IfFlorencecouldhavestoodwithintheroomandlookedupontheoriginaloftheshadowthrownuponthewallandroof，asitcoweredthusoverthefire，aglancemighthavesufficedtorecallthefigureofGoodMrs。Brown；notwithstandingthatherchildishrecollectionofthatterribleoldwomanwasasgrotesqueandexaggeratedapresentmentofthetruth，perhaps，astheshadowonthewall。ButFlorencewasnottheretolookon；andGoodMrs。Brownremainedunrecognised，andsatstaringatherfire，unobserved。
　　Attractedbyaloudersputteringthanusual，astheraincamehissingdownthechimneyinalittlestream，theoldwomanraisedherhead，impatiently，tolistenafresh。Andthistimeshedidnotdropitagain；
　　fortherewasahanduponthedoor，andafootstepintheroom。
　　`Who'sthat？'shesaid，lookingoverhershoulder。
　　`Onewhobringsyounews，'wastheanswer，inawoman'svoice。
　　`News？Wherefrom？'
　　`Fromabroad。'
　　`Frombeyondseas？'criedtheoldwoman，startingup。
　　`Aye，frombeyondseas。'
　　Theoldwomanrakedthefiretogether，hurriedly，andgoingclosetohervisitorwhohadentered，andshutthedoor，andwhonowstoodinthemiddleoftheroom，putherhanduponthedrenchedcloak，andturnedtheunresistingfigure，soastohaveitinthefulllightofthefire。
　　Shedidnotfindwhatshehadexpected，whateverthatmightbe；forsheletthecloakgoagain，andutteredaquerulouscryofdisappointmentandmisery。
　　`Whatisthematter？'askedhervisitor。
　　`Oho！Oho！'criedoldwoman，turningherfaceupward，withaterriblehowl。
　　`Whatisthematter？'askedthevisitoragain。
　　`It'snotmygal！'criedtheoldwoman，tossingupherarms，andclaspingherhandsaboveherhead。`Where'smyAlice？Where'smyhandsomedaughter？They'vebeenthedeathofher！'
　　`They'venotbeenthedeathofheryet，ifyourname'sMarwood，'saidthevisitor。
　　`Haveyouseenmygal，then？'criedtheoldwoman。`Hasshewrotetome？'
　　`Shesaidyoucouldn'tread，'returnedtheother。
　　`NomoreIcan！'exclaimedtheoldwoman，wringingherhands。
　　`Haveyounolighthere？'saidtheother，lookingroundtheroom。
　　Theoldwoman，mumblingandshakingherhead，andmutteringtoherselfaboutherhandsomedaughter，broughtacandlefromacupboardinthecorner，andthrustingitintothefirewithatremblinghand，lighteditwithsomedifficultyandsetitonthetable。Itsdirtywickburntdimlyatfirst，beingchokedinitsowngrease；andwhentheblearedeyesandfailingsightoftheoldwomancoulddistinguishanythingbyitslight，hervisitorwassittingwithherarmsfolded，hereyesturneddownwards，andahandkerchiefshehadwornuponherheadlyingonthetablebyherside。
　　`Shesenttomebywordofmouththen，mygal，Alice？'mumbledtheoldwoman，afterwaitingforsomemoments。`Whatdidshesay？'
　　`Look，'returnedthevisitor。
　　Theoldwomanrepeatedthewordinascareduncertainway；and，shadinghereyes，lookedatthespeaker，roundtheroom，andatthespeakeronceagain。
　　`Alicesaidlookagain，mother；'andthespeakerfixedhereyesuponher。
　　Againtheoldwomanlookedroundtheroom，andathervisitor，androundtheroomoncemore。Hastilyseizingthecandle，andrisingfromherseat，sheheldittothevisitor'sface，utteredaloudcry，setdownthelight，andfelluponherneck！
　　`It'smygal！It'smyAlice！It'smyhandsomedaughter，livingancomeback！'screamedtheoldwoman，rockingherselftoandfrouponthebreastthatcoldlysufferedherembrace。`It'smygal！It'smyAlice！
　　It'smyhandsomedaughter，livingandcomeback！'shescreamedagain，droppingonthefloorbeforeher，claspingherknees，layingherheadagainstthem，andstillrockingherselftoandfrowitheveryfranticdemonstrationofwhichhervitalitywascapable。
　　`Yes，mother，'returnedAlice，stoopingforwardforamomentandkissingher，butendeavouring，evenintheact，todisengageherselffromherembrace。`Iamhere，atlast。Letgo，mother；letgo。Getup，andsitinyourchair。Whatgooddoesthisdo？'
　　`She'scomebackharderthanshewent！'criedthemother，lookingupinherface，andstillholdingtoherknees。`Shedon'tcareforme！
　　afteralltheseyears，andallthewretchedlifeI'veled！'
　　`Why，mother！'saidAlice，shakingherraggedskirtstodetachtheoldwomanfromthem：`therearetwosidestothat。Therehavebeenyearsformeaswellasyou，andtherehasbeenwretchednessformeaswellasyou。Getup，getup！'
　　Hermotherrose，andcried，andwrungherhands，andstoodatalittledistancegazingonher。Thenshetookthecandleagain，andgoingroundher，surveyedherfromheadtofoot，makingalowmoaningallthetime。Thensheputthecandledown，resumedherchair，andbeatingherhandstogethertoakindofwearytune，androllingherselffromsidetoside，continuedmoaningandwailingtoherself。
　　Alicegotup，tookoffherwetcloak，andlaiditaside。Thatdone，shesatdownasbefore，andwithherarmsfolded，andhereyesgazingatthefire，remainedsilentlylisteningwithacontemptuousfacetoheroldmother'sinarticulatecomplainings。
　　`DidyouexpecttoseemereturnasyouthfulasIwentaway，mother？'
　　shesaidatlength，turninghereyesupontheoldwoman。`Didyouthinkaforeignlife，likemine，wasgoodforgoodlooks？Onewouldbelieveso，tohearyou！'
　　`Itan'tthat！'criedthemother。`Sheknowsit！'
　　`Whatisitthen？'returnedthedaughter。`Ithadbestbesomethingthatdon'tlast，mother，ormywayoutiseasierthanmywayin。'
　　`Hearthat！'exclaimedthemother。`Afteralltheseyearsshethreatenstodesertmeinthemomentofhercomingbackagain！'
　　`Itellyou，mother，forthesecondtime，therehavebeenyearsformeaswellasyou，'saidAlice。`Comebackharder？OfcourseIhavecomebackharder。Whatelsedidyouexpect？'
　　`Hardertome！Toherowndearmother！'criedtheoldwoman。
　　`Idon'tknowwhobegantohardenme，ifmyowndearmotherdidn't，'
　　shereturned，sittingwithherfoldedarms，andknittedbrows，andcompressedlipsasifshewerebentonexcluding，byforce，everysofterfeelingfromherbreast。`Listen，mother，toawordortwo。Ifweunderstandeachothernow，weshallnotfalloutanymore，perhaps。Iwentawayagirl，andhavecomebackawoman。Iwentawayundutifulenough，andhavecomebacknotbetter，youmayswear。Buthaveyoubeenverydutifultome？'
　　`I！'criedoldwoman。`Tomygal！Amotherdutifultoherownchild！'
　　`Itsoundsunnatural，don'tit？'returnedthedaughter，lookingcoldlyonherwithherstern，regardless，hardy，beautifulface；`butI
　　havethoughtofitsometimes，inthecourseofmyloneyears，tillIhavegotusedtoit。Ihaveheardsometalkaboutdutyfirstandlast；
　　butithasalwaysbeenofmydutytootherpeople。Ihavewonderednowandthen——topassawaythetime——whethernooneeverowedanydutytome。'
　　Hermothersatmowing，andmumbling，andshakingherhead，butwhetherangrilyorremorsefully，orindenial，oronlyinherphysicalinfirmity，didnotappear。
　　`TherewasachildcalledAliceMarwood，'saidthedaughter，withalaugh，andlookingdownatherselfinterriblederisionofherself，`born，amongpovertyandneglect，andnursedinit。Nobodytaughther，nobodysteppedforwardtohelpher，nobodycaredforher。'
　　`Nobody！'echoedthemother，pointingtoherself，andstrikingherbreast。
　　`Theonlycaresheknew，'returnedthedaughter，`wastobebeaten，andstinted，andabusedsometimes；andshemighthavedonebetterwithoutthat。Shelivedinhomeslikethis，andinthestreets，withacrowdoflittlewretcheslikeherself；andyetshebroughtgoodlooksoutofthischildhood。Somuchtheworseforher。Shehadbetterhavebeenhuntedandworriedtodeathforugliness。'
　　`Goon！goon！'exclaimedthemother。
　　`Iamgoingon，'returnedthedaughter。`TherewasagirlcalledAliceMarwood。Shewashandsome。Shewastaughttoolate，andtaughtallwrong。Shewastoowellcaredfor，toowelltrained，toowellhelpedon，toomuchlookedafter。Youwereveryfondofher——youwerebetteroffthen。
　　Whatcametothatgirlcomestothousandseveryyear。Itwasonlyruin，andshewasborntoit。'
　　`Afteralltheseyears！'whinedtheoldwoman。`Mygalbeginswiththis。'
　　`She'llsoonhaveended，'saidthedaughter。`TherewasacriminalcalledAliceMarwood——agirlstill，butdesertedandanoutcast。Andshewastried，andshewassentenced。Andlord，howthegentlemenintheCourttalkedaboutit！andhowgravethejudgewasonherduty，andonherhavingpervertedthegiftsofnature——asifhedidn'tknowbetterthananybodythere，thattheyhadbeenmadecursestoher！——andhowhepreachedaboutthestrongarmoftheLaw——soverystrongtosaveher，whenshewasaninnocentandhelplesslittlewretch；andhowsolemnandreligiousitallwas。Ihavethoughtofthat，manytimessince，tobesure！'
　　Shefoldedherarmstightlyonherbreast，andlaughedinatonethatmadethehowloftheoldwomanmusical。
　　`SoAliceMarwoodwastransported，mother，'shepursued，`andwassenttolearnherduty，wheretherewastwentytimeslessduty，andmorewickedness，andwrong，andinfamy，thanhere。AndAliceMarwoodiscomebackawoman。Suchawomanassheoughttobe，afterallthis。Ingoodtime，therewillbemoresolemnity，andmorefinetalk，andmorestrongarm，mostlikely，andtherewillbeanendofher；butthegentlemenneedn'tbeafraidofbeingthrownoutofwork。There'scrowdsoflittlewretches，boyandgirl，growingupinanyofthestreetstheylivein，that'llkeepthemtotillthey'vemadetheirfortunes。'
　　Theoldwomanleanedherelbowsonthetable，andrestingherfaceuponhertwohands，madeashowofbeingingreatdistress——orreallywas，perhaps。
　　`There！Ihavedone，mother，'saidthedaughter，withamotionofherhead，asifindismissalofthesubject。`Ihavesaidenough。Don'tletyouandItalkofbeingdutiful，whateverwedo。Yourchildhoodwaslikemine，Isuppose。Somuchtheworseforbothofus。Idon'twanttoblameyou，ortodefendmyself；whyshouldI？That'salloverlongago。
　　ButIamawoman——notagirl，now——andyouandIneedn'tmakeashowofourhistory，likethegentlemenintheCourt。Weknowallaboutitwellenough。'
　　Lostanddegradedasshewas，therewasabeautyinher，bothoffaceandform，which，eveninitsworstexpression，couldnotbutberecognisedassuchbyanyoneregardingherwiththeleastattention。Asshesubsidedintosilence，andherfacewhichhadbeenharshlyagitated，quieteddown；whileherdarkeyes，fixeduponthefire，exchangedtherecklesslightthathadanimatedthem，foronethatwassoftenedbysomethinglikesorrow；thereshonethroughallherwaywornmiseryandfatigue，arayofthedepartedradianceofthefallenangel。
　　Hermother，afterwatchingherforsometimewithoutspeaking，venturedtostealherwitheredhandalittlenearertoheracrossthetable；
　　andfindingthatshepermittedthis，totouchherfaceandsmoothherhair。
　　Withthefeelingasitseemed，thattheoldwomanwasatleastsincereinthisshowofinterest，Alicemadenomovementtocheckher；so，advancingbydegrees，sheboundupherdaughter'shairafresh，tookoffherwetshoes，iftheydeservedthename，spreadsomethingdryuponhershoulders，andhoveredhumblyabouther，mutteringtoherself，assherecognisedheroldfeaturesandexpressionmoreandmore。
　　`Youareverypoor，mother，Isee，'saidAlice，lookinground，whenshehadsatthusforsometime。
　　`Bitterpoor，mydeary，'repliedtheoldwoman。
　　Sheadmiredherdaughter，andwasafraidofher。Perhapsheradmiration，suchasitwas，hadoriginatedlongago，whenshefirstfoundanythingthatwasbeautifulappearinginthemidstofthesqualidfightofherexistence。
　　Perhapsherfearwasreferable，insomesort，totheretrospectshehadsolatelyheard。Bethisasitmight，shestood，submissivelyanddeferentially，beforeherchild，andinclinedherhead，asifinapitifulentreatytobesparedanyfurtherreproach。
　　`Howhaveyoulived？'
　　`Bybegging，mydeary。'
　　`Andpilfering，mother？'
　　`Sometimes，Ally——inaverysmallway。Iamoldandtimid。Ihavetakentriflesfromchildrennowandthen，mydeary，butnotoften。Ihavetrampedaboutthecountry，pet，andIknowwhatIknow。Ihavewatched。'
　　`Watched？'returnedthedaughter，lookingather。
　　`Ihavehungaboutafamily，mydeary，'saidthemother，evenmorehumblyandsubmissivelythanbefore。
　　`Whatfamily？'
　　`Hush，darling，Don'tbeangrywithme，Ididitfortheloveofyou。Inmemoryofmypoorgalbeyondseas。'Sheputoutherhanddeprecatingly，anddrawingitbackagain，laiditonherlips。
　　`Yearsago，mydeary，'shepursued，glancingtimidlyattheattentiveandsternfaceopposedtoher。`Icameacrosshislittlechild，bychance。'
　　`Whosechild？'
　　`Nothis，Alicedeary；don'tlookatmelikethat；nothis。Howcoulditbehis？Youknowhehasnone。'
　　`Whosethen？'returnedthedaughter。`Yousaidhis。'
　　`Hush，Ally；youfrightenme，deary。Mr。Dombey's——onlyMr。Dombey's。
　　Sincethen，darling，Ihaveseenthemoften。Ihaveseenhim。'
　　Inutteringhislastword，theoldwomanshrunkandrecoiled，asifwithasuddenfearthatherdaughterwouldstrikeher。Butthoughthedaughter'sfacewasfixeduponher，andexpressedthemostvehementpassion，sheremainedstill：exceptthatsheclenchedherarmstighterandtighterwithineachother，onherbosom，asiftorestrainthembythatmeansfromdoinganinjurytoherself，orsomeoneelse，intheblindfuryofthewraththatsuddenlypossessedher。
　　`LittlehethoughtwhoIwas！'saidtheoldwoman，shakingherclenchedhand。
　　`Andlittlehecared！'mutteredherdaughter，betweenherteeth。
　　`Buttherewewere，'saidtheoldwoman，`facetoface。Ispoketohim，andhespoketome。Isatandwatchedhimashewentawaydownalonggroveoftrees：andateverystephetook，Icursedhimsoulandbody。'
　　`Hewillthriveinspiteofthat，'returnedthedaughterdisdainfully。
　　`Aye，heisthriving，'saidthemother。
　　Sheheldherpeace；forthefaceandformbeforeherwereunshapedbyrange。Itseemedasifthebosomwouldburstwiththeemotionsthatstrovewithinit。Theeffortthatconstrainedandhelditpentup，wasnolessformidablethantherageitself：nolessbespeakingtheviolentanddangerouscharacterofthewomanwhomadeit。Butitsucceeded，andsheasked，afterasilence：
　　`Ishemarried？'
　　`No，deary，'saidthemother。
　　`Goingtobe？'
　　`NotthatIknowof，deary。Buthismasterandfriendismarried。
　　Oh，wemaygivehimjoy！Wemaygive'emalljoy！'criedtheoldwoman，huggingherselfwithherleanarmsinherexultation。`Nothingbutjoytouswillcomeofthatmarriage。Mindme！'
　　Thedaughterlookedatherforanexplanation。
　　`Butyouarewetandtired：hungryandthirsty，'saidtheoldwoman，hobblingtothecupboard；`andthere'slittlehere，andlittle'——divingdownintoherpocket，andjinglingafewhalf-penceonthetable——`littlehere。Haveyouanymoney，Alice，deary？'
　　Thecovetous，sharp，eagerfacewithwhichsheaskedthequestionandlookedon，asherdaughtertookoutofherbosomthelittlegiftshehadsolatelyreceived，toldalmostasmuchofthehistoryofthisparentandchildasthechildherselfhadtoldinwords。
　　`Isthatall？'saidthemother。
　　`Ihavenomore。Ishouldnothavethis，butforcharity。'
　　`Butforcharity，eh，deary？'saidtheoldwoman，bendinggreedilyoverthetabletolookatthemoney，whichsheappeareddistrustfulofherdaughter'sstillretaininginherhand，andgazingon。`Humph！sixandsixistwelve，andsixeighteen——so——wemusttakethemostofit。I'llgobuysomethingtoeatanddrink。'
　　Withgreateralacritythanmighthavebeenexpectedinoneofherappearance——forageandmiseryseemedtohavemadeherasdecrepitasugly——shebegantooccupyhertremblinghandsintyinganoldbonnetonherhead，andfoldingatornshawlaboutherself：stilleyeingthemoneyinherdaughter'shand，withthesamesharpdesire。
　　`Whatjoyistocometousofthismarriage，mother？'askedthedaughter。`Youhavenottoldmethat。'
　　`Thejoy，'shereplied，attiringherself，withfumblingfingers，`ofnoloveatall，andmuchprideandhate，mydeary。Thejoyofconfusionandstrifeamong'em，proudastheyare，andofdaughter-danger，Alice！'
　　`Whatdanger？'
　　`IhaveseenwhatIhaveseen。IknowwhatIknow！'
　　chuckledthemother。`Letsomelooktoit。Letsomebeupontheirguard。
　　Mygalmaykeepgoodcompanyyet！'
　　Then，seeingthatinthewonderingearnestnesswithwhichherdaughterregardedher，herhandinvoluntarilycloseduponthemoney，theoldwomanmademorespeedtosecureit，andhurriedlyadded，`butI'llgobuysomething；I'llgobuysomething。'
　　Asshestoodwithherhandstretchedoutbeforeherdaughter，herdaughter，glancingagainatthemoney，putittoherlipsbeforepartingwithit。
　　`What，Ally！Doyoukissit？'chuckledtheoldwoman。`That'slikeme——I
　　oftendo，Oh，it'ssogoodtous！'squeezingherowntarnishedhalfpenceuptoherbagofathroat，`sogoodtousineverythingbutnotcominginheaps！'
　　`Ikissit，mother，'saidthedaughter，`orIdidthen——Idon'tknowthatIeverdidbefore——forthegiver'ssake。'
　　`Thegiver，eh，deary？'retortedtheoldwoman，whosedimmedeyesglistenedasshetookit。`Aye！I'llkissitforthegiver'ssake，too，whenthegivercanmakeitgofarther。ButI'llgospendit，deary。I'llbebackdirectly。'
　　`Youseemtosayyouknowagreatdeal，mother，'saidthedaughter，followinghertothedoorwithhereyes。`Youhavegrownverywisesinceweparted。'
　　`Know！'croakedtheoldwoman，comingbackasteportwo，`Iknowmorethanyouthink。Iknowmorethanhethinks，deary，asI'lltellyoubyandbye。Iknowallabouthim。'
　　Thedaughtersmiledincredulously。
　　`Iknowofhisbrother，Alice，'saidtheoldwoman，stretchingoutherneckwithaleerofmaliceabsolutelyfrightful，`whomighthavebeenwhereyouhavebeen——forstealingmoney——andwholiveswithhissister，overyonder，bythenorthroadoutofLondon。'
　　`Where？'
　　`BythenorthroadoutofLondon，deary。Youshallseethehouseifyoulike。Itan'tmuchtoboastof，genteelashisownis。No，no，no，'
　　criedtheoldwoman，shakingherheadandlaughing；forherdaughterhadstartedup，`notnow；it'stoofaroff；it'sbythemilestone，wherethestonesareheaped；——to-morrow，deary，ifit'sfine，andyouareinthehumour。ButI'llgospend——'
　　`Stop！'andthedaughterflungherselfuponher，withherformerpassionraginglikeafire。`Thesisterisafair-facedDevil，withbrownhair？'
　　Theoldwoman，amazedandterrified，noddedherhead。
　　`Iseetheshadowofhiminherface！It'saredhousestandingbyitself。Beforethedoorthereisasmallgreenporch。'
　　Againtheoldwomannodded。
　　`InwhichIsatto-day！Givemebackthemoney。'
　　`Alice！Deary！'
　　`Givemebackthemoney，oryou'llbehurt。'
　　Sheforceditfromtheoldwoman'shandasshespoke，andutterlyindifferenttohercomplainingsandentreaties，threwonthegarmentsshehadtakenof，andhurriedout，withheadlongspeed。
　　Themotherfollowed，limpingafterherasshecould，andexpostulatingwithnomoreeffectuponherthanuponthewindandrainanddarknessthatencompassedthem。Obdurateandfierceinherownpurpose，andindifferenttoallbesides，thedaughterdefiedtheweatherandthedistance，asifshehadknownnotravelorfatigue，andmadeforthehousewhereshehadbeenrelieved。Aftersomequarterofanhour'swalking，theoldwoman，spentandoutofbreath，venturedtoholdbyherskirts；butsheventurednomore，andtheytravelledoninsilencethroughthewetandgloom。Ifthemothernowandthenutteredawordofcomplaint，shestifleditlestherdaughtershouldbreakawayfromherandleaveherbehind；andthedaughterwasdumb。
　　Itwaswithinanhourorsoofmidnight，whentheylefttheregularstreetsbehindthem，andenteredonthedeepergloomofthatneutralgroundwherethehousewassituated。Thetownlayinthedistance，luridandlowering；
　　thebleakwindhowledovertheopenspace；allaroundwasblack，wild，desolate。
　　`Thisisafitplaceforme！'saidthedaughter，stoppingtolookback。`Ithoughtso，whenIwasherebefore，to-day。'
　　`Alice，mydeary，'criedthemother，pullinghergentlybytheskirt。`Alice！'
　　`Whatnow，mother？'
　　`Don'tgivethemoneyback，mydarling；pleasedon't。Wecan'taffordit。Wewantsupper，deary。Moneyismoney，whoevergivesit。Saywhatyouwill，butkeepthemoney。'
　　`Seethere！'wasallthedaughter'sanswer。`ThatisthehouseImean。Isthatit？'
　　Theoldwomannoddedintheaffirmative；andafewmorepacesbroughtthemtothethreshold。TherewasthelightoffireandcandleintheroomwhereAlicehadsattodryherclothes；andonherknockingatthedoor，JohnCarkerappearedfromthatroom。
　　Hewassurprisedtoseesuchvisitorsatsuchanhour，andaskedAlicewhatshewanted。
　　`Iwantyoursister，'shesaid。`Thewomanwhogavememoneyto-day。'
　　Atthesoundofherraisedvoice，Harrietcameout。
　　`Oh！'saidAlice。`Youarehere！Doyourememberme？'
　　`Yes，'sheanswered，wondering。
　　Thefacethathadhumbleditselfbeforeher，lookedonhernowwithsuchinvinciblehatredanddefiance；andthehandthathadgentlytouchedherarm，wasclenchedwithsuchashowofevilpurpose，asifitwouldgladlystrangleher；thatshedrewclosetoherbrotherforprotection。
　　`ThatIcouldspeakwithyou，andnotknowyou！ThatIcouldcomenearyou，andnotfeelwhatbloodwasrunninginyourveins，bythetinglingofmyown！'saidAlice，withamenacinggesture。
　　`Whatdoyoumean？WhathaveIdone？'
　　`Done！'returnedtheother。`Youhavesatmebyyourfire；youhavegivenmefoodandmoney；youhavebestowedyourcompassiononme！
　　You！whosenameIspitupon！'
　　Theoldwoman，withamalevolencethatmadeheruglinessquiteawful，shookherwitheredhandatthebrotherandsisterinconfirmationofherdaughter，butpluckedherbytheskirtsagain，nevertheless，imploringhertokeepthemoney。
　　`IfIdroppedatearuponyourhand，mayitwitheritup！IfIspokeagentlewordinyourhearing，mayitdeafenyou！IfItouchedyouwithmylips，maythetouchbepoisontoyou！Acurseuponthisroofthatgavemeshelter！Sorrowandshameuponyourhead！Ruinuponallbelongingtoyou！'
　　Asshesaidthewords，shethrewthemoneydownupontheground，andspurneditwithherfoot。
　　`Itreaditinthedust：Iwouldn'ttakeitifitpavedmywaytoHeaven！Iwouldthebleedingfootthatbroughtmehereto-day，hadrottedoff，beforeitledmetoyourhouse！'
　　Harriet，paleandtrembling，restrainedherbrother，andsufferedhertogoonuninterrupted。
　　`ItwaswellthatIshouldbepitiedandforgivenbyyou，oranyoneofyourname，inthefirsthourofmyreturn！Itwaswellthatyoushouldactthekindgoodladytome！I'llthankyouwhenIdie；I'llprayforyou，andallyourrace，youmaybesure！'
　　Withafierceactionofherhand，asifshesprinkledhatredontheground，andwithitdevotedthosewhowerestandingtheretodestruction，shelookeduponceattheblacksky，andstrodeoutintothewildnight。
　　Themother，whohadpluckedatherskirtsagainandagaininvain，andhadeyedthemoneylyingonthethresholdwithanabsorbinggreedthatseemedtoconcentrateherfacultiesuponit，wouldhaveprowledabout，untilthehousewasdark，andthengropedinthemireonthechanceofrepossessingherselfofit。Butthedaughterdrewheraway，andtheysetforth，straight，ontheirreturntotheirdwelling；theoldwomanwhimperingandbemoaningtheirlossupontheroad，arefretfullybewailing，asopenlyasshedared，theundutifulconductofherhandsomegirlindeprivingherofasupper，ontheveryfirstnightoftheirreunion。
　　Supperlesstobedshewent，savingforafewcoarsefragments；
　　andthoseshesatmumblingandmunchingoverascrapoffire，longafterherundutifuldaughterlayasleep。
　　Werethismiserablemother，andthismiserabledaughter，onlythereductiontotheirlowestgrade，ofcertainsocialvicessometimesprevailinghigherup？Inthisroundworldofmanycircleswithincircles，dowemakeawearyjourneyfromthehighgradetothelow，tofindatlastthattheylieclosetogether，thatthetwoextremestouch，andthatourjourney'sendisbutourstarting-place？Allowingforgreatdifferenceofstuffandtexture，wasthepatternofthiswoofrepeatedamonggentlebloodatall？
　　Say，EdithDombey！AndCleopatra，bestofmothers，letushaveyourtestimony！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter35[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVTheHappyPairTHEdarkblotonthestreetisgone。Mr。Dombey'smansion，ifitbeagapamongtheotherhousesanylonger，isonlysobecauseitisnottobeviedwithinitsbrightness，andhaughtilycaststhemoff。Thesayingis，thathomeishome，beitneversohomely。Ifitholdgoodintheoppositecontingency，andhomeishomebeitneversostately，whatanaltartotheHouseholdGodsisraiseduphere！
　　Lightsaresparklinginthewindowsthisevening，andtheruddyglowoffiresiswarmandbrightuponthehangingsandsoftcarpets，andthedinnerwaitstobeserved，andthedinnertableishandsomelysetforth，thoughonlyforfourpersons，andthesideboardiscumbrouswithplate。
　　Itisthefirsttimethatthehousehasbeenarrangedforoccupationsinceitslatechanges，andthehappypairarelookedforeveryminute。
　　Onlysecondtotheweddingmorning，intheinterestandexpectationitengendersamongthehousehold，isthiseveningofthecominghome。Mrs。
　　Perchisinthekitchentakingtea；andhasmadethetouroftheestablishment，andpricedthesilksanddamasksbytheyard，andexhaustedeveryinterjectioninthedictionaryandoutofitexpressiveofadmirationandwonder。Theupholsterer'sforeman，whohaslefthishat，withapocket-handkerchiefinit，bothsmellingstronglyofvarnish，underachairinthehall，lurksaboutthehouse，gazingupwardsatthecornices，anddownwardatthecarpets，andoccasionally，inasilenttransportofenjoyment，takingaruleoutofhispocket，andskirmishinglymeasuringexpensiveobjects，withunutterablefeelings。Cookisinhighspirits，andsaysgiveheraplacewherethere'splentyofcompanyasshe'llbetyousixpencetherewillbenow，forsheisofalivelydisposition，andshealwayswasfromachild，andshedon'tmindwhoknowsit；whichsentimentelicitsfromthebreastofMrs。Percharesponsivemurmurofsupportandapprobation。Allthehousemaidhopesis，happinessfor'em——butmarriageisalottery，andthemoreshethinksaboutit，themoreshefeelstheindependenceandthesafetyofasinglelife。Mr。Towlinsonissaturnineandgrim，andsaysthat'shisopiniontoo，andgivehimWarbesides，anddownwiththeFrench——forthisyoungmanhasageneralimpressionthateveryforeignerisaFrenchmanandmustbebythelawsofnature。
　　Ateachnewsoundofwheels，theyallstop，whatevertheyaresaying，andlisten；andmorethanoncethereisageneralstartingupandacryof`Heretheyare！'Butheretheyarenotyet；andCookbeginstomournoverthedinner，whichhasbeenputbacktwice，andtheupholsterer'sforemanstillgoeslurkingabouttherooms，undisturbedinhisblissfulreverie！
　　Florenceisreadytoreceiveherfatherandhernewmama。Whethertheemotionsthatarethrobbinginherbreastoriginateinpleasureorinpain，shehardlyknows。Buttheflutteringheartsendsaddedcolourtohercheeks，andbrightnesstohereyes；andtheysaydownstairs，drawingtheirheadstogether——fortheyalwaysspeaksoftlywhentheyspeakofher——howbeautifulMissFlorencelooksto-night，andwhatasweetyoungladyshehasgrown，poordear！Apausesucceeds；andthenCook，feeling，aspresident，thathersentimentsarewaitedfor，wonderswhether——andtherestops。Thehousemaidwonderstoo，andsodoesMrs。Perch，whohasthehappysocialfacultyofalwayswonderingwhenotherpeoplewonder，withoutbeingatallparticularwhatshewondersat。Mr。Towlinson，whonowdescriesanopportunityofbringingdownthespiritsoftheladiestohisownlevel，sayswaitandsee；hewishessomepeoplewerewelloutofthis。Cookleadsasighthen，andamurmurof`Ah，it'sastrangeworld，itisindeed！'
　　andwhenithasgoneroundthetable，addspersuasively，`butMissFlorencecan'twellbetheworseforanychange，Tom。'Mr。Towlinson'srejoinder，pregnantwithfrightfulmeaning，is`Oh，can'tshethough！'andsensiblethatameremancanscarcelybemoreprophetic，orimproveuponthat，heholdshispeace。
　　Mrs。Skewton，preparedtogreetherdarlingdaughteranddearson-in-lawwithopenarms，isappropriatelyattiredforthatpurposeinaveryyouthfulcostume，withshortsleeves。Atpresent，however，herripecharmsarebloomingintheshadeofherownapartments，whenceshehasnotemergedsinceshetookpossessionofthemafewhoursago，andwheresheisfastgrowingfretful，onaccountofthepostponementofdinner。
　　Themaidwhooughttobeaskeleton，butisintruthabuxomdamsel，is，ontheotherhand，inamostamiablestate：consideringherquarterlystipendmuchsaferthanheretofore，andforeseeingagreatimprovementinherboardandlodging。
　　Wherearethehappypair，forwhomthisbravehomeiswaiting？
　　Dosteam，tide，wind，andhorses，allabatetheirspeed，tolingeronsuchhappiness？Doestheswarmoflovesandgraceshoveringaboutthemretardtheirprogressbyitsnumbers？Aretheresomanyflowersintheirhappypath，thattheycanscarcelymovealong，withoutentanglementinthornlessroses，andsweetestbriar？
　　Theyarehereatlast！Thenoiseofwheelsisheard，growslouder，andacarriagedrivesuptothedoor！AthunderingknockfromtheobnoxiousforeigneranticipatestherushofMr。Towlinsonandpartytoopenit；andMr。Dombeyandhisbridealight，andwalkinarminarm。
　　`MysweetestEdith！'criesanagitatedvoiceuponthestairs。
　　`MydearestDombey！'andtheshortsleeveswreaththemselvesaboutthehappycoupleinturn，andembracethem。
　　Florencehadcomedowntothehalltoo，butdidnotadvance：reservinghertimidwelcomeuntiltheseneareranddearertransportsshouldsubside。
　　ButtheeyesofEdithsoughtherout，uponthethreshold；anddismissinghersensitiveparentwithaslightkissonthecheek，shehurriedontoFlorenceandembracedher。
　　`Howdoyoudo，Florence？'saidMr。Dombey，puttingouthishand。
　　AsFlorence，trembling，raisedittoherlips，shemethisglance。
　　Thelookwascoldanddistantenough，butitstirredherhearttothinkthatsheobservedinitsomethingmoreofinterestthanhehadevershownbefore。Itevenexpressedakindoffaintsurprise，andnotadisagreeablesurprise，atsightofher。Shedarednotraisehereyestohisanymore；
　　butshefeltthathelookedatheronceagain，andhotlessfavourably。
　　Ohwhatathrillofjoyshotthroughher，awakenedbyeventhisintangibleandbaselessconfirmationofherhopethatshewouldlearntowinhim，throughhernewandbeautifulmama！
　　`Youwillnotbelongdressing，Mrs。Dombey，Ipresume？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Ishallbereadyimmediately。'
　　`Letthemsendupdinnerinaquarterofanhour。'
　　WiththatMr。Dombeystalkedawaytohisowndressingroom，andMrs。Dombeywentupstairstohers。Mrs。SkewtonandFlorencerepairedtothedrawing-room，wherethatexcellentmotherconsidereditincumbentonhertoshedafewirrepressibletears，supposedtobeforcedfromherbyherdaughter'sfelicity；andwhichshewasstilldrying，verygingerly，withalacedcornerofherpocket-handkerchief，whenherson-in-lawappeared。
　　`Andhow，mydearestDombey，didyoufindthatdelightfullestofcities，Paris？'sheasked，subduingheremotion。
　　`Itwascold，'returnedMr。Dombey。
　　`Gayasever，'saidMrs。Skewton，`ofcourse。'
　　`Notparticularly。Ithoughtitdull，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Fie，mydearestDombey！'archly；`dull！'
　　`Itmadethatimpressionuponme，madam，'saidMr。Dombey，withgravepoliteness。`IbelieveMrs。Dombeyfounditdulltoo。Shementionedonceortwicethatshethoughtitso。'
　　`Why，younaughtygirl！'criedMrs。Skewton，rallyingherdearchild，whonowentered，`whatdreadfullyhereticalthingshaveyoubeensayingaboutParis？'
　　Edithraisedhereyebrowswithanairofweariness；andpassingthefolding-doorswhichwerethrownopentodisplaythesuiteofroomsintheirnewandhandsomegarniture，andbarelyglancingatthemasshepassed，satdownbyFlorence。
　　`MydearDombey，'saidMrs。Skewton，`howcharminglythesepeoplehavecarriedouteveryideathatwehinted。Theyhavemadeaperfectpalaceofthehouse，positively。'
　　`Itishandsome，'saidMr。Dombey，lookinground。`Idirectedthatnoexpenseshouldbespared；andallthatmoneycoulddo，hasbeendone，Ibelieve。'
　　`Andwhatcanitnotdo，dearDombey？'observedCleopatra。
　　`Itispowerful，madam，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　Helookedinhissolemnwaytowardshiswife，butnotawordsaidshe。
　　`Ihope，Mrs。Dombey，'addressingherafteramoment'ssilence，withespecialdistinctness；`thatthesealterationsmeetwithyourapproval？'
　　`Theyareashandsomeastheycanbe，'shereturned，withhaughtycarelessness。`Theyshouldbeso，ofcourse。AndIsupposetheyare。'
　　Anexpressionofscornwashabitualtotheproudface，andseemedinseparablefromit；butthecontemptwithwhichitreceivedanyappealtoadmiration，respect，orconsiderationonthegroundofhisriches，nomatterhowslightorordinaryinitself，wasanewanddifferentexpression，unequalledinintensitybyanyotherofwhichitwascapable。WhetherMr。
　　Dombey，wrappedinhisowngreatness，wasatallawareofthis，orno，therehadnotbeenwantingopportunitiesalreadyforhiscompleteenlightenment；
　　andatthatmomentitmighthavebeeneffectedbytheoneglanceofthedarkeyethatlightedonhim，afterithadrapidlyandscornfullysurveyedthethemeofhisself-glorification。Hemighthavereadinthatoneglancethatnothingthathiswealthcoulddo，thoughitwereincreasedtenthousandfold，couldwinhimforitsownsake，onelookofsoftenedrecognitionfromthedefiantwoman，linkedtohim，butarrayedwithherwholesoulagainsthim。Hemighthavereadinthatoneglancethatevenforitssordidandmercenaryinfluenceuponherself，shespurnedit，whilesheclaimeditsutmostpowerasherright，herbargain——asthebaseandworthlessrecompenseforwhichshehadbecomehiswife。Hemighthavereadinitthat，everbaringherownheadforthelightningofherowncontemptandpridetostrike，themostinnocentallusiontothepowerofhisrichesdegradedheranew，sunkherdeeperinherownrespect，andmadetheblightandwastewithinhermorecomplete。
　　Butdinnerwasannounced，andMr。DombeyleddownCleopatra；Edithandhisdaughterfollowing。Sweepingpastthegoldandsilverdemonstrationonthesideboardasifitwereheaped-updirt，anddeigningtobestownolookupontheeleganciesaroundher，shetookherplaceathisboardforthefirsttime，andsat，likeastatue，atthefeast。
　　Mr。Dombey，beingagooddealinthestatuewayhimself，waswellenoughpleasedtoseehishandsomewifeimmovableandproudandcold。Herdeportmentbeingalwayselegantandgraceful，thisasageneralbehaviorwasagreeableandcongenialtohim。Presiding，therefore，withhisaccustomeddignity，andnotatallreflectingonhiswifebyanywarmthorhilarityofhisown，heperformedhisshareofthehonoursofthetablewithacoolsatisfaction；andtheinstallationdinner，thoughnotregardeddownstairsasagreatsuccess，orverypromisingbeginning，passedoff，above，inasufficientlypolite，genteel，andfrostymanner。
　　Soonaftertea，Mrs。Skewton，whoaffectedtobequiteovercomeandwornoutbyheremotionsofhappiness，arisinginthecontemplationofherdearchildunitedtothemanofherheart，butwho，thereisreasontosuppose，foundthisfamilypartysomewhatdull，assheyawnedforonehourcontinuallybehindherfan，retiredtobed。Edith，also，silentlywithdrewandcamebacknomore。Thus，ithappenedthatFlorence，whohadbeenupstairstohavesomeconversationwithDiogenes，returningtothedrawing-roomwithherlittlework-basket，foundnoonetherebutherfather，whowaswalkingtoandfro，indrearymagnificence。
　　`Ibegyourpardon。ShallIgoaway，papa？'saidFlorencefaintly，hesitatingatthedoor。
　　`No，'returnedMr。Dombey，lookingroundoverhisshoulder；`youcancomeandgohere，Florence，asyouplease。Thisisnotmyprivateroom。'
　　Florenceentered，andsatdownatadistantlittletablewithherwork：findingherselfforthefirsttimeinherlife——fortheveryfirsttimewithinhermemoryfromherinfancytothathour——alonewithherfather，ashiscompanion。She，hisnaturalcompanion，hisonlychild，whoinherlonelylifeandgriefhadknownthesufferingofabreakingheart；who，inherrejectedlove，hadneverbreathedhisnametoGodatnight，butwithatearfulblessing，heavieronhimthanacurse；whohadprayedtodieyoung，soshemightonlydieinhisarms；whohad，allthrough，repaidtheagonyofslightandcoldness，anddislike，withpatientunexactinglove，excusinghim，andpleadingforhim，likehisbetterangel！
　　Shetrembled，andhereyesweredim。Hisfigureseemedtogrowinheightandbulkbeforeherashepacedtheroom：nowitwasallblurredandindistinct；nowclearagain，andplain；andnowsheseemedtothinkthatthishadhappened，justthesame，amultitudeofyearsago。Sheyearnedtowardshim，andyetshrunkfromhisapproach。Unnaturalemotioninachild，innocentofwrong！Unnaturalthehandthathaddirectedthesharpplough，whichfurroweduphergentlenatureforthesowingofitsseeds！
　　Bentuponnotdistressingoroffendinghimbyherdistress，Florencecontrolledherself，andsatquietlyatherwork。Afterafewmoreturnsacrossandacrosstheroom，heleftoffpacingit；andwithdrawingintoashadowycorneratsomedistance，wheretherewasaneasychair，coveredhisheadwithahandkerchief，andcomposedhimselftosleep。
　　ItwasenoughforFlorencetosittherewatchinghim；turninghereyestowardshischairfromtimetotime；watchinghimwithherthoughts，whenherfacewasintentuponherwork；andsorrowfullygladtothinkthathecouldsleep，whileshewasthere，andthathewasnotmaderestlessbyherstrangeandlong-forbiddenpresence。
　　Whatwouldhavebeenherthoughtsifshehadknownthathewassteadilyregardingher；thattheveiluponhisface，byaccidentorbydesign，wassoadjustedthathissightwasfree，andthatitneverwanderedfromherfaceaninstant！Thatwhenshelookedtowardshim，intheobscuredarkcorner，herspeakingeyes，moreearnestandpatheticintheirvoicelessspeechthanalltheoratorsofalltheworld，andimpeachinghimmorenearlyintheirmuteaddress，methis，anddidnotknowit！Thatwhenshebentherheadagainoverherwork，hedrewhisbreathmoreeasily，butwiththesameattentionlookeduponherstill——uponherwhitebrowandherfallinghair，andbusyhands；andonceattracted，seemedtohavenopowertoturnhiseyesaway！
　　Andwhatwerehisthoughtsmeanwhile？Withwhatemotionsdidheprolongtheattentivegazecovertlydirectedonhisunknowndaughter？Wastherereproachtohiminthequietfigureandthemildeyes？Hadhebeguntofeelherdisregardedclaims，anddidtheytouchhimhomeatlast，andwakenhimtosomesenseofhiscruelinjustice？
　　Thereareyieldingmomentsinthelivesofthesternestandharshestmen，thoughsuchmenoftenkeeptheirsecretwell。Thesightofherinherbeauty，almostchangedintoawomanwithouthisknowledge，mayhavestruckoutsomesuchmomentseveninhislifeofpride。Somepassingthoughtthathehadhadahappyhomewithinhisreach——hadhadahouseholdspiritbendingathisfeet——hadoverlookeditinhisstiffneckedsullenarrogance，andwanderedawayandlosthimself，mayhaveengenderedthem。Somesimpleeloquencedistinctlyheard，thoughonlyutteredinhereyes，unconsciousthathereadthem，as`Bythedeath-bedsIhavetended，bythechildhoodIhavesuffered，byourmeetinginthisdrearyhouseatmidnight，bythecrywrungfrommeintheanguishofmyheart，oh，father，turntomeandseekarefugeinmylovebeforeitistoolate！'mayhavearrestedthem。
　　Meanerandlowerthoughts，asthathisdeadboywasnowsupersededbynewties，andhecouldforgivethehavingbeensupplantedinhisaffection，mayhaveoccasionedthem。Themereassociationofherasanornament，withalltheornamentandpompabouthim，mayhavebeensufficient。Butashelooked，hesoftenedtoher，moreandmore。Ashelooked，shebecameblendedwiththechildhehadloved，andhecouldhardlyseparatethetwo。Ashelooked，hesawherforaninstantbyaclearerandabrighterlight，notbendingoverthatchild'spillowashisrival——monstrousthought——butasthespiritofhishome，andintheactiontendinghimselfnoless，ashesatoncemorewithhisbowed-downheaduponhishandatthefootofthelittlebed。Hefeltinclinedtospeaktoher，andcallhertohim。Thewords`Florence，comehere！'wererisingtohislips——butslowlyandwithdifficulty，theyweresoverystrange——whentheywerecheckedandstifledbyafootsteponthestair。
　　Itwashiswife's。Shehadexchangedherdinnerdressforalooserobe，andunboundherhair，whichfellfreelyaboutherneck。Butthiswasnotthechangeinherthatstartledhim。
　　`Florence，dear，'shesaid，`Ihavebeenlookingforyoueverywhere。'
　　AsshesatdownbythesideofFlorence，shestoopedandkissedherhand。Hehardlyknewhiswife。Shewassochanged。Itwasnotmerelythathersmilewasnewtohim——thoughthathehadneverseen：buthermanner，thetoneofhervoice，thelightofhereyes，theinterest，andconfidence，andwinningwishtoplease，expressedinall——thiswasnotEdith。
　　`Softly，dearMama。Papaisasleep。'
　　ItwasEdithnow。Shelookedtowardsthecornerwherehewas，andheknewthatfaceandmannerverywell。
　　`Iscarcelythoughtyoucouldbehere，Florence。'
　　Again，howalteredandhowsoftened，inaninstant！
　　`Ilefthereearly，'pursuedEdith，`purposelytositupstairsandtalkwithyou。But，goingtoyourroom，Ifoundmybirdwasflown，andIhavebeenwaitingthereeversince，expectingitsreturn。'
　　Ifithadbeenabird，indeed，shecouldnothavetakenitmoretenderlyandgentlytoherbreast，thanshedidFlorence。
　　`Come，dear！'
　　`Papawillnotexpecttofindme，Isuppose，whenhewakes，'hesitatedFlorence。
　　`Doyouthinkhewill，Florence？'saidEdith，lookingfulluponher。
　　Florencedroopedherhead，androse，andputupherworkbasket。
　　Edithdrewherhandthroughherarm，andtheywentoutoftheroomlikesisters。Herverystepwasdifferentandnewtohim，Mr。Dombeythought，ashiseyesfollowedhertothedoor。
　　Hesatinhisshadowycornersolong，thatthechurchclocksstruckthehourthreetimesbeforehemovedthatnight。AllthatwhilehisfacewasstillintentuponthespotwhereFlorencehadbeenseated。Theroomgrewdarker，asthecandleswanedandwentout；butadarknessgatheredonhisface，exceedinganythatthenightcouldcast，andrestedthere。
　　FlorenceandEdith，seatedbeforethefireintheremoteroomwherelittlePaulhaddied，talkedtogetherforalongtime。Diogenes，whowasoftheparty，hadatfirstobjectedtotheadmissionofEdith，and，evenindeferencetohismistress'swish，hadonlypermitteditundergrowlingprotest。But，emergingbylittleandlittlefromtheante-room，whitherhehadretiredindudgeon，hesoonappearedtocomprehend，thatwiththemostamiableintensionshehadmadeoneofthosemistakeswhichwilloccasionallyariseinthebest-regulateddogs'minds；asafriendlyapologyforwhichhestuckhimselfuponendbetweenthetwo，inaveryhotplaceinfrontofthefire，andsatpantingatit，withhistongueout，andamostimbecileexpressionofcountenance，listeningtotheconversation。
　　Itturned，atfirst，onFlorence'sbooksandfavouritepursuits，andonthemannerinwhichshehadbeguiledtheintervalsincethemarriage。
　　Thelastthemeopeneduptoherasubjectwhichlayverynearherheart，andshesaid，withthetearsstartingtohereyes：
　　`Oh，Mama！Ihavehadagreatsorrowsincethatday。'
　　`Youagreatsorrow，Florence！'
　　`Yes。PoorWalterisdrowned。'
　　Florencespreadherhandsbeforeherface，andweptwithallherheart。ManyaswerethesecrettearswhichWalter'sfatehadcosther，theyflowedyet，whenshethoughtorspokeofhim。
　　`Buttellme，dear，'saidEdith，soothingher。`WhowasWalter？
　　Whatwashetoyou？'
　　`Hewasmybrother，Mama。AfterdearPauldied，wesaidwewouldbebrotherandsister。Ihadknownhimalongtime——fromalittlechild。
　　HeknewPaul，wholikedhimverymuch；Paulsaid，almostatthelast，`TakecareofWalter，dearpapa！Iwasfondofhim！'Walterhadbeenbroughtintoseehim，andwastherethen——inthisroom。'
　　`AnddidhetakecareofWalter？'inquiredEdith，sternly。
　　`Papa？Heappointedhimtogoabroad。Hewasdrownedinshipwreckonhisvoyage，'saidFlorence，sobbing。
　　`Doesheknowthatheisdead？'askedEdith。
　　`Icannottell，Mama。Ihavenomeansofknowing。DearMama！'
　　criedFlorence，clingingtoherasforhelp，andhidingherfaceuponherbosom，`Iknowthatyouhaveseen——'
　　`Stay！Stop，Florence。'Edithturnedsopale，andspokesoearnestly，thatFlorencedidnotneedherrestraininghanduponherlips。`TellmeallaboutWalterfirst；letmeunderstandthishistoryallthrough。'
　　Florencerelatedit，andeverythingbelongingtoit，evendowntothefriendshipofMr。Toots，ofwhomshecouldhardlyspeakinherdistresswithoutatearfulsmile，althoughshewasdeeplygratefultohim。Whenshehadconcludedheraccount，tothewholeofwhichEdith，holdingherhand，listenedwithcloseattention，andwhenasilencehadsucceeded，Edithsaid：
　　`WhatisitthatyouknowIhaveseen，Florence？'
　　`ThatIamnot，'saidFlorence，withthesamemuteappeal，andthesamequickconcealmentofherfaceasbefore，`thatIamnotafavouritechild，Mama。Ineverhavebeen。Ihaveneverknownhowtobe。Ihavemissedtheway，andhadnoonetoshowittome。Oh，letmelearnfromyouhowtobecomedearertoPapa。Teachme！you，whocansowell！'andclingingclosetoher，withsomebrokenferventwordsofgratitudeandendearment，Florence，relivedofhersadsecret，weptlong，butnotaspainfullyasofyore，withintheencirclingarmsofhernewmother。
　　Paleeventoherlips，andwithafacethatstroveforcomposureuntilitsproudbeautywasasfixedasdeath，Edithlookeddownupontheweepinggirl，andoncekissedher。Thengraduallydisengagingherself，andputtingFlorenceaway，shesaid，stately，andquietasamarbleimage，andinavoicethatdeepenedasshespoke，buthadnoothertokenofemotioninit：
　　`Florence，youdonotknowme！Heavenforbidthatyoushouldlearnfromme！'
　　`Notlearnfromyou？'repeatedFlorence，insurprise。
　　`ThatIshouldteachyouhowtolove，orbeloved，Heavenforbid！'
　　saidEdith。`Ifyoucouldteachme，thatwerebetter；butitistoolate。
　　Youaredeartome，Florence。Ididnotthinkthatanythingcouldeverbesodeartome，asyouareinthislittletime。'
　　ShesawthatFlorencewouldhavespokenhere，socheckedherwithherhand，andwenton。
　　`Iwillbeyourtruefriendalways。Iwillcherishyou，asmuch，ifnotaswellasanyoneinthisworldcould。Youmaytrustinme——IknowitandIsayit，dear，——withthewholeconfidenceevenofyourpureheart。
　　Therearehostsofwomenwhomhemighthavemarried，betterandtruerinallotherrespectsthanIam，Florence；butthereisnotonewhocouldcomehere，hiswife，whoseheartcouldbeatwithgreatertruthtoyouthanminedoes。'
　　`Iknowit，dearMama！'criedFlorence。`FromthatfirstmosthappydayIhaveknownit。'
　　`Mosthappyday！'Edithseemedtorepeatthewordsinvoluntarily，andwenton。`Thoughthemeritisnotmine，forIthoughtlittleofyouuntilIsawyou，lettheundeservedrewardbemineinyourtrustandlove。
　　Andinthis——inthis，Florence；onthefirstnightofmytakingupmyabodehere；IamledonasitisbestIshouldbe，tosayitforthefirstandlasttime。'
　　Florence，withoutknowingwhy，feltalmostafraidtohearherproceed，butkepthereyesrivetedonthebeautifulfacesofixeduponherown。
　　`Neverseektofindinme，'saidEdith，layingherhanduponherbreast，`whatisnothere。Neverifyoucanhelpit，Florence，fallofffrommebecauseitisnothere。Littlebylittleyouwillknowmebetter，andthetimewillcomewhenyouwillknowme，asIknowmyself。Then，beaslenienttomeasyoucan，anddonotturntobitternesstheonlysweetremembranceIshallhave。'
　　ThetearsthatwerevisibleinhereyesasshekeptthemfixedonFlorence，showedthatthecomposedfacewasbutasahandsomemask；
　　butshepreservedit，andcontinued：
　　`Ihaveseenwhatyousay，andknowhowtrueitis。Butbelieveme——youwillsoon，ifyoucannotnow——thereisnooneonthisearthlessqualifiedtosetitrightorhelpyou，Florence，thanI。Neveraskmewhy，orspeaktomeaboutitorofmyhusband，more。Thereshouldbe，sofar，asdivision，andasilencebetweenustwo，likethegraveitself。'
　　Shesatforsometimesilent；Florencescarcelyventuringtobreathemeanwhile，asdimandimperfectshadowsofthetruth，andallitsdailyconsequences，chasedeachotherthroughherterrified，yetincredulousimagination。Almostassoonasshehadceasedtospeak，Edith'sfacebegantosubsidefromitssetcomposuretothatquieterandmorerelentingaspect，whichitusuallyworewhensheandFlorencewerealonetogether。Sheshadedit，afterthischange，withherhands；andwhenshearose，andwithanaffectionateembracebadeFlorencegoodnight，wentquickly，andwithoutlookinground。
　　ButwhenFlorencewasinbed，andtheroomwasdarkexceptfortheglowofthefire，Edithreturned，andsayingthatshecouldnotsleep，andthatherdressing-roomwaslonely，drewachairuponthehearth，andwatchedtheembersastheydiedaway。Florencewatchedthemtoofromherbed，untilthey，andthenoblefigurebeforethem，crownedwithitsflowinghair，andinitsthoughtfuleyesreflectingbacktheirlight，becameconfusedandindistinct，andfinallywerelostinslumber。
　　Inhersleep，however，Florencecouldnotloseanundefinedimpressionofwhathadsorecentlypassed。Itformedthesubjectofherdreams，andhauntedher；nowinoneshape，nowinanother；butalwaysoppressively；
　　andwithasenseoffear。Shedreamedofseekingherfatherinwildernesses，offollowinghistrackupfearfulheights，anddownintodeepminesandcaverns；ofbeingchargedwithsomethingthatwouldreleasehimfromextraordinarysuffering——sheknewnotwhat，orwhy——yetneverbeingabletoattainthegoalandsethimfree。Thenshesawhimdead，uponthatverybed，andinthatveryroom，andknewthathehadneverlovedhertothelast，andfelluponhiscoldbreast，passionatelyweeping。Thenaprospectopened，andariverflowed，andaplaintivevoicesheknew，cried，`Itisrunningon，Floy！Ithasneverstopped！Youaremovingwithit！'Andshesawhimatadistancestretchingouthisarmstowardsher，whileafiguresuchasWalter'susedtobe，stoodnearhim，awfullysereneandstill。Ineveryvision，Edithcameandwent，sometimestoherjoy，sometimestohersorrow，untiltheywerealonguponthebrinkofadarkgrave，andEdithpointingdown，shelookedandsaw——what！——anotherEdithlyingatthebottom。
　　Intheterrorofthisdream，shecriedoutandawoke，shethought。
　　Asoftvoiceseemedtowhisperinherear，`Florence，dearFlorence，itisnothingbutadream！'andstretchingoutherarms，shereturnedthecaressofhernewmama，whothenwentoutatthedoorinthelightofthegreymorning。Inamoment，Florencesatupwonderingwhetherthishadreallytakenplaceornot；butshewasonlycertainthatitwasgreymorningindeed，andthattheblackenedashesofthefirewereonthehearth，andthatshewasalone。
　　Sopassedthenightonwhichthehappypaircamehome。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter36[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVIHousewarmingMANYsucceedingdayspassedinlikemanner；exceptthattherewerenumerousvisitsreceivedandpaid，andthatMrs。Skewtonheldlittleleveesinherownapartments，atwhichMajorBagstockwasafrequentattendant，andthatFlorenceencounterednosecondlookfromherfather，althoughshesawhimeveryday。Norhadshemuchcommunicationinwordswithhernewmama，whowasimperiousandproudtoallthehousebuther——Florencecouldnotbutobservethat——andwho，althoughshealwayssentforherorwenttoherwhenshecamehomefromvisiting，andwouldalwaysgointoherroomatnight，beforeretiringtorest，howeverlatethehour，andneverlostanopportunityofbeingwithher，wasoftenhersilentandthoughtfulcompanionforalongtimetogether。
　　Florence，whohadhopedforsomuchfromthismarriage，couldnothelpsometimescomparingthebrighthousewiththefadeddrearyplaceoutofwhichithadarisen，andwonderingwhen，inanyshape，itwouldbegintobeahome；forthatitwasnohomethen，foranyone，thougheverythingwentonluxuriouslyandregularly，shehadalwaysasecretmisgiving。Manyanhourofsorrowfulreflectionbydayandnight，andmanyatearofblightedhope，Florencebestowedupontheassurancehernewmamahadgivenhersostrongly，thattherewasnooneontheearthmorepowerlessthanherselftoteachherhowtowinherfather'sheart。AndsoonFlorencebegantothink——resolvedtothinkwouldbethetruerphrase——thatasnooneknewsowell，howhopelessofbeingsubduedorchangedherfather'scoldnesstoherwas，soshehadgivenherthiswarning，andforbiddenthesubjectinverycompassion。Unselfishhere，asinhereveryactandfancy，Florencepreferredtobearthepainofthisnewwound，ratherthanencourageanyfaintforeshadowingsofthetruthasitconcernedherfather；tenderofhim，eveninherwanderingthoughts。Asforhishome，shehopeditwouldbecomeabetterone，whenitsstateofnoveltyandtransitionshouldbeover；andforherself，thoughtlittleandlamentedless。
　　Ifnoneofthenewfamilywereparticularlyathomeinprivate，itwasresolvedthatMrs。Dombeyatleastshouldbeathomeinpublic，withoutdelay。Aseriesofentertainmentsincelebrationofthelatenuptials，andincultivationofsociety，werearranged，chieflybyMr。DombeyandMrs。Skewton；anditwassettledthatthefestiveproceedingsshouldcommencebyMrs。Dombey'sbeingathomeuponacertainevening，andbyMr。andMrs。
　　Dombey'srequestingthehonourofthecompanyofagreatmanyincongruouspeopletodinneronthesameday。
　　Accordingly，Mr。Dombeyproducedalistofsundryeasternmagnateswhoweretobebiddentothisfeastonhisbehalf；towhichMrs。Skewton，actingforherdearestchild，whowashaughtilycarelessonthesubject，subjoinedawesternlist，comprisingCousinFeenix，notyetreturnedtoBaden-Baden，greatlytothedetrimentofhispersonalestate；andavarietyofmothsofvariousdegreesandages，whohad，atvarioustimes，flutteredroundthelightofherfairdaughter，orherself，withoutanylastinginjurytotheirwings。Florencewasenrolledasamemberofthedinner-party，byEdith'scommand——elicitedbyamoment'sdoubtandhesitationonthepartofMrs。Skewton；andFlorence，withawonderingheart，andwithaquickinstinctivesenseofeverythingthatgratedonherfatherintheleast，tookhersilentshareintheproceedingsoftheday。
　　TheproceedingscommencedbyMr。Dombey，inacravatofextraordinaryheightandstiffness，walkingrestlesslyaboutthedrawing-roomuntilthehourappointedfordinner；punctualtowhich，anEastIndiaDirector，ofimmensewealth，inawaistcoatapparentlyconstructedinserviceabledealbysomeplaincarpenter，butreallyengenderedinthetailor'sart，andcomposedofthematerialcallednankeen，arrivedandwasreceivedbyMr。
　　Dombeyalone。ThenextstageoftheproceedingswasMr。Dombey'ssendinghiscomplimentstoMrs。Dombey，withacorrectstatementofthetime；andthenext，theEastIndiaDirector'sfallingprostrate，inaconversationalpointofview，andasMr。Dombeywasnotthemantopickhimup，staringatthefireuntilrescueappearedinthepersonofMrs。Skewton；whomthedirector，asapleasantstartinlifefortheevening，mistookforMrs。
　　Dombey，andgreetedwithenthusiasm。
　　ThenextarrivalwasaBankDirector，reputedtobeabletobuyupanything——humanNaturegenerally，ifheshouldtakeitinhisheadtoinfluencethemoneymarketinthatdirection——butwhowasawonderfullymodest-spokenman，almostboastfullyso，andmentionedhis`littleplace'
　　atKingston-uponThames，anditsjustbeingbarelyequaltogivingDombeyabedandachop，ifhewouldcomeandvisitit。Ladies，hesaid，itwasnotforamanwholivedinhisquietwaytotakeuponhimselftoinvite——butifMrs。Skewtonandherdaughter，Mrs。Dombey，shouldeverfindthemselvesinthatdirection，andwoulddohimthehonourtolookatalittlebitofashrubberytheywouldfindthere，andapoorlittleflower-bedorso，andahumbleapologyforapinery，andtwoorthreelittleattemptsofthatsortwithoutanypretension，theywoulddistinguishhimverymuch。
　　Carryingouthischaracter，thisgentlemanwasveryplainlydressed，inawispofcambricforaneckcloth，bigshoes，acoatthatwastoolooseforhim，andapairoftrousersthatweretoospare；andmentionbeingmadeoftheOperabyMrs。Skewton，hesaidheveryseldomwentthere，forhecouldn'taffordit。Itseemedgreatlytodelightandexhilaratehimtosayso：andhebeamedonhisaudienceafterwards，withhishandsinhispockets，andexcessivesatisfactiontwinklinginhiseyes。
　　NowMrs。Dombeyappeared，beautifulandproud，andasdisdainfulanddefianttothemallasifthebridalwreathuponherheadhadbeenagarlandofsteelspikesputontoforceconcessionfromherwhichshewoulddiesoonerthanyield。WithherwasFlorence。Whentheyenteredtogether，theshadowofthenightofthereturnagaindarkenedMr。Dombey'sface。
　　Butunobserved：forFlorencedidnotventuretoraisehereyestohis，andEdith'sindifferencewastoosupremetotaketheleastheedofhim。
　　Thearrivalsquicklybecamenumerous。Moredirectors，chairmenofpubliccompanies，elderlyladiescarryingburdensontheirheadsforfulldress，CousinFeenix，MajorBagstock，friendsofMrs。Skewton，withthesamebrightbloomontheircomplexion，andverypreciousnecklacesonverywitherednecks。Amongthese，ayoungladyofsixty-five，remarkablycoollydressedastoherbackandshoulders，whospokewithanengaginglisp，andwhoseeyelidswouldn'tkeepupwell，withoutagreatdealoftroubleonherpart，andwhosemannershadthatindefinablecharmwhichsofrequentlyattachestothegiddinessofyouth。AsthegreaterpartofMr。Dombey'slistweredisposedtobetaciturn，andthegreaterpartofMrs。Dombey'slistweredisposedtobetalkative，andtherewasnosympathybetweenthem，Mrs。Dombey'slist，bymagneticagreement，enteredintoabondofunionagainstMr。Dombey'slist，who，wanderingabouttheroomsinadesolatemanner，orseekingrefugeincorners，entangledthemselveswithcompanycomingin，andbecamebarricadedbehindsofas，andhaddoorsopenedsmartlyfromwithoutagainsttheirheads，andunderwenteverysortofdiscomfiture。