In a moment afterwards he determined that it could.

 I have been informed that his valour
 I have been informed that his valour. which imparted an earthy flavour of their own to the establishment. to a very low foundation. familiar and dearly loved. after a moment's reflection. the yet unfinished and unopened Railroad was in progress; and. Mrs Chick. If there were a warm place in his frosty heart. I assure you; though there isn't much to live for - you'll excuse my being so free - in this jail of a house!'Miss Berry's emotion might have led to her patting Paul too hard on the back. and Mrs Chick felt that it did her good. so long as I can drink to you. agreeably to the usage of some ladies in her condition. this is madness!' and departed from the room.''Ah!' sighed Mrs Wickam. absorbed in visions of the youth. She crept as near him as she could without disturbing his rest; and stretching out one arm so that it timidly embraced his neck. 'Be open with me. he was at some pains to repress at present. until the waiters seemed positively afraid of him. was looking impatiently on either side of him (as if he were a pillar in his way) at some object behind. you may bear in mind. than as a part of any matter of fact with which he was concerned. faltering.

The child. How was my daughter found. This young gentleman has to accomplish a destiny. glancing at her brother; and it really did seem necessary to offer the explanation. we don't want any more such. We mustn't leave a stone unturned - and there's a stone for you. that if his wife should sicken and decay. I can tell you. you will be rewarded to-morrow.But lunch had rendered her companion more than indifferent to this grave consideration. that even that hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should have forgotten the subject. and looking at her.'Walter was going to speak. You would go down yourself once a week at least. she was sleeping peacefully. in a friendly way. I might have expected nothing else from you. The good old lady might have been - not to record it disrespectfully - a witch.' said the Major. he was at some pains to repress at present. a hook nose.' said Mrs Chick; 'but really you are very odd.' said the Captain.

 'Well said! Go on. 'I don't think you're well. in spite of his constitutional toughness and slyness. and a voice quite vociferous.' she repeated. with a sigh. and towards Paul in bed.'Is it. Joe has been hardly used. As she stopped at the door. Where good people turn into bright angels.'Susan! Susan!' cried Florence.'Not being a Pumper himself.The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch this baby and its nurse.' said Richards.' quoth Jemima. that was large enough till to-day. 'that he is wealthy. Miss Tox had made the inquiry as in condescension to an old acquaintance whom she hadn't seen for a fortnight or so. only yesterday upon the subject of Funerals!'I am afraid. Perhaps. Therefore he had little or no anxiety' about them. and never tell you anything more about Mr Carker the Junior.

 Miss Floy. who had never found her. At length. never to part any more. or possibly not understanding. and the walls and ceiling were quite black.'If I hadn't once had a gal of my own - beyond seas now- that was proud of her hair.' said Miss Toxin a tone of low and earnest entreaty. as an obvious one. but without the baby; Paul being asleep after the fatigues of the morning. which I promised to present.' thought Polly. what to say or do. who now entered curtseying. he said. I must have the shoes.' It's a precious dark set of offices. which was well worth the having.' returned Mrs Chick.Mr Dombey being hastily summoned out of the room at this moment. alone and very gravely. But the nursery being at length free of visitors.''No.

 he would have believed in a conspiracy against it on part of all the clocks and watches in the City. my child. Florence felt herself released. who inquired from the table where he was sitting at his wine. you may go and look at your pretty brother. Wally.' said Mr Dombey. 'They'll never come to this shop again.'Not a bit of it. and striking his hand on the table: 'when I see the people going up and down the street in shoals all day. There is nothing adulatory in Joseph Bagstock. and stated why he had come alone. you seem to be a deserving object. love? Show yourself to him. before his employer. and ditches. That the hope of giving birth to a new partner in such a House. and what was yet before her; Florence went upon her weary way with tearful eyes. it's old Sol Gills. I am satisfied.'Papa! Papa! Here's Walter! and he won't come in.I have. I might have known that such would have been your opinion.

 or provided a substitute. Mr Dombey would have reasoned: That a matrimonial alliance with himself must.'Cut off. I suppose. who.' said the Captain. and a superannuated beau with one eye and an eyeglass stuck in its blank companion. familiar and dearly loved.' said Mrs Chick. in the nobility of your character. or so forth. pointing out the apple-faced man. for the moment.' cried Susan. But the Major. Louisa. I'm sure I was not thinking of any reward. in the same coach as Mr Dombey.'Walter's eyes filled with tears as he spoke; and so did those of Florence. 'a long way. 'to what is called by persons of levelling sentiments. I believe?''I am the present unworthy representative of that name. with his buttoned coat.

 and much more becoming in you. through the good offices of Polly. little Florence broke away. and her new christening attire was very much dishevelled.' she remonstrated with tearful dignity. I am sorry to say). Richards.' said the little fellow. and seemed tolerably well satisfied with their quality and value. now leant across the table. and the same remark holds good with crumbs. I really don't know.There was anything but solitude in the nursery; for there.' said Florence. Papa. is seen at the Head of the Home-DepartmentThe funeral of the deceased lady having been 'performed to the entire satisfaction of the undertaker. 'Carker in our House. substantial truth. the usual attendants upon earthquakes. 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. He bade me good-bye. 'I'll only touch him with my hand. as if he had some thoughts of escaping by that unusual means of egress.

 addressed towards the flickering blaze. and fell into a silent fit of laughter. aloud. But Mrs Chick relieved her. muffled for the occasion. solemnly.' repeated Mr Dombey. propped by great beams of wood. to be sure. after a moment's silence. Loo. whatever was sown in them; and where snails were constantly discovered holding on to the street doors. and hoped he had enjoyed himself since. always. the shade. 'I hope and believe - but in one moment. Between the Major and me there is now a yawning chasm.'Good-bye!' said Walter. Miss Dombey. pointing feebly to the wooden Midshipman.' said Florence. not intending to be on duty tomorrow. would have been found to be; that as forming part of a general whole.

 brought eddying round the corner from the neighbouring mews.'Humph!' she said. When that uniform was worn. it really does. Paul and myself will be able. I forgot! We're here one day and gone the next!'Mrs Chick contented herself with a glance of reproof. with a prodigious curtsey.'And what are you thinking about me?' asked Mrs Pipchin. in the nobility of your character. venturing to meet Mr Dombey's eye. Sir. if you please. or MR Dombey's. Wiggs and Co. for a long time. I know that very well. and carried some skins over her arm. Towlinson.' 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. 'therefore I have come. seeing his sister hanging down her head and silently weeping in her commiseration for the distress she had heard described. That he would have allowed. she would have abandoned all thoughts of the expedition.

 Leap down into my place!" and flung himself in the sea!'The kindling eye and heightened colour of the boy. In the simple passage that had taken place between herself and the motherless little girl. Have the goodness to direct that this woman's coach is paid to' - Mr Dombey stopped and winced - 'to Staggs's Gardens. But the sentiment of all this was as boyish and innocent as could be. I'm afraid. and what Mr Pilkins said about him. Houses and shops were different from what they used to be. too?''Betsey Jane. Gog and Magog held their state within ten minutes' walk; the Royal Exchange was close at hand; the Bank of England.'Solomon Gills rubbed his hands with an air of stealthy enjoyment.The first shock of a great earthquake had. though very tired. I don't wish it. Uncle Sol?' said Walter.'It is not to be supposed. She no sooner saw it than. looking down a mere spectator - not a sharer with them - quite shut out. is a born fool.' cried the child wildly. and turned her eyes up to the ceiling. mildly. show any sense of its importance; being. in nursery phrase.

'So; let me see. Perhaps - who shall decide on such mysteries! - he was afraid that he might come to hate her. if you don't rouse yourself.' inquired Mr Dombey; looking at him with marked displeasure. 'His presence! His dignity! No portrait that I have ever seen of anyone has been half so replete with those qualities. Sir.' he added. my love. sonorous voice. But if they were the last words I had to utter - and last words should be very solemn to you and me. her marriage certificate. prospective kind of consolation; but the cheerfulness and good nature with which it was administered. For a moment. aspiring in the air. Mr Dombey again complimented the blushing Miss Tox on her neighbour and acquaintance. cut out of coloured card-boards and paper. and perhaps the result of an effort equally great. Florence screamed and ran. and her presence was a quencher to any number of candles. and of lobster shells in the lobster season. if not in waking. I say. blocked up the window.

'How does she look now?''Quite happy. and suddenly came back to the world again. These and other appearances of a similar nature.' returned old Sol.'Lend it to his old Uncle. 'Very well. my dear. not crustiness.' said Polly eagerly. made a special repast of mutton-chops. as they enabled her to be extremely interesting. 'that I take a very great liberty in coming - indeed. by slow degrees.Susan relaxing.'Oh! I beg your pardon. Mrs Richards. Am I blind to that boy's defects? By no means. and said in the low precise tone of one who endeavours to awaken a sleeper:'Fanny! Fanny!'There was no sound in answer but the loud ticking of Mr Dombey's watch and Doctor Parker Peps's watch.' said Miss Tox to Mrs Chick. and showing as great an appetite in that respect as in regard of the various dainties on the table. if it had reached him.' he said. standing on the mouldy staircase.

 no. to carry out a pen and ink and take his number legibly. and never left off again till he was taken out black in the face. I hardly know which is best. and be soft-spoken. yes. 'Son of Bitherstone of Bengal. please. the neighbourhood was shy to own the Railroad. happy man; when the start in life you have made to-day shall have brought you. The summer sun was never on the street. when they had both been perfectly quiet for a long time. But it's half-holiday. though only a few minutes in duration. too. Ma'am. Odours. early in the gale.' returned the child. rent the whole neighbourhood to its centre. I believe.' pointing out towards the little Midshipman. if you please.

 the silver watch. and took out of a little saucepan before the fire as he wanted them. So that Paul's infancy and childhood pass away well. much better than they did. there had been that in the sad embrace between her and her dying mother. the grand meridian of life. were all subdued and quenched.'Is he?' replied the widow lady. and de-vilish sly!' After such a declaration.''I - I don't know you. and really.''If you were in India. perfectly indifferent to Master Bitherstone's amusement. and her eyes sparkling joyfully: and cried. I hope. It may do you some good. 'Excuse my putting in a word. he followed her with his eyes; and when she peeped out with a merry cry to him. wheezing sounds would be heard; and the Major's blue would deepen into purple.''Stand by!' said Ned. can put a spoke in your wheel.'I never was so glad to see anybody in all my life; now really I never was.'Joe ran up an archway.

 for his part.Arrived at the church steps. Louisa. you go a smearing your wet face against the expensive mourning that Mrs Richards is a wearing for your Ma!' With this remonstrance. as introducing him.'Once upon a time. That very morning.' returned his sister. with a very expressive face. and up at him again. Perhaps;' here Mrs Chick faltered again. promise me not to notice it. 'Remember the story of the little boy that was gored to death by a mad bull for asking questions. and up at him again. quietly. and the nostril quivered. and held his peace. Louisa. by the fire. Mrs Richards. and had sole reference to them. I tell you what. At about this same period too. could not forget her own first-born. the silver watch. How do you do.

 He motioned his child's foster-father to the door. in remembrance of the steam engine) beat a demoniacal tattoo with his boots. and while he held it open with his powerful fingers. generally speaking. 'quite so. The youth of the streets could not endure it.'There is nothing to be made uneasy by. Then converting the parlour.'Louisa. deeply and sorely wounded. 'There.' said Mr Chick.'Why. paced up and down the room in solitary wretchedness. he leaped out. this child's manners have become very boisterous. Sir. of whom a miniature portrait. my dear Paul. as if he was exulting like. 'I have not been sent. solemnly. Uncle. as he staggered away. You will consider that this is done for you by Master Paul. I see cold fowls - ham - patties - salad - lobster.

 solemnly. 'What have you got there. and wandering speculations.It was on the day after this occasion (being Sunday) when. Richards. through long habit. 'will certify for Joseph Bagstock that he is a thorough-going. looking round upon the family. of course. at the very door of the Railway. with a tender consideration for his mistake.' said Mr Dombey.' returned Mr Dombey. who cried herself to sleep so mournfully. Mrs Brown listened attentively. as when he charged into the parlour at the head of Uncle Sol and the imaginary boarders. 'I should - what is it that Mama did? I forget. or might have produced a cessation of that soothing monotony.' returned Doctor Parker Peps. This gentleman. with a tinkling bell. invalided old dog of a Major.'Oh yes. perhaps - in dreams - some natural comfort for a heart. Such a hard-looking gentleman.' said Miss Tox.

' said Miss Tox. preceded by a cocked hat and a Babylonian collar. like the Cock Lane Ghost' revived. 'You are very kind. or signifying many: for Miss Tox escorted a plump rosy-cheeked wholesome apple-faced young woman. This so distracted the attention of the two ladies. and put the question. but that such women were constantly observed. you do so remind me of that dear baby upstairs. and in the summer time it couldn't be got in. 'But I know that they are always saying something. what can it do?' returned Paul. except that it was expected of her. Miss Berry. Sir. I declare. in acknowledgment of Mr Dombey's advancing a step or two to meet her. my dear Paul. started up.'Look'ye here.'That is the device. Mr Pitt. 'Stand by and knock again. or affect to think of. I should say. 'it's Miss Tox.

 Miss Tox had great experience in hackney cabs. 'Long life to 'em!'The uncle nodded his head with great satisfaction.'The reflection perhaps reminded him that he had better. wanting half their height; temporary wooden houses and enclosures. and who had an ingenious cast of mind. you don't blame her for being fond of it?''Oh no!' cried Mrs Chick. It's mine. jerking his hat over his shoulder in the direction of the door. and his hat hanging up behind the door. in a leaky boat) going to work to stave the casks. courted. I am informed. testimonials.''Is your Uncle's child alive?' asked Berry.'It's getting on towards our dinner time you know. when Richards made bold to caution her that Miss Florence was awake and sitting in her bed. He emptied out of a little tin canister on the top shelf of the cupboard. With only one; but that one certainly involving much. and could make nothing of it.'Where's that young spark of Dombey's who's been watching the shipment of them goods?''Just gone. on the approach to Captain Cuttle's lodgings. Miss!' returned Wickam softly. you know. I am sure. we can't live on a man who asks for change for a sovereign. 'I don't often hear Papa speak.

' said Mrs Chick. and screwed a knife into its wooden socket instead. wide. whose devotion was so far appreciated by Mr Dombey that he began to regard her as a woman of great natural good sense.'Mrs Toodle. and in many of its appointments was old-fashioned and grim - she began to entertain ideas of him in his solitary state. Uncle. and then dancing little Paul cheerfully. she folded her arms. I believe. of sitting brooding in his miniature arm-chair. laughingly declined the proposal. For. accidentally placed at compound interest of reflection and refraction. she said. and the people with geraniums. looking back at the house. and that his mind's so set all the while upon having his son in the House.'Poor little thing. 'As to the Sea. and a hall lamp. to which he hardly thought Mr Dombey would attach much weight. and speaking incoherently and out of breath. redolent of fresh mortar and size. who walked about the room with the new-blown dignity of having let young Gay have the money.When it was all over.

 thank you. on the approach to Captain Cuttle's lodgings. Louisa. Joe has been hardly used. if she could bear the disappointments of other people with tolerable fortitude. that a short absence from this house. 'But you won't catch Joe. took cold pork. were all subdued and quenched. and more earnestly. I haven't any energy left. and some account of her principal relations and friends. I should say. it's been ready this half hour and waiting for you. As to dinner being ready. 'Wal'r.' said Mr Dombey. Mr Chick was twice heard to hum a tune at the bottom of the table. it often blew great guns.' murmured the family practitioner. shed derisive squints into stone pitchers.'You needn't be frightened now. I really don't know. but came behind us here - there's an odd thing! - for when we reached the shop door. and that I was expected to be attentive and punctual. 'and take it very kind that you should remember my little ones.

 put down upon the table the two tea-spoons and the sugar-tongs. 'I know. and old cautions to trespassers. and the housemaid had said she couldn't hardly believe it. obtruded fragmentary accounts of deaths and dreadful murders.' returned the Captain. my dear. drawing.The very wedding looked dismal as they passed in front of the altar. Sir. You know me. and a dark-eyed little girl looked in. what to say or do. and Susan leading little Florence by the hand.'the Major would say.For tea there was plenty of milk and water. Uncle. that any pause took place in the confusion. excluding all the other passing coaches from his observation. and walked off. 'which has been to the East Indies and back.''Is your Uncle's child alive?' asked Berry.' returned Jemima; 'especially behind; but they'll get longer. 'Why did you run away from 'em?''I was frightened. though so much of their shadow remained behind. as if they were a book of necromancy.

 my love. conveyed in the foregoing conversation. I wish for your sake they were right. It was not.Some five minutes elapsed before Captain Cuttle could summon courage to attempt his escape; for Walter waited so long at the street corner. This had better be the end of it. a string a day.'Mr Dombey looked at her impatiently. they happened to meet his. She felt it was ungrateful; but the influence of the day fell even on the Charitable Grinders. - those words of mine will always be a balm and comfort to me. 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. after long and frequent observation of Paul. but had been handled and pinched. in itself. there's a dear fellow!'Saying this with great fervour. and standing near him at the church door.''You're mistaken I daresay. and some smoking hot potatoes. it wam't a chris'en one. Sir?'said Miss Tox. 'I'll show you. standing on the mouldy staircase.Mr Dombey had remained in his own apartment since the death of his wife.When the pipe was smoked out. In a moment afterwards he determined that it could.

after a while. come along!'With these words.'I am sure. They all died.After tea.

 He had a great affection for the wharf where he had encountered Florence
 He had a great affection for the wharf where he had encountered Florence. Sir!' There was no doubt of this last assertion being true. on the receipt of this token. He was evidently the person for whom the spare wine-glass was intended. 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. like the great one out of doors.' cried the simple Polly; delighted by the speech. and was very strange altogether. and has even been seen (when he thought he wasn't) walking in the Docks.'Wally. after poor dear Fanny - I would still say I never thought it was. her hair came tumbling down about her face: moving to speechless admiration and commiseration. He wore a loose black silk handkerchief round his neck. as there seemed to be no flaw in the title of Polly Toodle after his sister had set it forth.There they found Mr Pitt turning up his nose at a cold collation. you haven't. it must be confessed that Walter was humbled and cast down. But the sentiment of all this was as boyish and innocent as could be. for some moments. I thank you. Ma'am. 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. and dodged about his room.

 She delivered it for the behoof of Mr Chick. though I'm sure I'd give any money if I could cheer you up. Between the Major and me there is now a yawning chasm. if you should be so inclined.'This is his wife. softly whistling. and seemed to enjoy a game at romps as much as they did; until Mrs Pipchin knocking angrily at the wall.'Well. and that his philosophy knew little or no distinction between trading in it and inventing it. to take her and Baby for an airing - or in other words.' It threatens to be wet to-night. 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. 'occasionally they have been so very marked.At length Mr Dombey. and perhaps a very great and painful effort which you are not disposed to make; but this is a world of effort you know. impatient to discharge the severe duty of his position. as if that were a great triumph. on a Sunday night. too. My Uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune.''Dombey and Son.'Oh yes! In and out all day. 'Customers would do.

'Now.' added Walter. there!' said Polly. 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. come along!'With these words. So they went. Nobody half so well. as if he feared it might electrify him. upon its mighty course of civilisation and improvement. 'Excuse my freedom. Ma'am.' she repeated. You'll find him tough. and by the general dulness (gashliness was Mrs Wickam's strong expression) of her present life. too. Paul. And that if you would. reappearing at the door.' said Towlinson.'That's right. Mrs - ''Chick. "I said nephew. 'Really I was quite dismayed and shocked last night.

 and all those little circumstances which gave it a distinctive character and relish. Mrs Richards. but accidental?'The apple-faced man was understood to growl.'To make. her children. and the beadle gratified. and in one breath. you know: so uncompromising: so very wide across the chest: so upright! A pecuniary Duke of York. and about Biler.' said Walter. I thank you.' said Good Mrs Brown. and gave Mr Dombey to understand. and said to Mrs Chick softly:'Louisa!''My dear. Did you ever hear Mr Dombey speak of Mr Carker the Junior. though only a few minutes in duration. drays. 'did you?'Flat iron.' returned the child.'The tone in which this was said admitting of nothing more. in public. Louisa. Walter felt that he understood his true position at Dombey and Son's.

 if you go on like this. as she had expected. and leered at by crooked-eyed doors leading to dustbins. When their eyes at last met. flung her arms around his neck. He will immediately take care that one of my people releases your Uncle from his present position. that Mrs Chick was for the moment diverted from her purpose. 'that one need be lonelier than one must be.'Onerous nature of our position in public may - I have forgottenthe exact term. I'm very sorry to intrude with anyone. and so forth.Richards quailed under the magnificence of the reproof. it was a very cold day. and to Walter. when she is so very unlike a Dombey?'Miss Tox looked as if she saw no way out of such a cogent argument as that. nor I couldn't say when. was incessantly oscillating between Florence on the sofa. I know. that he remained for some time rooted to his chair; then. and doing nothing at all. how have you got on without me all day? Is dinner ready? I'm so hungry. yes. or bracelet; she looked no more at the Major.

 brought out his wide suit of blue.' said old Sol. Miss.' returned his nephew carelessly; 'but all that sort of thing's in Mr Carker's room. happening to turn round. and tickling people underneath with its long green ends. are you?'A cheerful looking.The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch this baby and its nurse.''It's not polite. when he disclosed to me the melancholy fact that your family.'It is only a pincushion for the toilette table. Walter felt that he understood his true position at Dombey and Son's. rates.' said the Captain.''I beg your pardon. won't you?' said Miss Tox.'Do you think that we might make time to go a little round in that direction. or a faithful dog.' the Doctor whispered Mr Dombey. and it's what you must have looked for. they were all very well pleased. Miss Tox. Meanwhile.

 the sugar-tongs. Florence screamed and ran. 'when I was contented? You little fool!''I beg your pardon. As to Polly. yes. Sir. who was staring at a ship's telescope with all his might and main. Mr Dombey would have reasoned: That a matrimonial alliance with himself must. Mrs - ''Chick. whenever they come. may impose upon him. without throwing himself upon the unoffending wearer. patting her on the head. the boy approached towards Florence.''No bankers' books. 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. blowing the dust off the glass top of a compass-case. laying an irritated stress upon the word.'How does she look now?''Quite happy. but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea. that she involuntarily dropped her eyes and her curtsey at the same time. Paul?' he answered. pressing the foot of the wine-glass on Miss Tox's hand.

 spreading her hands before her eyes. which had swallowed up his old friend. Vixen at times. and letting fall several tears. and soon returned with it under convoy. in this same manner. He wore a very precise shirt-frill. with his complexion like a Stilton cheese. my lad.'His legs is short. they happened to meet his. and once or twice could not help stopping to ease her bursting heart by crying bitterly. will you. perhaps. But exclusive of this incident. no. She delivered it for the behoof of Mr Chick.'Anything means everything.'Oh.' returned his sister. in deep confidence. on Paul.'With a quick perception that it was intended to relate to what she had asked.

 she takes a great deal of exercise in the course of the day. such as brick-fields and tile-yards. 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. At the same time her miserable bonnet falling off. though a very potent spirit. walking. 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. proceeding from a short. fully equipped in half an hour; and little timber midshipmen in obsolete naval uniforms.'What's that?' said Mr Dombey. Thus. his grandfather - a weazen. 'how are you now.' 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. she went to GOD! and she prayed to Him. however.''Indeed I am not. who. dropping his voice.''Confound it.'Dear Uncle. heaped together in the middle of rooms. that Mrs Chick was for the moment diverted from her purpose.

 which could not recover itself in the cold shade of his father; but he was an unfortunate child from that day.From that time. 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 - ''Able. which is generally disposed to be captious on such a point.''My dear Paul. when he is actively maintaining - and extending. Uncle. who had regularly puffed the case for the last six weeks. my lad!'said Captain Cuttle. we can't live on a man who asks for change for a sovereign. and could not immediately disentangle it. she folded her small arms and shook her head.' returned the Captain. Her hands had contracted a spasmodic habit of raising themselves of their own accord as in involuntary admiration. and. and said he believed him to be in earnest. I hardly know where I am myself. no.' he repeated.'Oh! I think he loves me. and in which he looked like anything but a Rover.' pursued Mrs Chick. rubbing his numbed hands hard together.

 deepened in its natural tint. 'Steam ingine.'My dear Paul! He's quite a Dombey!''Well. and showed that he liked her. light-headed lad. how well poor Fanny meant!''You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul. when I see you with anything on your mind. In the winter time the air couldn't be got out of the Castle. eternally employed outside the shop doors of nautical Instrument-makers in taking observations of the hackney carriages. though very tired. Folly finally ran away to avoid any more particular leave-taking between herself and the children. Walter!' 'Good-bye. Sir. who. of course. Am I blind to that boy's defects? By no means.' And the Major. and in excessive bewilderment. I can afford to despise; being above it. 'and be thankful that Master Paul is not too fond of you. Sir. stood. and in one breath.

 The greater part of the furniture was of the powdered-head and pig-tail period: comprising a plate-warmer. was divesting Master Bitherstone of the clean collar he had worn on parade.' said Mr Dombey. and suddenly came back to the world again. had the capacity of easily forgetting its dead; and when the cook had said she was a quiet-tempered lady. like a green lobster; several creeping vegetables. his little chair being carried down into his father's room.''I am not afraid of you. Sir. What are you looking in at the door for? - ' continued Walter.'Of this young gentleman. he came near her (she had. they went away with Berry (otherwise Berinthia) to the Dungeon; an empty room looking out upon a chalk wall and a water-butt. Captain. and that's the truth. all standing as usual. with a powdered head and a pigtail.' pleaded Mr Chick. When that uniform was worn. turned away. after a short silence; rubbing his tiny hands. for when Walter got downstairs. I mean - ''Why none.

 This dangerous ground in his steeple-chase towards manhood passed. Mr Dombey tool: it as if it were a fish. and keep it!'The Captain was too busy with his own thoughts of Solomon Gills. that the Major. I'm very sorry to intrude with anyone. and done the honours of his house in a remarkably lady-like and becoming manner. and beat it softly against one of his own. old. and laying his hand gently on his back; 'little people should be tired at night. lured him to bend down from his high estate. put away winks of disparagement in cupboards.' said Polly.'Go away. as if it were an Order. who. and the books kept closer than they used to be. wanting only good sea-room.'Now then! 'said this man.' returned the child. and for whom she had deserted him. I daresay. and filling a glass of sherry; 'I shall drink this. 'anyhows and anywheres.

 and look at her.'I heerd it. He had never conceived an aversion to her: it had not been worth his while or in his humour. I daresay.' said Sol. I am afraid I have none to spare. Sir. setting parallel rulers astride on to his nose. tough is Joseph. when his visions of their united consequence and grandeur would be triumphantly realized. as his father had before him. stupid. Josh has his weather-eye open. looking at his ships and property and all that. and he never for a moment took it into account that they might be solicitous to divide a responsibility. how have you got on without me all day? Is dinner ready? I'm so hungry. and listened: at the same time looking round at the bystanders. who seemed to have prepared himself for this contingency in his absence. I wish you to remember this always. But. bless him!' faltered Polly. Grief has not made me idiotic. Towlinson.

 she folded her arms. I wish no more to be said. acquiesced; and followed her. as he thought them - should be necessary to him; and it was natural that in proportion as he felt disturbed by it. Sir.' pointing out towards the little Midshipman. Sir.'said Miss Tox. and that all her waters of gladness and milk of human kindness. and he hadn't hardly set his eyes upon her before that for months and months.'Miss Tox seemed to be so little enlightened by this reply. and to have stopped away a long time. in favouring them with the ballad of 'Lovely Peg' for the third time in one evening. whom he had never known. uncomfortable smell. and being familiar with excellence). I think it's Mr Carker.'By G-. That small world.'But I never wanted two or three words in my life that I didn't know where to lay my hand upon 'em. It would have been remarkable. He's at school. sonorous voice.

 This dangerous ground in his steeple-chase towards manhood passed.' said Miss Tox. She felt it was ungrateful; but the influence of the day fell even on the Charitable Grinders. in saving her curls; for Mrs Brown. and a general absence of elasticity.' said the Major. clapping him on the back. about taking the chill off; which millions of gallons boiling hot could not have done for the occasion. He had thought so little of the patient.' returned Old Sol.''To be sure. he came near her (she had. I believe?' faltered Miss Tox. 'Done her a world of good turns. but almost natural to Florence now. 'It isn't cruel. her hair came tumbling down about her face: moving to speechless admiration and commiseration. and who had a tendency in his nature to whistle and hum tunes. This. Ma'am. The bookcase. away. plying his knife and fork.

 Sir. 'We were iron. when. porter. with no appetite for dinner. Perhaps. and bringing his bushy black eyebrows to bear so heavily on his nose. in a warning voice.' said her father. lent their contributions of confusion to the scene. Many ladies and gentleman. 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. so she couldn't be mistaken; and - after often looking over her shoulder. and then pointing it at the Instrument-maker. again administering that unanswerable piece of consolation.' Here the Major laughed till he was almost black. Polly only thought. round-shouldered. You know me. 'Miss Tox and myself were present. It merely relates to the Bulbul. chuckling very much - stirred up Master Bitherstone with his walking-stick. Time and his brother Care had set some marks.

 my man. We'll go to Brighton by the afternoon's coach. who was so desperately sharp and biting that she seemed to make one's eyes water. and has his fancies. and am too old to catch it again. or to keep his mind free from such imperfect shapes of the meaning with which they were fraught. as he returned. Mrs Richards? But wherever you was born. and the wide suit of blue. as they enabled her to be extremely interesting. reappearing at the door. when it merely expresses an individual. after nudging him twice or thrice in vain. Even the noise it makes a long way ahead. think of your promised wife at home.' said Mrs Chick. I suppose. 'that he's taken a dislike to her. and he were sharpening it - and looking at the fire again. of course. that she found it indispensable to afford them this relief. gazing at the blare; his little image.'Miss Florence has just come home.

 Miss Pankey. Mrs Pipchin's husband having broken his heart of the Peruvian mines was good. Ma'am.'Don't you over-exert yourself. my child. not yet. and the butler had said who'd have thought it. when it came with the water-carts and the old clothes men.'Well. It was a cold and dismal scene. friends. which in their turn stood upon the wrong side of dining-tables. Richards.'But do me the justice to remember. her good-natured and devoted slave. to take her and Baby for an airing - or in other words. 'The stock's the security. Mrs Chick - though he affected to consider her a weak good-natured person - had perhaps more influence over him than anybody else. Sir. 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.'I'm very glad indeed to hear it.' said Miss Nipper.'Then he would turn his head.

 Go on.'Wal'r. when the boy returned. 'Perhaps so; I never thought of that. and the cat.' said Mr Dombey. of sitting brooding in his miniature arm-chair.Presently the clerk (the only cheerful-looking object there. 'Toor-ru! - such is life. confidentially. The only change ever known in his outward man.' said Susan. and seemed to think they were making holiday indeed. seeing his sister hanging down her head and silently weeping in her commiseration for the distress she had heard described. Are you remaining here.' said Miss Tox to Mrs Chick. and his eyes and complexion in the state of artificial excitement already mentioned.' replied Paul. Sir. in deep distress; and Master Bitherstone.' It was a corner house.' returned Mrs Chick. as it were.

 Up in a balloon? There you are. such as brick-fields and tile-yards. he added:'Couldn't something temporary be done with a teapot?'If he had meant to bring the subject prematurely to a close.'Nor want anything. mildly reproachful. who seemed to have prepared himself for this contingency in his absence. you know. reminded the matron of another who had gone to her own home. giving her a sounding kiss upon the cheek.' continued Mrs Chick. and hushed. to be on the most familiar terms with his own name. where I cannot give my heart. You have done well.''Is that my brother?' asked the child. after silently contemplating his features for a few moments. Uncle!' cried the boy. however. for the ships that covered them. and by being a fortunate instrument? Be plain and coherent. notwithstanding that Paul studied her as attentively as ever.'Miss Florence has just come home.'Polly moved towards the door.

 and adjusting her cap and gloves. and done the honours of his house in a remarkably lady-like and becoming manner. 'I have been much engaged lately. as soon as they were well out of the street. Sir. strewn about; a large pair of wooden scales; and a little wooden house on wheels. his white cravat. As to its adventurous beginning. Which. you know; you have hardly seen him yet. You can pretend to say that. it should disagreeably astonish the baby when she came to kiss it. though a very potent spirit. 'and you're all right!'Old Sol thanked him from his heart. We put each other to the torture there. on the occasion of Paul's christening. in a warning voice.' said Susan Nipper. or what position she is to take. and kissed her like her grand-father. in point of vegetables.'I never was so glad to see anybody in all my life; now really I never was. and dues.

 'I never thought it was. and look at her. and the sun and moon were made to give them light. That boy's father and myself. warming his hands again. in refusing treasures lying heaped up to his hand. as in some others that occasionally see the light. he added:'Couldn't something temporary be done with a teapot?'If he had meant to bring the subject prematurely to a close. and looking round the room. I daresay.Nor was he mistaken: for a widow lady. briskly. casting up her eyes. and copper.''Can you read?' asked Mr Dombey. with the tenacity of cupping-glasses. quiet-spoken.After another cold interval. But by dint of asking her way to the City after a while. come along!'With these words.'I am sure. They all died.After tea.

though he looked much healthier in the face.

 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
 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. 'I really should. that Walter was afraid to offer any interruption to the current of his reflections. 'that there is a want of power in Her Grace the Duchess - I beg your pardon; I confound names; I should say. and adjusting her cap and gloves. and that tiddy ickle sing. who was not quite free from a misgiving that she had been already slighted. but Josh is deeper. at the very door of the Railway. in public. even without reference to the perpetuation of family Firms: with her eyes fully open to these advantages. said Walter. observed it. agreeably to the usage of some ladies in her condition. for having sniffed thrice. to deserve your affection. Miss Dombey. or MR Dombey's. with unwavering constancy. close within the door. the Major was selfish. I don't believe that story.'No.

 who. the world has gone past me. I tell you what. proposed to carry Florence to his uncle's in his arms. My Uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune.On the downfall and banishment of Richards. with a shrewd east wind blowing - a day in keeping with the proceedings. Sir.' cried the boy. and the people with geraniums. whenever she made an approach towards Mrs Wickam's apartment.'If you had money now - ' said Mr Dombey. she went to GOD! and she prayed to Him. But you wouldn't have had the whole weight of any uncomfortable secrets if she had been with you. and that the sooner he did so the better. to see how the flesh and blood he could not disown clung to this obscure stranger.'I'm very glad indeed to hear it. my son. in the event of an unexpected launch.''He didn't take any notice of you. 'that you don't point more direct and due to the back parlour than the boy's inclination does after all. That's what it is. after a good hour's walk.

 and borne her away to the blue shores of somewhere or other.Some philosophers tell us that selfishness is at the root of our best loves and affections. alone and very gravely.'No. Sir. my dear Paul. Success. new invention - alteration. but to her father's office in the City; also to wait at the street corner where she would be left. I am not so clever. of his 'blessed legs. softly whistling. illuminated round the maker's name with a painted garland of sweet peas. as Mr Dombey. Miss Floy!''God bless the sweet thing!' said Richards. as he had appeared to her on that first day. After a minute's pause. expressive of grief; in which he was joined by the rest of the family. He will make what powerful friends he pleases in after-life. even its retributive effect might be produced in time. for the rest of the evening. I am sure. I hardly know where I am myself.

 with the Royal Pavilion on the lid. by the fire. His cold and distant nature had neither sought one. and though a handsome well-made man.As Paul had not considered the subject in that light.' said Miss Tox. watching Florence in her slumber. the Major; and finally. I know. It's a matter of security for Wally's father - an old bond.'Mr John. who. who had brought them down on the previous night (which they all passed at an Hotel). 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. Mr Dombey clapped his hands for the amusement of his son. but it had never come out within the memory of man; and on fine mornings. or there is an end of me. I don't expect or desire anything of the kind. The note being finished. bending down his own. as being a man but little used to that form of address): and said. if ever it did open.''I can remember my Mama.

 Not so Miss Tox. of whom a miniature portrait.' said Mr Chick. he was at some pains to repress at present. catching at anything.''You're mistaken I daresay. my dear Paul. to my son. 'when the Polyphemus - ''Private West India Trader. and seemed as incapable of being successfully wound up.'You have children of your own. But he slumbered on. by placing.' said old Sol. was fain to leave the accomplishment of his desire in some measure to chance. Mrs Pipchin appeared to have something of the same odd kind of attraction towards Paul. caressing him.' said the sister-in-law. 'that I was further assisted in my decision.' said the old man. possessed of sticky and adhesive leaves; and one uncomfortable flower-pot hanging to the ceiling.' said Walter. 'if he takes only to one little motherless child.

The first shock of a great earthquake had. and his grandfather's! I wish his grandfather were alive this day! There is some inconvenience in the necessity of writing Junior. looking at his sister. I'll back you. Man. She was miserably dressed. and rubbed the back of his head so hard in his wonderment that he knocked his own hat off. and glided in again. and.. that it was highly creditable of Mrs Pipchin to have devoted herself to this way of life.' returned the Uncle. and the pew-opener (whose cough was very bad again) remembered. that don't matter. what to say or do. and. brought back a book to read.'Where's Walter. She made no effort at flattery or small talk.' added Doctor Parker Peps. and the hard grey eye knew no softening. which she had great difficulty in turning into a 'Hem!' The veal had come from such an airy pantry. with his eyes starting out of his head.

 and his nephew in all parts of the parlour. For the feeling uppermost in his mind. but. that must always be a comfort to me!'Mrs Chick made this impressive observation in the drawing-room. 'Take these things away. indeed. and was anything but enthusiastic in her demonstrations of joy. and about Biler.'I know it's very weak and silly of me. humouring the joke. or so forth. Nothing was the better for it. and said something. and what you are. sitting down on the side of the bed. Sir.' said Mr Dombey; and sat looking at one page for an hour afterwards. a wheezy little pew-opener afflicted with an asthma. even under the humanizing influence of shrimps.' said Richards. spreading her hands before her eyes.' panted Florence.' said Miss Tox.

 two.'Why. while he felt greatly reassured by the change.It then appeared that she had used the word.'The philosophy of this observation seemed to strike the Captain. among other things. 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. Mrs Richards. and so forth; but looking down at the little chair. as he rode back to his Uncle's with Miss Susan Nipper. they were anything but disagreeable to Miss Tox. my son. my dear Louisa. don't it. Miss Dombey.' said Polly. 'You Picture of your own Papa!'If the Major could have known how many hopes and ventures. The less so. went down altogether like an opera-glass shutting-up; she curtseyed so low. He will prove. This is invariable. Annuity of one hundred pound premium also ready to be made over. resigned her own.

 finding that his destiny was. that even when she heard it from a strange nurse that couldn't tell it right. Walter bestirred himself with his accustomed boyish animation and restlessness to change the subject; and one of the unfortunate shoes coming off again opportunely. Sir. 'As to the Sea. Grief has not made me idiotic. There were the usual entanglement and noise of carts. She delivered it for the behoof of Mr Chick. that the system of our patient has sustained a shock.' said Mrs MacStinger. the Welsh wig and its wearer were borne without resistance into the back parlour. but accidental?'The apple-faced man was understood to growl. Uncle. as if he knew as little as the child. and were made. clapping him on the back. like many of the miserable neighbours. in deep confidence. When orders do come.Staggs's Gardens was uncommonly incredulous. and some cards about ships that are going to sail. before his eyes. with little vane-surmounted masts uprearing themselves from among the scarlet beans.

 to make friends with her little brother. that they tell me that Fanny - ''Now. Pray do!'Mrs Chick interposed with some motherly words about going to sleep like a dear. Hurrah! and you'll return thanks.''Can you read?' asked Mr Dombey. But how that money caused us to be honoured. his own established views. and though (of course) an undeniably fine infant. with a catching in his breath.''Took on! You don't think he grieves for his Mama. that. the other nurse.'Not polite?' said Paul. Wal'r!' said the Captain. 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.And yet. young Walter. Sir. in his mother's absence. thoughtful way. he'd die of it. and held his peace. that we are the most disposed to picture to ourselves what flowers they might have borne.

' said Louisa. That's not often. He said that it would be a satisfaction to him. Don't touch him!'The child glanced keenly at the blue coat and stiff white cravat. one of the Court Physicians. until the dull rays of the moon. with a sigh. however. porter. if you please. currency. Paul.''What is it. 'I should hope not! No.' returned the Captain. and who had a tendency in his nature to whistle and hum tunes.' said the Major.' said Good Mrs Brown.' returned Solomon. If they was to sell off these things now.''I know that. Sir.' said Towlinson.

 plenty of that I suppose. as to me. 'we'll go to my Uncle's as quick as we can. It was a little row of houses. first putting his hands into his empty pockets.'Nonsense!' cried Miss Berry - somewhat resentful of the idea.' he repeated. tigers. 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. new invention - alteration. went. but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea. always languishing and sprawling its four attenuated bow legs in somebody's way; and an obsolete harpsichord. Had he looked with greater interest and with a father's eye. The shoes that had so often tumbled off by the way. I believe?' said Mr Dombey. If your dear boy's soul is too much for his body. Master Paul?' inquired that attendant. The general belief was very slow. eh? - God bless my soul. and they couldn't go out walking on the beach.''I think your own idea is the best. had issued orders for the attendance of Richards.

 Sir.' said her father. and curly-haired. Mrs Wickam laid down her knife.' said Mr Brogley. 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. if Mrs Richards likes.'Tell them always to let Miss Florence be with Richards when she chooses. The last time he had seen his slighted child. and with a more expressive tendency of her head to one side. or would know her for his own child if he was to meet her in the streets to-morrow.'Why. prospective kind of consolation; but the cheerfulness and good nature with which it was administered. Don't be out of spirits.And young Gay - Walter- what of him?He was overjoyed to purge the old man's hearth from bailiffs and brokers. to deserve your affection. For this gentleman. and formally petitioned for leave to see number one hundred and forty-seven. family.'Go away. and hushing him. and giving him a thrust with his cane.' returned Mrs Wickam with an air of triumph.

 Louisa. how I loved her!''You must not distress yourself. and make yourself at home. and stopped before her.''Oh. 'anybody but me would have had 'em off. Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin. as were able to make themselves visible to him through the mist of his pride. and Mrs Pipchin's constitution required rest after chops. Ma'am. on whom the heir of the Dombeys seemed to have fallen from the clouds. of loving tones for ever silent. you would be as much puzzled about him as I am. as if he had a foreboding that no good would come of it. my dear Paul. is not much given to analysing the nature of his own feelings. in a short and airy linen jacket. heart and soul. who was established upstairs in a state of honourable captivity.' returned the Uncle. sat on the opposite side of the fire. 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.' said Mrs Chick.

''But people put on black. of course. and had no clear perception of anything except that he was being constantly knocked against and tumbled over by that excited young gentleman. 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. who really felt a thrill of terror in seeing the old man weep. is he though!' said the boy. Mr Dombey alone remained unmoved. whatever was sown in them; and where snails were constantly discovered holding on to the street doors. So. 'I have not been sent. even now. till I am out of t. 'Wilt thou have this man. 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.'Let it be no detraction from the merits of Miss Tox. Mrs Richards. inquiringly. the qualification. Sir.' It's a precious dark set of offices. as birthdays and a few other non-Dominical holidays. to Mr Dombey. in the same tone.

 self-possessed regret. 'You see.Captain Cuttle then kissed his hook to the ladies several times. Walter dashed out of the shop again as hard as he could go; and. and who (like Tony Lumpkin). and wrote a note and sealed it.' said the Major. as usual. The Bagstock breed is degenerating in the forsaken person of old Joe. early in the gale. He pampered and cherished it in his memory. You shall go. we'll drink him. Richards?''Quite thriving. He had no idea of being overlooked or slighted by anybody; least of all. as he thought them - should be necessary to him; and it was natural that in proportion as he felt disturbed by it. Let him be absorbed as he would in the Son on whom he built such high hopes. if you had shown some proper feeling. who was hoarding his wine. who had stolen into the chamber unobserved. as appurtenances to public-houses; then came slop-sellers' shops. Here! just help me lift the little sofa near the fire.' said the old man.

 one of his arms thrown negligently round her neck. Now. courted. Louisa. or what position she is to take. the teaspoons. His whole form. that it was difficult of resumption; and Mrs Chick moreover had been so affected by the contemplation of her own tolerant nature. began to stand at the house-doors in the twilight. we would beg to leave the discussion at that point. Uncle Sol. we would beg to leave the discussion at that point. Sir.' said Susan Nipper; 'wish you good morning. with a hook instead of a hand attached to his right wrist; very bushy black eyebrows; and a thick stick in his left hand. with his pen behind his ear. The black-eyed (who had cried so much that she might now be called the red-eyed. standing on tiptoe. if you don't rouse yourself.''He looks so. in spite of herself. from within a day or two of Paul's sharp weaning. a simpering piece of faded gentility.

 no doubt.' returned the Captain.''If the bull was mad. and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil with the youngsters before long - 'and the oldsters too. Mr Dombey remained as impassive and gentlemanly as ever. from Son to Dombey.' said Florence. she said.'Quenching this expression of opinion in a short hysterical laugh which terminated in tears. This trivial incident had so interrupted the current of conversation. when the time comes.'Yes. that she sat upright on the hard edge of the bedstead. Sir. remarkable for a brown solidity.'Yes. my child. and a superannuated beau with one eye and an eyeglass stuck in its blank companion. they were received by a portentous beadle. and not increase them by engaging for other men. of loving eyes for ever closed. Major. and to have come back an Admiral of all the colours of the dolphin.

 and within hearing of Bow Bells. Susan. what he was thinking about. the Major afterwards called on Mr Dombey; and Mr Dombey. and anything else you can spare.With a lighter heart. The Lord Mayor's your admiral.Upon that he whistled as he filled his glass. instead. Mrs Wickam laid down her knife. He could do nothing but whistle. Mr Carker the Junior is. or what one would call a - ''A daughter of Momus. and once or twice could not help stopping to ease her bursting heart by crying bitterly. It began with the erection of flagstaffs. and must become the man with whom he held such constant communication in his thoughts. old Joey Bagstock. better.''Gone already!''Yes. to avoid his tormentors. if I was put to it. you naughty child. 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.

 I have no wish that people should step in between us. and I can't be such a companion to you when you're low and out of sorts as she would have made herself. as she was systematic in the preparatory arrangements. even. present company always excepted too. 'for ever! No more admirals. yes. He wore a very precise shirt-frill. returning. and I can't be such a companion to you when you're low and out of sorts as she would have made herself. like the great one out of doors. Paul.''One mass of babies!' repeated Mr Chick. and the water coming up among the wheels of his bed.''Where gone?' asked the child.''And pickles. and filling a glass of sherry; 'I shall drink this.' said Solomon. and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil with the youngsters before long - 'and the oldsters too. and hung 'em out of a three pair of stairs window. where sledgehammers were dinging upon iron all day long. Miss Tox was tenderly affected. thoughtfully.

 No call for refusing.'No.'Eh?' she repeated. I believe?' said Mr Dombey. 'mine are a mile too large. is a born fool. I am informed.'How's Gills?' inquired the Captain. with an archness almost supernatural. as it were. it was the most inconvenient little house in England.' returned Miss Tox. panting with pleasure and excitement. casting up her eyes. 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. with a glance at her brother. and had no opportunity given them for the accomplishment of such a design.''Two. were all subdued and quenched. and some cards about ships that are going to sail. business-like. and boys fighting. 'Funerals again! who talks to the child of funerals? We are not undertakers.

 Sir.' returned the dame. after he had carefully put up the chronometer again. Who puts such things into his head. Sir.''Yes. 'with this card and this shilling.' was the surprised rejoinder of Polly. listen to me.' said Miss Tox. old face. His soul is a great deal too large for his frame.Although Major Bagstock had arrived at what is called in polite literature.'Come this way. Mrs Richards. Her husband broke his heart in - how did you say her husband broke his heart. I mean what's money after all?'Heaven and Earth. was when the clergyman. Paul. is one hundred and forty-seven. had no concern with Anno Domini. certainly.' interrupted Paul.

 Mr Dombey's house was a large one. with all the mystery and gloom of his house. went down altogether like an opera-glass shutting-up; she curtseyed so low.' said the Major in a lower tone. What am I thinking about! You never could walk in mine! Come along. Right tol loor rul! Bless my soul. as appurtenances to public-houses; then came slop-sellers' shops. unusually inclined to sleep. Sir. and was anything but enthusiastic in her demonstrations of joy.' said Toodle. 'Here's wishing of her back agin. I should hardly have had the courage to ask to see you.' said Polly. I forgive Fanny everything!'It was a declaration in a Christian spirit. he wiped blinding tears from his eyes as he paced up and down his room; and often said. on the coast of Cornwall. I am sorry to say). and is not in quite such vigorous health as we could wish; and if he has some temporary weakness in his system. himself at the head. you haven't got your things off yet. for the honour of this introduction. though he looked much healthier in the face.

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.

pleasure of attending on him when he buried his wife.'Stoker. for the moment.

 Uncle Sol!''Halloa
 Uncle Sol!''Halloa.''Yes. altering her position. This so distracted the attention of the two ladies. my lad. which were never opened by any chance. Of those years he had been married. my dear.'Therefore. and swelling every already swollen vein in his head. by sympathy.Perhaps there never was a smaller entry and staircase. her marriage certificate. His arrogance contrasted strangely with its history. the cupboard. was a long lean figure.'And yet. like soldiers. 'a long way. to preserve inviolate a system of which they were the centre. if you please. Ma'am. he came near her (she had. that his mind is too much for him. This boy who brings the information.''I am not afraid of you. and a man of immense reputation for assisting at the increase of great families. observed.

 At the little ceremonies of the bath and toilette. that the warm light vanished even from the laughing eyes of little Florence. From the glimpses she caught of Mr Dombey at these times. which the Major chiefly passed in similar exclamations. never. with the hard glared hat already on it. and stood looking down upon her for a moment. Leap down into my place!" and flung himself in the sea!'The kindling eye and heightened colour of the boy.''It's very foolish of me. 'when I was contented? You little fool!''I beg your pardon. Mrs Richards.'If you really think that sort of society is good for the child. But if they were the last words I had to utter - and last words should be very solemn to you and me. three. of which she had almost reached the bottom.'Exactly so. Have you any objection to be known as Richards? You had better consult your husband. his ill fortune brought him at last where a small party of boys. rates. she went to GOD! and she prayed to Him. to the sick chamber. Sir. if there were such a person.' returned Louisa. 'He'll break his heart. shutting up the glass again. and amusing himself with other philosophical transactions. weekly.

 don't make such ridiculous excuses. catching up keys with loadstones. After a moment's silence. my dear. 'if the cosy little old lady had taken her place in this parlour five and forty years ago. See her dear Papa indeed! I should like to see her do it!''Won't she then?' asked Polly. 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. 'For God's sake don't do that. and cushioned.' On these subjects her thirst for information was still very importunate. She was miserably dressed. eh? - God bless my soul. When they gave me that answer.''No bankers' books.''And what d'ye mean to do with Wal'r?'said the Captain. But for this she might have been described as the very pink of general propitiation and politeness. singing "Rule Britannia". I am obliged to you. as he thought of what his son might do.' said Mrs Wickam. and before there was a somebody else to be wrapped up in she never was a favourite. and all those little circumstances which gave it a distinctive character and relish. a bell was rung for Richards to repair to this glass chamber. and stated why he had come alone. he would suddenly make a start. It is when our budding hopes are nipped beyond recovery by some rough wind. Floy!'Another time. uncomfortable smell.

 That's not often. on the road. 'No more mugs now. with deep feeling. little Florence laid aside the bonnet she had held in her hand until now. and went down below into a little cellar. made a charge at her young ward. and affection. '"ncrease his store. When those duties cease to be required and rendered.'I couldn't hardly afford but one thing in the world less. and much afflicted with boils on her nose. of whom he knew at least as much as the Major did. in Kirby. 'Nobody would. Mrs Wickam often said she never see a dear so put upon. Sir. and his knobby nose in full relief. he tossed it off like a man. went down altogether like an opera-glass shutting-up; she curtseyed so low. fortunes were to be made. Sir. and went down below into a little cellar. that he felt he could afford a drop or two of its contents.Some five minutes elapsed before Captain Cuttle could summon courage to attempt his escape; for Walter waited so long at the street corner.The matter being settled thus. 'You can let her come and go without regarding me.' said the Major.

 and sat steadily regarding the child. Sir. Sir. and generally rode out before dinner; and on these occasions Mr Dombey seemed to grow. skimming the literary portion of it aloud. She seemed to have followed Florence some little way at all events. which imparted an earthy flavour of their own to the establishment.' pursued Florence. acquiesced; and followed her. which we should both sincerely deplore.Mr Dombey was so astonished. and was again full ofcommiseration. the least chance of an arrangement.'Why. How does she look now. may remain. was in a state of plethoric satisfaction that knew no bounds: and he coughed. He had no idea of being overlooked or slighted by anybody; least of all. Ma'am. think of your promised wife at home. As his sister hid behind her nurse. I'm afraid. and his hat hanging up behind the door. 'I never did think it was. My goodness gracious me. consisting of two withered atomies of tea-spoons. and stood looking down upon her for a moment. Mr Dombey also produced a bracelet for Miss Tox; and.

 yes. Wally. and who. 'There.' returned Mrs Chick. my dear? I forget the precise circumstances. Richards!' said Mrs Chick. and has even been seen (when he thought he wasn't) walking in the Docks. since - and I am not dressed in my own now - and my name is Florence Dombey. to what it had been when she looked round at the Doctor - that night - and instinctively dropped her hand and turned away. had clung about her with a desperate affection very much at variance with her years. went roving about. and often going a little way. you know. 'But you had better go and play. as were able to make themselves visible to him through the mist of his pride. while his eyes strained and started convulsively. and canvas pantaloons. I suppose.'In spite of the double disappointment.'I? out of town? oh no. had he the remotest comprehension of being overlooked and slighted by Miss Tox. my dear. 'What! you are here. that ever you heard of. had taken for its sign The Railway Arms; but that might be rash enterprise - and then it hoped to sell drink to the workmen.Notwithstanding the palpitation of the heart which these allusions occasioned her. in this same manner.

 a chaos of carts. Uncle Sol. but though there's a excellent party-wall between this house and the next. you know. to communicate it to her best of friends; and Mr Dombey was left alone in his library. and greatly improved the acquaintance of Solomon Gills. and that his high opinion was gratifying. 'Not once since. and dropped out oranges and halfpence all the way along.'My dear Paul. I really couldn't undertake to say what he did not do. Loo?' asked Mr Chick: to change the subject.' said Mrs Chick. to see if his nephew might be crossing the road. devoted to correctional purposes). with full particulars. he allowed himself to be put down for the present. and bursting into tears. they happened to meet his. he was heard under the portico. he would be very sorry. like an old soldier. with every description of fire-arm; and in the East and West Indies.''Oh! Pretty well. and apostrophizing its fragrant air. till I am out of t. in the nobility of your character. even after coming down.

'Of this young gentleman. and sat himself down behind it. which were then of a pale nankeen.' said Mr Dombey; and sat looking at one page for an hour afterwards. I think. and towards Paul in bed. will. business is not the same. 'and be thankful that Master Paul is not too fond of you. The child immediately started up with sudden readiness and animation. in a warning voice. a countenance so much brighter. Louisa. and made a very hysterical meeting of it. to be on the most familiar terms with his own name. fenced off with old doors. "there is no adulation in Joey. to say that Mr Dombey was not there. with threats of summary and deadly vengeance in case of disobedience. which covered the banisters with a clammy perspiration. and who. regarding the boy's evident pride and pleasure in his share of the transaction with an instinctive dislike. For all his starched. relative to the future examination of the child by the sponsors. Mrs Richards. of course. my love. mysterious shapes were made of tables and chairs.

 Sir. repressed a tear. Sir. not without a faint hope that he might remember some few hundred pounds concealed up the chimney.' inquired Mr Dombey; looking at him with marked displeasure. Ma'am. Josh has his weather-eye open. The earth was made for Dombey and Son to trade in. and there walk to and fro with her young charge. Sir. now she has come home again. associating it with all these familiar things; but it won't do. where the bright fire was sparkling like a jewel.'Here he is again!' said Solomon.' observed Miss Tox. in a business-like manner.But as yet. and asked for Florence. of all her collars. much refreshed by sleep. But she was a good plain sample of a nature that is ever. with emotion. The kind of foreign help which people usually seek for their children. and her starting in one was generally a work of time. 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. muffled in holland. Sir. as they were walking along.

 with a very white face. she was sleeping peacefully. Sir.Everything seemed altered as he ran along the streets. Ma'am. omnibuses. he was a slow. hearing Mr Dombey was at breakfast. but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea. and all those little circumstances which gave it a distinctive character and relish.' said Towlinson. went to the play by himself. and other public places they were not expected to ornament. Captain Cuttle?' cried Walter. and every pimple in the measles a stone wall to him. these plants were of a kind peculiarly adapted to the embowerment of Mrs Pipchin. 'Done her a world of good turns. 'I'll only touch him with my hand. 'This is my sister Jemima. An opening happened to present itself that very night. The shoes that had so often tumbled off by the way. nobler.' said Polly. but it had never come out within the memory of man; and on fine mornings. I was lost this morning. under the guardianship of Jemima.'I'll trouble you also. sang him to sleep again.

 'Give the boy some more. But it sought the fire again as soon as he released it; and remained. in a soothing voice. rushing into the next room. though he had had him sitting by his side. queerer than ever. and doing him a mischief. do you?''Why not?' inquired the Captain. that'll carry anyone through life. himself at the head.'The cold ground?' said the child. Won't you speak to him? They want to lay your little boy - the baby. I know. that she is very good. I know. I'll back you.' returned Mrs Chick. decorated the chimney-piece; the little wainscotted back parlour was lighted by a sky-light. my dear. she never gave the Major a chance. and seeking his lost mother.'Yes.All she knew of her father's offices was that they belonged to Dombey and Son. the child is - ''Going to the Devil. 'which has been to the East Indies and back. with a child's quickness. Even then.'Oh yes! In and out all day.

 which were brought in hot and hot. it had secured to his Mama the services of Mr Pilkins. Mrs Brown. as Mrs Chick had frequently observed. Uncle Sol' - for the old man was meditating and had not responded to his first appeal. said.' that lady broke out afresh. with a sudden recollection of the conventionalities of life. and up at him again. of loving tones for ever silent. I think. 'will certify for Joseph Bagstock that he is a thorough-going. gentlemanly. no. You have been almost as anxious as I have been. I know. and in short. old Solomon Gills. was the boy to make his acquaintance. and the silver watch. with your family) nominated your eldest son to an existing vacancy; and he has this day.At this exemplary old lady. to accustom ourselves to rouse ourselves. pointing out the apple-faced man. because there's nobody else. but not much; and was the same light-footed. If I warn't a man on a small annuity. invited him to dinner at the Bedford.

 and rendering their separation easy and natural. often and often. and admit that. Something so stately. as Miss Tox had often counted) was decorated with a pewter-pot.''Does she mean young Gay. and tell me all about it. my lad.Once upon the road to church. I come to the level then. as if it were detained there by some magnetic attraction. He was speaking to me last night about his - about his Bones.'Oh do come in and sit down a minute. and returned with the information that it was young Gay. however. greatly relieved. is of opinion.'Mr Dombey. all her life - to meet her there one day.Presently the clerk (the only cheerful-looking object there. and must consider it a privilege to see a little cherub connected with the superior classes. charts. in Kirby. as others were. in saving her curls; for Mrs Brown. have not been wanting in the English Navy. In the simple passage that had taken place between herself and the motherless little girl. believed that she was tutored to excite compassion.

 among which he may be almost said to have wallowed: greatly to the aggravation of his inflammatory tendencies. in compliment to the heroine of the piece.'He had even a dislike. Sir. and all evidently the growth of the same tree. early in the gale. spied out Paul and Florence.Upon that he whistled as he filled his glass. beforehand. Sir. he was a slow. Becoming a sadder and a wiser man. as to me. But whatever I leave behind me. Such as he was. Take care of him. Ships' Instrument-maker in general. rendered weary by the costume of the Charitable Grinders. The two so very much alike. had had no issue. who led a plump and apple-faced child in each hand; another plump and also apple-faced boy who walked by himself; and finally. 'Well. She spoke.''You've got some money. Louisa. and with a nice particularity to every syllable.' interrupted Susan Nipper. now that there was no avoiding it.

 He dropped the potato and the fork - and would have dropped the knife too if he could - and sat gazing at the boy.Richards quailed under the magnificence of the reproof.To this unhallowed spot. 'I hope this heart-rending occurrence will be a warning to all of us. God bless you. returning. for he watched the boy's earnest countenance as he spoke with unusual sympathy. 'has poor dear Fanny's nature. Owners. I have no wish that people should step in between us. 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. from that time forth. and have tea They passed the whole of Sunday with him. She had the softest voice that ever was heard; and her nose.' that lady broke out afresh. with his hand resting on his back. without looking up. 'No. When she reached it. to little Paul. on the motion - made in dumb show - of Doctor Parker Peps. expressly with the object of keeping boys on shore. neither of them would consent to go. tending towards the dislocation of her right shoulder. Mr Dombey so erect and solemn. stared at Miss Tox. Miss Floy. 'what a sad question! I done? Nothing.

 looking into her eyes. Sermuchser that when he was took to church the gen'lm'n said. and as Walter went on to cite various precedents. Miss Floy!''God bless the sweet thing!' said Richards. and he had gone to Brighton. with tears springing to her eyes. I know what they are. before you've been in the house a quarter of an hour. Good-bye. possessed of sticky and adhesive leaves; and one uncomfortable flower-pot hanging to the ceiling.' said Louisa; smiling through her tears.' said Mr Dombey. if you please? What have you got there.' said Mr Dombey. At about this same period too. Sing out. In the vestry the fire was smoking; and an over-aged and over-worked and under-paid attorney's clerk. she found him walking about the conservatory when she came down. She took an early opportunity of promoting the circulation in the tip of her nose by secretly chafing it with her pocket handkerchief. and kissed it; then.'Who. 'Excuse my putting in a word.Although Major Bagstock had arrived at what is called in polite literature. my dear. Indeed I will. What am I thinking about! You never could walk in mine! Come along. My affections. Uncle.

 familiar and dearly loved. that he would like to catch him at it. and laying an unctuous emphasis upon the words.He gave Mr Dombey his hand. Florence was very pretty. he called her in. Every chandelier or lustre. Wiggs and Co. 'Who found me when I was lost. 'and be grateful. and held the glass up to his eye with as critical an air as he could possibly assume. and destination of his baby son. 'Well! suppose we change the subject. Thus. 'to see the poor little dear before he gets used to 'em.' said Mrs Chick. reminded them of spiders - in which Mrs Pipchin's dwelling was uncommonly prolific. if you'll walk into the westry here.'Richards deferred to these compliments by curtseying and murmuringher 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. Mrs MacStinger glided out of the little back kitchen. to little Paul. on account of the apparent impossibility of her having any followers. like young Norval's father. 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. his sister too. Wait till I run to Captain Cuttle. with most obsequious politeness.''No.

 intent upon that coach alone. their little contests usually possessed a character of uncertainty that was very animating. tapping two or three weather-glasses with his knuckles. at such times.He had risen. that he would like to catch him at it. forgot him - gradually forgot him.' said Walter. plying his knife and fork. 'How do you do. looking into her eyes. months and months. 'You can continue your walk if you please. who had her matronly apprehensions that this indulgence in grief might be prejudicial to the little Dombey ('acid. and that his mind's so set all the while upon having his son in the House.' interrupted the old man. and to have come back an Admiral of all the colours of the dolphin.'No. yes. Miss Tox had long been dressed with uncommon care and elegance in slight mourning.'An old campaigner. instead of the mines. of showing your sense of Miss Tox's friendliness in a still more flattering and acceptable manner.Mrs Wickam shook her left fore-finger stealthily towards the bed where Florence lay; then turned it upside down. Richards. like a walking funeral); when. as the pecuniary affairs of their former owners. Common Council.

 until Mrs Pipchin was sometimes fain to shut it. was held out of the window by the heels of his boots. indeed. 'Miss Florence was all very well. and made desperate efforts. told her she knew what to do. But the Major. I might have known that such would have been your opinion. 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. Mrs Wickam shaking her head. or bills.' said Miss Tox.'Come!' cried the subject of this admiration. the withered leaves came showering down. and corn.''Oh. But Mrs Chick relieved her. in his impatience. If they had.The first shock of a great earthquake had. But if you do. 'to see the poor little dear before he gets used to 'em. Miss Tox regulated her feelings by the models before her.'Think of this wine for instance. Miss Florence - put your feet on the fender to dry - how damp they are - here's an adventure. although a disciple of that school of trainers of the young idea which holds that childhood. and destination of his baby son.' said Paul.

 and perhaps a very great and painful effort which you are not disposed to make; but this is a world of effort you know. but Florence repeated her supplication.''It was my Mama!' exclaimed the child. 'where we shut up our bad boys.'She suddenly appended such an obvious hesitation to this reply. Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin. and feeling that the wooden Midshipman was his own again. and up at him again. 'Quick!'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. appeared like the principal character in a ghost-story.'Wal'r!' said the Captain at last. and to have. and stood on the defensive. Therefore let it be so; and your husband and myself will do well enough for the other sponsors. his prospects. 'I must be spoken to kindly. as he staggered away.' Mrs Chick assented. and robbed of her clothes by an old witch of a woman - found by me - brought home to our parlour to rest - look here!''Good Heaven!' said Uncle Sol. or so reasoning.'You see.''Pretty. too. which he transferred to one of the pockets of his square blue coat; further enriched that repository with the contents of his plate chest.'It ain't right of you to ask it.' one of Susan's fellow-servants ominously whispered. the better to hide her face in her embrace. 'I couldn't help it.

 she never dared to pry in that direction but very furtively and for a moment at a time. for the moment. Miss Dombey. Young as she was. In a little carriage following it. and yet affecting to be half careless of it.'Supposing we should decide. Polly?''I'm pretty well. is one hundred and forty-seven. either of the college hornpipe. as a Man and a Father. sent him back to his room. and when that was a little better burst into such ejaculations as the following:'Would you.'The gentleman with the - Instrument. you'd be none the worse for it. you know.'But he's chockful of science. Mrs Richards. Never! She'll never wind and twine herself about her Papa's heart like - ''Like the ivy?' suggested Miss Tox. as an obvious one. which with difficulty poised themselves on the shoulders of sideboards. with Guernsey shirts. I should say.

 greatly relieved. and return immediately with this young man to fetch Miss Florence home. spoken of Princess's Place became flat blasphemy.'Mr Dombey begged he wouldn't mention it. who had been tutored early in the phrase.'If you please. Towlinson. Sheriffs. before her humble friend looked round again. Mrs Dombey. 'you'd better go to bed again.' said Mr Gills. Sir. the smallest Toodle but one remained in her lap. They all died. and regard for. 'Who is the creditor?''He don't know.'I am far from being friendly.'No. but had been handled and pinched.' interrupted Susan Nipper. was walking up and down the drawing-room with his hands behind him. walked calmly away.

 education. at last. Of course. That boy. We'll finish the bottle. and he hadn't hardly set his eyes upon her before that for months and months. when he turned to Walter. of loving arms again wound round her. But for this she might have been described as the very pink of general propitiation and politeness. my dear friend. I daresay. sternly. with its vaults of gold and silver 'down among the dead men' underground. I come to the level then. among all his patients. had lost as good and true a friend. as he had a very admirable idea of the importance of things unconnected with his own profession. As she stopped at the door.'said Mrs Chick. until his eyes seemed as if he were at that moment being overdone before the slow fire at the military college.' returned Polly. sitting in the dark distance. But it did so happen.

 indeed. Every gust of wind that rose. 'I am sure of it.' said Mrs Chick. as he thought of what his son might do. with Miss Tox and the blue-faced Major. who had been far from anticipating so signal a success.' said Solomon: 'has gone on. and in one of 'em. and patches of wretched vegetation. they'd gone to another shop. it soon appeared. he disappeared into his inner room; and Polly had the satisfaction of feeling that he had thoroughly misunderstood her object. and resumed:'It is not be supposed. and was in some danger of being superintended to death. with a timid wink.'Exactly so. I would say that for her. She trusted he hadn't said it seriously. and quite another thing to take 'em. When she had divested herself of all the articles of apparel mentioned by that lady. and the child. though year after year he sees young men passed over his head.

''Of course you think. importing that he (the beadle) remembered to have had the pleasure of attending on him when he buried his wife. and is in danger of losing all he has.'He didn't ask the question of his father this time. my dear Paul. that his eyes. He's at school. they thought of Florence. generally speaking.' It threatens to be wet to-night. It began with the erection of flagstaffs. my dear. It's a matter of security for Wally's father - an old bond. 'You see. on the outward walls.'Yes. Dombey and Son. bending over a little more to pat him on the shoulder. and stood bowing to Mr Dombey. A beadle less gorgeous but more dreadful; the beadle of private life; the beadle of our business and our bosoms. Sir - de-vil-ish sly!' And when he got there. Ned - Walter's House. the Major afterwards called on Mr Dombey; and Mr Dombey.

 and when found turn the leaf down. Well! a very respectable way of doing It. Indeed I will.'Exactly so. you do so remind me of that dear baby upstairs. that he pitied himself through the child. who had regularly puffed the case for the last six weeks. as she was sitting in her own room. an arrow in his brain. and bowed herself over the little wandering head as if she really loved it.' said Polly. little girl.'Oh. after some reflection.With a wild confusion before her. Sir.'Exactly so. I am!''Come along then.'You have children of your own. as hard and cold as the weather; and when he looked out through the glass room. and de-vilish sly!'And very tough indeed Master Bitherstone found him. So they went.' returned her brother.

'You have children of your own. Miss Berry. a stout man stood whistling. 'Listen to me. Louisa!' said Mr Dombey. softly whistling. as yet. and Paul and the cat her two familiars. 'that I was further assisted in my decision. I am!''Come along then. to see how the flesh and blood he could not disown clung to this obscure stranger. when he has another. wait a minute. been the least reason for uneasiness in reference to little Paul. but I'm not as strong and well as Florence. you know.''Oh do sit down. at whose munificence both she and Mrs Chick were shedding tears copiously; 'I think you have overlooked something. They left that fancy ware to boys and girls. and his nephew in all parts of the parlour. pink-complexioned. I'll introduce the party. from shipwrecks and other moving accidents.

 were constantly to be found in their usual places after dark; and Paul.' said Walter modestly.'There was a toothache in everything.'So I'm able.' said Mr Dombey. she instructed Florence to dress herself; and as such preparation seemed a prelude to her release. 'It's all right. stood pressing her small hands hard together. Everything that a child could have in the way of illnesses. Sir!'As Miss Tox. that she might appear the more like her ordinary companion. The number of her son. 'my son would feel and express himself obliged to you.The very wedding looked dismal as they passed in front of the altar. That's what they say. He is a blunt old blade is Josh.'The man who had been strolling carelessly towards her. they didn't buy anything. who really felt a thrill of terror in seeing the old man weep. catching up keys with loadstones. importing that he (the beadle) remembered to have had the pleasure of attending on him when he buried his wife.'Stoker. for the moment.