so distinguished for her beauty and + accomplishments—and, not to say of punishing her, but of reducing + her to the submission you so naturally and justly require?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am not accustomed, Carker, as you know,' said Mr Dombey, 'to give such + close reasons for any course of conduct I think proper to adopt, but I + will gainsay nothing of this. If you have any objection to found upon it, + that is indeed another thing, and the mere statement that you have one + will be sufficient. But I have not supposed, I confess, that any + confidence I could entrust to you, would be likely to degrade you—' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! I degraded!' exclaimed Carker. 'In your service!' + </p> + <p> + '—or to place you,' pursued Mr Dombey, 'in a false position.' + </p> + <p> + 'I in a false position!' exclaimed Carker. 'I shall be proud—delighted—to + execute your trust. I could have wished, I own, to have given the lady at + whose feet I would lay my humble duty and devotion—for is she not + your wife!—no new cause of dislike; but a wish from you is, of + course, paramount to every other consideration on earth. Besides, when Mrs + Dombey is converted from these little errors of judgment, incidental, I + would presume to say, to the novelty of her situation, I shall hope that + she will perceive in the slight part I take, only a grain—my removed + and different sphere gives room for little more—of the respect for + you, and sacrifice of all considerations to you, of which it will be her + pleasure and privilege to garner up a great store every day.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey seemed, at the moment, again to see her with her hand stretched + out towards the door, and again to hear through the mild speech of his + confidential agent an echo of the words, 'Nothing can make us stranger to + each other than we are henceforth!' But he shook off the fancy, and did + not shake in his resolution, and said, 'Certainly, no doubt.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing more,' quoth Carker, drawing his chair back to its old + place—for they had taken little breakfast as yet—and pausing + for an answer before he sat down. + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing,' said Mr Dombey, 'but this. You will be good enough to observe, + Carker, that no message to Mrs Dombey with which you are or may be + charged, admits of reply. You will be good enough to bring me no reply. + Mrs Dombey is informed that it does not become me to temporise or treat + upon any matter that is at issue between us, and that what I say is + final.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker signified his understanding of these credentials, and they fell + to breakfast with what appetite they might. The Grinder also, in due time + reappeared, keeping his eyes upon his master without a moment's respite, + and passing the time in a reverie of worshipful tenor. Breakfast + concluded, Mr Dombey's horse was ordered out again, and Mr Carker mounting + his own, they rode off for the City together. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker was in capital spirits, and talked much. Mr Dombey received his + conversation with the sovereign air of a man who had a right to be talked + to, and occasionally condescended to throw in a few words to carry on the + conversation. So they rode on characteristically enough. But Mr Dombey, in + his dignity, rode with very long stirrups, and a very loose rein, and very + rarely deigned to look down to see where his horse went. In consequence of + which it happened that Mr Dombey's horse, while going at a round trot, + stumbled on some loose stones, threw him, rolled over him, and lashing out + with his iron-shod feet, in his struggles to get up, kicked him. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, quick of eye, steady of hand, and a good horseman, was afoot, + and had the struggling animal upon his legs and by the bridle, in a + moment. Otherwise that morning's confidence would have been Mr Dombey's + last. Yet even with the flush and hurry of this action red upon him, he + bent over his prostrate chief with every tooth disclosed, and muttered as + he stooped down, 'I have given good cause of offence to Mrs Dombey now, if + she knew it!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey being insensible, and bleeding from the head and face, was + carried by certain menders of the road, under Carker's direction, to the + nearest public-house, which was not far off, and where he was soon + attended by divers surgeons, who arrived in quick succession from all + parts, and who seemed to come by some mysterious instinct, as vultures are + said to gather about a camel who dies in the desert. After being at some + pains to restore him to consciousness, these gentlemen examined into the + nature of his injuries. One surgeon who lived hard by was strong for a + compound fracture of the leg, which was the landlord's opinion also; but + two surgeons who lived at a distance, and were only in that neighbourhood + by accident, combated this opinion so disinterestedly, that it was decided + at last that the patient, though severely cut and bruised, had broken no + bones but a lesser rib or so, and might be carefully taken home before + night. His injuries being dressed and bandaged, which was a long + operation, and he at length left to repose, Mr Carker mounted his horse + again, and rode away to carry the intelligence home. + </p> + <p> + Crafty and cruel as his face was at the best of times, though it was a + sufficiently fair face as to form and regularity of feature, it was at its + worst when he set forth on this errand; animated by the craft and cruelty + of thoughts within him, suggestions of remote possibility rather than of + design or plot, that made him ride as if he hunted men and women. Drawing + rein at length, and slackening in his speed, as he came into the more + public roads, he checked his white-legged horse into picking his way along + as usual, and hid himself beneath his sleek, hushed, crouched manner, and + his ivory smile, as he best could. + </p> + <p> + He rode direct to Mr Dombey's house, alighted at the door, and begged to + see Mrs Dombey on an affair of importance. The servant who showed him to + Mr Dombey's own room, soon returned to say that it was not Mrs Dombey's + hour for receiving visitors, and that he begged pardon for not having + mentioned it before. + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, who was quite prepared for a cold reception, wrote upon a card + that he must take the liberty of pressing for an interview, and that he + would not be so bold as to do so, for the second time (this he + underlined), if he were not equally sure of the occasion being sufficient + for his justification. After a trifling delay, Mrs Dombey's maid appeared, + and conducted him to a morning room upstairs, where Edith and Florence + were together. + </p> + <p> + He had never thought Edith half so beautiful before. Much as he admired + the graces of her face and form, and freshly as they dwelt within his + sensual remembrance, he had never thought her half so beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Her glance fell haughtily upon him in the doorway; but he looked at + Florence—though only in the act of bending his head, as he came in—with + some irrepressible expression of the new power he held; and it was his + triumph to see the glance droop and falter, and to see that Edith half + rose up to receive him. + </p> + <p> + He was very sorry, he was deeply grieved; he couldn't say with what + unwillingness he came to prepare her for the intelligence of a very slight + accident. He entreated Mrs Dombey to compose herself. Upon his sacred word + of honour, there was no cause of alarm. But Mr Dombey— + </p> + <p> + Florence uttered a sudden cry. He did not look at her, but at Edith. Edith + composed and reassured her. She uttered no cry of distress. No, no. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey had met with an accident in riding. His horse had slipped, and + he had been thrown. + </p> + <p> + Florence wildly exclaimed that he was badly hurt; that he was killed! + </p> + <p> + No. Upon his honour, Mr Dombey, though stunned at first, was soon + recovered, and though certainly hurt was in no kind of danger. If this + were not the truth, he, the distressed intruder, never could have had the + courage to present himself before Mrs Dombey. It was the truth indeed, he + solemnly assured her. + </p> + <p> + All this he said as if he were answering Edith, and not Florence, and with + his eyes and his smile fastened on Edith. + </p> + <p> + He then went on to tell her where Mr Dombey was lying, and to request that + a carriage might be placed at his disposal to bring him home. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama,' faltered Florence in tears, 'if I might venture to go!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, having his eyes on Edith when he heard these words, gave her a + secret look and slightly shook his head. He saw how she battled with + herself before she answered him with her handsome eyes, but he wrested the + answer from her—he showed her that he would have it, or that he + would speak and cut Florence to the heart—and she gave it to him. As + he had looked at the picture in the morning, so he looked at her + afterwards, when she turned her eyes away. + </p> + <p> + 'I am directed to request,' he said, 'that the new housekeeper—Mrs + Pipchin, I think, is the name—' + </p> + <p> + Nothing escaped him. He saw in an instant, that she was another slight of + Mr Dombey's on his wife. + </p> + <p> + '—may be informed that Mr Dombey wishes to have his bed prepared in + his own apartments downstairs, as he prefers those rooms to any other. I + shall return to Mr Dombey almost immediately. That every possible + attention has been paid to his comfort, and that he is the object of every + possible solicitude, I need not assure you, Madam. Let me again say, there + is no cause for the least alarm. Even you may be quite at ease, believe + me.' + </p> + <p> + He bowed himself out, with his extremest show of deference and + conciliation; and having returned to Mr Dombey's room, and there arranged + for a carriage being sent after him to the City, mounted his horse again, + and rode slowly thither. He was very thoughtful as he went along, and very + thoughtful there, and very thoughtful in the carriage on his way back to + the place where Mr Dombey had been left. It was only when sitting by that + gentleman's couch that he was quite himself again, and conscious of his + teeth. + </p> + <p> + About the time of twilight, Mr Dombey, grievously afflicted with aches and + pains, was helped into his carriage, and propped with cloaks and pillows + on one side of it, while his confidential agent bore him company upon the + other. As he was not to be shaken, they moved at little more than a foot + pace; and hence it was quite dark when he was brought home. Mrs Pipchin, + bitter and grim, and not oblivious of the Peruvian mines, as the + establishment in general had good reason to know, received him at the + door, and freshened the domestics with several little sprinklings of wordy + vinegar, while they assisted in conveying him to his room. Mr Carker + remained in attendance until he was safe in bed, and then, as he declined + to receive any female visitor, but the excellent Ogress who presided over + his household, waited on Mrs Dombey once more, with his report on her + lord's condition. + </p> + <p> + He again found Edith alone with Florence, and he again addressed the whole + of his soothing speech to Edith, as if she were a prey to the liveliest + and most affectionate anxieties. So earnest he was in his respectful + sympathy, that on taking leave, he ventured—with one more glance + towards Florence at the moment—to take her hand, and bending over + it, to touch it with his lips. + </p> + <p> + Edith did not withdraw the hand, nor did she strike his fair face with it, + despite the flush upon her cheek, the bright light in her eyes, and the + dilation of her whole form. But when she was alone in her own room, she + struck it on the marble chimney-shelf, so that, at one blow, it was + bruised, and bled; and held it from her, near the shining fire, as if she + could have thrust it in and burned it. + </p> + <p> + Far into the night she sat alone, by the sinking blaze, in dark and + threatening beauty, watching the murky shadows looming on the wall, as if + her thoughts were tangible, and cast them there. Whatever shapes of + outrage and affront, and black foreshadowings of things that might happen, + flickered, indistinct and giant-like, before her, one resented figure + marshalled them against her. And that figure was her husband. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 43. The Watches of the Night + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>lorence, long since awakened from her dream, mournfully observed the + estrangement between her father and Edith, and saw it widen more and more, + and knew that there was greater bitterness between them every day. Each + day's added knowledge deepened the shade upon her love and hope, roused up + the old sorrow that had slumbered for a little time, and made it even + heavier to bear than it had been before. + </p> + <p> + It had been hard—how hard may none but Florence ever know!—to + have the natural affection of a true and earnest nature turned to agony; + and slight, or stern repulse, substituted for the tenderest protection and + the dearest care. It had been hard to feel in her deep heart what she had + felt, and never know the happiness of one touch of response. But it was + much more hard to be compelled to doubt either her father or Edith, so + affectionate and dear to her, and to think of her love for each of them, + by turns, with fear, distrust, and wonder. + </p> + <p> + Yet Florence now began to do so; and the doing of it was a task imposed + upon her by the very purity of her soul, as one she could not fly from. + She saw her father cold and obdurate to Edith, as to her; hard, + inflexible, unyielding. Could it be, she asked herself with starting + tears, that her own dear mother had been made unhappy by such treatment, + and had pined away and died? Then she would think how proud and stately + Edith was to everyone but her, with what disdain she treated him, how + distantly she kept apart from him, and what she had said on the night when + they came home; and quickly it would come on Florence, almost as a crime, + that she loved one who was set in opposition to her father, and that her + father knowing of it, must think of her in his solitary room as the + unnatural child who added this wrong to the old fault, so much wept for, + of never having won his fatherly affection from her birth. The next kind + word from Edith, the next kind glance, would shake these thoughts again, + and make them seem like black ingratitude; for who but she had cheered the + drooping heart of Florence, so lonely and so hurt, and been its best of + comforters! Thus, with her gentle nature yearning to them both, feeling + for the misery of both, and whispering doubts of her own duty to both, + Florence in her wider and expanded love, and by the side of Edith, endured + more than when she had hoarded up her undivided secret in the mournful + house, and her beautiful Mama had never dawned upon it. + </p> + <p> + One exquisite unhappiness that would have far outweighed this, Florence + was spared. She never had the least suspicion that Edith by her tenderness + for her widened the separation from her father, or gave him new cause of + dislike. If Florence had conceived the possibility of such an effect being + wrought by such a cause, what grief she would have felt, what sacrifice + she would have tried to make, poor loving girl, how fast and sure her + quiet passage might have been beneath it to the presence of that higher + Father who does not reject his children's love, or spurn their tried and + broken hearts, Heaven knows! But it was otherwise, and that was well. + </p> + <p> + No word was ever spoken between Florence and Edith now, on these subjects. + Edith had said there ought to be between them, in that wise, a division + and a silence like the grave itself: and Florence felt she was right. + </p> + <p> + In this state of affairs her father was brought home, suffering and + disabled; and gloomily retired to his own rooms, where he was tended by + servants, not approached by Edith, and had no friend or companion but Mr + Carker, who withdrew near midnight. + </p> + <p> + 'And nice company he is, Miss Floy,' said Susan Nipper. 'Oh, he's a + precious piece of goods! If ever he wants a character don't let him come + to me whatever he does, that's all I tell him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Susan,' urged Florence, 'don't!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's very well to say "don't" Miss Floy,' returned the Nipper, much + exasperated; 'but raly begging your pardon we're coming to such passes + that it turns all the blood in a person's body into pins and needles, with + their pints all ways. Don't mistake me, Miss Floy, I don't mean nothing + again your ma-in-law who has always treated me as a lady should though she + is rather high I must say not that I have any right to object to that + particular, but when we come to Mrs Pipchinses and having them put over us + and keeping guard at your Pa's door like crocodiles (only make us thankful + that they lay no eggs!) we are a growing too outrageous!' + </p> + <p> + 'Papa thinks well of Mrs Pipchin, Susan,' returned Florence, 'and has a + right to choose his housekeeper, you know. Pray don't!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well Miss Floy,' returned the Nipper, 'when you say don't, I never do I + hope but Mrs Pipchin acts like early gooseberries upon me Miss, and + nothing less.' + </p> + <p> + Susan was unusually emphatic and destitute of punctuation in her discourse + on this night, which was the night of Mr Dombey's being brought home, + because, having been sent downstairs by Florence to inquire after him, she + had been obliged to deliver her message to her mortal enemy Mrs Pipchin; + who, without carrying it in to Mr Dombey, had taken upon herself to return + what Miss Nipper called a huffish answer, on her own responsibility. This, + Susan Nipper construed into presumption on the part of that exemplary + sufferer by the Peruvian mines, and a deed of disparagement upon her young + lady, that was not to be forgiven; and so far her emphatic state was + special. But she had been in a condition of greatly increased suspicion + and distrust, ever since the marriage; for, like most persons of her + quality of mind, who form a strong and sincere attachment to one in the + different station which Florence occupied, Susan was very jealous, and her + jealousy naturally attached to Edith, who divided her old empire, and came + between them. Proud and glad as Susan Nipper truly was, that her young + mistress should be advanced towards her proper place in the scene of her + old neglect, and that she should have her father's handsome wife for her + companion and protectress, she could not relinquish any part of her own + dominion to the handsome wife, without a grudge and a vague feeling of + ill-will, for which she did not fail to find a disinterested justification + in her sharp perception of the pride and passion of the lady's character. + From the background to which she had necessarily retired somewhat, since + the marriage, Miss Nipper looked on, therefore, at domestic affairs in + general, with a resolute conviction that no good would come of Mrs Dombey: + always being very careful to publish on all possible occasions, that she + had nothing to say against her. + </p> + <p> + 'Susan,' said Florence, who was sitting thoughtfully at her table, 'it is + very late. I shall want nothing more to-night.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, Miss Floy!' returned the Nipper, 'I'm sure I often wish for them old + times when I sat up with you hours later than this and fell asleep through + being tired out when you was as broad awake as spectacles, but you've + ma's-in-law to come and sit with you now Miss Floy and I'm thankful for it + I'm sure. I've not a word to say against 'em.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall not forget who was my old companion when I had none, Susan,' + returned Florence, gently, 'never!' And looking up, she put her arm round + the neck of her humble friend, drew her face down to hers, and bidding her + good-night, kissed it; which so mollified Miss Nipper, that she fell a + sobbing. + </p> + <p> + 'Now my dear Miss Floy,' said Susan, 'let me go downstairs again and see + how your Pa is, I know you're wretched about him, do let me go downstairs + again and knock at his door my own self.' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Florence, 'go to bed. We shall hear more in the morning. I will + inquire myself in the morning. Mama has been down, I daresay;' Florence + blushed, for she had no such hope; 'or is there now, perhaps. Good-night!' + </p> + <p> + Susan was too much softened to express her private opinion on the + probability of Mrs Dombey's being in attendance on her husband, and + silently withdrew. Florence left alone, soon hid her head upon her hands + as she had often done in other days, and did not restrain the tears from + coursing down her face. The misery of this domestic discord and + unhappiness; the withered hope she cherished now, if hope it could be + called, of ever being taken to her father's heart; her doubts and fears + between the two; the yearning of her innocent breast to both; the heavy + disappointment and regret of such an end as this, to what had been a + vision of bright hope and promise to her; all crowded on her mind and made + her tears flow fast. Her mother and her brother dead, her father unmoved + towards her, Edith opposed to him and casting him away, but loving her, + and loved by her, it seemed as if her affection could never prosper, rest + where it would. That weak thought was soon hushed, but the thoughts in + which it had arisen were too true and strong to be dismissed with it; and + they made the night desolate. + </p> + <p> + Among such reflections there rose up, as there had risen up all day, the + image of her father, wounded and in pain, alone in his own room, untended + by those who should be nearest to him, and passing the tardy hours in + lonely suffering. A frightened thought which made her start and clasp her + hands—though it was not a new one in her mind—that he might + die, and never see her or pronounce her name, thrilled her whole frame. In + her agitation she thought, and trembled while she thought, of once more + stealing downstairs, and venturing to his door. + </p> + <p> + She listened at her own. The house was quiet, and all the lights were out. + It was a long, long time, she thought, since she used to make her nightly + pilgrimages to his door! It was a long, long time, she tried to think, + since she had entered his room at midnight, and he had led her back to the + stair-foot! + </p> + <p> + With the same child's heart within her, as of old: even with the child's + sweet timid eyes and clustering hair: Florence, as strange to her father + in her early maiden bloom, as in her nursery time, crept down the + staircase listening as she went, and drew near to his room. No one was + stirring in the house. The door was partly open to admit air; and all was + so still within, that she could hear the burning of the fire, and count + the ticking of the clock that stood upon the chimney-piece. + </p> + <p> + She looked in. In that room, the housekeeper wrapped in a blanket was fast + asleep in an easy chair before the fire. The doors between it and the next + were partly closed, and a screen was drawn before them; but there was a + light there, and it shone upon the cornice of his bed. All was so very + still that she could hear from his breathing that he was asleep. This gave + her courage to pass round the screen, and look into his chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was as great a start to come upon his sleeping face as if she had not + expected to see it. Florence stood arrested on the spot, and if he had + awakened then, must have remained there. + </p> + <p> + There was a cut upon his forehead, and they had been wetting his hair, + which lay bedabbled and entangled on the pillow. One of his arms, resting + outside the bed, was bandaged up, and he was very white. But it was not + this, that after the first quick glance, and first assurance of his + sleeping quietly, held Florence rooted to the ground. It was something + very different from this, and more than this, that made him look so solemn + in her eye. + </p> + <p> + She had never seen his face in all her life, but there had been upon it—or + she fancied so—some disturbing consciousness of her. She had never + seen his face in all her life, but hope had sunk within her, and her timid + glance had dropped before its stern, unloving, and repelling harshness. As + she looked upon it now, she saw it, for the first time, free from the + cloud that had darkened her childhood. Calm, tranquil night was reigning + in its stead. He might have gone to sleep, for anything she saw there, + blessing her. + </p> + <p> + Awake, unkind father! Awake, now, sullen man! The time is flitting by; the + hour is coming with an angry tread. Awake! + </p> + <p> + There was no change upon his face; and as she watched it, awfully, its + motionless response recalled the faces that were gone. So they looked, so + would he; so she, his weeping child, who should say when! so all the world + of love and hatred and indifference around them! When that time should + come, it would not be the heavier to him, for this that she was going to + do; and it might fall something lighter upon her. + </p> + <p> + She stole close to the bed, and drawing in her breath, bent down, and + softly kissed him on the face, and laid her own for one brief moment by + its side, and put the arm, with which she dared not touch him, round about + him on the pillow. + </p> + <p> + Awake, doomed man, while she is near! The time is flitting by; the hour is + coming with an angry tread; its foot is in the house. Awake! + </p> + <p> + In her mind, she prayed to God to bless her father, and to soften him + towards her, if it might be so; and if not, to forgive him if he was + wrong, and pardon her the prayer which almost seemed impiety. And doing + so, and looking back at him with blinded eyes, and stealing timidly away, + passed out of his room, and crossed the other, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + He may sleep on now. He may sleep on while he may. But let him look for + that slight figure when he wakes, and find it near him when the hour is + come! + </p> + <p> + Sad and grieving was the heart of Florence, as she crept upstairs. The + quiet house had grown more dismal since she came down. The sleep she had + been looking on, in the dead of night, had the solemnity to her of death + and life in one. The secrecy and silence of her own proceeding made the + night secret, silent, and oppressive. She felt unwilling, almost unable, + to go on to her own chamber; and turning into the drawing-rooms, where the + clouded moon was shining through the blinds, looked out into the empty + streets. + </p> + <p> + The wind was blowing drearily. The lamps looked pale, and shook as if they + were cold. There was a distant glimmer of something that was not quite + darkness, rather than of light, in the sky; and foreboding night was + shivering and restless, as the dying are who make a troubled end. Florence + remembered how, as a watcher, by a sick-bed, she had noted this bleak + time, and felt its influence, as if in some hidden natural antipathy to + it; and now it was very, very gloomy. + </p> + <p> + Her Mama had not come to her room that night, which was one cause of her + having sat late out of her bed. In her general uneasiness, no less than in + her ardent longing to have somebody to speak to, and to break the spell of + gloom and silence, Florence directed her steps towards the chamber where + she slept. + </p> + <p> + The door was not fastened within, and yielded smoothly to her hesitating + hand. She was surprised to find a bright light burning; still more + surprised, on looking in, to see that her Mama, but partially undressed, + was sitting near the ashes of the fire, which had crumbled and dropped + away. Her eyes were intently bent upon the air; and in their light, and in + her face, and in her form, and in the grasp with which she held the elbows + of her chair as if about to start up, Florence saw such fierce emotion + that it terrified her. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' she cried, 'what is the matter?' + </p> + <p> + Edith started; looking at her with such a strange dread in her face, that + Florence was more frightened than before. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' said Florence, hurriedly advancing. 'Dear Mama! what is the + matter?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have not been well,' said Edith, shaking, and still looking at her in + the same strange way. 'I have had bad dreams, my love.' + </p> + <p> + 'And not yet been to bed, Mama?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' she returned. 'Half-waking dreams.' + </p> + <p> + Her features gradually softened; and suffering Florence to come closer to + her, within her embrace, she said in a tender manner, 'But what does my + bird do here? What does my bird do here?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have been uneasy, Mama, in not seeing you to-night, and in not knowing + how Papa was; and I—' + </p> + <p> + Florence stopped there, and said no more. + </p> + <p> + 'Is it late?' asked Edith, fondly putting back the curls that mingled with + her own dark hair, and strayed upon her face. + </p> + <p> + 'Very late. Near day.' + </p> + <p> + 'Near day!' she repeated in surprise. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Mama, what have you done to your hand?' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + Edith drew it suddenly away, and, for a moment, looked at her with the + same strange dread (there was a sort of wild avoidance in it) as before; + but she presently said, 'Nothing, nothing. A blow.' And then she said, 'My + Florence!' and then her bosom heaved, and she was weeping passionately. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' said Florence. 'Oh Mama, what can I do, what should I do, to make + us happier? Is there anything?' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing,' she replied. + </p> + <p> + 'Are you sure of that? Can it never be? If I speak now of what is in my + thoughts, in spite of what we have agreed,' said Florence, 'you will not + blame me, will you?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is useless,' she replied, 'useless. I have told you, dear, that I have + had bad dreams. Nothing can change them, or prevent them coming back.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not understand,' said Florence, gazing on her agitated face which + seemed to darken as she looked. + </p> + <p> + 'I have dreamed,' said Edith in a low voice, 'of a pride that is all + powerless for good, all powerful for evil; of a pride that has been galled + and goaded, through many shameful years, and has never recoiled except + upon itself; a pride that has debased its owner with the consciousness of + deep humiliation, and never helped its owner boldly to resent it or avoid + it, or to say, "This shall not be!" a pride that, rightly guided, might + have led perhaps to better things, but which, misdirected and perverted, + like all else belonging to the same possessor, has been self-contempt, + mere hardihood and ruin.' + </p> + <p> + She neither looked nor spoke to Florence now, but went on as if she were + alone. + </p> + <p> + 'I have dreamed,' she said, 'of such indifference and callousness, arising + from this self-contempt; this wretched, inefficient, miserable pride; that + it has gone on with listless steps even to the altar, yielding to the old, + familiar, beckoning finger,—oh mother, oh mother!—while it + spurned it; and willing to be hateful to itself for once and for all, + rather than to be stung daily in some new form. Mean, poor thing!' + </p> + <p> + And now with gathering and darkening emotion, she looked as she had looked + when Florence entered. + </p> + <p> + 'And I have dreamed,' she said, 'that in a first late effort to achieve a + purpose, it has been trodden on, and trodden down by a base foot, but + turns and looks upon him. I have dreamed that it is wounded, hunted, set + upon by dogs, but that it stands at bay, and will not yield; no, that it + cannot if it would; but that it is urged on to hate.' + </p> + <p> + Her clenched hand tightened on the trembling arm she had in hers, and as + she looked down on the alarmed and wondering face, frown subsided. 'Oh + Florence!' she said, 'I think I have been nearly mad to-night!' and + humbled her proud head upon her neck and wept again. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't leave me! be near me! I have no hope but in you!' These words she + said a score of times. + </p> + <p> + Soon she grew calmer, and was full of pity for the tears of Florence, and + for her waking at such untimely hours. And the day now dawning, with + folded her in her arms and laid her down upon her bed, and, not lying down + herself, sat by her, and bade her try to sleep. + </p> + <p> + 'For you are weary, dearest, and unhappy, and should rest.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am indeed unhappy, dear Mama, tonight,' said Florence. 'But you are + weary and unhappy, too.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not when you lie asleep so near me, sweet.' + </p> + <p> + They kissed each other, and Florence, worn out, gradually fell into a + gentle slumber; but as her eyes closed on the face beside her, it was so + sad to think upon the face downstairs, that her hand drew closer to Edith + for some comfort; yet, even in the act, it faltered, lest it should be + deserting him. So, in her sleep, she tried to reconcile the two together, + and to show them that she loved them both, but could not do it, and her + waking grief was part of her dreams. + </p> + <p> + Edith, sitting by, looked down at the dark eyelashes lying wet on the + flushed cheeks, and looked with gentleness and pity, for she knew the + truth. But no sleep hung upon her own eyes. As the day came on she still + sat watching and waking, with the placid hand in hers, and sometimes + whispered, as she looked at the hushed face, 'Be near me, Florence. I have + no hope but in you!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 44. A Separation + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>ith the day, though not so early as the sun, uprose Miss Susan Nipper. + There was a heaviness in this young maiden's exceedingly sharp black eyes, + that abated somewhat of their sparkling, and suggested—which was not + their usual character—the possibility of their being sometimes shut. + There was likewise a swollen look about them, as if they had been crying + over-night. But the Nipper, so far from being cast down, was singularly + brisk and bold, and all her energies appeared to be braced up for some + great feat. This was noticeable even in her dress, which was much more + tight and trim than usual; and in occasional twitches of her head as she + went about the house, which were mightily expressive of determination. + </p> + <p> + In a word, she had formed a determination, and an aspiring one: it being + nothing less than this—to penetrate to Mr Dombey's presence, and + have speech of that gentleman alone. 'I have often said I would,' she + remarked, in a threatening manner, to herself, that morning, with many + twitches of her head, 'and now I will!' + </p> + <p> + Spurring herself on to the accomplishment of this desperate design, with a + sharpness that was peculiar to herself, Susan Nipper haunted the hall and + staircase during the whole forenoon, without finding a favourable + opportunity for the assault. Not at all baffled by this discomfiture, + which indeed had a stimulating effect, and put her on her mettle, she + diminished nothing of her vigilance; and at last discovered, towards + evening, that her sworn foe Mrs Pipchin, under pretence of having sat up + all night, was dozing in her own room, and that Mr Dombey was lying on his + sofa, unattended. + </p> + <p> + With a twitch—not of her head merely, this time, but of her whole + self—the Nipper went on tiptoe to Mr Dombey's door, and knocked. + 'Come in!' said Mr Dombey. Susan encouraged herself with a final twitch, + and went in. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, who was eyeing the fire, gave an amazed look at his visitor, + and raised himself a little on his arm. The Nipper dropped a curtsey. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you want?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Sir, I wish to speak to you,' said Susan. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey moved his lips as if he were repeating the words, but he seemed + so lost in astonishment at the presumption of the young woman as to be + incapable of giving them utterance. + </p> + <p> + 'I have been in your service, Sir,' said Susan Nipper, with her usual + rapidity, 'now twelve 'year a waiting on Miss Floy my own young lady who + couldn't speak plain when I first come here and I was old in this house + when Mrs Richards was new, I may not be Meethosalem, but I am not a child + in arms.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, raised upon his arm and looking at her, offered no comment on + this preparatory statement of fact. + </p> + <p> + 'There never was a dearer or a blesseder young lady than is my young lady, + Sir,' said Susan, 'and I ought to know a great deal better than some for I + have seen her in her grief and I have seen her in her joy (there's not + been much of it) and I have seen her with her brother and I have seen her + in her loneliness and some have never seen her, and I say to some and all—I + do!' and here the black-eyed shook her head, and slightly stamped her + foot; 'that she's the blessedest and dearest angel is Miss Floy that ever + drew the breath of life, the more that I was torn to pieces Sir the more + I'd say it though I may not be a Fox's Martyr.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey turned yet paler than his fall had made him, with indignation + and astonishment; and kept his eyes upon the speaker as if he accused + them, and his ears too, of playing him false. + </p> + <p> + 'No one could be anything but true and faithful to Miss Floy, Sir,' + pursued Susan, 'and I take no merit for my service of twelve year, for I + love her—yes, I say to some and all I do!'—and here the + black-eyed shook her head again, and slightly stamped her foot again, and + checked a sob; 'but true and faithful service gives me right to speak I + hope, and speak I must and will now, right or wrong.' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean, woman?' said Mr Dombey, glaring at her. 'How do you + dare?' + </p> + <p> + 'What I mean, Sir, is to speak respectful and without offence, but out, + and how I dare I know not but I do!' said Susan. 'Oh! you don't know my + young lady Sir you don't indeed, you'd never know so little of her, if you + did.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, in a fury, put his hand out for the bell-rope; but there was no + bell-rope on that side of the fire, and he could not rise and cross to the + other without assistance. The quick eye of the Nipper detected his + helplessness immediately, and now, as she afterwards observed, she felt + she had got him. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Floy,' said Susan Nipper, 'is the most devoted and most patient and + most dutiful and beautiful of daughters, there ain't no gentleman, no Sir, + though as great and rich as all the greatest and richest of England put + together, but might be proud of her and would and ought. If he knew her + value right, he'd rather lose his greatness and his fortune piece by piece + and beg his way in rags from door to door, I say to some and all, he + would!' cried Susan Nipper, bursting into tears, 'than bring the sorrow on + her tender heart that I have seen it suffer in this house!' + </p> + <p> + 'Woman,' cried Mr Dombey, 'leave the room.' + </p> + <p> + 'Begging your pardon, not even if I am to leave the situation, Sir,' + replied the steadfast Nipper, 'in which I have been so many years and seen + so much—although I hope you'd never have the heart to send me from + Miss Floy for such a cause—will I go now till I have said the rest, + I may not be a Indian widow Sir and I am not and I would not so become but + if I once made up my mind to burn myself alive, I'd do it! And I've made + my mind up to go on.' + </p> + <p> + Which was rendered no less clear by the expression of Susan Nipper's + countenance, than by her words. + </p> + <p> + 'There ain't a person in your service, Sir,' pursued the black-eyed, 'that + has always stood more in awe of you than me and you may think how true it + is when I make so bold as say that I have hundreds and hundreds of times + thought of speaking to you and never been able to make my mind up to it + till last night, but last night decided of me.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey, in a paroxysm of rage, made another grasp at the bell-rope that + was not there, and, in its absence, pulled his hair rather than nothing. + </p> + <p> + 'I have seen,' said Susan Nipper, 'Miss Floy strive and strive when + nothing but a child so sweet and patient that the best of women might have + copied from her, I've seen her sitting nights together half the night + through to help her delicate brother with his learning, I've seen her + helping him and watching him at other times—some well know when—I've + seen her, with no encouragement and no help, grow up to be a lady, thank + God! that is the grace and pride of every company she goes in, and I've + always seen her cruelly neglected and keenly feeling of it—I say to + some and all, I have!—and never said one word, but ordering one's + self lowly and reverently towards one's betters, is not to be a worshipper + of graven images, and I will and must speak!' + </p> + <p> + 'Is there anybody there?' cried Mr Dombey, calling out. 'Where are the + men? where are the women? Is there no one there?' + </p> + <p> + 'I left my dear young lady out of bed late last night,' said Susan, + nothing checked, 'and I knew why, for you was ill Sir and she didn't know + how ill and that was enough to make her wretched as I saw it did. I may + not be a Peacock; but I have my eyes—and I sat up a little in my own + room thinking she might be lonesome and might want me, and I saw her steal + downstairs and come to this door as if it was a guilty thing to look at + her own Pa, and then steal back again and go into them lonely + drawing-rooms, a-crying so, that I could hardly bear to hear it. I can not + bear to hear it,' said Susan Nipper, wiping her black eyes, and fixing + them undauntingly on Mr Dombey's infuriated face. 'It's not the first time + I have heard it, not by many and many a time you don't know your own + daughter, Sir, you don't know what you're doing, Sir, I say to some and + all,' cried Susan Nipper, in a final burst, 'that it's a sinful shame!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, hoity toity!' cried the voice of Mrs Pipchin, as the black bombazeen + garments of that fair Peruvian Miner swept into the room. 'What's this, + indeed?' + </p> + <p> + Susan favoured Mrs Pipchin with a look she had invented expressly for her + when they first became acquainted, and resigned the reply to Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'What's this?' repeated Mr Dombey, almost foaming. 'What's this, Madam? + You who are at the head of this household, and bound to keep it in order, + have reason to inquire. Do you know this woman?' + </p> + <p> + 'I know very little good of her, Sir,' croaked Mrs Pipchin. 'How dare you + come here, you hussy? Go along with you!' + </p> + <p> + But the inflexible Nipper, merely honouring Mrs Pipchin with another look, + remained. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you call it managing this establishment, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, 'to + leave a person like this at liberty to come and talk to me! A gentleman—in + his own house—in his own room—assailed with the impertinences + of women-servants!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir,' returned Mrs Pipchin, with vengeance in her hard grey eye, 'I + exceedingly deplore it; nothing can be more irregular; nothing can be more + out of all bounds and reason; but I regret to say, Sir, that this young + woman is quite beyond control. She has been spoiled by Miss Dombey, and is + amenable to nobody. You know you're not,' said Mrs Pipchin, sharply, and + shaking her head at Susan Nipper. 'For shame, you hussy! Go along with + you!' + </p> + <p> + 'If you find people in my service who are not to be controlled, Mrs + Pipchin,' said Mr Dombey, turning back towards the fire, 'you know what to + do with them, I presume. You know what you are here for? Take her away!' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, I know what to do,' retorted Mrs Pipchin, 'and of course shall do + it. Susan Nipper,' snapping her up particularly short, 'a month's warning + from this hour.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh indeed!' cried Susan, loftily. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' returned Mrs Pipchin, 'and don't smile at me, you minx, or I'll + know the reason why! Go along with you this minute!' + </p> + <p> + 'I intend to go this minute, you may rely upon it,' said the voluble + Nipper. 'I have been in this house waiting on my young lady a dozen year + and I won't stop in it one hour under notice from a person owning to the + name of Pipchin trust me, Mrs P.' + </p> + <p> + 'A good riddance of bad rubbish!' said that wrathful old lady. 'Get along + with you, or I'll have you carried out!' + </p> + <p> + 'My comfort is,' said Susan, looking back at Mr Dombey, 'that I have told + a piece of truth this day which ought to have been told long before and + can't be told too often or too plain and that no amount of Pipchinses—I + hope the number of 'em mayn't be great' (here Mrs Pipchin uttered a very + sharp 'Go along with you!' and Miss Nipper repeated the look) 'can unsay + what I have said, though they gave a whole year full of warnings beginning + at ten o'clock in the forenoon and never leaving off till twelve at night + and died of the exhaustion which would be a Jubilee!' + </p> + <p> + With these words, Miss Nipper preceded her foe out of the room; and + walking upstairs to her own apartments in great state, to the choking + exasperation of the ireful Pipchin, sat down among her boxes and began to + cry. + </p> + <p> + From this soft mood she was soon aroused, with a very wholesome and + refreshing effect, by the voice of Mrs Pipchin outside the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Does that bold-faced slut,' said the fell Pipchin, 'intend to take her + warning, or does she not?' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper replied from within that the person described did not inhabit + that part of the house, but that her name was Pipchin, and she was to be + found in the housekeeper's room. + </p> + <p> + 'You saucy baggage!' retorted Mrs Pipchin, rattling at the handle of the + door. 'Go along with you this minute. Pack up your things directly! How + dare you talk in this way to a gentle-woman who has seen better days?' + </p> + <p> + To which Miss Nipper rejoined from her castle, that she pitied the better + days that had seen Mrs Pipchin; and that for her part she considered the + worst days in the year to be about that lady's mark, except that they were + much too good for her. + </p> + <p> + 'But you needn't trouble yourself to make a noise at my door,' said Susan + Nipper, 'nor to contaminate the key-hole with your eye, I'm packing up and + going you may take your affidavit.' + </p> + <p> + The Dowager expressed her lively satisfaction at this intelligence, and + with some general opinions upon young hussies as a race, and especially + upon their demerits after being spoiled by Miss Dombey, withdrew to + prepare the Nipper's wages. Susan then bestirred herself to get her trunks + in order, that she might take an immediate and dignified departure; + sobbing heartily all the time, as she thought of Florence. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0567m.jpg" alt="0567m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0567.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The object of her regret was not long in coming to her, for the news soon + spread over the house that Susan Nipper had had a disturbance with Mrs + Pipchin, and that they had both appealed to Mr Dombey, and that there had + been an unprecedented piece of work in Mr Dombey's room, and that Susan + was going. The latter part of this confused rumour, Florence found to be + so correct, that Susan had locked the last trunk and was sitting upon it + with her bonnet on, when she came into her room. + </p> + <p> + 'Susan!' cried Florence. 'Going to leave me! You!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh for goodness gracious sake, Miss Floy,' said Susan, sobbing, 'don't + speak a word to me or I shall demean myself before them Pi-i-pchinses, and + I wouldn't have 'em see me cry Miss Floy for worlds!' + </p> + <p> + 'Susan!' said Florence. 'My dear girl, my old friend! What shall I do + without you! Can you bear to go away so?' + </p> + <p> + 'No-n-o-o, my darling dear Miss Floy, I can't indeed,' sobbed Susan. 'But + it can't be helped, I've done my duty, Miss, I have indeed. It's no fault + of mine. I am quite resigned. I couldn't stay my month or I could never + leave you then my darling and I must at last as well as at first, don't + speak to me Miss Floy, for though I'm pretty firm I'm not a marble + doorpost, my own dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is it? Why is it?' said Florence, 'Won't you tell me?' For Susan was + shaking her head. + </p> + <p> + 'No-n-no, my darling,' returned Susan. 'Don't ask me, for I mustn't, and + whatever you do don't put in a word for me to stop, for it couldn't be and + you'd only wrong yourself, and so God bless you my own precious and + forgive me any harm I have done, or any temper I have showed in all these + many years!' + </p> + <p> + With which entreaty, very heartily delivered, Susan hugged her mistress in + her arms. + </p> + <p> + 'My darling there's a many that may come to serve you and be glad to serve + you and who'll serve you well and true,' said Susan, 'but there can't be + one who'll serve you so affectionate as me or love you half as dearly, + that's my comfort. Go-ood-bye, sweet Miss Floy!' + </p> + <p> + 'Where will you go, Susan?' asked her weeping mistress. + </p> + <p> + 'I've got a brother down in the country Miss—a farmer in Essex,' + said the heart-broken Nipper, 'that keeps ever so many co-o-ows and pigs + and I shall go down there by the coach and sto-op with him, and don't mind + me, for I've got money in the Savings Banks my dear, and needn't take + another service just yet, which I couldn't, couldn't, couldn't do, my + heart's own mistress!' Susan finished with a burst of sorrow, which was + opportunely broken by the voice of Mrs Pipchin talking downstairs; on + hearing which, she dried her red and swollen eyes, and made a melancholy + feint of calling jauntily to Mr Towlinson to fetch a cab and carry down + her boxes. + </p> + <p> + Florence, pale and hurried and distressed, but withheld from useless + interference even here, by her dread of causing any new division between + her father and his wife (whose stern, indignant face had been a warning to + her a few moments since), and by her apprehension of being in some way + unconsciously connected already with the dismissal of her old servant and + friend, followed, weeping, downstairs to Edith's dressing-room, whither + Susan betook herself to make her parting curtsey. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, here's the cab, and here's the boxes, get along with you, do!' said + Mrs Pipchin, presenting herself at the same moment. 'I beg your pardon, + Ma'am, but Mr Dombey's orders are imperative.' + </p> + <p> + Edith, sitting under the hands of her maid—she was going out to + dinner—preserved her haughty face, and took not the least notice. + </p> + <p> + 'There's your money,' said Mrs Pipchin, who in pursuance of her system, + and in recollection of the Mines, was accustomed to rout the servants + about, as she had routed her young Brighton boarders; to the everlasting + acidulation of Master Bitherstone, 'and the sooner this house sees your + back the better.' + </p> + <p> + Susan had no spirits even for the look that belonged to Ma Pipchin by + right; so she dropped her curtsey to Mrs Dombey (who inclined her head + without one word, and whose eye avoided everyone but Florence), and gave + one last parting hug to her young mistress, and received her parting + embrace in return. Poor Susan's face at this crisis, in the intensity of + her feelings and the determined suffocation of her sobs, lest one should + become audible and be a triumph to Mrs Pipchin, presented a series of the + most extraordinary physiognomical phenomena ever witnessed. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Miss, I'm sure,' said Towlinson, outside the door with + the boxes, addressing Florence, 'but Mr Toots is in the drawing-room, and + sends his compliments, and begs to know how Diogenes and Master is.' + </p> + <p> + Quick as thought, Florence glided out and hastened downstairs, where Mr + Toots, in the most splendid vestments, was breathing very hard with doubt + and agitation on the subject of her coming. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, how de do, Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, 'God bless my soul!' + </p> + <p> + This last ejaculation was occasioned by Mr Toots's deep concern at the + distress he saw in Florence's face; which caused him to stop short in a + fit of chuckles, and become an image of despair. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Mr Toots,' said Florence, 'you are so friendly to me, and so honest, + that I am sure I may ask a favour of you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' returned Mr Toots, 'if you'll only name one, you'll—you'll + give me an appetite. To which,' said Mr Toots, with some sentiment, 'I + have long been a stranger.' + </p> + <p> + 'Susan, who is an old friend of mine, the oldest friend I have,' said + Florence, 'is about to leave here suddenly, and quite alone, poor girl. + She is going home, a little way into the country. Might I ask you to take + care of her until she is in the coach?' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' returned Mr Toots, 'you really do me an honour and a + kindness. This proof of your confidence, after the manner in which I was + Beast enough to conduct myself at Brighton—' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said Florence, hurriedly—'no—don't think of that. Then + would you have the kindness to—to go? and to be ready to meet her + when she comes out? Thank you a thousand times! You ease my mind so much. + She doesn't seem so desolate. You cannot think how grateful I feel to you, + or what a good friend I am sure you are!' and Florence in her earnestness + thanked him again and again; and Mr Toots, in his earnestness, hurried + away—but backwards, that he might lose no glimpse of her. + </p> + <p> + Florence had not the courage to go out, when she saw poor Susan in the + hall, with Mrs Pipchin driving her forth, and Diogenes jumping about her, + and terrifying Mrs Pipchin to the last degree by making snaps at her + bombazeen skirts, and howling with anguish at the sound of her voice—for + the good duenna was the dearest and most cherished aversion of his breast. + But she saw Susan shake hands with the servants all round, and turn once + to look at her old home; and she saw Diogenes bound out after the cab, and + want to follow it, and testify an impossibility of conviction that he had + no longer any property in the fare; and the door was shut, and the hurry + over, and her tears flowed fast for the loss of an old friend, whom no one + could replace. No one. No one. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, like the leal and trusty soul he was, stopped the cabriolet in a + twinkling, and told Susan Nipper of his commission, at which she cried + more than before. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my soul and body!' said Mr Toots, taking his seat beside her. 'I + feel for you. Upon my word and honour I think you can hardly know your own + feelings better than I imagine them. I can conceive nothing more dreadful + than to have to leave Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Susan abandoned herself to her grief now, and it really was touching to + see her. + </p> + <p> + 'I say,' said Mr Toots, 'now, don't! at least I mean now do, you know!' + </p> + <p> + 'Do what, Mr Toots!' cried Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, come home to my place, and have some dinner before you start,' said + Mr Toots. 'My cook's a most respectable woman—one of the most + motherly people I ever saw—and she'll be delighted to make you + comfortable. Her son,' said Mr Toots, as an additional recommendation, + 'was educated in the Bluecoat School, and blown up in a powder-mill.' + </p> + <p> + Susan accepting this kind offer, Mr Toots conducted her to his dwelling, + where they were received by the Matron in question who fully justified his + character of her, and by the Chicken who at first supposed, on seeing a + lady in the vehicle, that Mr Dombey had been doubled up, ably to his old + recommendation, and Miss Dombey abducted. This gentleman awakened in Miss + Nipper some considerable astonishment; for, having been defeated by the + Larkey Boy, his visage was in a state of such great dilapidation, as to be + hardly presentable in society with comfort to the beholders. The Chicken + himself attributed this punishment to his having had the misfortune to get + into Chancery early in the proceedings, when he was severely fibbed by the + Larkey one, and heavily grassed. But it appeared from the published + records of that great contest that the Larkey Boy had had it all his own + way from the beginning, and that the Chicken had been tapped, and bunged, + and had received pepper, and had been made groggy, and had come up piping, + and had endured a complication of similar strange inconveniences, until he + had been gone into and finished. + </p> + <p> + After a good repast, and much hospitality, Susan set out for the + coach-office in another cabriolet, with Mr Toots inside, as before, and + the Chicken on the box, who, whatever distinction he conferred on the + little party by the moral weight and heroism of his character, was + scarcely ornamental to it, physically speaking, on account of his + plasters; which were numerous. But the Chicken had registered a vow, in + secret, that he would never leave Mr Toots (who was secretly pining to get + rid of him), for any less consideration than the good-will and fixtures of + a public-house; and being ambitious to go into that line, and drink + himself to death as soon as possible, he felt it his cue to make his + company unacceptable. + </p> + <p> + The night-coach by which Susan was to go, was on the point of departure. + Mr Toots having put her inside, lingered by the window, irresolutely, + until the driver was about to mount; when, standing on the step, and + putting in a face that by the light of the lamp was anxious and confused, + he said abruptly: + </p> + <p> + 'I say, Susan! Miss Dombey, you know—' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think she could—you know—eh?' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Mr Toots,' said Susan, 'but I don't hear you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think she could be brought, you know—not exactly at once, + but in time—in a long time—to—to love me, you know? + There!' said poor Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh dear no!' returned Susan, shaking her head. 'I should say, never. + Never!' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee!' said Mr Toots. 'It's of no consequence. Good-night. It's of no + consequence, thank'ee!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 45. The Trusty Agent + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">E</span>dith went out alone that day, and returned home early. It was but a few + minutes after ten o'clock, when her carriage rolled along the street in + which she lived. + </p> + <p> + There was the same enforced composure on her face, that there had been + when she was dressing; and the wreath upon her head encircled the same + cold and steady brow. But it would have been better to have seen its + leaves and flowers reft into fragments by her passionate hand, or rendered + shapeless by the fitful searches of a throbbing and bewildered brain for + any resting-place, than adorning such tranquillity. So obdurate, so + unapproachable, so unrelenting, one would have thought that nothing could + soften such a woman's nature, and that everything in life had hardened it. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at her own door, she was alighting, when some one coming quietly + from the hall, and standing bareheaded, offered her his arm. The servant + being thrust aside, she had no choice but to touch it; and she then knew + whose arm it was. + </p> + <p> + 'How is your patient, Sir?' she asked, with a curled lip. + </p> + <p> + 'He is better,' returned Carker. 'He is doing very well. I have left him + for the night.' + </p> + <p> + She bent her head, and was passing up the staircase, when he followed and + said, speaking at the bottom: + </p> + <p> + 'Madam! May I beg the favour of a minute's audience?' + </p> + <p> + She stopped and turned her eyes back 'It is an unseasonable time, Sir, and + I am fatigued. Is your business urgent?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is very urgent, returned Carker. 'As I am so fortunate as to have met + you, let me press my petition.' + </p> + <p> + She looked down for a moment at his glistening mouth; and he looked up at + her, standing above him in her stately dress, and thought, again, how + beautiful she was. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is Miss Dombey?' she asked the servant, aloud. + </p> + <p> + 'In the morning room, Ma'am.' + </p> + <p> + 'Show the way there!' Turning her eyes again on the attentive gentleman at + the bottom of the stairs, and informing him with a slight motion of her + head, that he was at liberty to follow, she passed on. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon! Madam! Mrs Dombey!' cried the soft and nimble Carker, + at her side in a moment. 'May I be permitted to entreat that Miss Dombey + is not present?' + </p> + <p> + She confronted him, with a quick look, but with the same self-possession + and steadiness. + </p> + <p> + 'I would spare Miss Dombey,' said Carker, in a low voice, 'the knowledge + of what I have to say. At least, Madam, I would leave it to you to decide + whether she shall know of it or not. I owe that to you. It is my bounden + duty to you. After our former interview, it would be monstrous in me if I + did otherwise.' + </p> + <p> + She slowly withdrew her eyes from his face, and turning to the servant, + said, 'Some other room.' He led the way to a drawing-room, which he + speedily lighted up and then left them. While he remained, not a word was + spoken. Edith enthroned herself upon a couch by the fire; and Mr Carker, + with his hat in his hand and his eyes bent upon the carpet, stood before + her, at some little distance. + </p> + <p> + 'Before I hear you, Sir,' said Edith, when the door was closed, 'I wish + you to hear me.' + </p> + <p> + 'To be addressed by Mrs Dombey,' he returned, 'even in accents of + unmerited reproach, is an honour I so greatly esteem, that although I were + not her servant in all things, I should defer to such a wish, most + readily.' + </p> + <p> + 'If you are charged by the man whom you have just now left, Sir;' Mr + Carker raised his eyes, as if he were going to counterfeit surprise, but + she met them, and stopped him, if such were his intention; 'with any + message to me, do not attempt to deliver it, for I will not receive it. I + need scarcely ask you if you are come on such an errand. I have expected + you some time.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is my misfortune,' he replied, 'to be here, wholly against my will, + for such a purpose. Allow me to say that I am here for two purposes. That + is one.' + </p> + <p> + 'That one, Sir,' she returned, 'is ended. Or, if you return to it—' + </p> + <p> + 'Can Mrs Dombey believe,' said Carker, coming nearer, 'that I would return + to it in the face of her prohibition? Is it possible that Mrs Dombey, + having no regard to my unfortunate position, is so determined to consider + me inseparable from my instructor as to do me great and wilful injustice?' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir,' returned Edith, bending her dark gaze full upon him, and speaking + with a rising passion that inflated her proud nostril and her swelling + neck, and stirred the delicate white down upon a robe she wore, thrown + loosely over shoulders that could hear its snowy neighbourhood. 'Why do + you present yourself to me, as you have done, and speak to me of love and + duty to my husband, and pretend to think that I am happily married, and + that I honour him? How dare you venture so to affront me, when you know—I + do not know better, Sir: I have seen it in your every glance, and heard it + in your every word—that in place of affection between us there is + aversion and contempt, and that I despise him hardly less than I despise + myself for being his! Injustice! If I had done justice to the torment you + have made me feel, and to my sense of the insult you have put upon me, I + should have slain you!' + </p> + <p> + She had asked him why he did this. Had she not been blinded by her pride + and wrath, and self-humiliation,—which she was, fiercely as she bent + her gaze upon him,—she would have seen the answer in his face. To + bring her to this declaration. + </p> + <p> + She saw it not, and cared not whether it was there or no. She saw only the + indignities and struggles she had undergone and had to undergo, and was + writhing under them. As she sat looking fixedly at them, rather than at + him, she plucked the feathers from a pinion of some rare and beautiful + bird, which hung from her wrist by a golden thread, to serve her as a fan, + and rained them on the ground. + </p> + <p> + He did not shrink beneath her gaze, but stood, until such outward signs of + her anger as had escaped her control subsided, with the air of a man who + had his sufficient reply in reserve and would presently deliver it. And he + then spoke, looking straight into her kindling eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' he said, 'I know, and knew before to-day, that I have found no + favour with you; and I knew why. Yes. I knew why. You have spoken so + openly to me; I am so relieved by the possession of your confidence—' + </p> + <p> + 'Confidence!' she repeated, with disdain. + </p> + <p> + He passed it over. + </p> + <p> + '—that I will make no pretence of concealment. I did see from the + first, that there was no affection on your part for Mr Dombey—how + could it possibly exist between such different subjects? And I have seen, + since, that stronger feelings than indifference have been engendered in + your breast—how could that possibly be otherwise, either, + circumstanced as you have been? But was it for me to presume to avow this + knowledge to you in so many words?' + </p> + <p> + 'Was it for you, Sir,' she replied, 'to feign that other belief, and + audaciously to thrust it on me day by day?' + </p> + <p> + 'Madam, it was,' he eagerly retorted. 'If I had done less, if I had done + anything but that, I should not be speaking to you thus; and I foresaw—who + could better foresee, for who has had greater experience of Mr Dombey than + myself?—that unless your character should prove to be as yielding + and obedient as that of his first submissive lady, which I did not believe—' + </p> + <p> + A haughty smile gave him reason to observe that he might repeat this. + </p> + <p> + 'I say, which I did not believe,—the time was likely to come, when + such an understanding as we have now arrived at, would be serviceable.' + </p> + <p> + 'Serviceable to whom, Sir?' she demanded scornfully. + </p> + <p> + 'To you. I will not add to myself, as warning me to refrain even from that + limited commendation of Mr Dombey, in which I can honestly indulge, in + order that I may not have the misfortune of saying anything distasteful to + one whose aversion and contempt,' with great expression, 'are so keen.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it honest in you, Sir,' said Edith, 'to confess to your "limited + commendation," and to speak in that tone of disparagement, even of him: + being his chief counsellor and flatterer!' + </p> + <p> + 'Counsellor,—yes,' said Carker. 'Flatterer,—no. A little + reservation I fear I must confess to. But our interest and convenience + commonly oblige many of us to make professions that we cannot feel. We + have partnerships of interest and convenience, friendships of interest and + convenience, dealings of interest and convenience, marriages of interest + and convenience, every day.' + </p> + <p> + She bit her blood-red lip; but without wavering in the dark, stern watch + she kept upon him. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' said Mr Carker, sitting down in a chair that was near her, with + an air of the most profound and most considerate respect, 'why should I + hesitate now, being altogether devoted to your service, to speak plainly? + It was natural that a lady, endowed as you are, should think it feasible + to change her husband's character in some respects, and mould him to a + better form.' + </p> + <p> + 'It was not natural to me, Sir,' she rejoined. 'I had never any + expectation or intention of that kind.' + </p> + <p> + The proud undaunted face showed him it was resolute to wear no mask he + offered, but was set upon a reckless disclosure of itself, indifferent to + any aspect in which it might present itself to such as he. + </p> + <p> + 'At least it was natural,' he resumed, 'that you should deem it quite + possible to live with Mr Dombey as his wife, at once without submitting to + him, and without coming into such violent collision with him. But, Madam, + you did not know Mr Dombey (as you have since ascertained), when you + thought that. You did not know how exacting and how proud he is, or how he + is, if I may say so, the slave of his own greatness, and goes yoked to his + own triumphal car like a beast of burden, with no idea on earth but that + it is behind him and is to be drawn on, over everything and through + everything.' + </p> + <p> + His teeth gleamed through his malicious relish of this conceit, as he went + on talking: + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey is really capable of no more true consideration for you, Madam, + than for me. The comparison is an extreme one; I intend it to be so; but + quite just. Mr Dombey, in the plenitude of his power, asked me—I had + it from his own lips yesterday morning—to be his go-between to you, + because he knows I am not agreeable to you, and because he intends that I + shall be a punishment for your contumacy; and besides that, because he + really does consider, that I, his paid servant, am an ambassador whom it + is derogatory to the dignity—not of the lady to whom I have the + happiness of speaking; she has no existence in his mind—but of his + wife, a part of himself, to receive. You may imagine how regardless of me, + how obtuse to the possibility of my having any individual sentiment or + opinion he is, when he tells me, openly, that I am so employed. You know + how perfectly indifferent to your feelings he is, when he threatens you + with such a messenger. As you, of course, have not forgotten that he did.' + </p> + <p> + She watched him still attentively. But he watched her too; and he saw that + this indication of a knowledge on his part, of something that had passed + between herself and her husband, rankled and smarted in her haughty + breast, like a poisoned arrow. + </p> + <p> + 'I do not recall all this to widen the breach between yourself and Mr + Dombey, Madam—Heaven forbid! what would it profit me?—but as + an example of the hopelessness of impressing Mr Dombey with a sense that + anybody is to be considered when he is in question. We who are about him, + have, in our various positions, done our part, I daresay, to confirm him + in his way of thinking; but if we had not done so, others would—or + they would not have been about him; and it has always been, from the + beginning, the very staple of his life. Mr Dombey has had to deal, in + short, with none but submissive and dependent persons, who have bowed the + knee, and bent the neck, before him. He has never known what it is to have + angry pride and strong resentment opposed to him.' + </p> + <p> + 'But he will know it now!' she seemed to say; though her lips did not + part, nor her eyes falter. He saw the soft down tremble once again, and he + saw her lay the plumage of the beautiful bird against her bosom for a + moment; and he unfolded one more ring of the coil into which he had + gathered himself. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey, though a most honourable gentleman,' he said, 'is so prone to + pervert even facts to his own view, when he is at all opposed, in + consequence of the warp in his mind, that he—can I give a better + instance than this!—he sincerely believes (you will excuse the folly + of what I am about to say; it not being mine) that his severe expression + of opinion to his present wife, on a certain special occasion she may + remember, before the lamented death of Mrs Skewton, produced a withering + effect, and for the moment quite subdued her!' + </p> + <p> + Edith laughed. How harshly and unmusically need not be described. It is + enough that he was glad to hear her. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' he resumed, 'I have done with this. Your own opinions are so + strong, and, I am persuaded, so unalterable,' he repeated those words + slowly and with great emphasis, 'that I am almost afraid to incur your + displeasure anew, when I say that in spite of these defects and my full + knowledge of them, I have become habituated to Mr Dombey, and esteem him. + But when I say so, it is not, believe me, for the mere sake of vaunting a + feeling that is so utterly at variance with your own, and for which you + can have no sympathy'—oh how distinct and plain and emphasized this + was!—'but to give you an assurance of the zeal with which, in this + unhappy matter, I am yours, and the indignation with which I regard the + part I am to fill!' + </p> + <p> + She sat as if she were afraid to take her eyes from his face. + </p> + <p> + And now to unwind the last ring of the coil! + </p> + <p> + 'It is growing late,' said Carker, after a pause, 'and you are, as you + said, fatigued. But the second object of this interview, I must not + forget. I must recommend you, I must entreat you in the most earnest + manner, for sufficient reasons that I have, to be cautious in your + demonstrations of regard for Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Cautious! What do you mean?' + </p> + <p> + 'To be careful how you exhibit too much affection for that young lady.' + </p> + <p> + 'Too much affection, Sir!' said Edith, knitting her broad brow and rising. + 'Who judges my affection, or measures it out? You?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is not I who do so.' He was, or feigned to be, perplexed. + </p> + <p> + 'Who then?' + </p> + <p> + 'Can you not guess who then?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not choose to guess,' she answered. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' he said after a little hesitation; meantime they had been, and + still were, regarding each other as before; 'I am in a difficulty here. + You have told me you will receive no message, and you have forbidden me to + return to that subject; but the two subjects are so closely entwined, I + find, that unless you will accept this vague caution from one who has now + the honour to possess your confidence, though the way to it has been + through your displeasure, I must violate the injunction you have laid upon + me.' + </p> + <p> + 'You know that you are free to do so, Sir,' said Edith. 'Do it.' + </p> + <p> + So pale, so trembling, so impassioned! He had not miscalculated the effect + then! + </p> + <p> + 'His instructions were,' he said, in a low voice, 'that I should inform + you that your demeanour towards Miss Dombey is not agreeable to him. That + it suggests comparisons to him which are not favourable to himself. That + he desires it may be wholly changed; and that if you are in earnest, he is + confident it will be; for your continued show of affection will not + benefit its object.' + </p> + <p> + 'That is a threat,' she said. + </p> + <p> + 'That is a threat,' he answered, in his voiceless manner of assent: adding + aloud, 'but not directed against you.' + </p> + <p> + Proud, erect, and dignified, as she stood confronting him; and looking + through him as she did, with her full bright flashing eye; and smiling, as + she was, with scorn and bitterness; she sunk as if the ground had dropped + beneath her, and in an instant would have fallen on the floor, but that he + caught her in his arms. As instantaneously she threw him off, the moment + that he touched her, and, drawing back, confronted him again, immoveable, + with her hand stretched out. + </p> + <p> + 'Please to leave me. Say no more to-night.' + </p> + <p> + 'I feel the urgency of this,' said Mr Carker, 'because it is impossible to + say what unforeseen consequences might arise, or how soon, from your being + unacquainted with his state of mind. I understand Miss Dombey is + concerned, now, at the dismissal of her old servant, which is likely to + have been a minor consequence in itself. You don't blame me for requesting + that Miss Dombey might not be present. May I hope so?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not. Please to leave me, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'I knew that your regard for the young lady, which is very sincere and + strong, I am well persuaded, would render it a great unhappiness to you, + ever to be a prey to the reflection that you had injured her position and + ruined her future hopes,' said Carker hurriedly, but eagerly. + </p> + <p> + 'No more to-night. Leave me, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall be here constantly in my attendance upon him, and in the + transaction of business matters. You will allow me to see you again, and + to consult what should be done, and learn your wishes?' + </p> + <p> + She motioned him towards the door. + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot even decide whether to tell him I have spoken to you yet; or to + lead him to suppose that I have deferred doing so, for want of + opportunity, or for any other reason. It will be necessary that you should + enable me to consult with you very soon.' + </p> + <p> + 'At any time but now,' she answered. + </p> + <p> + 'You will understand, when I wish to see you, that Miss Dombey is not to + be present; and that I seek an interview as one who has the happiness to + possess your confidence, and who comes to render you every assistance in + his power, and, perhaps, on many occasions, to ward off evil from her?' + </p> + <p> + Looking at him still with the same apparent dread of releasing him for a + moment from the influence of her steady gaze, whatever that might be, she + answered, 'Yes!' and once more bade him go. + </p> + <p> + He bowed, as if in compliance; but turning back, when he had nearly + reached the door, said: + </p> + <p> + 'I am forgiven, and have explained my fault. May I—for Miss Dombey's + sake, and for my own—take your hand before I go?' + </p> + <p> + She gave him the gloved hand she had maimed last night. He took it in one + of his, and kissed it, and withdrew. And when he had closed the door, he + waved the hand with which he had taken hers, and thrust it in his breast. + </p> + <p> + Edith saw no one that night, but locked her door, and kept herself alone. + </p> + <p> + She did not weep; she showed no greater agitation, outwardly, than when + she was riding home. She laid as proud a head upon her pillow as she had + borne in her carriage; and her prayer ran thus: + </p> + <p> + 'May this man be a liar! For if he has spoken truth, she is lost to me, + and I have no hope left!' + </p> + <p> + This man, meanwhile, went home musing to bed, thinking, with a dainty + pleasure, how imperious her passion was, how she had sat before him in her + beauty, with the dark eyes that had never turned away but once; how the + white down had fluttered; how the bird's feathers had been strewn upon the + ground. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 46. Recognizant and Reflective + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>mong sundry minor alterations in Mr Carker's life and habits that began + to take place at this time, none was more remarkable than the + extraordinary diligence with which he applied himself to business, and the + closeness with which he investigated every detail that the affairs of the + House laid open to him. Always active and penetrating in such matters, his + lynx-eyed vigilance now increased twenty-fold. Not only did his weary + watch keep pace with every present point that every day presented to him + in some new form, but in the midst of these engrossing occupations he + found leisure—that is, he made it—to review the past + transactions of the Firm, and his share in them, during a long series of + years. Frequently when the clerks were all gone, the offices dark and + empty, and all similar places of business shut up, Mr Carker, with the + whole anatomy of the iron room laid bare before him, would explore the + mysteries of books and papers, with the patient progress of a man who was + dissecting the minutest nerves and fibres of his subject. Perch, the + messenger, who usually remained on these occasions, to entertain himself + with the perusal of the Price Current by the light of one candle, or to + doze over the fire in the outer office, at the imminent risk every moment + of diving head foremost into the coal-box, could not withhold the tribute + of his admiration from this zealous conduct, although it much contracted + his domestic enjoyments; and again, and again, expatiated to Mrs Perch + (now nursing twins) on the industry and acuteness of their managing + gentleman in the City. + </p> + <p> + The same increased and sharp attention that Mr Carker bestowed on the + business of the House, he applied to his own personal affairs. Though not + a partner in the concern—a distinction hitherto reserved solely to + inheritors of the great name of Dombey—he was in the receipt of some + percentage on its dealings; and, participating in all its facilities for + the employment of money to advantage, was considered, by the minnows among + the tritons of the East, a rich man. It began to be said, among these + shrewd observers, that Jem Carker, of Dombey's, was looking about him to + see what he was worth; and that he was calling in his money at a good + time, like the long-headed fellow he was; and bets were even offered on + the Stock Exchange that Jem was going to marry a rich widow. + </p> + <p> + Yet these cares did not in the least interfere with Mr Carker's watching + of his chief, or with his cleanness, neatness, sleekness, or any cat-like + quality he possessed. It was not so much that there was a change in him, + in reference to any of his habits, as that the whole man was intensified. + Everything that had been observable in him before, was observable now, but + with a greater amount of concentration. He did each single thing, as if he + did nothing else—a pretty certain indication in a man of that range + of ability and purpose, that he is doing something which sharpens and + keeps alive his keenest powers. + </p> + <p> + The only decided alteration in him was, that as he rode to and fro along + the streets, he would fall into deep fits of musing, like that in which he + had come away from Mr Dombey's house, on the morning of that gentleman's + disaster. At such times, he would keep clear of the obstacles in his way, + mechanically; and would appear to see and hear nothing until arrival at + his destination, or some sudden chance or effort roused him. + </p> + <p> + Walking his white-legged horse thus, to the counting-house of Dombey and + Son one day, he was as unconscious of the observation of two pairs of + women's eyes, as of the fascinated orbs of Rob the Grinder, who, in + waiting a street's length from the appointed place, as a demonstration of + punctuality, vainly touched and retouched his hat to attract attention, + and trotted along on foot, by his master's side, prepared to hold his + stirrup when he should alight. + </p> + <p> + 'See where he goes!' cried one of these two women, an old creature, who + stretched out her shrivelled arm to point him out to her companion, a + young woman, who stood close beside her, withdrawn like herself into a + gateway. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Brown's daughter looked out, at this bidding on the part of Mrs Brown; + and there were wrath and vengeance in her face. + </p> + <p> + 'I never thought to look at him again,' she said, in a low voice; 'but + it's well I should, perhaps. I see. I see!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not changed!' said the old woman, with a look of eager malice. + </p> + <p> + 'He changed!' returned the other. 'What for? What has he suffered? There + is change enough for twenty in me. Isn't that enough?' + </p> + <p> + 'See where he goes!' muttered the old woman, watching her daughter with + her red eyes; 'so easy and so trim a-horseback, while we are in the mud.' + </p> + <p> + 'And of it,' said her daughter impatiently. 'We are mud, underneath his + horse's feet. What should we be?' + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0581m.jpg" alt="0581m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0581.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + In the intentness with which she looked after him again, she made a hasty + gesture with her hand when the old woman began to reply, as if her view + could be obstructed by mere sound. Her mother watching her, and not him, + remained silent; until her kindling glance subsided, and she drew a long + breath, as if in the relief of his being gone. + </p> + <p> + 'Deary!' said the old woman then. 'Alice! Handsome gall Ally!' She gently + shook her sleeve to arouse her attention. 'Will you let him go like that, + when you can wring money from him? Why, it's a wickedness, my daughter.' + </p> + <p> + 'Haven't I told you, that I will not have money from him?' she returned. + 'And don't you yet believe me? Did I take his sister's money? Would I + touch a penny, if I knew it, that had gone through his white hands—unless + it was, indeed, that I could poison it, and send it back to him? Peace, + mother, and come away.' + </p> + <p> + 'And him so rich?' murmured the old woman. 'And us so poor!' + </p> + <p> + 'Poor in not being able to pay him any of the harm we owe him,' returned + her daughter. 'Let him give me that sort of riches, and I'll take them + from him, and use them. Come away. Its no good looking at his horse. Come + away, mother!' + </p> + <p> + But the old woman, for whom the spectacle of Rob the Grinder returning + down the street, leading the riderless horse, appeared to have some + extraneous interest that it did not possess in itself, surveyed that young + man with the utmost earnestness; and seeming to have whatever doubts she + entertained, resolved as he drew nearer, glanced at her daughter with + brightened eyes and with her finger on her lip, and emerging from the + gateway at the moment of his passing, touched him on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, where's my sprightly Rob been, all this time!' she said, as he + turned round. + </p> + <p> + The sprightly Rob, whose sprightliness was very much diminished by the + salutation, looked exceedingly dismayed, and said, with the water rising + in his eyes: + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! why can't you leave a poor cove alone, Misses Brown, when he's + getting an honest livelihood and conducting himself respectable? What do + you come and deprive a cove of his character for, by talking to him in the + streets, when he's taking his master's horse to a honest stable—a + horse you'd go and sell for cats' and dogs' meat if you had your way! Why, + I thought,' said the Grinder, producing his concluding remark as if it + were the climax of all his injuries, 'that you was dead long ago!' + </p> + <p> + 'This is the way,' cried the old woman, appealing to her daughter, 'that + he talks to me, who knew him weeks and months together, my deary, and have + stood his friend many and many a time among the pigeon-fancying tramps and + bird-catchers.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let the birds be, will you, Misses Brown?' retorted Rob, in a tone of the + acutest anguish. 'I think a cove had better have to do with lions than + them little creeturs, for they're always flying back in your face when you + least expect it. Well, how d'ye do and what do you want?' These polite + inquiries the Grinder uttered, as it were under protest, and with great + exasperation and vindictiveness. + </p> + <p> + 'Hark how he speaks to an old friend, my deary!' said Mrs Brown, again + appealing to her daughter. 'But there's some of his old friends not so + patient as me. If I was to tell some that he knows, and has spotted and + cheated with, where to find him—' + </p> + <p> + 'Will you hold your tongue, Misses Brown?' interrupted the miserable + Grinder, glancing quickly round, as though he expected to see his master's + teeth shining at his elbow. 'What do you take a pleasure in ruining a cove + for? At your time of life too! when you ought to be thinking of a variety + of things!' + </p> + <p> + 'What a gallant horse!' said the old woman, patting the animal's neck. + </p> + <p> + 'Let him alone, will you, Misses Brown?' cried Rob, pushing away her hand. + 'You're enough to drive a penitent cove mad!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, what hurt do I do him, child?' returned the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'Hurt?' said Rob. 'He's got a master that would find it out if he was + touched with a straw.' And he blew upon the place where the old woman's + hand had rested for a moment, and smoothed it gently with his finger, as + if he seriously believed what he said. + </p> + <p> + The old woman looking back to mumble and mouth at her daughter, who + followed, kept close to Rob's heels as he walked on with the bridle in his + hand; and pursued the conversation. + </p> + <p> + 'A good place, Rob, eh?' said she. 'You're in luck, my child.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh don't talk about luck, Misses Brown,' returned the wretched Grinder, + facing round and stopping. 'If you'd never come, or if you'd go away, then + indeed a cove might be considered tolerable lucky. Can't you go along, + Misses Brown, and not foller me!' blubbered Rob, with sudden defiance. 'If + the young woman's a friend of yours, why don't she take you away, instead + of letting you make yourself so disgraceful!' + </p> + <p> + 'What!' croaked the old woman, putting her face close to his, with a + malevolent grin upon it that puckered up the loose skin down in her very + throat. 'Do you deny your old chum! Have you lurked to my house fifty + times, and slept sound in a corner when you had no other bed but the + paving-stones, and do you talk to me like this! Have I bought and sold + with you, and helped you in my way of business, schoolboy, sneak, and what + not, and do you tell me to go along? Could I raise a crowd of old company + about you to-morrow morning, that would follow you to ruin like copies of + your own shadow, and do you turn on me with your bold looks! I'll go. + Come, Alice.' + </p> + <p> + 'Stop, Misses Brown!' cried the distracted Grinder. 'What are you doing + of? Don't put yourself in a passion! Don't let her go, if you please. I + haven't meant any offence. I said "how d'ye do," at first, didn't I? But + you wouldn't answer. How you do? Besides,' said Rob piteously, 'look here! + How can a cove stand talking in the street with his master's prad + a-wanting to be took to be rubbed down, and his master up to every + individgle thing that happens!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman made a show of being partially appeased, but shook her head, + and mouthed and muttered still. + </p> + <p> + 'Come along to the stables, and have a glass of something that's good for + you, Misses Brown, can't you?' said Rob, 'instead of going on, like that, + which is no good to you, nor anybody else. Come along with her, will you + be so kind?' said Rob. 'I'm sure I'm delighted to see her, if it wasn't + for the horse!' + </p> + <p> + With this apology, Rob turned away, a rueful picture of despair, and + walked his charge down a bye street' The old woman, mouthing at her + daughter, followed close upon him. The daughter followed. + </p> + <p> + Turning into a silent little square or court-yard that had a great church + tower rising above it, and a packer's warehouse, and a bottle-maker's + warehouse, for its places of business, Rob the Grinder delivered the + white-legged horse to the hostler of a quaint stable at the corner; and + inviting Mrs Brown and her daughter to seat themselves upon a stone bench + at the gate of that establishment, soon reappeared from a neighbouring + public-house with a pewter measure and a glass. + </p> + <p> + 'Here's master—Mr Carker, child!' said the old woman, slowly, as her + sentiment before drinking. 'Lord bless him!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I didn't tell you who he was,' observed Rob, with staring eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'We know him by sight,' said Mrs Brown, whose working mouth and nodding + head stopped for the moment, in the fixedness of her attention. 'We saw + him pass this morning, afore he got off his horse; when you were ready to + take it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay,' returned Rob, appearing to wish that his readiness had carried + him to any other place.—'What's the matter with her? Won't she + drink?' + </p> + <p> + This inquiry had reference to Alice, who, folded in her cloak, sat a + little apart, profoundly inattentive to his offer of the replenished + glass. + </p> + <p> + The old woman shook her head. 'Don't mind her,' she said; 'she's a strange + creetur, if you know'd her, Rob. But Mr Carker—' + </p> + <p> + 'Hush!' said Rob, glancing cautiously up at the packer's, and at the + bottle-maker's, as if, from any one of the tiers of warehouses, Mr Carker + might be looking down. 'Softly.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, he ain't here!' cried Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know that,' muttered Rob, whose glance even wandered to the + church tower, as if he might be there, with a supernatural power of + hearing. + </p> + <p> + 'Good master?' inquired Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + Rob nodded; and added, in a low voice, 'precious sharp.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lives out of town, don't he, lovey?' said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'When he's at home,' returned Rob; 'but we don't live at home just now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Where then?' asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'Lodgings; up near Mr Dombey's,' returned Rob. + </p> + <p> + The younger woman fixed her eyes so searchingly upon him, and so suddenly, + that Rob was quite confounded, and offered the glass again, but with no + more effect upon her than before. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey—you and I used to talk about him, sometimes, you know,' + said Rob to Mrs Brown. 'You used to get me to talk about him.' + </p> + <p> + The old woman nodded. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Mr Dombey, he's had a fall from his horse,' said Rob, unwillingly; + 'and my master has to be up there, more than usual, either with him, or + Mrs Dombey, or some of 'em; and so we've come to town.' + </p> + <p> + 'Are they good friends, lovey?'asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'Who?' retorted Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'He and she?' + </p> + <p> + 'What, Mr and Mrs Dombey?' said Rob. 'How should I know!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not them—Master and Mrs Dombey, chick,' replied the old woman, + coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know,' said Rob, looking round him again. 'I suppose so. How + curious you are, Misses Brown! Least said, soonest mended.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why there's no harm in it!' exclaimed the old woman, with a laugh, and a + clap of her hands. 'Sprightly Rob, has grown tame since he has been well + off! There's no harm in it.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, there's no harm in it, I know,' returned Rob, with the same + distrustful glance at the packer's and the bottle-maker's, and the church; + 'but blabbing, if it's only about the number of buttons on my master's + coat, won't do. I tell you it won't do with him. A cove had better drown + himself. He says so. I shouldn't have so much as told you what his name + was, if you hadn't known it. Talk about somebody else.' + </p> + <p> + As Rob took another cautious survey of the yard, the old woman made a + secret motion to her daughter. It was momentary, but the daughter, with a + slight look of intelligence, withdrew her eyes from the boy's face, and + sat folded in her cloak as before. + </p> + <p> + 'Rob, lovey!' said the old woman, beckoning him to the other end of the + bench. 'You were always a pet and favourite of mine. Now, weren't you? + Don't you know you were?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Misses Brown,' replied the Grinder, with a very bad grace. + </p> + <p> + 'And you could leave me!' said the old woman, flinging her arms about his + neck. 'You could go away, and grow almost out of knowledge, and never come + to tell your poor old friend how fortunate you were, proud lad! Oho, Oho!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh here's a dreadful go for a cove that's got a master wide awake in the + neighbourhood!' exclaimed the wretched Grinder. 'To be howled over like + this here!' + </p> + <p> + 'Won't you come and see me, Robby?' cried Mrs Brown. 'Oho, won't you ever + come and see me?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I tell you! Yes, I will!' returned the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'That's my own Rob! That's my lovey!' said Mrs Brown, drying the tears + upon her shrivelled face, and giving him a tender squeeze. 'At the old + place, Rob?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' replied the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Soon, Robby dear?' cried Mrs Brown; 'and often?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Yes. Yes,' replied Rob. 'I will indeed, upon my soul and body.' + </p> + <p> + 'And then,' said Mrs Brown, with her arms uplifted towards the sky, and + her head thrown back and shaking, 'if he's true to his word, I'll never + come a-near him though I know where he is, and never breathe a syllable + about him! Never!' + </p> + <p> + This ejaculation seemed a drop of comfort to the miserable Grinder, who + shook Mrs Brown by the hand upon it, and implored her with tears in his + eyes, to leave a cove and not destroy his prospects. Mrs Brown, with + another fond embrace, assented; but in the act of following her daughter, + turned back, with her finger stealthily raised, and asked in a hoarse + whisper for some money. + </p> + <p> + 'A shilling, dear!' she said, with her eager avaricious face, 'or + sixpence! For old acquaintance sake. I'm so poor. And my handsome gal'—looking + over her shoulder—'she's my gal, Rob—half starves me.' + </p> + <p> + But as the reluctant Grinder put it in her hand, her daughter, coming + quietly back, caught the hand in hers, and twisted out the coin. + </p> + <p> + 'What,' she said, 'mother! always money! money from the first, and to the + last. Do you mind so little what I said but now? Here. Take it!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman uttered a moan as the money was restored, but without in any + other way opposing its restoration, hobbled at her daughter's side out of + the yard, and along the by-street upon which it opened. The astonished and + dismayed Rob staring after them, saw that they stopped, and fell to + earnest conversation very soon; and more than once observed a darkly + threatening action of the younger woman's hand (obviously having reference + to someone of whom they spoke), and a crooning feeble imitation of it on + the part of Mrs Brown, that made him earnestly hope he might not be the + subject of their discourse. + </p> + <p> + With the present consolation that they were gone, and with the prospective + comfort that Mrs Brown could not live for ever, and was not likely to live + long to trouble him, the Grinder, not otherwise regretting his misdeeds + than as they were attended with such disagreeable incidental consequences, + composed his ruffled features to a more serene expression by thinking of + the admirable manner in which he had disposed of Captain Cuttle (a + reflection that seldom failed to put him in a flow of spirits), and went + to the Dombey Counting House to receive his master's orders. + </p> + <p> + There his master, so subtle and vigilant of eye, that Rob quaked before + him, more than half expecting to be taxed with Mrs Brown, gave him the + usual morning's box of papers for Mr Dombey, and a note for Mrs Dombey: + merely nodding his head as an enjoinder to be careful, and to use dispatch—a + mysterious admonition, fraught in the Grinder's imagination with dismal + warnings and threats; and more powerful with him than any words. + </p> + <p> + Alone again, in his own room, Mr Carker applied himself to work, and + worked all day. He saw many visitors; overlooked a number of documents; + went in and out, to and from, sundry places of mercantile resort; and + indulged in no more abstraction until the day's business was done. But, + when the usual clearance of papers from his table was made at last, he + fell into his thoughtful mood once more. + </p> + <p> + He was standing in his accustomed place and attitude, with his eyes + intently fixed upon the ground, when his brother entered to bring back + some letters that had been taken out in the course of the day. He put them + quietly on the table, and was going immediately, when Mr Carker the + Manager, whose eyes had rested on him, on his entrance, as if they had all + this time had him for the subject of their contemplation, instead of the + office-floor, said: + </p> + <p> + 'Well, John Carker, and what brings you here?' + </p> + <p> + His brother pointed to the letters, and was again withdrawing. + </p> + <p> + 'I wonder,' said the Manager, 'that you can come and go, without inquiring + how our master is'. + </p> + <p> + 'We had word this morning in the Counting House, that Mr Dombey was doing + well,' replied his brother. + </p> + <p> + 'You are such a meek fellow,' said the Manager, with a smile,—'but + you have grown so, in the course of years—that if any harm came to + him, you'd be miserable, I dare swear now.' + </p> + <p> + 'I should be truly sorry, James,' returned the other. + </p> + <p> + 'He would be sorry!' said the Manager, pointing at him, as if there were + some other person present to whom he was appealing. 'He would be truly + sorry! This brother of mine! This junior of the place, this slighted piece + of lumber, pushed aside with his face to the wall, like a rotten picture, + and left so, for Heaven knows how many years he's all gratitude and + respect, and devotion too, he would have me believe!' + </p> + <p> + 'I would have you believe nothing, James,' returned the other. 'Be as just + to me as you would to any other man below you. You ask a question, and I + answer it.' + </p> + <p> + 'And have you nothing, Spaniel,' said the Manager, with unusual + irascibility, 'to complain of in him? No proud treatment to resent, no + insolence, no foolery of state, no exaction of any sort! What the devil! + are you man or mouse?' + </p> + <p> + 'It would be strange if any two persons could be together for so many + years, especially as superior and inferior, without each having something + to complain of in the other—as he thought, at all events,' replied + John Carker. 'But apart from my history here—' + </p> + <p> + 'His history here!' exclaimed the Manager. 'Why, there it is. The very + fact that makes him an extreme case, puts him out of the whole chapter! + Well?' + </p> + <p> + 'Apart from that, which, as you hint, gives me a reason to be thankful + that I alone (happily for all the rest) possess, surely there is no one in + the House who would not say and feel at least as much. You do not think + that anybody here would be indifferent to a mischance or misfortune + happening to the head of the House, or anything than truly sorry for it?' + </p> + <p> + 'You have good reason to be bound to him too!' said the Manager, + contemptuously. 'Why, don't you believe that you are kept here, as a cheap + example, and a famous instance of the clemency of Dombey and Son, + redounding to the credit of the illustrious House?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' replied his brother, mildly, 'I have long believed that I am kept + here for more kind and disinterested reasons.' + </p> + <p> + 'But you were going,' said the Manager, with the snarl of a tiger-cat, 'to + recite some Christian precept, I observed.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nay, James,' returned the other, 'though the tie of brotherhood between + us has been long broken and thrown away—' + </p> + <p> + 'Who broke it, good Sir?' said the Manager. + </p> + <p> + 'I, by my misconduct. I do not charge it upon you.' + </p> + <p> + The Manager replied, with that mute action of his bristling mouth, 'Oh, + you don't charge it upon me!' and bade him go on. + </p> + <p> + 'I say, though there is not that tie between us, do not, I entreat, assail + me with unnecessary taunts, or misinterpret what I say, or would say. I + was only going to suggest to you that it would be a mistake to suppose + that it is only you, who have been selected here, above all others, for + advancement, confidence and distinction (selected, in the beginning, I + know, for your great ability and trustfulness), and who communicate more + freely with Mr Dombey than anyone, and stand, it may be said, on equal + terms with him, and have been favoured and enriched by him—that it + would be a mistake to suppose that it is only you who are tender of his + welfare and reputation. There is no one in the House, from yourself down + to the lowest, I sincerely believe, who does not participate in that + feeling.' + </p> + <p> + 'You lie!' said the Manager, red with sudden anger. 'You're a hypocrite, + John Carker, and you lie.' + </p> + <p> + 'James!' cried the other, flushing in his turn. 'What do you mean by these + insulting words? Why do you so basely use them to me, unprovoked?' + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you,' said the Manager, 'that your hypocrisy and meekness—that + all the hypocrisy and meekness of this place—is not worth that to + me,' snapping his thumb and finger, 'and that I see through it as if it + were air! There is not a man employed here, standing between myself and + the lowest in place (of whom you are very considerate, and with reason, + for he is not far off), who wouldn't be glad at heart to see his master + humbled: who does not hate him, secretly: who does not wish him evil + rather than good: and who would not turn upon him, if he had the power and + boldness. The nearer to his favour, the nearer to his insolence; the + closer to him, the farther from him. That's the creed here!' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know,' said his brother, whose roused feelings had soon yielded + to surprise, 'who may have abused your ear with such representations; or + why you have chosen to try me, rather than another. But that you have been + trying me, and tampering with me, I am now sure. You have a different + manner and a different aspect from any that I ever saw in you. I will only + say to you, once more, you are deceived.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know I am,' said the Manager. 'I have told you so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not by me,' returned his brother. 'By your informant, if you have one. If + not, by your own thoughts and suspicions.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have no suspicions,' said the Manager. 'Mine are certainties. You + pusillanimous, abject, cringing dogs! All making the same show, all + canting the same story, all whining the same professions, all harbouring + the same transparent secret.' + </p> + <p> + His brother withdrew, without saying more, and shut the door as he + concluded. Mr Carker the Manager drew a chair close before the fire, and + fell to beating the coals softly with the poker. + </p> + <p> + 'The faint-hearted, fawning knaves,' he muttered, with his two shining + rows of teeth laid bare. 'There's not one among them, who wouldn't feign + to be so shocked and outraged—! Bah! There's not one among them, but + if he had at once the power, and the wit and daring to use it, would + scatter Dombey's pride and lay it low, as ruthlessly as I rake out these + ashes.' + </p> + <p> + As he broke them up and strewed them in the grate, he looked on with a + thoughtful smile at what he was doing. 'Without the same queen beckoner + too!' he added presently; 'and there is pride there, not to be forgotten—witness + our own acquaintance!' With that he fell into a deeper reverie, and sat + pondering over the blackening grate, until he rose up like a man who had + been absorbed in a book, and looking round him took his hat and gloves, + went to where his horse was waiting, mounted, and rode away through the + lighted streets, for it was evening. + </p> + <p> + He rode near Mr Dombey's house; and falling into a walk as he approached + it, looked up at the windows The window where he had once seen Florence + sitting with her dog attracted his attention first, though there was no + light in it; but he smiled as he carried his eyes up the tall front of the + house, and seemed to leave that object superciliously behind. + </p> + <p> + 'Time was,' he said, 'when it was well to watch even your rising little + star, and know in what quarter there were clouds, to shadow you if + needful. But a planet has arisen, and you are lost in its light.' + </p> + <p> + He turned the white-legged horse round the street corner, and sought one + shining window from among those at the back of the house. Associated with + it was a certain stately presence, a gloved hand, the remembrance how the + feathers of a beautiful bird's wing had been showered down upon the floor, + and how the light white down upon a robe had stirred and rustled, as in + the rising of a distant storm. These were the things he carried with him + as he turned away again, and rode through the darkening and deserted Parks + at a quick rate. + </p> + <p> + In fatal truth, these were associated with a woman, a proud woman, who + hated him, but who by slow and sure degrees had been led on by his craft, + and her pride and resentment, to endure his company, and little by little + to receive him as one who had the privilege to talk to her of her own + defiant disregard of her own husband, and her abandonment of high + consideration for herself. They were associated with a woman who hated him + deeply, and who knew him, and who mistrusted him because she knew him, and + because he knew her; but who fed her fierce resentment by suffering him to + draw nearer and yet nearer to her every day, in spite of the hate she + cherished for him. In spite of it! For that very reason; since in its + depths, too far down for her threatening eye to pierce, though she could + see into them dimly, lay the dark retaliation, whose faintest shadow seen + once and shuddered at, and never seen again, would have been sufficient + stain upon her soul. + </p> + <p> + Did the phantom of such a woman flit about him on his ride; true to the + reality, and obvious to him? + </p> + <p> + Yes. He saw her in his mind, exactly as she was. She bore him company with + her pride, resentment, hatred, all as plain to him as her beauty; with + nothing plainer to him than her hatred of him. He saw her sometimes + haughty and repellent at his side, and some times down among his horse's + feet, fallen and in the dust. But he always saw her as she was, without + disguise, and watched her on the dangerous way that she was going. + </p> + <p> + And when his ride was over, and he was newly dressed, and came into the + light of her bright room with his bent head, soft voice, and soothing + smile, he saw her yet as plainly. He even suspected the mystery of the + gloved hand, and held it all the longer in his own for that suspicion. + Upon the dangerous way that she was going, he was, still; and not a + footprint did she mark upon it, but he set his own there, straight. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 47. The Thunderbolt + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he barrier between Mr Dombey and his wife was not weakened by time. + Ill-assorted couple, unhappy in themselves and in each other, bound + together by no tie but the manacle that joined their fettered hands, and + straining that so harshly, in their shrinking asunder, that it wore and + chafed to the bone, Time, consoler of affliction and softener of anger, + could do nothing to help them. Their pride, however different in kind and + object, was equal in degree; and, in their flinty opposition, struck out + fire between them which might smoulder or might blaze, as circumstances + were, but burned up everything within their mutual reach, and made their + marriage way a road of ashes. + </p> + <p> + Let us be just to him. In the monstrous delusion of his life, swelling + with every grain of sand that shifted in its glass, he urged her on, he + little thought to what, or considered how; but still his feeling towards + her, such as it was, remained as at first. She had the grand demerit of + unaccountably putting herself in opposition to the recognition of his vast + importance, and to the acknowledgment of her complete submission to it, + and so far it was necessary to correct and reduce her; but otherwise he + still considered her, in his cold way, a lady capable of doing honour, if + she would, to his choice and name, and of reflecting credit on his + proprietorship. + </p> + <p> + Now, she, with all her might of passionate and proud resentment, bent her + dark glance from day to day, and hour to hour—from that night in her + own chamber, when she had sat gazing at the shadows on the wall, to the + deeper night fast coming—upon one figure directing a crowd of + humiliations and exasperations against her; and that figure, still her + husband's. + </p> + <p> + Was Mr Dombey's master-vice, that ruled him so inexorably, an unnatural + characteristic? It might be worthwhile, sometimes, to inquire what Nature + is, and how men work to change her, and whether, in the enforced + distortions so produced, it is not natural to be unnatural. Coop any son + or daughter of our mighty mother within narrow range, and bind the + prisoner to one idea, and foster it by servile worship of it on the part + of the few timid or designing people standing round, and what is Nature to + the willing captive who has never risen up upon the wings of a free mind—drooping + and useless soon—to see her in her comprehensive truth! + </p> + <p> + Alas! are there so few things in the world, about us, most unnatural, and + yet most natural in being so? Hear the magistrate or judge admonish the + unnatural outcasts of society; unnatural in brutal habits, unnatural in + want of decency, unnatural in losing and confounding all distinctions + between good and evil; unnatural in ignorance, in vice, in recklessness, + in contumacy, in mind, in looks, in everything. But follow the good + clergyman or doctor, who, with his life imperilled at every breath he + draws, goes down into their dens, lying within the echoes of our carriage + wheels and daily tread upon the pavement stones. Look round upon the world + of odious sights—millions of immortal creatures have no other world + on earth—at the lightest mention of which humanity revolts, and + dainty delicacy living in the next street, stops her ears, and lisps 'I + don't believe it!' Breathe the polluted air, foul with every impurity that + is poisonous to health and life; and have every sense, conferred upon our + race for its delight and happiness, offended, sickened and disgusted, and + made a channel by which misery and death alone can enter. Vainly attempt + to think of any simple plant, or flower, or wholesome weed, that, set in + this foetid bed, could have its natural growth, or put its little leaves + off to the sun as GOD designed it. And then, calling up some ghastly + child, with stunted form and wicked face, hold forth on its unnatural + sinfulness, and lament its being, so early, far away from Heaven—but + think a little of its having been conceived, and born and bred, in Hell! + </p> + <p> + Those who study the physical sciences, and bring them to bear upon the + health of Man, tell us that if the noxious particles that rise from + vitiated air were palpable to the sight, we should see them lowering in a + dense black cloud above such haunts, and rolling slowly on to corrupt the + better portions of a town. But if the moral pestilence that rises with + them, and in the eternal laws of our Nature, is inseparable from them, + could be made discernible too, how terrible the revelation! Then should we + see depravity, impiety, drunkenness, theft, murder, and a long train of + nameless sins against the natural affections and repulsions of mankind, + overhanging the devoted spots, and creeping on, to blight the innocent and + spread contagion among the pure. Then should we see how the same poisoned + fountains that flow into our hospitals and lazar-houses, inundate the + jails, and make the convict-ships swim deep, and roll across the seas, and + over-run vast continents with crime. Then should we stand appalled to + know, that where we generate disease to strike our children down and + entail itself on unborn generations, there also we breed, by the same + certain process, infancy that knows no innocence, youth without modesty or + shame, maturity that is mature in nothing but in suffering and guilt, + blasted old age that is a scandal on the form we bear, unnatural humanity! + When we shall gather grapes from thorns, and figs from thistles; when + fields of grain shall spring up from the offal in the bye-ways of our + wicked cities, and roses bloom in the fat churchyards that they cherish; + then we may look for natural humanity, and find it growing from such seed. + </p> + <p> + Oh for a good spirit who would take the house-tops off, with a more potent + and benignant hand than the lame demon in the tale, and show a Christian + people what dark shapes issue from amidst their homes, to swell the + retinue of the Destroying Angel as he moves forth among them! For only one + night's view of the pale phantoms rising from the scenes of our too-long + neglect; and from the thick and sullen air where Vice and Fever propagate + together, raining the tremendous social retributions which are ever + pouring down, and ever coming thicker! Bright and blest the morning that + should rise on such a night: for men, delayed no more by stumbling-blocks + of their own making, which are but specks of dust upon the path between + them and eternity, would then apply themselves, like creatures of one + common origin, owing one duty to the Father of one family, and tending to + one common end, to make the world a better place! + </p> + <p> + Not the less bright and blest would that day be for rousing some who never + have looked out upon the world of human life around them, to a knowledge + of their own relation to it, and for making them acquainted with a + perversion of nature in their own contracted sympathies and estimates; as + great, and yet as natural in its development when once begun, as the + lowest degradation known. + </p> + <p> + But no such day had ever dawned on Mr Dombey, or his wife; and the course + of each was taken. + </p> + <p> + Through six months that ensued upon his accident, they held the same + relations one towards the other. A marble rock could not have stood more + obdurately in his way than she; and no chilled spring, lying uncheered by + any ray of light in the depths of a deep cave, could be more sullen or + more cold than he. + </p> + <p> + The hope that had fluttered within her when the promise of her new home + dawned, was quite gone from the heart of Florence now. That home was + nearly two years old; and even the patient trust that was in her, could + not survive the daily blight of such experience. If she had any lingering + fancy in the nature of hope left, that Edith and her father might be + happier together, in some distant time, she had none, now, that her father + would ever love her. The little interval in which she had imagined that + she saw some small relenting in him, was forgotten in the long remembrance + of his coldness since and before, or only remembered as a sorrowful + delusion. + </p> + <p> + Florence loved him still, but, by degrees, had come to love him rather as + some dear one who had been, or who might have been, than as the hard + reality before her eyes. Something of the softened sadness with which she + loved the memory of little Paul, or of her mother, seemed to enter now + into her thoughts of him, and to make them, as it were, a dear + remembrance. Whether it was that he was dead to her, and that partly for + this reason, partly for his share in those old objects of her affection, + and partly for the long association of him with hopes that were withered + and tendernesses he had frozen, she could not have told; but the father + whom she loved began to be a vague and dreamy idea to her: hardly more + substantially connected with her real life, than the image she would + sometimes conjure up, of her dear brother yet alive, and growing to be a + man, who would protect and cherish her. + </p> + <p> + The change, if it may be called one, had stolen on her like the change + from childhood to womanhood, and had come with it. Florence was almost + seventeen, when, in her lonely musings, she was conscious of these + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + She was often alone now, for the old association between her and her Mama + was greatly changed. At the time of her father's accident, and when he was + lying in his room downstairs, Florence had first observed that Edith + avoided her. Wounded and shocked, and yet unable to reconcile this with + her affection when they did meet, she sought her in her own room at night, + once more. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama,' said Florence, stealing softly to her side, 'have I offended you?' + </p> + <p> + Edith answered 'No.' + </p> + <p> + 'I must have done something,' said Florence. 'Tell me what it is. You have + changed your manner to me, dear Mama. I cannot say how instantly I feel + the least change; for I love you with my whole heart.' + </p> + <p> + 'As I do you,' said Edith. 'Ah, Florence, believe me never more than now!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you go away from me so often, and keep away?' asked Florence. 'And + why do you sometimes look so strangely on me, dear Mama? You do so, do you + not?' + </p> + <p> + Edith signified assent with her dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Why?' returned Florence imploringly. 'Tell me why, that I may know how to + please you better; and tell me this shall not be so any more.' + </p> + <p> + 'My Florence,' answered Edith, taking the hand that embraced her neck, and + looking into the eyes that looked into hers so lovingly, as Florence knelt + upon the ground before her; 'why it is, I cannot tell you. It is neither + for me to say, nor you to hear; but that it is, and that it must be, I + know. Should I do it if I did not?' + </p> + <p> + 'Are we to be estranged, Mama?' asked Florence, gazing at her like one + frightened. + </p> + <p> + Edith's silent lips formed 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + Florence looked at her with increasing fear and wonder, until she could + see her no more through the blinding tears that ran down her face. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence! my life!' said Edith, hurriedly, 'listen to me. I cannot bear + to see this grief. Be calmer. You see that I am composed, and is it + nothing to me?' + </p> + <p> + She resumed her steady voice and manner as she said the latter words, and + added presently: + </p> + <p> + 'Not wholly estranged. Partially: and only that, in appearance, Florence, + for in my own breast I am still the same to you, and ever will be. But + what I do is not done for myself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it for me, Mama?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'It is enough,' said Edith, after a pause, 'to know what it is; why, + matters little. Dear Florence, it is better—it is necessary—it + must be—that our association should be less frequent. The confidence + there has been between us must be broken off.' + </p> + <p> + 'When?' cried Florence. 'Oh, Mama, when?' + </p> + <p> + 'Now,' said Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'For all time to come?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'I do not say that,' answered Edith. 'I do not know that. Nor will I say + that companionship between us is, at the best, an ill-assorted and unholy + union, of which I might have known no good could come. My way here has + been through paths that you will never tread, and my way henceforth may + lie—God knows—I do not see it—' + </p> + <p> + Her voice died away into silence; and she sat, looking at Florence, and + almost shrinking from her, with the same strange dread and wild avoidance + that Florence had noticed once before. The same dark pride and rage + succeeded, sweeping over her form and features like an angry chord across + the strings of a wild harp. But no softness or humility ensued on that. + She did not lay her head down now, and weep, and say that she had no hope + but in Florence. She held it up as if she were a beautiful Medusa, looking + on him, face to face, to strike him dead. Yes, and she would have done it, + if she had had the charm. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama,' said Florence, anxiously, 'there is a change in you, in more than + what you say to me, which alarms me. Let me stay with you a little.' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Edith, 'no, dearest. I am best left alone now, and I do best to + keep apart from you, of all else. Ask me no questions, but believe that + what I am when I seem fickle or capricious to you, I am not of my own + will, or for myself. Believe, though we are stranger to each other than we + have been, that I am unchanged to you within. Forgive me for having ever + darkened your dark home—I am a shadow on it, I know well—and + let us never speak of this again.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mama,' sobbed Florence, 'we are not to part?' + </p> + <p> + 'We do this that we may not part,' said Edith. 'Ask no more. Go, Florence! + My love and my remorse go with you!' + </p> + <p> + She embraced her, and dismissed her; and as Florence passed out of her + room, Edith looked on the retiring figure, as if her good angel went out + in that form, and left her to the haughty and indignant passions that now + claimed her for their own, and set their seal upon her brow. + </p> + <p> + From that hour, Florence and she were, as they had been, no more. For days + together, they would seldom meet, except at table, and when Mr Dombey was + present. Then Edith, imperious, inflexible, and silent, never looked at + her. Whenever Mr Carker was of the party, as he often was, during the + progress of Mr Dombey's recovery, and afterwards, Edith held herself more + removed from her, and was more distant towards her, than at other times. + Yet she and Florence never encountered, when there was no one by, but she + would embrace her as affectionately as of old, though not with the same + relenting of her proud aspect; and often, when she had been out late, she + would steal up to Florence's room, as she had been used to do, in the + dark, and whisper 'Good-night,' on her pillow. When unconscious, in her + slumber, of such visits, Florence would sometimes awake, as from a dream + of those words, softly spoken, and would seem to feel the touch of lips + upon her face. But less and less often as the months went on. + </p> + <p> + And now the void in Florence's own heart began again, indeed, to make a + solitude around her. As the image of the father whom she loved had + insensibly become a mere abstraction, so Edith, following the fate of all + the rest about whom her affections had entwined themselves, was fleeting, + fading, growing paler in the distance, every day. Little by little, she + receded from Florence, like the retiring ghost of what she had been; + little by little, the chasm between them widened and seemed deeper; little + by little, all the power of earnestness and tenderness she had shown, was + frozen up in the bold, angry hardihood with which she stood, upon the + brink of a deep precipice unseen by Florence, daring to look down. + </p> + <p> + There was but one consideration to set against the heavy loss of Edith, + and though it was slight comfort to her burdened heart, she tried to think + it some relief. No longer divided between her affection and duty to the + two, Florence could love both and do no injustice to either. As shadows of + her fond imagination, she could give them equal place in her own bosom, + and wrong them with no doubts. + </p> + <p> + So she tried to do. At times, and often too, wondering speculations on the + cause of this change in Edith, would obtrude themselves upon her mind and + frighten her; but in the calm of its abandonment once more to silent grief + and loneliness, it was not a curious mind. Florence had only to remember + that her star of promise was clouded in the general gloom that hung upon + the house, and to weep and be resigned. + </p> + <p> + Thus living, in a dream wherein the overflowing love of her young heart + expended itself on airy forms, and in a real world where she had + experienced little but the rolling back of that strong tide upon itself, + Florence grew to be seventeen. Timid and retiring as her solitary life had + made her, it had not embittered her sweet temper, or her earnest nature. A + child in innocent simplicity; a woman in her modest self-reliance, and her + deep intensity of feeling; both child and woman seemed at once expressed + in her face and fragile delicacy of shape, and gracefully to mingle there;—as + if the spring should be unwilling to depart when summer came, and sought + to blend the earlier beauties of the flowers with their bloom. But in her + thrilling voice, in her calm eyes, sometimes in a sage ethereal light that + seemed to rest upon her head, and always in a certain pensive air upon her + beauty, there was an expression, such as had been seen in the dead boy; + and the council in the Servants' Hall whispered so among themselves, and + shook their heads, and ate and drank the more, in a closer bond of + good-fellowship. + </p> + <p> + This observant body had plenty to say of Mr and Mrs Dombey, and of Mr + Carker, who appeared to be a mediator between them, and who came and went + as if he were trying to make peace, but never could. They all deplored the + uncomfortable state of affairs, and all agreed that Mrs Pipchin (whose + unpopularity was not to be surpassed) had some hand in it; but, upon the + whole, it was agreeable to have so good a subject for a rallying point, + and they made a great deal of it, and enjoyed themselves very much. + </p> + <p> + The general visitors who came to the house, and those among whom Mr and + Mrs Dombey visited, thought it a pretty equal match, as to haughtiness, at + all events, and thought nothing more about it. The young lady with the + back did not appear for some time after Mrs Skewton's death; observing to + some particular friends, with her usual engaging little scream, that she + couldn't separate the family from a notion of tombstones, and horrors of + that sort; but when she did come, she saw nothing wrong, except Mr + Dombey's wearing a bunch of gold seals to his watch, which shocked her + very much, as an exploded superstition. This youthful fascinator + considered a daughter-in-law objectionable in principle; otherwise, she + had nothing to say against Florence, but that she sadly wanted 'style'—which + might mean back, perhaps. Many, who only came to the house on state + occasions, hardly knew who Florence was, and said, going home, 'Indeed, + was that Miss Dombey, in the corner? Very pretty, but a little delicate + and thoughtful in appearance!' + </p> + <p> + None the less so, certainly, for her life of the last six months. Florence + took her seat at the dinner-table, on the day before the second + anniversary of her father's marriage to Edith (Mrs Skewton had been lying + stricken with paralysis when the first came round), with an uneasiness, + amounting to dread. She had no other warrant for it, than the occasion, + the expression of her father's face, in the hasty glance she caught of it, + and the presence of Mr Carker, which, always unpleasant to her, was more + so on this day, than she had ever felt it before. + </p> + <p> + Edith was richly dressed, for she and Mr Dombey were engaged in the + evening to some large assembly, and the dinner-hour that day was late. She + did not appear until they were seated at table, when Mr Carker rose and + led her to her chair. Beautiful and lustrous as she was, there was that in + her face and air which seemed to separate her hopelessly from Florence, + and from everyone, for ever more. And yet, for an instant, Florence saw a + beam of kindness in her eyes, when they were turned on her, that made the + distance to which she had withdrawn herself, a greater cause of sorrow and + regret than ever. + </p> + <p> + There was very little said at dinner. Florence heard her father speak to + Mr Carker sometimes on business matters, and heard him softly reply, but + she paid little attention to what they said, and only wished the dinner at + an end. When the dessert was placed upon the table, and they were left + alone, with no servant in attendance, Mr Dombey, who had been several + times clearing his throat in a manner that augured no good, said: + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey, you know, I suppose, that I have instructed the housekeeper + that there will be some company to dinner here to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not dine at home,' she answered. + </p> + <p> + 'Not a large party,' pursued Mr Dombey, with an indifferent assumption of + not having heard her; 'merely some twelve or fourteen. My sister, Major + Bagstock, and some others whom you know but slightly.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not dine at home,' she repeated. + </p> + <p> + 'However doubtful reason I may have, Mrs Dombey,' said Mr Dombey, still + going majestically on, as if she had not spoken, 'to hold the occasion in + very pleasant remembrance just now, there are appearances in these things + which must be maintained before the world. If you have no respect for + yourself, Mrs Dombey—' + </p> + <p> + 'I have none,' she said. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' cried Mr Dombey, striking his hand upon the table, 'hear me if + you please. I say, if you have no respect for yourself—' + </p> + <p> + 'And I say I have none,' she answered. + </p> + <p> + He looked at her; but the face she showed him in return would not have + changed, if death itself had looked. + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' said Mr Dombey, turning more quietly to that gentleman, 'as you + have been my medium of communication with Mrs Dombey on former occasions, + and as I choose to preserve the decencies of life, so far as I am + individually concerned, I will trouble you to have the goodness to inform + Mrs Dombey that if she has no respect for herself, I have some respect for + myself, and therefore insist on my arrangements for to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'Tell your sovereign master, Sir,' said Edith, 'that I will take leave to + speak to him on this subject by-and-bye, and that I will speak to him + alone.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker, Madam,' said her husband, 'being in possession of the reason + which obliges me to refuse you that privilege, shall be absolved from the + delivery of any such message.' He saw her eyes move, while he spoke, and + followed them with his own. + </p> + <p> + 'Your daughter is present, Sir,' said Edith. + </p> + <p> + 'My daughter will remain present,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + Florence, who had risen, sat down again, hiding her face in her hands, and + trembling. + </p> + <p> + 'My daughter, Madam'—began Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + But Edith stopped him, in a voice which, although not raised in the least, + was so clear, emphatic, and distinct, that it might have been heard in a + whirlwind. + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you I will speak to you alone,' she said. 'If you are not mad, + heed what I say.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have authority to speak to you, Madam,' returned her husband, 'when and + where I please; and it is my pleasure to speak here and now.' + </p> + <p> + She rose up as if to leave the room; but sat down again, and looking at + him with all outward composure, said, in the same voice: + </p> + <p> + 'You shall!' + </p> + <p> + 'I must tell you first, that there is a threatening appearance in your + manner, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, 'which does not become you.' + </p> + <p> + She laughed. The shaken diamonds in her hair started and trembled. There + are fables of precious stones that would turn pale, their wearer being in + danger. Had these been such, their imprisoned rays of light would have + taken flight that moment, and they would have been as dull as lead. + </p> + <p> + Carker listened, with his eyes cast down. + </p> + <p> + 'As to my daughter, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, resuming the thread of his + discourse, 'it is by no means inconsistent with her duty to me, that she + should know what conduct to avoid. At present you are a very strong + example to her of this kind, and I hope she may profit by it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I would not stop you now,' returned his wife, immoveable in eye, and + voice, and attitude; 'I would not rise and go away, and save you the + utterance of one word, if the room were burning.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey moved his head, as if in a sarcastic acknowledgment of the + attention, and resumed. But not with so much self-possession as before; + for Edith's quick uneasiness in reference to Florence, and Edith's + indifference to him and his censure, chafed and galled him like a + stiffening wound. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey,' said he, 'it may not be inconsistent with my daughter's + improvement to know how very much to be lamented, and how necessary to be + corrected, a stubborn disposition is, especially when it is indulged in—unthankfully + indulged in, I will add—after the gratification of ambition and + interest. Both of which, I believe, had some share in inducing you to + occupy your present station at this board.' + </p> + <p> + 'No! I would not rise, and go away, and save you the utterance of one + word,' she repeated, exactly as before, 'if the room were burning.' + </p> + <p> + 'It may be natural enough, Mrs Dombey,' he pursued, 'that you should be + uneasy in the presence of any auditors of these disagreeable truths; + though why'—he could not hide his real feeling here, or keep his + eyes from glancing gloomily at Florence—'why anyone can give them + greater force and point than myself, whom they so nearly concern, I do not + pretend to understand. It may be natural enough that you should object to + hear, in anybody's presence, that there is a rebellious principle within + you which you cannot curb too soon; which you must curb, Mrs Dombey; and + which, I regret to say, I remember to have seen manifested—with some + doubt and displeasure, on more than one occasion before our marriage—towards + your deceased mother. But you have the remedy in your own hands. I by no + means forgot, when I began, that my daughter was present, Mrs Dombey. I + beg you will not forget, to-morrow, that there are several persons + present; and that, with some regard to appearances, you will receive your + company in a becoming manner.' + </p> + <p> + 'So it is not enough,' said Edith, 'that you know what has passed between + yourself and me; it is not enough that you can look here,' pointing at + Carker, who still listened, with his eyes cast down, 'and be reminded of + the affronts you have put upon me; it is not enough that you can look + here,' pointing to Florence with a hand that slightly trembled for the + first and only time, 'and think of what you have done, and of the + ingenious agony, daily, hourly, constant, you have made me feel in doing + it; it is not enough that this day, of all others in the year, is + memorable to me for a struggle (well-deserved, but not conceivable by such + as you) in which I wish I had died! You add to all this, do you, the last + crowning meanness of making her a witness of the depth to which I have + fallen; when you know that you have made me sacrifice to her peace, the + only gentle feeling and interest of my life, when you know that for her + sake, I would now if I could—but I can not, my soul recoils from you + too much—submit myself wholly to your will, and be the meekest + vassal that you have!' + </p> + <p> + This was not the way to minister to Mr Dombey's greatness. The old feeling + was roused by what she said, into a stronger and fiercer existence than it + had ever had. Again, his neglected child, at this rough passage of his + life, put forth by even this rebellious woman, as powerful where he was + powerless, and everything where he was nothing! + </p> + <p> + He turned on Florence, as if it were she who had spoken, and bade her + leave the room. Florence with her covered face obeyed, trembling and + weeping as she went. + </p> + <p> + 'I understand, Madam,' said Mr Dombey, with an angry flush of triumph, + 'the spirit of opposition that turned your affections in that channel, but + they have been met, Mrs Dombey; they have been met, and turned back!' + </p> + <p> + 'The worse for you!' she answered, with her voice and manner still + unchanged. 'Ay!' for he turned sharply when she said so, 'what is the + worse for me, is twenty million times the worse for you. Heed that, if you + heed nothing else.' + </p> + <p> + The arch of diamonds spanning her dark hair, flashed and glittered like a + starry bridge. There was no warning in them, or they would have turned as + dull and dim as tarnished honour. Carker still sat and listened, with his + eyes cast down. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Dombey,' said Mr Dombey, resuming as much as he could of his arrogant + composure, 'you will not conciliate me, or turn me from any purpose, by + this course of conduct.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is the only true although it is a faint expression of what is within + me,' she replied. 'But if I thought it would conciliate you, I would + repress it, if it were repressible by any human effort. I will do nothing + that you ask.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am not accustomed to ask, Mrs Dombey,' he observed; 'I direct.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will hold no place in your house to-morrow, or on any recurrence of + to-morrow. I will be exhibited to no one, as the refractory slave you + purchased, such a time. If I kept my marriage day, I would keep it as a + day of shame. Self-respect! appearances before the world! what are these + to me? You have done all you can to make them nothing to me, and they are + nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' said Mr Dombey, speaking with knitted brows, and after a + moment's consideration, 'Mrs Dombey is so forgetful of herself and me in + all this, and places me in a position so unsuited to my character, that I + must bring this state of matters to a close.' + </p> + <p> + 'Release me, then,' said Edith, immoveable in voice, in look, and bearing, + as she had been throughout, 'from the chain by which I am bound. Let me + go.' + </p> + <p> + 'Madam?' exclaimed Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Loose me. Set me free!' + </p> + <p> + 'Madam?' he repeated, 'Mrs Dombey?' + </p> + <p> + 'Tell him,' said Edith, addressing her proud face to Carker, 'that I wish + for a separation between us, That there had better be one. That I + recommend it to him, Tell him it may take place on his own terms—his + wealth is nothing to me—but that it cannot be too soon.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good Heaven, Mrs Dombey!' said her husband, with supreme amazement, 'do + you imagine it possible that I could ever listen to such a proposition? Do + you know who I am, Madam? Do you know what I represent? Did you ever hear + of Dombey and Son? People to say that Mr Dombey—Mr Dombey!—was + separated from his wife! Common people to talk of Mr Dombey and his + domestic affairs! Do you seriously think, Mrs Dombey, that I would permit + my name to be banded about in such connexion? Pooh, pooh, Madam! Fie for + shame! You're absurd.' Mr Dombey absolutely laughed. + </p> + <p> + But not as she did. She had better have been dead than laugh as she did, + in reply, with her intent look fixed upon him. He had better have been + dead, than sitting there, in his magnificence, to hear her. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Mrs Dombey,' he resumed. 'No, Madam. There is no possibility of + separation between you and me, and therefore I the more advise you to be + awakened to a sense of duty. And, Carker, as I was about to say to you—' + </p> + <p> + Mr Carker, who had sat and listened all this time, now raised his eyes, in + which there was a bright unusual light. + </p> + <p> + '—As I was about to say to you,' resumed Mr Dombey, 'I must beg you, + now that matters have come to this, to inform Mrs Dombey, that it is not + the rule of my life to allow myself to be thwarted by anybody—anybody, + Carker—or to suffer anybody to be paraded as a stronger motive for + obedience in those who owe obedience to me than I am my self. The mention + that has been made of my daughter, and the use that is made of my + daughter, in opposition to me, are unnatural. Whether my daughter is in + actual concert with Mrs Dombey, I do not know, and do not care; but after + what Mrs Dombey has said today, and my daughter has heard to-day, I beg + you to make known to Mrs Dombey, that if she continues to make this house + the scene of contention it has become, I shall consider my daughter + responsible in some degree, on that lady's own avowal, and shall visit her + with my severe displeasure. Mrs Dombey has asked "whether it is not + enough," that she had done this and that. You will please to answer no, it + is not enough.' + </p> + <p> + 'A moment!' cried Carker, interposing, 'permit me! painful as my position + is, at the best, and unusually painful in seeming to entertain a different + opinion from you,' addressing Mr Dombey, 'I must ask, had you not better + reconsider the question of a separation. I know how incompatible it + appears with your high public position, and I know how determined you are + when you give Mrs Dombey to understand'—the light in his eyes fell + upon her as he separated his words each from each, with the distinctness + of so many bells—'that nothing but death can ever part you. Nothing + else. But when you consider that Mrs Dombey, by living in this house, and + making it as you have said, a scene of contention, not only has her part + in that contention, but compromises Miss Dombey every day (for I know how + determined you are), will you not relieve her from a continual irritation + of spirit, and a continual sense of being unjust to another, almost + intolerable? Does this not seem like—I do not say it is—sacrificing + Mrs Dombey to the preservation of your preeminent and unassailable + position?' + </p> + <p> + Again the light in his eyes fell upon her, as she stood looking at her + husband: now with an extraordinary and awful smile upon her face. + </p> + <p> + 'Carker,' returned Mr Dombey, with a supercilious frown, and in a tone + that was intended to be final, 'you mistake your position in offering + advice to me on such a point, and you mistake me (I am surprised to find) + in the character of your advice. I have no more to say.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps,' said Carker, with an unusual and indefinable taunt in his air, + 'you mistook my position, when you honoured me with the negotiations in + which I have been engaged here'—with a motion of his hand towards + Mrs Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all, Sir, not at all,' returned the other haughtily. 'You were + employed—' + </p> + <p> + 'Being an inferior person, for the humiliation of Mrs Dombey. I forgot. + Oh, yes, it was expressly understood!' said Carker. 'I beg your pardon!' + </p> + <p> + As he bent his head to Mr Dombey, with an air of deference that accorded + ill with his words, though they were humbly spoken, he moved it round + towards her, and kept his watching eyes that way. + </p> + <p> + She had better have turned hideous and dropped dead, than have stood up + with such a smile upon her face, in such a fallen spirit's majesty of + scorn and beauty. She lifted her hand to the tiara of bright jewels + radiant on her head, and, plucking it off with a force that dragged and + strained her rich black hair with heedless cruelty, and brought it + tumbling wildly on her shoulders, cast the gems upon the ground. From each + arm, she unclasped a diamond bracelet, flung it down, and trod upon the + glittering heap. Without a word, without a shadow on the fire of her + bright eye, without abatement of her awful smile, she looked on Mr Dombey + to the last, in moving to the door; and left him. + </p> + <p> + Florence had heard enough before quitting the room, to know that Edith + loved her yet; that she had suffered for her sake; and that she had kept + her sacrifices quiet, lest they should trouble her peace. She did not want + to speak to her of this—she could not, remembering to whom she was + opposed—but she wished, in one silent and affectionate embrace, to + assure her that she felt it all, and thanked her. + </p> + <p> + Her father went out alone, that evening, and Florence issuing from her own + chamber soon afterwards, went about the house in search of Edith, but + unavailingly. She was in her own rooms, where Florence had long ceased to + go, and did not dare to venture now, lest she should unconsciously + engender new trouble. Still Florence hoping to meet her before going to + bed, changed from room to room, and wandered through the house so splendid + and so dreary, without remaining anywhere. + </p> + <p> + She was crossing a gallery of communication that opened at some little + distance on the staircase, and was only lighted on great occasions, when + she saw, through the opening, which was an arch, the figure of a man + coming down some few stairs opposite. Instinctively apprehensive of her + father, whom she supposed it was, she stopped, in the dark, gazing through + the arch into the light. But it was Mr Carker coming down alone, and + looking over the railing into the hall. No bell was rung to announce his + departure, and no servant was in attendance. He went down quietly, opened + the door for himself, glided out, and shut it softly after him. + </p> + <p> + Her invincible repugnance to this man, and perhaps the stealthy act of + watching anyone, which, even under such innocent circumstances, is in a + manner guilty and oppressive, made Florence shake from head to foot. Her + blood seemed to run cold. As soon as she could—for at first she felt + an insurmountable dread of moving—she went quickly to her own room + and locked her door; but even then, shut in with her dog beside her, felt + a chill sensation of horror, as if there were danger brooding somewhere + near her. + </p> + <p> + It invaded her dreams and disturbed the whole night. Rising in the + morning, unrefreshed, and with a heavy recollection of the domestic + unhappiness of the preceding day, she sought Edith again in all the rooms, + and did so, from time to time, all the morning. But she remained in her + own chamber, and Florence saw nothing of her. Learning, however, that the + projected dinner at home was put off, Florence thought it likely that she + would go out in the evening to fulfil the engagement she had spoken of; + and resolved to try and meet her, then, upon the staircase. + </p> + <p> + When the evening had set in, she heard, from the room in which she sat on + purpose, a footstep on the stairs that she thought to be Edith's. Hurrying + out, and up towards her room, Florence met her immediately, coming down + alone. + </p> + <p> + What was Florence's affright and wonder when, at sight of her, with her + tearful face, and outstretched arms, Edith recoiled and shrieked! + </p> + <p> + 'Don't come near me!' she cried. 'Keep away! Let me go by!' + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't call me by that name! Don't speak to me! Don't look at me!—Florence!' + shrinking back, as Florence moved a step towards her, 'don't touch me!' + </p> + <p> + As Florence stood transfixed before the haggard face and staring eyes, she + noted, as in a dream, that Edith spread her hands over them, and + shuddering through all her form, and crouching down against the wall, + crawled by her like some lower animal, sprang up, and fled away. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0607m.jpg" alt="0607m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0607.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Florence dropped upon the stairs in a swoon; and was found there by Mrs + Pipchin, she supposed. She knew nothing more, until she found herself + lying on her own bed, with Mrs Pipchin and some servants standing round + her. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is Mama?' was her first question. + </p> + <p> + 'Gone out to dinner,' said Mrs Pipchin. + </p> + <p> + 'And Papa?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey is in his own room, Miss Dombey,' said Mrs Pipchin, 'and the + best thing you can do, is to take off your things and go to bed this + minute.' This was the sagacious woman's remedy for all complaints, + particularly lowness of spirits, and inability to sleep; for which + offences, many young victims in the days of the Brighton Castle had been + committed to bed at ten o'clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Without promising obedience, but on the plea of desiring to be very quiet, + Florence disengaged herself, as soon as she could, from the ministration + of Mrs Pipchin and her attendants. Left alone, she thought of what had + happened on the staircase, at first in doubt of its reality; then with + tears; then with an indescribable and terrible alarm, like that she had + felt the night before. + </p> + <p> + She determined not to go to bed until Edith returned, and if she could not + speak to her, at least to be sure that she was safe at home. What + indistinct and shadowy dread moved Florence to this resolution, she did + not know, and did not dare to think. She only knew that until Edith came + back, there was no repose for her aching head or throbbing heart. + </p> + <p> + The evening deepened into night; midnight came; no Edith. + </p> + <p> + Florence could not read, or rest a moment. She paced her own room, opened + the door and paced the staircase-gallery outside, looked out of window on + the night, listened to the wind blowing and the rain falling, sat down and + watched the faces in the fire, got up and watched the moon flying like a + storm-driven ship through the sea of clouds. + </p> + <p> + All the house was gone to bed, except two servants who were waiting the + return of their mistress, downstairs. + </p> + <p> + One o'clock. The carriages that rumbled in the distance, turned away, or + stopped short, or went past; the silence gradually deepened, and was more + and more rarely broken, save by a rush of wind or sweep of rain. Two + o'clock. No Edith! + </p> + <p> + Florence, more agitated, paced her room; and paced the gallery outside; + and looked out at the night, blurred and wavy with the raindrops on the + glass, and the tears in her own eyes; and looked up at the hurry in the + sky, so different from the repose below, and yet so tranquil and solitary. + Three o'clock! There was a terror in every ash that dropped out of the + fire. No Edith yet. + </p> + <p> + More and more agitated, Florence paced her room, and paced the gallery, + and looked out at the moon with a new fancy of her likeness to a pale + fugitive hurrying away and hiding her guilty face. Four struck! Five! No + Edith yet. + </p> + <p> + But now there was some cautious stir in the house; and Florence found that + Mrs Pipchin had been awakened by one of those who sat up, had risen and + had gone down to her father's door. Stealing lower down the stairs, and + observing what passed, she saw her father come out in his morning gown, + and start when he was told his wife had not come home. He dispatched a + messenger to the stables to inquire whether the coachman was there; and + while the man was gone, dressed himself very hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + The man came back, in great haste, bringing the coachman with him, who + said he had been at home and in bed, since ten o'clock. He had driven his + mistress to her old house in Brook Street, where she had been met by Mr + Carker— + </p> + <p> + Florence stood upon the very spot where she had seen him coming down. + Again she shivered with the nameless terror of that sight, and had hardly + steadiness enough to hear and understand what followed. + </p> + <p> + —Who had told him, the man went on to say, that his mistress would + not want the carriage to go home in; and had dismissed him. + </p> + <p> + She saw her father turn white in the face, and heard him ask in a quick, + trembling voice, for Mrs Dombey's maid. The whole house was roused; for + she was there, in a moment, very pale too, and speaking incoherently. + </p> + <p> + She said she had dressed her mistress early—full two hours before + she went out—and had been told, as she often was, that she would not + be wanted at night. She had just come from her mistress's rooms, but— + </p> + <p> + 'But what! what was it?' Florence heard her father demand like a madman. + </p> + <p> + 'But the inner dressing-room was locked and the key gone.' + </p> + <p> + Her father seized a candle that was flaming on the ground—someone + had put it down there, and forgotten it—and came running upstairs + with such fury, that Florence, in her fear, had hardly time to fly before + him. She heard him striking in the door, as she ran on, with her hands + widely spread, and her hair streaming, and her face like a distracted + person's, back to her own room. + </p> + <p> + When the door yielded, and he rushed in, what did he see there? No one + knew. But thrown down in a costly mass upon the ground, was every ornament + she had had, since she had been his wife; every dress she had worn; and + everything she had possessed. This was the room in which he had seen, in + yonder mirror, the proud face discard him. This was the room in which he + had wondered, idly, how these things would look when he should see them + next! + </p> + <p> + Heaping them back into the drawers, and locking them up in a rage of + haste, he saw some papers on the table. The deed of settlement he had + executed on their marriage, and a letter. He read that she was gone. He + read that he was dishonoured. He read that she had fled, upon her shameful + wedding-day, with the man whom he had chosen for her humiliation; and he + tore out of the room, and out of the house, with a frantic idea of finding + her yet, at the place to which she had been taken, and beating all trace + of beauty out of the triumphant face with his bare hand. + </p> + <p> + Florence, not knowing what she did, put on a shawl and bonnet, in a dream + of running through the streets until she found Edith, and then clasping + her in her arms, to save and bring her back. But when she hurried out upon + the staircase, and saw the frightened servants going up and down with + lights, and whispering together, and falling away from her father as he + passed down, she awoke to a sense of her own powerlessness; and hiding in + one of the great rooms that had been made gorgeous for this, felt as if + her heart would burst with grief. + </p> + <p> + Compassion for her father was the first distinct emotion that made head + against the flood of sorrow which overwhelmed her. Her constant nature + turned to him in his distress, as fervently and faithfully, as if, in his + prosperity, he had been the embodiment of that idea which had gradually + become so faint and dim. Although she did not know, otherwise than through + the suggestions of a shapeless fear, the full extent of his calamity, he + stood before her, wronged and deserted; and again her yearning love + impelled her to his side. + </p> + <p> + He was not long away; for Florence was yet weeping in the great room and + nourishing these thoughts, when she heard him come back. He ordered the + servants to set about their ordinary occupations, and went into his own + apartment, where he trod so heavily that she could hear him walking up and + down from end to end. + </p> + <p> + Yielding at once to the impulse of her affection, timid at all other + times, but bold in its truth to him in his adversity, and undaunted by + past repulse, Florence, dressed as she was, hurried downstairs. As she set + her light foot in the hall, he came out of his room. She hastened towards + him unchecked, with her arms stretched out, and crying 'Oh dear, dear + Papa!' as if she would have clasped him round the neck. + </p> + <p> + And so she would have done. But in his frenzy, he lifted up his cruel arm, + and struck her, crosswise, with that heaviness, that she tottered on the + marble floor; and as he dealt the blow, he told her what Edith was, and + bade her follow her, since they had always been in league. + </p> + <p> + She did not sink down at his feet; she did not shut out the sight of him + with her trembling hands; she did not weep; she did not utter one word of + reproach. But she looked at him, and a cry of desolation issued from her + heart. For as she looked, she saw him murdering that fond idea to which + she had held in spite of him. She saw his cruelty, neglect, and hatred + dominant above it, and stamping it down. She saw she had no father upon + earth, and ran out, orphaned, from his house. + </p> + <p> + Ran out of his house. A moment, and her hand was on the lock, the cry was + on her lips, his face was there, made paler by the yellow candles hastily + put down and guttering away, and by the daylight coming in above the door. + Another moment, and the close darkness of the shut-up house (forgotten to + be opened, though it was long since day) yielded to the unexpected glare + and freedom of the morning; and Florence, with her head bent down to hide + her agony of tears, was in the streets. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 48. The Flight of Florence + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>n the wildness of her sorrow, shame, and terror, the forlorn girl hurried + through the sunshine of a bright morning, as if it were the darkness of a + winter night. Wringing her hands and weeping bitterly, insensible to + everything but the deep wound in her breast, stunned by the loss of all + she loved, left like the sole survivor on a lonely shore from the wreck of + a great vessel, she fled without a thought, without a hope, without a + purpose, but to fly somewhere anywhere. + </p> + <p> + The cheerful vista of the long street, burnished by the morning light, the + sight of the blue sky and airy clouds, the vigorous freshness of the day, + so flushed and rosy in its conquest of the night, awakened no responsive + feelings in her so hurt bosom. Somewhere, anywhere, to hide her head! + somewhere, anywhere, for refuge, never more to look upon the place from + which she fled! + </p> + <p> + But there were people going to and fro; there were opening shops, and + servants at the doors of houses; there was the rising clash and roar of + the day's struggle. Florence saw surprise and curiosity in the faces + flitting past her; saw long shadows coming back upon the pavement; and + heard voices that were strange to her asking her where she went, and what + the matter was; and though these frightened her the more at first, and + made her hurry on the faster, they did her the good service of recalling + her in some degree to herself, and reminding her of the necessity of + greater composure. + </p> + <p> + Where to go? Still somewhere, anywhere! still going on; but where! She + thought of the only other time she had been lost in the wild wilderness of + London—though not lost as now—and went that way. To the home + of Walter's Uncle. + </p> + <p> + Checking her sobs, and drying her swollen eyes, and endeavouring to calm + the agitation of her manner, so as to avoid attracting notice, Florence, + resolving to keep to the more quiet streets as long as she could, was + going on more quietly herself, when a familiar little shadow darted past + upon the sunny pavement, stopped short, wheeled about, came close to her, + made off again, bounded round and round her, and Diogenes, panting for + breath, and yet making the street ring with his glad bark, was at her + feet. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Di! oh, dear, true, faithful Di, how did you come here? How could I + ever leave you, Di, who would never leave me?' + </p> + <p> + Florence bent down on the pavement, and laid his rough, old, loving, + foolish head against her breast, and they got up together, and went on + together; Di more off the ground than on it, endeavouring to kiss his + mistress flying, tumbling over and getting up again without the least + concern, dashing at big dogs in a jocose defiance of his species, + terrifying with touches of his nose young housemaids who were cleaning + doorsteps, and continually stopping, in the midst of a thousand + extravagances, to look back at Florence, and bark until all the dogs + within hearing answered, and all the dogs who could come out, came out to + stare at him. + </p> + <p> + With this last adherent, Florence hurried away in the advancing morning, + and the strengthening sunshine, to the City. The roar soon grew more loud, + the passengers more numerous, the shops more busy, until she was carried + onward in a stream of life setting that way, and flowing, indifferently, + past marts and mansions, prisons, churches, market-places, wealth, + poverty, good, and evil, like the broad river side by side with it, + awakened from its dreams of rushes, willows, and green moss, and rolling + on, turbid and troubled, among the works and cares of men, to the deep + sea. + </p> + <p> + At length the quarters of the little Midshipman arose in view. Nearer yet, + and the little Midshipman himself was seen upon his post, intent as ever + on his observations. Nearer yet, and the door stood open, inviting her to + enter. Florence, who had again quickened her pace, as she approached the + end of her journey, ran across the road (closely followed by Diogenes, + whom the bustle had somewhat confused), ran in, and sank upon the + threshold of the well-remembered little parlour. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, in his glazed hat, was standing over the fire, making his + morning's cocoa, with that elegant trifle, his watch, upon the + chimney-piece, for easy reference during the progress of the cookery. + Hearing a footstep and the rustle of a dress, the Captain turned with a + palpitating remembrance of the dreadful Mrs MacStinger, at the instant + when Florence made a motion with her hand towards him, reeled, and fell + upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, pale as Florence, pale in the very knobs upon his face raised + her like a baby, and laid her on the same old sofa upon which she had + slumbered long ago. + </p> + <p> + 'It's Heart's Delight!' said the Captain, looking intently in her face. + 'It's the sweet creetur grow'd a woman!' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle was so respectful of her, and had such a reverence for her, + in this new character, that he would not have held her in his arms, while + she was unconscious, for a thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + 'My Heart's Delight!' said the Captain, withdrawing to a little distance, + with the greatest alarm and sympathy depicted on his countenance. 'If you + can hail Ned Cuttle with a finger, do it!' + </p> + <p> + But Florence did not stir. + </p> + <p> + 'My Heart's Delight!' said the trembling Captain. 'For the sake of Wal'r + drownded in the briny deep, turn to, and histe up something or another, if + able!' + </p> + <p> + Finding her insensible to this impressive adjuration also, Captain Cuttle + snatched from his breakfast-table a basin of cold water, and sprinkled + some upon her face. Yielding to the urgency of the case, the Captain then, + using his immense hand with extraordinary gentleness, relieved her of her + bonnet, moistened her lips and forehead, put back her hair, covered her + feet with his own coat which he pulled off for the purpose, patted her + hand—so small in his, that he was struck with wonder when he touched + it—and seeing that her eyelids quivered, and that her lips began to + move, continued these restorative applications with a better heart. + </p> + <p> + 'Cheerily,' said the Captain. 'Cheerily! Stand by, my pretty one, stand + by! There! You're better now. Steady's the word, and steady it is. Keep + her so! Drink a little drop o' this here,' said the Captain. 'There you + are! What cheer now, my pretty, what cheer now?' + </p> + <p> + At this stage of her recovery, Captain Cuttle, with an imperfect + association of a Watch with a Physician's treatment of a patient, took his + own down from the mantel-shelf, and holding it out on his hook, and taking + Florence's hand in his, looked steadily from one to the other, as + expecting the dial to do something. + </p> + <p> + 'What cheer, my pretty?' said the Captain. 'What cheer now? You've done + her some good, my lad, I believe,' said the Captain, under his breath, and + throwing an approving glance upon his watch. 'Put you back half-an-hour + every morning, and about another quarter towards the arternoon, and you're + a watch as can be ekalled by few and excelled by none. What cheer, my lady + lass!' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle! Is it you?' exclaimed Florence, raising herself a little. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes, my lady lass,' said the Captain, hastily deciding in his own + mind upon the superior elegance of that form of address, as the most + courtly he could think of. + </p> + <p> + 'Is Walter's Uncle here?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Here, pretty?' returned the Captain. 'He ain't been here this many a long + day. He ain't been heerd on, since he sheered off arter poor Wal'r. But,' + said the Captain, as a quotation, 'Though lost to sight, to memory dear, + and England, Home, and Beauty!' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you live here?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my lady lass,' returned the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Captain Cuttle!' cried Florence, putting her hands together, and + speaking wildly. 'Save me! keep me here! Let no one know where I am! I'll + tell you what has happened by-and-by, when I can. I have no one in the + world to go to. Do not send me away!' + </p> + <p> + 'Send you away, my lady lass!' exclaimed the Captain. 'You, my Heart's + Delight! Stay a bit! We'll put up this here deadlight, and take a double + turn on the key!' + </p> + <p> + With these words, the Captain, using his one hand and his hook with the + greatest dexterity, got out the shutter of the door, put it up, made it + all fast, and locked the door itself. + </p> + <p> + When he came back to the side of Florence, she took his hand, and kissed + it. The helplessness of the action, the appeal it made to him, the + confidence it expressed, the unspeakable sorrow in her face, the pain of + mind she had too plainly suffered, and was suffering then, his knowledge + of her past history, her present lonely, worn, and unprotected appearance, + all so rushed upon the good Captain together, that he fairly overflowed + with compassion and gentleness. + </p> + <p> + 'My lady lass,' said the Captain, polishing the bridge of his nose with + his arm until it shone like burnished copper, 'don't you say a word to + Ed'ard Cuttle, until such times as you finds yourself a riding smooth and + easy; which won't be to-day, nor yet to-morrow. And as to giving of you + up, or reporting where you are, yes verily, and by God's help, so I won't, + Church catechism, make a note on!' + </p> + <p> + This the Captain said, reference and all, in one breath, and with much + solemnity; taking off his hat at 'yes verily,' and putting it on again, + when he had quite concluded. + </p> + <p> + Florence could do but one thing more to thank him, and to show him how she + trusted in him; and she did it. Clinging to this rough creature as the + last asylum of her bleeding heart, she laid her head upon his honest + shoulder, and clasped him round his neck, and would have kneeled down to + bless him, but that he divined her purpose, and held her up like a true + man. + </p> + <p> + 'Steady!' said the Captain. 'Steady! You're too weak to stand, you see, my + pretty, and must lie down here again. There, there!' To see the Captain + lift her on the sofa, and cover her with his coat, would have been worth a + hundred state sights. 'And now,' said the Captain, 'you must take some + breakfast, lady lass, and the dog shall have some too. And arter that you + shall go aloft to old Sol Gills's room, and fall asleep there, like a + angel.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle patted Diogenes when he made allusion to him, and Diogenes + met that overture graciously, half-way. During the administration of the + restoratives he had clearly been in two minds whether to fly at the + Captain or to offer him his friendship; and he had expressed that conflict + of feeling by alternate waggings of his tail, and displays of his teeth, + with now and then a growl or so. But by this time, his doubts were all + removed. It was plain that he considered the Captain one of the most + amiable of men, and a man whom it was an honour to a dog to know. + </p> + <p> + In evidence of these convictions, Diogenes attended on the Captain while + he made some tea and toast, and showed a lively interest in his + housekeeping. But it was in vain for the kind Captain to make such + preparations for Florence, who sorely tried to do some honour to them, but + could touch nothing, and could only weep and weep again. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well!' said the compassionate Captain, 'arter turning in, my + Heart's Delight, you'll get more way upon you. Now, I'll serve out your + allowance, my lad.' To Diogenes. 'And you shall keep guard on your + mistress aloft.' + </p> + <p> + Diogenes, however, although he had been eyeing his intended breakfast with + a watering mouth and glistening eyes, instead of falling to, ravenously, + when it was put before him, pricked up his ears, darted to the shop-door, + and barked there furiously: burrowing with his head at the bottom, as if + he were bent on mining his way out. + </p> + <p> + 'Can there be anybody there!' asked Florence, in alarm. + </p> + <p> + 'No, my lady lass,' returned the Captain. 'Who'd stay there, without + making any noise! Keep up a good heart, pretty. It's only people going + by.' + </p> + <p> + But for all that, Diogenes barked and barked, and burrowed and burrowed, + with pertinacious fury; and whenever he stopped to listen, appeared to + receive some new conviction into his mind, for he set to, barking and + burrowing again, a dozen times. Even when he was persuaded to return to + his breakfast, he came jogging back to it, with a very doubtful air; and + was off again, in another paroxysm, before touching a morsel. + </p> + <p> + 'If there should be someone listening and watching,' whispered Florence. + 'Someone who saw me come—who followed me, perhaps.' + </p> + <p> + 'It ain't the young woman, lady lass, is it?' said the Captain, taken with + a bright idea. + </p> + <p> + 'Susan?' said Florence, shaking her head. 'Ah no! Susan has been gone from + me a long time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not deserted, I hope?' said the Captain. 'Don't say that that there young + woman's run, my pretty!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, no, no!' cried Florence. 'She is one of the truest hearts in the + world!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain was greatly relieved by this reply, and expressed his + satisfaction by taking off his hard glazed hat, and dabbing his head all + over with his handkerchief, rolled up like a ball, observing several + times, with infinite complacency, and with a beaming countenance, that he + know'd it. + </p> + <p> + 'So you're quiet now, are you, brother?' said the Captain to Diogenes. + 'There warn't nobody there, my lady lass, bless you!' + </p> + <p> + Diogenes was not so sure of that. The door still had an attraction for him + at intervals; and he went snuffing about it, and growling to himself, + unable to forget the subject. This incident, coupled with the Captain's + observation of Florence's fatigue and faintness, decided him to prepare + Sol Gills's chamber as a place of retirement for her immediately. He + therefore hastily betook himself to the top of the house, and made the + best arrangement of it that his imagination and his means suggested. + </p> + <p> + It was very clean already; and the Captain being an orderly man, and + accustomed to make things ship-shape, converted the bed into a couch, by + covering it all over with a clean white drapery. By a similar contrivance, + the Captain converted the little dressing-table into a species of altar, + on which he set forth two silver teaspoons, a flower-pot, a telescope, his + celebrated watch, a pocket-comb, and a song-book, as a small collection of + rarities, that made a choice appearance. Having darkened the window, and + straightened the pieces of carpet on the floor, the Captain surveyed these + preparations with great delight, and descended to the little parlour + again, to bring Florence to her bower. + </p> + <p> + Nothing would induce the Captain to believe that it was possible for + Florence to walk upstairs. If he could have got the idea into his head, he + would have considered it an outrageous breach of hospitality to allow her + to do so. Florence was too weak to dispute the point, and the Captain + carried her up out of hand, laid her down, and covered her with a great + watch-coat. + </p> + <p> + 'My lady lass!' said the Captain, 'you're as safe here as if you was at + the top of St Paul's Cathedral, with the ladder cast off. Sleep is what + you want, afore all other things, and may you be able to show yourself + smart with that there balsam for the still small woice of a wounded mind! + When there's anything you want, my Heart's Delight, as this here humble + house or town can offer, pass the word to Ed'ard Cuttle, as'll stand off + and on outside that door, and that there man will wibrate with joy.' The + Captain concluded by kissing the hand that Florence stretched out to him, + with the chivalry of any old knight-errant, and walking on tiptoe out of + the room. + </p> + <p> + Descending to the little parlour, Captain Cuttle, after holding a hasty + council with himself, decided to open the shop-door for a few minutes, and + satisfy himself that now, at all events, there was no one loitering about + it. Accordingly he set it open, and stood upon the threshold, keeping a + bright look-out, and sweeping the whole street with his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + 'How de do, Captain Gills?' said a voice beside him. The Captain, looking + down, found that he had been boarded by Mr Toots while sweeping the + horizon. + </p> + <p> + 'How are, you, my lad?' replied the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I'm pretty well, thank'ee, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots. 'You know + I'm never quite what I could wish to be, now. I don't expect that I ever + shall be any more.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots never approached any nearer than this to the great theme of his + life, when in conversation with Captain Cuttle, on account of the + agreement between them. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'if I could have the pleasure of a word + with you, it's—it's rather particular.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you see, my lad,' replied the Captain, leading the way into the + parlour, 'I ain't what you may call exactly free this morning; and + therefore if you can clap on a bit, I should take it kindly.' + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly, Captain Gills,' replied Mr Toots, who seldom had any notion of + the Captain's meaning. 'To clap on, is exactly what I could wish to do. + Naturally.' + </p> + <p> + 'If so be, my lad,' returned the Captain. 'Do it!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain was so impressed by the possession of his tremendous secret—by + the fact of Miss Dombey being at that moment under his roof, while the + innocent and unconscious Toots sat opposite to him—that a + perspiration broke out on his forehead, and he found it impossible, while + slowly drying the same, glazed hat in hand, to keep his eyes off Mr + Toots's face. Mr Toots, who himself appeared to have some secret reasons + for being in a nervous state, was so unspeakably disconcerted by the + Captain's stare, that after looking at him vacantly for some time in + silence, and shifting uneasily on his chair, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, Captain Gills, but you don't happen to see anything + particular in me, do you?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, my lad,' returned the Captain. 'No.' + </p> + <p> + 'Because you know,' said Mr Toots with a chuckle, 'I know I'm wasting + away. You needn't at all mind alluding to that. I—I should like it. + Burgess and Co. have altered my measure, I'm in that state of thinness. + It's a gratification to me. I—I'm glad of it. I—I'd a great + deal rather go into a decline, if I could. I'm a mere brute you know, + grazing upon the surface of the earth, Captain Gills.' + </p> + <p> + The more Mr Toots went on in this way, the more the Captain was weighed + down by his secret, and stared at him. What with this cause of uneasiness, + and his desire to get rid of Mr Toots, the Captain was in such a scared + and strange condition, indeed, that if he had been in conversation with a + ghost, he could hardly have evinced greater discomposure. + </p> + <p> + 'But I was going to say, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots. 'Happening to be + this way early this morning—to tell you the truth, I was coming to + breakfast with you. As to sleep, you know, I never sleep now. I might be a + Watchman, except that I don't get any pay, and he's got nothing on his + mind.' + </p> + <p> + 'Carry on, my lad!' said the Captain, in an admonitory voice. + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots. 'Perfectly true! Happening to + be this way early this morning (an hour or so ago), and finding the door + shut—' + </p> + <p> + 'What! were you waiting there, brother?' demanded the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all, Captain Gills,' returned Mr Toots. 'I didn't stop a moment. I + thought you were out. But the person said—by the bye, you don't keep + a dog, you, Captain Gills?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain shook his head. + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure,' said Mr Toots, 'that's exactly what I said. I knew you + didn't. There is a dog, Captain Gills, connected with—but excuse me. + That's forbidden ground.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain stared at Mr Toots until he seemed to swell to twice his + natural size; and again the perspiration broke out on the Captain's + forehead, when he thought of Diogenes taking it into his head to come down + and make a third in the parlour. + </p> + <p> + 'The person said,' continued Mr Toots, 'that he had heard a dog barking in + the shop: which I knew couldn't be, and I told him so. But he was as + positive as if he had seen the dog.' + </p> + <p> + 'What person, my lad?' inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you see there it is, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, with a + perceptible increase in the nervousness of his manner. 'It's not for me to + say what may have taken place, or what may not have taken place. Indeed, I + don't know. I get mixed up with all sorts of things that I don't quite + understand, and I think there's something rather weak in my—in my + head, in short.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain nodded his own, as a mark of assent. + </p> + <p> + 'But the person said, as we were walking away,' continued Mr Toots, 'that + you knew what, under existing circumstances, might occur—he said + "might," very strongly—and that if you were requested to prepare + yourself, you would, no doubt, come prepared.' + </p> + <p> + 'Person, my lad' the Captain repeated. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know what person, I'm sure, Captain Gills,' replied Mr Toots, 'I + haven't the least idea. But coming to the door, I found him waiting there; + and he said was I coming back again, and I said yes; and he said did I + know you, and I said, yes, I had the pleasure of your acquaintance—you + had given me the pleasure of your acquaintance, after some persuasion; and + he said, if that was the case, would I say to you what I have said, about + existing circumstances and coming prepared, and as soon as ever I saw you, + would I ask you to step round the corner, if it was only for one minute, + on most important business, to Mr Brogley's the Broker's. Now, I tell you + what, Captain Gills—whatever it is, I am convinced it's very + important; and if you like to step round, now, I'll wait here till you + come back.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, divided between his fear of compromising Florence in some way + by not going, and his horror of leaving Mr Toots in possession of the + house with a chance of finding out the secret, was a spectacle of mental + disturbance that even Mr Toots could not be blind to. But that young + gentleman, considering his nautical friend as merely in a state of + preparation for the interview he was going to have, was quite satisfied, + and did not review his own discreet conduct without chuckle. + </p> + <p> + At length the Captain decided, as the lesser of two evils, to run round to + Brogley's the Broker's: previously locking the door that communicated with + the upper part of the house, and putting the key in his pocket. 'If so + be,' said the Captain to Mr Toots, with not a little shame and hesitation, + 'as you'll excuse my doing of it, brother.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' returned Mr Toots, 'whatever you do, is satisfactory to + me.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain thanked him heartily, and promising to come back in less than + five minutes, went out in quest of the person who had entrusted Mr Toots + with this mysterious message. Poor Mr Toots, left to himself, lay down + upon the sofa, little thinking who had reclined there last, and, gazing up + at the skylight and resigning himself to visions of Miss Dombey, lost all + heed of time and place. + </p> + <p> + It was as well that he did so; for although the Captain was not gone long, + he was gone much longer than he had proposed. When he came back, he was + very pale indeed, and greatly agitated, and even looked as if he had been + shedding tears. He seemed to have lost the faculty of speech, until he had + been to the cupboard and taken a dram of rum from the case-bottle, when he + fetched a deep breath, and sat down in a chair with his hand before his + face. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Toots, kindly, 'I hope and trust there's nothing + wrong?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee, my lad, not a bit,' said the Captain. 'Quite contrairy.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have the appearance of being overcome, Captain Gills,' observed Mr + Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, my lad, I am took aback,' the Captain admitted. 'I am.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is there anything I can do, Captain Gills?' inquired Mr Toots. 'If there + is, make use of me.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain removed his hand from his face, looked at him with a + remarkable expression of pity and tenderness, and took him by the hand, + and shook it hard. + </p> + <p> + 'No, thank'ee,' said the Captain. 'Nothing. Only I'll take it as a favour + if you'll part company for the present. I believe, brother,' wringing his + hand again, 'that, after Wal'r, and on a different model, you're as good a + lad as ever stepped.' + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my word and honour, Captain Gills,' returned Mr Toots, giving the + Captain's hand a preliminary slap before shaking it again, 'it's + delightful to me to possess your good opinion. Thank'ee.' + </p> + <p> + 'And bear a hand and cheer up,' said the Captain, patting him on the back. + 'What! There's more than one sweet creetur in the world!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not to me, Captain Gills,' replied Mr Toots gravely. 'Not to me, I assure + you. The state of my feelings towards Miss Dombey is of that unspeakable + description, that my heart is a desert island, and she lives in it alone. + I'm getting more used up every day, and I'm proud to be so. If you could + see my legs when I take my boots off, you'd form some idea of what + unrequited affection is. I have been prescribed bark, but I don't take it, + for I don't wish to have any tone whatever given to my constitution. I'd + rather not. This, however, is forbidden ground. Captain Gills, goodbye!' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle cordially reciprocating the warmth of Mr Toots's farewell, + locked the door behind him, and shaking his head with the same remarkable + expression of pity and tenderness as he had regarded him with before, went + up to see if Florence wanted him. + </p> + <p> + There was an entire change in the Captain's face as he went upstairs. He + wiped his eyes with his handkerchief, and he polished the bridge of his + nose with his sleeve as he had done already that morning, but his face was + absolutely changed. Now, he might have been thought supremely happy; now, + he might have been thought sad; but the kind of gravity that sat upon his + features was quite new to them, and was as great an improvement to them as + if they had undergone some sublimating process. + </p> + <p> + He knocked softly, with his hook, at Florence's door, twice or thrice; + but, receiving no answer, ventured first to peep in, and then to enter: + emboldened to take the latter step, perhaps, by the familiar recognition + of Diogenes, who, stretched upon the ground by the side of her couch, + wagged his tail, and winked his eyes at the Captain, without being at the + trouble of getting up. + </p> + <p> + She was sleeping heavily, and moaning in her sleep; and Captain Cuttle, + with a perfect awe of her youth, and beauty, and her sorrow, raised her + head, and adjusted the coat that covered her, where it had fallen off, and + darkened the window a little more that she might sleep on, and crept out + again, and took his post of watch upon the stairs. All this, with a touch + and tread as light as Florence's own. + </p> + <p> + Long may it remain in this mixed world a point not easy of decision, which + is the more beautiful evidence of the Almighty's goodness—the + delicate fingers that are formed for sensitiveness and sympathy of touch, + and made to minister to pain and grief, or the rough hard Captain Cuttle + hand, that the heart teaches, guides, and softens in a moment! + </p> + <p> + Florence slept upon her couch, forgetful of her homelessness and + orphanage, and Captain Cuttle watched upon the stairs. A louder sob or + moan than usual, brought him sometimes to her door; but by degrees she + slept more peacefully, and the Captain's watch was undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 49. The Midshipman makes a Discovery + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>t was long before Florence awoke. The day was in its prime, the day was + in its wane, and still, uneasy in mind and body, she slept on; unconscious + of her strange bed, of the noise and turmoil in the street, and of the + light that shone outside the shaded window. Perfect unconsciousness of + what had happened in the home that existed no more, even the deep slumber + of exhaustion could not produce. Some undefined and mournful recollection + of it, dozing uneasily but never sleeping, pervaded all her rest. A dull + sorrow, like a half-lulled sense of pain, was always present to her; and + her pale cheek was oftener wet with tears than the honest Captain, softly + putting in his head from time to time at the half-closed door, could have + desired to see it. + </p> + <p> + The sun was getting low in the west, and, glancing out of a red mist, + pierced with its rays opposite loopholes and pieces of fretwork in the + spires of city churches, as if with golden arrows that struck through and + through them—and far away athwart the river and its flat banks, it + was gleaming like a path of fire—and out at sea it was irradiating + sails of ships—and, looked towards, from quiet churchyards, upon + hill-tops in the country, it was steeping distant prospects in a flush and + glow that seemed to mingle earth and sky together in one glorious + suffusion—when Florence, opening her heavy eyes, lay at first, + looking without interest or recognition at the unfamiliar walls around + her, and listening in the same regardless manner to the noises in the + street. But presently she started up upon her couch, gazed round with a + surprised and vacant look, and recollected all. + </p> + <p> + 'My pretty,' said the Captain, knocking at the door, 'what cheer?' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear friend,' cried Florence, hurrying to him, 'is it you?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain felt so much pride in the name, and was so pleased by the + gleam of pleasure in her face, when she saw him, that he kissed his hook, + by way of reply, in speechless gratification. + </p> + <p> + 'What cheer, bright di'mond?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'I have surely slept very long,' returned Florence. 'When did I come here? + Yesterday?' + </p> + <p> + 'This here blessed day, my lady lass,' replied the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Has there been no night? Is it still day?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Getting on for evening now, my pretty,' said the Captain, drawing back + the curtain of the window. 'See!' + </p> + <p> + Florence, with her hand upon the Captain's arm, so sorrowful and timid, + and the Captain with his rough face and burly figure, so quietly + protective of her, stood in the rosy light of the bright evening sky, + without saying a word. However strange the form of speech into which he + might have fashioned the feeling, if he had had to give it utterance, the + Captain felt, as sensibly as the most eloquent of men could have done, + that there was something in the tranquil time and in its softened beauty + that would make the wounded heart of Florence overflow; and that it was + better that such tears should have their way. So not a word spake Captain + Cuttle. But when he felt his arm clasped closer, and when he felt the + lonely head come nearer to it, and lay itself against his homely coarse + blue sleeve, he pressed it gently with his rugged hand, and understood it, + and was understood. + </p> + <p> + 'Better now, my pretty!' said the Captain. 'Cheerily, cheerily, I'll go + down below, and get some dinner ready. Will you come down of your own + self, arterwards, pretty, or shall Ed'ard Cuttle come and fetch you?' + </p> + <p> + As Florence assured him that she was quite able to walk downstairs, the + Captain, though evidently doubtful of his own hospitality in permitting + it, left her to do so, and immediately set about roasting a fowl at the + fire in the little parlour. To achieve his cookery with the greater skill, + he pulled off his coat, tucked up his wristbands, and put on his glazed + hat, without which assistant he never applied himself to any nice or + difficult undertaking. + </p> + <p> + After cooling her aching head and burning face in the fresh water which + the Captain's care had provided for her while she slept, Florence went to + the little mirror to bind up her disordered hair. Then she knew—in a + moment, for she shunned it instantly, that on her breast there was the + darkening mark of an angry hand. + </p> + <p> + Her tears burst forth afresh at the sight; she was ashamed and afraid of + it; but it moved her to no anger against him. Homeless and fatherless, she + forgave him everything; hardly thought that she had need to forgive him, + or that she did; but she fled from the idea of him as she had fled from + the reality, and he was utterly gone and lost. There was no such Being in + the world. + </p> + <p> + What to do, or where to live, Florence—poor, inexperienced girl!—could + not yet consider. She had indistinct dreams of finding, a long way off, + some little sisters to instruct, who would be gentle with her, and to + whom, under some feigned name, she might attach herself, and who would + grow up in their happy home, and marry, and be good to their old + governess, and perhaps entrust her, in time, with the education of their + own daughters. And she thought how strange and sorrowful it would be, thus + to become a grey-haired woman, carrying her secret to the grave, when + Florence Dombey was forgotten. But it was all dim and clouded to her now. + She only knew that she had no Father upon earth, and she said so, many + times, with her suppliant head hidden from all, but her Father who was in + Heaven. + </p> + <p> + Her little stock of money amounted to but a few guineas. With a part of + this, it would be necessary to buy some clothes, for she had none but + those she wore. She was too desolate to think how soon her money would be + gone—too much a child in worldly matters to be greatly troubled on + that score yet, even if her other trouble had been less. She tried to calm + her thoughts and stay her tears; to quiet the hurry in her throbbing head, + and bring herself to believe that what had happened were but the events of + a few hours ago, instead of weeks or months, as they appeared; and went + down to her kind protector. + </p> + <p> + The Captain had spread the cloth with great care, and was making some + egg-sauce in a little saucepan: basting the fowl from time to time during + the process with a strong interest, as it turned and browned on a string + before the fire. Having propped Florence up with cushions on the sofa, + which was already wheeled into a warm corner for her greater comfort, the + Captain pursued his cooking with extraordinary skill, making hot gravy in + a second little saucepan, boiling a handful of potatoes in a third, never + forgetting the egg-sauce in the first, and making an impartial round of + basting and stirring with the most useful of spoons every minute. Besides + these cares, the Captain had to keep his eye on a diminutive frying-pan, + in which some sausages were hissing and bubbling in a most musical manner; + and there was never such a radiant cook as the Captain looked, in the + height and heat of these functions: it being impossible to say whether his + face or his glazed hat shone the brighter. + </p> + <p> + The dinner being at length quite ready, Captain Cuttle dished and served + it up, with no less dexterity than he had cooked it. He then dressed for + dinner, by taking off his glazed hat and putting on his coat. That done, + he wheeled the table close against Florence on the sofa, said grace, + unscrewed his hook, screwed his fork into its place, and did the honours + of the table. + </p> + <p> + 'My lady lass,' said the Captain, 'cheer up, and try to eat a deal. Stand + by, my deary! Liver wing it is. Sarse it is. Sassage it is. And potato!' + all which the Captain ranged symmetrically on a plate, and pouring hot + gravy on the whole with the useful spoon, set before his cherished guest. + </p> + <p> + 'The whole row o' dead lights is up, for'ard, lady lass,' observed the + Captain, encouragingly, 'and everythink is made snug. Try and pick a bit, + my pretty. If Wal'r was here—' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! If I had him for my brother now!' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't! don't take on, my pretty!' said the Captain, 'awast, to obleege + me! He was your nat'ral born friend like, warn't he, Pet?' + </p> + <p> + Florence had no words to answer with. She only said, 'Oh, dear, dear Paul! + oh, Walter!' + </p> + <p> + 'The wery planks she walked on,' murmured the Captain, looking at her + drooping face, 'was as high esteemed by Wal'r, as the water brooks is by + the hart which never rejices! I see him now, the wery day as he was rated + on them Dombey books, a speaking of her with his face a glistening with + doo—leastways with his modest sentiments—like a new blowed + rose, at dinner. Well, well! If our poor Wal'r was here, my lady lass—or + if he could be—for he's drownded, ain't he?' + </p> + <p> + Florence shook her head. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes; drownded,' said the Captain, soothingly; 'as I was saying, if + he could be here he'd beg and pray of you, my precious, to pick a leetle + bit, with a look-out for your own sweet health. Whereby, hold your own, my + lady lass, as if it was for Wal'r's sake, and lay your pretty head to the + wind.' + </p> + <p> + Florence essayed to eat a morsel, for the Captain's pleasure. The Captain, + meanwhile, who seemed to have quite forgotten his own dinner, laid down + his knife and fork, and drew his chair to the sofa. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r was a trim lad, warn't he, precious?' said the Captain, after + sitting for some time silently rubbing his chin, with his eyes fixed upon + her, 'and a brave lad, and a good lad?' + </p> + <p> + Florence tearfully assented. + </p> + <p> + 'And he's drownded, Beauty, ain't he?' said the Captain, in a soothing + voice. + </p> + <p> + Florence could not but assent again. + </p> + <p> + 'He was older than you, my lady lass,' pursued the Captain, 'but you was + like two children together, at first; wam't you?' + </p> + <p> + Florence answered 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'And Wal'r's drownded,' said the Captain. 'Ain't he?' + </p> + <p> + The repetition of this inquiry was a curious source of consolation, but it + seemed to be one to Captain Cuttle, for he came back to it again and + again. Florence, fain to push from her her untasted dinner, and to lie + back on her sofa, gave him her hand, feeling that she had disappointed + him, though truly wishing to have pleased him after all his trouble, but + he held it in his own (which shook as he held it), and appearing to have + quite forgotten all about the dinner and her want of appetite, went on + growling at intervals, in a ruminating tone of sympathy, 'Poor Wal'r. Ay, + ay! Drownded. Ain't he?' And always waited for her answer, in which the + great point of these singular reflections appeared to consist. + </p> + <p> + The fowl and sausages were cold, and the gravy and the egg-sauce stagnant, + before the Captain remembered that they were on the board, and fell to + with the assistance of Diogenes, whose united efforts quickly dispatched + the banquet. The Captain's delight and wonder at the quiet housewifery of + Florence in assisting to clear the table, arrange the parlour, and sweep + up the hearth—only to be equalled by the fervency of his protest + when she began to assist him—were gradually raised to that degree, + that at last he could not choose but do nothing himself, and stand looking + at her as if she were some Fairy, daintily performing these offices for + him; the red rim on his forehead glowing again, in his unspeakable + admiration. + </p> + <p> + But when Florence, taking down his pipe from the mantel-shelf gave it into + his hand, and entreated him to smoke it, the good Captain was so + bewildered by her attention that he held it as if he had never held a + pipe, in all his life. Likewise, when Florence, looking into the little + cupboard, took out the case-bottle and mixed a perfect glass of grog for + him, unasked, and set it at his elbow, his ruddy nose turned pale, he felt + himself so graced and honoured. When he had filled his pipe in an absolute + reverie of satisfaction, Florence lighted it for him—the Captain + having no power to object, or to prevent her—and resuming her place + on the old sofa, looked at him with a smile so loving and so grateful, a + smile that showed him so plainly how her forlorn heart turned to him, as + her face did, through grief, that the smoke of the pipe got into the + Captain's throat and made him cough, and got into the Captain's eyes, and + made them blink and water. + </p> + <p> + The manner in which the Captain tried to make believe that the cause of + these effects lay hidden in the pipe itself, and the way in which he + looked into the bowl for it, and not finding it there, pretended to blow + it out of the stem, was wonderfully pleasant. The pipe soon getting into + better condition, he fell into that state of repose becoming a good + smoker; but sat with his eyes fixed on Florence, and, with a beaming + placidity not to be described, and stopping every now and then to + discharge a little cloud from his lips, slowly puffed it forth, as if it + were a scroll coming out of his mouth, bearing the legend 'Poor Wal'r, ay, + ay. Drownded, ain't he?' after which he would resume his smoking with + infinite gentleness. + </p> + <p> + Unlike as they were externally—and there could scarcely be a more + decided contrast than between Florence in her delicate youth and beauty, + and Captain Cuttle with his knobby face, his great broad weather-beaten + person, and his gruff voice—in simple innocence of the world's ways + and the world's perplexities and dangers, they were nearly on a level. No + child could have surpassed Captain Cuttle in inexperience of everything + but wind and weather; in simplicity, credulity, and generous trustfulness. + Faith, hope, and charity, shared his whole nature among them. An odd sort + of romance, perfectly unimaginative, yet perfectly unreal, and subject to + no considerations of worldly prudence or practicability, was the only + partner they had in his character. As the Captain sat, and smoked, and + looked at Florence, God knows what impossible pictures, in which she was + the principal figure, presented themselves to his mind. Equally vague and + uncertain, though not so sanguine, were her own thoughts of the life + before her; and even as her tears made prismatic colours in the light she + gazed at, so, through her new and heavy grief, she already saw a rainbow + faintly shining in the far-off sky. A wandering princess and a good + monster in a storybook might have sat by the fireside, and talked as + Captain Cuttle and poor Florence talked—and not have looked very + much unlike them. + </p> + <p> + The Captain was not troubled with the faintest idea of any difficulty in + retaining Florence, or of any responsibility thereby incurred. Having put + up the shutters and locked the door, he was quite satisfied on this head. + If she had been a Ward in Chancery, it would have made no difference at + all to Captain Cuttle. He was the last man in the world to be troubled by + any such considerations. + </p> + <p> + So the Captain smoked his pipe very comfortably, and Florence and he + meditated after their own manner. When the pipe was out, they had some + tea; and then Florence entreated him to take her to some neighbouring + shop, where she could buy the few necessaries she immediately wanted. It + being quite dark, the Captain consented: peeping carefully out first, as + he had been wont to do in his time of hiding from Mrs MacStinger; and + arming himself with his large stick, in case of an appeal to arms being + rendered necessary by any unforeseen circumstance. + </p> + <p> + The pride Captain Cuttle had, in giving his arm to Florence, and escorting + her some two or three hundred yards, keeping a bright look-out all the + time, and attracting the attention of everyone who passed them, by his + great vigilance and numerous precautions, was extreme. Arrived at the + shop, the Captain felt it a point of delicacy to retire during the making + of the purchases, as they were to consist of wearing apparel; but he + previously deposited his tin canister on the counter, and informing the + young lady of the establishment that it contained fourteen pound two, + requested her, in case that amount of property should not be sufficient to + defray the expenses of his niece's little outfit—at the word + 'niece,' he bestowed a most significant look on Florence, accompanied with + pantomime, expressive of sagacity and mystery—to have the goodness + to 'sing out,' and he would make up the difference from his pocket. + Casually consulting his big watch, as a deep means of dazzling the + establishment, and impressing it with a sense of property, the Captain + then kissed his hook to his niece, and retired outside the window, where + it was a choice sight to see his great face looking in from time to time, + among the silks and ribbons, with an obvious misgiving that Florence had + been spirited away by a back door. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Captain Cuttle,' said Florence, when she came out with a parcel, the + size of which greatly disappointed the Captain, who had expected to see a + porter following with a bale of goods, 'I don't want this money, indeed. I + have not spent any of it. I have money of my own.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lady lass,' returned the baffled Captain, looking straight down the + street before them, 'take care on it for me, will you be so good, till + such time as I ask ye for it?' + </p> + <p> + 'May I put it back in its usual place,' said Florence, 'and keep it + there?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain was not at all gratified by this proposal, but he answered, + 'Ay, ay, put it anywheres, my lady lass, so long as you know where to find + it again. It ain't o' no use to me,' said the Captain. 'I wonder I haven't + chucked it away afore now. + </p> + <p> + The Captain was quite disheartened for the moment, but he revived at the + first touch of Florence's arm, and they returned with the same precautions + as they had come; the Captain opening the door of the little Midshipman's + berth, and diving in, with a suddenness which his great practice only + could have taught him. During Florence's slumber in the morning, he had + engaged the daughter of an elderly lady who usually sat under a blue + umbrella in Leadenhall Market, selling poultry, to come and put her room + in order, and render her any little services she required; and this damsel + now appearing, Florence found everything about her as convenient and + orderly, if not as handsome, as in the terrible dream she had once called + Home. + </p> + <p> + When they were alone again, the Captain insisted on her eating a slice of + dry toast, and drinking a glass of spiced negus (which he made to + perfection); and, encouraging her with every kind word and inconsequential + quotation he could possibly think of, led her upstairs to her bedroom. But + he too had something on his mind, and was not easy in his manner. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, dear heart,' said Captain Cuttle to her at her chamber-door. + </p> + <p> + Florence raised her lips to his face, and kissed him. + </p> + <p> + At any other time the Captain would have been overbalanced by such a token + of her affection and gratitude; but now, although he was very sensible of + it, he looked in her face with even more uneasiness than he had testified + before, and seemed unwilling to leave her. + </p> + <p> + 'Poor Wal'r!' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Poor, poor Walter!' sighed Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Drownded, ain't he?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Florence shook her head, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + 'Good-night, my lady lass!' said Captain Cuttle, putting out his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'God bless you, dear, kind friend!' + </p> + <p> + But the Captain lingered still. + </p> + <p> + 'Is anything the matter, dear Captain Cuttle?' said Florence, easily + alarmed in her then state of mind. 'Have you anything to tell me?' + </p> + <p> + 'To tell you, lady lass!' replied the Captain, meeting her eyes in + confusion. 'No, no; what should I have to tell you, pretty! You don't + expect as I've got anything good to tell you, sure?' + </p> + <p> + 'No!' said Florence, shaking her head. + </p> + <p> + The Captain looked at her wistfully, and repeated 'No,'— still + lingering, and still showing embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + 'Poor Wal'r!' said the Captain. 'My Wal'r, as I used to call you! Old Sol + Gills's nevy! Welcome to all as knowed you, as the flowers in May! Where + are you got to, brave boy? Drownded, ain't he?' + </p> + <p> + Concluding his apostrophe with this abrupt appeal to Florence, the Captain + bade her good-night, and descended the stairs, while Florence remained at + the top, holding the candle out to light him down. He was lost in the + obscurity, and, judging from the sound of his receding footsteps, was in + the act of turning into the little parlour, when his head and shoulders + unexpectedly emerged again, as from the deep, apparently for no other + purpose than to repeat, 'Drownded, ain't he, pretty?' For when he had said + that in a tone of tender condolence, he disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Florence was very sorry that she should unwittingly, though naturally, + have awakened these associations in the mind of her protector, by taking + refuge there; and sitting down before the little table where the Captain + had arranged the telescope and song-book, and those other rarities, + thought of Walter, and of all that was connected with him in the past, + until she could have almost wished to lie down on her bed and fade away. + But in her lonely yearning to the dead whom she had loved, no thought of + home—no possibility of going back—no presentation of it as yet + existing, or as sheltering her father—once entered her thoughts. She + had seen the murder done. In the last lingering natural aspect in which + she had cherished him through so much, he had been torn out of her heart, + defaced, and slain. The thought of it was so appalling to her, that she + covered her eyes, and shrunk trembling from the least remembrance of the + deed, or of the cruel hand that did it. If her fond heart could have held + his image after that, it must have broken; but it could not; and the void + was filled with a wild dread that fled from all confronting with its + shattered fragments—with such a dread as could have risen out of + nothing but the depths of such a love, so wronged. + </p> + <p> + She dared not look into the glass; for the sight of the darkening mark + upon her bosom made her afraid of herself, as if she bore about her + something wicked. She covered it up, with a hasty, faltering hand, and in + the dark; and laid her weary head down, weeping. + </p> + <p> + The Captain did not go to bed for a long time. He walked to and fro in the + shop and in the little parlour, for a full hour, and, appearing to have + composed himself by that exercise, sat down with a grave and thoughtful + face, and read out of a Prayer-book the forms of prayer appointed to be + used at sea. These were not easily disposed of; the good Captain being a + mighty slow, gruff reader, and frequently stopping at a hard word to give + himself such encouragement as 'Now, my lad! With a will!' or, 'Steady, + Ed'ard Cuttle, steady!' which had a great effect in helping him out of any + difficulty. Moreover, his spectacles greatly interfered with his powers of + vision. But notwithstanding these drawbacks, the Captain, being heartily + in earnest, read the service to the very last line, and with genuine + feeling too; and approving of it very much when he had done, turned in, + under the counter (but not before he had been upstairs, and listened at + Florence's door), with a serene breast, and a most benevolent visage. + </p> + <p> + The Captain turned out several times in the course of the night, to assure + himself that his charge was resting quietly; and once, at daybreak, found + that she was awake: for she called to know if it were he, on hearing + footsteps near her door. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my lady lass,' replied the Captain, in a growling whisper. 'Are you + all right, di'mond?' + </p> + <p> + Florence thanked him, and said 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain could not lose so favourable an opportunity of applying his + mouth to the keyhole, and calling through it, like a hoarse breeze, 'Poor + Wal'r! Drownded, ain't he?' after which he withdrew, and turning in again, + slept till seven o'clock. + </p> + <p> + Nor was he free from his uneasy and embarrassed manner all that day; + though Florence, being busy with her needle in the little parlour, was + more calm and tranquil than she had been on the day preceding. Almost + always when she raised her eyes from her work, she observed the captain + looking at her, and thoughtfully stroking his chin; and he so often + hitched his arm-chair close to her, as if he were going to say something + very confidential, and hitched it away again, as not being able to make up + his mind how to begin, that in the course of the day he cruised completely + round the parlour in that frail bark, and more than once went ashore + against the wainscot or the closet door, in a very distressed condition. + </p> + <p> + It was not until the twilight that Captain Cuttle, fairly dropping anchor, + at last, by the side of Florence, began to talk at all connectedly. But + when the light of the fire was shining on the walls and ceiling of the + little room, and on the tea-board and the cups and saucers that were + ranged upon the table, and on her calm face turned towards the flame, and + reflecting it in the tears that filled her eyes, the Captain broke a long + silence thus: + </p> + <p> + 'You never was at sea, my own?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' replied Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' said the Captain, reverentially; 'it's a almighty element. There's + wonders in the deep, my pretty. Think on it when the winds is roaring and + the waves is rowling. Think on it when the stormy nights is so pitch + dark,' said the Captain, solemnly holding up his hook, 'as you can't see + your hand afore you, excepting when the wiwid lightning reweals the same; + and when you drive, drive, drive through the storm and dark, as if you was + a driving, head on, to the world without end, evermore, amen, and when + found making a note of. Them's the times, my beauty, when a man may say to + his messmate (previously a overhauling of the wollume), "A stiff + nor'wester's blowing, Bill; hark, don't you hear it roar now! Lord help + 'em, how I pitys all unhappy folks ashore now!"' Which quotation, as + particularly applicable to the terrors of the ocean, the Captain delivered + in a most impressive manner, concluding with a sonorous 'Stand by!' + </p> + <p> + 'Were you ever in a dreadful storm?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Why ay, my lady lass, I've seen my share of bad weather,' said the + Captain, tremulously wiping his head, 'and I've had my share of knocking + about; but—but it ain't of myself as I was a meaning to speak. Our + dear boy,' drawing closer to her, 'Wal'r, darling, as was drownded.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain spoke in such a trembling voice, and looked at Florence with a + face so pale and agitated, that she clung to his hand in affright. + </p> + <p> + 'Your face is changed,' cried Florence. 'You are altered in a moment. What + is it? Dear Captain Cuttle, it turns me cold to see you!' + </p> + <p> + 'What! Lady lass,' returned the Captain, supporting her with his hand, + 'don't be took aback. No, no! All's well, all's well, my dear. As I was a + saying—Wal'r—he's—he's drownded. Ain't he?' + </p> + <p> + Florence looked at him intently; her colour came and went; and she laid + her hand upon her breast. + </p> + <p> + 'There's perils and dangers on the deep, my beauty,' said the Captain; + 'and over many a brave ship, and many and many a bould heart, the secret + waters has closed up, and never told no tales. But there's escapes upon + the deep, too, and sometimes one man out of a score,—ah! maybe out + of a hundred, pretty,—has been saved by the mercy of God, and come + home after being given over for dead, and told of all hands lost. I—I + know a story, Heart's Delight,' stammered the Captain, 'o' this natur, as + was told to me once; and being on this here tack, and you and me sitting + alone by the fire, maybe you'd like to hear me tell it. Would you, deary?' + </p> + <p> + Florence, trembling with an agitation which she could not control or + understand, involuntarily followed his glance, which went behind her into + the shop, where a lamp was burning. The instant that she turned her head, + the Captain sprung out of his chair, and interposed his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'There's nothing there, my beauty,' said the Captain. 'Don't look there.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why not?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + The Captain murmured something about its being dull that way, and about + the fire being cheerful. He drew the door ajar, which had been standing + open until now, and resumed his seat. Florence followed him with her eyes, + and looked intently in his face. + </p> + <p> + 'The story was about a ship, my lady lass,' began the Captain, 'as sailed + out of the Port of London, with a fair wind and in fair weather, bound for—don't + be took aback, my lady lass, she was only out'ard bound, pretty, only + out'ard bound!' + </p> + <p> + The expression on Florence's face alarmed the Captain, who was himself + very hot and flurried, and showed scarcely less agitation than she did. + </p> + <p> + 'Shall I go on, Beauty?' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes, pray!' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + The Captain made a gulp as if to get down something that was sticking in + his throat, and nervously proceeded: + </p> + <p> + 'That there unfort'nate ship met with such foul weather, out at sea, as + don't blow once in twenty year, my darling. There was hurricanes ashore as + tore up forests and blowed down towns, and there was gales at sea in them + latitudes, as not the stoutest wessel ever launched could live in. Day + arter day that there unfort'nate ship behaved noble, I'm told, and did her + duty brave, my pretty, but at one blow a'most her bulwarks was stove in, + her masts and rudder carved away, her best man swept overboard, and she + left to the mercy of the storm as had no mercy but blowed harder and + harder yet, while the waves dashed over her, and beat her in, and every + time they come a thundering at her, broke her like a shell. Every black + spot in every mountain of water that rolled away was a bit o' the ship's + life or a living man, and so she went to pieces, Beauty, and no grass will + never grow upon the graves of them as manned that ship.' + </p> + <p> + 'They were not all lost!' cried Florence. 'Some were saved!—Was + one?' + </p> + <p> + 'Aboard o' that there unfort'nate wessel,' said the Captain, rising from + his chair, and clenching his hand with prodigious energy and exultation, + 'was a lad, a gallant lad—as I've heerd tell—that had loved, + when he was a boy, to read and talk about brave actions in shipwrecks—I've + heerd him! I've heerd him!—and he remembered of 'em in his hour of + need; for when the stoutest and oldest hands was hove down, he was firm + and cheery. It warn't the want of objects to like and love ashore that + gave him courage, it was his nat'ral mind. I've seen it in his face, when + he was no more than a child—ay, many a time!—and when I + thought it nothing but his good looks, bless him!' + </p> + <p> + 'And was he saved!' cried Florence. 'Was he saved!' + </p> + <p> + 'That brave lad,' said the Captain,—'look at me, pretty! Don't look + round—' + </p> + <p> + Florence had hardly power to repeat, 'Why not?' + </p> + <p> + 'Because there's nothing there, my deary,' said the Captain. 'Don't be + took aback, pretty creetur! Don't, for the sake of Wal'r, as was dear to + all on us! That there lad,' said the Captain, 'arter working with the + best, and standing by the faint-hearted, and never making no complaint nor + sign of fear, and keeping up a spirit in all hands that made 'em honour + him as if he'd been a admiral—that lad, along with the second-mate + and one seaman, was left, of all the beatin' hearts that went aboard that + ship, the only living creeturs—lashed to a fragment of the wreck, + and driftin' on the stormy sea.' + </p> + <p> + 'Were they saved?' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Days and nights they drifted on them endless waters,' said the Captain, + 'until at last—No! Don't look that way, pretty!—a sail bore + down upon 'em, and they was, by the Lord's mercy, took aboard: two living + and one dead.' + </p> + <p> + 'Which of them was dead?' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Not the lad I speak on,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank God! oh thank God!' + </p> + <p> + 'Amen!' returned the Captain hurriedly. 'Don't be took aback! A minute + more, my lady lass! with a good heart!—aboard that ship, they went a + long voyage, right away across the chart (for there warn't no touching + nowhere), and on that voyage the seaman as was picked up with him died. + But he was spared, and—' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, without knowing what he did, had cut a slice of bread from + the loaf, and put it on his hook (which was his usual toasting-fork), on + which he now held it to the fire; looking behind Florence with great + emotion in his face, and suffering the bread to blaze and burn like fuel. + </p> + <p> + 'Was spared,' repeated Florence, 'and—?' + </p> + <p> + 'And come home in that ship,' said the Captain, still looking in the same + direction, 'and—don't be frightened, pretty—and landed; and + one morning come cautiously to his own door to take a obserwation, knowing + that his friends would think him drownded, when he sheered off at the + unexpected—' + </p> + <p> + 'At the unexpected barking of a dog?' cried Florence, quickly. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' roared the Captain. 'Steady, darling! courage! Don't look round + yet. See there! upon the wall!' + </p> + <p> + There was the shadow of a man upon the wall close to her. She started up, + looked round, and with a piercing cry, saw Walter Gay behind her! + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0633m.jpg" alt="0633m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0633.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + She had no thought of him but as a brother, a brother rescued from the + grave; a shipwrecked brother saved and at her side; and rushed into his + arms. In all the world, he seemed to be her hope, her comfort, refuge, + natural protector. 'Take care of Walter, I was fond of Walter!' The dear + remembrance of the plaintive voice that said so, rushed upon her soul, + like music in the night. 'Oh welcome home, dear Walter! Welcome to this + stricken breast!' She felt the words, although she could not utter them, + and held him in her pure embrace. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, in a fit of delirium, attempted to wipe his head with the + blackened toast upon his hook: and finding it an uncongenial substance for + the purpose, put it into the crown of his glazed hat, put the glazed hat + on with some difficulty, essayed to sing a verse of Lovely Peg, broke down + at the first word, and retired into the shop, whence he presently came + back express, with a face all flushed and besmeared, and the starch + completely taken out of his shirt-collar, to say these words: + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad, here is a little bit of property as I should wish to make + over, jintly!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain hastily produced the big watch, the teaspoons, the + sugar-tongs, and the canister, and laying them on the table, swept them + with his great hand into Walter's hat; but in handing that singular strong + box to Walter, he was so overcome again, that he was fain to make another + retreat into the shop, and absent himself for a longer space of time than + on his first retirement. + </p> + <p> + But Walter sought him out, and brought him back; and then the Captain's + great apprehension was, that Florence would suffer from this new shock. He + felt it so earnestly, that he turned quite rational, and positively + interdicted any further allusion to Walter's adventures for some days to + come. Captain Cuttle then became sufficiently composed to relieve himself + of the toast in his hat, and to take his place at the tea-board; but + finding Walter's grasp upon his shoulder, on one side, and Florence + whispering her tearful congratulations on the other, the Captain suddenly + bolted again, and was missing for a good ten minutes. + </p> + <p> + But never in all his life had the Captain's face so shone and glistened, + as when, at last, he sat stationary at the tea-board, looking from + Florence to Walter, and from Walter to Florence. Nor was this effect + produced or at all heightened by the immense quantity of polishing he had + administered to his face with his coat-sleeve during the last half-hour. + It was solely the effect of his internal emotions. There was a glory and + delight within the Captain that spread itself over his whole visage, and + made a perfect illumination there. + </p> + <p> + The pride with which the Captain looked upon the bronzed cheek and the + courageous eyes of his recovered boy; with which he saw the generous + fervour of his youth, and all its frank and hopeful qualities, shining + once more, in the fresh, wholesome manner, and the ardent face, would have + kindled something of this light in his countenance. The admiration and + sympathy with which he turned his eyes on Florence, whose beauty, grace, + and innocence could have won no truer or more zealous champion than + himself, would have had an equal influence upon him. But the fulness of + the glow he shed around him could only have been engendered in his + contemplation of the two together, and in all the fancies springing out of + that association, that came sparkling and beaming into his head, and + danced about it. + </p> + <p> + How they talked of poor old Uncle Sol, and dwelt on every little + circumstance relating to his disappearance; how their joy was moderated by + the old man's absence and by the misfortunes of Florence; how they + released Diogenes, whom the Captain had decoyed upstairs some time before, + lest he should bark again; the Captain, though he was in one continual + flutter, and made many more short plunges into the shop, fully + comprehended. But he no more dreamed that Walter looked on Florence, as it + were, from a new and far-off place; that while his eyes often sought the + lovely face, they seldom met its open glance of sisterly affection, but + withdrew themselves when hers were raised towards him; than he believed + that it was Walter's ghost who sat beside him. He saw them together in + their youth and beauty, and he knew the story of their younger days, and + he had no inch of room beneath his great blue waistcoat for anything save + admiration of such a pair, and gratitude for their being reunited. + </p> + <p> + They sat thus, until it grew late. The Captain would have been content to + sit so for a week. But Walter rose, to take leave for the night. + </p> + <p> + 'Going, Walter!' said Florence. 'Where?' + </p> + <p> + 'He slings his hammock for the present, lady lass,' said Captain Cuttle, + 'round at Brogley's. Within hail, Heart's Delight.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am the cause of your going away, Walter,' said Florence. 'There is a + houseless sister in your place.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Miss Dombey,' replied Walter, hesitating—'if it is not too + bold to call you so!—' + </p> + <p> + 'Walter!' she exclaimed, surprised. + </p> + <p> + '—If anything could make me happier in being allowed to see and + speak to you, would it not be the discovery that I had any means on earth + of doing you a moment's service! Where would I not go, what would I not + do, for your sake?' + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and called him brother. + </p> + <p> + 'You are so changed,' said Walter— + </p> + <p> + 'I changed!' she interrupted. + </p> + <p> + '—To me,' said Walter, softly, as if he were thinking aloud, + 'changed to me. I left you such a child, and find you—oh! something + so different—' + </p> + <p> + 'But your sister, Walter. You have not forgotten what we promised to each + other, when we parted?' + </p> + <p> + 'Forgotten!' But he said no more. + </p> + <p> + 'And if you had—if suffering and danger had driven it from your + thoughts—which it has not—you would remember it now, Walter, + when you find me poor and abandoned, with no home but this, and no friends + but the two who hear me speak!' + </p> + <p> + 'I would! Heaven knows I would!' said Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Walter,' exclaimed Florence, through her sobs and tears. 'Dear + brother! Show me some way through the world—some humble path that I + may take alone, and labour in, and sometimes think of you as one who will + protect and care for me as for a sister! Oh, help me, Walter, for I need + help so much!' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey! Florence! I would die to help you. But your friends are + proud and rich. Your father—' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no! Walter!' She shrieked, and put her hands up to her head, in an + attitude of terror that transfixed him where he stood. 'Don't say that + word!' + </p> + <p> + He never, from that hour, forgot the voice and look with which she stopped + him at the name. He felt that if he were to live a hundred years, he never + could forget it. + </p> + <p> + Somewhere—anywhere—but never home! All past, all gone, all + lost, and broken up! The whole history of her untold slight and suffering + was in the cry and look; and he felt he never could forget it, and he + never did. + </p> + <p> + She laid her gentle face upon the Captain's shoulder, and related how and + why she had fled. If every sorrowing tear she shed in doing so, had been a + curse upon the head of him she never named or blamed, it would have been + better for him, Walter thought, with awe, than to be renounced out of such + a strength and might of love. + </p> + <p> + 'There, precious!' said the Captain, when she ceased; and deep attention + the Captain had paid to her while she spoke; listening, with his glazed + hat all awry and his mouth wide open. 'Awast, awast, my eyes! Wal'r, dear + lad, sheer off for to-night, and leave the pretty one to me!' + </p> + <p> + Walter took her hand in both of his, and put it to his lips, and kissed + it. He knew now that she was, indeed, a homeless wandering fugitive; but, + richer to him so, than in all the wealth and pride of her right station, + she seemed farther off than even on the height that had made him giddy in + his boyish dreams. + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, perplexed by no such meditations, guarded Florence to her + room, and watched at intervals upon the charmed ground outside her door—for + such it truly was to him—until he felt sufficiently easy in his mind + about her, to turn in under the counter. On abandoning his watch for that + purpose, he could not help calling once, rapturously, through the keyhole, + 'Drownded. Ain't he, pretty?'—or, when he got downstairs, making + another trial at that verse of Lovely Peg. But it stuck in his throat + somehow, and he could make nothing of it; so he went to bed, and dreamed + that old Sol Gills was married to Mrs MacStinger, and kept prisoner by + that lady in a secret chamber on a short allowance of victuals. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 50. Mr Toots's Complaint + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>here was an empty room above-stairs at the wooden Midshipman's, which, in + days of yore, had been Walter's bedroom. Walter, rousing up the Captain + betimes in the morning, proposed that they should carry thither such + furniture out of the little parlour as would grace it best, so that + Florence might take possession of it when she rose. As nothing could be + more agreeable to Captain Cuttle than making himself very red and short of + breath in such a cause, he turned to (as he himself said) with a will; + and, in a couple of hours, this garret was transformed into a species of + land-cabin, adorned with all the choicest moveables out of the parlour, + inclusive even of the Tartar frigate, which the Captain hung up over the + chimney-piece with such extreme delight, that he could do nothing for + half-an-hour afterwards but walk backward from it, lost in admiration. + </p> + <p> + The Captain could be induced by no persuasion of Walter's to wind up the + big watch, or to take back the canister, or to touch the sugar-tongs and + teaspoons. 'No, no, my lad;' was the Captain's invariable reply to any + solicitation of the kind, 'I've made that there little property over, + jintly.' These words he repeated with great unction and gravity, evidently + believing that they had the virtue of an Act of Parliament, and that + unless he committed himself by some new admission of ownership, no flaw + could be found in such a form of conveyance. + </p> + <p> + It was an advantage of the new arrangement, that besides the greater + seclusion it afforded Florence, it admitted of the Midshipman being + restored to his usual post of observation, and also of the shop shutters + being taken down. The latter ceremony, however little importance the + unconscious Captain attached to it, was not wholly superfluous; for, on + the previous day, so much excitement had been occasioned in the + neighbourhood, by the shutters remaining unopened, that the + Instrument-maker's house had been honoured with an unusual share of public + observation, and had been intently stared at from the opposite side of the + way, by groups of hungry gazers, at any time between sunrise and sunset. + The idlers and vagabonds had been particularly interested in the Captain's + fate; constantly grovelling in the mud to apply their eyes to the + cellar-grating, under the shop-window, and delighting their imaginations + with the fancy that they could see a piece of his coat as he hung in a + corner; though this settlement of him was stoutly disputed by an opposite + faction, who were of opinion that he lay murdered with a hammer, on the + stairs. It was not without exciting some discontent, therefore, that the + subject of these rumours was seen early in the morning standing at his + shop-door as hale and hearty as if nothing had happened; and the beadle of + that quarter, a man of an ambitious character, who had expected to have + the distinction of being present at the breaking open of the door, and of + giving evidence in full uniform before the coroner, went so far as to say + to an opposite neighbour, that the chap in the glazed hat had better not + try it on there—without more particularly mentioning what—and + further, that he, the beadle, would keep his eye upon him. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle,' said Walter, musing, when they stood resting from their + labours at the shop-door, looking down the old familiar street; it being + still early in the morning; 'nothing at all of Uncle Sol, in all that + time!' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing at all, my lad,' replied the Captain, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + 'Gone in search of me, dear, kind old man,' said Walter: 'yet never write + to you! But why not? He says, in effect, in this packet that you gave me,' + taking the paper from his pocket, which had been opened in the presence of + the enlightened Bunsby, 'that if you never hear from him before opening + it, you may believe him dead. Heaven forbid! But you would have heard of + him, even if he were dead! Someone would have written, surely, by his + desire, if he could not; and have said, "on such a day, there died in my + house," or "under my care," or so forth, "Mr Solomon Gills of London, who + left this last remembrance and this last request to you".' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who had never climbed to such a clear height of probability + before, was greatly impressed by the wide prospect it opened, and + answered, with a thoughtful shake of his head, 'Well said, my lad; wery + well said.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have been thinking of this, or, at least,' said Walter, colouring, 'I + have been thinking of one thing and another, all through a sleepless + night, and I cannot believe, Captain Cuttle, but that my Uncle Sol (Lord + bless him!) is alive, and will return. I don't so much wonder at his going + away, because, leaving out of consideration that spice of the marvellous + which was always in his character, and his great affection for me, before + which every other consideration of his life became nothing, as no one + ought to know so well as I who had the best of fathers in him,'—Walter's + voice was indistinct and husky here, and he looked away, along the street,—'leaving + that out of consideration, I say, I have often read and heard of people + who, having some near and dear relative, who was supposed to be + shipwrecked at sea, have gone down to live on that part of the sea-shore + where any tidings of the missing ship might be expected to arrive, though + only an hour or two sooner than elsewhere, or have even gone upon her + track to the place whither she was bound, as if their going would create + intelligence. I think I should do such a thing myself, as soon as another, + or sooner than many, perhaps. But why my Uncle shouldn't write to you, + when he so clearly intended to do so, or how he should die abroad, and you + not know it through some other hand, I cannot make out.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle observed, with a shake of his head, that Jack Bunsby + himself hadn't made it out, and that he was a man as could give a pretty + taut opinion too. + </p> + <p> + 'If my Uncle had been a heedless young man, likely to be entrapped by + jovial company to some drinking-place, where he was to be got rid of for + the sake of what money he might have about him,' said Walter; 'or if he + had been a reckless sailor, going ashore with two or three months' pay in + his pocket, I could understand his disappearing, and leaving no trace + behind. But, being what he was—and is, I hope—I can't believe + it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad,' inquired the Captain, wistfully eyeing him as he pondered + and pondered, 'what do you make of it, then?' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle,' returned Walter, 'I don't know what to make of it. I + suppose he never has written! There is no doubt about that?' + </p> + <p> + 'If so be as Sol Gills wrote, my lad,' replied the Captain, + argumentatively, 'where's his dispatch?' + </p> + <p> + 'Say that he entrusted it to some private hand,' suggested Walter, 'and + that it has been forgotten, or carelessly thrown aside, or lost. Even that + is more probable to me, than the other event. In short, I not only cannot + bear to contemplate that other event, Captain Cuttle, but I can't, and + won't.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hope, you see, Wal'r,' said the Captain, sagely, 'Hope. It's that as + animates you. Hope is a buoy, for which you overhaul your Little Warbler, + sentimental diwision, but Lord, my lad, like any other buoy, it only + floats; it can't be steered nowhere. Along with the figure-head of Hope,' + said the Captain, 'there's a anchor; but what's the good of my having a + anchor, if I can't find no bottom to let it go in?' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle said this rather in his character of a sagacious citizen + and householder, bound to impart a morsel from his stores of wisdom to an + inexperienced youth, than in his own proper person. Indeed, his face was + quite luminous as he spoke, with new hope, caught from Walter; and he + appropriately concluded by slapping him on the back; and saying, with + enthusiasm, 'Hooroar, my lad! Indiwidually, I'm o' your opinion.' + </p> + <p> + Walter, with his cheerful laugh, returned the salutation, and said: + </p> + <p> + 'Only one word more about my Uncle at present, Captain Cuttle. I suppose + it is impossible that he can have written in the ordinary course—by + mail packet, or ship letter, you understand—' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, my lad,' said the Captain approvingly. + </p> + <p> + '—And that you have missed the letter, anyhow?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Wal'r,' said the Captain, turning his eyes upon him with a faint + approach to a severe expression, 'ain't I been on the look-out for any + tidings of that man o' science, old Sol Gills, your Uncle, day and night, + ever since I lost him? Ain't my heart been heavy and watchful always, + along of him and you? Sleeping and waking, ain't I been upon my post, and + wouldn't I scorn to quit it while this here Midshipman held together!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Captain Cuttle,' replied Walter, grasping his hand, 'I know you + would, and I know how faithful and earnest all you say and feel is. I am + sure of it. You don't doubt that I am as sure of it as I am that my foot + is again upon this door-step, or that I again have hold of this true hand. + Do you?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, Wal'r,' returned the Captain, with his beaming + </p> + <p> + 'I'll hazard no more conjectures,' said Walter, fervently shaking the hard + hand of the Captain, who shook his with no less goodwill. 'All I will add + is, Heaven forbid that I should touch my Uncle's possessions, Captain + Cuttle! Everything that he left here, shall remain in the care of the + truest of stewards and kindest of men—and if his name is not Cuttle, + he has no name! Now, best of friends, about—Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + There was a change in Walter's manner, as he came to these two words; and + when he uttered them, all his confidence and cheerfulness appeared to have + deserted him. + </p> + <p> + 'I thought, before Miss Dombey stopped me when I spoke of her father last + night,' said Walter, '—you remember how?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain well remembered, and shook his head. + </p> + <p> + 'I thought,' said Walter, 'before that, that we had but one hard duty to + perform, and that it was, to prevail upon her to communicate with her + friends, and to return home.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain muttered a feeble 'Awast!' or a 'Stand by!' or something or + other, equally pertinent to the occasion; but it was rendered so extremely + feeble by the total discomfiture with which he received this announcement, + that what it was, is mere matter of conjecture. + </p> + <p> + 'But,' said Walter, 'that is over. I think so, no longer. I would sooner + be put back again upon that piece of wreck, on which I have so often + floated, since my preservation, in my dreams, and there left to drift, and + drive, and die!' + </p> + <p> + 'Hooroar, my lad!' exclaimed the Captain, in a burst of uncontrollable + satisfaction. 'Hooroar! hooroar! hooroar!' + </p> + <p> + 'To think that she, so young, so good, and beautiful,' said Walter, 'so + delicately brought up, and born to such a different fortune, should strive + with the rough world! But we have seen the gulf that cuts off all behind + her, though no one but herself can know how deep it is; and there is no + return.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, without quite understanding this, greatly approved of it, + and observed in a tone of strong corroboration, that the wind was quite + abaft. + </p> + <p> + 'She ought not to be alone here; ought she, Captain Cuttle?' said Walter, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my lad,' replied the Captain, after a little sagacious + consideration. 'I don't know. You being here to keep her company, you see, + and you two being jintly—' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Captain Cuttle!' remonstrated Walter. 'I being here! Miss Dombey, in + her guileless innocent heart, regards me as her adopted brother; but what + would the guile and guilt of my heart be, if I pretended to believe that I + had any right to approach her, familiarly, in that character—if I + pretended to forget that I am bound, in honour, not to do it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad,' hinted the Captain, with some revival of his + discomfiture, 'ain't there no other character as—' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' returned Walter, 'would you have me die in her esteem—in such + esteem as hers—and put a veil between myself and her angel's face + for ever, by taking advantage of her being here for refuge, so trusting + and so unprotected, to endeavour to exalt myself into her lover? What do I + say? There is no one in the world who would be more opposed to me if I + could do so, than you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r, my lad,' said the Captain, drooping more and more, 'prowiding as + there is any just cause or impediment why two persons should not be jined + together in the house of bondage, for which you'll overhaul the place and + make a note, I hope I should declare it as promised and wowed in the + banns. So there ain't no other character; ain't there, my lad?' + </p> + <p> + Walter briskly waved his hand in the negative. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my lad,' growled the Captain slowly, 'I won't deny but what I find + myself wery much down by the head, along o' this here, or but what I've + gone clean about. But as to Lady lass, Wal'r, mind you, wot's respect and + duty to her, is respect and duty in my articles, howsumever disapinting; + and therefore I follows in your wake, my lad, and feel as you are, no + doubt, acting up to yourself. And there ain't no other character, ain't + there?' said the Captain, musing over the ruins of his fallen castle, with + a very despondent face. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Captain Cuttle,' said Walter, starting a fresh point with a gayer + air, to cheer the Captain up—but nothing could do that; he was too + much concerned—'I think we should exert ourselves to find someone + who would be a proper attendant for Miss Dombey while she remains here, + and who may be trusted. None of her relations may. It's clear Miss Dombey + feels that they are all subservient to her father. What has become of + Susan?' + </p> + <p> + 'The young woman?' returned the Captain. 'It's my belief as she was sent + away again the will of Heart's Delight. I made a signal for her when Lady + lass first come, and she rated of her wery high, and said she had been + gone a long time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' said Walter, 'do you ask Miss Dombey where she's gone, and we'll + try to find her. The morning's getting on, and Miss Dombey will soon be + rising. You are her best friend. Wait for her upstairs, and leave me to + take care of all down here.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, very crest-fallen indeed, echoed the sigh with which Walter + said this, and complied. Florence was delighted with her new room, anxious + to see Walter, and overjoyed at the prospect of greeting her old friend + Susan. But Florence could not say where Susan was gone, except that it was + in Essex, and no one could say, she remembered, unless it were Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + With this information the melancholy Captain returned to Walter, and gave + him to understand that Mr Toots was the young gentleman whom he had + encountered on the door-step, and that he was a friend of his, and that he + was a young gentleman of property, and that he hopelessly adored Miss + Dombey. The Captain also related how the intelligence of Walter's supposed + fate had first made him acquainted with Mr Toots, and how there was solemn + treaty and compact between them, that Mr Toots should be mute upon the + subject of his love. + </p> + <p> + The question then was, whether Florence could trust Mr Toots; and Florence + saying, with a smile, 'Oh, yes, with her whole heart!' it became important + to find out where Mr Toots lived. This, Florence didn't know, and the + Captain had forgotten; and the Captain was telling Walter, in the little + parlour, that Mr Toots was sure to be there soon, when in came Mr Toots + himself. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, rushing into the parlour without any + ceremony, 'I'm in a state of mind bordering on distraction!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots had discharged those words, as from a mortar, before he observed + Walter, whom he recognised with what may be described as a chuckle of + misery. + </p> + <p> + 'You'll excuse me, Sir,' said Mr Toots, holding his forehead, 'but I'm at + present in that state that my brain is going, if not gone, and anything + approaching to politeness in an individual so situated would be a hollow + mockery. Captain Gills, I beg to request the favour of a private + interview.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Brother,' returned the Captain, taking him by the hand, 'you are the + man as we was on the look-out for.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'what a look-out that must be, of + which I am the object! I haven't dared to shave, I'm in that rash state. I + haven't had my clothes brushed. My hair is matted together. I told the + Chicken that if he offered to clean my boots, I'd stretch him a Corpse + before me!' + </p> + <p> + All these indications of a disordered mind were verified in Mr Toots's + appearance, which was wild and savage. + </p> + <p> + 'See here, Brother,' said the Captain. 'This here's old Sol Gills's nevy + Wal'r. Him as was supposed to have perished at sea.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots took his hand from his forehead, and stared at Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Good gracious me!' stammered Mr Toots. 'What a complication of misery! + How-de-do? I—I—I'm afraid you must have got very wet. Captain + Gills, will you allow me a word in the shop?' + </p> + <p> + He took the Captain by the coat, and going out with him whispered: + </p> + <p> + 'That then, Captain Gills, is the party you spoke of, when you said that + he and Miss Dombey were made for one another?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, ay, my lad,' replied the disconsolate Captain; 'I was of that mind + once.' + </p> + <p> + 'And at this time!' exclaimed Mr Toots, with his hand to his forehead + again. 'Of all others!—a hated rival! At least, he ain't a hated + rival,' said Mr Toots, stopping short, on second thoughts, and taking away + his hand; 'what should I hate him for? No. If my affection has been truly + disinterested, Captain Gills, let me prove it now!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots shot back abruptly into the parlour, and said, wringing Walter by + the hand: + </p> + <p> + 'How-de-do? I hope you didn't take any cold. I—I shall be very glad + if you'll give me the pleasure of your acquaintance. I wish you many happy + returns of the day. Upon my word and honour,' said Mr Toots, warming as he + became better acquainted with Walter's face and figure, 'I'm very glad to + see you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, heartily,' said Walter. 'I couldn't desire a more genuine and + genial welcome.' + </p> + <p> + 'Couldn't you, though?' said Mr Toots, still shaking his hand. 'It's very + kind of you. I'm much obliged to you. How-de-do? I hope you left everybody + quite well over the—that is, upon the—I mean wherever you came + from last, you know.' + </p> + <p> + All these good wishes, and better intentions, Walter responded to + manfully. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'I should wish to be strictly honourable; + but I trust I may be allowed now, to allude to a certain subject that—' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, my lad,' returned the Captain. 'Freely, freely.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'and Lieutenant Walters—are + you aware that the most dreadful circumstances have been happening at Mr + Dombey's house, and that Miss Dombey herself has left her father, who, in + my opinion,' said Mr Toots, with great excitement, 'is a Brute, that it + would be a flattery to call a—a marble monument, or a bird of prey,—and + that she is not to be found, and has gone no one knows where?' + </p> + <p> + 'May I ask how you heard this?' inquired Walter. + </p> + <p> + 'Lieutenant Walters,' said Mr Toots, who had arrived at that appellation + by a process peculiar to himself; probably by jumbling up his Christian + name with the seafaring profession, and supposing some relationship + between him and the Captain, which would extend, as a matter of course, to + their titles; 'Lieutenant Walters, I can have no objection to make a + straightforward reply. The fact is, that feeling extremely interested in + everything that relates to Miss Dombey—not for any selfish reason, + Lieutenant Walters, for I am well aware that the most able thing I could + do for all parties would be to put an end to my existence, which can only + be regarded as an inconvenience—I have been in the habit of + bestowing a trifle now and then upon a footman; a most respectable young + man, of the name of Towlinson, who has lived in the family some time; and + Towlinson informed me, yesterday evening, that this was the state of + things. Since which, Captain Gills—and Lieutenant Walters—I + have been perfectly frantic, and have been lying down on the sofa all + night, the Ruin you behold.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Toots,' said Walter, 'I am happy to be able to relieve your mind. Pray + calm yourself. Miss Dombey is safe and well.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir!' cried Mr Toots, starting from his chair and shaking hands with him + anew, 'the relief is so excessive, and unspeakable, that if you were to + tell me now that Miss Dombey was married even, I could smile. Yes, Captain + Gills,' said Mr Toots, appealing to him, 'upon my soul and body, I really + think, whatever I might do to myself immediately afterwards, that I could + smile, I am so relieved.' + </p> + <p> + 'It will be a greater relief and delight still, to such a generous mind as + yours,' said Walter, not at all slow in returning his greeting, 'to find + that you can render service to Miss Dombey. Captain Cuttle, will you have + the kindness to take Mr Toots upstairs?' + </p> + <p> + The Captain beckoned to Mr Toots, who followed him with a bewildered + countenance, and, ascending to the top of the house, was introduced, + without a word of preparation from his conductor, into Florence's new + retreat. + </p> + <p> + Poor Mr Toots's amazement and pleasure at sight of her were such, that + they could find a vent in nothing but extravagance. He ran up to her, + seized her hand, kissed it, dropped it, seized it again, fell upon one + knee, shed tears, chuckled, and was quite regardless of his danger of + being pinned by Diogenes, who, inspired by the belief that there was + something hostile to his mistress in these demonstrations, worked round + and round him, as if only undecided at what particular point to go in for + the assault, but quite resolved to do him a fearful mischief. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh Di, you bad, forgetful dog! Dear Mr Toots, I am so rejoiced to see + you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee,' said Mr Toots, 'I am pretty well, I'm much obliged to you, Miss + Dombey. I hope all the family are the same.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots said this without the least notion of what he was talking about, + and sat down on a chair, staring at Florence with the liveliest contention + of delight and despair going on in his face that any face could exhibit. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills and Lieutenant Walters have mentioned, Miss Dombey,' gasped + Mr Toots, 'that I can do you some service. If I could by any means wash + out the remembrance of that day at Brighton, when I conducted myself—much + more like a Parricide than a person of independent property,' said Mr + Toots, with severe self-accusation, 'I should sink into the silent tomb + with a gleam of joy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pray, Mr Toots,' said Florence, 'do not wish me to forget anything in our + acquaintance. I never can, believe me. You have been far too kind and good + to me always.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' returned Mr Toots, 'your consideration for my feelings is a + part of your angelic character. Thank you a thousand times. It's of no + consequence at all.' + </p> + <p> + 'What we thought of asking you,' said Florence, 'is, whether you remember + where Susan, whom you were so kind as to accompany to the coach-office + when she left me, is to be found.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why I do not certainly, Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, after a little + consideration, 'remember the exact name of the place that was on the + coach; and I do recollect that she said she was not going to stop there, + but was going farther on. But, Miss Dombey, if your object is to find her, + and to have her here, myself and the Chicken will produce her with every + dispatch that devotion on my part, and great intelligence on the + Chicken's, can ensure.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots was so manifestly delighted and revived by the prospect of being + useful, and the disinterested sincerity of his devotion was so + unquestionable, that it would have been cruel to refuse him. Florence, + with an instinctive delicacy, forbore to urge the least obstacle, though + she did not forbear to overpower him with thanks; and Mr Toots proudly + took the commission upon himself for immediate execution. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, touching her proffered hand, with a pang of + hopeless love visibly shooting through him, and flashing out in his face, + 'Good-bye! Allow me to take the liberty of saying, that your misfortunes + make me perfectly wretched, and that you may trust me, next to Captain + Gills himself. I am quite aware, Miss Dombey, of my own deficiencies—they're + not of the least consequence, thank you—but I am entirely to be + relied upon, I do assure you, Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + With that Mr Toots came out of the room, again accompanied by the Captain, + who, standing at a little distance, holding his hat under his arm and + arranging his scattered locks with his hook, had been a not uninterested + witness of what passed. And when the door closed behind them, the light of + Mr Toots's life was darkly clouded again. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said that gentleman, stopping near the bottom of the + stairs, and turning round, 'to tell you the truth, I am not in a frame of + mind at the present moment, in which I could see Lieutenant Walters with + that entirely friendly feeling towards him that I should wish to harbour + in my breast. We cannot always command our feelings, Captain Gills, and I + should take it as a particular favour if you'd let me out at the private + door.' + </p> + <p> + 'Brother,' returned the Captain, 'you shall shape your own course. Wotever + course you take, is plain and seamanlike, I'm wery sure.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'you're extremely kind. Your good opinion + is a consolation to me. There is one thing,' said Mr Toots, standing in + the passage, behind the half-opened door, 'that I hope you'll bear in + mind, Captain Gills, and that I should wish Lieutenant Walters to be made + acquainted with. I have quite come into my property now, you know, and—and + I don't know what to do with it. If I could be at all useful in a + pecuniary point of view, I should glide into the silent tomb with ease and + smoothness.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots said no more, but slipped out quietly and shut the door upon + himself, to cut the Captain off from any reply. + </p> + <p> + Florence thought of this good creature, long after he had left her, with + mingled emotions of pain and pleasure. He was so honest and warm-hearted, + that to see him again and be assured of his truth to her in her distress, + was a joy and comfort beyond all price; but for that very reason, it was + so affecting to think that she caused him a moment's unhappiness, or + ruffled, by a breath, the harmless current of his life, that her eyes + filled with tears, and her bosom overflowed with pity. Captain Cuttle, in + his different way, thought much of Mr Toots too; and so did Walter; and + when the evening came, and they were all sitting together in Florence's + new room, Walter praised him in a most impassioned manner, and told + Florence what he had said on leaving the house, with every graceful + setting-off in the way of comment and appreciation that his own honesty + and sympathy could surround it with. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots did not return upon the next day, or the next, or for several + days; and in the meanwhile Florence, without any new alarm, lived like a + quiet bird in a cage, at the top of the old Instrument-maker's house. But + Florence drooped and hung her head more and more plainly, as the days went + on; and the expression that had been seen in the face of the dead child, + was often turned to the sky from her high window, as if it sought his + angel out, on the bright shore of which he had spoken: lying on his little + bed. + </p> + <p> + Florence had been weak and delicate of late, and the agitation she had + undergone was not without its influences on her health. But it was no + bodily illness that affected her now. She was distressed in mind; and the + cause of her distress was Walter. + </p> + <p> + Interested in her, anxious for her, proud and glad to serve her, and + showing all this with the enthusiasm and ardour of his character, Florence + saw that he avoided her. All the long day through, he seldom approached + her room. If she asked for him, he came, again for the moment as earnest + and as bright as she remembered him when she was a lost child in the + staring streets; but he soon became constrained—her quick affection + was too watchful not to know it—and uneasy, and soon left her. + Unsought, he never came, all day, between the morning and the night. When + the evening closed in, he was always there, and that was her happiest + time, for then she half believed that the old Walter of her childhood was + not changed. But, even then, some trivial word, look, or circumstance + would show her that there was an indefinable division between them which + could not be passed. + </p> + <p> + And she could not but see that these revealings of a great alteration in + Walter manifested themselves in despite of his utmost efforts to hide + them. In his consideration for her, she thought, and in the earnestness of + his desire to spare her any wound from his kind hand, he resorted to + innumerable little artifices and disguises. So much the more did Florence + feel the greatness of the alteration in him; so much the oftener did she + weep at this estrangement of her brother. + </p> + <p> + The good Captain—her untiring, tender, ever zealous friend—saw + it, too, Florence thought, and it pained him. He was less cheerful and + hopeful than he had been at first, and would steal looks at her and + Walter, by turns, when they were all three together of an evening, with + quite a sad face. + </p> + <p> + Florence resolved, at last, to speak to Walter. She believed she knew now + what the cause of his estrangement was, and she thought it would be a + relief to her full heart, and would set him more at ease, if she told him + she had found it out, and quite submitted to it, and did not reproach him. + </p> + <p> + It was on a certain Sunday afternoon, that Florence took this resolution. + The faithful Captain, in an amazing shirt-collar, was sitting by her, + reading with his spectacles on, and she asked him where Walter was. + </p> + <p> + 'I think he's down below, my lady lass,' returned the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'I should like to speak to him,' said Florence, rising hurriedly as if to + go downstairs. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll rouse him up here, Beauty,' said the Captain, 'in a trice.' + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the Captain, with much alacrity, shouldered his book—for + he made it a point of duty to read none but very large books on a Sunday, + as having a more staid appearance: and had bargained, years ago, for a + prodigious volume at a book-stall, five lines of which utterly confounded + him at any time, insomuch that he had not yet ascertained of what subject + it treated—and withdrew. Walter soon appeared. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Cuttle tells me, Miss Dombey,' he eagerly began on coming in—but + stopped when he saw her face. + </p> + <p> + 'You are not so well to-day. You look distressed. You have been weeping.' + </p> + <p> + He spoke so kindly, and with such a fervent tremor in his voice, that the + tears gushed into her eyes at the sound of his words. + </p> + <p> + 'Walter,' said Florence, gently, 'I am not quite well, and I have been + weeping. I want to speak to you.' + </p> + <p> + He sat down opposite to her, looking at her beautiful and innocent face; + and his own turned pale, and his lips trembled. + </p> + <p> + 'You said, upon the night when I knew that you were saved—and oh! + dear Walter, what I felt that night, and what I hoped!—' + </p> + <p> + He put his trembling hand upon the table between them, and sat looking at + her. + </p> + <p> + '—that I was changed. I was surprised to hear you say so, but I + understand, now, that I am. Don't be angry with me, Walter. I was too much + overjoyed to think of it, then.' + </p> + <p> + She seemed a child to him again. It was the ingenuous, confiding, loving + child he saw and heard. Not the dear woman, at whose feet he would have + laid the riches of the earth. + </p> + <p> + 'You remember the last time I saw you, Walter, before you went away?' + </p> + <p> + He put his hand into his breast, and took out a little purse. + </p> + <p> + 'I have always worn it round my neck! If I had gone down in the deep, it + would have been with me at the bottom of the sea.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you will wear it still, Walter, for my old sake?' + </p> + <p> + 'Until I die!' + </p> + <p> + She laid her hand on his, as fearlessly and simply, as if not a day had + intervened since she gave him the little token of remembrance. + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad of that. I shall be always glad to think so, Walter. Do you + recollect that a thought of this change seemed to come into our minds at + the same time that evening, when we were talking together?' + </p> + <p> + 'No!' he answered, in a wondering tone. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Walter. I had been the means of injuring your hopes and prospects + even then. I feared to think so, then, but I know it now. If you were + able, then, in your generosity, to hide from me that you knew it too, you + cannot do so now, although you try as generously as before. You do. I + thank you for it, Walter, deeply, truly; but you cannot succeed. You have + suffered too much in your own hardships, and in those of your dearest + relation, quite to overlook the innocent cause of all the peril and + affliction that has befallen you. You cannot quite forget me in that + character, and we can be brother and sister no longer. But, dear Walter, + do not think that I complain of you in this. I might have known it—ought + to have known it—but forgot it in my joy. All I hope is that you may + think of me less irksomely when this feeling is no more a secret one; and + all I ask is, Walter, in the name of the poor child who was your sister + once, that you will not struggle with yourself, and pain yourself, for my + sake, now that I know all!' + </p> + <p> + Walter had looked upon her while she said this, with a face so full of + wonder and amazement, that it had room for nothing else. Now he caught up + the hand that touched his, so entreatingly, and held it between his own. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Miss Dombey,' he said, 'is it possible that while I have been + suffering so much, in striving with my sense of what is due to you, and + must be rendered to you, I have made you suffer what your words disclose + to me? Never, never, before Heaven, have I thought of you but as the + single, bright, pure, blessed recollection of my boyhood and my youth. + Never have I from the first, and never shall I to the last, regard your + part in my life, but as something sacred, never to be lightly thought of, + never to be esteemed enough, never, until death, to be forgotten. Again to + see you look, and hear you speak, as you did on that night when we parted, + is happiness to me that there are no words to utter; and to be loved and + trusted as your brother, is the next gift I could receive and prize!' + </p> + <p> + 'Walter,' said Florence, looking at him earnestly, but with a changing + face, 'what is that which is due to me, and must be rendered to me, at the + sacrifice of all this?' + </p> + <p> + 'Respect,' said Walter, in a low tone. 'Reverence.' + </p> + <p> + The colour dawned in her face, and she timidly and thoughtfully withdrew + her hand; still looking at him with unabated earnestness. + </p> + <p> + 'I have not a brother's right,' said Walter. 'I have not a brother's + claim. I left a child. I find a woman.' + </p> + <p> + The colour overspread her face. She made a gesture as if of entreaty that + he would say no more, and her face dropped upon her hands. + </p> + <p> + They were both silent for a time; she weeping. + </p> + <p> + 'I owe it to a heart so trusting, pure, and good,' said Walter, 'even to + tear myself from it, though I rend my own. How dare I say it is my + sister's!' + </p> + <p> + She was weeping still. + </p> + <p> + 'If you had been happy; surrounded as you should be by loving and admiring + friends, and by all that makes the station you were born to enviable,' + said Walter; 'and if you had called me brother, then, in your affectionate + remembrance of the past, I could have answered to the name from my distant + place, with no inward assurance that I wronged your spotless truth by + doing so. But here—and now!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh thank you, thank you, Walter! Forgive my having wronged you so much. I + had no one to advise me. I am quite alone.' + </p> + <p> + 'Florence!' said Walter, passionately. 'I am hurried on to say, what I + thought, but a few moments ago, nothing could have forced from my lips. If + I had been prosperous; if I had any means or hope of being one day able to + restore you to a station near your own; I would have told you that there + was one name you might bestow upon—me—a right above all + others, to protect and cherish you—that I was worthy of in nothing + but the love and honour that I bore you, and in my whole heart being + yours. I would have told you that it was the only claim that you could + give me to defend and guard you, which I dare accept and dare assert; but + that if I had that right, I would regard it as a trust so precious and so + priceless, that the undivided truth and fervour of my life would poorly + acknowledge its worth.' + </p> + <p> + The head was still bent down, the tears still falling, and the bosom + swelling with its sobs. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Florence! Dearest Florence! whom I called so in my thoughts before I + could consider how presumptuous and wild it was. One last time let me call + you by your own dear name, and touch this gentle hand in token of your + sisterly forgetfulness of what I have said.' + </p> + <p> + She raised her head, and spoke to him with such a solemn sweetness in her + eyes; with such a calm, bright, placid smile shining on him through her + tears; with such a low, soft tremble in her frame and voice; that the + innermost chords of his heart were touched, and his sight was dim as he + listened. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Walter, I cannot forget it. I would not forget it, for the world. Are + you—are you very poor?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am but a wanderer,' said Walter, 'making voyages to live, across the + sea. That is my calling now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Are you soon going away again, Walter?' + </p> + <p> + 'Very soon.' + </p> + <p> + She sat looking at him for a moment; then timidly put her trembling hand + in his. + </p> + <p> + 'If you will take me for your wife, Walter, I will love you dearly. If you + will let me go with you, Walter, I will go to the world's end without + fear. I can give up nothing for you—I have nothing to resign, and no + one to forsake; but all my love and life shall be devoted to you, and with + my last breath I will breathe your name to God if I have sense and memory + left.' + </p> + <p> + He caught her to his heart, and laid her cheek against his own, and now, + no more repulsed, no more forlorn, she wept indeed, upon the breast of her + dear lover. + </p> + <p> + Blessed Sunday Bells, ringing so tranquilly in their entranced and happy + ears! Blessed Sunday peace and quiet, harmonising with the calmness in + their souls, and making holy air around them! Blessed twilight stealing + on, and shading her so soothingly and gravely, as she falls asleep, like a + hushed child, upon the bosom she has clung to! + </p> + <p> + Oh load of love and trustfulness that lies to lightly there! Ay, look down + on the closed eyes, Walter, with a proudly tender gaze; for in all the + wide wide world they seek but thee now—only thee! + </p> + <p> + The Captain remained in the little parlour until it was quite dark. He + took the chair on which Walter had been sitting, and looked up at the + skylight, until the day, by little and little, faded away, and the stars + peeped down. He lighted a candle, lighted a pipe, smoked it out, and + wondered what on earth was going on upstairs, and why they didn't call him + to tea. + </p> + <p> + Florence came to his side while he was in the height of his wonderment. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay! lady lass!' cried the Captain. 'Why, you and Wal'r have had a long + spell o' talk, my beauty.' + </p> + <p> + Florence put her little hand round one of the great buttons of his coat, + and said, looking down into his face: + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Captain, I want to tell you something, if you please. + </p> + <p> + The Captain raised his head pretty smartly, to hear what it was. Catching + by this means a more distinct view of Florence, he pushed back his chair, + and himself with it, as far as they could go. + </p> + <p> + 'What! Heart's Delight!' cried the Captain, suddenly elated, 'Is it that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes!' said Florence, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + 'Wal'r! Husband! THAT?' roared the Captain, tossing up his glazed hat into + the skylight. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes!' cried Florence, laughing and crying together. + </p> + <p> + The Captain immediately hugged her; and then, picking up the glazed hat + and putting it on, drew her arm through his, and conducted her upstairs + again; where he felt that the great joke of his life was now to be made. + </p> + <p> + 'What, Wal'r my lad!' said the Captain, looking in at the door, with his + face like an amiable warming-pan. 'So there ain't NO other character, + ain't there?' + </p> + <p> + He had like to have suffocated himself with this pleasantry, which he + repeated at least forty times during tea; polishing his radiant face with + the sleeve of his coat, and dabbing his head all over with his + pocket-handkerchief, in the intervals. But he was not without a graver + source of enjoyment to fall back upon, when so disposed, for he was + repeatedly heard to say in an undertone, as he looked with ineffable + delight at Walter and Florence: + </p> + <p> + 'Ed'ard Cuttle, my lad, you never shaped a better course in your life, + than when you made that there little property over, jintly!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 51. Mr Dombey and the World + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hat is the proud man doing, while the days go by? Does he ever think of + his daughter, or wonder where she is gone? Does he suppose she has come + home, and is leading her old life in the weary house? No one can answer + for him. He has never uttered her name, since. His household dread him too + much to approach a subject on which he is resolutely dumb; and the only + person who dares question him, he silences immediately. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul!' murmurs his sister, sidling into the room, on the day of + Florence's departure, 'your wife! that upstart woman! Is it possible that + what I hear confusedly, is true, and that this is her return for your + unparalleled devotion to her; extending, I am sure, even to the sacrifice + of your own relations, to her caprices and haughtiness? My poor brother!' + </p> + <p> + With this speech feelingly reminiscent of her not having been asked to + dinner on the day of the first party, Mrs Chick makes great use of her + pocket-handkerchief, and falls on Mr Dombey's neck. But Mr Dombey frigidly + lifts her off, and hands her to a chair. + </p> + <p> + 'I thank you, Louisa,' he says, 'for this mark of your affection; but + desire that our conversation may refer to any other subject. When I bewail + my fate, Louisa, or express myself as being in want of consolation, you + can offer it, if you will have the goodness.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Paul,' rejoins his sister, with her handkerchief to her face, and + shaking her head, 'I know your great spirit, and will say no more upon a + theme so painful and revolting;' on the heads of which two adjectives, Mrs + Chick visits scathing indignation; 'but pray let me ask you—though I + dread to hear something that will shock and distress me—that + unfortunate child Florence—' + </p> + <p> + 'Louisa!' says her brother, sternly, 'silence! Not another word of this!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick can only shake her head, and use her handkerchief, and moan over + degenerate Dombeys, who are no Dombeys. But whether Florence has been + inculpated in the flight of Edith, or has followed her, or has done too + much, or too little, or anything, or nothing, she has not the least idea. + </p> + <p> + He goes on, without deviation, keeping his thoughts and feelings close + within his own breast, and imparting them to no one. He makes no search + for his daughter. He may think that she is with his sister, or that she is + under his own roof. He may think of her constantly, or he may never think + about her. It is all one for any sign he makes. + </p> + <p> + But this is sure; he does not think that he has lost her. He has no + suspicion of the truth. He has lived too long shut up in his towering + supremacy, seeing her, a patient gentle creature, in the path below it, to + have any fear of that. Shaken as he is by his disgrace, he is not yet + humbled to the level earth. The root is broad and deep, and in the course + of years its fibres have spread out and gathered nourishment from + everything around it. The tree is struck, but not down. + </p> + <p> + Though he hide the world within him from the world without—which he + believes has but one purpose for the time, and that, to watch him eagerly + wherever he goes—he cannot hide those rebel traces of it, which + escape in hollow eyes and cheeks, a haggard forehead, and a moody, + brooding air. Impenetrable as before, he is still an altered man; and, + proud as ever, he is humbled, or those marks would not be there. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0654m.jpg" alt="0654m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0654.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The world. What the world thinks of him, how it looks at him, what it sees + in him, and what it says—this is the haunting demon of his mind. It + is everywhere where he is; and, worse than that, it is everywhere where he + is not. It comes out with him among his servants, and yet he leaves it + whispering behind; he sees it pointing after him in the street; it is + waiting for him in his counting-house; it leers over the shoulders of rich + men among the merchants; it goes beckoning and babbling among the crowd; + it always anticipates him, in every place; and is always busiest, he + knows, when he has gone away. When he is shut up in his room at night, it + is in his house, outside it, audible in footsteps on the pavement, visible + in print upon the table, steaming to and fro on railroads and in ships; + restless and busy everywhere, with nothing else but him. + </p> + <p> + It is not a phantom of his imagination. It is as active in other people's + minds as in his. Witness Cousin Feenix, who comes from Baden-Baden, + purposely to talk to him. Witness Major Bagstock, who accompanies Cousin + Feenix on that friendly mission. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey receives them with his usual dignity, and stands erect, in his + old attitude, before the fire. He feels that the world is looking at him + out of their eyes. That it is in the stare of the pictures. That Mr Pitt, + upon the bookcase, represents it. That there are eyes in its own map, + hanging on the wall. + </p> + <p> + 'An unusually cold spring,' says Mr Dombey—to deceive the world. + </p> + <p> + 'Damme, Sir,' says the Major, in the warmth of friendship, 'Joseph + Bagstock is a bad hand at a counterfeit. If you want to hold your friends + off, Dombey, and to give them the cold shoulder, J. B. is not the man for + your purpose. Joe is rough and tough, Sir; blunt, Sir, blunt, is Joe. His + Royal Highness the late Duke of York did me the honour to say, deservedly + or undeservedly—never mind that—"If there is a man in the + service on whom I can depend for coming to the point, that man is Joe—Joe + Bagstock."' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey intimates his acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Dombey,' says the Major, 'I am a man of the world. Our friend Feenix—if + I may presume to—' + </p> + <p> + 'Honoured, I am sure,' says Cousin Feenix. + </p> + <p> + '—is,' proceeds the Major, with a wag of his head, 'also a man of + the world. Dombey, you are a man of the world. Now, when three men of the + world meet together, and are friends—as I believe—' again + appealing to Cousin Feenix. + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure,' says Cousin Feenix, 'most friendly.' + </p> + <p> + '—and are friends,' resumes the Major, 'Old Joe's opinion is (I may + be wrong), that the opinion of the world on any particular subject, is + very easily got at.' + </p> + <p> + 'Undoubtedly,' says Cousin Feenix. 'In point of fact, it's quite a + self-evident sort of thing. I am extremely anxious, Major, that my friend + Dombey should hear me express my very great astonishment and regret, that + my lovely and accomplished relative, who was possessed of every + qualification to make a man happy, should have so far forgotten what was + due to—in point of fact, to the world—as to commit herself in + such a very extraordinary manner. I have been in a devilish state of + depression ever since; and said indeed to Long Saxby last night—man + of six foot ten, with whom my friend Dombey is probably acquainted—that + it had upset me in a confounded way, and made me bilious. It induces a man + to reflect, this kind of fatal catastrophe,' says Cousin Feenix, 'that + events do occur in quite a providential manner; for if my Aunt had been + living at the time, I think the effect upon a devilish lively woman like + herself, would have been prostration, and that she would have fallen, in + point of fact, a victim.' + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Dombey!—' says the Major, resuming his discourse with great + energy. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon,' interposes Cousin Feenix. 'Allow me another word. My + friend Dombey will permit me to say, that if any circumstance could have + added to the most infernal state of pain in which I find myself on this + occasion, it would be the natural amazement of the world at my lovely and + accomplished relative (as I must still beg leave to call her) being + supposed to have so committed herself with a person—man with white + teeth, in point of fact—of very inferior station to her husband. But + while I must, rather peremptorily, request my friend Dombey not to + criminate my lovely and accomplished relative until her criminality is + perfectly established, I beg to assure my friend Dombey that the family I + represent, and which is now almost extinct (devilish sad reflection for a + man), will interpose no obstacle in his way, and will be happy to assent + to any honourable course of proceeding, with a view to the future, that he + may point out. I trust my friend Dombey will give me credit for the + intentions by which I am animated in this very melancholy affair, and—a—in + point of fact, I am not aware that I need trouble my friend Dombey with + any further observations.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey bows, without raising his eyes, and is silent. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Dombey,' says the Major, 'our friend Feenix having, with an amount + of eloquence that Old Joe B. has never heard surpassed—no, by the + Lord, Sir! never!'—says the Major, very blue, indeed, and grasping + his cane in the middle—'stated the case as regards the lady, I shall + presume upon our friendship, Dombey, to offer a word on another aspect of + it. Sir,' says the Major, with the horse's cough, 'the world in these + things has opinions, which must be satisfied.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know it,' rejoins Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Of course you know it, Dombey,' says the Major, 'Damme, Sir, I know you + know it. A man of your calibre is not likely to be ignorant of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope not,' replies Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey!' says the Major, 'you will guess the rest. I speak out—prematurely, + perhaps—because the Bagstock breed have always spoke out. Little, + Sir, have they ever got by doing it; but it's in the Bagstock blood. A + shot is to be taken at this man. You have J. B. at your elbow. He claims + the name of friend. God bless you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Major,' returns Mr Dombey, 'I am obliged. I shall put myself in your + hands when the time comes. The time not being come, I have forborne to + speak to you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Where is the fellow, Dombey?' inquires the Major, after gasping and + looking at him, for a minute. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know.' + </p> + <p> + 'Any intelligence of him?' asks the Major. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dombey, I am rejoiced to hear it,' says the Major. 'I congratulate you.' + </p> + <p> + 'You will excuse—even you, Major,' replies Mr Dombey, 'my entering + into any further detail at present. The intelligence is of a singular + kind, and singularly obtained. It may turn out to be valueless; it may + turn out to be true; I cannot say at present. My explanation must stop + here.' + </p> + <p> + Although this is but a dry reply to the Major's purple enthusiasm, the + Major receives it graciously, and is delighted to think that the world has + such a fair prospect of soon receiving its due. Cousin Feenix is then + presented with his meed of acknowledgment by the husband of his lovely and + accomplished relative, and Cousin Feenix and Major Bagstock retire, + leaving that husband to the world again, and to ponder at leisure on their + representation of its state of mind concerning his affairs, and on its + just and reasonable expectations. + </p> + <p> + But who sits in the housekeeper's room, shedding tears, and talking to Mrs + Pipchin in a low tone, with uplifted hands? It is a lady with her face + concealed in a very close black bonnet, which appears not to belong to + her. It is Miss Tox, who has borrowed this disguise from her servant, and + comes from Princess's Place, thus secretly, to revive her old acquaintance + with Mrs Pipchin, in order to get certain information of the state of Mr + Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'How does he bear it, my dear creature?' asks Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' says Mrs Pipchin, in her snappish way, 'he's pretty much as + usual.' + </p> + <p> + 'Externally,' suggests Miss Tox 'But what he feels within!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin's hard grey eye looks doubtful as she answers, in three + distinct jerks, 'Ah! Perhaps. I suppose so.' + </p> + <p> + 'To tell you my mind, Lucretia,' says Mrs Pipchin; she still calls Miss + Tox Lucretia, on account of having made her first experiments in the + child-quelling line of business on that lady, when an unfortunate and + weazen little girl of tender years; 'to tell you my mind, Lucretia, I + think it's a good riddance. I don't want any of your brazen faces here, + myself!' + </p> + <p> + 'Brazen indeed! Well may you say brazen, Mrs Pipchin!' returned Miss Tox. + 'To leave him! Such a noble figure of a man!' And here Miss Tox is + overcome. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know about noble, I'm sure,' observes Mrs Pipchin; irascibly + rubbing her nose. 'But I know this—that when people meet with + trials, they must bear 'em. Hoity, toity! I have had enough to bear + myself, in my time! What a fuss there is! She's gone, and well got rid of. + Nobody wants her back, I should think!' + </p> + <p> + This hint of the Peruvian Mines, causes Miss Tox to rise to go away; when + Mrs Pipchin rings the bell for Towlinson to show her out, Mr Towlinson, + not having seen Miss Tox for ages, grins, and hopes she's well; observing + that he didn't know her at first, in that bonnet. + </p> + <p> + 'Pretty well, Towlinson, I thank you,' says Miss Tox. 'I beg you'll have + the goodness, when you happen to see me here, not to mention it. My visits + are merely to Mrs Pipchin.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very good, Miss,' says Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'Shocking circumstances occur, Towlinson,' says Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Very much so indeed, Miss,' rejoins Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, Towlinson,' says Miss Tox, who, in her instruction of the Toodle + family, has acquired an admonitorial tone, and a habit of improving + passing occasions, 'that what has happened here, will be a warning to you, + Towlinson.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Miss, I'm sure,' says Towlinson. + </p> + <p> + He appears to be falling into a consideration of the manner in which this + warning ought to operate in his particular case, when the vinegary Mrs + Pipchin, suddenly stirring him up with a 'What are you doing? Why don't + you show the lady to the door?' he ushers Miss Tox forth. As she passes Mr + Dombey's room, she shrinks into the inmost depths of the black bonnet, and + walks, on tip-toe; and there is not another atom in the world which haunts + him so, that feels such sorrow and solicitude about him, as Miss Tox takes + out under the black bonnet into the street, and tries to carry home + shadowed it from the newly-lighted lamps. + </p> + <p> + But Miss Tox is not a part of Mr Dombey's world. She comes back every + evening at dusk; adding clogs and an umbrella to the bonnet on wet nights; + and bears the grins of Towlinson, and the huffs and rebuffs of Mrs + Pipchin, and all to ask how he does, and how he bears his misfortune: but + she has nothing to do with Mr Dombey's world. Exacting and harassing as + ever, it goes on without her; and she, a by no means bright or particular + star, moves in her little orbit in the corner of another system, and knows + it quite well, and comes, and cries, and goes away, and is satisfied. + Verily Miss Tox is easier of satisfaction than the world that troubles Mr + Dombey so much! + </p> + <p> + At the Counting House, the clerks discuss the great disaster in all its + lights and shades, but chiefly wonder who will get Mr Carker's place. They + are generally of opinion that it will be shorn of some of its emoluments, + and made uncomfortable by newly-devised checks and restrictions; and those + who are beyond all hope of it are quite sure they would rather not have + it, and don't at all envy the person for whom it may prove to be reserved. + Nothing like the prevailing sensation has existed in the Counting House + since Mr Dombey's little son died; but all such excitements there take a + social, not to say a jovial turn, and lead to the cultivation of good + fellowship. A reconciliation is established on this propitious occasion + between the acknowledged wit of the Counting House and an aspiring rival, + with whom he has been at deadly feud for months; and a little dinner being + proposed, in commemoration of their happily restored amity, takes place at + a neighbouring tavern; the wit in the chair; the rival acting as + Vice-President. The orations following the removal of the cloth are opened + by the Chair, who says, Gentlemen, he can't disguise from himself that + this is not a time for private dissensions. Recent occurrences to which he + need not more particularly allude, but which have not been altogether + without notice in some Sunday Papers, and in a daily paper which he need + not name (here every other member of the company names it in an audible + murmur), have caused him to reflect; and he feels that for him and + Robinson to have any personal differences at such a moment, would be for + ever to deny that good feeling in the general cause, for which he has + reason to think and hope that the gentlemen in Dombey's House have always + been distinguished. Robinson replies to this like a man and a brother; and + one gentleman who has been in the office three years, under continual + notice to quit on account of lapses in his arithmetic, appears in a + perfectly new light, suddenly bursting out with a thrilling speech, in + which he says, May their respected chief never again know the desolation + which has fallen on his hearth! and says a great variety of things, + beginning with 'May he never again,' which are received with thunders of + applause. In short, a most delightful evening is passed, only interrupted + by a difference between two juniors, who, quarrelling about the probable + amount of Mr Carker's late receipts per annum, defy each other with + decanters, and are taken out greatly excited. Soda water is in general + request at the office next day, and most of the party deem the bill an + imposition. + </p> + <p> + As to Perch, the messenger, he is in a fair way of being ruined for life. + He finds himself again constantly in bars of public-houses, being treated + and lying dreadfully. It appears that he met everybody concerned in the + late transaction, everywhere, and said to them, 'Sir,' or 'Madam,' as the + case was, 'why do you look so pale?' at which each shuddered from head to + foot, and said, 'Oh, Perch!' and ran away. Either the consciousness of + these enormities, or the reaction consequent on liquor, reduces Mr Perch + to an extreme state of low spirits at that hour of the evening when he + usually seeks consolation in the society of Mrs Perch at Balls Pond; and + Mrs Perch frets a good deal, for she fears his confidence in woman is + shaken now, and that he half expects on coming home at night to find her + gone off with some Viscount—'which,' as she observes to an intimate + female friend, 'is what these wretches in the form of woman have to answer + for, Mrs P. It ain't the harm they do themselves so much as what they + reflect upon us, Ma'am; and I see it in Perch's eye.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey's servants are becoming, at the same time, quite dissipated, and + unfit for other service. They have hot suppers every night, and 'talk it + over' with smoking drinks upon the board. Mr Towlinson is always maudlin + after half-past ten, and frequently begs to know whether he didn't say + that no good would ever come of living in a corner house? They whisper + about Miss Florence, and wonder where she is; but agree that if Mr Dombey + don't know, Mrs Dombey does. This brings them to the latter, of whom Cook + says, She had a stately way though, hadn't she? But she was too high! They + all agree that she was too high, and Mr Towlinson's old flame, the + housemaid (who is very virtuous), entreats that you will never talk to her + any more about people who hold their heads up, as if the ground wasn't + good enough for 'em. + </p> + <p> + Everything that is said and done about it, except by Mr Dombey, is done in + chorus. Mr Dombey and the world are alone together. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 52. Secret Intelligence + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">G</span>ood Mrs Brown and her daughter Alice kept silent company together, in + their own dwelling. It was early in the evening, and late in the spring. + But a few days had elapsed since Mr Dombey had told Major Bagstock of his + singular intelligence, singularly obtained, which might turn out to be + valueless, and might turn out to be true; and the world was not satisfied + yet. + </p> + <p> + The mother and daughter sat for a long time without interchanging a word: + almost without motion. The old woman's face was shrewdly anxious and + expectant; that of her daughter was expectant too, but in a less sharp + degree, and sometimes it darkened, as if with gathering disappointment and + incredulity. The old woman, without heeding these changes in its + expression, though her eyes were often turned towards it, sat mumbling and + munching, and listening confidently. + </p> + <p> + Their abode, though poor and miserable, was not so utterly wretched as in + the days when only Good Mrs Brown inhabited it. Some few attempts at + cleanliness and order were manifest, though made in a reckless, gipsy way, + that might have connected them, at a glance, with the younger woman. The + shades of evening thickened and deepened as the two kept silence, until + the blackened walls were nearly lost in the prevailing gloom. + </p> + <p> + Then Alice broke the silence which had lasted so long, and said: + </p> + <p> + 'You may give him up, mother. He'll not come here.' + </p> + <p> + 'Death give him up!' returned the old woman, impatiently. 'He will come + here.' + </p> + <p> + 'We shall see,' said Alice. + </p> + <p> + 'We shall see him,' returned her mother. + </p> + <p> + 'And doomsday,' said the daughter. + </p> + <p> + 'You think I'm in my second childhood, I know!' croaked the old woman. + 'That's the respect and duty that I get from my own gal, but I'm wiser + than you take me for. He'll come. T'other day when I touched his coat in + the street, he looked round as if I was a toad. But Lord, to see him when + I said their names, and asked him if he'd like to find out where they + was!' + </p> + <p> + 'Was it so angry?' asked her daughter, roused to interest in a moment. + </p> + <p> + 'Angry? ask if it was bloody. That's more like the word. Angry? Ha, ha! To + call that only angry!' said the old woman, hobbling to the cupboard, and + lighting a candle, which displayed the workings of her mouth to ugly + advantage, as she brought it to the table. 'I might as well call your face + only angry, when you think or talk about 'em.' + </p> + <p> + It was something different from that, truly, as she sat as still as a + crouched tigress, with her kindling eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Hark!' said the old woman, triumphantly. 'I hear a step coming. It's not + the tread of anyone that lives about here, or comes this way often. We + don't walk like that. We should grow proud on such neighbours! Do you hear + him?' + </p> + <p> + 'I believe you are right, mother,' replied Alice, in a low voice. 'Peace! + open the door.' + </p> + <p> + As she drew herself within her shawl, and gathered it about her, the old + woman complied; and peering out, and beckoning, gave admission to Mr + Dombey, who stopped when he had set his foot within the door, and looked + distrustfully around. + </p> + <p> + 'It's a poor place for a great gentleman like your worship,' said the old + woman, curtseying and chattering. 'I told you so, but there's no harm in + it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is that?' asked Mr Dombey, looking at her companion. + </p> + <p> + 'That's my handsome daughter,' said the old woman. 'Your worship won't + mind her. She knows all about it.' + </p> + <p> + A shadow fell upon his face not less expressive than if he had groaned + aloud, 'Who does not know all about it!' but he looked at her steadily, + and she, without any acknowledgment of his presence, looked at him. The + shadow on his face was darker when he turned his glance away from her; and + even then it wandered back again, furtively, as if he were haunted by her + bold eyes, and some remembrance they inspired. + </p> + <p> + 'Woman,' said Mr Dombey to the old witch who was chuckling and leering + close at his elbow, and who, when he turned to address her, pointed + stealthily at her daughter, and rubbed her hands, and pointed again, + 'Woman! I believe that I am weak and forgetful of my station in coming + here, but you know why I come, and what you offered when you stopped me in + the street the other day. What is it that you have to tell me concerning + what I want to know; and how does it happen that I can find voluntary + intelligence in a hovel like this,' with a disdainful glance about him, + 'when I have exerted my power and means to obtain it in vain? I do not + think,' he said, after a moment's pause, during which he had observed her, + sternly, 'that you are so audacious as to mean to trifle with me, or + endeavour to impose upon me. But if you have that purpose, you had better + stop on the threshold of your scheme. My humour is not a trifling one, and + my acknowledgment will be severe.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh a proud, hard gentleman!' chuckled the old woman, shaking her head, + and rubbing her shrivelled hands, 'oh hard, hard, hard! But your worship + shall see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears; not with ours—and + if your worship's put upon their track, you won't mind paying something + for it, will you, honourable deary?' + </p> + <p> + 'Money,' returned Mr Dombey, apparently relieved, and assured by this + inquiry, 'will bring about unlikely things, I know. It may turn even means + as unexpected and unpromising as these, to account. Yes. For any reliable + information I receive, I will pay. But I must have the information first, + and judge for myself of its value.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know nothing more powerful than money?' asked the younger woman, + without rising, or altering her attitude. + </p> + <p> + 'Not here, I should imagine,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'You should know of something that is more powerful elsewhere, as I + judge,' she returned. 'Do you know nothing of a woman's anger?' + </p> + <p> + 'You have a saucy tongue, Jade,' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Not usually,' she answered, without any show of emotion: 'I speak to you + now, that you may understand us better, and rely more on us. A woman's + anger is pretty much the same here, as in your fine house. I am angry. I + have been so, many years. I have as good cause for my anger as you have + for yours, and its object is the same man.' + </p> + <p> + He started, in spite of himself, and looked at her with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' she said, with a kind of laugh. 'Wide as the distance may seem + between us, it is so. How it is so, is no matter; that is my story, and I + keep my story to myself. I would bring you and him together, because I + have a rage against him. My mother there, is avaricious and poor; and she + would sell any tidings she could glean, or anything, or anybody, for + money. It is fair enough, perhaps, that you should pay her some, if she + can help you to what you want to know. But that is not my motive. I have + told you what mine is, and it would be as strong and all-sufficient with + me if you haggled and bargained with her for a sixpence. I have done. My + saucy tongue says no more, if you wait here till sunrise tomorrow.' + </p> + <p> + The old woman, who had shown great uneasiness during this speech, which + had a tendency to depreciate her expected gains, pulled Mr Dombey softly + by the sleeve, and whispered to him not to mind her. He glared at them + both, by turns, with a haggard look, and said, in a deeper voice than was + usual with him: + </p> + <p> + 'Go on—what do you know?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, not so fast, your worship! we must wait for someone,' answered the + old woman. 'It's to be got from someone else—wormed out—screwed + and twisted from him.' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean?' said Mr Dombey. + </p> + <p> + 'Patience,' she croaked, laying her hand, like a claw, upon his arm. + 'Patience. I'll get at it. I know I can! If he was to hold it back from + me,' said Good Mrs Brown, crooking her ten fingers, 'I'd tear it out of + him!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey followed her with his eyes as she hobbled to the door, and + looked out again: and then his glance sought her daughter; but she + remained impassive, silent, and regardless of him. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you tell me, woman,' he said, when the bent figure of Mrs Brown came + back, shaking its head and chattering to itself, 'that there is another + person expected here?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes!' said the old woman, looking up into his face, and nodding. + </p> + <p> + 'From whom you are to exact the intelligence that is to be useful to me?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' said the old woman, nodding again. + </p> + <p> + 'A stranger?' + </p> + <p> + 'Chut!' said the old woman, with a shrill laugh. 'What signifies! Well, + well; no. No stranger to your worship. But he won't see you. He'd be + afraid of you, and wouldn't talk. You'll stand behind that door, and judge + him for yourself. We don't ask to be believed on trust What! Your worship + doubts the room behind the door? Oh the suspicion of you rich gentlefolks! + Look at it, then.' + </p> + <p> + Her sharp eye had detected an involuntary expression of this feeling on + his part, which was not unreasonable under the circumstances. In + satisfaction of it she now took the candle to the door she spoke of. Mr + Dombey looked in; assured himself that it was an empty, crazy room; and + signed to her to put the light back in its place. + </p> + <p> + 'How long,' he asked, 'before this person comes?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not long,' she answered. 'Would your worship sit down for a few odd + minutes?' + </p> + <p> + He made no answer; but began pacing the room with an irresolute air, as if + he were undecided whether to remain or depart, and as if he had some + quarrel with himself for being there at all. But soon his tread grew + slower and heavier, and his face more sternly thoughtful; as the object + with which he had come, fixed itself in his mind, and dilated there again. + </p> + <p> + While he thus walked up and down with his eyes on the ground, Mrs Brown, + in the chair from which she had risen to receive him, sat listening anew. + The monotony of his step, or the uncertainty of age, made her so slow of + hearing, that a footfall without had sounded in her daughter's ears for + some moments, and she had looked up hastily to warn her mother of its + approach, before the old woman was roused by it. But then she started from + her seat, and whispering 'Here he is!' hurried her visitor to his place of + observation, and put a bottle and glass upon the table, with such + alacrity, as to be ready to fling her arms round the neck of Rob the + Grinder on his appearance at the door. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0665m.jpg" alt="0665m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0665.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'And here's my bonny boy,' cried Mrs Brown, 'at last!—oho, oho! + You're like my own son, Robby!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Misses Brown!' remonstrated the Grinder. 'Don't! Can't you be fond of + a cove without squeedging and throttling of him? Take care of the birdcage + in my hand, will you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thinks of a birdcage, afore me!' cried the old woman, apostrophizing the + ceiling. 'Me that feels more than a mother for him!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I'm sure I'm very much obliged to you, Misses Brown,' said the + unfortunate youth, greatly aggravated; 'but you're so jealous of a cove. + I'm very fond of you myself, and all that, of course; but I don't smother + you, do I, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + He looked and spoke as if he would have been far from objecting to do so, + however, on a favourable occasion. + </p> + <p> + 'And to talk about birdcages, too!' whimpered the Grinder. 'As If that was + a crime! Why, look'ee here! Do you know who this belongs to?' + </p> + <p> + 'To Master, dear?' said the old woman with a grin. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' replied the Grinder, lifting a large cage tied up in a wrapper, on + the table, and untying it with his teeth and hands. 'It's our parrot, this + is.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Carker's parrot, Rob?' + </p> + <p> + 'Will you hold your tongue, Misses Brown?' returned the goaded Grinder. + 'What do you go naming names for? I'm blest,' said Rob, pulling his hair + with both hands in the exasperation of his feelings, 'if she ain't enough + to make a cove run wild!' + </p> + <p> + 'What! Do you snub me, thankless boy!' cried the old woman, with ready + vehemence. + </p> + <p> + 'Good gracious, Misses Brown, no!' returned the Grinder, with tears in his + eyes. 'Was there ever such a—! Don't I dote upon you, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you, sweet Rob? Do you truly, chickabiddy?' With that, Mrs Brown held + him in her fond embrace once more; and did not release him until he had + made several violent and ineffectual struggles with his legs, and his hair + was standing on end all over his head. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' returned the Grinder, 'what a thing it is to be perfectly pitched + into with affection like this here. I wish she was—How have you + been, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! Not here since this night week!' said the old woman, contemplating + him with a look of reproach. + </p> + <p> + 'Good gracious, Misses Brown,' returned the Grinder, 'I said tonight's a + week, that I'd come tonight, didn't I? And here I am. How you do go on! I + wish you'd be a little rational, Misses Brown. I'm hoarse with saying + things in my defence, and my very face is shiny with being hugged!' He + rubbed it hard with his sleeve, as if to remove the tender polish in + question. + </p> + <p> + 'Drink a little drop to comfort you, my Robin,' said the old woman, + filling the glass from the bottle and giving it to him. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee, Misses Brown,' returned the Grinder. 'Here's your health. And + long may you—et ceterer.' Which, to judge from the expression of his + face, did not include any very choice blessings. 'And here's her health,' + said the Grinder, glancing at Alice, who sat with her eyes fixed, as it + seemed to him, on the wall behind him, but in reality on Mr Dombey's face + at the door, 'and wishing her the same and many of 'em!' + </p> + <p> + He drained the glass to these two sentiments, and set it down. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I say, Misses Brown!' he proceeded. 'To go on a little rational + now. You're a judge of birds, and up to their ways, as I know to my cost.' + </p> + <p> + 'Cost!' repeated Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + 'Satisfaction, I mean,' returned the Grinder. 'How you do take up a cove, + Misses Brown! You've put it all out of my head again.' + </p> + <p> + 'Judge of birds, Robby,' suggested the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said the Grinder. 'Well, I've got to take care of this parrot—certain + things being sold, and a certain establishment broke up—and as I + don't want no notice took at present, I wish you'd attend to her for a + week or so, and give her board and lodging, will you? If I must come + backwards and forwards,' mused the Grinder with a dejected face, 'I may as + well have something to come for.' + </p> + <p> + 'Something to come for?' screamed the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'Besides you, I mean, Misses Brown,' returned the craven Rob. 'Not that I + want any inducement but yourself, Misses Brown, I'm sure. Don't begin + again, for goodness' sake.' + </p> + <p> + 'He don't care for me! He don't care for me, as I care for him!' cried Mrs + Brown, lifting up her skinny hands. 'But I'll take care of his bird.' + </p> + <p> + 'Take good care of it too, you know, Mrs Brown,' said Rob, shaking his + head. 'If you was so much as to stroke its feathers once the wrong way, I + believe it would be found out.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, so sharp as that, Rob?' said Mrs Brown, quickly. + </p> + <p> + 'Sharp, Misses Brown!' repeated Rob. 'But this is not to be talked about.' + </p> + <p> + Checking himself abruptly, and not without a fearful glance across the + room, Rob filled the glass again, and having slowly emptied it, shook his + head, and began to draw his fingers across and across the wires of the + parrot's cage by way of a diversion from the dangerous theme that had just + been broached. + </p> + <p> + The old woman eyed him slily, and hitching her chair nearer his, and + looking in at the parrot, who came down from the gilded dome at her call, + said: + </p> + <p> + 'Out of place now, Robby?' + </p> + <p> + 'Never you mind, Misses Brown,' returned the Grinder, shortly. + </p> + <p> + 'Board wages, perhaps, Rob?' said Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + 'Pretty Polly!' said the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + The old woman darted a glance at him that might have warned him to + consider his ears in danger, but it was his turn to look in at the parrot + now, and however expressive his imagination may have made her angry scowl, + it was unseen by his bodily eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'I wonder Master didn't take you with him, Rob,' said the old woman, in a + wheedling voice, but with increased malignity of aspect. + </p> + <p> + Rob was so absorbed in contemplation of the parrot, and in trolling his + forefinger on the wires, that he made no answer. + </p> + <p> + The old woman had her clutch within a hair's breadth of his shock of hair + as it stooped over the table; but she restrained her fingers, and said, in + a voice that choked with its efforts to be coaxing: + </p> + <p> + 'Robby, my child.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Misses Brown,' returned the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'I say I wonder Master didn't take you with him, dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'Never you mind, Misses Brown,' returned the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Brown instantly directed the clutch of her right hand at his hair, and + the clutch of her left hand at his throat, and held on to the object of + her fond affection with such extraordinary fury, that his face began to + blacken in a moment. + </p> + <p> + 'Misses Brown!' exclaimed the Grinder, 'let go, will you? What are you + doing of? Help, young woman! Misses Brow—Brow—!' + </p> + <p> + The young woman, however, equally unmoved by his direct appeal to her, and + by his inarticulate utterance, remained quite neutral, until, after + struggling with his assailant into a corner, Rob disengaged himself, and + stood there panting and fenced in by his own elbows, while the old woman, + panting too, and stamping with rage and eagerness, appeared to be + collecting her energies for another swoop upon him. At this crisis Alice + interposed her voice, but not in the Grinder's favour, by saying, + </p> + <p> + 'Well done, mother. Tear him to pieces!' + </p> + <p> + 'What, young woman!' blubbered Rob; 'are you against me too? What have I + been and done? What am I to be tore to pieces for, I should like to know? + Why do you take and choke a cove who has never done you any harm, neither + of you? Call yourselves females, too!' said the frightened and afflicted + Grinder, with his coat-cuff at his eye. 'I'm surprised at you! Where's + your feminine tenderness?' + </p> + <p> + 'You thankless dog!' gasped Mrs Brown. 'You impudent insulting dog!' + </p> + <p> + 'What have I been and done to go and give you offence, Misses Brown?' + retorted the fearful Rob. 'You was very much attached to me a minute ago.' + </p> + <p> + 'To cut me off with his short answers and his sulky words,' said the old + woman. 'Me! Because I happen to be curious to have a little bit of gossip + about Master and the lady, to dare to play at fast and loose with me! But + I'll talk to you no more, my lad. Now go!' + </p> + <p> + 'I'm sure, Misses Brown,' returned the abject Grinder, 'I never + insiniwated that I wished to go. Don't talk like that, Misses Brown, if + you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'I won't talk at all,' said Mrs Brown, with an action of her crooked + fingers that made him shrink into half his natural compass in the corner. + 'Not another word with him shall pass my lips. He's an ungrateful hound. I + cast him off. Now let him go! And I'll slip those after him that shall + talk too much; that won't be shook away; that'll hang to him like leeches, + and slink arter him like foxes. What! He knows 'em. He knows his old games + and his old ways. If he's forgotten 'em, they'll soon remind him. Now let + him go, and see how he'll do Master's business, and keep Master's secrets, + with such company always following him up and down. Ha, ha, ha! He'll find + 'em a different sort from you and me, Ally; Close as he is with you and + me. Now let him go, now let him go!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman, to the unspeakable dismay of the Grinder, walked her + twisted figure round and round, in a ring of some four feet in diameter, + constantly repeating these words, and shaking her fist above her head, and + working her mouth about. + </p> + <p> + 'Misses Brown,' pleaded Rob, coming a little out of his corner, 'I'm sure + you wouldn't injure a cove, on second thoughts, and in cold blood, would + you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't talk to me,' said Mrs Brown, still wrathfully pursuing her circle. + 'Now let him go, now let him go!' + </p> + <p> + 'Misses Brown,' urged the tormented Grinder, 'I didn't mean to—Oh, + what a thing it is for a cove to get into such a line as this!—I was + only careful of talking, Misses Brown, because I always am, on account of + his being up to everything; but I might have known it wouldn't have gone + any further. I'm sure I'm quite agreeable,' with a wretched face, 'for any + little bit of gossip, Misses Brown. Don't go on like this, if you please. + Oh, couldn't you have the goodness to put in a word for a miserable cove, + here?' said the Grinder, appealing in desperation to the daughter. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, mother, you hear what he says,' she interposed, in her stern voice, + and with an impatient action of her head; 'try him once more, and if you + fall out with him again, ruin him, if you like, and have done with him.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Brown, moved as it seemed by this very tender exhortation, presently + began to howl; and softening by degrees, took the apologetic Grinder to + her arms, who embraced her with a face of unutterable woe, and like a + victim as he was, resumed his former seat, close by the side of his + venerable friend, whom he suffered, not without much constrained sweetness + of countenance, combating very expressive physiognomical revelations of an + opposite character to draw his arm through hers, and keep it there. + </p> + <p> + 'And how's Master, deary dear?' said Mrs Brown, when, sitting in this + amicable posture, they had pledged each other. + </p> + <p> + 'Hush! If you'd be so good, Misses Brown, as to speak a little lower,' Rob + implored. 'Why, he's pretty well, thank'ee, I suppose.' + </p> + <p> + 'You're not out of place, Robby?' said Mrs Brown, in a wheedling tone. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I'm not exactly out of place, nor in,' faltered Rob. 'I—I'm + still in pay, Misses Brown.' + </p> + <p> + 'And nothing to do, Rob?' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing particular to do just now, Misses Brown, but to—keep my + eyes open,' said the Grinder, rolling them in a forlorn way. + </p> + <p> + 'Master abroad, Rob?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, for goodness' sake, Misses Brown, couldn't you gossip with a cove + about anything else?' cried the Grinder, in a burst of despair. + </p> + <p> + The impetuous Mrs Brown rising directly, the tortured Grinder detained + her, stammering 'Ye-es, Misses Brown, I believe he's abroad. What's she + staring at?' he added, in allusion to the daughter, whose eyes were fixed + upon the face that now again looked out behind. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't mind her, lad,' said the old woman, holding him closer to prevent + his turning round. 'It's her way—her way. Tell me, Rob. Did you ever + see the lady, deary?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Misses Brown, what lady?' cried the Grinder in a tone of piteous + supplication. + </p> + <p> + 'What lady?' she retorted. 'The lady; Mrs Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I believe I see her once,' replied Rob. + </p> + <p> + 'The night she went away, Robby, eh?' said the old woman in his ear, and + taking note of every change in his face. 'Aha! I know it was that night.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, if you know it was that night, you know, Misses Brown,' replied + Rob, 'it's no use putting pinchers into a cove to make him say so. + </p> + <p> + 'Where did they go that night, Rob? Straight away? How did they go? Where + did you see her? Did she laugh? Did she cry? Tell me all about it,' cried + the old hag, holding him closer yet, patting the hand that was drawn + through his arm against her other hand, and searching every line in his + face with her bleared eyes. 'Come! Begin! I want to be told all about it. + What, Rob, boy! You and me can keep a secret together, eh? We've done so + before now. Where did they go first, Rob?' + </p> + <p> + The wretched Grinder made a gasp, and a pause. + </p> + <p> + 'Are you dumb?' said the old woman, angrily. + </p> + <p> + 'Lord, Misses Brown, no! You expect a cove to be a flash of lightning. I + wish I was the electric fluency,' muttered the bewildered Grinder. 'I'd + have a shock at somebody, that would settle their business.' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you say?' asked the old woman, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm wishing my love to you, Misses Brown,' returned the false Rob, + seeking consolation in the glass. 'Where did they go to first was it? Him + and her, do you mean?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said the old woman, eagerly. 'Them two.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, they didn't go nowhere—not together, I mean,' answered Rob. + </p> + <p> + The old woman looked at him, as though she had a strong impulse upon her + to make another clutch at his head and throat, but was restrained by a + certain dogged mystery in his face. + </p> + <p> + 'That was the art of it,' said the reluctant Grinder; 'that's the way + nobody saw 'em go, or has been able to say how they did go. They went + different ways, I tell you Misses Brown.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, ay! To meet at an appointed place,' chuckled the old woman, after + a moment's silent and keen scrutiny of his face. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, if they weren't a going to meet somewhere, I suppose they might as + well have stayed at home, mightn't they, Brown?' returned the unwilling + Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Rob? Well?' said the old woman, drawing his arm yet tighter through + her own, as if, in her eagerness, she were afraid of his slipping away. + </p> + <p> + 'What, haven't we talked enough yet, Misses Brown?' returned the Grinder, + who, between his sense of injury, his sense of liquor, and his sense of + being on the rack, had become so lachrymose, that at almost every answer + he scooped his coats into one or other of his eyes, and uttered an + unavailing whine of remonstrance. 'Did she laugh that night, was it? + Didn't you ask if she laughed, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + 'Or cried?' added the old woman, nodding assent. + </p> + <p> + 'Neither,' said the Grinder. 'She kept as steady when she and me—oh, + I see you will have it out of me, Misses Brown! But take your solemn oath + now, that you'll never tell anybody.' + </p> + <p> + This Mrs Brown very readily did: being naturally Jesuitical; and having no + other intention in the matter than that her concealed visitor should hear + for himself. + </p> + <p> + 'She kept as steady, then, when she and me went down to Southampton,' said + the Grinder, 'as a image. In the morning she was just the same, Misses + Brown. And when she went away in the packet before daylight, by herself—me + pretending to be her servant, and seeing her safe aboard—she was + just the same. Now, are you contented, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Rob. Not yet,' answered Mrs Brown, decisively. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, here's a woman for you!' cried the unfortunate Rob, in an outburst of + feeble lamentation over his own helplessness. 'What did you wish to know + next, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + 'What became of Master? Where did he go?' she inquired, still holding him + tight, and looking close into his face, with her sharp eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my soul, I don't know, Misses Brown,' answered Rob. 'Upon my soul I + don't know what he did, nor where he went, nor anything about him I only + know what he said to me as a caution to hold my tongue, when we parted; + and I tell you this, Misses Brown, as a friend, that sooner than ever + repeat a word of what we're saying now, you had better take and shoot + yourself, or shut yourself up in this house, and set it a-fire, for + there's nothing he wouldn't do, to be revenged upon you. You don't know + him half as well as I do, Misses Brown. You're never safe from him, I tell + you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Haven't I taken an oath,' retorted the old woman, 'and won't I keep it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I'm sure I hope you will, Misses Brown,' returned Rob, somewhat + doubtfully, and not without a latent threatening in his manner. 'For your + own sake, quite as much as mine.' + </p> + <p> + He looked at her as he gave her this friendly caution, and emphasized it + with a nodding of his head; but finding it uncomfortable to encounter the + yellow face with its grotesque action, and the ferret eyes with their keen + old wintry gaze, so close to his own, he looked down uneasily and sat + skulking in his chair, as if he were trying to bring himself to a sullen + declaration that he would answer no more questions. The old woman, still + holding him as before, took this opportunity of raising the forefinger of + her right hand, in the air, as a stealthy signal to the concealed observer + to give particular attention to what was about to follow. + </p> + <p> + 'Rob,' she said, in her most coaxing tone. + </p> + <p> + 'Good gracious, Misses Brown, what's the matter now?' returned the + exasperated Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Rob! where did the lady and Master appoint to meet?' + </p> + <p> + Rob shuffled more and more, and looked up and looked down, and bit his + thumb, and dried it on his waistcoat, and finally said, eyeing his + tormentor askance, 'How should I know, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + The old woman held up her finger again, as before, and replying, 'Come, + lad! It's no use leading me to that, and there leaving me. I want to know' + waited for his answer. Rob, after a discomfited pause, suddenly broke out + with, 'How can I pronounce the names of foreign places, Mrs Brown? What an + unreasonable woman you are!' + </p> + <p> + 'But you have heard it said, Robby,' she retorted firmly, 'and you know + what it sounded like. Come!' + </p> + <p> + 'I never heard it said, Misses Brown,' returned the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' retorted the old woman quickly, 'you have seen it written, and you + can spell it.' + </p> + <p> + Rob, with a petulant exclamation between laughing and crying—for he + was penetrated with some admiration of Mrs Brown's cunning, even through + this persecution—after some reluctant fumbling in his waistcoat + pocket, produced from it a little piece of chalk. The old woman's eyes + sparkled when she saw it between his thumb and finger, and hastily + clearing a space on the deal table, that he might write the word there, + she once more made her signal with a shaking hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Now I tell you beforehand what it is, Misses Brown,' said Rob, 'it's no + use asking me anything else. I won't answer anything else; I can't. How + long it was to be before they met, or whose plan it was that they was to + go away alone, I don't know no more than you do. I don't know any more + about it. If I was to tell you how I found out this word, you'd believe + that. Shall I tell you, Misses Brown?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Rob.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well then, Misses Brown. The way—now you won't ask any more, you + know?' said Rob, turning his eyes, which were now fast getting drowsy and + stupid, upon her. + </p> + <p> + 'Not another word,' said Mrs Brown. + </p> + <p> + 'Well then, the way was this. When a certain person left the lady with me, + he put a piece of paper with a direction written on it in the lady's hand, + saying it was in case she should forget. She wasn't afraid of forgetting, + for she tore it up as soon as his back was turned, and when I put up the + carriage steps, I shook out one of the pieces—she sprinkled the rest + out of the window, I suppose, for there was none there afterwards, though + I looked for 'em. There was only one word on it, and that was this, if you + must and will know. But remember! You're upon your oath, Misses Brown!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Brown knew that, she said. Rob, having nothing more to say, began to + chalk, slowly and laboriously, on the table. + </p> + <p> + '"D,"' the old woman read aloud, when he had formed the letter. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you hold your tongue, Misses Brown?' he exclaimed, covering it with + his hand, and turning impatiently upon her. 'I won't have it read out. Be + quiet, will you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Then write large, Rob,' she returned, repeating her secret signal; 'for + my eyes are not good, even at print.' + </p> + <p> + Muttering to himself, and returning to his work with an ill will, Rob went + on with the word. As he bent his head down, the person for whose + information he so unconsciously laboured, moved from the door behind him + to within a short stride of his shoulder, and looked eagerly towards the + creeping track of his hand upon the table. At the same time, Alice, from + her opposite chair, watched it narrowly as it shaped the letters, and + repeated each one on her lips as he made it, without articulating it + aloud. At the end of every letter her eyes and Mr Dombey's met, as if each + of them sought to be confirmed by the other; and thus they both spelt + D.I.J.O.N. + </p> + <p> + 'There!' said the Grinder, moistening the palm of his hand hastily, to + obliterate the word; and not content with smearing it out, rubbing and + planing all trace of it away with his coat-sleeve, until the very colour + of the chalk was gone from the table. 'Now, I hope you're contented, + Misses Brown!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman, in token of her being so, released his arm and patted his + back; and the Grinder, overcome with mortification, cross-examination, and + liquor, folded his arms on the table, laid his head upon them, and fell + asleep. + </p> + <p> + Not until he had been heavily asleep some time, and was snoring roundly, + did the old woman turn towards the door where Mr Dombey stood concealed, + and beckon him to come through the room, and pass out. Even then, she + hovered over Rob, ready to blind him with her hands, or strike his head + down, if he should raise it while the secret step was crossing to the + door. But though her glance took sharp cognizance of the sleeper, it was + sharp too for the waking man; and when he touched her hand with his, and + in spite of all his caution, made a chinking, golden sound, it was as + bright and greedy as a raven's. + </p> + <p> + The daughter's dark gaze followed him to the door, and noted well how pale + he was, and how his hurried tread indicated that the least delay was an + insupportable restraint upon him, and how he was burning to be active and + away. As he closed the door behind him, she looked round at her mother. + The old woman trotted to her; opened her hand to show what was within; + and, tightly closing it again in her jealousy and avarice, whispered: + </p> + <p> + 'What will he do, Ally?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mischief,' said the daughter. + </p> + <p> + 'Murder?' asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'He's a madman, in his wounded pride, and may do that, for anything we can + say, or he either.' + </p> + <p> + Her glance was brighter than her mother's, and the fire that shone in it + was fiercer; but her face was colourless, even to her lips. + </p> + <p> + They said no more, but sat apart; the mother communing with her money; the + daughter with her thoughts; the glance of each, shining in the gloom of + the feebly lighted room. Rob slept and snored. The disregarded parrot only + was in action. It twisted and pulled at the wires of its cage, with its + crooked beak, and crawled up to the dome, and along its roof like a fly, + and down again head foremost, and shook, and bit, and rattled at every + slender bar, as if it knew its master's danger, and was wild to force a + passage out, and fly away to warn him of it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 53. More Intelligence + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>here were two of the traitor's own blood—his renounced brother and + sister—on whom the weight of his guilt rested almost more heavily, + at this time, than on the man whom he had so deeply injured. Prying and + tormenting as the world was, it did Mr Dombey the service of nerving him + to pursuit and revenge. It roused his passion, stung his pride, twisted + the one idea of his life into a new shape, and made some gratification of + his wrath, the object into which his whole intellectual existence resolved + itself. All the stubbornness and implacability of his nature, all its hard + impenetrable quality, all its gloom and moroseness, all its exaggerated + sense of personal importance, all its jealous disposition to resent the + least flaw in the ample recognition of his importance by others, set this + way like many streams united into one, and bore him on upon their tide. + The most impetuously passionate and violently impulsive of mankind would + have been a milder enemy to encounter than the sullen Mr Dombey wrought to + this. A wild beast would have been easier turned or soothed than the grave + gentleman without a wrinkle in his starched cravat. + </p> + <p> + But the very intensity of his purpose became almost a substitute for + action in it. While he was yet uninformed of the traitor's retreat, it + served to divert his mind from his own calamity, and to entertain it with + another prospect. The brother and sister of his false favourite had no + such relief; everything in their history, past and present, gave his + delinquency a more afflicting meaning to them. + </p> + <p> + The sister may have sometimes sadly thought that if she had remained with + him, the companion and friend she had been once, he might have escaped the + crime into which he had fallen. If she ever thought so, it was still + without regret for what she had done, without the least doubt of her duty, + without any pricing or enhancing of her self-devotion. But when this + possibility presented itself to the erring and repentant brother, as it + sometimes did, it smote upon his heart with such a keen, reproachful touch + as he could hardly bear. No idea of retort upon his cruel brother came + into his mind. New accusation of himself, fresh inward lamentings over his + own unworthiness, and the ruin in which it was at once his consolation and + his self-reproach that he did not stand alone, were the sole kind of + reflections to which the discovery gave rise in him. + </p> + <p> + It was on the very same day whose evening set upon the last chapter, and + when Mr Dombey's world was busiest with the elopement of his wife, that + the window of the room in which the brother and sister sat at their early + breakfast, was darkened by the unexpected shadow of a man coming to the + little porch: which man was Perch the Messenger. + </p> + <p> + 'I've stepped over from Balls Pond at a early hour,' said Mr Perch, + confidentially looking in at the room door, and stopping on the mat to + wipe his shoes all round, which had no mud upon them, 'agreeable to my + instructions last night. They was, to be sure and bring a note to you, Mr + Carker, before you went out in the morning. I should have been here a good + hour and a half ago,' said Mr Perch, meekly, 'but for the state of health + of Mrs P., who I thought I should have lost in the night, I do assure you, + five distinct times.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is your wife so ill?' asked Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you see,' said Mr Perch, first turning round to shut the door + carefully, 'she takes what has happened in our House so much to heart, + Miss. Her nerves is so very delicate, you see, and soon unstrung. Not but + what the strongest nerves had good need to be shook, I'm sure. You feel it + very much yourself, no doubts.' + </p> + <p> + Harriet repressed a sigh, and glanced at her brother. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm sure I feel it myself, in my humble way,' Mr Perch went on to say, + with a shake of his head, 'in a manner I couldn't have believed if I + hadn't been called upon to undergo. It has almost the effect of drink upon + me. I literally feels every morning as if I had been taking more than was + good for me over-night.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch's appearance corroborated this recital of his symptoms. There was + an air of feverish lassitude about it, that seemed referable to drams; + and, which, in fact, might no doubt have been traced to those numerous + discoveries of himself in the bars of public-houses, being treated and + questioned, which he was in the daily habit of making. + </p> + <p> + 'Therefore I can judge,' said Mr Perch, shaking his head and speaking in a + silvery murmur, 'of the feelings of such as is at all peculiarly sitiwated + in this most painful rewelation.' + </p> + <p> + Here Mr Perch waited to be confided in; and receiving no confidence, + coughed behind his hand. This leading to nothing, he coughed behind his + hat; and that leading to nothing, he put his hat on the ground and sought + in his breast pocket for the letter. + </p> + <p> + 'If I rightly recollect, there was no answer,' said Mr Perch, with an + affable smile; 'but perhaps you'll be so good as cast your eye over it, + Sir.' + </p> + <p> + John Carker broke the seal, which was Mr Dombey's, and possessing himself + of the contents, which were very brief, replied, 'No. No answer is + expected.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I shall wish you good morning, Miss,' said Perch, taking a step + toward the door, and hoping, I'm sure, that you'll not permit yourself to + be more reduced in mind than you can help, by the late painful rewelation. + The Papers,' said Mr Perch, taking two steps back again, and + comprehensively addressing both the brother and sister in a whisper of + increased mystery, 'is more eager for news of it than you'd suppose + possible. One of the Sunday ones, in a blue cloak and a white hat, that + had previously offered for to bribe me—need I say with what success?—was + dodging about our court last night as late as twenty minutes after eight + o'clock. I see him myself, with his eye at the counting-house keyhole, + which being patent is impervious. Another one,' said Mr Perch, 'with + military frogs, is in the parlour of the King's Arms all the blessed day. + I happened, last week, to let a little obserwation fall there, and next + morning, which was Sunday, I see it worked up in print, in a most + surprising manner.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch resorted to his breast pocket, as if to produce the paragraph but + receiving no encouragement, pulled out his beaver gloves, picked up his + hat, and took his leave; and before it was high noon, Mr Perch had related + to several select audiences at the King's Arms and elsewhere, how Miss + Carker, bursting into tears, had caught him by both hands, and said, 'Oh! + dear dear Perch, the sight of you is all the comfort I have left!' and how + Mr John Carker had said, in an awful voice, 'Perch, I disown him. Never + let me hear him mentioned as a brother more!' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear John,' said Harriet, when they were left alone, and had remained + silent for some few moments. 'There are bad tidings in that letter.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. But nothing unexpected,' he replied. 'I saw the writer yesterday.' + </p> + <p> + 'The writer?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Dombey. He passed twice through the Counting House while I was there. + I had been able to avoid him before, but of course could not hope to do + that long. I know how natural it was that he should regard my presence as + something offensive; I felt it must be so, myself.' + </p> + <p> + 'He did not say so?' + </p> + <p> + 'No; he said nothing: but I saw that his glance rested on me for a moment, + and I was prepared for what would happen—for what has happened. I am + dismissed!' + </p> + <p> + She looked as little shocked and as hopeful as she could, but it was + distressing news, for many reasons. + </p> + <p> + '"I need not tell you,"' said John Carker, reading the letter, '"why your + name would henceforth have an unnatural sound, in however remote a + connexion with mine, or why the daily sight of anyone who bears it, would + be unendurable to me. I have to notify the cessation of all engagements + between us, from this date, and to request that no renewal of any + communication with me, or my establishment, be ever attempted by you."—Enclosed + is an equivalent in money to a generously long notice, and this is my + discharge. Heaven knows, Harriet, it is a lenient and considerate one, + when we remember all!' + </p> + <p> + 'If it be lenient and considerate to punish you at all, John, for the + misdeed of another,' she replied gently, 'yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'We have been an ill-omened race to him,' said John Carker. 'He has reason + to shrink from the sound of our name, and to think that there is something + cursed and wicked in our blood. I should almost think it too, Harriet, but + for you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Brother, don't speak like this. If you have any special reason, as you + say you have, and think you have—though I say, No!—to love me, + spare me the hearing of such wild mad words!' + </p> + <p> + He covered his face with both his hands; but soon permitted her, coming + near him, to take one in her own. + </p> + <p> + 'After so many years, this parting is a melancholy thing, I know,' said + his sister, 'and the cause of it is dreadful to us both. We have to live, + too, and must look about us for the means. Well, well! We can do so, + undismayed. It is our pride, not our trouble, to strive, John, and to + strive together!' + </p> + <p> + A smile played on her lips, as she kissed his cheek, and entreated him to + be of of good cheer. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, dearest sister! Tied, of your own noble will, to a ruined man! whose + reputation is blighted; who has no friend himself, and has driven every + friend of yours away!' + </p> + <p> + 'John!' she laid her hand hastily upon his lips, 'for my sake! In + remembrance of our long companionship!' He was silent 'Now, let me tell + you, dear,' quietly sitting by his side, 'I have, as you have, expected + this; and when I have been thinking of it, and fearing that it would + happen, and preparing myself for it, as well as I could, I have resolved + to tell you, if it should be so, that I have kept a secret from you, and + that we have a friend.' + </p> + <p> + 'What's our friend's name, Harriet?' he answered with a sorrowful smile. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, I don't know, but he once made a very earnest protestation to me + of his friendship and his wish to serve us: and to this day I believe + him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Harriet!' exclaimed her wondering brother, 'where does this friend live?' + </p> + <p> + 'Neither do I know that,' she returned. 'But he knows us both, and our + history—all our little history, John. That is the reason why, at his + own suggestion, I have kept the secret of his coming, here, from you, lest + his acquaintance with it should distress you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Here! Has he been here, Harriet?' + </p> + <p> + 'Here, in this room. Once.' + </p> + <p> + 'What kind of man?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not young. "Grey-headed," as he said, "and fast growing greyer." But + generous, and frank, and good, I am sure.' + </p> + <p> + 'And only seen once, Harriet?' + </p> + <p> + 'In this room only once,' said his sister, with the slightest and most + transient glow upon her cheek; 'but when here, he entreated me to suffer + him to see me once a week as he passed by, in token of our being well, and + continuing to need nothing at his hands. For I told him, when he proffered + us any service he could render—which was the object of his visit—that + we needed nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'And once a week—' + </p> + <p> + 'Once every week since then, and always on the same day, and at the same + hour, he his gone past; always on foot; always going in the same direction—towards + London; and never pausing longer than to bow to me, and wave his hand + cheerfully, as a kind guardian might. He made that promise when he + proposed these curious interviews, and has kept it so faithfully and + pleasantly, that if I ever felt any trifling uneasiness about them in the + beginning (which I don't think I did, John; his manner was so plain and + true) It very soon vanished, and left me quite glad when the day was + coming. Last Monday—the first since this terrible event—he did + not go by; and I have wondered whether his absence can have been in any + way connected with what has happened.' + </p> + <p> + 'How?' inquired her brother. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know how. I have only speculated on the coincidence; I have not + tried to account for it. I feel sure he will return. When he does, dear + John, let me tell him that I have at last spoken to you, and let me bring + you together. He will certainly help us to a new livelihood. His entreaty + was that he might do something to smooth my life and yours; and I gave him + my promise that if we ever wanted a friend, I would remember him. Then his + name was to be no secret.' + </p> + <p> + 'Harriet,' said her brother, who had listened with close attention, + 'describe this gentleman to me. I surely ought to know one who knows me so + well.' + </p> + <p> + His sister painted, as vividly as she could, the features, stature, and + dress of her visitor; but John Carker, either from having no knowledge of + the original, or from some fault in her description, or from some + abstraction of his thoughts as he walked to and fro, pondering, could not + recognise the portrait she presented to him. + </p> + <p> + However, it was agreed between them that he should see the original when + he next appeared. This concluded, the sister applied herself, with a less + anxious breast, to her domestic occupations; and the grey-haired man, late + Junior of Dombey's, devoted the first day of his unwonted liberty to + working in the garden. + </p> + <p> + It was quite late at night, and the brother was reading aloud while the + sister plied her needle, when they were interrupted by a knocking at the + door. In the atmosphere of vague anxiety and dread that lowered about them + in connexion with their fugitive brother, this sound, unusual there, + became almost alarming. The brother going to the door, the sister sat and + listened timidly. Someone spoke to him, and he replied and seemed + surprised; and after a few words, the two approached together. + </p> + <p> + 'Harriet,' said her brother, lighting in their late visitor, and speaking + in a low voice, 'Mr Morfin—the gentleman so long in Dombey's House + with James.' + </p> + <p> + His sister started back, as if a ghost had entered. In the doorway stood + the unknown friend, with the dark hair sprinkled with grey, the ruddy + face, the broad clear brow, and hazel eyes, whose secret she had kept so + long! + </p> + <p> + 'John!' she said, half-breathless. 'It is the gentleman I told you of, + today!' + </p> + <p> + 'The gentleman, Miss Harriet,' said the visitor, coming in—for he + had stopped a moment in the doorway—'is greatly relieved to hear you + say that: he has been devising ways and means, all the way here, of + explaining himself, and has been satisfied with none. Mr John, I am not + quite a stranger here. You were stricken with astonishment when you saw me + at your door just now. I observe you are more astonished at present. Well! + That's reasonable enough under existing circumstances. If we were not such + creatures of habit as we are, we shouldn't have reason to be astonished + half so often.' + </p> + <p> + By this time, he had greeted Harriet with that able mingling of cordiality + and respect which she recollected so well, and had sat down near her, + pulled off his gloves, and thrown them into his hat upon the table. + </p> + <p> + 'There's nothing astonishing,' he said, 'in my having conceived a desire + to see your sister, Mr John, or in my having gratified it in my own way. + As to the regularity of my visits since (which she may have mentioned to + you), there is nothing extraordinary in that. They soon grew into a habit; + and we are creatures of habit—creatures of habit!' + </p> + <p> + Putting his hands into his pockets, and leaning back in his chair, he + looked at the brother and sister as if it were interesting to him to see + them together; and went on to say, with a kind of irritable + thoughtfulness: 'It's this same habit that confirms some of us, who are + capable of better things, in Lucifer's own pride and stubbornness—that + confirms and deepens others of us in villainy—more of us in + indifference —that hardens us from day to day, according to the + temper of our clay, like images, and leaves us as susceptible as images to + new impressions and convictions. You shall judge of its influence on me, + John. For more years than I need name, I had my small, and exactly defined + share, in the management of Dombey's House, and saw your brother (who has + proved himself a scoundrel! Your sister will forgive my being obliged to + mention it) extending and extending his influence, until the business and + its owner were his football; and saw you toiling at your obscure desk + every day; and was quite content to be as little troubled as I might be, + out of my own strip of duty, and to let everything about me go on, day by + day, unquestioned, like a great machine—that was its habit and mine—and + to take it all for granted, and consider it all right. My Wednesday nights + came regularly round, our quartette parties came regularly off, my + violoncello was in good tune, and there was nothing wrong in my world—or + if anything not much—or little or much, it was no affair of mine.' + </p> + <p> + 'I can answer for your being more respected and beloved during all that + time than anybody in the House, Sir,' said John Carker. + </p> + <p> + 'Pooh! Good-natured and easy enough, I daresay,' returned the other, 'a + habit I had. It suited the Manager; it suited the man he managed: it + suited me best of all. I did what was allotted to me to do, made no court + to either of them, and was glad to occupy a station in which none was + required. So I should have gone on till now, but that my room had a thin + wall. You can tell your sister that it was divided from the Manager's room + by a wainscot partition.' + </p> + <p> + 'They were adjoining rooms; had been one, Perhaps, originally; and were + separated, as Mr Morfin says,' said her brother, looking back to him for + the resumption of his explanation. + </p> + <p> + 'I have whistled, hummed tunes, gone accurately through the whole of + Beethoven's Sonata in B, to let him know that I was within hearing,' said + Mr Morfin; 'but he never heeded me. It happened seldom enough that I was + within hearing of anything of a private nature, certainly. But when I was, + and couldn't otherwise avoid knowing something of it, I walked out. I + walked out once, John, during a conversation between two brothers, to + which, in the beginning, young Walter Gay was a party. But I overheard + some of it before I left the room. You remember it sufficiently, perhaps, + to tell your sister what its nature was?' + </p> + <p> + 'It referred, Harriet,' said her brother in a low voice, 'to the past, and + to our relative positions in the House.' + </p> + <p> + 'Its matter was not new to me, but was presented in a new aspect. It shook + me in my habit—the habit of nine-tenths of the world—of + believing that all was right about me, because I was used to it,' said + their visitor; 'and induced me to recall the history of the two brothers, + and to ponder on it. I think it was almost the first time in my life when + I fell into this train of reflection—how will many things that are + familiar, and quite matters of course to us now, look, when we come to see + them from that new and distant point of view which we must all take up, + one day or other? I was something less good-natured, as the phrase goes, + after that morning, less easy and complacent altogether.' + </p> + <p> + He sat for a minute or so, drumming with one hand on the table; and + resumed in a hurry, as if he were anxious to get rid of his confession. + </p> + <p> + 'Before I knew what to do, or whether I could do anything, there was a + second conversation between the same two brothers, in which their sister + was mentioned. I had no scruples of conscience in suffering all the waifs + and strays of that conversation to float to me as freely as they would. I + considered them mine by right. After that, I came here to see the sister + for myself. The first time I stopped at the garden gate, I made a pretext + of inquiring into the character of a poor neighbour; but I wandered out of + that tract, and I think Miss Harriet mistrusted me. The second time I + asked leave to come in; came in; and said what I wished to say. Your + sister showed me reasons which I dared not dispute, for receiving no + assistance from me then; but I established a means of communication + between us, which remained unbroken until within these few days, when I + was prevented, by important matters that have lately devolved upon me, + from maintaining them.' + </p> + <p> + 'How little I have suspected this,' said John Carker, 'when I have seen + you every day, Sir! If Harriet could have guessed your name—' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, to tell you the truth, John,' interposed the visitor, 'I kept it to + myself for two reasons. I don't know that the first might have been + binding alone; but one has no business to take credit for good intentions, + and I made up my mind, at all events, not to disclose myself until I + should be able to do you some real service or other. My second reason was, + that I always hoped there might be some lingering possibility of your + brother's relenting towards you both; and in that case, I felt that where + there was the chance of a man of his suspicious, watchful character, + discovering that you had been secretly befriended by me, there was the + chance of a new and fatal cause of division. I resolved, to be sure, at + the risk of turning his displeasure against myself—which would have + been no matter—to watch my opportunity of serving you with the head + of the House; but the distractions of death, courtship, marriage, and + domestic unhappiness, have left us no head but your brother for this long, + long time. And it would have been better for us,' said the visitor, + dropping his voice, 'to have been a lifeless trunk.' + </p> + <p> + He seemed conscious that these latter words had escaped hIm against his + will, and stretching out a hand to the brother, and a hand to the sister, + continued: + </p> + <p> + 'All I could desire to say, and more, I have now said. All I mean goes + beyond words, as I hope you understand and believe. The time has come, + John—though most unfortunately and unhappily come—when I may + help you without interfering with that redeeming struggle, which has + lasted through so many years; since you were discharged from it today by + no act of your own. It is late; I need say no more to-night. You will + guard the treasure you have here, without advice or reminder from me.' + </p> + <p> + With these words he rose to go. + </p> + <p> + 'But go you first, John,' he said goodhumouredly, 'with a light, without + saying what you want to say, whatever that maybe;' John Carker's heart was + full, and he would have relieved it in speech, if he could; 'and let me + have a word with your sister. We have talked alone before, and in this + room too; though it looks more natural with you here.' + </p> + <p> + Following him out with his eyes, he turned kindly to Harriet, and said in + a lower voice, and with an altered and graver manner: + </p> + <p> + 'You wish to ask me something of the man whose sister it is your + misfortune to be.' + </p> + <p> + 'I dread to ask,' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'You have looked so earnestly at me more than once,' rejoined the visitor, + 'that I think I can divine your question. Has he taken money? Is it that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'He has not.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thank Heaven!' said Harriet. 'For the sake of John.' + </p> + <p> + 'That he has abused his trust in many ways,' said Mr Morfin; 'that he has + oftener dealt and speculated to advantage for himself, than for the House + he represented; that he has led the House on, to prodigious ventures, + often resulting in enormous losses; that he has always pampered the vanity + and ambition of his employer, when it was his duty to have held them in + check, and shown, as it was in his power to do, to what they tended here + or there; will not, perhaps, surprise you now. Undertakings have been + entered on, to swell the reputation of the House for vast resources, and + to exhibit it in magnificent contrast to other merchants' Houses, of which + it requires a steady head to contemplate the possibly—a few + disastrous changes of affairs might render them the probably—ruinous + consequences. In the midst of the many transactions of the House, in most + parts of the world: a great labyrinth of which only he has held the clue: + he has had the opportunity, and he seems to have used it, of keeping the + various results afloat, when ascertained, and substituting estimates and + generalities for facts. But latterly—you follow me, Miss Harriet?' + </p> + <p> + 'Perfectly, perfectly,' she answered, with her frightened face fixed on + his. 'Pray tell me all the worst at once.' + </p> + <p> + 'Latterly, he appears to have devoted the greatest pains to making these + results so plain and clear, that reference to the private books enables + one to grasp them, numerous and varying as they are, with extraordinary + ease. As if he had resolved to show his employer at one broad view what + has been brought upon him by ministration to his ruling passion! That it + has been his constant practice to minister to that passion basely, and to + flatter it corruptly, is indubitable. In that, his criminality, as it is + connected with the affairs of the House, chiefly consists.' + </p> + <p> + 'One other word before you leave me, dear Sir,' said Harriet. 'There is no + danger in all this?' + </p> + <p> + 'How danger?' he returned, with a little hesitation. + </p> + <p> + 'To the credit of the House?' + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot help answering you plainly, and trusting you completely,' said + Mr Morfin, after a moment's survey of her face. + </p> + <p> + 'You may. Indeed you may!' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure I may. Danger to the House's credit? No; none There may be + difficulty, greater or less difficulty, but no danger, unless—unless, + indeed—the head of the House, unable to bring his mind to the + reduction of its enterprises, and positively refusing to believe that it + is, or can be, in any position but the position in which he has always + represented it to himself, should urge it beyond its strength. Then it + would totter.' + </p> + <p> + 'But there is no apprehension of that?' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'There shall be no half-confidence,' he replied, shaking her hand, + 'between us. Mr Dombey is unapproachable by anyone, and his state of mind + is haughty, rash, unreasonable, and ungovernable, now. But he is disturbed + and agitated now beyond all common bounds, and it may pass. You now know + all, both worst and best. No more to-night, and good-night!' + </p> + <p> + With that he kissed her hand, and, passing out to the door where her + brother stood awaiting his coming, put him cheerfully aside when he + essayed to speak; told him that, as they would see each other soon and + often, he might speak at another time, if he would, but there was no + leisure for it then; and went away at a round pace, in order that no word + of gratitude might follow him. + </p> + <p> + The brother and sister sat conversing by the fireside, until it was almost + day; made sleepless by this glimpse of the new world that opened before + them, and feeling like two people shipwrecked long ago, upon a solitary + coast, to whom a ship had come at last, when they were old in resignation, + and had lost all thought of any other home. But another and different kind + of disquietude kept them waking too. The darkness out of which this light + had broken on them gathered around; and the shadow of their guilty brother + was in the house where his foot had never trod. + </p> + <p> + Nor was it to be driven out, nor did it fade before the sun. Next morning + it was there; at noon; at night Darkest and most distinct at night, as is + now to be told. + </p> + <p> + John Carker had gone out, in pursuance of a letter of appointment from + their friend, and Harriet was left in the house alone. She had been alone + some hours. A dull, grave evening, and a deepening twilight, were not + favourable to the removal of the oppression on her spirits. The idea of + this brother, long unseen and unknown, flitted about her in frightful + shapes. He was dead, dying, calling to her, staring at her, frowning on + her. The pictures in her mind were so obtrusive and exact that, as the + twilight deepened, she dreaded to raise her head and look at the dark + corners of the room, lest his wraith, the offspring of her excited + imagination, should be waiting there, to startle her. Once she had such a + fancy of his being in the next room, hiding—though she knew quite + well what a distempered fancy it was, and had no belief in it—that + she forced herself to go there, for her own conviction. But in vain. The + room resumed its shadowy terrors, the moment she left it; and she had no + more power to divest herself of these vague impressions of dread, than if + they had been stone giants, rooted in the solid earth. + </p> + <p> + It was almost dark, and she was sitting near the window, with her head + upon her hand, looking down, when, sensible of a sudden increase in the + gloom of the apartment, she raised her eyes, and uttered an involuntary + cry. Close to the glass, a pale scared face gazed in; vacantly, for an + instant, as searching for an object; then the eyes rested on herself, and + lighted up. + </p> + <p> + 'Let me in! Let me in! I want to speak to you!' and the hand rattled on + the glass. + </p> + <p> + She recognised immediately the woman with the long dark hair, to whom she + had given warmth, food, and shelter, one wet night. Naturally afraid of + her, remembering her violent behaviour, Harriet, retreating a little from + the window, stood undecided and alarmed. + </p> + <p> + 'Let me in! Let me speak to you! I am thankful—quiet—humble—anything + you like. But let me speak to you.' + </p> + <p> + The vehement manner of the entreaty, the earnest expression of the face, + the trembling of the two hands that were raised imploringly, a certain + dread and terror in the voice akin to her own condition at the moment, + prevailed with Harriet. She hastened to the door and opened it. + </p> + <p> + 'May I come in, or shall I speak here?' said the woman, catching at her + hand. + </p> + <p> + 'What is it that you want? What is it that you have to say?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not much, but let me say it out, or I shall never say it. I am tempted + now to go away. There seem to be hands dragging me from the door. Let me + come in, if you can trust me for this once!' + </p> + <p> + Her energy again prevailed, and they passed into the firelight of the + little kitchen, where she had before sat, and ate, and dried her clothes. + </p> + <p> + 'Sit there,' said Alice, kneeling down beside her, 'and look at me. You + remember me?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do.' + </p> + <p> + 'You remember what I told you I had been, and where I came from, ragged + and lame, with the fierce wind and weather beating on my head?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'You know how I came back that night, and threw your money in the dirt, + and you and your race. Now, see me here, upon my knees. Am I less earnest + now, than I was then?' + </p> + <p> + 'If what you ask,' said Harriet, gently, 'is forgiveness—' + </p> + <p> + 'But it's not!' returned the other, with a proud, fierce look 'What I ask + is to be believed. Now you shall judge if I am worthy of belief, both as I + was, and as I am.' + </p> + <p> + Still upon her knees, and with her eyes upon the fire, and the fire + shining on her ruined beauty and her wild black hair, one long tress of + which she pulled over her shoulder, and wound about her hand, and + thoughtfully bit and tore while speaking, she went on: + </p> + <p> + 'When I was young and pretty, and this,' plucking contemptuously at the + hair she held, 'was only handled delicately, and couldn't be admired + enough, my mother, who had not been very mindful of me as a child, found + out my merits, and was fond of me, and proud of me. She was covetous and + poor, and thought to make a sort of property of me. No great lady ever + thought that of a daughter yet, I'm sure, or acted as if she did—it's + never done, we all know—and that shows that the only instances of + mothers bringing up their daughters wrong, and evil coming of it, are + among such miserable folks as us.' + </p> + <p> + Looking at the fire, as if she were forgetful, for the moment, of having + any auditor, she continued in a dreamy way, as she wound the long tress of + hair tight round and round her hand. + </p> + <p> + 'What came of that, I needn't say. Wretched marriages don't come of such + things, in our degree; only wretchedness and ruin. Wretchedness and ruin + came on me—came on me.' + </p> + <p> + Raising her eyes swiftly from their moody gaze upon the fire, to Harriet's + face, she said: + </p> + <p> + 'I am wasting time, and there is none to spare; yet if I hadn't thought of + all, I shouldn't be here now. Wretchedness and ruin came on me, I say. I + was made a short-lived toy, and flung aside more cruelly and carelessly + than even such things are. By whose hand do you think?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you ask me?' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you tremble?' rejoined Alice, with an eager look. 'His usage made + a Devil of me. I sunk in wretchedness and ruin, lower and lower yet. I was + concerned in a robbery—in every part of it but the gains—and + was found out, and sent to be tried, without a friend, without a penny. + Though I was but a girl, I would have gone to Death, sooner than ask him + for a word, if a word of his could have saved me. I would! To any death + that could have been invented. But my mother, covetous always, sent to him + in my name, told the true story of my case, and humbly prayed and + petitioned for a small last gift—for not so many pounds as I have + fingers on this hand. Who was it, do you think, who snapped his fingers at + me in my misery, lying, as he believed, at his feet, and left me without + even this poor sign of remembrance; well satisfied that I should be sent + abroad, beyond the reach of farther trouble to him, and should die, and + rot there? Who was this, do you think?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you ask me?' repeated Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you tremble?' said Alice, laying her hand upon her arm, and + looking in her face, 'but that the answer is on your lips! It was your + brother James.' + </p> + <p> + Harriet trembled more and more, but did not avert her eyes from the eager + look that rested on them. + </p> + <p> + 'When I knew you were his sister—which was on that night—I + came back, weary and lame, to spurn your gift. I felt that night as if I + could have travelled, weary and lame, over the whole world, to stab him, + if I could have found him in a lonely place with no one near. Do you + believe that I was earnest in all that?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do! Good Heaven, why are you come again?' + </p> + <p> + 'Since then,' said Alice, with the same grasp of her arm, and the same + look in her face, 'I have seen him! I have followed him with my eyes, In + the broad day. If any spark of my resentment slumbered in my bosom, it + sprung into a blaze when my eyes rested on him. You know he has wronged a + proud man, and made him his deadly enemy. What if I had given information + of him to that man?' + </p> + <p> + 'Information!' repeated Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'What if I had found out one who knew your brother's secret; who knew the + manner of his flight, who knew where he and the companion of his flight + were gone? What if I had made him utter all his knowledge, word by word, + before his enemy, concealed to hear it? What if I had sat by at the time, + looking into this enemy's face, and seeing it change till it was scarcely + human? What if I had seen him rush away, mad, in pursuit? What if I knew, + now, that he was on his road, more fiend than man, and must, in so many + hours, come up with him?' + </p> + <p> + 'Remove your hand!' said Harriet, recoiling. 'Go away! Your touch is + dreadful to me!' + </p> + <p> + 'I have done this,' pursued the other, with her eager look, regardless of + the interruption. 'Do I speak and look as if I really had? Do you believe + what I am saying?' + </p> + <p> + 'I fear I must. Let my arm go!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not yet. A moment more. You can think what my revengeful purpose must + have been, to last so long, and urge me to do this?' + </p> + <p> + 'Dreadful!' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Then when you see me now,' said Alice hoarsely, 'here again, kneeling + quietly on the ground, with my touch upon your arm, with my eyes upon your + face, you may believe that there is no common earnestness in what I say, + and that no common struggle has been battling in my breast. I am ashamed + to speak the words, but I relent. I despise myself; I have fought with + myself all day, and all last night; but I relent towards him without + reason, and wish to repair what I have done, if it is possible. I wouldn't + have them come together while his pursuer is so blind and headlong. If you + had seen him as he went out last night, you would know the danger better.' + </p> + <p> + 'How can it be prevented? What can I do?' cried Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'All night long,' pursued the other, hurriedly, 'I had dreams of him—and + yet I didn't sleep—in his blood. All day, I have had him near me.' + </p> + <p> + 'What can I do?' cried Harriet, shuddering at these words. + </p> + <p> + 'If there is anyone who'll write, or send, or go to him, let them lose no + time. He is at Dijon. Do you know the name, and where it is?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Warn him that the man he has made his enemy is in a frenzy, and that he + doesn't know him if he makes light of his approach. Tell him that he is on + the road—I know he is!—and hurrying on. Urge him to get away + while there is time—if there is time—and not to meet him yet. + A month or so will make years of difference. Let them not encounter, + through me. Anywhere but there! Any time but now! Let his foe follow him, + and find him for himself, but not through me! There is enough upon my head + without.' + </p> + <p> + The fire ceased to be reflected in her jet black hair, uplifted face, and + eager eyes; her hand was gone from Harriet's arm; and the place where she + had been was empty. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 54. The Fugitives + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>ea-time, an hour short of midnight; the place, a French apartment, + comprising some half-dozen rooms;—a dull cold hall or corridor, a + dining-room, a drawing-room, a bed-room, and an inner drawingroom, or + boudoir, smaller and more retired than the rest. All these shut in by one + large pair of doors on the main staircase, but each room provided with two + or three pairs of doors of its own, establishing several means of + communication with the remaining portion of the apartment, or with certain + small passages within the wall, leading, as is not unusual in such houses, + to some back stairs with an obscure outlet below. The whole situated on + the first floor of so large an Hotel, that it did not absorb one entire + row of windows upon one side of the square court-yard in the centre, upon + which the whole four sides of the mansion looked. + </p> + <p> + An air of splendour, sufficiently faded to be melancholy, and sufficiently + dazzling to clog and embarrass the details of life with a show of state, + reigned in these rooms The walls and ceilings were gilded and painted; the + floors were waxed and polished; crimson drapery hung in festoons from + window, door, and mirror; and candelabra, gnarled and intertwisted like + the branches of trees, or horns of animals, stuck out from the panels of + the wall. But in the day-time, when the lattice-blinds (now closely shut) + were opened, and the light let in, traces were discernible among this + finery, of wear and tear and dust, of sun and damp and smoke, and + lengthened intervals of want of use and habitation, when such shows and + toys of life seem sensitive like life, and waste as men shut up in prison + do. Even night, and clusters of burning candles, could not wholly efface + them, though the general glitter threw them in the shade. + </p> + <p> + The glitter of bright tapers, and their reflection in looking-glasses, + scraps of gilding and gay colours, were confined, on this night, to one + room—that smaller room within the rest, just now enumerated. Seen + from the hall, where a lamp was feebly burning, through the dark + perspective of open doors, it looked as shining and precious as a gem. In + the heart of its radiance sat a beautiful woman—Edith. + </p> + <p> + She was alone. The same defiant, scornful woman still. The cheek a little + worn, the eye a little larger in appearance, and more lustrous, but the + haughty bearing just the same. No shame upon her brow; no late repentance + bending her disdainful neck. Imperious and stately yet, and yet regardless + of herself and of all else, she sat with her dark eyes cast down, waiting + for someone. + </p> + <p> + No book, no work, no occupation of any kind but her own thought, beguiled + the tardy time. Some purpose, strong enough to fill up any pause, + possessed her. With her lips pressed together, and quivering if for a + moment she released them from her control; with her nostril inflated; her + hands clasped in one another; and her purpose swelling in her breast; she + sat, and waited. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of a key in the outer door, and a footstep in the hall, she + started up, and cried 'Who's that?' The answer was in French, and two men + came in with jingling trays, to make preparation for supper. + </p> + <p> + 'Who had bade them to do so?' she asked. + </p> + <p> + 'Monsieur had commanded it, when it was his pleasure to take the + apartment. Monsieur had said, when he stayed there for an hour, en route, + and left the letter for Madame—Madame had received it surely?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'A thousand pardons! The sudden apprehension that it might have been + forgotten had struck hIm;' a bald man, with a large beard from a + neighbouring restaurant; 'with despair! Monsieur had said that supper was + to be ready at that hour: also that he had forewarned Madame of the + commands he had given, in his letter. Monsieur had done the Golden Head + the honour to request that the supper should be choice and delicate. + Monsieur would find that his confidence in the Golden Head was not + misplaced.' + </p> + <p> + Edith said no more, but looked on thoughtfully while they prepared the + table for two persons, and set the wine upon it. She arose before they had + finished, and taking a lamp, passed into the bed-chamber and into the + drawing-room, where she hurriedly but narrowly examined all the doors; + particularly one in the former room that opened on the passage in the + wall. From this she took the key, and put it on the outer side. She then + came back. + </p> + <p> + The men—the second of whom was a dark, bilious subject, in a jacket, + close shaved, and with a black head of hair close cropped—had + completed their preparation of the table, and were standing looking at it. + He who had spoken before, inquired whether Madame thought it would be long + before Monsieur arrived? + </p> + <p> + 'She couldn't say. It was all one.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon! There was the supper! It should be eaten on the instant. Monsieur + (who spoke French like an Angel—or a Frenchman—it was all the + same) had spoken with great emphasis of his punctuality. But the English + nation had so grand a genius for punctuality. Ah! what noise! Great + Heaven, here was Monsieur. Behold him!' + </p> + <p> + In effect, Monsieur, admitted by the other of the two, came, with his + gleaming teeth, through the dark rooms, like a mouth; and arriving in that + sanctuary of light and colour, a figure at full length, embraced Madame, + and addressed her in the French tongue as his charming wife. + </p> + <p> + 'My God! Madame is going to faint. Madame is overcome with joy!' The bald + man with the beard observed it, and cried out. + </p> + <p> + Madame had only shrunk and shivered. Before the words were spoken, she was + standing with her hand upon the velvet back of a great chair; her figure + drawn up to its full height, and her face immoveable. + </p> + <p> + 'Francois has flown over to the Golden Head for supper. He flies on these + occasions like an angel or a bird. The baggage of Monsieur is in his room. + All is arranged. The supper will be here this moment.' These facts the + bald man notified with bows and smiles, and presently the supper came. + </p> + <p> + The hot dishes were on a chafing-dish; the cold already set forth, with + the change of service on a sideboard. Monsieur was satisfied with this + arrangement. The supper table being small, it pleased him very well. Let + them set the chafing-dish upon the floor, and go. He would remove the + dishes with his own hands. + </p> + <p> + 'Pardon!' said the bald man, politely. 'It was impossible!' + </p> + <p> + Monsieur was of another opinion. He required no further attendance that + night. + </p> + <p> + 'But Madame—' the bald man hinted. + </p> + <p> + 'Madame,' replied Monsieur, 'had her own maid. It was enough.' + </p> + <p> + 'A million pardons! No! Madame had no maid!' + </p> + <p> + 'I came here alone,' said Edith 'It was my choice to do so. I am well used + to travelling; I want no attendance. They need send nobody to me. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur accordingly, persevering in his first proposed impossibility, + proceeded to follow the two attendants to the outer door, and secure it + after them for the night. The bald man turning round to bow, as he went + out, observed that Madame still stood with her hand upon the velvet back + of the great chair, and that her face was quite regardless of him, though + she was looking straight before her. + </p> + <p> + As the sound of Carker's fastening the door resounded through the + intermediate rooms, and seemed to come hushed and stilled into that last + distant one, the sound of the Cathedral clock striking twelve mingled with + it, in Edith's ears She heard him pause, as if he heard it too and + listened; and then came back towards her, laying a long train of footsteps + through the silence, and shutting all the doors behind him as he came + along. Her hand, for a moment, left the velvet chair to bring a knife + within her reach upon the table; then she stood as she had stood before. + </p> + <p> + 'How strange to come here by yourself, my love!' he said as he entered. + </p> + <p> + 'What?' she returned. + </p> + <p> + Her tone was so harsh; the quick turn of her head so fierce; her attitude + so repellent; and her frown so black; that he stood, with the lamp in his + hand, looking at her, as if she had struck him motionless. + </p> + <p> + 'I say,' he at length repeated, putting down the lamp, and smiling his + most courtly smile, 'how strange to come here alone! It was unnecessarty + caution surely, and might have defeated itself. You were to have engaged + an attendant at Havre or Rouen, and have had abundance of time for the + purpose, though you had been the most capricious and difficult (as you are + the most beautiful, my love) of women.' + </p> + <p> + Her eyes gleamed strangely on him, but she stood with her hand resting on + the chair, and said not a word. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0692m.jpg" alt="0692m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0692.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'I have never,' resumed Carker, 'seen you look so handsome, as you do + to-night. Even the picture I have carried in my mind during this cruel + probation, and which I have contemplated night and day, is exceeded by the + reality.' + </p> + <p> + Not a word. Not a look Her eyes completely hidden by their drooping + lashes, but her head held up. + </p> + <p> + 'Hard, unrelenting terms they were!' said Carker, with a smile, 'but they + are all fulfilled and passed, and make the present more delicious and more + safe. Sicily shall be the place of our retreat. In the idlest and easiest + part of the world, my soul, we'll both seek compensation for old slavery.' + </p> + <p> + He was coming gaily towards her, when, in an instant, she caught the knife + up from the table, and started one pace back. + </p> + <p> + 'Stand still!' she said, 'or I shall murder you!' + </p> + <p> + The sudden change in her, the towering fury and intense abhorrence + sparkling in her eyes and lighting up her brow, made him stop as if a fire + had stopped him. + </p> + <p> + 'Stand still!' she said, 'come no nearer me, upon your life!' + </p> + <p> + They both stood looking at each other. Rage and astonishment were in his + face, but he controlled them, and said lightly, + </p> + <p> + 'Come, come! Tush, we are alone, and out of everybody's sight and hearing. + Do you think to frighten me with these tricks of virtue?' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think to frighten me,' she answered fiercely, 'from any purpose + that I have, and any course I am resolved upon, by reminding me of the + solitude of this place, and there being no help near? Me, who am here + alone, designedly? If I feared you, should I not have avoided you? If I + feared you, should I be here, in the dead of night, telling you to your + face what I am going to tell?' + </p> + <p> + 'And what is that,' he said, 'you handsome shrew? Handsomer so, than any + other woman in her best humour?' + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you nothing,' she returned, until you go back to that chair—except + this, once again—Don't come near me! Not a step nearer. I tell you, + if you do, as Heaven sees us, I shall murder you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you mistake me for your husband?' he retorted, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + Disdaining to reply, she stretched her arm out, pointing to the chair. He + bit his lip, frowned, laughed, and sat down in it, with a baffled, + irresolute, impatient air, he was unable to conceal; and biting his nail + nervously, and looking at her sideways, with bitter discomfiture, even + while he feigned to be amused by her caprice. + </p> + <p> + She put the knife down upon the table, and touching her bosom with her + hand, said: + </p> + <p> + 'I have something lying here that is no love trinket, and sooner than + endure your touch once more, I would use it on you—and you know it, + while I speak—with less reluctance than I would on any other + creeping thing that lives.' + </p> + <p> + He affected to laugh jestingly, and entreated her to act her play out + quickly, for the supper was growing cold. But the secret look with which + he regarded her, was more sullen and lowering, and he struck his foot once + upon the floor with a muttered oath. + </p> + <p> + 'How many times,' said Edith, bending her darkest glance upon him, 'has + your bold knavery assailed me with outrage and insult? How many times in + your smooth manner, and mocking words and looks, have I been twitted with + my courtship and my marriage? How many times have you laid bare my wound + of love for that sweet, injured girl and lacerated it? How often have you + fanned the fire on which, for two years, I have writhed; and tempted me to + take a desperate revenge, when it has most tortured me?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have no doubt, Ma'am,' he replied, 'that you have kept a good account, + and that it's pretty accurate. Come, Edith. To your husband, poor wretch, + this was well enough—' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, if,' she said, surveying him with a haughty contempt and disgust, + that he shrunk under, let him brave it as he would, 'if all my other + reasons for despising him could have been blown away like feathers, his + having you for his counsellor and favourite, would have almost been enough + to hold their place.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is that a reason why you have run away with me?' he asked her, + tauntingly. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, and why we are face to face for the last time. Wretch! We meet + tonight, and part tonight. For not one moment after I have ceased to + speak, will I stay here!' + </p> + <p> + He turned upon her with his ugliest look, and gripped the table with his + hand; but neither rose, nor otherwise answered or threatened her. + </p> + <p> + 'I am a woman,' she said, confronting him steadfastly, 'who from her + childhood has been shamed and steeled. I have been offered and rejected, + put up and appraised, until my very soul has sickened. I have not had an + accomplishment or grace that might have been a resource to me, but it has + been paraded and vended to enhance my value, as if the common crier had + called it through the streets. My poor, proud friends, have looked on and + approved; and every tie between us has been deadened in my breast. There + is not one of them for whom I care, as I could care for a pet dog. I stand + alone in the world, remembering well what a hollow world it has been to + me, and what a hollow part of it I have been myself. You know this, and + you know that my fame with it is worthless to me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes; I imagined that,' he said. + </p> + <p> + 'And calculated on it,' she rejoined, 'and so pursued me. Grown too + indifferent for any opposition but indifference, to the daily working of + the hands that had moulded me to this; and knowing that my marriage would + at least prevent their hawking of me up and down; I suffered myself to be + sold, as infamously as any woman with a halter round her neck is sold in + any market-place. You know that.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' he said, showing all his teeth 'I know that.' + </p> + <p> + 'And calculated on it,' she rejoined once more, 'and so pursued me. From + my marriage day, I found myself exposed to such new shame—to such + solicitation and pursuit (expressed as clearly as if it had been written + in the coarsest words, and thrust into my hand at every turn) from one + mean villain, that I felt as if I had never known humiliation till that + time. This shame my husband fixed upon me; hemmed me round with, himself; + steeped me in, with his own hands, and of his own act, repeated hundreds + of times. And thus—forced by the two from every point of rest I had—forced + by the two to yield up the last retreat of love and gentleness within me, + or to be a new misfortune on its innocent object—driven from each to + each, and beset by one when I escaped the other—my anger rose almost + to distraction against both I do not know against which it rose higher—the + master or the man!' + </p> + <p> + He watched her closely, as she stood before him in the very triumph of her + indignant beauty. She was resolute, he saw; undauntable; with no more fear + of him than of a worm. + </p> + <p> + 'What should I say of honour or of chastity to you!' she went on. 'What + meaning would it have to you; what meaning would it have from me! But if I + tell you that the lightest touch of your hand makes my blood cold with + antipathy; that from the hour when I first saw and hated you, to now, when + my instinctive repugnance is enhanced by every minute's knowledge of you I + have since had, you have been a loathsome creature to me which has not its + like on earth; how then?' + </p> + <p> + He answered with a faint laugh, 'Ay! How then, my queen?' + </p> + <p> + 'On that night, when, emboldened by the scene you had assisted at, you + dared come to my room and speak to me,' she said, 'what passed?' + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders, and laughed + </p> + <p> + 'What passed?' she said. + </p> + <p> + 'Your memory is so distinct,' he said, 'that I have no doubt you can + recall it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I can,' she said. 'Hear it! Proposing then, this flight—not this + flight, but the flight you thought it—you told me that in the having + given you that meeting, and leaving you to be discovered there, if you so + thought fit; and in the having suffered you to be alone with me many times + before,—and having made the opportunities, you said,—and in + the having openly avowed to you that I had no feeling for my husband but + aversion, and no care for myself—I was lost; I had given you the + power to traduce my name; and I lived, in virtuous reputation, at the + pleasure of your breath.' + </p> + <p> + 'All stratagems in love—-' he interrupted, smiling. 'The old adage—' + </p> + <p> + 'On that night,' said Edith, 'and then, the struggle that I long had had + with something that was not respect for my good fame—that was I know + not what—perhaps the clinging to that last retreat—was ended. + On that night, and then, I turned from everything but passion and + resentment. I struck a blow that laid your lofty master in the dust, and + set you there, before me, looking at me now, and knowing what I mean.' + </p> + <p> + He sprung up from his chair with a great oath. She put her hand into her + bosom, and not a finger trembled, not a hair upon her head was stirred. He + stood still: she too: the table and chair between them. + </p> + <p> + 'When I forget that this man put his lips to mine that night, and held me + in his arms as he has done again to-night,' said Edith, pointing at him; + 'when I forget the taint of his kiss upon my cheek—the cheek that + Florence would have laid her guiltless face against—when I forget my + meeting with her, while that taint was hot upon me, and in what a flood + the knowledge rushed upon me when I saw her, that in releasing her from + the persecution I had caused by my love, I brought a shame and degradation + on her name through mine, and in all time to come should be the solitary + figure representing in her mind her first avoidance of a guilty creature—then, + Husband, from whom I stand divorced henceforth, I will forget these last + two years, and undo what I have done, and undeceive you!' + </p> + <p> + Her flashing eyes, uplifted for a moment, lighted again on Carker, and she + held some letters out in her left hand. + </p> + <p> + 'See these!' she said, contemptuously. 'You have addressed these to me in + the false name you go by; one here, some elsewhere on my road. The seals + are unbroken. Take them back!' + </p> + <p> + She crunched them in her hand, and tossed them to his feet. And as she + looked upon him now, a smile was on her face. + </p> + <p> + 'We meet and part to-night,' she said. 'You have fallen on Sicilian days + and sensual rest, too soon. You might have cajoled, and fawned, and played + your traitor's part, a little longer, and grown richer. You purchase your + voluptuous retirement dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Edith!' he retorted, menacing her with his hand. 'Sit down! Have done + with this! What devil possesses you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Their name is Legion,' she replied, uprearing her proud form as if she + would have crushed him; 'you and your master have raised them in a + fruitful house, and they shall tear you both. False to him, false to his + innocent child, false every way and everywhere, go forth and boast of me, + and gnash your teeth, for once, to know that you are lying!' + </p> + <p> + He stood before her, muttering and menacing, and scowling round as if for + something that would help him to conquer her; but with the same + indomitable spirit she opposed him, without faltering. + </p> + <p> + 'In every vaunt you make,' she said, 'I have my triumph I single out in + you the meanest man I know, the parasite and tool of the proud tyrant, + that his wound may go the deeper, and may rankle more. Boast, and revenge + me on him! You know how you came here to-night; you know how you stand + cowering there; you see yourself in colours quite as despicable, if not as + odious, as those in which I see you. Boast then, and revenge me on + yourself.' + </p> + <p> + The foam was on his lips; the wet stood on his forehead. If she would have + faltered once for only one half-moment, he would have pinioned her; but + she was as firm as rock, and her searching eyes never left him. + </p> + <p> + 'We don't part so,' he said. 'Do you think I am drivelling, to let you go + in your mad temper?' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think,' she answered, 'that I am to be stayed?' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll try, my dear,' he said with a ferocious gesture of his head. + </p> + <p> + 'God's mercy on you, if you try by coming near me!' she replied. + </p> + <p> + 'And what,' he said, 'if there are none of these same boasts and vaunts on + my part? What if I were to turn too? Come!' and his teeth fairly shone + again. 'We must make a treaty of this, or I may take some unexpected + course. Sit down, sit down!' + </p> + <p> + 'Too late!' she cried, with eyes that seemed to sparkle fire. 'I have + thrown my fame and good name to the winds! I have resolved to bear the + shame that will attach to me—resolved to know that it attaches + falsely—that you know it too—and that he does not, never can, + and never shall. I'll die, and make no sign. For this, I am here alone + with you, at the dead of night. For this, I have met you here, in a false + name, as your wife. For this, I have been seen here by those men, and left + here. Nothing can save you now.' + </p> + <p> + He would have sold his soul to root her, in her beauty, to the floor, and + make her arms drop at her sides, and have her at his mercy. But he could + not look at her, and not be afraid of her. He saw a strength within her + that was resistless. He saw that she was desperate, and that her + unquenchable hatred of him would stop at nothing. His eyes followed the + hand that was put with such rugged uncongenial purpose into her white + bosom, and he thought that if it struck at hIm, and failed, it would + strike there, just as soon. + </p> + <p> + He did not venture, therefore, to advance towards her; but the door by + which he had entered was behind him, and he stepped back to lock it. + </p> + <p> + 'Lastly, take my warning! Look to yourself!' she said, and smiled again. + 'You have been betrayed, as all betrayers are. It has been made known that + you are in this place, or were to be, or have been. If I live, I saw my + husband in a carriage in the street to-night!' + </p> + <p> + 'Strumpet, it's false!' cried Carker. + </p> + <p> + At the moment, the bell rang loudly in the hall. He turned white, as she + held her hand up like an enchantress, at whose invocation the sound had + come. + </p> + <p> + 'Hark! do you hear it?' + </p> + <p> + He set his back against the door; for he saw a change in her, and fancied + she was coming on to pass him. But, in a moment, she was gone through the + opposite doors communicating with the bed-chamber, and they shut upon her. + </p> + <p> + Once turned, once changed in her inflexible unyielding look, he felt that + he could cope with her. He thought a sudden terror, occasioned by this + night-alarm, had subdued her; not the less readily, for her overwrought + condition. Throwing open the doors, he followed, almost instantly. + </p> + <p> + But the room was dark; and as she made no answer to his call, he was fain + to go back for the lamp. He held it up, and looked round, everywhere, + expecting to see her crouching in some corner; but the room was empty. So, + into the drawing-room and dining-room he went, in succession, with the + uncertain steps of a man in a strange place; looking fearfully about, and + prying behind screens and couches; but she was not there. No, nor in the + hall, which was so bare that he could see that, at a glance. + </p> + <p> + All this time, the ringing at the bell was constantly renewed, and those + without were beating at the door. He put his lamp down at a distance, and + going near it, listened. There were several voices talking together: at + least two of them in English; and though the door was thick, and there was + great confusion, he knew one of these too well to doubt whose voice it + was. + </p> + <p> + He took up his lamp again, and came back quickly through all the rooms, + stopping as he quitted each, and looking round for her, with the light + raised above his head. He was standing thus in the bed-chamber, when the + door, leading to the little passage in the wall, caught his eye. He went + to it, and found it fastened on the other side; but she had dropped a veil + in going through, and shut it in the door. + </p> + <p> + All this time the people on the stairs were ringing at the bell, and + knocking with their hands and feet. + </p> + <p> + He was not a coward: but these sounds; what had gone before; the + strangeness of the place, which had confused him, even in his return from + the hall; the frustration of his schemes (for, strange to say, he would + have been much bolder, if they had succeeded); the unseasonable time; the + recollection of having no one near to whom he could appeal for any + friendly office; above all, the sudden sense, which made even his heart + beat like lead, that the man whose confidence he had outraged, and whom he + had so treacherously deceived, was there to recognise and challenge him + with his mask plucked off his face; struck a panic through him. He tried + the door in which the veil was shut, but couldn't force it. He opened one + of the windows, and looked down through the lattice of the blind, into the + court-yard; but it was a high leap, and the stones were pitiless. + </p> + <p> + The ringing and knocking still continuing—his panic too—he + went back to the door in the bed-chamber, and with some new efforts, each + more stubborn than the last, wrenched it open. Seeing the little staircase + not far off, and feeling the night-air coming up, he stole back for his + hat and coat, made the door as secure after hIm as he could, crept down + lamp in hand, extinguished it on seeing the street, and having put it in a + corner, went out where the stars were shining. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 55. Rob the Grinder loses his Place + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he Porter at the iron gate which shut the court-yard from the street, had + left the little wicket of his house open, and was gone away; no doubt to + mingle in the distant noise at the door of the great staircase. Lifting + the latch softly, Carker crept out, and shutting the jangling gate after + him with as little noise as possible, hurried off. + </p> + <p> + In the fever of his mortification and unavailing rage, the panic that had + seized upon him mastered him completely. It rose to such a height that he + would have blindly encountered almost any risk, rather than meet the man + of whom, two hours ago, he had been utterly regardless. His fierce + arrival, which he had never expected; the sound of his voice; their having + been so near a meeting, face to face; he would have braved out this, after + the first momentary shock of alarm, and would have put as bold a front + upon his guilt as any villain. But the springing of his mine upon himself, + seemed to have rent and shivered all his hardihood and self-reliance. + Spurned like any reptile; entrapped and mocked; turned upon, and trodden + down by the proud woman whose mind he had slowly poisoned, as he thought, + until she had sunk into the mere creature of his pleasure; undeceived in + his deceit, and with his fox's hide stripped off, he sneaked away, + abashed, degraded, and afraid. + </p> + <p> + Some other terror came upon hIm quite removed from this of being pursued, + suddenly, like an electric shock, as he was creeping through the streets + Some visionary terror, unintelligible and inexplicable, associated with a + trembling of the ground,—a rush and sweep of something through the + air, like Death upon the wing. He shrunk, as if to let the thing go by. It + was not gone, it never had been there, yet what a startling horror it had + left behind. + </p> + <p> + He raised his wicked face so full of trouble, to the night sky, where the + stars, so full of peace, were shining on him as they had been when he + first stole out into the air; and stopped to think what he should do. The + dread of being hunted in a strange remote place, where the laws might not + protect him—the novelty of the feeling that it was strange and + remote, originating in his being left alone so suddenly amid the ruins of + his plans—his greater dread of seeking refuge now, in Italy or in + Sicily, where men might be hired to assassinate him, he thought, at any + dark street corner—the waywardness of guilt and fear—perhaps + some sympathy of action with the turning back of all his schemes—impelled + him to turn back too, and go to England. + </p> + <p> + 'I am safer there, in any case. If I should not decide,' he thought, 'to + give this fool a meeting, I am less likely to be traced there, than abroad + here, now. And if I should (this cursed fit being over), at least I shall + not be alone, without a soul to speak to, or advise with, or stand by me. + I shall not be run in upon and worried like a rat.' + </p> + <p> + He muttered Edith's name, and clenched his hand. As he crept along, in the + shadow of the massive buildings, he set his teeth, and muttered dreadful + imprecations on her head, and looked from side to side, as if in search of + her. Thus, he stole on to the gate of an inn-yard. The people were a-bed; + but his ringing at the bell soon produced a man with a lantern, in company + with whom he was presently in a dim coach-house, bargaining for the hire + of an old phaeton, to Paris. + </p> + <p> + The bargain was a short one; and the horses were soon sent for. Leaving + word that the carriage was to follow him when they came, he stole away + again, beyond the town, past the old ramparts, out on the open road, which + seemed to glide away along the dark plain, like a stream. + </p> + <p> + Whither did it flow? What was the end of it? As he paused, with some such + suggestion within him, looking over the gloomy flat where the slender + trees marked out the way, again that flight of Death came rushing up, + again went on, impetuous and resistless, again was nothing but a horror in + his mind, dark as the scene and undefined as its remotest verge. + </p> + <p> + There was no wind; there was no passing shadow on the deep shade of the + night; there was no noise. The city lay behind hIm, lighted here and + there, and starry worlds were hidden by the masonry of spire and roof that + hardly made out any shapes against the sky. Dark and lonely distance lay + around him everywhere, and the clocks were faintly striking two. + </p> + <p> + He went forward for what appeared a long time, and a long way; often + stopping to listen. At last the ringing of horses' bells greeted his + anxious ears. Now softer, and now louder, now inaudible, now ringing very + slowly over bad ground, now brisk and merry, it came on; until with a loud + shouting and lashing, a shadowy postillion muffled to the eyes, checked + his four struggling horses at his side. + </p> + <p> + 'Who goes there! Monsieur?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Monsieur has walked a long way in the dark midnight.' + </p> + <p> + 'No matter. Everyone to his task. Were there any other horses ordered at + the Post-house?' + </p> + <p> + 'A thousand devils!—and pardons! other horses? at this hour? No.' + </p> + <p> + 'Listen, my friend. I am much hurried. Let us see how fast we can travel! + The faster, the more money there will be to drink. Off we go then! Quick!' + </p> + <p> + 'Halloa! whoop! Halloa! Hi!' Away, at a gallop, over the black landscape, + scattering the dust and dirt like spray! + </p> + <p> + The clatter and commotion echoed to the hurry and discordance of the + fugitive's ideas. Nothing clear without, and nothing clear within. Objects + flitting past, merging into one another, dimly descried, confusedly lost + sight of, gone! Beyond the changing scraps of fence and cottage + immediately upon the road, a lowering waste. Beyond the shifting images + that rose up in his mind and vanished as they showed themselves, a black + expanse of dread and rage and baffled villainy. Occasionally, a sigh of + mountain air came from the distant Jura, fading along the plain. Sometimes + that rush which was so furious and horrible, again came sweeping through + his fancy, passed away, and left a chill upon his blood. + </p> + <p> + The lamps, gleaming on the medley of horses' heads, jumbled with the + shadowy driver, and the fluttering of his cloak, made a thousand + indistinct shapes, answering to his thoughts. Shadows of familiar people, + stooping at their desks and books, in their remembered attitudes; strange + apparitions of the man whom he was flying from, or of Edith; repetitions + in the ringing bells and rolling wheels, of words that had been spoken; + confusions of time and place, making last night a month ago, a month ago + last night—home now distant beyond hope, now instantly accessible; + commotion, discord, hurry, darkness, and confusion in his mind, and all + around him.—Hallo! Hi! away at a gallop over the black landscape; + dust and dirt flying like spray, the smoking horses snorting and plunging + as if each of them were ridden by a demon, away in a frantic triumph on + the dark road—whither? + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0703m.jpg" alt="0703m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0703.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Again the nameless shock comes speeding up, and as it passes, the bells + ring in his ears 'whither?' The wheels roar in his ears 'whither?' All the + noise and rattle shapes itself into that cry. The lights and shadows dance + upon the horses' heads like imps. No stopping now: no slackening! On, on! + Away with him upon the dark road wildly! + </p> + <p> + He could not think to any purpose. He could not separate one subject of + reflection from another, sufficiently to dwell upon it, by itself, for a + minute at a time. The crash of his project for the gaining of a voluptuous + compensation for past restraint; the overthrow of his treachery to one who + had been true and generous to him, but whose least proud word and look he + had treasured up, at interest, for years—for false and subtle men + will always secretly despise and dislike the object upon which they fawn + and always resent the payment and receipt of homage that they know to be + worthless; these were the themes uppermost in his mind. A lurking rage + against the woman who had so entrapped him and avenged herself was always + there; crude and misshapen schemes of retaliation upon her, floated in his + brain; but nothing was distinct. A hurry and contradiction pervaded all + his thoughts. Even while he was so busy with this fevered, ineffectual + thinking, his one constant idea was, that he would postpone reflection + until some indefinite time. + </p> + <p> + Then, the old days before the second marriage rose up in his remembrance. + He thought how jealous he had been of the boy, how jealous he had been of + the girl, how artfully he had kept intruders at a distance, and drawn a + circle round his dupe that none but himself should cross; and then he + thought, had he done all this to be flying now, like a scared thief, from + only the poor dupe? + </p> + <p> + He could have laid hands upon himself for his cowardice, but it was the + very shadow of his defeat, and could not be separated from it. To have his + confidence in his own knavery so shattered at a blow—to be within + his own knowledge such a miserable tool—was like being paralysed. + With an impotent ferocity he raged at Edith, and hated Mr Dombey and hated + himself, but still he fled, and could do nothing else. + </p> + <p> + Again and again he listened for the sound of wheels behind. Again and + again his fancy heard it, coming on louder and louder. At last he was so + persuaded of this, that he cried out, 'Stop' preferring even the loss of + ground to such uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + The word soon brought carriage, horses, driver, all in a heap together, + across the road. + </p> + <p> + 'The devil!' cried the driver, looking over his shoulder, 'what's the + matter?' + </p> + <p> + 'Hark! What's that?' + </p> + <p> + 'What?' + </p> + <p> + 'That noise?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah Heaven, be quiet, cursed brigand!' to a horse who shook his bells + 'What noise?' + </p> + <p> + 'Behind. Is it not another carriage at a gallop? There! what's that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Miscreant with a Pig's head, stand still!' to another horse, who bit + another, who frightened the other two, who plunged and backed. 'There is + nothing coming.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, nothing but the day yonder.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are right, I think. I hear nothing now, indeed. Go on!' + </p> + <p> + The entangled equipage, half hidden in the reeking cloud from the horses, + goes on slowly at first, for the driver, checked unnecessarily in his + progress, sulkily takes out a pocket-knife, and puts a new lash to his + whip. Then 'Hallo, whoop! Hallo, hi!' Away once more, savagely. + </p> + <p> + And now the stars faded, and the day glimmered, and standing in the + carriage, looking back, he could discern the track by which he had come, + and see that there was no traveller within view, on all the heavy expanse. + And soon it was broad day, and the sun began to shine on cornfields and + vineyards; and solitary labourers, risen from little temporary huts by + heaps of stones upon the road, were, here and there, at work repairing the + highway, or eating bread. By and by, there were peasants going to their + daily labour, or to market, or lounging at the doors of poor cottages, + gazing idly at him as he passed. And then there was a postyard, ankle-deep + in mud, with steaming dunghills and vast outhouses half ruined; and + looking on this dainty prospect, an immense, old, shadeless, glaring, + stone chateau, with half its windows blinded, and green damp crawling + lazily over it, from the balustraded terrace to the taper tips of the + extinguishers upon the turrets. + </p> + <p> + Gathered up moodily in a corner of the carriage, and only intent on going + fast—except when he stood up, for a mile together, and looked back; + which he would do whenever there was a piece of open country—he went + on, still postponing thought indefinitely, and still always tormented with + thinking to no purpose. + </p> + <p> + Shame, disappointment, and discomfiture gnawed at his heart; a constant + apprehension of being overtaken, or met—for he was groundlessly + afraid even of travellers, who came towards him by the way he was going—oppressed + him heavily. The same intolerable awe and dread that had come upon him in + the night, returned unweakened in the day. The monotonous ringing of the + bells and tramping of the horses; the monotony of his anxiety, and useless + rage; the monotonous wheel of fear, regret, and passion, he kept turning + round and round; made the journey like a vision, in which nothing was + quite real but his own torment. + </p> + <p> + It was a vision of long roads, that stretched away to an horizon, always + receding and never gained; of ill-paved towns, up hill and down, where + faces came to dark doors and ill-glazed windows, and where rows of + mudbespattered cows and oxen were tied up for sale in the long narrow + streets, butting and lowing, and receiving blows on their blunt heads from + bludgeons that might have beaten them in; of bridges, crosses, churches, + postyards, new horses being put in against their wills, and the horses of + the last stage reeking, panting, and laying their drooping heads together + dolefully at stable doors; of little cemeteries with black crosses settled + sideways in the graves, and withered wreaths upon them dropping away; + again of long, long roads, dragging themselves out, up hill and down, to + the treacherous horizon. + </p> + <p> + Of morning, noon, and sunset; night, and the rising of an early moon. Of + long roads temporarily left behind, and a rough pavement reached; of + battering and clattering over it, and looking up, among house-roofs, at a + great church-tower; of getting out and eating hastily, and drinking + draughts of wine that had no cheering influence; of coming forth afoot, + among a host of beggars—blind men with quivering eyelids, led by old + women holding candles to their faces; idiot girls; the lame, the + epileptic, and the palsied—of passing through the clamour, and + looking from his seat at the upturned countenances and outstretched hands, + with a hurried dread of recognising some pursuer pressing forward—of + galloping away again, upon the long, long road, gathered up, dull and + stunned, in his corner, or rising to see where the moon shone faintly on a + patch of the same endless road miles away, or looking back to see who + followed. + </p> + <p> + Of never sleeping, but sometimes dozing with unclosed eyes, and springing + up with a start, and a reply aloud to an imaginary voice. Of cursing + himself for being there, for having fled, for having let her go, for not + having confronted and defied him. Of having a deadly quarrel with the + whole world, but chiefly with himself. Of blighting everything with his + black mood as he was carried on and away. + </p> + <p> + It was a fevered vision of things past and present all confounded + together; of his life and journey blended into one. Of being madly hurried + somewhere, whither he must go. Of old scenes starting up among the + novelties through which he travelled. Of musing and brooding over what was + past and distant, and seeming to take no notice of the actual objects he + encountered, but with a wearisome exhausting consciousness of being + bewildered by them, and having their images all crowded in his hot brain + after they were gone. + </p> + <p> + A vision of change upon change, and still the same monotony of bells and + wheels, and horses' feet, and no rest. Of town and country, postyards, + horses, drivers, hill and valley, light and darkness, road and pavement, + height and hollow, wet weather and dry, and still the same monotony of + bells and wheels, and horses' feet, and no rest. A vision of tending on at + last, towards the distant capital, by busier roads, and sweeping round, by + old cathedrals, and dashing through small towns and villages, less thinly + scattered on the road than formerly, and sitting shrouded in his corner, + with his cloak up to his face, as people passing by looked at him. + </p> + <p> + Of rolling on and on, always postponing thought, and always racked with + thinking; of being unable to reckon up the hours he had been upon the + road, or to comprehend the points of time and place in his journey. Of + being parched and giddy, and half mad. Of pressing on, in spite of all, as + if he could not stop, and coming into Paris, where the turbid river held + its swift course undisturbed, between two brawling streams of life and + motion. + </p> + <p> + A troubled vision, then, of bridges, quays, interminable streets; of + wine-shops, water-carriers, great crowds of people, soldiers, coaches, + military drums, arcades. Of the monotony of bells and wheels and horses' + feet being at length lost in the universal din and uproar. Of the gradual + subsidence of that noise as he passed out in another carriage by a + different barrier from that by which he had entered. Of the restoration, + as he travelled on towards the seacoast, of the monotony of bells and + wheels, and horses' feet, and no rest. + </p> + <p> + Of sunset once again, and nightfall. Of long roads again, and dead of + night, and feeble lights in windows by the roadside; and still the old + monotony of bells and wheels, and horses' feet, and no rest. Of dawn, and + daybreak, and the rising of the sun. Of tolling slowly up a hill, and + feeling on its top the fresh sea-breeze; and seeing the morning light upon + the edges of the distant waves. Of coming down into a harbour when the + tide was at its full, and seeing fishing-boats float on, and glad women + and children waiting for them. Of nets and seamen's clothes spread out to + dry upon the shore; of busy sailors, and their voices high among ships' + masts and rigging; of the buoyancy and brightness of the water, and the + universal sparkling. + </p> + <p> + Of receding from the coast, and looking back upon it from the deck when it + was a haze upon the water, with here and there a little opening of bright + land where the Sun struck. Of the swell, and flash, and murmur of the calm + sea. Of another grey line on the ocean, on the vessel's track, fast + growing clearer and higher. Of cliffs and buildings, and a windmill, and a + church, becoming more and more visible upon it. Of steaming on at last + into smooth water, and mooring to a pier whence groups of people looked + down, greeting friends on board. Of disembarking, passing among them + quickly, shunning every one; and of being at last again in England. + </p> + <p> + He had thought, in his dream, of going down into a remote country-place he + knew, and lying quiet there, while he secretly informed himself of what + transpired, and determined how to act, Still in the same stunned + condition, he remembered a certain station on the railway, where he would + have to branch off to his place of destination, and where there was a + quiet Inn. Here, he indistinctly resolved to tarry and rest. + </p> + <p> + With this purpose he slunk into a railway carriage as quickly as he could, + and lying there wrapped in his cloak as if he were asleep, was soon borne + far away from the sea, and deep into the inland green. Arrived at his + destination he looked out, and surveyed it carefully. He was not mistaken + in his impression of the place. It was a retired spot, on the borders of a + little wood. Only one house, newly-built or altered for the purpose, stood + there, surrounded by its neat garden; the small town that was nearest, was + some miles away. Here he alighted then; and going straight into the + tavern, unobserved by anyone, secured two rooms upstairs communicating + with each other, and sufficiently retired. + </p> + <p> + His object was to rest, and recover the command of himself, and the + balance of his mind. Imbecile discomfiture and rage—so that, as he + walked about his room, he ground his teeth—had complete possession + of him. His thoughts, not to be stopped or directed, still wandered where + they would, and dragged him after them. He was stupefied, and he was + wearied to death. + </p> + <p> + But, as if there were a curse upon him that he should never rest again, + his drowsy senses would not lose their consciousness. He had no more + influence with them, in this regard, than if they had been another man's. + It was not that they forced him to take note of present sounds and + objects, but that they would not be diverted from the whole hurried vision + of his journey. It was constantly before him all at once. She stood there, + with her dark disdainful eyes again upon him; and he was riding on + nevertheless, through town and country, light and darkness, wet weather + and dry, over road and pavement, hill and valley, height and hollow, jaded + and scared by the monotony of bells and wheels, and horses' feet, and no + rest. + </p> + <p> + 'What day is this?' he asked of the waiter, who was making preparations + for his dinner. + </p> + <p> + 'Day, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it Wednesday?' + </p> + <p> + 'Wednesday, Sir? No, Sir. Thursday, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'I forgot. How goes the time? My watch is unwound.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wants a few minutes of five o'clock, Sir. Been travelling a long time, + Sir, perhaps?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes' + </p> + <p> + 'By rail, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes' + </p> + <p> + 'Very confusing, Sir. Not much in the habit of travelling by rail myself, + Sir, but gentlemen frequently say so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do many gentlemen come here? + </p> + <p> + 'Pretty well, Sir, in general. Nobody here at present. Rather slack just + now, Sir. Everything is slack, Sir.' + </p> + <p> + He made no answer; but had risen into a sitting posture on the sofa where + he had been lying, and leaned forward with an arm on each knee, staring at + the ground. He could not master his own attention for a minute together. + It rushed away where it would, but it never, for an instant, lost itself + in sleep. + </p> + <p> + He drank a quantity of wine after dinner, in vain. No such artificial + means would bring sleep to his eyes. His thoughts, more incoherent, + dragged him more unmercifully after them—as if a wretch, condemned + to such expiation, were drawn at the heels of wild horses. No oblivion, + and no rest. + </p> + <p> + How long he sat, drinking and brooding, and being dragged in imagination + hither and thither, no one could have told less correctly than he. But he + knew that he had been sitting a long time by candle-light, when he started + up and listened, in a sudden terror. + </p> + <p> + For now, indeed, it was no fancy. The ground shook, the house rattled, the + fierce impetuous rush was in the air! He felt it come up, and go darting + by; and even when he had hurried to the window, and saw what it was, he + stood, shrinking from it, as if it were not safe to look. + </p> + <p> + A curse upon the fiery devil, thundering along so smoothly, tracked + through the distant valley by a glare of light and lurid smoke, and gone! + He felt as if he had been plucked out of its path, and saved from being + torn asunder. It made him shrink and shudder even now, when its faintest + hum was hushed, and when the lines of iron road he could trace in the + moonlight, running to a point, were as empty and as silent as a desert. + </p> + <p> + Unable to rest, and irresistibly attracted—or he thought so—to + this road, he went out, and lounged on the brink of it, marking the way + the train had gone, by the yet smoking cinders that were lying in its + track. After a lounge of some half hour in the direction by which it had + disappeared, he turned and walked the other way—still keeping to the + brink of the road—past the inn garden, and a long way down; looking + curiously at the bridges, signals, lamps, and wondering when another Devil + would come by. + </p> + <p> + A trembling of the ground, and quick vibration in his ears; a distant + shriek; a dull light advancing, quickly changed to two red eyes, and a + fierce fire, dropping glowing coals; an irresistible bearing on of a great + roaring and dilating mass; a high wind, and a rattle—another come + and gone, and he holding to a gate, as if to save himself! + </p> + <p> + He waited for another, and for another. He walked back to his former + point, and back again to that, and still, through the wearisome vision of + his journey, looked for these approaching monsters. He loitered about the + station, waiting until one should stay to call there; and when one did, + and was detached for water, he stood parallel with it, watching its heavy + wheels and brazen front, and thinking what a cruel power and might it had. + Ugh! To see the great wheels slowly turning, and to think of being run + down and crushed! + </p> + <p> + Disordered with wine and want of rest—that want which nothing, + although he was so weary, would appease—these ideas and objects + assumed a diseased importance in his thoughts. When he went back to his + room, which was not until near midnight, they still haunted him, and he + sat listening for the coming of another. + </p> + <p> + So in his bed, whither he repaired with no hope of sleep. He still lay + listening; and when he felt the trembling and vibration, got up and went + to the window, to watch (as he could from its position) the dull light + changing to the two red eyes, and the fierce fire dropping glowing coals, + and the rush of the giant as it fled past, and the track of glare and + smoke along the valley. Then he would glance in the direction by which he + intended to depart at sunrise, as there was no rest for him there; and + would lie down again, to be troubled by the vision of his journey, and the + old monotony of bells and wheels and horses' feet, until another came. + This lasted all night. So far from resuming the mastery of himself, he + seemed, if possible, to lose it more and more, as the night crept on. When + the dawn appeared, he was still tormented with thinking, still postponing + thought until he should be in a better state; the past, present, and + future all floated confusedly before him, and he had lost all power of + looking steadily at any one of them. + </p> + <p> + 'At what time,' he asked the man who had waited on hIm over-night, now + entering with a candle, 'do I leave here, did you say?' + </p> + <p> + 'About a quarter after four, Sir. Express comes through at four, Sir.—It + don't stop.' + </p> + <p> + He passed his hand across his throbbing head, and looked at his watch. + Nearly half-past three. + </p> + <p> + 'Nobody going with you, Sir, probably,' observed the man. 'Two gentlemen + here, Sir, but they're waiting for the train to London.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thought you said there was nobody here,' said Carker, turning upon him + with the ghost of his old smile, when he was angry or suspicious. + </p> + <p> + 'Not then, sir. Two gentlemen came in the night by the short train that + stops here, Sir. Warm water, Sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'No; and take away the candle. There's day enough for me.' + </p> + <p> + Having thrown himself upon the bed, half-dressed he was at the window as + the man left the room. The cold light of morning had succeeded to night + and there was already, in the sky, the red suffusion of the coming sun. He + bathed his head and face with water—there was no cooling influence + in it for him—hurriedly put on his clothes, paid what he owed, and + went out. + </p> + <p> + The air struck chill and comfortless as it breathed upon him. There was a + heavy dew; and, hot as he was, it made him shiver. After a glance at the + place where he had walked last night, and at the signal-lights burning in + the morning, and bereft of their significance, he turned to where the sun + was rising, and beheld it, in its glory, as it broke upon the scene. + </p> + <p> + So awful, so transcendent in its beauty, so divinely solemn. As he cast + his faded eyes upon it, where it rose, tranquil and serene, unmoved by all + the wrong and wickedness on which its beams had shone since the beginning + of the world, who shall say that some weak sense of virtue upon Earth, and + its in Heaven, did not manifest itself, even to him? If ever he remembered + sister or brother with a touch of tenderness and remorse, who shall say it + was not then? + </p> + <p> + He needed some such touch then. Death was on him. He was marked off—the + living world, and going down into his grave. + </p> + <p> + He paid the money for his journey to the country-place he had thought of; + and was walking to and fro, alone, looking along the lines of iron, across + the valley in one direction, and towards a dark bridge near at hand in the + other; when, turning in his walk, where it was bounded by one end of the + wooden stage on which he paced up and down, he saw the man from whom he + had fled, emerging from the door by which he himself had entered. And + their eyes met. + </p> + <p> + In the quick unsteadiness of the surprise, he staggered, and slipped on to + the road below him. But recovering his feet immediately, he stepped back a + pace or two upon that road, to interpose some wider space between them, + and looked at his pursuer, breathing short and quick. + </p> + <p> + He heard a shout—another—saw the face change from its + vindictive passion to a faint sickness and terror—felt the earth + tremble—knew in a moment that the rush was come—uttered a + shriek—looked round—saw the red eyes, bleared and dim, in the + daylight, close upon him—was beaten down, caught up, and whirled + away upon a jagged mill, that spun him round and round, and struck him + limb from limb, and licked his stream of life up with its fiery heat, and + cast his mutilated fragments in the air. + </p> + <p> + When the traveller, who had been recognised, recovered from a swoon, he + saw them bringing from a distance something covered, that lay heavy and + still, upon a board, between four men, and saw that others drove some dogs + away that sniffed upon the road, and soaked his blood up, with a train of + ashes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 56. Several People delighted, and the Game Chicken disgusted + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he Midshipman was all alive. Mr Toots and Susan had arrived at last. + Susan had run upstairs like a young woman bereft of her senses, and Mr + Toots and the Chicken had gone into the Parlour. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh my own pretty darling sweet Miss Floy!' cried the Nipper, running into + Florence's room, 'to think that it should come to this and I should find + you here my own dear dove with nobody to wait upon you and no home to call + your own but never never will I go away again Miss Floy for though I may + not gather moss I'm not a rolling stone nor is my heart a stone or else it + wouldn't bust as it is busting now oh dear oh dear!' + </p> + <p> + Pouring out these words, without the faintest indication of a stop, of any + sort, Miss Nipper, on her knees beside her mistress, hugged her close. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh love!' cried Susan, 'I know all that's past I know it all my tender + pet and I'm a choking give me air!' + </p> + <p> + 'Susan, dear good Susan!' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh bless her! I that was her little maid when she was a little child! and + is she really, really truly going to be married?' exclaimed Susan, in a + burst of pain and pleasure, pride and grief, and Heaven knows how many + other conflicting feelings. + </p> + <p> + 'Who told you so?' said Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh gracious me! that innocentest creetur Toots,' returned Susan + hysterically. 'I knew he must be right my dear, because he took on so. + He's the devotedest and innocentest infant! And is my darling,' pursued + Susan, with another close embrace and burst of tears, 'really really going + to be married!' + </p> + <p> + The mixture of compassion, pleasure, tenderness, protection, and regret + with which the Nipper constantly recurred to this subject, and at every + such once, raised her head to look in the young face and kiss it, and then + laid her head again upon her mistress's shoulder, caressing her and + sobbing, was as womanly and good a thing, in its way, as ever was seen in + the world. + </p> + <p> + 'There, there!' said the soothing voice of Florence presently. 'Now you're + quite yourself, dear Susan!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper, sitting down upon the floor, at her mistress's feet, laughing + and sobbing, holding her pocket-handkerchief to her eyes with one hand, + and patting Diogenes with the other as he licked her face, confessed to + being more composed, and laughed and cried a little more in proof of it. + </p> + <p> + 'I-I-I never did see such a creetur as that Toots,' said Susan, 'in all my + born days never!' + </p> + <p> + 'So kind,' suggested Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'And so comic!' Susan sobbed. 'The way he's been going on inside with me + with that disrespectable Chicken on the box!' + </p> + <p> + 'About what, Susan?' inquired Florence, timidly. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh about Lieutenant Walters, and Captain Gills, and you my dear Miss + Floy, and the silent tomb,' said Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'The silent tomb!' repeated Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'He says,' here Susan burst into a violent hysterical laugh, 'that he'll + go down into it now immediately and quite comfortable, but bless your + heart my dear Miss Floy he won't, he's a great deal too happy in seeing + other people happy for that, he may not be a Solomon,' pursued the Nipper, + with her usual volubility, 'nor do I say he is but this I do say a less + selfish human creature human nature never knew!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper being still hysterical, laughed immoderately after making this + energetic declaration, and then informed Florence that he was waiting + below to see her; which would be a rich repayment for the trouble he had + had in his late expedition. + </p> + <p> + Florence entreated Susan to beg of Mr Toots as a favour that she might + have the pleasure of thanking him for his kindness; and Susan, in a few + moments, produced that young gentleman, still very much dishevelled in + appearance, and stammering exceedingly. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots. 'To be again permitted to—to—gaze—at + least, not to gaze, but—I don't exactly know what I was going to + say, but it's of no consequence.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have to thank you so often,' returned Florence, giving him both her + hands, with all her innocent gratitude beaming in her face, 'that I have + no words left, and don't know how to do it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, in an awful voice, 'if it was possible that + you could, consistently with your angelic nature, Curse me, you would—if + I may be allowed to say so—floor me infinitely less, than by these + undeserved expressions of kindness Their effect upon me—is—but,' + said Mr Toots, abruptly, 'this is a digression, and of no consequence at + all.' + </p> + <p> + As there seemed to be no means of replying to this, but by thanking him + again, Florence thanked him again. + </p> + <p> + 'I could wish,' said Mr Toots, 'to take this opportunity, Miss Dombey, if + I might, of entering into a word of explanation. I should have had the + pleasure of—of returning with Susan at an earlier period; but, in + the first place, we didn't know the name of the relation to whose house + she had gone, and, in the second, as she had left that relation's and gone + to another at a distance, I think that scarcely anything short of the + sagacity of the Chicken, would have found her out in the time.' + </p> + <p> + Florence was sure of it. + </p> + <p> + 'This, however,' said Mr Toots, 'is not the point. The company of Susan + has been, I assure you, Miss Dombey, a consolation and satisfaction to me, + in my state of mind, more easily conceived than described. The journey has + been its own reward. That, however, still, is not the point. Miss Dombey, + I have before observed that I know I am not what is considered a quick + person. I am perfectly aware of that. I don't think anybody could be + better acquainted with his own—if it was not too strong an + expression, I should say with the thickness of his own head—than + myself. But, Miss Dombey, I do, notwithstanding, perceive the state of—of + things—with Lieutenant Walters. Whatever agony that state of things + may have caused me (which is of no consequence at all), I am bound to say, + that Lieutenant Walters is a person who appears to be worthy of the + blessing that has fallen on his—on his brow. May he wear it long, + and appreciate it, as a very different, and very unworthy individual, that + it is of no consequence to name, would have done! That, however, still, is + not the point. Miss Dombey, Captain Gills is a friend of mine; and during + the interval that is now elapsing, I believe it would afford Captain Gills + pleasure to see me occasionally coming backwards and forwards here. It + would afford me pleasure so to come. But I cannot forget that I once + committed myself, fatally, at the corner of the Square at Brighton; and if + my presence will be, in the least degree, unpleasant to you, I only ask + you to name it to me now, and assure you that I shall perfectly understand + you. I shall not consider it at all unkind, and shall only be too + delighted and happy to be honoured with your confidence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Toots,' returned Florence, 'if you, who are so old and true a friend + of mine, were to stay away from this house now, you would make me very + unhappy. It can never, never, give me any feeling but pleasure to see you. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, taking out his pocket-handkerchief, 'if I + shed a tear, it is a tear of joy. It is of no consequence, and I am very + much obliged to you. I may be allowed to remark, after what you have so + kindly said, that it is not my intention to neglect my person any longer.' + </p> + <p> + Florence received this intimation with the prettiest expression of + perplexity possible. + </p> + <p> + 'I mean,' said Mr Toots, 'that I shall consider it my duty as a + fellow-creature generally, until I am claimed by the silent tomb, to make + the best of myself, and to—to have my boots as brightly polished, as—as—circumstances + will admit of. This is the last time, Miss Dombey, of my intruding any + observation of a private and personal nature. I thank you very much + indeed. If I am not, in a general way, as sensible as my friends could + wish me to be, or as I could wish myself, I really am, upon my word and + honour, particularly sensible of what is considerate and kind. I feel,' + said Mr Toots, in an impassioned tone, 'as if I could express my feelings, + at the present moment, in a most remarkable manner, if—if—I + could only get a start.' + </p> + <p> + Appearing not to get it, after waiting a minute or two to see if it would + come, Mr Toots took a hasty leave, and went below to seek the Captain, + whom he found in the shop. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'what is now to take place between us, + takes place under the sacred seal of confidence. It is the sequel, Captain + Gills, of what has taken place between myself and Miss Dombey, upstairs.' + </p> + <p> + 'Alow and aloft, eh, my lad?' murmured the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly so, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, whose fervour of acquiescence + was greatly heightened by his entire ignorance of the Captain's meaning. + 'Miss Dombey, I believe, Captain Gills, is to be shortly united to + Lieutenant Walters?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, ay, my lad. We're all shipmets here,—Wal'r and sweet—heart + will be jined together in the house of bondage, as soon as the askings is + over,' whispered Captain Cuttle, in his ear. + </p> + <p> + 'The askings, Captain Gills!' repeated Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'In the church, down yonder,' said the Captain, pointing his thumb over + his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! Yes!' returned Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'And then,' said the Captain, in his hoarse whisper, and tapping Mr Toots + on the chest with the back of his hand, and falling from him with a look + of infinite admiration, 'what follers? That there pretty creetur, as + delicately brought up as a foreign bird, goes away upon the roaring main + with Wal'r on a woyage to China!' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord, Captain Gills!' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay!' nodded the Captain. 'The ship as took him up, when he was wrecked in + the hurricane that had drove her clean out of her course, was a China + trader, and Wal'r made the woyage, and got into favour, aboard and ashore—being + as smart and good a lad as ever stepped—and so, the supercargo dying + at Canton, he got made (having acted as clerk afore), and now he's + supercargo aboard another ship, same owners. And so, you see,' repeated + the Captain, thoughtfully, 'the pretty creetur goes away upon the roaring + main with Wal'r, on a woyage to China.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots and Captain Cuttle heaved a sigh in concert. 'What then?' said + the Captain. 'She loves him true. He loves her true. Them as should have + loved and tended of her, treated of her like the beasts as perish. When + she, cast out of home, come here to me, and dropped upon them planks, her + wownded heart was broke. I know it. I, Ed'ard Cuttle, see it. There's nowt + but true, kind, steady love, as can ever piece it up again. If so be I + didn't know that, and didn't know as Wal'r was her true love, brother, and + she his, I'd have these here blue arms and legs chopped off, afore I'd let + her go. But I know it, and what then! Why, then, I say, Heaven go with 'em + both, and so it will! Amen!' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'let me have the pleasure of shaking hands + You've a way of saying things, that gives me an agreeable warmth, all up + my back. I say Amen. You are aware, Captain Gills, that I, too, have + adored Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + 'Cheer up!' said the Captain, laying his hand on Mr Toots's shoulder. + 'Stand by, boy!' + </p> + <p> + 'It is my intention, Captain Gills,' returned the spirited Mr Toots, 'to + cheer up. Also to standby, as much as possible. When the silent tomb shall + yawn, Captain Gills, I shall be ready for burial; not before. But not + being certain, just at present, of my power over myself, what I wish to + say to you, and what I shall take it as a particular favour if you will + mention to Lieutenant Walters, is as follows.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is as follers,' echoed the Captain. 'Steady!' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Dombey being so inexpressably kind,' continued Mr Toots with watery + eyes, 'as to say that my presence is the reverse of disagreeable to her, + and you and everybody here being no less forbearing and tolerant towards + one who—who certainly,' said Mr Toots, with momentary dejection, + 'would appear to have been born by mistake, I shall come backwards and + forwards of an evening, during the short time we can all be together. But + what I ask is this. If, at any moment, I find that I cannot endure the + contemplation of Lieutenant Walters's bliss, and should rush out, I hope, + Captain Gills, that you and he will both consider it as my misfortune and + not my fault, or the want of inward conflict. That you'll feel convinced I + bear no malice to any living creature-least of all to Lieutenant Walters + himself—and that you'll casually remark that I have gone out for a + walk, or probably to see what o'clock it is by the Royal Exchange. Captain + Gills, if you could enter into this arrangement, and could answer for + Lieutenant Walters, it would be a relief to my feelings that I should + think cheap at the sacrifice of a considerable portion of my property.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' returned the Captain, 'say no more. There ain't a colour you can + run up, as won't be made out, and answered to, by Wal'r and self.' + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'my mind is greatly relieved. I wish to + preserve the good opinion of all here. I—I—mean well, upon my + honour, however badly I may show it. You know,' said Mr Toots, 'it's as + exactly as Burgess and Co. wished to oblige a customer with a most + extraordinary pair of trousers, and could not cut out what they had in + their minds.' + </p> + <p> + With this apposite illustration, of which he seemed a little Proud, Mr + Toots gave Captain Cuttle his blessing and departed. + </p> + <p> + The honest Captain, with his Heart's Delight in the house, and Susan + tending her, was a beaming and a happy man. As the days flew by, he grew + more beaming and more happy, every day. After some conferences with Susan + (for whose wisdom the Captain had a profound respect, and whose valiant + precipitation of herself on Mrs MacStinger he could never forget), he + proposed to Florence that the daughter of the elderly lady who usually sat + under the blue umbrella in Leadenhall Market, should, for prudential + reasons and considerations of privacy, be superseded in the temporary + discharge of the household duties, by someone who was not unknown to them, + and in whom they could safely confide. Susan, being present, then named, + in furtherance of a suggestion she had previously offered to the Captain, + Mrs Richards. Florence brightened at the name. And Susan, setting off that + very afternoon to the Toodle domicile, to sound Mrs Richards, returned in + triumph the same evening, accompanied by the identical rosy-cheeked + apple-faced Polly, whose demonstrations, when brought into Florence's + presence, were hardly less affectionate than those of Susan Nipper + herself. + </p> + <p> + This piece of generalship accomplished; from which the Captain derived + uncommon satisfaction, as he did, indeed, from everything else that was + done, whatever it happened to be; Florence had next to prepare Susan for + their approaching separation. This was a much more difficult task, as Miss + Nipper was of a resolute disposition, and had fully made up her mind that + she had come back never to be parted from her old mistress any more. + </p> + <p> + 'As to wages dear Miss Floy,' she said, 'you wouldn't hint and wrong me so + as think of naming them, for I've put money by and wouldn't sell my love + and duty at a time like this even if the Savings' Banks and me were total + strangers or the Banks were broke to pieces, but you've never been without + me darling from the time your poor dear Ma was took away, and though I'm + nothing to be boasted of you're used to me and oh my own dear mistress + through so many years don't think of going anywhere without me, for it + mustn't and can't be!' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Susan, I am going on a long, long voyage.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well Miss Floy, and what of that? the more you'll want me. Lengths of + voyages ain't an object in my eyes, thank God!' said the impetuous Susan + Nipper. + </p> + <p> + 'But, Susan, I am going with Walter, and I would go with Walter anywhere—everywhere! + Walter is poor, and I am very poor, and I must learn, now, both to help + myself, and help him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Miss Floy!' cried Susan, bursting out afresh, and shaking her head + violently, 'it's nothing new to you to help yourself and others too and be + the patientest and truest of noble hearts, but let me talk to Mr Walter + Gay and settle it with him, for suffer you to go away across the world + alone I cannot, and I won't.' + </p> + <p> + 'Alone, Susan?' returned Florence. 'Alone? and Walter taking me with him!' + Ah, what a bright, amazed, enraptured smile was on her face!—He + should have seen it. 'I am sure you will not speak to Walter if I ask you + not,' she added tenderly; 'and pray don't, dear.' + </p> + <p> + Susan sobbed 'Why not, Miss Floy?' + </p> + <p> + 'Because,' said Florence, 'I am going to be his wife, to give him up my + whole heart, and to live with him and die with him. He might think, if you + said to him what you have said to me, that I am afraid of what is before + me, or that you have some cause to be afraid for me. Why, Susan, dear, I + love him!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper was so much affected by the quiet fervour of these words, and + the simple, heartfelt, all-pervading earnestness expressed in them, and + making the speaker's face more beautiful and pure than ever, that she + could only cling to her again, crying. Was her little mistress really, + really going to be married, and pitying, caressing, and protecting her, as + she had done before. + </p> + <p> + But the Nipper, though susceptible of womanly weaknesses, was almost as + capable of putting constraint upon herself as of attacking the redoubtable + MacStinger. From that time, she never returned to the subject, but was + always cheerful, active, bustling, and hopeful. She did, indeed, inform Mr + Toots privately, that she was only 'keeping up' for the time, and that + when it was all over, and Miss Dombey was gone, she might be expected to + become a spectacle distressful; and Mr Toots did also express that it was + his case too, and that they would mingle their tears together; but she + never otherwise indulged her private feelings in the presence of Florence + or within the precincts of the Midshipman. + </p> + <p> + Limited and plain as Florence's wardrobe was—what a contrast to that + prepared for the last marriage in which she had taken part!—there + was a good deal to do in getting it ready, and Susan Nipper worked away at + her side, all day, with the concentrated zeal of fifty sempstresses. The + wonderful contributions Captain Cuttle would have made to this branch of + the outfit, if he had been permitted—as pink parasols, tinted silk + stockings, blue shoes, and other articles no less necessary on shipboard—would + occupy some space in the recital. He was induced, however, by various + fraudulent representations, to limit his contributions to a work-box and + dressing case, of each of which he purchased the very largest specimen + that could be got for money. For ten days or a fortnight afterwards, he + generally sat, during the greater part of the day, gazing at these boxes; + divided between extreme admiration of them, and dejected misgivings that + they were not gorgeous enough, and frequently diving out into the street + to purchase some wild article that he deemed necessary to their + completeness. But his master-stroke was, the bearing of them both off, + suddenly, one morning, and getting the two words FLORENCE GAY engraved + upon a brass heart inlaid over the lid of each. After this, he smoked four + pipes successively in the little parlour by himself, and was discovered + chuckling, at the expiration of as many hours. + </p> + <p> + Walter was busy and away all day, but came there every morning early to + see Florence, and always passed the evening with her. Florence never left + her high rooms but to steal downstairs to wait for him when it was his + time to come, or, sheltered by his proud, encircling arm, to bear him + company to the door again, and sometimes peep into the street. In the + twilight they were always together. Oh blessed time! Oh wandering heart at + rest! Oh deep, exhaustless, mighty well of love, in which so much was + sunk! + </p> + <p> + The cruel mark was on her bosom yet. It rose against her father with the + breath she drew, it lay between her and her lover when he pressed her to + his heart. But she forgot it. In the beating of that heart for her, and in + the beating of her own for him, all harsher music was unheard, all stern + unloving hearts forgotten. Fragile and delicate she was, but with a might + of love within her that could, and did, create a world to fly to, and to + rest in, out of his one image. + </p> + <p> + How often did the great house, and the old days, come before her in the + twilight time, when she was sheltered by the arm, so proud, so fond, and, + creeping closer to him, shrunk within it at the recollection! How often, + from remembering the night when she went down to that room and met the + never-to-be forgotten look, did she raise her eyes to those that watched + her with such loving earnestness, and weep with happiness in such a + refuge! The more she clung to it, the more the dear dead child was in her + thoughts: but as if the last time she had seen her father, had been when + he was sleeping and she kissed his face, she always left him so, and + never, in her fancy, passed that hour. + </p> + <p> + 'Walter, dear,' said Florence, one evening, when it was almost dark. 'Do + you know what I have been thinking to-day?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thinking how the time is flying on, and how soon we shall be upon the + sea, sweet Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't mean that, Walter, though I think of that too. I have been + thinking what a charge I am to you.' + </p> + <p> + 'A precious, sacred charge, dear heart! Why, I think that sometimes.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are laughing, Walter. I know that's much more in your thoughts than + mine. But I mean a cost. + </p> + <p> + 'A cost, my own?' + </p> + <p> + 'In money, dear. All these preparations that Susan and I are so busy with—I + have been able to purchase very little for myself. You were poor before. + But how much poorer I shall make you, Walter!' + </p> + <p> + 'And how much richer, Florence!' + </p> + <p> + Florence laughed, and shook her head. + </p> + <p> + 'Besides,' said Walter, 'long ago—before I went to sea—I had a + little purse presented to me, dearest, which had money in it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' returned Florence, laughing sorrowfully, 'very little! very little, + Walter! But, you must not think,' and here she laid her light hand on his + shoulder, and looked into his face, 'that I regret to be this burden on + you. No, dear love, I am glad of it. I am happy in it. I wouldn't have it + otherwise for all the world!' + </p> + <p> + 'Nor I, indeed, dear Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay! but, Walter, you can never feel it as I do. I am so proud of you! It + makes my heart swell with such delight to know that those who speak of you + must say you married a poor disowned girl, who had taken shelter here; who + had no other home, no other friends; who had nothing—nothing! Oh, + Walter, if I could have brought you millions, I never could have been so + happy for your sake, as I am!' + </p> + <p> + 'And you, dear Florence? are you nothing?' he returned. + </p> + <p> + 'No, nothing, Walter. Nothing but your wife.' The light hand stole about + his neck, and the voice came nearer—nearer. 'I am nothing any more, + that is not you. I have no earthly hope any more, that is not you. I have + nothing dear to me any more, that is not you.' + </p> + <p> + Oh! well might Mr Toots leave the little company that evening, and twice + go out to correct his watch by the Royal Exchange, and once to keep an + appointment with a banker which he suddenly remembered, and once to take a + little turn to Aldgate Pump and back! + </p> + <p> + But before he went upon these expeditions, or indeed before he came, and + before lights were brought, Walter said: + </p> + <p> + 'Florence, love, the lading of our ship is nearly finished, and probably + on the very day of our marriage she will drop down the river. Shall we go + away that morning, and stay in Kent until we go on board at Gravesend + within a week?' + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Walter. I shall be happy anywhere. But—' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my life?' + </p> + <p> + 'You know,' said Florence, 'that we shall have no marriage party, and that + nobody will distinguish us by our dress from other people. As we leave the + same day, will you—will you take me somewhere that morning, Walter—early—before + we go to church?' + </p> + <p> + Walter seemed to understand her, as so true a lover so truly loved should, + and confirmed his ready promise with a kiss—with more than one + perhaps, or two or three, or five or six; and in the grave, peaceful + evening, Florence was very happy. + </p> + <p> + Then into the quiet room came Susan Nipper and the candles; shortly + afterwards, the tea, the Captain, and the excursive Mr Toots, who, as + above mentioned, was frequently on the move afterwards, and passed but a + restless evening. This, however, was not his habit: for he generally got + on very well, by dint of playing at cribbage with the Captain under the + advice and guidance of Miss Nipper, and distracting his mind with the + calculations incidental to the game; which he found to be a very effectual + means of utterly confounding himself. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's visage on these occasions presented one of the finest + examples of combination and succession of expression ever observed. His + instinctive delicacy and his chivalrous feeling towards Florence, taught + him that it was not a time for any boisterous jollity, or violent display + of satisfaction; floating reminiscences of Lovely Peg, on the other hand, + were constantly struggling for a vent, and urging the Captain to commit + himself by some irreparable demonstration. Anon, his admiration of + Florence and Walter—well-matched, truly, and full of grace and + interest in their youth, and love, and good looks, as they sat apart—would + take such complete possession of hIm, that he would lay down his cards, + and beam upon them, dabbing his head all over with his + pocket-handkerchief; until warned, perhaps, by the sudden rushing forth of + Mr Toots, that he had unconsciously been very instrumental, indeed, in + making that gentleman miserable. This reflection would make the Captain + profoundly melancholy, until the return of Mr Toots; when he would fall to + his cards again, with many side winks and nods, and polite waves of his + hook at Miss Nipper, importing that he wasn't going to do so any more. The + state that ensued on this, was, perhaps, his best; for then, endeavouring + to discharge all expression from his face, he would sit staring round the + room, with all these expressions conveyed into it at once, and each + wrestling with the other. Delighted admiration of Florence and Walter + always overthrew the rest, and remained victorious and undisguised, unless + Mr Toots made another rush into the air, and then the Captain would sit, + like a remorseful culprit, until he came back again, occasionally calling + upon himself, in a low reproachful voice, to 'Stand by!' or growling some + remonstrance to 'Ed'ard Cuttle, my lad,' on the want of caution observable + in his behaviour. + </p> + <p> + One of Mr Toots's hardest trials, however, was of his own seeking. On the + approach of the Sunday which was to witness the last of those askings in + church of which the Captain had spoken, Mr Toots thus stated his feelings + to Susan Nipper. + </p> + <p> + 'Susan,' said Mr Toots, 'I am drawn towards the building. The words which + cut me off from Miss Dombey for ever, will strike upon my ears like a + knell you know, but upon my word and honour, I feel that I must hear them. + Therefore,' said Mr Toots, 'will you accompany me to-morrow, to the sacred + edifice?' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper expressed her readiness to do so, if that would be any + satisfaction to Mr Toots, but besought him to abandon his idea of going. + </p> + <p> + 'Susan,' returned Mr Toots, with much solemnity, 'before my whiskers began + to be observed by anybody but myself, I adored Miss Dombey. While yet a + victim to the thraldom of Blimber, I adored Miss Dombey. When I could no + longer be kept out of my property, in a legal point of view, and—and + accordingly came into it—I adored Miss Dombey. The banns which + consign her to Lieutenant Walters, and me to—to Gloom, you know,' + said Mr Toots, after hesitating for a strong expression, 'may be dreadful, + will be dreadful; but I feel that I should wish to hear them spoken. I + feel that I should wish to know that the ground was certainly cut from + under me, and that I hadn't a hope to cherish, or a—or a leg, in + short, to—to go upon.' + </p> + <p> + Susan Nipper could only commiserate Mr Toots's unfortunate condition, and + agree, under these circumstances, to accompany him; which she did next + morning. + </p> + <p> + The church Walter had chosen for the purpose, was a mouldy old church in a + yard, hemmed in by a labyrinth of back streets and courts, with a little + burying-ground round it, and itself buried in a kind of vault, formed by + the neighbouring houses, and paved with echoing stones It was a great dim, + shabby pile, with high old oaken pews, among which about a score of people + lost themselves every Sunday; while the clergyman's voice drowsily + resounded through the emptiness, and the organ rumbled and rolled as if + the church had got the colic, for want of a congregation to keep the wind + and damp out. But so far was this city church from languishing for the + company of other churches, that spires were clustered round it, as the + masts of shipping cluster on the river. It would have been hard to count + them from its steeple-top, they were so many. In almost every yard and + blind-place near, there was a church. The confusion of bells when Susan + and Mr Toots betook themselves towards it on the Sunday morning, was + deafening. There were twenty churches close together, clamouring for + people to come in. + </p> + <p> + The two stray sheep in question were penned by a beadle in a commodious + pew, and, being early, sat for some time counting the congregation, + listening to the disappointed bell high up in the tower, or looking at a + shabby little old man in the porch behind the screen, who was ringing the + same, like the Bull in Cock Robin, with his foot in a stirrup. Mr Toots, + after a lengthened survey of the large books on the reading-desk, + whispered Miss Nipper that he wondered where the banns were kept, but that + young lady merely shook her head and frowned; repelling for the time all + approaches of a temporal nature. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, however, appearing unable to keep his thoughts from the banns, + was evidently looking out for them during the whole preliminary portion of + the service. As the time for reading them approached, the poor young + gentleman manifested great anxiety and trepidation, which was not + diminished by the unexpected apparition of the Captain in the front row of + the gallery. When the clerk handed up a list to the clergyman, Mr Toots, + being then seated, held on by the seat of the pew; but when the names of + Walter Gay and Florence Dombey were read aloud as being in the third and + last stage of that association, he was so entirley conquered by his + feelings as to rush from the church without his hat, followed by the + beadle and pew-opener, and two gentlemen of the medical profeesion, who + happened to be present; of whom the first-named presently returned for + that article, informing Miss Nipper in a whisper that she was not to make + herself uneasy about the gentleman, as the gentleman said his + indisposition was of no consequence. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper, feeling that the eyes of that integral portion of Europe + which lost itself weekly among the high-backed pews, were upon her, would + have been sufficient embarrassed by this incident, though it had + terminated here; the more so, as the Captain in the front row of the + gallery, was in a state of unmitigated consciousness which could hardly + fail to express to the congregation that he had some mysterious connection + with it. But the extreme restlessness of Mr Toots painfully increased and + protracted the delicacy of her situation. That young gentleman, incapable, + in his state of mind, of remaining alone in the churchyard, a prey to + solitary meditation, and also desirous, no doubt, of testifying his + respect for the offices he had in some measure interrupted, suddenly + returned—not coming back to the pew, but stationing himself on a + free seat in the aisle, between two elderly females who were in the habit + of receiving their portion of a weekly dole of bread then set forth on a + shelf in the porch. In this conjunction Mr Toots remained, greatly + disturbing the congregation, who felt it impossible to avoid looking at + him, until his feelings overcame him again, when he departed silently and + suddenly. Not venturing to trust himself in the church any more, and yet + wishing to have some social participation in what was going on there, Mr + Toots was, after this, seen from time to time, looking in, with a lorn + aspect, at one or other of the windows; and as there were several windows + accessible to him from without, and as his restlessness was very great, it + not only became difficult to conceive at which window he would appear + next, but likewise became necessary, as it were, for the whole + congregation to speculate upon the chances of the different windows, + during the comparative leisure afforded them by the sermon. Mr Toots's + movements in the churchyard were so eccentric, that he seemed generally to + defeat all calculation, and to appear, like the conjuror's figure, where + he was least expected; and the effect of these mysterious presentations + was much increased by its being difficult to him to see in, and easy to + everybody else to see out: which occasioned his remaining, every time, + longer than might have been expected, with his face close to the glass, + until he all at once became aware that all eyes were upon him, and + vanished. + </p> + <p> + These proceedings on the part of Mr Toots, and the strong individual + consciousness of them that was exhibited by the Captain, rendered Miss + Nipper's position so responsible a one, that she was mightily relieved by + the conclusion of the service; and was hardly so affable to Mr Toots as + usual, when he informed her and the Captain, on the way back, that now he + was sure he had no hope, you know, he felt more comfortable—at least + not exactly more comfortable, but more comfortably and completely + miserable. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly now, indeed, the time flew by until it was the evening before the + day appointed for the marriage. They were all assembled in the upper room + at the Midshipman's, and had no fear of interruption; for there were no + lodgers in the house now, and the Midshipman had it all to himself. They + were grave and quiet in the prospect of to-morrow, but moderately cheerful + too. Florence, with Walter close beside her, was finishing a little piece + of work intended as a parting gift to the Captain. The Captain was playing + cribbage with Mr Toots. Mr Toots was taking counsel as to his hand, of + Susan Nipper. Miss Nipper was giving it, with all due secrecy and + circumspection. Diogenes was listening, and occasionally breaking out into + a gruff half-smothered fragment of a bark, of which he afterwards seemed + half-ashamed, as if he doubted having any reason for it. + </p> + <p> + 'Steady, steady!' said the Captain to Diogenes, 'what's amiss with you? + You don't seem easy in your mind to-night, my boy!' + </p> + <p> + Diogenes wagged his tail, but pricked up his ears immediately afterwards, + and gave utterance to another fragment of a bark; for which he apologised + to the Captain, by again wagging his tail. + </p> + <p> + 'It's my opinion, Di,' said the Captain, looking thoughtfully at his + cards, and stroking his chin with his hook, 'as you have your doubts of + Mrs Richards; but if you're the animal I take you to be, you'll think + better o' that; for her looks is her commission. Now, Brother:' to Mr + Toots: 'if so be as you're ready, heave ahead.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain spoke with all composure and attention to the game, but + suddenly his cards dropped out of his hand, his mouth and eyes opened + wide, his legs drew themselves up and stuck out in front of his chair, and + he sat staring at the door with blank amazement. Looking round upon the + company, and seeing that none of them observed him or the cause of his + astonishment, the Captain recovered himself with a great gasp, struck the + table a tremendous blow, cried in a stentorian roar, 'Sol Gills ahoy!' and + tumbled into the arms of a weather-beaten pea-coat that had come with + Polly into the room. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0725m.jpg" alt="0725m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0725.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + In another moment, Walter was in the arms of the weather-beaten pea-coat. + In another moment, Florence was in the arms of the weather-beaten + pea-coat. In another moment, Captain Cuttle had embraced Mrs Richards and + Miss Nipper, and was violently shaking hands with Mr Toots, exclaiming, as + he waved his hook above his head, 'Hooroar, my lad, hooroar!' To which Mr + Toots, wholly at a loss to account for these proceedings, replied with + great politeness, 'Certainly, Captain Gills, whatever you think proper!' + </p> + <p> + The weather-beaten pea-coat, and a no less weather-beaten cap and + comforter belonging to it, turned from the Captain and from Florence back + to Walter, and sounds came from the weather-beaten pea-coat, cap, and + comforter, as of an old man sobbing underneath them; while the shaggy + sleeves clasped Walter tight. During this pause, there was an universal + silence, and the Captain polished his nose with great diligence. But when + the pea-coat, cap, and comforter lifted themselves up again, Florence + gently moved towards them; and she and Walter taking them off, disclosed + the old Instrument-maker, a little thinner and more careworn than of old, + in his old Welsh wig and his old coffee-coloured coat and basket buttons, + with his old infallible chronometer ticking away in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + 'Chock full o' science,' said the radiant Captain, 'as ever he was! Sol + Gills, Sol Gills, what have you been up to, for this many a long day, my + ould boy?' + </p> + <p> + 'I'm half blind, Ned,' said the old man, 'and almost deaf and dumb with + joy.' + </p> + <p> + 'His wery woice,' said the Captain, looking round with an exultation to + which even his face could hardly render justice—'his wery woice as + chock full o' science as ever it was! Sol Gills, lay to, my lad, upon your + own wines and fig-trees like a taut ould patriark as you are, and overhaul + them there adwentures o' yourn, in your own formilior woice. 'Tis the + woice,' said the Captain, impressively, and announcing a quotation with + his hook, 'of the sluggard, I heerd him complain, you have woke me too + soon, I must slumber again. Scatter his ene-mies, and make 'em fall!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain sat down with the air of a man who had happily expressed the + feeling of everybody present, and immediately rose again to present Mr + Toots, who was much disconcerted by the arrival of anybody, appearing to + prefer a claim to the name of Gills. + </p> + <p> + 'Although,' stammered Mr Toots, 'I had not the pleasure of your + acquaintance, Sir, before you were—you were—' + </p> + <p> + 'Lost to sight, to memory dear,' suggested the Captain, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly so, Captain Gills!' assented Mr Toots. 'Although I had not the + pleasure of your acquaintance, Mr—Mr Sols,' said Toots, hitting on + that name in the inspiration of a bright idea, 'before that happened, I + have the greatest pleasure, I assure you, in—you know, in knowing + you. I hope,' said Mr Toots, 'that you're as well as can be expected.' + </p> + <p> + With these courteous words, Mr Toots sat down blushing and chuckling. + </p> + <p> + The old Instrument-maker, seated in a corner between Walter and Florence, + and nodding at Polly, who was looking on, all smiles and delight, answered + the Captain thus: + </p> + <p> + 'Ned Cuttle, my dear boy, although I have heard something of the changes + of events here, from my pleasant friend there—what a pleasant face + she has to be sure, to welcome a wanderer home!' said the old man, + breaking off, and rubbing his hands in his old dreamy way. + </p> + <p> + 'Hear him!' cried the Captain gravely. ''Tis woman as seduces all mankind. + For which,' aside to Mr Toots, 'you'll overhaul your Adam and Eve, + brother.' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall make a point of doing so, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Although I have heard something of the changes of events, from her,' + resumed the Instrument-maker, taking his old spectacles from his pocket, + and putting them on his forehead in his old manner, 'they are so great and + unexpected, and I am so overpowered by the sight of my dear boy, and by + the,'—glancing at the downcast eyes of Florence, and not attempting + to finish the sentence—'that I—I can't say much to-night. But + my dear Ned Cuttle, why didn't you write?' + </p> + <p> + The astonishment depicted in the Captain's features positively frightened + Mr Toots, whose eyes were quite fixed by it, so that he could not withdraw + them from his face. + </p> + <p> + 'Write!' echoed the Captain. 'Write, Sol Gills?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' said the old man, 'either to Barbados, or Jamaica, or Demerara, That + was what I asked.' + </p> + <p> + 'What you asked, Sol Gills?' repeated the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' said the old man. 'Don't you know, Ned? Sure you have not forgotten? + Every time I wrote to you.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain took off his glazed hat, hung it on his hook, and smoothing + his hair from behind with his hand, sat gazing at the group around him: a + perfect image of wondering resignation. + </p> + <p> + 'You don't appear to understand me, Ned!' observed old Sol. + </p> + <p> + 'Sol Gills,' returned the Captain, after staring at him and the rest for a + long time, without speaking, 'I'm gone about and adrift. Pay out a word or + two respecting them adwenturs, will you! Can't I bring up, nohows? + Nohows?' said the Captain, ruminating, and staring all round. + </p> + <p> + 'You know, Ned,' said Sol Gills, 'why I left here. Did you open my packet, + Ned?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, ay, ay,' said the Captain. 'To be sure, I opened the packet.' + </p> + <p> + 'And read it?' said the old man. + </p> + <p> + 'And read it,' answered the Captain, eyeing him attentively, and + proceeding to quote it from memory. '"My dear Ned Cuttle, when I left home + for the West Indies in forlorn search of intelligence of my dear-" There + he sits! There's Wal'r!' said the Captain, as if he were relieved by + getting hold of anything that was real and indisputable. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Ned. Now attend a moment!' said the old man. 'When I wrote first—that + was from Barbados—I said that though you would receive that letter + long before the year was out, I should be glad if you would open the + packet, as it explained the reason of my going away. Very good, Ned. When + I wrote the second, third, and perhaps the fourth times—that was + from Jamaica—I said I was in just the same state, couldn't rest, and + couldn't come away from that part of the world, without knowing that my + boy was lost or saved. When I wrote next—that, I think, was from + Demerara, wasn't it?' + </p> + <p> + 'That he thinks was from Demerara, warn't it!' said the Captain, looking + hopelessly round. + </p> + <p> + '—I said,' proceeded old Sol, 'that still there was no certain + information got yet. That I found many captains and others, in that part + of the world, who had known me for years, and who assisted me with a + passage here and there, and for whom I was able, now and then, to do a + little in return, in my own craft. That everyone was sorry for me, and + seemed to take a sort of interest in my wanderings; and that I began to + think it would be my fate to cruise about in search of tidings of my boy, + until I died.' + </p> + <p> + 'Began to think as how he was a scientific Flying Dutchman!' said the + Captain, as before, and with great seriousness. + </p> + <p> + 'But when the news come one day, Ned,—that was to Barbados, after I + got back there,—that a China trader home'ard bound had been spoke, + that had my boy aboard, then, Ned, I took passage in the next ship and + came home; arrived at home to-night to find it true, thank God!' said the + old man, devoutly. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, after bowing his head with great reverence, stared all round + the circle, beginning with Mr Toots, and ending with the Instrument-maker; + then gravely said: + </p> + <p> + 'Sol Gills! The observation as I'm a-going to make is calc'lated to blow + every stitch of sail as you can carry, clean out of the bolt-ropes, and + bring you on your beam ends with a lurch. Not one of them letters was ever + delivered to Ed'ard Cuttle. Not one o' them letters,' repeated the + Captain, to make his declaration the more solemn and impressive, 'was ever + delivered unto Ed'ard Cuttle, Mariner, of England, as lives at home at + ease, and doth improve each shining hour!' + </p> + <p> + 'And posted by my own hand! And directed by my own hand, Number nine Brig + Place!' exclaimed old Sol. + </p> + <p> + The colour all went out of the Captain's face and all came back again in a + glow. + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean, Sol Gills, my friend, by Number nine Brig Place?' + inquired the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Mean? Your lodgings, Ned,' returned the old man. 'Mrs What's-her-name! I + shall forget my own name next, but I am behind the present time—I + always was, you recollect—and very much confused. Mrs—' + </p> + <p> + 'Sol Gills!' said the Captain, as if he were putting the most improbable + case in the world, 'it ain't the name of MacStinger as you're a trying to + remember?' + </p> + <p> + 'Of course it is!' exclaimed the Instrument-maker. 'To be sure Ned. Mrs + MacStinger!' + </p> + <p> + Captain Cuttle, whose eyes were now as wide open as they would be, and the + knobs upon whose face were perfectly luminous, gave a long shrill whistle + of a most melancholy sound, and stood gazing at everybody in a state of + speechlessness. + </p> + <p> + 'Overhaul that there again, Sol Gills, will you be so kind?' he said at + last. + </p> + <p> + 'All these letters,' returned Uncle Sol, beating time with the forefinger + of his right hand upon the palm of his left, with a steadiness and + distinctness that might have done honour, even to the infallible + chronometer in his pocket, 'I posted with my own hand, and directed with + my own hand, to Captain Cuttle, at Mrs MacStinger's, Number nine Brig + Place.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain took his glazed hat off his hook, looked into it, put it on, + and sat down. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, friends all,' said the Captain, staring round in the last state of + discomfiture, 'I cut and run from there!' + </p> + <p> + 'And no one knew where you were gone, Captain Cuttle?' cried Walter + hastily. + </p> + <p> + 'Bless your heart, Wal'r,' said the Captain, shaking his head, 'she'd + never have allowed o' my coming to take charge o' this here property. + Nothing could be done but cut and run. Lord love you, Wal'r!' said the + Captain, 'you've only seen her in a calm! But see her when her angry + passions rise—and make a note on!' + </p> + <p> + 'I'd give it her!' remarked the Nipper, softly. + </p> + <p> + 'Would you, do you think, my dear?' returned the Captain, with feeble + admiration. 'Well, my dear, it does you credit. But there ain't no wild + animal I wouldn't sooner face myself. I only got my chest away by means of + a friend as nobody's a match for. It was no good sending any letter there. + She wouldn't take in any letter, bless you,' said the Captain, 'under them + circumstances! Why, you could hardly make it worth a man's while to be the + postman!' + </p> + <p> + 'Then it's pretty clear, Captain Cuttle, that all of us, and you and Uncle + Sol especially,' said Walter, 'may thank Mrs MacStinger for no small + anxiety.' + </p> + <p> + The general obligation in this wise to the determined relict of the late + Mr MacStinger, was so apparent, that the Captain did not contest the + point; but being in some measure ashamed of his position, though nobody + dwelt upon the subject, and Walter especially avoided it, remembering the + last conversation he and the Captain had held together respecting it, he + remained under a cloud for nearly five minutes—an extraordinary + period for him when that sun, his face, broke out once more, shining on + all beholders with extraordinary brilliancy; and he fell into a fit of + shaking hands with everybody over and over again. + </p> + <p> + At an early hour, but not before Uncle Sol and Walter had questioned each + other at some length about their voyages and dangers, they all, except + Walter, vacated Florence's room, and went down to the parlour. Here they + were soon afterwards joined by Walter, who told them Florence was a little + sorrowful and heavy-hearted, and had gone to bed. Though they could not + have disturbed her with their voices down there, they all spoke in a + whisper after this: and each, in his different way, felt very lovingly and + gently towards Walter's fair young bride: and a long explanation there was + of everything relating to her, for the satisfaction of Uncle Sol; and very + sensible Mr Toots was of the delicacy with which Walter made his name and + services important, and his presence necessary to their little council. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr Toots,' said Walter, on parting with him at the house door, 'we shall + see each other to-morrow morning?' + </p> + <p> + 'Lieutenant Walters,' returned Mr Toots, grasping his hand fervently, 'I + shall certainly be present.' + </p> + <p> + 'This is the last night we shall meet for a long time—the last night + we may ever meet,' said Walter. 'Such a noble heart as yours, must feel, I + think, when another heart is bound to it. I hope you know that I am very + grateful to you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Walters,' replied Mr Toots, quite touched, 'I should be glad to feel that + you had reason to be so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Florence,' said Walter, 'on this last night of her bearing her own name, + has made me promise—it was only just now, when you left us together—that + I would tell you—with her dear love—' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots laid his hand upon the doorpost, and his eyes upon his hand. + </p> + <p> + '—With her dear love,' said Walter, 'that she can never have a + friend whom she will value above you. That the recollection of your true + consideration for her always, can never be forgotten by her. That she + remembers you in her prayers to-night, and hopes that you will think of + her when she is far away. Shall I say anything for you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Say, Walter,' replied Mr Toots indistinctly, 'that I shall think of her + every day, but never without feeling happy to know that she is married to + the man she loves, and who loves her. Say, if you please, that I am sure + her husband deserves her—even her!—and that I am glad of her + choice.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots got more distinct as he came to these last words, and raising his + eyes from the doorpost, said them stoutly. He then shook Walter's hand + again with a fervour that Walter was not slow to return and started + homeward. + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots was accompanied by the Chicken, whom he had of late brought with + him every evening, and left in the shop, with an idea that unforeseen + circumstances might arise from without, in which the prowess of that + distinguished character would be of service to the Midshipman. The Chicken + did not appear to be in a particularly good humour on this occasion. + Either the gas-lamps were treacherous, or he cocked his eye in a hideous + manner, and likewise distorted his nose, when Mr Toots, crossing the road, + looked back over his shoulder at the room where Florence slept. On the + road home, he was more demonstrative of aggressive intentions against the + other foot-passengers, than comported with a professor of the peaceful art + of self-defence. Arrived at home, instead of leaving Mr Toots in his + apartments when he had escorted him thither, he remained before him + weighing his white hat in both hands by the brim, and twitching his head + and nose (both of which had been many times broken, and but indifferently + repaired), with an air of decided disrespect. + </p> + <p> + His patron being much engaged with his own thoughts, did not observe this + for some time, nor indeed until the Chicken, determined not to be + overlooked, had made divers clicking sounds with his tongue and teeth, to + attract attention. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Master,' said the Chicken, doggedly, when he, at length, caught Mr + Toots's eye, 'I want to know whether this here gammon is to finish it, or + whether you're a going in to win?' + </p> + <p> + 'Chicken,' returned Mr Toots, 'explain yourself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why then, here's all about it, Master,' said the Chicken. 'I ain't a cove + to chuck a word away. Here's wot it is. Are any on 'em to be doubled up?' + </p> + <p> + When the Chicken put this question he dropped his hat, made a dodge and a + feint with his left hand, hit a supposed enemy a violent blow with his + right, shook his head smartly, and recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, Master,' said the Chicken. 'Is it to be gammon or pluck? Which?' + </p> + <p> + 'Chicken,' returned Mr Toots, 'your expressions are coarse, and your + meaning is obscure.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, then, I tell you what, Master,' said the Chicken. 'This is where it + is. It's mean.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is mean, Chicken?' asked Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'It is,' said the Chicken, with a frightful corrugation of his broken + nose. 'There! Now, Master! Wot! When you could go and blow on this here + match to the stiff'un;' by which depreciatory appellation it has been + since supposed that the Game One intended to signify Mr Dombey; 'and when + you could knock the winner and all the kit of 'em dead out o' wind and + time, are you going to give in? To give in?' said the Chicken, with + contemptuous emphasis. 'Wy, it's mean!' + </p> + <p> + 'Chicken,' said Mr Toots, severely, 'you're a perfect Vulture! Your + sentiments are atrocious.' + </p> + <p> + 'My sentiments is Game and Fancy, Master,' returned the Chicken. 'That's + wot my sentiments is. I can't abear a meanness. I'm afore the public, I'm + to be heerd on at the bar of the Little Helephant, and no Gov'ner o' mine + mustn't go and do what's mean. Wy, it's mean,' said the Chicken, with + increased expression. 'That's where it is. It's mean.' + </p> + <p> + 'Chicken,' said Mr Toots, 'you disgust me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Master,' returned the Chicken, putting on his hat, 'there's a pair on us, + then. Come! Here's a offer! You've spoke to me more than once't or twice't + about the public line. Never mind! Give me a fi'typunnote to-morrow, and + let me go.' + </p> + <p> + 'Chicken,' returned Mr Toots, 'after the odious sentiments you have + expressed, I shall be glad to part on such terms.' + </p> + <p> + 'Done then,' said the Chicken. 'It's a bargain. This here conduct of yourn + won't suit my book, Master. Wy, it's mean,' said the Chicken; who seemed + equally unable to get beyond that point, and to stop short of it. 'That's + where it is; it's mean!' + </p> + <p> + So Mr Toots and the Chicken agreed to part on this incompatibility of + moral perception; and Mr Toots lying down to sleep, dreamed happily of + Florence, who had thought of him as her friend upon the last night of her + maiden life, and who had sent him her dear love. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 57. Another Wedding + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>r Sownds the beadle, and Mrs Miff the pew-opener, are early at their + posts in the fine church where Mr Dombey was married. A yellow-faced old + gentleman from India, is going to take unto himself a young wife this + morning, and six carriages full of company are expected, and Mrs Miff has + been informed that the yellow-faced old gentleman could pave the road to + church with diamonds and hardly miss them. + </p> + <p> + The nuptial benediction is to be a superior one, proceeding from a very + reverend, a dean, and the lady is to be given away, as an extraordinary + present, by somebody who comes express from the Horse Guards. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Miff is more intolerant of common people this morning, than she + generally is; and she his always strong opinions on that subject, for it + is associated with free sittings. Mrs Miff is not a student of political + economy (she thinks the science is connected with dissenters; 'Baptists or + Wesleyans, or some o' them,' she says), but she can never understand what + business your common folks have to be married. 'Drat 'em,' says Mrs Miff + 'you read the same things over 'em and instead of sovereigns get + sixpences!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Sownds the beadle is more liberal than Mrs Miff—but then he is + not a pew-opener. 'It must be done, Ma'am,' he says. 'We must marry 'em. + We must have our national schools to walk at the head of, and we must have + our standing armies. We must marry 'em, Ma'am,' says Mr Sownds, 'and keep + the country going.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Sownds is sitting on the steps and Mrs Miff is dusting in the church, + when a young couple, plainly dressed, come in. The mortified bonnet of Mrs + Miff is sharply turned towards them, for she espies in this early visit + indications of a runaway match. But they don't want to be married—'Only,' + says the gentleman, 'to walk round the church.' And as he slips a genteel + compliment into the palm of Mrs Miff, her vinegary face relaxes, and her + mortified bonnet and her spare dry figure dip and crackle. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Miff resumes her dusting and plumps up her cushions—for the + yellow-faced old gentleman is reported to have tender knees—but + keeps her glazed, pew-opening eye on the young couple who are walking + round the church. 'Ahem,' coughs Mrs Miff whose cough is drier than the + hay in any hassock in her charge, 'you'll come to us one of these + mornings, my dears, unless I'm much mistaken!' + </p> + <p> + They are looking at a tablet on the wall, erected to the memory of someone + dead. They are a long way off from Mrs Miff, but Mrs Miff can see with + half an eye how she is leaning on his arm, and how his head is bent down + over her. 'Well, well,' says Mrs Miff, 'you might do worse. For you're a + tidy pair!' + </p> + <p> + There is nothing personal in Mrs Miff's remark. She merely speaks of + stock-in-trade. She is hardly more curious in couples than in coffins. She + is such a spare, straight, dry old lady—such a pew of a woman—that + you should find as many individual sympathies in a chip. Mr Sownds, now, + who is fleshy, and has scarlet in his coat, is of a different temperament. + He says, as they stand upon the steps watching the young couple away, that + she has a pretty figure, hasn't she, and as well as he could see (for she + held her head down coming out), an uncommon pretty face. 'Altogether, Mrs + Miff,' says Mr Sownds with a relish, 'she is what you may call a + rose-bud.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Miff assents with a spare nod of her mortified bonnet; but approves of + this so little, that she inwardly resolves she wouldn't be the wife of Mr + Sownds for any money he could give her, Beadle as he is. + </p> + <p> + And what are the young couple saying as they leave the church, and go out + at the gate? + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Walter, thank you! I can go away, now, happy.' + </p> + <p> + 'And when we come back, Florence, we will come and see his grave again.' + </p> + <p> + Florence lifts her eyes, so bright with tears, to his kind face; and + clasps her disengaged hand on that other modest little hand which clasps + his arm. + </p> + <p> + 'It is very early, Walter, and the streets are almost empty yet. Let us + walk.' + </p> + <p> + 'But you will be so tired, my love.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no! I was very tired the first time that we ever walked together, but + I shall not be so to-day.' + </p> + <p> + And thus—not much changed—she, as innocent and earnest-hearted—he, + as frank, as hopeful, and more proud of her—Florence and Walter, on + their bridal morning, walk through the streets together. + </p> + <p> + Not even in that childish walk of long ago, were they so far removed from + all the world about them as to-day. The childish feet of long ago, did not + tread such enchanted ground as theirs do now. The confidence and love of + children may be given many times, and will spring up in many places; but + the woman's heart of Florence, with its undivided treasure, can be yielded + only once, and under slight or change, can only droop and die. + </p> + <p> + They take the streets that are the quietest, and do not go near that in + which her old home stands. It is a fair, warm summer morning, and the sun + shines on them, as they walk towards the darkening mist that overspreads + the City. Riches are uncovering in shops; jewels, gold, and silver flash + in the goldsmith's sunny windows; and great houses cast a stately shade + upon them as they pass. But through the light, and through the shade, they + go on lovingly together, lost to everything around; thinking of no other + riches, and no prouder home, than they have now in one another. + </p> + <p> + Gradually they come into the darker, narrower streets, where the sun, now + yellow, and now red, is seen through the mist, only at street corners, and + in small open spaces where there is a tree, or one of the innumerable + churches, or a paved way and a flight of steps, or a curious little patch + of garden, or a burying-ground, where the few tombs and tombstones are + almost black. Lovingly and trustfully, through all the narrow yards and + alleys and the shady streets, Florence goes, clinging to his arm, to be + his wife. + </p> + <p> + Her heart beats quicker now, for Walter tells her that their church is + very near. They pass a few great stacks of warehouses, with waggons at the + doors, and busy carmen stopping up the way—but Florence does not see + or hear them—and then the air is quiet, and the day is darkened, and + she is trembling in a church which has a strange smell like a cellar. + </p> + <p> + The shabby little old man, ringer of the disappointed bell, is standing in + the porch, and has put his hat in the font—for he is quite at home + there, being sexton. He ushers them into an old brown, panelled, dusty + vestry, like a corner-cupboard with the shelves taken out; where the wormy + registers diffuse a smell like faded snuff, which has set the tearful + Nipper sneezing. + </p> + <p> + Youthful, and how beautiful, the young bride looks, in this old dusty + place, with no kindred object near her but her husband. There is a dusty + old clerk, who keeps a sort of evaporated news shop underneath an archway + opposite, behind a perfect fortification of posts. There is a dusty old + pew-opener who only keeps herself, and finds that quite enough to do. + There is a dusty old beadle (these are Mr Toots's beadle and pew-opener of + last Sunday), who has something to do with a Worshipful Company who have + got a Hall in the next yard, with a stained-glass window in it that no + mortal ever saw. There are dusty wooden ledges and cornices poked in and + out over the altar, and over the screen and round the gallery, and over + the inscription about what the Master and Wardens of the Worshipful + Company did in one thousand six hundred and ninety-four. There are dusty + old sounding-boards over the pulpit and reading-desk, looking like lids to + be let down on the officiating ministers in case of their giving offence. + There is every possible provision for the accommodation of dust, except in + the churchyard, where the facilities in that respect are very limited. + </p> + <p> + The Captain, Uncle Sol, and Mr Toots are come; the clergyman is putting on + his surplice in the vestry, while the clerk walks round him, blowing the + dust off it; and the bride and bridegroom stand before the altar. There is + no bridesmaid, unless Susan Nipper is one; and no better father than + Captain Cuttle. A man with a wooden leg, chewing a faint apple and + carrying a blue bag in has hand, looks in to see what is going on; but + finding it nothing entertaining, stumps off again, and pegs his way among + the echoes out of doors. + </p> + <p> + No gracious ray of light is seen to fall on Florence, kneeling at the + altar with her timid head bowed down. The morning luminary is built out, + and don't shine there. There is a meagre tree outside, where the sparrows + are chirping a little; and there is a blackbird in an eyelet-hole of sun + in a dyer's garret, over against the window, who whistles loudly whilst + the service is performing; and there is the man with the wooden leg + stumping away. The amens of the dusty clerk appear, like Macbeth's, to + stick in his throat a little; but Captain Cuttle helps him out, and does + it with so much goodwill that he interpolates three entirely new responses + of that word, never introduced into the service before. + </p> + <p> + They are married, and have signed their names in one of the old sneezy + registers, and the clergyman's surplice is restored to the dust, and the + clergyman is gone home. In a dark corner of the dark church, Florence has + turned to Susan Nipper, and is weeping in her arms. Mr Toots's eyes are + red. The Captain lubricates his nose. Uncle Sol has pulled down his + spectacles from his forehead, and walked out to the door. + </p> + <p> + 'God bless you, Susan; dearest Susan! If you ever can bear witness to the + love I have for Walter, and the reason that I have to love him, do it for + his sake. Good-bye! Good-bye!' + </p> + <p> + They have thought it better not to go back to the Midshipman, but to part + so; a coach is waiting for them, near at hand. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nipper cannot speak; she only sobs and chokes, and hugs her mistress. + Mr Toots advances, urges her to cheer up, and takes charge of her. + Florence gives him her hand—gives him, in the fulness of her heart, + her lips—kisses Uncle Sol, and Captain Cuttle, and is borne away by + her young husband. + </p> + <p> + But Susan cannot bear that Florence should go away with a mournful + recollection of her. She had meant to be so different, that she reproaches + herself bitterly. Intent on making one last effort to redeem her + character, she breaks from Mr Toots and runs away to find the coach, and + show a parting smile. The Captain, divining her object, sets off after + her; for he feels it his duty also to dismiss them with a cheer, if + possible. Uncle Sol and Mr Toots are left behind together, outside the + church, to wait for them. + </p> + <p> + The coach is gone, but the street is steep, and narrow, and blocked up, + and Susan can see it at a stand-still in the distance, she is sure. + Captain Cuttle follows her as she flies down the hill, and waves his + glazed hat as a general signal, which may attract the right coach and + which may not. + </p> + <p> + Susan outstrips the Captain, and comes up with it. She looks in at the + window, sees Walter, with the gentle face beside him, and claps her hands + and screams: + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Floy, my darling! look at me! We are all so happy now, dear! One + more good-bye, my precious, one more!' + </p> + <p> + How Susan does it, she don't know, but she reaches to the window, kisses + her, and has her arms about her neck, in a moment. + </p> + <p> + 'We are all so—so happy now, my dear Miss Floy!' says Susan, with a + suspicious catching in her breath. 'You, you won't be angry with me now. + Now will you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Angry, Susan!' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no; I am sure you won't. I say you won't, my pet, my dearest!' + exclaims Susan; 'and here's the Captain too—your friend the Captain, + you know—to say good-bye once more!' + </p> + <p> + 'Hooroar, my Heart's Delight!' vociferates the Captain, with a countenance + of strong emotion. 'Hooroar, Wal'r my lad. Hooroar! Hooroar!' + </p> + <p> + What with the young husband at one window, and the young wife at the + other; the Captain hanging on at this door, and Susan Nipper holding fast + by that; the coach obliged to go on whether it will or no, and all the + other carts and coaches turbulent because it hesitates; there never was so + much confusion on four wheels. But Susan Nipper gallantly maintains her + point. She keeps a smiling face upon her mistress, smiling through her + tears, until the last. Even when she is left behind, the Captain continues + to appear and disappear at the door, crying 'Hooroar, my lad! Hooroar, my + Heart's Delight!' with his shirt-collar in a violent state of agitation, + until it is hopeless to attempt to keep up with the coach any longer. + Finally, when the coach is gone, Susan Nipper, being rejoined by the + Captain, falls into a state of insensibility, and is taken into a baker's + shop to recover. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Sol and Mr Toots wait patiently in the churchyard, sitting on the + coping-stone of the railings, until Captain Cuttle and Susan come back, + Neither being at all desirous to speak, or to be spoken to, they are + excellent company, and quite satisfied. When they all arrive again at the + little Midshipman, and sit down to breakfast, nobody can touch a morsel. + Captain Cuttle makes a feint of being voracious about toast, but gives it + up as a swindle. Mr Toots says, after breakfast, he will come back in the + evening; and goes wandering about the town all day, with a vague sensation + upon him as if he hadn't been to bed for a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + There is a strange charm in the house, and in the room, in which they have + been used to be together, and out of which so much is gone. It aggravates, + and yet it soothes, the sorrow of the separation. Mr Toots tells Susan + Nipper when he comes at night, that he hasn't been so wretched all day + long, and yet he likes it. He confides in Susan Nipper, being alone with + her, and tells her what his feelings were when she gave him that candid + opinion as to the probability of Miss Dombey's ever loving him. In the + vein of confidence engendered by these common recollections, and their + tears, Mr Toots proposes that they shall go out together, and buy + something for supper. Miss Nipper assenting, they buy a good many little + things; and, with the aid of Mrs Richards, set the supper out quite + showily before the Captain and old Sol came home. + </p> + <p> + The Captain and old Sol have been on board the ship, and have established + Di there, and have seen the chests put aboard. They have much to tell + about the popularity of Walter, and the comforts he will have about him, + and the quiet way in which it seems he has been working early and late, to + make his cabin what the Captain calls 'a picter,' to surprise his little + wife. 'A admiral's cabin, mind you,' says the Captain, 'ain't more trim.' + </p> + <p> + But one of the Captain's chief delights is, that he knows the big watch, + and the sugar-tongs, and tea-spoons, are on board: and again and again he + murmurs to himself, 'Ed'ard Cuttle, my lad, you never shaped a better + course in your life than when you made that there little property over + jintly. You see how the land bore, Ed'ard,' says the Captain, 'and it does + you credit, my lad.' + </p> + <p> + The old Instrument-maker is more distraught and misty than he used to be, + and takes the marriage and the parting very much to heart. But he is + greatly comforted by having his old ally, Ned Cuttle, at his side; and he + sits down to supper with a grateful and contented face. + </p> + <p> + 'My boy has been preserved and thrives,' says old Sol Gills, rubbing his + hands. 'What right have I to be otherwise than thankful and happy!' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who has not yet taken his seat at the table, but who has been + fidgeting about for some time, and now stands hesitating in his place, + looks doubtfully at Mr Gills, and says: + </p> + <p> + 'Sol! There's the last bottle of the old Madeira down below. Would you + wish to have it up to-night, my boy, and drink to Wal'r and his wife?' + </p> + <p> + The Instrument-maker, looking wistfully at the Captain, puts his hand into + the breast-pocket of his coffee-coloured coat, brings forth his + pocket-book, and takes a letter out. + </p> + <p> + 'To Mr Dombey,' says the old man. 'From Walter. To be sent in three weeks' + time. I'll read it.' + </p> + <p> + '"Sir. I am married to your daughter. She is gone with me upon a distant + voyage. To be devoted to her is to have no claim on her or you, but God + knows that I am. + </p> + <p> + '"Why, loving her beyond all earthly things, I have yet, without remorse, + united her to the uncertainties and dangers of my life, I will not say to + you. You know why, and you are her father. + </p> + <p> + '"Do not reproach her. She has never reproached you. + </p> + <p> + '"I do not think or hope that you will ever forgive me. There is nothing I + expect less. But if an hour should come when it will comfort you to + believe that Florence has someone ever near her, the great charge of whose + life is to cancel her remembrance of past sorrow, I solemnly assure you, + you may, in that hour, rest in that belief."' + </p> + <p> + Solomon puts back the letter carefully in his pocket-book, and puts back + his pocket-book in his coat. + </p> + <p> + 'We won't drink the last bottle of the old Madeira yet, Ned,' says the old + man thoughtfully. 'Not yet. + </p> + <p> + 'Not yet,' assents the Captain. 'No. Not yet.' + </p> + <p> + Susan and Mr Toots are of the same opinion. After a silence they all sit + down to supper, and drink to the young husband and wife in something else; + and the last bottle of the old Madeira still remains among its dust and + cobwebs, undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + A few days have elapsed, and a stately ship is out at sea, spreading its + white wings to the favouring wind. + </p> + <p> + Upon the deck, image to the roughest man on board of something that is + graceful, beautiful, and harmless—something that it is good and + pleasant to have there, and that should make the voyage prosperous—is + Florence. It is night, and she and Walter sit alone, watching the solemn + path of light upon the sea between them and the moon. + </p> + <p> + At length she cannot see it plainly, for the tears that fill her eyes; and + then she lays her head down on his breast, and puts her arms around his + neck, saying, 'Oh Walter, dearest love, I am so happy!' + </p> + <p> + Her husband holds her to his heart, and they are very quiet, and the + stately ship goes on serenely. + </p> + <p> + 'As I hear the sea,' says Florence, 'and sit watching it, it brings so + many days into my mind. It makes me think so much—' + </p> + <p> + 'Of Paul, my love. I know it does.' + </p> + <p> + Of Paul and Walter. And the voices in the waves are always whispering to + Florence, in their ceaseless murmuring, of love—of love, eternal and + illimitable, not bounded by the confines of this world, or by the end of + time, but ranging still, beyond the sea, beyond the sky, to the invisible + country far away! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 58. After a Lapse + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he sea had ebbed and flowed, through a whole year. Through a whole year, + the winds and clouds had come and gone; the ceaseless work of Time had + been performed, in storm and sunshine. Through a whole year, the tides of + human chance and change had set in their allotted courses. Through a whole + year, the famous House of Dombey and Son had fought a fight for life, + against cross accidents, doubtful rumours, unsuccessful ventures, + unpropitious times, and most of all, against the infatuation of its head, + who would not contract its enterprises by a hair's breadth, and would not + listen to a word of warning that the ship he strained so hard against the + storm, was weak, and could not bear it. + </p> + <p> + The year was out, and the great House was down. + </p> + <p> + One summer afternoon; a year, wanting some odd days, after the marriage in + the City church; there was a buzz and whisper upon 'Change of a great + failure. A certain cold proud man, well known there, was not there, nor + was he represented there. Next day it was noised abroad that Dombey and + Son had stopped, and next night there was a List of Bankrupts published, + headed by that name. + </p> + <p> + The world was very busy now, in sooth, and had a deal to say. It was an + innocently credulous and a much ill-used world. It was a world in which + there was no other sort of bankruptcy whatever. There were no conspicuous + people in it, trading far and wide on rotten banks of religion, + patriotism, virtue, honour. There was no amount worth mentioning of mere + paper in circulation, on which anybody lived pretty handsomely, promising + to pay great sums of goodness with no effects. There were no shortcomings + anywhere, in anything but money. The world was very angry indeed; and the + people especially, who, in a worse world, might have been supposed to be + apt traders themselves in shows and pretences, were observed to be + mightily indignant. + </p> + <p> + Here was a new inducement to dissipation, presented to that sport of + circumstances, Mr Perch the Messenger! It was apparently the fate of Mr + Perch to be always waking up, and finding himself famous. He had but + yesterday, as one might say, subsided into private life from the celebrity + of the elopement and the events that followed it; and now he was made a + more important man than ever, by the bankruptcy. Gliding from his bracket + in the outer office where he now sat, watching the strange faces of + accountants and others, who quickly superseded nearly all the old clerks, + Mr Perch had but to show himself in the court outside, or, at farthest, in + the bar of the King's Arms, to be asked a multitude of questions, almost + certain to include that interesting question, what would he take to drink? + Then would Mr Perch descant upon the hours of acute uneasiness he and Mrs + Perch had suffered out at Balls Pond, when they first suspected 'things + was going wrong.' Then would Mr Perch relate to gaping listeners, in a low + voice, as if the corpse of the deceased House were lying unburied in the + next room, how Mrs Perch had first come to surmise that things was going + wrong by hearing him (Perch) moaning in his sleep, 'twelve and ninepence + in the pound, twelve and ninepence in the pound!' Which act of + somnambulism he supposed to have originated in the impression made upon + him by the change in Mr Dombey's face. Then would he inform them how he + had once said, 'Might I make so bold as ask, Sir, are you unhappy in your + mind?' and how Mr Dombey had replied, 'My faithful Perch—but no, it + cannot be!' and with that had struck his hand upon his forehead, and said, + 'Leave me, Perch!' Then, in short, would Mr Perch, a victim to his + position, tell all manner of lies; affecting himself to tears by those + that were of a moving nature, and really believing that the inventions of + yesterday had, on repetition, a sort of truth about them to-day. + </p> + <p> + Mr Perch always closed these conferences by meekly remarking, That, of + course, whatever his suspicions might have been (as if he had ever had + any!) it wasn't for him to betray his trust, was it? Which sentiment + (there never being any creditors present) was received as doing great + honour to his feelings. Thus, he generally brought away a soothed + conscience and left an agreeable impression behind him, when he returned + to his bracket: again to sit watching the strange faces of the accountants + and others, making so free with the great mysteries, the Books; or now and + then to go on tiptoe into Mr Dombey's empty room, and stir the fire; or to + take an airing at the door, and have a little more doleful chat with any + straggler whom he knew; or to propitiate, with various small attentions, + the head accountant: from whom Mr Perch had expectations of a + messengership in a Fire Office, when the affairs of the House should be + wound up. + </p> + <p> + To Major Bagstock, the bankruptcy was quite a calamity. The Major was not + a sympathetic character—his attention being wholly concentrated on + J. B.—nor was he a man subject to lively emotions, except in the + physical regards of gasping and choking. But he had so paraded his friend + Dombey at the club; had so flourished him at the heads of the members in + general, and so put them down by continual assertion of his riches; that + the club, being but human, was delighted to retort upon the Major, by + asking him, with a show of great concern, whether this tremendous smash + had been at all expected, and how his friend Dombey bore it. To such + questions, the Major, waxing very purple, would reply that it was a bad + world, Sir, altogether; that Joey knew a thing or two, but had been done, + Sir, done like an infant; that if you had foretold this, Sir, to J. + Bagstock, when he went abroad with Dombey and was chasing that vagabond up + and down France, J. Bagstock would have pooh-pooh'd you—would have + pooh-pooh'd you, Sir, by the Lord! That Joe had been deceived, Sir, taken + in, hoodwinked, blindfolded, but was broad awake again and staring; + insomuch, Sir, that if Joe's father were to rise up from the grave + to-morrow, he wouldn't trust the old blade with a penny piece, but would + tell him that his son Josh was too old a soldier to be done again, Sir. + That he was a suspicious, crabbed, cranky, used-up, J. B. infidel, Sir; + and that if it were consistent with the dignity of a rough and tough old + Major, of the old school, who had had the honour of being personally known + to, and commended by, their late Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Kent and + York, to retire to a tub and live in it, by Gad! Sir, he'd have a tub in + Pall Mall to-morrow, to show his contempt for mankind! + </p> + <p> + Of all this, and many variations of the same tune, the Major would deliver + himself with so many apoplectic symptoms, such rollings of his head, and + such violent growls of ill usage and resentment, that the younger members + of the club surmised he had invested money in his friend Dombey's House, + and lost it; though the older soldiers and deeper dogs, who knew Joe + better, wouldn't hear of such a thing. The unfortunate Native, expressing + no opinion, suffered dreadfully; not merely in his moral feelings, which + were regularly fusilladed by the Major every hour in the day, and riddled + through and through, but in his sensitiveness to bodily knocks and bumps, + which was kept continually on the stretch. For six entire weeks after the + bankruptcy, this miserable foreigner lived in a rainy season of boot-jacks + and brushes. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick had three ideas upon the subject of the terrible reverse. The + first was that she could not understand it. The second, that her brother + had not made an effort. The third, that if she had been invited to dinner + on the day of that first party, it never would have happened; and that she + had said so, at the time. + </p> + <p> + Nobody's opinion stayed the misfortune, lightened it, or made it heavier. + It was understood that the affairs of the House were to be wound up as + they best could be; that Mr Dombey freely resigned everything he had, and + asked for no favour from anyone. That any resumption of the business was + out of the question, as he would listen to no friendly negotiation having + that compromise in view; that he had relinquished every post of trust or + distinction he had held, as a man respected among merchants; that he was + dying, according to some; that he was going melancholy mad, according to + others; that he was a broken man, according to all. + </p> + <p> + The clerks dispersed after holding a little dinner of condolence among + themselves, which was enlivened by comic singing, and went off admirably. + Some took places abroad, and some engaged in other Houses at home; some + looked up relations in the country, for whom they suddenly remembered they + had a particular affection; and some advertised for employment in the + newspapers. Mr Perch alone remained of all the late establishment, sitting + on his bracket looking at the accountants, or starting off it, to + propitiate the head accountant, who was to get him into the Fire Office. + The Counting House soon got to be dirty and neglected. The principal + slipper and dogs' collar seller, at the corner of the court, would have + doubted the propriety of throwing up his forefinger to the brim of his + hat, any more, if Mr Dombey had appeared there now; and the ticket porter, + with his hands under his white apron, moralised good sound morality about + ambition, which (he observed) was not, in his opinion, made to rhyme to + perdition, for nothing. + </p> + <p> + Mr Morfin, the hazel-eyed bachelor, with the hair and whiskers sprinkled + with grey, was perhaps the only person within the atmosphere of the House—its + head, of course, excepted—who was heartily and deeply affected by + the disaster that had befallen it. He had treated Mr Dombey with due + respect and deference through many years, but he had never disguised his + natural character, or meanly truckled to him, or pampered his master + passion for the advancement of his own purposes. He had, therefore, no + self-disrespect to avenge; no long-tightened springs to release with a + quick recoil. He worked early and late to unravel whatever was complicated + or difficult in the records of the transactions of the House; was always + in attendance to explain whatever required explanation; sat in his old + room sometimes very late at night, studying points by his mastery of which + he could spare Mr Dombey the pain of being personally referred to; and + then would go home to Islington, and calm his mind by producing the most + dismal and forlorn sounds out of his violoncello before going to bed. + </p> + <p> + He was solacing himself with this melodious grumbler one evening, and, + having been much dispirited by the proceedings of the day, was scraping + consolation out of its deepest notes, when his landlady (who was + fortunately deaf, and had no other consciousness of these performances + than a sensation of something rumbling in her bones) announced a lady. + </p> + <p> + 'In mourning,' she said. + </p> + <p> + The violoncello stopped immediately; and the performer, laying it on the + sofa with great tenderness and care, made a sign that the lady was to come + in. He followed directly, and met Harriet Carker on the stair. + </p> + <p> + 'Alone!' he said, 'and John here this morning! Is there anything the + matter, my dear? But no,' he added, 'your face tells quite another story.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid it is a selfish revelation that you see there, then,' she + answered. + </p> + <p> + 'It is a very pleasant one,' said he; 'and, if selfish, a novelty too, + worth seeing in you. But I don't believe that.' + </p> + <p> + He had placed a chair for her by this time, and sat down opposite; the + violoncello lying snugly on the sofa between them. + </p> + <p> + 'You will not be surprised at my coming alone, or at John's not having + told you I was coming,' said Harriet; 'and you will believe that, when I + tell you why I have come. May I do so now?' + </p> + <p> + 'You can do nothing better.' + </p> + <p> + 'You were not busy?' + </p> + <p> + He pointed to the violoncello lying on the sofa, and said 'I have been, + all day. Here's my witness. I have been confiding all my cares to it. I + wish I had none but my own to tell.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is the House at an end?' said Harriet, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + 'Completely at an end.' + </p> + <p> + 'Will it never be resumed?' + </p> + <p> + 'Never.' + </p> + <p> + The bright expression of her face was not overshadowed as her lips + silently repeated the word. He seemed to observe this with some little + involuntary surprise: and said again: + </p> + <p> + 'Never. You remember what I told you. It has been, all along, impossible + to convince him; impossible to reason with him; sometimes, impossible even + to approach him. The worst has happened; and the House has fallen, never + to be built up any more.' + </p> + <p> + 'And Mr Dombey, is he personally ruined?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ruined.' + </p> + <p> + 'Will he have no private fortune left? Nothing?' + </p> + <p> + A certain eagerness in her voice, and something that was almost joyful in + her look, seemed to surprise him more and more; to disappoint him too, and + jar discordantly against his own emotions. He drummed with the fingers of + one hand on the table, looking wistfully at her, and shaking his head, + said, after a pause: + </p> + <p> + 'The extent of Mr Dombey's resources is not accurately within my + knowledge; but though they are doubtless very large, his obligations are + enormous. He is a gentleman of high honour and integrity. Any man in his + position could, and many a man in his position would, have saved himself, + by making terms which would have very slightly, almost insensibly, + increased the losses of those who had had dealings with him, and left him + a remnant to live upon. But he is resolved on payment to the last farthing + of his means. His own words are, that they will clear, or nearly clear, + the House, and that no one can lose much. Ah, Miss Harriet, it would do us + no harm to remember oftener than we do, that vices are sometimes only + virtues carried to excess! His pride shows well in this.' + </p> + <p> + She heard him with little or no change in her expression, and with a + divided attention that showed her to be busy with something in her own + mind. When he was silent, she asked him hurriedly: + </p> + <p> + 'Have you seen him lately?' + </p> + <p> + 'No one sees him. When this crisis of his affairs renders it necessary for + him to come out of his house, he comes out for the occasion, and again + goes home, and shuts himself up, and will see no one. He has written me a + letter, acknowledging our past connexion in higher terms than it deserved, + and parting from me. I am delicate of obtruding myself upon him now, never + having had much intercourse with him in better times; but I have tried to + do so. I have written, gone there, entreated. Quite in vain.' + </p> + <p> + He watched her, as in the hope that she would testify some greater concern + than she had yet shown; and spoke gravely and feelingly, as if to impress + her the more; but there was no change in her. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well, Miss Harriet,' he said, with a disappointed air, 'this is not + to the purpose. You have not come here to hear this. Some other and + pleasanter theme is in your mind. Let it be in mine, too, and we shall + talk upon more equal terms. Come!' + </p> + <p> + 'No, it is the same theme,' returned Harriet, with frank and quick + surprise. 'Is it not likely that it should be? Is it not natural that John + and I should have been thinking and speaking very much of late of these + great changes? Mr Dombey, whom he served so many years—you know upon + what terms—reduced, as you describe; and we quite rich!' + </p> + <p> + Good, true face, as that face of hers was, and pleasant as it had been to + him, Mr Morfin, the hazel-eyed bachelor, since the first time he had ever + looked upon it, it pleased him less at that moment, lighted with a ray of + exultation, than it had ever pleased him before. + </p> + <p> + 'I need not remind you,' said Harriet, casting down her eyes upon her + black dress, 'through what means our circumstances changed. You have not + forgotten that our brother James, upon that dreadful day, left no will, no + relations but ourselves.' + </p> + <p> + The face was pleasanter to him now, though it was pale and melancholy, + than it had been a moment since. He seemed to breathe more cheerily. + </p> + <p> + 'You know,' she said, 'our history, the history of both my brothers, in + connexion with the unfortunate, unhappy gentleman, of whom you have spoken + so truly. You know how few our wants are—John's and mine—and + what little use we have for money, after the life we have led together for + so many years; and now that he is earning an income that is ample for us, + through your kindness. You are not unprepared to hear what favour I have + come to ask of you?' + </p> + <p> + 'I hardly know. I was, a minute ago. Now, I think, I am not.' + </p> + <p> + 'Of my dead brother I say nothing. If the dead know what we do—but + you understand me. Of my living brother I could say much; but what need I + say more, than that this act of duty, in which I have come to ask your + indispensable assistance, is his own, and that he cannot rest until it is + performed!' + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes again; and the light of exultation in her face began + to appear beautiful, in the observant eyes that watched her. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Sir,' she went on to say, 'it must be done very quietly and + secretly. Your experience and knowledge will point out a way of doing it. + Mr Dombey may, perhaps, be led to believe that it is something saved, + unexpectedly, from the wreck of his fortunes; or that it is a voluntary + tribute to his honourable and upright character, from some of those with + whom he has had great dealings; or that it is some old lost debt repaid. + There must be many ways of doing it. I know you will choose the best. The + favour I have come to ask is, that you will do it for us in your own kind, + generous, considerate manner. That you will never speak of it to John, + whose chief happiness in this act of restitution is to do it secretly, + unknown, and unapproved of: that only a very small part of the inheritance + may be reserved to us, until Mr Dombey shall have possessed the interest + of the rest for the remainder of his life; that you will keep our secret, + faithfully—but that I am sure you will; and that, from this time, it + may seldom be whispered, even between you and me, but may live in my + thoughts only as a new reason for thankfulness to Heaven, and joy and + pride in my brother.' + </p> + <p> + Such a look of exultation there may be on Angels' faces when the one + repentant sinner enters Heaven, among ninety-nine just men. It was not + dimmed or tarnished by the joyful tears that filled her eyes, but was the + brighter for them. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Harriet,' said Mr Morfin, after a silence, 'I was not prepared + for this. Do I understand you that you wish to make your own part in the + inheritance available for your good purpose, as well as John's?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, yes,' she returned 'When we have shared everything together for so + long a time, and have had no care, hope, or purpose apart, could I bear to + be excluded from my share in this? May I not urge a claim to be my + brother's partner and companion to the last?' + </p> + <p> + 'Heaven forbid that I should dispute it!' he replied. + </p> + <p> + 'We may rely on your friendly help?' she said. 'I knew we might!' + </p> + <p> + 'I should be a worse man than,—than I hope I am, or would willingly + believe myself, if I could not give you that assurance from my heart and + soul. You may, implicitly. Upon my honour, I will keep your secret. And if + it should be found that Mr Dombey is so reduced as I fear he will be, + acting on a determination that there seem to be no means of influencing, I + will assist you to accomplish the design, on which you and John are + jointly resolved.' + </p> + <p> + She gave him her hand, and thanked him with a cordial, happy face. + </p> + <p> + 'Harriet,' he said, detaining it in his. 'To speak to you of the worth of + any sacrifice that you can make now—above all, of any sacrifice of + mere money—would be idle and presumptuous. To put before you any + appeal to reconsider your purpose or to set narrow limits to it, would be, + I feel, not less so. I have no right to mar the great end of a great + history, by any obtrusion of my own weak self. I have every right to bend + my head before what you confide to me, satisfied that it comes from a + higher and better source of inspiration than my poor worldly knowledge. I + will say only this: I am your faithful steward; and I would rather be so, + and your chosen friend, than I would be anybody in the world, except + yourself.' + </p> + <p> + She thanked him again, cordially, and wished him good-night. + </p> + <p> + 'Are you going home?' he said. 'Let me go with you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not to-night. I am not going home now; I have a visit to make alone. Will + you come to-morrow?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well,' said he, 'I'll come to-morrow. In the meantime, I'll think + of this, and how we can best proceed. And perhaps I'll think of it, dear + Harriet, and—and—think of me a little in connexion with it.' + </p> + <p> + He handed her down to a coach she had in waiting at the door; and if his + landlady had not been deaf, she would have heard him muttering as he went + back upstairs, when the coach had driven off, that we were creatures of + habit, and it was a sorrowful habit to be an old bachelor. + </p> + <p> + The violoncello lying on the sofa between the two chairs, he took it up, + without putting away the vacant chair, and sat droning on it, and slowly + shaking his head at the vacant chair, for a long, long time. The + expression he communicated to the instrument at first, though monstrously + pathetic and bland, was nothing to the expression he communicated to his + own face, and bestowed upon the empty chair: which was so sincere, that he + was obliged to have recourse to Captain Cuttle's remedy more than once, + and to rub his face with his sleeve. By degrees, however, the violoncello, + in unison with his own frame of mind, glided melodiously into the + Harmonious Blacksmith, which he played over and over again, until his + ruddy and serene face gleamed like true metal on the anvil of a veritable + blacksmith. In fine, the violoncello and the empty chair were the + companions of his bachelorhood until nearly midnight; and when he took his + supper, the violoncello set up on end in the sofa corner, big with the + latent harmony of a whole foundry full of harmonious blacksmiths, seemed + to ogle the empty chair out of its crooked eyes, with unutterable + intelligence. + </p> + <p> + When Harriet left the house, the driver of her hired coach, taking a + course that was evidently no new one to him, went in and out by bye-ways, + through that part of the suburbs, until he arrived at some open ground, + where there were a few quiet little old houses standing among gardens. At + the garden-gate of one of these he stopped, and Harriet alighted. + </p> + <p> + Her gentle ringing at the bell was responded to by a dolorous-looking + woman, of light complexion, with raised eyebrows, and head drooping on one + side, who curtseyed at sight of her, and conducted her across the garden + to the house. + </p> + <p> + 'How is your patient, nurse, to-night?' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'In a poor way, Miss, I am afraid. Oh how she do remind me, sometimes, of + my Uncle's Betsey Jane!' returned the woman of the light complexion, in a + sort of doleful rapture. + </p> + <p> + 'In what respect?' asked Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss, in all respects,' replied the other, 'except that she's grown up, + and Betsey Jane, when at death's door, was but a child.' + </p> + <p> + 'But you have told me she recovered,' observed Harriet mildly; 'so there + is the more reason for hope, Mrs Wickam.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, Miss, hope is an excellent thing for such as has the spirits to bear + it!' said Mrs Wickam, shaking her head. 'My own spirits is not equal to + it, but I don't owe it any grudge. I envys them that is so blest!' + </p> + <p> + 'You should try to be more cheerful,' remarked Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, Miss, I'm sure,' said Mrs Wickam grimly. 'If I was so + inclined, the loneliness of this situation—you'll excuse my speaking + so free—would put it out of my power, in four and twenty hours; but + I ain't at all. I'd rather not. The little spirits that I ever had, I was + bereaved of at Brighton some few years ago, and I think I feel myself the + better for it.' + </p> + <p> + In truth, this was the very Mrs Wickam who had superseded Mrs Richards as + the nurse of little Paul, and who considered herself to have gained the + loss in question, under the roof of the amiable Pipchin. The excellent and + thoughtful old system, hallowed by long prescription, which has usually + picked out from the rest of mankind the most dreary and uncomfortable + people that could possibly be laid hold of, to act as instructors of + youth, finger-posts to the virtues, matrons, monitors, attendants on sick + beds, and the like, had established Mrs Wickam in very good business as a + nurse, and had led to her serious qualities being particularly commended + by an admiring and numerous connexion. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam, with her eyebrows elevated, and her head on one side, lighted + the way upstairs to a clean, neat chamber, opening on another chamber + dimly lighted, where there was a bed. In the first room, an old woman sat + mechanically staring out at the open window, on the darkness. In the + second, stretched upon the bed, lay the shadow of a figure that had + spurned the wind and rain, one wintry night; hardly to be recognised now, + but by the long black hair that showed so very black against the + colourless face, and all the white things about it. + </p> + <p> + Oh, the strong eyes, and the weak frame! The eyes that turned so eagerly + and brightly to the door when Harriet came in; the feeble head that could + not raise itself, and moved so slowly round upon its pillow! + </p> + <p> + 'Alice!' said the visitor's mild voice, 'am I late to-night?' + </p> + <p> + 'You always seem late, but are always early.' + </p> + <p> + Harriet had sat down by the bedside now, and put her hand upon the thin + hand lying there. + </p> + <p> + 'You are better?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam, standing at the foot of the bed, like a disconsolate spectre, + most decidedly and forcibly shook her head to negative this position. + </p> + <p> + 'It matters very little!' said Alice, with a faint smile. 'Better or worse + to-day, is but a day's difference—perhaps not so much.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam, as a serious character, expressed her approval with a groan; + and having made some cold dabs at the bottom of the bedclothes, as feeling + for the patient's feet and expecting to find them stony; went clinking + among the medicine bottles on the table, as who should say, 'while we are + here, let us repeat the mixture as before.' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Alice, whispering to her visitor, 'evil courses, and remorse, + travel, want, and weather, storm within, and storm without, have worn my + life away. It will not last much longer. + </p> + <p> + She drew the hand up as she spoke, and laid her face against it. + </p> + <p> + 'I lie here, sometimes, thinking I should like to live until I had had a + little time to show you how grateful I could be! It is a weakness, and + soon passes. Better for you as it is. Better for me!' + </p> + <p> + How different her hold upon the hand, from what it had been when she took + it by the fireside on the bleak winter evening! Scorn, rage, defiance, + recklessness, look here! This is the end. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Wickam having clinked sufficiently among the bottles, now produced the + mixture. Mrs Wickam looked hard at her patient in the act of drinking, + screwed her mouth up tight, her eyebrows also, and shook her head, + expressing that tortures shouldn't make her say it was a hopeless case. + Mrs Wickam then sprinkled a little cooling-stuff about the room, with the + air of a female grave-digger, who was strewing ashes on ashes, dust on + dust—for she was a serious character—and withdrew to partake + of certain funeral baked meats downstairs. + </p> + <p> + 'How long is it,' asked Alice, 'since I went to you and told you what I + had done, and when you were advised it was too late for anyone to follow?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is a year and more,' said Harriet. + </p> + <p> + 'A year and more,' said Alice, thoughtfully intent upon her face. 'Months + upon months since you brought me here!' + </p> + <p> + Harriet answered 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'Brought me here, by force of gentleness and kindness. Me!' said Alice, + shrinking with her face behind her hand, 'and made me human by woman's + looks and words, and angel's deeds!' + </p> + <p> + Harriet bending over her, composed and soothed her. By and bye, Alice + lying as before, with the hand against her face, asked to have her mother + called. + </p> + <p> + Harriet called to her more than once, but the old woman was so absorbed + looking out at the open window on the darkness, that she did not hear. It + was not until Harriet went to her and touched her, that she rose up, and + came. + </p> + <p> + 'Mother,' said Alice, taking the hand again, and fixing her lustrous eyes + lovingly upon her visitor, while she merely addressed a motion of her + finger to the old woman, 'tell her what you know.' + </p> + <p> + 'To-night, my deary?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, mother,' answered Alice, faintly and solemnly, 'to-night!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman, whose wits appeared disorderly by alarm, remorse, or grief, + came creeping along the side of the bed, opposite to that on which Harriet + sat; and kneeling down, so as to bring her withered face upon a level with + the coverlet, and stretching out her hand, so as to touch her daughter's + arm, began: + </p> + <p> + 'My handsome gal—' + </p> + <p> + Heaven, what a cry was that, with which she stopped there, gazing at the + poor form lying on the bed! + </p> + <p> + 'Changed, long ago, mother! Withered, long ago,' said Alice, without + looking at her. 'Don't grieve for that now.' + </p> + <p> + '—My daughter,' faltered the old woman, 'my gal who'll soon get + better, and shame 'em all with her good looks.' + </p> + <p> + Alice smiled mournfully at Harriet, and fondled her hand a little closer, + but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + 'Who'll soon get better, I say,' repeated the old woman, menacing the + vacant air with her shrivelled fist, 'and who'll shame 'em all with her + good looks—she will. I say she will! she shall!'—as if she + were in passionate contention with some unseen opponent at the bedside, + who contradicted her—'my daughter has been turned away from, and + cast out, but she could boast relationship to proud folks too, if she + chose. Ah! To proud folks! There's relationship without your clergy and + your wedding rings—they may make it, but they can't break it—and + my daughter's well related. Show me Mrs Dombey, and I'll show you my + Alice's first cousin.' + </p> + <p> + Harriet glanced from the old woman to the lustrous eyes intent upon her + face, and derived corroboration from them. + </p> + <p> + 'What!' cried the old woman, her nodding head bridling with a ghastly + vanity. 'Though I am old and ugly now,—much older by life and habit + than years though,—I was once as young as any. Ah! as pretty too, as + many! I was a fresh country wench in my time, darling,' stretching out her + arm to Harriet, across the bed, 'and looked it, too. Down in my country, + Mrs Dombey's father and his brother were the gayest gentlemen and the + best-liked that came a visiting from London—they have long been + dead, though! Lord, Lord, this long while! The brother, who was my Ally's + father, longest of the two.' + </p> + <p> + She raised her head a little, and peered at her daughter's face; as if + from the remembrance of her own youth, she had flown to the remembrance of + her child's. Then, suddenly, she laid her face down on the bed, and shut + her head up in her hands and arms. + </p> + <p> + 'They were as like,' said the old woman, without looking up, as you could + see two brothers, so near an age—there wasn't much more than a year + between them, as I recollect—and if you could have seen my gal, as I + have seen her once, side by side with the other's daughter, you'd have + seen, for all the difference of dress and life, that they were like each + other. Oh! is the likeness gone, and is it my gal—only my gal—that's + to change so!' + </p> + <p> + 'We shall all change, mother, in our turn,' said Alice. + </p> + <p> + 'Turn!' cried the old woman, 'but why not hers as soon as my gal's! The + mother must have changed—she looked as old as me, and full as + wrinkled through her paint—but she was handsome. What have I done, + I, what have I done worse than her, that only my gal is to lie there + fading!' + </p> + <p> + With another of those wild cries, she went running out into the room from + which she had come; but immediately, in her uncertain mood, returned, and + creeping up to Harriet, said: + </p> + <p> + 'That's what Alice bade me tell you, deary. That's all. I found it out + when I began to ask who she was, and all about her, away in Warwickshire + there, one summer-time. Such relations was no good to me, then. They + wouldn't have owned me, and had nothing to give me. I should have asked + 'em, maybe, for a little money, afterwards, if it hadn't been for my + Alice; she'd a'most have killed me, if I had, I think She was as proud as + t'other in her way,' said the old woman, touching the face of her daughter + fearfully, and withdrawing her hand, 'for all she's so quiet now; but + she'll shame 'em with her good looks yet. Ha, ha! She'll shame 'em, will + my handsome daughter!' + </p> + <p> + Her laugh, as she retreated, was worse than her cry; worse than the burst + of imbecile lamentation in which it ended; worse than the doting air with + which she sat down in her old seat, and stared out at the darkness. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of Alice had all this time been fixed on Harriet, whose hand she + had never released. She said now: + </p> + <p> + 'I have felt, lying here, that I should like you to know this. It might + explain, I have thought, something that used to help to harden me. I had + heard so much, in my wrongdoing, of my neglected duty, that I took up with + the belief that duty had not been done to me, and that as the seed was + sown, the harvest grew. I somehow made it out that when ladies had bad + homes and mothers, they went wrong in their way, too; but that their way + was not so foul a one as mine, and they had need to bless God for it. That + is all past. It is like a dream, now, which I cannot quite remember or + understand. It has been more and more like a dream, every day, since you + began to sit here, and to read to me. I only tell it you, as I can + recollect it. Will you read to me a little more?' + </p> + <p> + Harriet was withdrawing her hand to open the book, when Alice detained it + for a moment. + </p> + <p> + 'You will not forget my mother? I forgive her, if I have any cause. I know + that she forgives me, and is sorry in her heart. You will not forget her?' + </p> + <p> + 'Never, Alice!' + </p> + <p> + 'A moment yet. Lay your head so, dear, that as you read I may see the + words in your kind face.' + </p> + <p> + Harriet complied and read—read the eternal book for all the weary, + and the heavy-laden; for all the wretched, fallen, and neglected of this + earth—read the blessed history, in which the blind lame palsied + beggar, the criminal, the woman stained with shame, the shunned of all our + dainty clay, has each a portion, that no human pride, indifference, or + sophistry, through all the ages that this world shall last, can take away, + or by the thousandth atom of a grain reduce—read the ministry of Him + who, through the round of human life, and all its hopes and griefs, from + birth to death, from infancy to age, had sweet compassion for, and + interest in, its every scene and stage, its every suffering and sorrow. + </p> + <p> + 'I shall come,' said Harriet, when she shut the book, 'very early in the + morning.' + </p> + <p> + The lustrous eyes, yet fixed upon her face, closed for a moment, then + opened; and Alice kissed and blest her. + </p> + <p> + The same eyes followed her to the door; and in their light, and on the + tranquil face, there was a smile when it was closed. + </p> + <p> + They never turned away. She laid her hand upon her breast, murmuring the + sacred name that had been read to her; and life passed from her face, like + light removed. + </p> + <p> + Nothing lay there, any longer, but the ruin of the mortal house on which + the rain had beaten, and the black hair that had fluttered in the wintry + wind. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 59. Retribution + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span>hanges have come again upon the great house in the long dull street, once + the scene of Florence's childhood and loneliness. It is a great house + still, proof against wind and weather, without breaches in the roof, or + shattered windows, or dilapidated walls; but it is a ruin none the less, + and the rats fly from it. + </p> + <p> + Mr Towlinson and company are, at first, incredulous in respect of the + shapeless rumours that they hear. Cook says our people's credit ain't so + easy shook as that comes to, thank God; and Mr Towlinson expects to hear + it reported next, that the Bank of England's a-going to break, or the + jewels in the Tower to be sold up. But, next come the Gazette, and Mr + Perch; and Mr Perch brings Mrs Perch to talk it over in the kitchen, and + to spend a pleasant evening. + </p> + <p> + As soon as there is no doubt about it, Mr Towlinson's main anxiety is that + the failure should be a good round one—not less than a hundred + thousand pound. Mr Perch don't think himself that a hundred thousand pound + will nearly cover it. The women, led by Mrs Perch and Cook, often repeat + 'a hun-dred thou-sand pound!' with awful satisfaction—as if handling + the words were like handling the money; and the housemaid, who has her eye + on Mr Towlinson, wishes she had only a hundredth part of the sum to bestow + on the man of her choice. Mr Towlinson, still mindful of his old wrong, + opines that a foreigner would hardly know what to do with so much money, + unless he spent it on his whiskers; which bitter sarcasm causes the + housemaid to withdraw in tears. + </p> + <p> + But not to remain long absent; for Cook, who has the reputation of being + extremely good-hearted, says, whatever they do, let 'em stand by one + another now, Towlinson, for there's no telling how soon they may be + divided. They have been in that house (says Cook) through a funeral, a + wedding, and a running-away; and let it not be said that they couldn't + agree among themselves at such a time as the present. Mrs Perch is + immensely affected by this moving address, and openly remarks that Cook is + an angel. Mr Towlinson replies to Cook, far be it from him to stand in the + way of that good feeling which he could wish to see; and adjourning in + quest of the housemaid, and presently returning with that young lady on + his arm, informs the kitchen that foreigners is only his fun, and that him + and Anne have now resolved to take one another for better for worse, and + to settle in Oxford Market in the general greengrocery and herb and leech + line, where your kind favours is particular requested. This announcement + is received with acclamation; and Mrs Perch, projecting her soul into + futurity, says, 'girls,' in Cook's ear, in a solemn whisper. + </p> + <p> + Misfortune in the family without feasting, in these lower regions, + couldn't be. Therefore Cook tosses up a hot dish or two for supper, and Mr + Towlinson compounds a lobster salad to be devoted to the same hospitable + purpose. Even Mrs Pipchin, agitated by the occasion, rings her bell, and + sends down word that she requests to have that little bit of sweetbread + that was left, warmed up for her supper, and sent to her on a tray with + about a quarter of a tumbler-full of mulled sherry; for she feels poorly. + </p> + <p> + There is a little talk about Mr Dombey, but very little. It is chiefly + speculation as to how long he has known that this was going to happen. + Cook says shrewdly, 'Oh a long time, bless you! Take your oath of that.' + And reference being made to Mr Perch, he confirms her view of the case. + Somebody wonders what he'll do, and whether he'll go out in any situation. + Mr Towlinson thinks not, and hints at a refuge in one of them genteel + almshouses of the better kind. 'Ah, where he'll have his little garden, + you know,' says Cook plaintively, 'and bring up sweet peas in the spring.' + 'Exactly so,' says Mr Towlinson, 'and be one of the Brethren of something + or another.' 'We are all brethren,' says Mrs Perch, in a pause of her + drink. 'Except the sisters,' says Mr Perch. 'How are the mighty fallen!' + remarks Cook. 'Pride shall have a fall, and it always was and will be so!' + observes the housemaid. + </p> + <p> + It is wonderful how good they feel, in making these reflections; and what + a Christian unanimity they are sensible of, in bearing the common shock + with resignation. There is only one interruption to this excellent state + of mind, which is occasioned by a young kitchen-maid of inferior rank—in + black stockings—who, having sat with her mouth open for a long time, + unexpectedly discharges from it words to this effect, 'Suppose the wages + shouldn't be paid!' The company sit for a moment speechless; but Cook + recovering first, turns upon the young woman, and requests to know how she + dares insult the family, whose bread she eats, by such a dishonest + supposition, and whether she thinks that anybody, with a scrap of honour + left, could deprive poor servants of their pittance? 'Because if that is + your religious feelings, Mary Daws,' says Cook warmly, 'I don't know where + you mean to go to.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Towlinson don't know either; nor anybody; and the young kitchen-maid, + appearing not to know exactly, herself, and scouted by the general voice, + is covered with confusion, as with a garment. + </p> + <p> + After a few days, strange people begin to call at the house, and to make + appointments with one another in the dining-room, as if they lived there. + Especially, there is a gentleman, of a Mosaic Arabian cast of countenance, + with a very massive watch-guard, who whistles in the drawing-room, and, + while he is waiting for the other gentleman, who always has pen and ink in + his pocket, asks Mr Towlinson (by the easy name of 'Old Cock,') if he + happens to know what the figure of them crimson and gold hangings might + have been, when new bought. The callers and appointments in the + dining-room become more numerous every day, and every gentleman seems to + have pen and ink in his pocket, and to have some occasion to use it. At + last it is said that there is going to be a Sale; and then more people + arrive, with pen and ink in their pockets, commanding a detachment of men + with carpet caps, who immediately begin to pull up the carpets, and knock + the furniture about, and to print off thousands of impressions of their + shoes upon the hall and staircase. + </p> + <p> + The council downstairs are in full conclave all this time, and, having + nothing to do, perform perfect feats of eating. At length, they are one + day summoned in a body to Mrs Pipchin's room, and thus addressed by the + fair Peruvian: + </p> + <p> + 'Your master's in difficulties,' says Mrs Pipchin, tartly. 'You know that, + I suppose?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Towlinson, as spokesman, admits a general knowledge of the fact. + </p> + <p> + 'And you're all on the look-out for yourselves, I warrant you,' says Mrs + Pipchin, shaking her head at them. + </p> + <p> + A shrill voice from the rear exclaims, 'No more than yourself!' + </p> + <p> + 'That's your opinion, Mrs Impudence, is it?' says the ireful Pipchin, + looking with a fiery eye over the intermediate heads. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Mrs Pipchin, it is,' replies Cook, advancing. 'And what then, pray?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, then you may go as soon as you like,' says Mrs Pipchin. 'The sooner + the better; and I hope I shall never see your face again.' + </p> + <p> + With this the doughty Pipchin produces a canvas bag; and tells her wages + out to that day, and a month beyond it; and clutches the money tight, + until a receipt for the same is duly signed, to the last upstroke; when + she grudgingly lets it go. This form of proceeding Mrs Pipchin repeats + with every member of the household, until all are paid. + </p> + <p> + 'Now those that choose, can go about their business,' says Mrs Pipchin, + 'and those that choose can stay here on board wages for a week or so, and + make themselves useful. Except,' says the inflammable Pipchin, 'that slut + of a cook, who'll go immediately.' + </p> + <p> + 'That,' says Cook, 'she certainly will! I wish you good day, Mrs Pipchin, + and sincerely wish I could compliment you on the sweetness of your + appearance!' + </p> + <p> + 'Get along with you,' says Mrs Pipchin, stamping her foot. + </p> + <p> + Cook sails off with an air of beneficent dignity, highly exasperating to + Mrs Pipchin, and is shortly joined below stairs by the rest of the + confederation. + </p> + <p> + Mr Towlinson then says that, in the first place, he would beg to propose a + little snack of something to eat; and over that snack would desire to + offer a suggestion which he thinks will meet the position in which they + find themselves. The refreshment being produced, and very heartily + partaken of, Mr Towlinson's suggestion is, in effect, that Cook is going, + and that if we are not true to ourselves, nobody will be true to us. That + they have lived in that house a long time, and exerted themselves very + much to be sociable together. (At this, Cook says, with emotion, 'Hear, + hear!' and Mrs Perch, who is there again, and full to the throat, sheds + tears.) And that he thinks, at the present time, the feeling ought to be + 'Go one, go all!' The housemaid is much affected by this generous + sentiment, and warmly seconds it. Cook says she feels it's right, and only + hopes it's not done as a compliment to her, but from a sense of duty. Mr + Towlinson replies, from a sense of duty; and that now he is driven to + express his opinions, he will openly say, that he does not think it + over-respectable to remain in a house where Sales and such-like are + carrying forwards. The housemaid is sure of it; and relates, in + confirmation, that a strange man, in a carpet cap, offered, this very + morning, to kiss her on the stairs. Hereupon, Mr Towlinson is starting + from his chair, to seek and 'smash' the offender; when he is laid hold on + by the ladies, who beseech him to calm himself, and to reflect that it is + easier and wiser to leave the scene of such indecencies at once. Mrs + Perch, presenting the case in a new light, even shows that delicacy + towards Mr Dombey, shut up in his own rooms, imperatively demands + precipitate retreat. 'For what,' says the good woman, 'must his feelings + be, if he was to come upon any of the poor servants that he once deceived + into thinking him immensely rich!' Cook is so struck by this moral + consideration, that Mrs Perch improves it with several pious axioms, + original and selected. It becomes a clear case that they must all go. + Boxes are packed, cabs fetched, and at dusk that evening there is not one + member of the party left. + </p> + <p> + The house stands, large and weather-proof, in the long dull street; but it + is a ruin, and the rats fly from it. + </p> + <p> + The men in the carpet caps go on tumbling the furniture about; and the + gentlemen with the pens and ink make out inventories of it, and sit upon + pieces of furniture never made to be sat upon, and eat bread and cheese + from the public-house on other pieces of furniture never made to be eaten + on, and seem to have a delight in appropriating precious articles to + strange uses. Chaotic combinations of furniture also take place. + Mattresses and bedding appear in the dining-room; the glass and china get + into the conservatory; the great dinner service is set out in heaps on the + long divan in the large drawing-room; and the stair-wires, made into + fasces, decorate the marble chimneypieces. Finally, a rug, with a printed + bill upon it, is hung out from the balcony; and a similar appendage graces + either side of the hall door. + </p> + <p> + Then, all day long, there is a retinue of mouldy gigs and chaise-carts in + the street; and herds of shabby vampires, Jew and Christian, over-run the + house, sounding the plate-glass mirrors with their knuckles, striking + discordant octaves on the Grand Piano, drawing wet forefingers over the + pictures, breathing on the blades of the best dinner-knives, punching the + squabs of chairs and sofas with their dirty fists, touzling the feather + beds, opening and shutting all the drawers, balancing the silver spoons + and forks, looking into the very threads of the drapery and linen, and + disparaging everything. There is not a secret place in the whole house. + Fluffy and snuffy strangers stare into the kitchen-range as curiously as + into the attic clothes-press. Stout men with napless hats on, look out of + the bedroom windows, and cut jokes with friends in the street. Quiet, + calculating spirits withdraw into the dressing-rooms with catalogues, and + make marginal notes thereon, with stumps of pencils. Two brokers invade + the very fire-escape, and take a panoramic survey of the neighbourhood + from the top of the house. The swarm and buzz, and going up and down, + endure for days. The Capital Modern Household Furniture, &c., is on + view. + </p> + <p> + Then there is a palisade of tables made in the best drawing-room; and on + the capital, french-polished, extending, telescopic range of Spanish + mahogany dining-tables with turned legs, the pulpit of the Auctioneer is + erected; and the herds of shabby vampires, Jew and Christian, the + strangers fluffy and snuffy, and the stout men with the napless hats, + congregate about it and sit upon everything within reach, mantel-pieces + included, and begin to bid. Hot, humming, and dusty are the rooms all day; + and—high above the heat, hum, and dust—the head and shoulders, + voice and hammer, of the Auctioneer, are ever at work. The men in the + carpet caps get flustered and vicious with tumbling the Lots about, and + still the Lots are going, going, gone; still coming on. Sometimes there is + joking and a general roar. This lasts all day and three days following. + The Capital Modern Household Furniture, &c., is on sale. + </p> + <p> + Then the mouldy gigs and chaise-carts reappear; and with them come + spring-vans and waggons, and an army of porters with knots. All day long, + the men with carpet caps are screwing at screw-drivers and bed-winches, or + staggering by the dozen together on the staircase under heavy burdens, or + upheaving perfect rocks of Spanish mahogany, best rose-wood, or + plate-glass, into the gigs and chaise-carts, vans and waggons. All sorts + of vehicles of burden are in attendance, from a tilted waggon to a + wheelbarrow. Poor Paul's little bedstead is carried off in a + donkey-tandem. For nearly a whole week, the Capital Modern Household + Furniture, & c., is in course of removal. + </p> + <p> + At last it is all gone. Nothing is left about the house but scattered + leaves of catalogues, littered scraps of straw and hay, and a battery of + pewter pots behind the hall-door. The men with the carpet-caps gather up + their screw-drivers and bed-winches into bags, shoulder them, and walk + off. One of the pen-and-ink gentlemen goes over the house as a last + attention; sticking up bills in the windows respecting the lease of this + desirable family mansion, and shutting the shutters. At length he follows + the men with the carpet caps. None of the invaders remain. The house is a + ruin, and the rats fly from it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin's apartments, together with those locked rooms on the + ground-floor where the window-blinds are drawn down close, have been + spared the general devastation. Mrs Pipchin has remained austere and stony + during the proceedings, in her own room; or has occasionally looked in at + the sale to see what the goods are fetching, and to bid for one particular + easy chair. Mrs Pipchin has been the highest bidder for the easy chair, + and sits upon her property when Mrs Chick comes to see her. + </p> + <p> + 'How is my brother, Mrs Pipchin?' says Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know any more than the deuce,' says Mrs Pipchin. 'He never does + me the honour to speak to me. He has his meat and drink put in the next + room to his own; and what he takes, he comes out and takes when there's + nobody there. It's no use asking me. I know no more about him than the man + in the south who burnt his mouth by eating cold plum porridge.' + </p> + <p> + This the acrimonious Pipchin says with a flounce. + </p> + <p> + 'But good gracious me!' cries Mrs Chick blandly. 'How long is this to + last! If my brother will not make an effort, Mrs Pipchin, what is to + become of him? I am sure I should have thought he had seen enough of the + consequences of not making an effort, by this time, to be warned against + that fatal error.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hoity toity!' says Mrs Pipchin, rubbing her nose. 'There's a great fuss, + I think, about it. It ain't so wonderful a case. People have had + misfortunes before now, and been obliged to part with their furniture. I'm + sure I have!' + </p> + <p> + 'My brother,' pursues Mrs Chick profoundly, 'is so peculiar—so + strange a man. He is the most peculiar man I ever saw. Would anyone + believe that when he received news of the marriage and emigration of that + unnatural child—it's a comfort to me, now, to remember that I always + said there was something extraordinary about that child: but nobody minds + me—would anybody believe, I say, that he should then turn round upon + me and say he had supposed, from my manner, that she had come to my house? + Why, my gracious! And would anybody believe that when I merely say to him, + "Paul, I may be very foolish, and I have no doubt I am, but I cannot + understand how your affairs can have got into this state," he should + actually fly at me, and request that I will come to see him no more until + he asks me! Why, my goodness!' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' says Mrs Pipchin. 'It's a pity he hadn't a little more to do with + mines. They'd have tried his temper for him.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what,' resumes Mrs Chick, quite regardless of Mrs Pipchin's + observations, 'is it to end in? That's what I want to know. What does my + brother mean to do? He must do something. It's of no use remaining shut up + in his own rooms. Business won't come to him. No. He must go to it. Then + why don't he go? He knows where to go, I suppose, having been a man of + business all his life. Very good. Then why not go there?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Chick, after forging this powerful chain of reasoning, remains silent + for a minute to admire it. + </p> + <p> + 'Besides,' says the discreet lady, with an argumentative air, 'who ever + heard of such obstinacy as his staying shut up here through all these + dreadful disagreeables? It's not as if there was no place for him to go + to. Of course he could have come to our house. He knows he is at home + there, I suppose? Mr Chick has perfectly bored about it, and I said with + my own lips, "Why surely, Paul, you don't imagine that because your + affairs have got into this state, you are the less at home to such near + relatives as ourselves? You don't imagine that we are like the rest of the + world?" But no; here he stays all through, and here he is. Why, good + gracious me, suppose the house was to be let! What would he do then? He + couldn't remain here then. If he attempted to do so, there would be an + ejectment, an action for Doe, and all sorts of things; and then he must + go. Then why not go at first instead of at last? And that brings me back + to what I said just now, and I naturally ask what is to be the end of it?' + </p> + <p> + 'I know what's to be the end of it, as far as I am concerned,' replies Mrs + Pipchin, 'and that's enough for me. I'm going to take myself off in a + jiffy.' + </p> + <p> + 'In a which, Mrs Pipchin,' says Mrs Chick. + </p> + <p> + 'In a jiffy,' retorts Mrs Pipchin sharply. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, well! really I can't blame you, Mrs Pipchin,' says Mrs Chick, with + frankness. + </p> + <p> + 'It would be pretty much the same to me, if you could,' replies the + sardonic Pipchin. 'At any rate I'm going. I can't stop here. I should be + dead in a week. I had to cook my own pork chop yesterday, and I'm not used + to it. My constitution will be giving way next. Besides, I had a very fair + connexion at Brighton when I came here—little Pankey's folks alone + were worth a good eighty pounds a-year to me—and I can't afford to + throw it away. I've written to my niece, and she expects me by this time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Have you spoken to my brother?' inquires Mrs Chick + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, yes, it's very easy to say speak to him,' retorts Mrs Pipchin. 'How + is it done? I called out to him yesterday, that I was no use here, and + that he had better let me send for Mrs Richards. He grunted something or + other that meant yes, and I sent. Grunt indeed! If he had been Mr Pipchin, + he'd have had some reason to grunt. Yah! I've no patience with it!' + </p> + <p> + Here this exemplary female, who has pumped up so much fortitude and virtue + from the depths of the Peruvian mines, rises from her cushioned property + to see Mrs Chick to the door. Mrs Chick, deploring to the last the + peculiar character of her brother, noiselessly retires, much occupied with + her own sagacity and clearness of head. + </p> + <p> + In the dusk of the evening Mr Toodle, being off duty, arrives with Polly + and a box, and leaves them, with a sounding kiss, in the hall of the empty + house, the retired character of which affects Mr Toodle's spirits + strongly. + </p> + <p> + 'I tell you what, Polly, me dear,' says Mr Toodle, 'being now an + ingine-driver, and well to do in the world, I shouldn't allow of your + coming here, to be made dull-like, if it warn't for favours past. But + favours past, Polly, is never to be forgot. To them which is in adversity, + besides, your face is a cord'l. So let's have another kiss on it, my dear. + You wish no better than to do a right act, I know; and my views is, that + it's right and dutiful to do this. Good-night, Polly!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Pipchin by this time looms dark in her black bombazeen skirts, black + bonnet, and shawl; and has her personal property packed up; and has her + chair (late a favourite chair of Mr Dombey's and the dead bargain of the + sale) ready near the street door; and is only waiting for a fly-van, going + to-night to Brighton on private service, which is to call for her, by + private contract, and convey her home. + </p> + <p> + Presently it comes. Mrs Pipchin's wardrobe being handed in and stowed + away, Mrs Pipchin's chair is next handed in, and placed in a convenient + corner among certain trusses of hay; it being the intention of the amiable + woman to occupy the chair during her journey. Mrs Pipchin herself is next + handed in, and grimly takes her seat. There is a snaky gleam in her hard + grey eye, as of anticipated rounds of buttered toast, relays of hot chops, + worryings and quellings of young children, sharp snappings at poor Berry, + and all the other delights of her Ogress's castle. Mrs Pipchin almost + laughs as the fly-van drives off, and she composes her black bombazeen + skirts, and settles herself among the cushions of her easy chair. + </p> + <p> + The house is such a ruin that the rats have fled, and there is not one + left. + </p> + <p> + But Polly, though alone in the deserted mansion—for there is no + companionship in the shut-up rooms in which its late master hides his head—is + not alone long. It is night; and she is sitting at work in the + housekeeper's room, trying to forget what a lonely house it is, and what a + history belongs to it; when there is a knock at the hall door, as loud + sounding as any knock can be, striking into such an empty place. Opening + it, she returns across the echoing hall, accompanied by a female figure in + a close black bonnet. It is Miss Tox, and Miss Tox's eyes are red. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Polly,' says Miss Tox, 'when I looked in to have a little lesson with + the children just now, I got the message that you left for me; and as soon + as I could recover my spirits at all, I came on after you. Is there no one + here but you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! not a soul,' says Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'Have you seen him?' whispers Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'Bless you,' returns Polly, 'no; he has not been seen this many a day. + They tell me he never leaves his room.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is he said to be ill?' inquires Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + 'No, Ma'am, not that I know of,' returns Polly, 'except in his mind. He + must be very bad there, poor gentleman!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox's sympathy is such that she can scarcely speak. She is no + chicken, but she has not grown tough with age and celibacy. Her heart is + very tender, her compassion very genuine, her homage very real. Beneath + the locket with the fishy eye in it, Miss Tox bears better qualities than + many a less whimsical outside; such qualities as will outlive, by many + courses of the sun, the best outsides and brightest husks that fall in the + harvest of the great reaper. + </p> + <p> + It is long before Miss Tox goes away, and before Polly, with a candle + flaring on the blank stairs, looks after her, for company, down the + street, and feels unwilling to go back into the dreary house, and jar its + emptiness with the heavy fastenings of the door, and glide away to bed. + But all this Polly does; and in the morning sets in one of those darkened + rooms such matters as she has been advised to prepare, and then retires + and enters them no more until next morning at the same hour. There are + bells there, but they never ring; and though she can sometimes hear a + footfall going to and fro, it never comes out. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox returns early in the day. It then begins to be Miss Tox's + occupation to prepare little dainties—or what are such to her—to + be carried into these rooms next morning. She derives so much satisfaction + from the pursuit, that she enters on it regularly from that time; and + brings daily in her little basket, various choice condiments selected from + the scanty stores of the deceased owner of the powdered head and pigtail. + She likewise brings, in sheets of curl-paper, morsels of cold meats, + tongues of sheep, halves of fowls, for her own dinner; and sharing these + collations with Polly, passes the greater part of her time in the ruined + house that the rats have fled from: hiding, in a fright at every sound, + stealing in and out like a criminal; only desiring to be true to the + fallen object of her admiration, unknown to him, unknown to all the world + but one poor simple woman. + </p> + <p> + The Major knows it; but no one is the wiser for that, though the Major is + much the merrier. The Major, in a fit of curiosity, has charged the Native + to watch the house sometimes, and find out what becomes of Dombey. The + Native has reported Miss Tox's fidelity, and the Major has nearly choked + himself dead with laughter. He is permanently bluer from that hour, and + constantly wheezes to himself, his lobster eyes starting out of his head, + 'Damme, Sir, the woman's a born idiot!' + </p> + <p> + And the ruined man. How does he pass the hours, alone? + </p> + <p> + 'Let him remember it in that room, years to come!' He did remember it. It + was heavy on his mind now; heavier than all the rest. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0762m.jpg" alt="0762m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0762.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 'Let him remember it in that room, years to come! The rain that falls upon + the roof, the wind that mourns outside the door, may have foreknowledge in + their melancholy sound. Let him remember it in that room, years to come!' + </p> + <p> + He did remember it. In the miserable night he thought of it; in the dreary + day, the wretched dawn, the ghostly, memory-haunted twilight. He did + remember it. In agony, in sorrow, in remorse, in despair! 'Papa! Papa! + Speak to me, dear Papa!' He heard the words again, and saw the face. He + saw it fall upon the trembling hands, and heard the one prolonged low cry + go upward. + </p> + <p> + He was fallen, never to be raised up any more. For the night of his + worldly ruin there was no to-morrow's sun; for the stain of his domestic + shame there was no purification; nothing, thank Heaven, could bring his + dead child back to life. But that which he might have made so different in + all the Past—which might have made the Past itself so different, + though this he hardly thought of now—that which was his own work, + that which he could so easily have wrought into a blessing, and had set + himself so steadily for years to form into a curse: that was the sharp + grief of his soul. + </p> + <p> + Oh! He did remember it! The rain that fell upon the roof, the wind that + mourned outside the door that night, had had foreknowledge in their + melancholy sound. He knew, now, what he had done. He knew, now, that he + had called down that upon his head, which bowed it lower than the heaviest + stroke of fortune. He knew, now, what it was to be rejected and deserted; + now, when every loving blossom he had withered in his innocent daughter's + heart was snowing down in ashes on him. + </p> + <p> + He thought of her, as she had been that night when he and his bride came + home. He thought of her as she had been, in all the home-events of the + abandoned house. He thought, now, that of all around him, she alone had + never changed. His boy had faded into dust, his proud wife had sunk into a + polluted creature, his flatterer and friend had been transformed into the + worst of villains, his riches had melted away, the very walls that + sheltered him looked on him as a stranger; she alone had turned the same + mild gentle look upon him always. Yes, to the latest and the last. She had + never changed to him—nor had he ever changed to her—and she + was lost. + </p> + <p> + As, one by one, they fell away before his mind—his baby—hope, + his wife, his friend, his fortune—oh how the mist, through which he + had seen her, cleared, and showed him her true self! Oh, how much better + than this that he had loved her as he had his boy, and lost her as he had + his boy, and laid them in their early grave together! + </p> + <p> + In his pride—for he was proud yet—he let the world go from him + freely. As it fell away, he shook it off. Whether he imagined its face as + expressing pity for him, or indifference to him, he shunned it alike. It + was in the same degree to be avoided, in either aspect. He had no idea of + any one companion in his misery, but the one he had driven away. What he + would have said to her, or what consolation submitted to receive from her, + he never pictured to himself. But he always knew she would have been true + to him, if he had suffered her. He always knew she would have loved him + better now, than at any other time; he was as certain that it was in her + nature, as he was that there was a sky above him; and he sat thinking so, + in his loneliness, from hour to hour. Day after day uttered this speech; + night after night showed him this knowledge. + </p> + <p> + It began, beyond all doubt (however slow it advanced for some time), in + the receipt of her young husband's letter, and the certainty that she was + gone. And yet—so proud he was in his ruin, or so reminiscent of her + only as something that might have been his, but was lost beyond redemption—that + if he could have heard her voice in an adjoining room, he would not have + gone to her. If he could have seen her in the street, and she had done no + more than look at him as she had been used to look, he would have passed + on with his old cold unforgiving face, and not addressed her, or relaxed + it, though his heart should have broken soon afterwards. However turbulent + his thoughts, or harsh his anger had been, at first, concerning her + marriage, or her husband, that was all past now. He chiefly thought of + what might have been, and what was not. What was, was all summed up in + this: that she was lost, and he bowed down with sorrow and remorse. + </p> + <p> + And now he felt that he had had two children born to him in that house, + and that between him and the bare wide empty walls there was a tie, + mournful, but hard to rend asunder, connected with a double childhood, and + a double loss. He had thought to leave the house—knowing he must go, + not knowing whither—upon the evening of the day on which this + feeling first struck root in his breast; but he resolved to stay another + night, and in the night to ramble through the rooms once more. + </p> + <p> + He came out of his solitude when it was the dead of night, and with a + candle in his hand went softly up the stairs. Of all the footmarks there, + making them as common as the common street, there was not one, he thought, + but had seemed at the time to set itself upon his brain while he had kept + close, listening. He looked at their number, and their hurry, and + contention—foot treading foot out, and upward track and downward + jostling one another—and thought, with absolute dread and wonder, + how much he must have suffered during that trial, and what a changed man + he had cause to be. He thought, besides, oh was there, somewhere in the + world, a light footstep that might have worn out in a moment half those + marks!—and bent his head, and wept as he went up. + </p> + <p> + He almost saw it, going on before. He stopped, looking up towards the + skylight; and a figure, childish itself, but carrying a child, and singing + as it went, seemed to be there again. Anon, it was the same figure, alone, + stopping for an instant, with suspended breath; the bright hair clustering + loosely round its tearful face; and looking back at him. + </p> + <p> + He wandered through the rooms: lately so luxurious; now so bare and dismal + and so changed, apparently, even in their shape and size. The press of + footsteps was as thick here; and the same consideration of the suffering + he had had, perplexed and terrified him. He began to fear that all this + intricacy in his brain would drive him mad; and that his thoughts already + lost coherence as the footprints did, and were pieced on to one another, + with the same trackless involutions, and varieties of indistinct shapes. + </p> + <p> + He did not so much as know in which of these rooms she had lived, when she + was alone. He was glad to leave them, and go wandering higher up. + Abundance of associations were here, connected with his false wife, his + false friend and servant, his false grounds of pride; but he put them all + by now, and only recalled miserably, weakly, fondly, his two children. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere, the footsteps! They had had no respect for the old room high + up, where the little bed had been; he could hardly find a clear space + there, to throw himself down, on the floor, against the wall, poor broken + man, and let his tears flow as they would. He had shed so many tears here, + long ago, that he was less ashamed of his weakness in this place than in + any other—perhaps, with that consciousness, had made excuses to + himself for coming here. Here, with stooping shoulders, and his chin + dropped on his breast, he had come. Here, thrown upon the bare boards, in + the dead of night, he wept, alone—a proud man, even then; who, if a + kind hand could have been stretched out, or a kind face could have looked + in, would have risen up, and turned away, and gone down to his cell. + </p> + <p> + When the day broke he was shut up in his rooms again. He had meant to go + away to-day, but clung to this tie in the house as the last and only thing + left to him. He would go to-morrow. To-morrow came. He would go to-morrow. + Every night, within the knowledge of no human creature, he came forth, and + wandered through the despoiled house like a ghost. Many a morning when the + day broke, his altered face, drooping behind the closed blind in his + window, imperfectly transparent to the light as yet, pondered on the loss + of his two children. It was one child no more. He reunited them in his + thoughts, and they were never asunder. Oh, that he could have united them + in his past love, and in death, and that one had not been so much worse + than dead! + </p> + <p> + Strong mental agitation and disturbance was no novelty to him, even before + his late sufferings. It never is, to obstinate and sullen natures; for + they struggle hard to be such. Ground, long undermined, will often fall + down in a moment; what was undermined here in so many ways, weakened, and + crumbled, little by little, more and more, as the hand moved on the dial. + </p> + <p> + At last he began to think he need not go at all. He might yet give up what + his creditors had spared him (that they had not spared him more, was his + own act), and only sever the tie between him and the ruined house, by + severing that other link— + </p> + <p> + It was then that his footfall was audible in the late housekeeper's room, + as he walked to and fro; but not audible in its true meaning, or it would + have had an appalling sound. + </p> + <p> + The world was very busy and restless about him. He became aware of that + again. It was whispering and babbling. It was never quiet. This, and the + intricacy and complication of the footsteps, harassed him to death. + Objects began to take a bleared and russet colour in his eyes. Dombey and + Son was no more—his children no more. This must be thought of, well, + to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + He thought of it to-morrow; and sitting thinking in his chair, saw in the + glass, from time to time, this picture: + </p> + <p> + A spectral, haggard, wasted likeness of himself, brooded and brooded over + the empty fireplace. Now it lifted up its head, examining the lines and + hollows in its face; now hung it down again, and brooded afresh. Now it + rose and walked about; now passed into the next room, and came back with + something from the dressing-table in its breast. Now, it was looking at + the bottom of the door, and thinking. + </p> + <p> + —Hush! what? + </p> + <p> + It was thinking that if blood were to trickle that way, and to leak out + into the hall, it must be a long time going so far. It would move so + stealthily and slowly, creeping on, with here a lazy little pool, and + there a start, and then another little pool, that a desperately wounded + man could only be discovered through its means, either dead or dying. When + it had thought of this a long while, it got up again, and walked to and + fro with its hand in its breast. He glanced at it occasionally, very + curious to watch its motions, and he marked how wicked and murderous that + hand looked. + </p> + <p> + Now it was thinking again! What was it thinking? + </p> + <p> + Whether they would tread in the blood when it crept so far, and carry it + about the house among those many prints of feet, or even out into the + street. + </p> + <p> + It sat down, with its eyes upon the empty fireplace, and as it lost itself + in thought there shone into the room a gleam of light; a ray of sun. It + was quite unmindful, and sat thinking. Suddenly it rose, with a terrible + face, and that guilty hand grasping what was in its breast. Then it was + arrested by a cry—a wild, loud, piercing, loving, rapturous cry—and + he only saw his own reflection in the glass, and at his knees, his + daughter! + </p> + <p> + Yes. His daughter! Look at her! Look here! Down upon the ground, clinging + to him, calling to him, folding her hands, praying to him. + </p> + <p> + 'Papa! Dearest Papa! Pardon me, forgive me! I have come back to ask + forgiveness on my knees. I never can be happy more, without it!' + </p> + <p> + Unchanged still. Of all the world, unchanged. Raising the same face to + his, as on that miserable night. Asking his forgiveness! + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Papa, oh don't look strangely on me! I never meant to leave you. I + never thought of it, before or afterwards. I was frightened when I went + away, and could not think. Papa, dear, I am changed. I am penitent. I know + my fault. I know my duty better now. Papa, don't cast me off, or I shall + die!' + </p> + <p> + He tottered to his chair. He felt her draw his arms about her neck; he + felt her put her own round his; he felt her kisses on his face; he felt + her wet cheek laid against his own; he felt—oh, how deeply!—all + that he had done. + </p> + <p> + Upon the breast that he had bruised, against the heart that he had almost + broken, she laid his face, now covered with his hands, and said, sobbing: + </p> + <p> + 'Papa, love, I am a mother. I have a child who will soon call Walter by + the name by which I call you. When it was born, and when I knew how much I + loved it, I knew what I had done in leaving you. Forgive me, dear Papa! oh + say God bless me, and my little child!' + </p> + <p> + He would have said it, if he could. He would have raised his hands and + besought her for pardon, but she caught them in her own, and put them + down, hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + 'My little child was born at sea, Papa I prayed to God (and so did Walter + for me) to spare me, that I might come home. The moment I could land, I + came back to you. Never let us be parted any more, Papa. Never let us be + parted any more!' + </p> + <p> + His head, now grey, was encircled by her arm; and he groaned to think that + never, never, had it rested so before. + </p> + <p> + 'You will come home with me, Papa, and see my baby. A boy, Papa. His name + is Paul. I think—I hope—he's like—' + </p> + <p> + Her tears stopped her. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear Papa, for the sake of my child, for the sake of the name we have + given him, for my sake, pardon Walter. He is so kind and tender to me. I + am so happy with him. It was not his fault that we were married. It was + mine. I loved him so much.' + </p> + <p> + She clung closer to him, more endearing and more earnest. + </p> + <p> + 'He is the darling of my heart, Papa I would die for him. He will love and + honour you as I will. We will teach our little child to love and honour + you; and we will tell him, when he can understand, that you had a son of + that name once, and that he died, and you were very sorry; but that he is + gone to Heaven, where we all hope to see him when our time for resting + comes. Kiss me, Papa, as a promise that you will be reconciled to Walter—to + my dearest husband—to the father of the little child who taught me + to come back, Papa Who taught me to come back!' + </p> + <p> + As she clung closer to him, in another burst of tears, he kissed her on + her lips, and, lifting up his eyes, said, 'Oh my God, forgive me, for I + need it very much!' + </p> + <p> + With that he dropped his head again, lamenting over and caressing her, and + there was not a sound in all the house for a long, long time; they + remaining clasped in one another's arms, in the glorious sunshine that had + crept in with Florence. + </p> + <p> + He dressed himself for going out, with a docile submission to her + entreaty; and walking with a feeble gait, and looking back, with a + tremble, at the room in which he had been so long shut up, and where he + had seen the picture in the glass, passed out with her into the hall. + Florence, hardly glancing round her, lest she should remind him freshly of + their last parting—for their feet were on the very stones where he + had struck her in his madness—and keeping close to him, with her + eyes upon his face, and his arm about her, led him out to a coach that was + waiting at the door, and carried him away. + </p> + <p> + Then, Miss Tox and Polly came out of their concealment, and exulted + tearfully. And then they packed his clothes, and books, and so forth, with + great care; and consigned them in due course to certain persons sent by + Florence, in the evening, to fetch them. And then they took a last cup of + tea in the lonely house. + </p> + <p> + 'And so Dombey and Son, as I observed upon a certain sad occasion,' said + Miss Tox, winding up a host of recollections, 'is indeed a daughter, + Polly, after all.' + </p> + <p> + 'And a good one!' exclaimed Polly. + </p> + <p> + 'You are right,' said Miss Tox; 'and it's a credit to you, Polly, that you + were always her friend when she was a little child. You were her friend + long before I was, Polly,' said Miss Tox; 'and you're a good creature. + Robin!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox addressed herself to a bullet-headed young man, who appeared to + be in but indifferent circumstances, and in depressed spirits, and who was + sitting in a remote corner. Rising, he disclosed to view the form and + features of the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Robin,' said Miss Tox, 'I have just observed to your mother, as you may + have heard, that she is a good creature.' + </p> + <p> + 'And so she is, Miss,' quoth the Grinder, with some feeling. + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, Robin,' said Miss Tox, 'I am glad to hear you say so. Now, + Robin, as I am going to give you a trial, at your urgent request, as my + domestic, with a view to your restoration to respectability, I will take + this impressive occasion of remarking that I hope you will never forget + that you have, and have always had, a good mother, and that you will + endeavour so to conduct yourself as to be a comfort to her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my soul I will, Miss,' returned the Grinder. 'I have come through a + good deal, and my intentions is now as straightfor'ard, Miss, as a cove's—' + </p> + <p> + 'I must get you to break yourself of that word, Robin, if you please,' + interposed Miss Tox, politely. + </p> + <p> + 'If you please, Miss, as a chap's—' + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee, Robin, no,' returned Miss Tox, 'I should prefer individual.' + </p> + <p> + 'As a indiwiddle's—,' said the Grinder. + </p> + <p> + 'Much better,' remarked Miss Tox, complacently; 'infinitely more + expressive!' + </p> + <p> + '—can be,' pursued Rob. 'If I hadn't been and got made a Grinder on, + Miss and Mother, which was a most unfortunate circumstance for a young co—indiwiddle—' + </p> + <p> + 'Very good indeed,' observed Miss Tox, approvingly. + </p> + <p> + '—and if I hadn't been led away by birds, and then fallen into a bad + service,' said the Grinder, 'I hope I might have done better. But it's + never too late for a—' + </p> + <p> + 'Indi—' suggested Miss Tox. + </p> + <p> + '—widdle,' said the Grinder, 'to mend; and I hope to mend, Miss, + with your kind trial; and wishing, Mother, my love to father, and brothers + and sisters, and saying of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am very glad indeed to hear it,' observed Miss Tox. 'Will you take a + little bread and butter, and a cup of tea, before we go, Robin?' + </p> + <p> + 'Thankee, Miss,' returned the Grinder; who immediately began to use his + own personal grinders in a most remarkable manner, as if he had been on + very short allowance for a considerable period. + </p> + <p> + Miss Tox, being, in good time, bonneted and shawled, and Polly too, Rob + hugged his mother, and followed his new mistress away; so much to the + hopeful admiration of Polly, that something in her eyes made luminous + rings round the gas-lamps as she looked after him. Polly then put out her + light, locked the house-door, delivered the key at an agent's hard by, and + went home as fast as she could go; rejoicing in the shrill delight that + her unexpected arrival would occasion there. The great house, dumb as to + all that had been suffered in it, and the changes it had witnessed, stood + frowning like a dark mute on the street; baulking any nearer inquiries + with the staring announcement that the lease of this desirable Family + Mansion was to be disposed of. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 60. Chiefly Matrimonial + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he grand half-yearly festival holden by Doctor and Mrs Blimber, on which + occasion they requested the pleasure of the company of every young + gentleman pursuing his studies in that genteel establishment, at an early + party, when the hour was half-past seven o'clock, and when the object was + quadrilles, had duly taken place, about this time; and the young + gentlemen, with no unbecoming demonstrations of levity, had betaken + themselves, in a state of scholastic repletion, to their own homes. Mr + Skettles had repaired abroad, permanently to grace the establishment of + his father Sir Barnet Skettles, whose popular manners had obtained him a + diplomatic appointment, the honours of which were discharged by himself + and Lady Skettles, to the satisfaction even of their own countrymen and + countrywomen: which was considered almost miraculous. Mr Tozer, now a + young man of lofty stature, in Wellington boots, was so extremely full of + antiquity as to be nearly on a par with a genuine ancient Roman in his + knowledge of English: a triumph that affected his good parents with the + tenderest emotions, and caused the father and mother of Mr Briggs (whose + learning, like ill-arranged luggage, was so tightly packed that he + couldn't get at anything he wanted) to hide their diminished heads. The + fruit laboriously gathered from the tree of knowledge by this latter young + gentleman, in fact, had been subjected to so much pressure, that it had + become a kind of intellectual Norfolk Biffin, and had nothing of its + original form or flavour remaining. Master Bitherstone now, on whom the + forcing system had the happier and not uncommon effect of leaving no + impression whatever, when the forcing apparatus ceased to work, was in a + much more comfortable plight; and being then on shipboard, bound for + Bengal, found himself forgetting, with such admirable rapidity, that it + was doubtful whether his declensions of noun-substantives would hold out + to the end of the voyage. + </p> + <p> + When Doctor Blimber, in pursuance of the usual course, would have said to + the young gentlemen, on the morning of the party, 'Gentlemen, we will + resume our studies on the twenty-fifth of next month,' he departed from + the usual course, and said, 'Gentlemen, when our friend Cincinnatus + retired to his farm, he did not present to the senate any Roman who he + sought to nominate as his successor. But there is a Roman here,' said + Doctor Blimber, laying his hand on the shoulder of Mr Feeder, B.A., + 'adolescens imprimis gravis et doctus, gentlemen, whom I, a retiring + Cincinnatus, wish to present to my little senate, as their future + Dictator. Gentlemen, we will resume our studies on the twenty-fifth of + next month, under the auspices of Mr Feeder, B.A.' At this (which Doctor + Blimber had previously called upon all the parents, and urbanely + explained), the young gentlemen cheered; and Mr Tozer, on behalf of the + rest, instantly presented the Doctor with a silver inkstand, in a speech + containing very little of the mother-tongue, but fifteen quotations from + the Latin, and seven from the Greek, which moved the younger of the young + gentlemen to discontent and envy: they remarking, 'Oh, ah. It was all very + well for old Tozer, but they didn't subscribe money for old Tozer to show + off with, they supposed; did they? What business was it of old Tozer's + more than anybody else's? It wasn't his inkstand. Why couldn't he leave + the boys' property alone?' and murmuring other expressions of their + dissatisfaction, which seemed to find a greater relief in calling him old + Tozer, than in any other available vent. + </p> + <p> + Not a word had been said to the young gentlemen, nor a hint dropped, of + anything like a contemplated marriage between Mr Feeder, B.A., and the + fair Cornelia Blimber. Doctor Blimber, especially, seemed to take pains to + look as if nothing would surprise him more; but it was perfectly well + known to all the young gentlemen nevertheless, and when they departed for + the society of their relations and friends, they took leave of Mr Feeder + with awe. + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder's most romantic visions were fulfilled. The Doctor had + determined to paint the house outside, and put it in thorough repair; and + to give up the business, and to give up Cornelia. The painting and + repairing began upon the very day of the young gentlemen's departure, and + now behold! the wedding morning was come, and Cornelia, in a new pair of + spectacles, was waiting to be led to the hymeneal altar. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor with his learned legs, and Mrs Blimber in a lilac bonnet, and + Mr Feeder, B.A., with his long knuckles and his bristly head of hair, and + Mr Feeder's brother, the Reverend Alfred Feeder, M.A., who was to perform + the ceremony, were all assembled in the drawing-room, and Cornelia with + her orange-flowers and bridesmaids had just come down, and looked, as of + old, a little squeezed in appearance, but very charming, when the door + opened, and the weak-eyed young man, in a loud voice, made the following + proclamation: + </p> + <h3> + 'MR AND MRS TOOTS!' + </h3> + <p> + Upon which there entered Mr Toots, grown extremely stout, and on his arm a + lady very handsomely and becomingly dressed, with very bright black eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs Blimber,' said Mr Toots, 'allow me to present my wife.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber was delighted to receive her. Mrs Blimber was a little + condescending, but extremely kind. + </p> + <p> + 'And as you've known me for a long time, you know,' said Mr Toots, 'let me + assure you that she is one of the most remarkable women that ever lived.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear!' remonstrated Mrs Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my word and honour she is,' said Mr Toots. 'I—I assure you, + Mrs Blimber, she's a most extraordinary woman.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Toots laughed merrily, and Mrs Blimber led her to Cornelia. Mr Toots + having paid his respects in that direction and having saluted his old + preceptor, who said, in allusion to his conjugal state, 'Well, Toots, + well, Toots! So you are one of us, are you, Toots?'—retired with Mr + Feeder, B.A., into a window. + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder, B.A., being in great spirits, made a spar at Mr Toots, and + tapped him skilfully with the back of his hand on the breastbone. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, old Buck!' said Mr Feeder with a laugh. 'Well! Here we are! Taken + in and done for. Eh?' + </p> + <p> + 'Feeder,' returned Mr Toots. 'I give you joy. If you're as—as—as + perfectly blissful in a matrimonial life, as I am myself, you'll have + nothing to desire.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't forget my old friends, you see,' said Mr Feeder. 'I ask em to my + wedding, Toots.' + </p> + <p> + 'Feeder,' replied Mr Toots gravely, 'the fact is, that there were several + circumstances which prevented me from communicating with you until after + my marriage had been solemnised. In the first place, I had made a perfect + brute of myself to you, on the subject of Miss Dombey; and I felt that if + you were asked to any wedding of mine, you would naturally expect that it + was with Miss Dombey, which involved explanations, that upon my word and + honour, at that crisis, would have knocked me completely over. In the + second place, our wedding was strictly private; there being nobody present + but one friend of myself and Mrs Toots's, who is a Captain in—I + don't exactly know in what,' said Mr Toots, 'but it's of no consequence. I + hope, Feeder, that in writing a statement of what had occurred before Mrs + Toots and myself went abroad upon our foreign tour, I fully discharged the + offices of friendship.' + </p> + <p> + 'Toots, my boy,' said Mr Feeder, shaking his hands, 'I was joking.' + </p> + <p> + 'And now, Feeder,' said Mr Toots, 'I should be glad to know what you think + of my union.' + </p> + <p> + 'Capital!' returned Mr Feeder. + </p> + <p> + 'You think it's capital, do you, Feeder?' said Mr Toots solemnly. 'Then + how capital must it be to Me! For you can never know what an extraordinary + woman that is.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder was willing to take it for granted. But Mr Toots shook his head, + and wouldn't hear of that being possible. + </p> + <p> + 'You see,' said Mr Toots, 'what I wanted in a wife was—in short, was + sense. Money, Feeder, I had. Sense I—I had not, particularly.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Feeder murmured, 'Oh, yes, you had, Toots!' But Mr Toots said: + </p> + <p> + 'No, Feeder, I had not. Why should I disguise it? I had not. I knew that + sense was There,' said Mr Toots, stretching out his hand towards his wife, + 'in perfect heaps. I had no relation to object or be offended, on the + score of station; for I had no relation. I have never had anybody + belonging to me but my guardian, and him, Feeder, I have always considered + as a Pirate and a Corsair. Therefore, you know it was not likely,' said Mr + Toots, 'that I should take his opinion.' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said Mr Feeder. + </p> + <p> + 'Accordingly,' resumed Mr Toots, 'I acted on my own. Bright was the day on + which I did so! Feeder! Nobody but myself can tell what the capacity of + that woman's mind is. If ever the Rights of Women, and all that kind of + thing, are properly attended to, it will be through her powerful intellect—Susan, + my dear!' said Mr Toots, looking abruptly out of the windows 'pray do not + exert yourself!' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' said Mrs Toots, 'I was only talking.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, my love,' said Mr Toots, 'pray do not exert yourself. You really + must be careful. Do not, my dear Susan, exert yourself. She's so easily + excited,' said Mr Toots, apart to Mrs Blimber, 'and then she forgets the + medical man altogether.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Blimber was impressing on Mrs Toots the necessity of caution, when Mr + Feeder, B.A., offered her his arm, and led her down to the carriages that + were waiting to go to church. Doctor Blimber escorted Mrs Toots. Mr Toots + escorted the fair bride, around whose lambent spectacles two gauzy little + bridesmaids fluttered like moths. Mr Feeder's brother, Mr Alfred Feeder, + M.A., had already gone on, in advance, to assume his official functions. + </p> + <p> + The ceremony was performed in an admirable manner. Cornelia, with her + crisp little curls, 'went in,' as the Chicken might have said, with great + composure; and Doctor Blimber gave her away, like a man who had quite made + up his mind to it. The gauzy little bridesmaids appeared to suffer most. + Mrs Blimber was affected, but gently so; and told the Reverend Mr Alfred + Feeder, M.A., on the way home, that if she could only have seen Cicero in + his retirement at Tusculum, she would not have had a wish, now, + ungratified. + </p> + <p> + There was a breakfast afterwards, limited to the same small party; at + which the spirits of Mr Feeder, B.A., were tremendous, and so communicated + themselves to Mrs Toots that Mr Toots was several times heard to observe, + across the table, 'My dear Susan, don't exert yourself!' The best of it + was, that Mr Toots felt it incumbent on him to make a speech; and in spite + of a whole code of telegraphic dissuasions from Mrs Toots, appeared on his + legs for the first time in his life. + </p> + <p> + 'I really,' said Mr Toots, 'in this house, where whatever was done to me + in the way of—of any mental confusion sometimes—which is of no + consequence and I impute to nobody—I was always treated like one of + Doctor Blimber's family, and had a desk to myself for a considerable + period—can—not—allow—my friend Feeder to be—' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Toots suggested 'married.' + </p> + <p> + 'It may not be inappropriate to the occasion, or altogether + uninteresting,' said Mr Toots with a delighted face, 'to observe that my + wife is a most extraordinary woman, and would do this much better than + myself—allow my friend Feeder to be married—especially to—' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Toots suggested 'to Miss Blimber.' + </p> + <p> + 'To Mrs Feeder, my love!' said Mr Toots, in a subdued tone of private + discussion: "'whom God hath joined," you know, "let no man"—don't + you know? I cannot allow my friend Feeder to be married—especially + to Mrs Feeder—without proposing their—their—Toasts; and + may,' said Mr Toots, fixing his eyes on his wife, as if for inspiration in + a high flight, 'may the torch of Hymen be the beacon of joy, and may the + flowers we have this day strewed in their path, be the—the banishers + of—of gloom!' + </p> + <p> + Doctor Blimber, who had a taste for metaphor, was pleased with this, and + said, 'Very good, Toots! Very well said, indeed, Toots!' and nodded his + head and patted his hands. Mr Feeder made in reply, a comic speech + chequered with sentiment. Mr Alfred Feeder, M.A., was afterwards very + happy on Doctor and Mrs Blimber; Mr Feeder, B.A., scarcely less so, on the + gauzy little bridesmaids. Doctor Blimber then, in a sonorous voice, + delivered a few thoughts in the pastoral style, relative to the rushes + among which it was the intention of himself and Mrs Blimber to dwell, and + the bee that would hum around their cot. Shortly after which, as the + Doctor's eyes were twinkling in a remarkable manner, and his son-in-law + had already observed that time was made for slaves, and had inquired + whether Mrs Toots sang, the discreet Mrs Blimber dissolved the sitting, + and sent Cornelia away, very cool and comfortable, in a post-chaise, with + the man of her heart. + </p> + <p> + Mr and Mrs Toots withdrew to the Bedford (Mrs Toots had been there before + in old times, under her maiden name of Nipper), and there found a letter, + which it took Mr Toots such an enormous time to read, that Mrs Toots was + frightened. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Susan,' said Mr Toots, 'fright is worse than exertion. Pray be + calm!' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is it from?' asked Mrs Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, my love,' said Mr Toots, 'it's from Captain Gills. Do not excite + yourself. Walters and Miss Dombey are expected home!' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' said Mrs Toots, raising herself quickly from the sofa, very + pale, 'don't try to deceive me, for it's no use, they're come home—I + see it plainly in your face!' + </p> + <p> + 'She's a most extraordinary woman!' exclaimed Mr Toots, in rapturous + admiration. 'You're perfectly right, my love, they have come home. Miss + Dombey has seen her father, and they are reconciled!' + </p> + <p> + 'Reconciled!' cried Mrs Toots, clapping her hands. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' said Mr Toots; 'pray do not exert yourself. Do remember the + medical man! Captain Gills says—at least he don't say, but I + imagine, from what I can make out, he means—that Miss Dombey has + brought her unfortunate father away from his old house, to one where she + and Walters are living; that he is lying very ill there—supposed to + be dying; and that she attends upon him night and day.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs Toots began to cry quite bitterly. + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Susan,' replied Mr Toots, 'do, do, if you possibly can, + remember the medical man! If you can't, it's of no consequence—but + do endeavour to!' + </p> + <p> + His wife, with her old manner suddenly restored, so pathetically entreated + him to take her to her precious pet, her little mistress, her own darling, + and the like, that Mr Toots, whose sympathy and admiration were of the + strongest kind, consented from his very heart of hearts; and they agreed + to depart immediately, and present themselves in answer to the Captain's + letter. + </p> + <p> + Now some hidden sympathies of things, or some coincidences, had that day + brought the Captain himself (toward whom Mr and Mrs Toots were soon + journeying) into the flowery train of wedlock; not as a principal, but as + an accessory. It happened accidentally, and thus: + </p> + <p> + The Captain, having seen Florence and her baby for a moment, to his + unbounded content, and having had a long talk with Walter, turned out for + a walk; feeling it necessary to have some solitary meditation on the + changes of human affairs, and to shake his glazed hat profoundly over the + fall of Mr Dombey, for whom the generosity and simplicity of his nature + were awakened in a lively manner. The Captain would have been very low, + indeed, on the unhappy gentleman's account, but for the recollection of + the baby; which afforded him such intense satisfaction whenever it arose, + that he laughed aloud as he went along the street, and, indeed, more than + once, in a sudden impulse of joy, threw up his glazed hat and caught it + again; much to the amazement of the spectators. The rapid alternations of + light and shade to which these two conflicting subjects of reflection + exposed the Captain, were so very trying to his spirits, that he felt a + long walk necessary to his composure; and as there is a great deal in the + influence of harmonious associations, he chose, for the scene of this + walk, his old neighbourhood, down among the mast, oar, and block makers, + ship-biscuit bakers, coal-whippers, pitch-kettles, sailors, canals, docks, + swing-bridges, and other soothing objects. + </p> + <p> + These peaceful scenes, and particularly the region of Limehouse Hole and + thereabouts, were so influential in calming the Captain, that he walked on + with restored tranquillity, and was, in fact, regaling himself, under his + breath, with the ballad of Lovely Peg, when, on turning a corner, he was + suddenly transfixed and rendered speechless by a triumphant procession + that he beheld advancing towards him. + </p> + <p> + This awful demonstration was headed by that determined woman Mrs + MacStinger, who, preserving a countenance of inexorable resolution, and + wearing conspicuously attached to her obdurate bosom a stupendous watch + and appendages, which the Captain recognised at a glance as the property + of Bunsby, conducted under her arm no other than that sagacious mariner; + he, with the distraught and melancholy visage of a captive borne into a + foreign land, meekly resigning himself to her will. Behind them appeared + the young MacStingers, in a body, exulting. Behind them, two ladies of a + terrible and steadfast aspect, leading between them a short gentleman in a + tall hat, who likewise exulted. In the wake, appeared Bunsby's boy, + bearing umbrellas. The whole were in good marching order; and a dreadful + smartness that pervaded the party would have sufficiently announced, if + the intrepid countenances of the ladies had been wanting, that it was a + procession of sacrifice, and that the victim was Bunsby. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:65%"> + <img src="images/0777m.jpg" alt="0777m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0777.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The first impulse of the Captain was to run away. This also appeared to be + the first impulse of Bunsby, hopeless as its execution must have proved. + But a cry of recognition proceeding from the party, and Alexander + MacStinger running up to the Captain with open arms, the Captain struck. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Cap'en Cuttle!' said Mrs MacStinger. 'This is indeed a meeting! I + bear no malice now, Cap'en Cuttle—you needn't fear that I'm a going + to cast any reflections. I hope to go to the altar in another spirit.' + Here Mrs MacStinger paused, and drawing herself up, and inflating her + bosom with a long breath, said, in allusion to the victim, 'My 'usband, + Cap'en Cuttle!' + </p> + <p> + The abject Bunsby looked neither to the right nor to the left, nor at his + bride, nor at his friend, but straight before him at nothing. The Captain + putting out his hand, Bunsby put out his; but, in answer to the Captain's + greeting, spake no word. + </p> + <p> + 'Cap'en Cuttle,' said Mrs MacStinger, 'if you would wish to heal up past + animosities, and to see the last of your friend, my 'usband, as a single + person, we should be 'appy of your company to chapel. Here is a lady + here,' said Mrs MacStinger, turning round to the more intrepid of the two, + 'my bridesmaid, that will be glad of your protection, Cap'en Cuttle.' + </p> + <p> + The short gentleman in the tall hat, who it appeared was the husband of + the other lady, and who evidently exulted at the reduction of a fellow + creature to his own condition, gave place at this, and resigned the lady + to Captain Cuttle. The lady immediately seized him, and, observing that + there was no time to lose, gave the word, in a strong voice, to advance. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's concern for his friend, not unmingled, at first, with some + concern for himself—for a shadowy terror that he might be married by + violence, possessed him, until his knowledge of the service came to his + relief, and remembering the legal obligation of saying, 'I will,' he felt + himself personally safe so long as he resolved, if asked any question, + distinctly to reply 'I won't'—threw him into a profuse perspiration; + and rendered him, for a time, insensible to the movements of the + procession, of which he now formed a feature, and to the conversation of + his fair companion. But as he became less agitated, he learnt from this + lady that she was the widow of a Mr Bokum, who had held an employment in + the Custom House; that she was the dearest friend of Mrs MacStinger, whom + she considered a pattern for her sex; that she had often heard of the + Captain, and now hoped he had repented of his past life; that she trusted + Mr Bunsby knew what a blessing he had gained, but that she feared men + seldom did know what such blessings were, until they had lost them; with + more to the same purpose. + </p> + <p> + All this time, the Captain could not but observe that Mrs Bokum kept her + eyes steadily on the bridegroom, and that whenever they came near a court + or other narrow turning which appeared favourable for flight, she was on + the alert to cut him off if he attempted escape. The other lady, too, as + well as her husband, the short gentleman with the tall hat, were plainly + on guard, according to a preconcerted plan; and the wretched man was so + secured by Mrs MacStinger, that any effort at self-preservation by flight + was rendered futile. This, indeed, was apparent to the mere populace, who + expressed their perception of the fact by jeers and cries; to all of + which, the dread MacStinger was inflexibly indifferent, while Bunsby + himself appeared in a state of unconsciousness. + </p> + <p> + The Captain made many attempts to accost the philosopher, if only in a + monosyllable or a signal; but always failed, in consequence of the + vigilance of the guard, and the difficulty, at all times peculiar to + Bunsby's constitution, of having his attention aroused by any outward and + visible sign whatever. Thus they approached the chapel, a neat whitewashed + edifice, recently engaged by the Reverend Melchisedech Howler, who had + consented, on very urgent solicitation, to give the world another two + years of existence, but had informed his followers that, then, it must + positively go. + </p> + <p> + While the Reverend Melchisedech was offering up some extemporary orisons, + the Captain found an opportunity of growling in the bridegroom's ear: + </p> + <p> + 'What cheer, my lad, what cheer?' + </p> + <p> + To which Bunsby replied, with a forgetfulness of the Reverend + Melchisedech, which nothing but his desperate circumstances could have + excused: + </p> + <p> + 'D——d bad,' + </p> + <p> + 'Jack Bunsby,' whispered the Captain, 'do you do this here, of your own + free will?' + </p> + <p> + Mr Bunsby answered 'No.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you do it, then, my lad?' inquired the Captain, not unnaturally. + </p> + <p> + Bunsby, still looking, and always looking with an immovable countenance, + at the opposite side of the world, made no reply. + </p> + <p> + 'Why not sheer off?' said the Captain. 'Eh?' whispered Bunsby, with a + momentary gleam of hope. + </p> + <p> + 'Sheer off,' said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Where's the good?' retorted the forlorn sage. 'She'd capter me agen.' + </p> + <p> + 'Try!' replied the Captain. 'Cheer up! Come! Now's your time. Sheer off, + Jack Bunsby!' + </p> + <p> + Jack Bunsby, however, instead of profiting by the advice, said in a + doleful whisper: + </p> + <p> + 'It all began in that there chest o' yourn. Why did I ever conwoy her into + port that night?' + </p> + <p> + 'My lad,' faltered the Captain, 'I thought as you had come over her; not + as she had come over you. A man as has got such opinions as you have!' + </p> + <p> + Mr Bunsby merely uttered a suppressed groan. + </p> + <p> + 'Come!' said the Captain, nudging him with his elbow, 'now's your time! + Sheer off! I'll cover your retreat. The time's a flying. Bunsby! It's for + liberty. Will you once?' + </p> + <p> + Bunsby was immovable. + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby!' whispered the Captain, 'will you twice?' + </p> + <p> + Bunsby wouldn't twice. + </p> + <p> + 'Bunsby!' urged the Captain, 'it's for liberty; will you three times? Now + or never!' + </p> + <p> + Bunsby didn't then, and didn't ever; for Mrs MacStinger immediately + afterwards married him. + </p> + <p> + One of the most frightful circumstances of the ceremony to the Captain, + was the deadly interest exhibited therein by Juliana MacStinger; and the + fatal concentration of her faculties, with which that promising child, + already the image of her parent, observed the whole proceedings. The + Captain saw in this a succession of man-traps stretching out infinitely; a + series of ages of oppression and coercion, through which the seafaring + line was doomed. It was a more memorable sight than the unflinching + steadiness of Mrs Bokum and the other lady, the exultation of the short + gentleman in the tall hat, or even the fell inflexibility of Mrs + MacStinger. The Master MacStingers understood little of what was going on, + and cared less; being chiefly engaged, during the ceremony, in treading on + one another's half-boots; but the contrast afforded by those wretched + infants only set off and adorned the precocious woman in Juliana. Another + year or two, the Captain thought, and to lodge where that child was, would + be destruction. + </p> + <p> + The ceremony was concluded by a general spring of the young family on Mr + Bunsby, whom they hailed by the endearing name of father, and from whom + they solicited half-pence. These gushes of affection over, the procession + was about to issue forth again, when it was delayed for some little time + by an unexpected transport on the part of Alexander MacStinger. That dear + child, it seemed, connecting a chapel with tombstones, when it was entered + for any purpose apart from the ordinary religious exercises, could not be + persuaded but that his mother was now to be decently interred, and lost to + him for ever. In the anguish of this conviction, he screamed with + astonishing force, and turned black in the face. However touching these + marks of a tender disposition were to his mother, it was not in the + character of that remarkable woman to permit her recognition of them to + degenerate into weakness. Therefore, after vainly endeavouring to convince + his reason by shakes, pokes, bawlings-out, and similar applications to his + head, she led him into the air, and tried another method; which was + manifested to the marriage party by a quick succession of sharp sounds, + resembling applause, and subsequently, by their seeing Alexander in + contact with the coolest paving-stone in the court, greatly flushed, and + loudly lamenting. + </p> + <p> + The procession being then in a condition to form itself once more, and + repair to Brig Place, where a marriage feast was in readiness, returned as + it had come; not without the receipt, by Bunsby, of many humorous + congratulations from the populace on his recently-acquired happiness. The + Captain accompanied it as far as the house-door, but, being made uneasy by + the gentler manner of Mrs Bokum, who, now that she was relieved from her + engrossing duty—for the watchfulness and alacrity of the ladies + sensibly diminished when the bridegroom was safely married—had + greater leisure to show an interest in his behalf, there left it and the + captive; faintly pleading an appointment, and promising to return + presently. The Captain had another cause for uneasiness, in remorsefully + reflecting that he had been the first means of Bunsby's entrapment, though + certainly without intending it, and through his unbounded faith in the + resources of that philosopher. + </p> + <p> + To go back to old Sol Gills at the wooden Midshipman's, and not first go + round to ask how Mr Dombey was—albeit the house where he lay was out + of London, and away on the borders of a fresh heath—was quite out of + the Captain's course. So he got a lift when he was tired, and made out the + journey gaily. + </p> + <p> + The blinds were pulled down, and the house so quiet, that the Captain was + almost afraid to knock; but listening at the door, he heard low voices + within, very near it, and, knocking softly, was admitted by Mr Toots. Mr + Toots and his wife had, in fact, just arrived there; having been at the + Midshipman's to seek him, and having there obtained the address. + </p> + <p> + They were not so recently arrived, but that Mrs Toots had caught the baby + from somebody, taken it in her arms, and sat down on the stairs, hugging + and fondling it. Florence was stooping down beside her; and no one could + have said which Mrs Toots was hugging and fondling most, the mother or the + child, or which was the tenderer, Florence of Mrs Toots, or Mrs Toots of + her, or both of the baby; it was such a little group of love and + agitation. + </p> + <p> + 'And is your Pa very ill, my darling dear Miss Floy?' asked Susan. + </p> + <p> + 'He is very, very ill,' said Florence. 'But, Susan, dear, you must not + speak to me as you used to speak. And what's this?' said Florence, + touching her clothes, in amazement. 'Your old dress, dear? Your old cap, + curls, and all?' + </p> + <p> + Susan burst into tears, and showered kisses on the little hand that had + touched her so wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, stepping forward, 'I'll explain. + She's the most extraordinary woman. There are not many to equal her! She + has always said—she said before we were married, and has said to + this day—that whenever you came home, she'd come to you in no dress + but the dress she used to serve you in, for fear she might seem strange to + you, and you might like her less. I admire the dress myself,' said Mr + Toots, 'of all things. I adore her in it! My dear Miss Dombey, she'll be + your maid again, your nurse, all that she ever was, and more. There's no + change in her. But, Susan, my dear,' said Mr Toots, who had spoken with + great feeling and high admiration, 'all I ask is, that you'll remember the + medical man, and not exert yourself too much!' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 61. Relenting + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>lorence had need of help. Her father's need of it was sore, and made the + aid of her old friend invaluable. Death stood at his pillow. A shade, + already, of what he had been, shattered in mind, and perilously sick in + body, he laid his weary head down on the bed his daughter's hands prepared + for him, and had never raised it since. + </p> + <p> + She was always with him. He knew her, generally; though, in the wandering + of his brain, he often confused the circumstances under which he spoke to + her. Thus he would address her, sometimes, as if his boy were newly dead; + and would tell her, that although he had said nothing of her ministering + at the little bedside, yet he had seen it—he had seen it; and then + would hide his face and sob, and put out his worn hand. Sometimes he would + ask her for herself. 'Where is Florence?' 'I am here, Papa, I am here.' 'I + don't know her!' he would cry. 'We have been parted so long, that I don't + know her!' and then a staring dread would be upon him, until she could + soothe his perturbation; and recall the tears she tried so hard, at other + times, to dry. + </p> + <p> + He rambled through the scenes of his old pursuits—through many where + Florence lost him as she listened—sometimes for hours. He would + repeat that childish question, 'What is money?' and ponder on it, and + think about it, and reason with himself, more or less connectedly, for a + good answer; as if it had never been proposed to him until that moment. He + would go on with a musing repetition of the title of his old firm twenty + thousand times, and at every one of them, would turn his head upon his + pillow. He would count his children—one—two—stop, and go + back, and begin again in the same way. + </p> + <p> + But this was when his mind was in its most distracted state. In all the + other phases of its illness, and in those to which it was most constant, + it always turned on Florence. What he would oftenest do was this: he would + recall that night he had so recently remembered, the night on which she + came down to his room, and would imagine that his heart smote him, and + that he went out after her, and up the stairs to seek her. Then, + confounding that time with the later days of the many footsteps, he would + be amazed at their number, and begin to count them as he followed her. + Here, of a sudden, was a bloody footstep going on among the others; and + after it there began to be, at intervals, doors standing open, through + which certain terrible pictures were seen, in mirrors, of haggard men, + concealing something in their breasts. Still, among the many footsteps and + the bloody footsteps here and there, was the step of Florence. Still she + was going on before. Still the restless mind went, following and counting, + ever farther, ever higher, as to the summit of a mighty tower that it took + years to climb. + </p> + <p> + One day he inquired if that were not Susan who had spoken a long while + ago. + </p> + <p> + Florence said 'Yes, dear Papa;' and asked him would he like to see her? + </p> + <p> + He said 'very much.' And Susan, with no little trepidation, showed herself + at his bedside. + </p> + <p> + It seemed a great relief to him. He begged her not to go; to understand + that he forgave her what she had said; and that she was to stay. Florence + and he were very different now, he said, and very happy. Let her look at + this! He meant his drawing the gentle head down to his pillow, and laying + it beside him. + </p> + <p> + He remained like this for days and weeks. At length, lying, the faint + feeble semblance of a man, upon his bed, and speaking in a voice so low + that they could only hear him by listening very near to his lips, he + became quiet. It was dimly pleasant to him now, to lie there, with the + window open, looking out at the summer sky and the trees: and, in the + evening, at the sunset. To watch the shadows of the clouds and leaves, and + seem to feel a sympathy with shadows. It was natural that he should. To + him, life and the world were nothing else. + </p> + <p> + He began to show now that he thought of Florence's fatigue: and often + taxed his weakness to whisper to her, 'Go and walk, my dearest, in the + sweet air. Go to your good husband!' One time when Walter was in his room, + he beckoned him to come near, and to stoop down; and pressing his hand, + whispered an assurance to him that he knew he could trust him with his + child when he was dead. + </p> + <p> + It chanced one evening, towards sunset, when Florence and Walter were + sitting in his room together, as he liked to see them, that Florence, + having her baby in her arms, began in a low voice to sing to the little + fellow, and sang the old tune she had so often sung to the dead child: He + could not bear it at the time; he held up his trembling hand, imploring + her to stop; but next day he asked her to repeat it, and to do so often of + an evening: which she did. He listening, with his face turned away. + </p> + <p> + Florence was sitting on a certain time by his window, with her work-basket + between her and her old attendant, who was still her faithful companion. + He had fallen into a doze. It was a beautiful evening, with two hours of + light to come yet; and the tranquillity and quiet made Florence very + thoughtful. She was lost to everything for the moment, but the occasion + when the so altered figure on the bed had first presented her to her + beautiful Mama; when a touch from Walter leaning on the back of her chair, + made her start. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' said Walter, 'there is someone downstairs who wishes to speak + to you.' + </p> + <p> + She fancied Walter looked grave, and asked him if anything had happened. + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, my love!' said Walter. 'I have seen the gentleman myself, and + spoken with him. Nothing has happened. Will you come?' + </p> + <p> + Florence put her arm through his; and confiding her father to the + black-eyed Mrs Toots, who sat as brisk and smart at her work as black-eyed + woman could, accompanied her husband downstairs. In the pleasant little + parlour opening on the garden, sat a gentleman, who rose to advance + towards her when she came in, but turned off, by reason of some + peculiarity in his legs, and was only stopped by the table. + </p> + <p> + Florence then remembered Cousin Feenix, whom she had not at first + recognised in the shade of the leaves. Cousin Feenix took her hand, and + congratulated her upon her marriage. + </p> + <p> + 'I could have wished, I am sure,' said Cousin Feenix, sitting down as + Florence sat, 'to have had an earlier opportunity of offering my + congratulations; but, in point of fact, so many painful occurrences have + happened, treading, as a man may say, on one another's heels, that I have + been in a devil of a state myself, and perfectly unfit for every + description of society. The only description of society I have kept, has + been my own; and it certainly is anything but flattering to a man's good + opinion of his own sources, to know that, in point of fact, he has the + capacity of boring himself to a perfectly unlimited extent.' + </p> + <p> + Florence divined, from some indefinable constraint and anxiety in this + gentleman's manner—which was always a gentleman's, in spite of the + harmless little eccentricities that attached to it—and from Walter's + manner no less, that something more immediately tending to some object was + to follow this. + </p> + <p> + 'I have been mentioning to my friend Mr Gay, if I may be allowed to have + the honour of calling him so,' said Cousin Feenix, 'that I am rejoiced to + hear that my friend Dombey is very decidedly mending. I trust my friend + Dombey will not allow his mind to be too much preyed upon, by any mere + loss of fortune. I cannot say that I have ever experienced any very great + loss of fortune myself: never having had, in point of fact, any great + amount of fortune to lose. But as much as I could lose, I have lost; and I + don't find that I particularly care about it. I know my friend Dombey to + be a devilish honourable man; and it's calculated to console my friend + Dombey very much, to know, that this is the universal sentiment. Even + Tommy Screwzer,—a man of an extremely bilious habit, with whom my + friend Gay is probably acquainted—cannot say a syllable in + disputation of the fact.' + </p> + <p> + Florence felt, more than ever, that there was something to come; and + looked earnestly for it. So earnestly, that Cousin Feenix answered, as if + she had spoken. + </p> + <p> + 'The fact is,' said Cousin Feenix, 'that my friend Gay and myself have + been discussing the propriety of entreating a favour at your hands; and + that I have the consent of my friend Gay—who has met me in an + exceedingly kind and open manner, for which I am very much indebted to him—to + solicit it. I am sensible that so amiable a lady as the lovely and + accomplished daughter of my friend Dombey will not require much urging; + but I am happy to know, that I am supported by my friend Gay's influence + and approval. As in my parliamentary time, when a man had a motion to make + of any sort—which happened seldom in those days, for we were kept + very tight in hand, the leaders on both sides being regular Martinets, + which was a devilish good thing for the rank and file, like myself, and + prevented our exposing ourselves continually, as a great many of us had a + feverish anxiety to do—as, in my parliamentary time, I was about to + say, when a man had leave to let off any little private popgun, it was + always considered a great point for him to say that he had the happiness + of believing that his sentiments were not without an echo in the breast of + Mr Pitt; the pilot, in point of fact, who had weathered the storm. Upon + which, a devilish large number of fellows immediately cheered, and put him + in spirits. Though the fact is, that these fellows, being under orders to + cheer most excessively whenever Mr Pitt's name was mentioned, became so + proficient that it always woke 'em. And they were so entirely innocent of + what was going on, otherwise, that it used to be commonly said by + Conversation Brown—four-bottle man at the Treasury Board, with whom + the father of my friend Gay was probably acquainted, for it was before my + friend Gay's time—that if a man had risen in his place, and said + that he regretted to inform the house that there was an Honourable Member + in the last stage of convulsions in the Lobby, and that the Honourable + Member's name was Pitt, the approbation would have been vociferous.' + </p> + <p> + This postponement of the point, put Florence in a flutter; and she looked + from Cousin Feenix to Walter, in increasing agitation. + </p> + <p> + 'My love,' said Walter, 'there is nothing the matter.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing the matter, upon my honour,' said Cousin Feenix; 'and I + am deeply distressed at being the means of causing you a moment's + uneasiness. I beg to assure you that there is nothing the matter. The + favour that I have to ask is, simply—but it really does seem so + exceedingly singular, that I should be in the last degree obliged to my + friend Gay if he would have the goodness to break the—in point of + fact, the ice,' said Cousin Feenix. + </p> + <p> + Walter thus appealed to, and appealed to no less in the look that Florence + turned towards him, said: + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest, it is no more than this. That you will ride to London with + this gentleman, whom you know.' + </p> + <p> + 'And my friend Gay, also—I beg your pardon!' interrupted Cousin + Feenix. + </p> + <p> + '—And with me—and make a visit somewhere.' + </p> + <p> + 'To whom?' asked Florence, looking from one to the other. + </p> + <p> + 'If I might entreat,' said Cousin Feenix, 'that you would not press for an + answer to that question, I would venture to take the liberty of making the + request.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know, Walter?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes.' + </p> + <p> + 'And think it right?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. Only because I am sure that you would too. Though there may be + reasons I very well understand, which make it better that nothing more + should be said beforehand.' + </p> + <p> + 'If Papa is still asleep, or can spare me if he is awake, I will go + immediately,' said Florence. And rising quietly, and glancing at them with + a look that was a little alarmed but perfectly confiding, left the room. + </p> + <p> + When she came back, ready to bear them company, they were talking + together, gravely, at the window; and Florence could not but wonder what + the topic was, that had made them so well acquainted in so short a time. + She did not wonder at the look of pride and love with which her husband + broke off as she entered; for she never saw him, but that rested on her. + </p> + <p> + 'I will leave,' said Cousin Feenix, 'a card for my friend Dombey, + sincerely trusting that he will pick up health and strength with every + returning hour. And I hope my friend Dombey will do me the favour to + consider me a man who has a devilish warm admiration of his character, as, + in point of fact, a British merchant and a devilish upright gentleman. My + place in the country is in a most confounded state of dilapidation, but if + my friend Dombey should require a change of air, and would take up his + quarters there, he would find it a remarkably healthy spot—as it + need be, for it's amazingly dull. If my friend Dombey suffers from bodily + weakness, and would allow me to recommend what has frequently done myself + good, as a man who has been extremely queer at times, and who lived pretty + freely in the days when men lived very freely, I should say, let it be in + point of fact the yolk of an egg, beat up with sugar and nutmeg, in a + glass of sherry, and taken in the morning with a slice of dry toast. + Jackson, who kept the boxing-rooms in Bond Street—man of very + superior qualifications, with whose reputation my friend Gay is no doubt + acquainted—used to mention that in training for the ring they + substituted rum for sherry. I should recommend sherry in this case, on + account of my friend Dombey being in an invalided condition; which might + occasion rum to fly—in point of fact to his head—and throw him + into a devil of a state.' + </p> + <p> + Of all this, Cousin Feenix delivered himself with an obviously nervous and + discomposed air. Then, giving his arm to Florence, and putting the + strongest possible constraint upon his wilful legs, which seemed + determined to go out into the garden, he led her to the door, and handed + her into a carriage that was ready for her reception. + </p> + <p> + Walter entered after him, and they drove away. + </p> + <p> + Their ride was six or eight miles long. When they drove through certain + dull and stately streets, lying westward in London, it was growing dusk. + Florence had, by this time, put her hand in Walter's; and was looking very + earnestly, and with increasing agitation, into every new street into which + they turned. + </p> + <p> + When the carriage stopped, at last, before that house in Brook Street, + where her father's unhappy marriage had been celebrated, Florence said, + 'Walter, what is this? Who is here?' Walter cheering her, and not + replying, she glanced up at the house-front, and saw that all the windows + were shut, as if it were uninhabited. Cousin Feenix had by this time + alighted, and was offering his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Are you not coming, Walter?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, I will remain here. Don't tremble there is nothing to fear, dearest + Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know that, Walter, with you so near. I am sure of that, but—' + </p> + <p> + The door was softly opened, without any knock, and Cousin Feenix led her + out of the summer evening air into the close dull house. More sombre and + brown than ever, it seemed to have been shut up from the wedding-day, and + to have hoarded darkness and sadness ever since. + </p> + <p> + Florence ascended the dusky staircase, trembling; and stopped, with her + conductor, at the drawing-room door. He opened it, without speaking, and + signed an entreaty to her to advance into the inner room, while he + remained there. Florence, after hesitating an instant, complied. + </p> + <p> + Sitting by the window at a table, where she seemed to have been writing or + drawing, was a lady, whose head, turned away towards the dying light, was + resting on her hand. Florence advancing, doubtfully, all at once stood + still, as if she had lost the power of motion. The lady turned her head. + </p> + <p> + 'Great Heaven!' she said, 'what is this?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no!' cried Florence, shrinking back as she rose up and putting out + her hands to keep her off. 'Mama!' + </p> + <p> + They stood looking at each other. Passion and pride had worn it, but it + was the face of Edith, and beautiful and stately yet. It was the face of + Florence, and through all the terrified avoidance it expressed, there was + pity in it, sorrow, a grateful tender memory. On each face, wonder and + fear were painted vividly; each so still and silent, looking at the other + over the black gulf of the irrevocable past. + </p> + <p> + Florence was the first to change. Bursting into tears, she said from her + full heart, 'Oh, Mama, Mama! why do we meet like this? Why were you ever + kind to me when there was no one else, that we should meet like this?' + </p> + <p> + Edith stood before her, dumb and motionless. Her eyes were fixed upon her + face. + </p> + <p> + 'I dare not think of that,' said Florence, 'I am come from Papa's sick + bed. We are never asunder now; we never shall be' any more. If you would + have me ask his pardon, I will do it, Mama. I am almost sure he will grant + it now, if I ask him. May Heaven grant it to you, too, and comfort you!' + </p> + <p> + She answered not a word. + </p> + <p> + 'Walter—I am married to him, and we have a son,' said Florence, + timidly—'is at the door, and has brought me here. I will tell him + that you are repentant; that you are changed,' said Florence, looking + mournfully upon her; 'and he will speak to Papa with me, I know. Is there + anything but this that I can do?' + </p> + <p> + Edith, breaking her silence, without moving eye or limb, answered slowly: + </p> + <p> + 'The stain upon your name, upon your husband's, on your child's. Will that + ever be forgiven, Florence?' + </p> + <p> + 'Will it ever be, Mama? It is! Freely, freely, both by Walter and by me. + If that is any consolation to you, there is nothing that you may believe + more certainly. You do not—you do not,' faltered Florence, 'speak of + Papa; but I am sure you wish that I should ask him for his forgiveness. I + am sure you do.' + </p> + <p> + She answered not a word. + </p> + <p> + 'I will!' said Florence. 'I will bring it you, if you will let me; and + then, perhaps, we may take leave of each other, more like what we used to + be to one another. I have not,' said Florence very gently, and drawing + nearer to her, 'I have not shrunk back from you, Mama, because I fear you, + or because I dread to be disgraced by you. I only wish to do my duty to + Papa. I am very dear to him, and he is very dear to me. But I never can + forget that you were very good to me. Oh, pray to Heaven,' cried Florence, + falling on her bosom, 'pray to Heaven, Mama, to forgive you all this sin + and shame, and to forgive me if I cannot help doing this (if it is wrong), + when I remember what you used to be!' + </p> + <p> + Edith, as if she fell beneath her touch, sunk down on her knees, and + caught her round the neck. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence!' she cried. 'My better angel! Before I am mad again, before my + stubbornness comes back and strikes me dumb, believe me, upon my soul I am + innocent!' + </p> + <p> + 'Mama!' + </p> + <p> + 'Guilty of much! Guilty of that which sets a waste between us evermore. + Guilty of what must separate me, through the whole remainder of my life, + from purity and innocence—from you, of all the earth. Guilty of a + blind and passionate resentment, of which I do not, cannot, will not, even + now, repent; but not guilty with that dead man. Before God!' + </p> + <p> + Upon her knees upon the ground, she held up both her hands, and swore it. + </p> + <p> + 'Florence!' she said, 'purest and best of natures,—whom I love—who + might have changed me long ago, and did for a time work some change even + in the woman that I am,—believe me, I am innocent of that; and once + more, on my desolate heart, let me lay this dear head, for the last time!' + </p> + <p> + She was moved and weeping. Had she been oftener thus in older days, she + had been happier now. + </p> + <p> + 'There is nothing else in all the world,' she said, 'that would have wrung + denial from me. No love, no hatred, no hope, no threat. I said that I + would die, and make no sign. I could have done so, and I would, if we had + never met, Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'I trust,' said Cousin Feenix, ambling in at the door, and speaking, half + in the room, and half out of it, 'that my lovely and accomplished relative + will excuse my having, by a little stratagem, effected this meeting. I + cannot say that I was, at first, wholly incredulous as to the possibility + of my lovely and accomplished relative having, very unfortunately, + committed herself with the deceased person with white teeth; because in + point of fact, one does see, in this world—which is remarkable for + devilish strange arrangements, and for being decidedly the most + unintelligible thing within a man's experience—very odd conjunctions + of that sort. But as I mentioned to my friend Dombey, I could not admit + the criminality of my lovely and accomplished relative until it was + perfectly established. And feeling, when the deceased person was, in point + of fact, destroyed in a devilish horrible manner, that her position was a + very painful one—and feeling besides that our family had been a + little to blame in not paying more attention to her, and that we are a + careless family—and also that my aunt, though a devilish lively + woman, had perhaps not been the very best of mothers—I took the + liberty of seeking her in France, and offering her such protection as a + man very much out at elbows could offer. Upon which occasion, my lovely + and accomplished relative did me the honour to express that she believed I + was, in my way, a devilish good sort of fellow; and that therefore she put + herself under my protection. Which in point of fact I understood to be a + kind thing on the part of my lovely and accomplished relative, as I am + getting extremely shaky, and have derived great comfort from her + solicitude.' + </p> + <p> + Edith, who had taken Florence to a sofa, made a gesture with her hand as + if she would have begged him to say no more. + </p> + <p> + 'My lovely and accomplished relative,' resumed Cousin Feenix, still + ambling about at the door, 'will excuse me, if, for her satisfaction, and + my own, and that of my friend Dombey, whose lovely and accomplished + daughter we so much admire, I complete the thread of my observations. She + will remember that, from the first, she and I never alluded to the subject + of her elopement. My impression, certainly, has always been, that there + was a mystery in the affair which she could explain if so inclined. But my + lovely and accomplished relative being a devilish resolute woman, I knew + that she was not, in point of fact, to be trifled with, and therefore did + not involve myself in any discussions. But, observing lately, that her + accessible point did appear to be a very strong description of tenderness + for the daughter of my friend Dombey, it occurred to me that if I could + bring about a meeting, unexpected on both sides, it might lead to + beneficial results. Therefore, we being in London, in the present private + way, before going to the South of Italy, there to establish ourselves, in + point of fact, until we go to our long homes, which is a devilish + disagreeable reflection for a man, I applied myself to the discovery of + the residence of my friend Gay—handsome man of an uncommonly frank + disposition, who is probably known to my lovely and accomplished relative—and + had the happiness of bringing his amiable wife to the present place. And + now,' said Cousin Feenix, with a real and genuine earnestness shining + through the levity of his manner and his slipshod speech, 'I do conjure my + relative, not to stop half way, but to set right, as far as she can, + whatever she has done wrong—not for the honour of her family, not + for her own fame, not for any of those considerations which unfortunate + circumstances have induced her to regard as hollow, and in point of fact, + as approaching to humbug—but because it is wrong, and not right.' + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix's legs consented to take him away after this; and leaving + them alone together, he shut the door. + </p> + <p> + Edith remained silent for some minutes, with Florence sitting close beside + her. Then she took from her bosom a sealed paper. + </p> + <p> + 'I debated with myself a long time,' she said in a low voice, 'whether to + write this at all, in case of dying suddenly or by accident, and feeling + the want of it upon me. I have deliberated, ever since, when and how to + destroy it. Take it, Florence. The truth is written in it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it for Papa?' asked Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'It is for whom you will,' she answered. 'It is given to you, and is + obtained by you. He never could have had it otherwise.' + </p> + <p> + Again they sat silent, in the deepening darkness. + </p> + <p> + 'Mama,' said Florence, 'he has lost his fortune; he has been at the point + of death; he may not recover, even now. Is there any word that I shall say + to him from you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Did you tell me,' asked Edith, 'that you were very dear to him?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes!' said Florence, in a thrilling voice. + </p> + <p> + 'Tell him I am sorry that we ever met.' + </p> + <p> + 'No more?' said Florence after a pause. + </p> + <p> + 'Tell him, if he asks, that I do not repent of what I have done—not + yet—for if it were to do again to-morrow, I should do it. But if he + is a changed man—-' + </p> + <p> + She stopped. There was something in the silent touch of Florence's hand + that stopped her. + </p> + <p> + '—But that being a changed man, he knows, now, it would never be. + Tell him I wish it never had been.' + </p> + <p> + 'May I say,' said Florence, 'that you grieved to hear of the afflictions + he has suffered?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not,' she replied, 'if they have taught him that his daughter is very + dear to him. He will not grieve for them himself, one day, if they have + brought that lesson, Florence.' + </p> + <p> + 'You wish well to him, and would have him happy. I am sure you would!' + said Florence. 'Oh! let me be able, if I have the occasion at some future + time, to say so?' + </p> + <p> + Edith sat with her dark eyes gazing steadfastly before her, and did not + reply until Florence had repeated her entreaty; when she drew her hand + within her arm, and said, with the same thoughtful gaze upon the night + outside: + </p> + <p> + 'Tell him that if, in his own present, he can find any reason to + compassionate my past, I sent word that I asked him to do so. Tell him + that if, in his own present, he can find a reason to think less bitterly + of me, I asked him to do so. Tell him, that, dead as we are to one + another, never more to meet on this side of eternity, he knows there is + one feeling in common between us now, that there never was before.' + </p> + <p> + Her sternness seemed to yield, and there were tears in her dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'I trust myself to that,' she said, 'for his better thoughts of me, and + mine of him. When he loves his Florence most, he will hate me least. When + he is most proud and happy in her and her children, he will be most + repentant of his own part in the dark vision of our married life. At that + time, I will be repentant too—let him know it then—and think + that when I thought so much of all the causes that had made me what I was, + I needed to have allowed more for the causes that had made him what he + was. I will try, then, to forgive him his share of blame. Let him try to + forgive me mine!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh Mama!' said Florence. 'How it lightens my heart, even in such a + strange meeting and parting, to hear this!' + </p> + <p> + 'Strange words in my own ears,' said Edith, 'and foreign to the sound of + my own voice! But even if I had been the wretched creature I have given + him occasion to believe me, I think I could have said them still, hearing + that you and he were very dear to one another. Let him, when you are + dearest, ever feel that he is most forbearing in his thoughts of me—that + I am most forbearing in my thoughts of him! Those are the last words I + send him! Now, goodbye, my life!' + </p> + <p> + She clasped her in her arms, and seemed to pour out all her woman's soul + of love and tenderness at once. + </p> + <p> + 'This kiss for your child! These kisses for a blessing on your head! My + own dear Florence, my sweet girl, farewell!' + </p> + <p> + 'To meet again!' cried Florence. + </p> + <p> + 'Never again! Never again! When you leave me in this dark room, think that + you have left me in the grave. Remember only that I was once, and that I + loved you!' + </p> + <p> + And Florence left her, seeing her face no more, but accompanied by her + embraces and caresses to the last. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Feenix met her at the door, and took her down to Walter in the + dingy dining room, upon whose shoulder she laid her head weeping. + </p> + <p> + 'I am devilish sorry,' said Cousin Feenix, lifting his wristbands to his + eyes in the simplest manner possible, and without the least concealment, + 'that the lovely and accomplished daughter of my friend Dombey and amiable + wife of my friend Gay, should have had her sensitive nature so very much + distressed and cut up by the interview which is just concluded. But I hope + and trust I have acted for the best, and that my honourable friend Dombey + will find his mind relieved by the disclosures which have taken place. I + exceedingly lament that my friend Dombey should have got himself, in point + of fact, into the devil's own state of conglomeration by an alliance with + our family; but am strongly of opinion that if it hadn't been for the + infernal scoundrel Barker—man with white teeth—everything + would have gone on pretty smoothly. In regard to my relative who does me + the honour to have formed an uncommonly good opinion of myself, I can + assure the amiable wife of my friend Gay, that she may rely on my being, + in point of fact, a father to her. And in regard to the changes of human + life, and the extraordinary manner in which we are perpetually conducting + ourselves, all I can say is, with my friend Shakespeare—man who + wasn't for an age but for all time, and with whom my friend Gay is no + doubt acquainted—that its like the shadow of a dream.' + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 62. Final + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> bottle that has been long excluded from the light of day, and is hoary + with dust and cobwebs, has been brought into the sunshine; and the golden + wine within it sheds a lustre on the table. + </p> + <p> + It is the last bottle of the old Madiera. + </p> + <p> + 'You are quite right, Mr Gills,' says Mr Dombey. 'This is a very rare and + most delicious wine.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who is of the party, beams with joy. There is a very halo of + delight round his glowing forehead. + </p> + <p> + 'We always promised ourselves, Sir,' observes Mr Gills,' Ned and myself, I + mean—' + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey nods at the Captain, who shines more and more with speechless + gratification. + </p> + <p> + '—that we would drink this, one day or other, to Walter safe at + home: though such a home we never thought of. If you don't object to our + old whim, Sir, let us devote this first glass to Walter and his wife.' + </p> + <p> + 'To Walter and his wife!' says Mr Dombey. 'Florence, my child'—and + turns to kiss her. + </p> + <p> + 'To Walter and his wife!' says Mr Toots. + </p> + <p> + 'To Wal'r and his wife!' exclaims the Captain. 'Hooroar!' and the Captain + exhibiting a strong desire to clink his glass against some other glass, Mr + Dombey, with a ready hand, holds out his. The others follow; and there is + a blithe and merry ringing, as of a little peal of marriage bells. + </p> + <p> + Other buried wine grows older, as the old Madeira did in its time; and + dust and cobwebs thicken on the bottles. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey is a white-haired gentleman, whose face bears heavy marks of + care and suffering; but they are traces of a storm that has passed on for + ever, and left a clear evening in its track. + </p> + <p> + Ambitious projects trouble him no more. His only pride is in his daughter + and her husband. He has a silent, thoughtful, quiet manner, and is always + with his daughter. Miss Tox is not infrequently of the family party, and + is quite devoted to it, and a great favourite. Her admiration of her once + stately patron is, and has been ever since the morning of her shock in + Princess's Place, platonic, but not weakened in the least. + </p> + <p> + Nothing has drifted to him from the wreck of his fortunes, but a certain + annual sum that comes he knows not how, with an earnest entreaty that he + will not seek to discover, and with the assurance that it is a debt, and + an act of reparation. He has consulted with his old clerk about this, who + is clear it may be honourably accepted, and has no doubt it arises out of + some forgotten transaction in the times of the old House. + </p> + <p> + That hazel-eyed bachelor, a bachelor no more, is married now, and to the + sister of the grey-haired Junior. He visits his old chief sometimes, but + seldom. There is a reason in the greyhaired Junior's history, and yet a + stronger reason in his name, why he should keep retired from his old + employer; and as he lives with his sister and her husband, they + participate in that retirement. Walter sees them sometimes—Florence + too—and the pleasant house resounds with profound duets arranged for + the Piano-Forte and Violoncello, and with the labours of Harmonious + Blacksmiths. + </p> + <p> + And how goes the wooden Midshipman in these changed days? Why, here he + still is, right leg foremost, hard at work upon the hackney coaches, and + more on the alert than ever, being newly painted from his cocked hat to + his buckled shoes; and up above him, in golden characters, these names + shine refulgent, GILLS AND CUTTLE. + </p> + <p> + Not another stroke of business does the Midshipman achieve beyond his + usual easy trade. But they do say, in a circuit of some half-mile round + the blue umbrella in Leadenhall Market, that some of Mr Gills's old + investments are coming out wonderfully well; and that instead of being + behind the time in those respects, as he supposed, he was, in truth, a + little before it, and had to wait the fulness of the time and the design. + The whisper is that Mr Gills's money has begun to turn itself, and that it + is turning itself over and over pretty briskly. Certain it is that, + standing at his shop-door, in his coffee-coloured suit, with his + chronometer in his pocket, and his spectacles on his forehead, he don't + appear to break his heart at customers not coming, but looks very jovial + and contented, though full as misty as of yore. + </p> + <p> + As to his partner, Captain Cuttle, there is a fiction of a business in the + Captain's mind which is better than any reality. The Captain is as + satisfied of the Midshipman's importance to the commerce and navigation of + the country, as he could possibly be, if no ship left the Port of London + without the Midshipman's assistance. His delight in his own name over the + door, is inexhaustible. He crosses the street, twenty times a day, to look + at it from the other side of the way; and invariably says, on these + occasions, 'Ed'ard Cuttle, my lad, if your mother could ha' know'd as you + would ever be a man o' science, the good old creetur would ha' been took + aback in-deed!' + </p> + <p> + But here is Mr Toots descending on the Midshipman with violent rapidity, + and Mr Toots's face is very red as he bursts into the little parlour. + </p> + <p> + 'Captain Gills,' says Mr Toots, 'and Mr Sols, I am happy to inform you + that Mrs Toots has had an increase to her family.' + </p> + <p> + 'And it does her credit!' cries the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'I give you joy, Mr Toots!' says old Sol. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee,' chuckles Mr Toots, 'I'm very much obliged to you. I knew that + you'd be glad to hear, and so I came down myself. We're positively getting + on, you know. There's Florence, and Susan, and now here's another little + stranger.' + </p> + <p> + 'A female stranger?' inquires the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Captain Gills,' says Mr Toots, 'and I'm glad of it. The oftener we + can repeat that most extraordinary woman, my opinion is, the better!' + </p> + <p> + 'Stand by!' says the Captain, turning to the old case-bottle with no + throat—for it is evening, and the Midshipman's usual moderate + provision of pipes and glasses is on the board. 'Here's to her, and may + she have ever so many more!' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank'ee, Captain Gills,' says the delighted Mr Toots. 'I echo the + sentiment. If you'll allow me, as my so doing cannot be unpleasant to + anybody, under the circumstances, I think I'll take a pipe.' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots begins to smoke, accordingly, and in the openness of his heart is + very loquacious. + </p> + <p> + 'Of all the remarkable instances that that delightful woman has given of + her excellent sense, Captain Gills and Mr Sols,' said Mr Toots, 'I think + none is more remarkable than the perfection with which she has understood + my devotion to Miss Dombey.' + </p> + <p> + Both his auditors assent. + </p> + <p> + 'Because you know,' says Mr Toots, 'I have never changed my sentiments + towards Miss Dombey. They are the same as ever. She is the same bright + vision to me, at present, that she was before I made Walters's + acquaintance. When Mrs Toots and myself first began to talk of—in + short, of the tender passion, you know, Captain Gills.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, ay, my lad,' says the Captain, 'as makes us all slue round—for + which you'll overhaul the book—' + </p> + <p> + 'I shall certainly do so, Captain Gills,' says Mr Toots, with great + earnestness; 'when we first began to mention such subjects, I explained + that I was what you may call a Blighted Flower, you know.' + </p> + <p> + The Captain approves of this figure greatly; and murmurs that no flower as + blows, is like the rose. + </p> + <p> + 'But Lord bless me,' pursues Mr Toots, 'she was as entirely conscious of + the state of my feelings as I was myself. There was nothing I could tell + her. She was the only person who could have stood between me and the + silent Tomb, and she did it, in a manner to command my everlasting + admiration. She knows that there's nobody in the world I look up to, as I + do to Miss Dombey. Knows that there's nothing on earth I wouldn't do for + Miss Dombey. She knows that I consider Miss Dombey the most beautiful, the + most amiable, the most angelic of her sex. What is her observation upon + that? The perfection of sense. "My dear, you're right. I think so too."' + </p> + <p> + 'And so do I!' says the Captain. + </p> + <p> + 'So do I,' says Sol Gills. + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' resumes Mr Toots, after some contemplative pulling at his pipe, + during which his visage has expressed the most contented reflection, 'what + an observant woman my wife is! What sagacity she possesses! What remarks + she makes! It was only last night, when we were sitting in the enjoyment + of connubial bliss—which, upon my word and honour, is a feeble term + to express my feelings in the society of my wife—that she said how + remarkable it was to consider the present position of our friend Walters. + "Here," observes my wife, "he is, released from sea-going, after that + first long voyage with his young bride"—as you know he was, Mr + Sols.' + </p> + <p> + 'Quite true,' says the old Instrument-maker, rubbing his hands. + </p> + <p> + '"Here he is," says my wife, "released from that, immediately; appointed + by the same establishment to a post of great trust and confidence at home; + showing himself again worthy; mounting up the ladder with the greatest + expedition; beloved by everybody; assisted by his uncle at the very best + possible time of his fortunes"—which I think is the case, Mr Sols? + My wife is always correct.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why yes, yes—some of our lost ships, freighted with gold, have come + home, truly,' returns old Sol, laughing. 'Small craft, Mr Toots, but + serviceable to my boy!' + </p> + <p> + 'Exactly so,' says Mr Toots. 'You'll never find my wife wrong. "Here he + is," says that most remarkable woman, "so situated,—and what + follows? What follows?" observed Mrs Toots. Now pray remark, Captain + Gills, and Mr Sols, the depth of my wife's penetration. "Why that, under + the very eye of Mr Dombey, there is a foundation going on, upon which a—an + Edifice;" that was Mrs Toots's word,' says Mr Toots exultingly, "'is + gradually rising, perhaps to equal, perhaps excel, that of which he was + once the head, and the small beginnings of which (a common fault, but a + bad one, Mrs Toots said) escaped his memory. Thus," said my wife, "from + his daughter, after all, another Dombey and Son will ascend"—no + "rise;" that was Mrs Toots's word—"triumphant!"' + </p> + <p> + Mr Toots, with the assistance of his pipe—which he is extremely glad + to devote to oratorical purposes, as its proper use affects him with a + very uncomfortable sensation—does such grand justice to this + prophetic sentence of his wife's, that the Captain, throwing away his + glazed hat in a state of the greatest excitement, cries: + </p> + <p> + 'Sol Gills, you man of science and my ould pardner, what did I tell Wal'r + to overhaul on that there night when he first took to business? Was it + this here quotation, "Turn again Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, and + when you are old you will never depart from it." Was it them words, Sol + Gills?' + </p> + <p> + 'It certainly was, Ned,' replied the old Instrument-maker. 'I remember + well.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I tell you what,' says the Captain, leaning back in his chair, and + composing his chest for a prodigious roar. 'I'll give you Lovely Peg right + through; and stand by, both on you, for the chorus!' + </p> + <p> + Buried wine grows older, as the old Madeira did, in its time; and dust and + cobwebs thicken on the bottles. + </p> + <p> + Autumn days are shining, and on the sea-beach there are often a young + lady, and a white-haired gentleman. With them, or near them, are two + children: boy and girl. And an old dog is generally in their company. + </p> + <p> + The white-haired gentleman walks with the little boy, talks with him, + helps him in his play, attends upon him, watches him as if he were the + object of his life. If he be thoughtful, the white-haired gentleman is + thoughtful too; and sometimes when the child is sitting by his side, and + looks up in his face, asking him questions, he takes the tiny hand in his, + and holding it, forgets to answer. Then the child says: + </p> + <p> + 'What, grandpa! Am I so like my poor little Uncle again?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, Paul. But he was weak, and you are very strong.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes, I am very strong.' + </p> + <p> + 'And he lay on a little bed beside the sea, and you can run about.' + </p> + <p> + And so they range away again, busily, for the white-haired gentleman likes + best to see the child free and stirring; and as they go about together, + the story of the bond between them goes about, and follows them. + </p> + <p> + But no one, except Florence, knows the measure of the white-haired + gentleman's affection for the girl. That story never goes about. The child + herself almost wonders at a certain secrecy he keeps in it. He hoards her + in his heart. He cannot bear to see a cloud upon her face. He cannot bear + to see her sit apart. He fancies that she feels a slight, when there is + none. He steals away to look at her, in her sleep. It pleases him to have + her come, and wake him in the morning. He is fondest of her and most + loving to her, when there is no creature by. The child says then, + sometimes: + </p> + <p> + 'Dear grandpapa, why do you cry when you kiss me?' + </p> + <p> + He only answers, 'Little Florence! little Florence!' and smooths away the + curls that shade her earnest eyes. + </p> + <p> + The voices in the waves speak low to him of Florence, day and night—plainest + when he, his blooming daughter, and her husband, beside them in the + evening, or sit at an open window, listening to their roar. They speak to + him of Florence and his altered heart; of Florence and their ceaseless + murmuring to her of the love, eternal and illimitable, extending still, + beyond the sea, beyond the sky, to the invisible country far away. + </p> + <p> + Never from the mighty sea may voices rise too late, to come between us and + the unseen region on the other shore! Better, far better, that they + whispered of that region in our childish ears, and the swift river hurried + us away! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE OF 1848 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> cannot forego my usual opportunity of saying farewell to my readers in + this greeting-place, though I have only to acknowledge the unbounded + warmth and earnestness of their sympathy in every stage of the journey we + have just concluded. + </p> + <p> + If any of them have felt a sorrow in one of the principal incidents on + which this fiction turns, I hope it may be a sorrow of that sort which + endears the sharers in it, one to another. This is not unselfish in me. I + may claim to have felt it, at least as much as anybody else; and I would + fain be remembered kindly for my part in the experience. + </p> + <p> + DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, Twenty-Fourth March, 1848. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF2" id="link2H_PREF2"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE OF 1867 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> make so bold as to believe that the faculty (or the habit) of correctly + observing the characters of men, is a rare one. I have not even found, + within my experience, that the faculty (or the habit) of correctly + observing so much as the faces of men, is a general one by any means. The + two commonest mistakes in judgement that I suppose to arise from the + former default, are, the confounding of shyness with arrogance—a + very common mistake indeed—and the not understanding that an + obstinate nature exists in a perpetual struggle with itself. + </p> + <p> + Mr Dombey undergoes no violent change, either in this book, or in real + life. A sense of his injustice is within him, all along. The more he + represses it, the more unjust he necessarily is. Internal shame and + external circumstances may bring the contest to a close in a week, or a + day; but, it has been a contest for years, and is only fought out after a + long balance of victory. + </p> + <p> + I began this book by the Lake of Geneva, and went on with it for some + months in France, before pursuing it in England. The association between + the writing and the place of writing is so curiously strong in my mind, + that at this day, although I know, in my fancy, every stair in the little + midshipman's house, and could swear to every pew in the church in which + Florence was married, or to every young gentleman's bedstead in Doctor + Blimber's establishment, I yet confusedly imagine Captain Cuttle as + secluding himself from Mrs MacStinger among the mountains of Switzerland. + Similarly, when I am reminded by any chance of what it was that the waves + were always saying, my remembrance wanders for a whole winter night about + the streets of Paris—as I restlessly did with a heavy heart, on the + night when I had written the chapter in which my little friend and I + parted company. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dombey and Son, by Charles Dickens + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOMBEY AND SON *** + +***** This file should be named 821-h.htm or 821-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/2/821/ + + +Produced by Neil McLachlan, Ted Davis, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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