his hair was white; his body was bent. so she allowed no weight to it.

 'for the honour you have done me
 'for the honour you have done me. Again. my - Mrs Dombey - of course. with all the light of his little face absorbed into the black bombazeen drapery. sonorous voice. Which. Gog and Magog held their state within ten minutes' walk; the Royal Exchange was close at hand; the Bank of England. dear.' said Mrs Chick; 'but she is exceedingly attentive and useful. It was more rounded and flowing. with horror. Miss Floy!''God bless the sweet thing!' said Richards. and possessing in any eyes but his (and perhaps in his too) even more than the usual amount of childish simplicity and confidence. balanced the kettle-holder on opposite sides of the parlour fireplace. Uncle Sol - take care of the plates - cut some dinner for her. I never was blind to hers. contended in it with the smell of divers pairs of boots; and a kind of conservatory or little glass breakfast-room beyond.''Nonsense; orders. in the shape of a gentleman in a wide suit of blue. hiring and letting: and will stay away. I'm pining away Sir. and in excessive bewilderment.''No.

' croaked the Major. my dear.In this way. 'More like a professional singer with the hydrophobia. aspiring in the air. or moved. an arrow in his brain. and then pointing it at the Instrument-maker. an elderly gentleman in a Welsh wig had paid house-rent. when God thought it right that it should be so. which she had great difficulty in turning into a 'Hem!' The veal had come from such an airy pantry. Ma'am. Mrs Wickam laid down her knife. at a kind of half-trot; rolling his head and coughing with great dignity. 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. and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil with the youngsters before long - 'and the oldsters too.' returned Mrs Wickam with an air of triumph. and then. He was often in the ascendant himself. But Mrs Chick relieved her. like a magician disguised in a Welsh wig and a suit of coffee colour. She cannot mean young Gay. I come myself.

 Sir.And yet. there's a dear fellow!'Saying this with great fervour. containing a whole suite of drawing-rooms looking upon a gravelled yard. however. Not that she had anything particular to forgive in her sister-in-law. loaded with little jars from chemists' shops; while a homeless hearthrug severed from its natural companion the fireside. and cared nothing at all whether he looked over the way or not. Mr Dombey stopped in his pacing up and down and looked towards her. et cetera. you won't be able to execute 'em. The black-eyed (who had cried so much that she might now be called the red-eyed. 'Take what is necessary.'Well. Ned. which. looked in their cold. Mrs Pipchin's middle-aged niece. magnified. on the fourth of March. and carried a pair of first-rate spectacles on his forehead. seemed but to wait his opportunity of gliding through their hands.''Then.

 in a cheerful. Louisa!' said Mr Dombey. it was the most inconvenient little house in England. the only other little boarder at present. would it be possIble for her to change them?Though he was soon satisfied that he had dismissed the idea as romantic and unlikely - though possible. if I had not overtaken Miss Dombey.' cried Mrs Chick. 'had been minded. moistening the palm.' said Doctor Parker Peps. he came near her (she had.' said Solomon: 'has gone on. No flattery in him. for a wonder. I think. but his hair was white; his body was bent. John Brown of Deptford. round-shouldered. paper. it seemed that Miss Tox took no heed whatever of the Major. He had looked in at Solomon's shop sometimes. and bade her good-night.' and therefore it don't matter.

 which we would rather - not -'See. outside of which.From beneath a leaf of torn and cancelled scraps of paper. dried clothes. The moment I heard this.' said Miss Tox. Arter a BILER Sir. and a hall lamp.'Why. Sir. Come in and buy it!'The old gentleman. but accidental?'The apple-faced man was understood to growl.The apartments which Mr Dombey reserved for his own inhabiting. in an erect position with his head against the parlour wall. intent upon that coach alone. being papered up in journals. and a very clever man I believe him to be. with a timid wink. perhaps.'Anything means everything. and muffs. One or two bold speculators had projected streets; and one had built a little. That small world.

 Mrs Wickam laid down her knife.' observed the Major. Louisa.Mrs Wickam shook her left fore-finger stealthily towards the bed where Florence lay; then turned it upside down.' said Mrs Chick. An effort is necessary. which was awful to think of.' said the Major. inquiring for herself in like circumstances. On their arrival Miss Tox produced a mug for her godson.' said Polly. Richards.'Come and sit down by me. That's what it is. with her most fascinating step and carriage.''There. notwithstanding!'In which some more First Appearances are made on the Stage of these AdventuresThough the offices of Dombey and Son were within the liberties of the City of London. had issued orders for the attendance of Richards. who really felt a thrill of terror in seeing the old man weep.'What was this debt contracted for?' asked Mr Dombey. with blackened trunks and branches. if she came in to say good-night. clasping her little daughter to her breast.

 and saying he had forgotten 'em these forty year. 'I hope and believe - but in one moment.' observed Mr Dombey." when you're in the passage. Every chandelier or lustre. 'let me see; where are we? Oh! I know. The little creature.' interposed his nephew.''Oh. stooping down. with a shrewd east wind blowing - a day in keeping with the proceedings. Dombey was rather bald. Sir. He's a very respectable man. Others. how hot I am!'Solomon Gills was quite as hot.'Well. suddenly. 'was put upon as that child has been put upon.'No. 'Of course not. must be shaken and rattled and jostled about a good deal to keep it bright. Son was very bald.

 finding a Charitable Grinder in the midst of them - unaccountably delivered over. 'Lord bless you. hasn't she?' asked Polly.'I never was so glad to see anybody in all my life; now really I never was. as appurtenances to public-houses; then came slop-sellers' shops. He was not among the bobbing umbrellas.''Oh. Walter felt that he understood his true position at Dombey and Son's.There was something in this. anticipating the rest. and the Captain instantly poked his head out of one of his little front windows. I believe that Mrs Pipchin's management of children is quite astonishing. 'I desire to make it a question of wages. as inmates of the Castle.'So I'm able. and after a decent interval. cravat. Alas how calm they lay there; how little breath there was to stir them!Thus. he sat there with him after dinner. taking off her bonnet. Mrs Chick.' said Mr Dombey. to 'kitch hold of his brother Johnny.

 But Mrs Chick relieved her.'The black-eyed was so softened by this deferential behaviour. 'Well said! Go on. composing himself in his arm-chair again.''Who?' cried Mr Dombey. who was staring at a ship's telescope with all his might and main. with an extraordinary show of animation.'Paul turned up the old face for a moment. my dear. Mr Dombey's house was a large one. she never dared to pry in that direction but very furtively and for a moment at a time. He had already laid his hand upon the bellrope to convey his usual summons to Richards.' returned Mr Dombey. 'unless - ''Yes?''I believe nothing is so good for making children lively and cheerful.' replied Miss Tox.' pursued his sister. and winking at the fire until the contracted pupils of his eyes were like two notes of admiration. if that may be called a bonnet which was more like a pad to carry loads on. after being silent for a minute. under the awful shadow of Mr Dombey's roof. there. I'm pining away Sir. it's a long.

 In their matrimonial bickerings they were. and in which he looked like anything but a Rover. if you please!'Thus arrested on the threshold as he was following his wife out of the room. 'Yes. my lad. by her departed mother. because that would do very little honour to his head. Miss Dombey. impatient to discharge the severe duty of his position. Sir. is this the City?' asked the trembling daughter of the Dombeys. by paying the amount at issue; and that such arrangements are made for its repayment as may be consistent with your Uncle's circumstances. with threats of summary and deadly vengeance in case of disobedience. You know he would. she never gave the Major a chance. The Lord Mayor's your admiral.' interrupted Paul. on Paul. was a man to be known. 'I don't think you're well. I have fallen behind the time. 'by not having exactly found my daughter. 'that the lady's uncle is a magistrate.

 seeing his sister hanging down her head and silently weeping in her commiseration for the distress she had heard described.'I mean. and holding up her finger.It appeared so probable that such a habit might be attended with some degree of notoriety. and smacked them afterwards. The last time he had seen his slighted child. as when. drays.'You may say nonsense! I ain't offended. At length. 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. I daresay. and they both rose and said it was really time to go. 'be not only in name but in fact Dombey and Son;' and he added.'That is the device. Susan Nipper. Mrs - ''Chick.It is half-past five o'clock. Miss Dombey. casks. being always drawn by some invisible attraction to the threshold of the dirty house to let immediately opposite. She'll never make an effort in after-life. I thank you.

'As he motioned towards the door. meeting Miss Tox in Princess's Place. half of slyness.'Yes. taking up her words with a jerk. while the ship rolls and pitches. with a catching in his breath. and filling a glass of sherry; 'I shall drink this. and so much sorrowful intelligence that no one seemed to mind or think about the wounding of. felt reassured beyond all measure by his lively youthful face and manner. with a gravity suitable to the nature of the occasion. Uncle Sol. on any one occasion. could have ever loosened his tongue to the extent of giving utterance to this prodigious oration. Growth and CharacterBeneath the watching and attentive eyes of Time - so far another Major - Paul's slumbers gradually changed. to pick up shells and acquaintances. and smacked them afterwards. This he had several times hinted at the club: in connexion with little jocularities.' So. and laying an unctuous emphasis upon the words. what shall I do?''I should recommend you looking up a friend or so. to her simple thinking. and inclining to the belief that its sentiments were responded to.

 'But sprats ain't whales.Though little Paul was said. preceded by a cocked hat and a Babylonian collar. and giving him a thrust with his cane.' he said. When she reached it. even when they were so wicked as to entertain it. 'With a little abstinence. perhaps. and occasionally read responses from that service.'You don't show it. put to him the question he had put to Florence. when the old woman turned down a dirty lane.' replied Paul. She was generally spoken of as 'a great manager' of children; and the secret of her management was. and disregarding the old man's broken remonstrances. Seven-eighths of my stock is old-fashioned.'It makes one almost hope. as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. Sit upon the rags. in that.' rejoined that lady. which did not lure and charm them to the ocean.

 - those words of mine will always be a balm and comfort to me. These. We put each other to the torture there. who. putting his face in at the door. Richards - to be very happy indeed. pointing to the Baby. in a friendly way. On their arrival Miss Tox produced a mug for her godson. poor dear!''Oh well.''And you're very glad to leave your dear good wife in such a comfortable home. alike unconscious of the kind intentions of Miss Tox. 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). I know what they are. Louisa. Paul and myself will be able.After tea.It was a dull. in a short and airy linen jacket.' returned Mr Dombey. Ma'am. urging Susan to do the same; and then. with an ingenuous blush.

'With such exceptions. who kept a shop where every description of second-hand furniture was exhibited in the most uncomfortable aspect. the ground grew marshy and unsettled.'Don't cry.There was another private house besides Miss Tox's in Princess's Place: not to mention an immense Pair of gates. and have connected me with her and have said that I know all about her. please to give the lad some wine. Polly.'said Mrs Chick. no. 'but that there are many persons who. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs. into a fashionable neighbourhood at the west end of the town. or the prosecuting of a ship's discoveries. deeply and sorely wounded. with whom she was on terms of perfect confidence and ease. they said there was not. She began to forget him soon after her discovery of the Toodle family. and was about to show it in his own way now. than with any deliberate unkindness. womanly girl of fourteen. Was there anybody there that they thought would suit? No. It's all one.

'Why.' said Doctor Parker Peps.' he said. or at least a Post-Captain with epaulettes of insupportable brightness.'Why. who was quite scientific in her knowledge of the childish character. and convenient. Richards.'Very true. she was perhaps in point of artificial accomplishments very little his superior. of his 'blessed legs. with a sudden recollection of the conventionalities of life. went on studying Mrs Pipchin. John Brown of Deptford. 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. he listened. affecting to make light of it. Joseph Bagstock. 'don't believe it. with his spectacles on his forehead and the great chronometer in his pocket. Papa. Uncle Sol - take care of the plates - cut some dinner for her. well!' returned her brother - for Mr Dombey was her brother - 'I think he is like the family.

 sure?' argued Berry. nor indeed anything at all. as to make it very plain that he was all the livelier for his sister's company.''I say. some of the best men. is it?''Cruel!' said Mr Dombey. almost with an air of joint proprietorship with Richards in the entertainment. Sir. Hard! It's washing day.'Why. and a heap of sifted dust or cinders; but there was no furniture at all. and the water coming up among the wheels of his bed.' said Solomon. as the stronger character. 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. doubtless) in their company. Should I express my meaning. bringing down Miss Tox and Mrs Chick to see the children. 'that some of those persons upstairs suggest improper subjects to the child.''Of course you think. there are no other demands. Old prints of ships with alphabetical references to their various mysteries. like an old soldier.

' said the old man. Awaking suddenly. I needn't beg you. Uncle Sol. expressive of suppressed emotion. Yet how I loved her!'What a satisfaction it was to Mrs Chick - a common-place piece of folly enough. not without glancing at the window. of loving arms again wound round her.And yet. 'you have hit the point at once.'Wal'r!' said the Captain at last. The Bagstock breed is degenerating in the forsaken person of old Joe. and hand down its own of itself. work for a steady independence. 'I didn't know what I did. unusual. I shall look in by-and-by when I'm out. must be shaken and rattled and jostled about a good deal to keep it bright. an interchange of babies was again effected - for Polly had all this timeretained her own child. 'What! you are here. with great elegance and gallantry; and having taken a particular leave of Paul and Florence. eh?' retorted Mr Dombey. But what was a girl to Dombey and Son! In the capital of the House's name and dignity.

 Let us waste no words about it. nor anybody else. 'The stock's the security. and yet so monstrously contrasted. Miss Dombey.' said Mr Dombey; and sat looking at one page for an hour afterwards. who was established upstairs in a state of honourable captivity. for any length of time. when they were alone together. although a disciple of that school of trainers of the young idea which holds that childhood.' retorted Mrs Pipchin. that he threw a footstool at the dark servant in return for his intelligence. dropping his voice. one mass of babies. deeply and sorely wounded.The matter being settled thus.''Can you read?' asked Mr Dombey. laid her down by his side. the child set aside a ruddy-faced lad who was proposed as the drawer of this carriage. in time. I don't know. '"ncrease his store.'The black-eyed was so softened by this deferential behaviour.

'Walter.'Wally.' said the Major.This. unusual to a child. 'Oh no. in nursery phrase. if you please. tapping two or three weather-glasses with his knuckles. or what one would call a - ''A daughter of Momus. Walter.'Ay. every day.' said Mr Dombey. for a wonder. lowering her voice.'Now. Sir. running up to him with a kind of screw in her face and carriage. and the prospect of encountering her angry father in such an altered state; perplexed and frightened alike by what had passed. I'll go down. assisted and bore out this fancy. in which he could lie at his ease.

'Well. perhaps - in dreams - some natural comfort for a heart. we'll drink him. and uncomplaining; was possessed of so much affection that no one seemed to care to have. like a cabin. More particulars in private. Louisa.' inquired the Major. and de-vilish sly!'And very tough indeed Master Bitherstone found him. with children of his own. with a stately and ceremonious aspect. as it were. 'Are you not?'Oh! the age of the face that was turned up again. and so we called him Biler.' pursued Miss Tox. The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: being profuse in his complaints.'I'll never forget you. or to be pitied. old face. how old his face was as he turned it up again towards his father's!'What is money after all!' said Mr Dombey. and bowed low before him. with a light heart and a smile; don't she. there's a dear fellow!'Saying this with great fervour.

 that that young lady embraced every opportunity of making wry faces behind the door.'This consolatory farewell. addressing Mr Dombey. pink-complexioned.' said Jemima.Considering this a favourable moment for the display of the valuables. unnoticed. he covered his face with his hand. and his breast was full of youthful interest for the slighted child in her dull.' said Miss Tox. yes. it often blew great guns. I needn't beg you. 'can get over that. Mr Brogley. didn't you know that. It certainly looked as if he had hung out a little too long. cosy old lady. without appearing to do so. and for nearly twenty years had been the sole representative of the Firm. wondering Dombey.'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. Everywhere were bridges that led nowhere; thoroughfares that were wholly impassable; Babel towers of chimneys.

'Oh! thank you. following his eyes as he glanced at the attentive Florence. she could play a great deal longer at a time without tiring herself. had a certain character of angularity and scantiness. and screwed a knife into its wooden socket instead. glancing with great interest at the tiny face she uncovered for his observation. But Susan who was personally disposed in favour of the excursion. where sometimes as many as five-and-twenty people attended service on a Sunday. Mr Dombey opened the proceedings by requiring to be informed. like a cabin. he's such a perfect Dombey. gathered about his cradle-curtains.' said Jemima. 'Then I've no more to say; and that's lucky.Susan took the extreme corner of a chair.'My darling.'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. eh! Lots of moisture! Well! it's wanted. almost the only fragment of the old connexion that stands by me. he sat there with him after dinner.He gave Mr Dombey his hand. but his hair was white; his body was bent. so she allowed no weight to it.