Shewouldlookatthebeautifulface，initsmarblestillnessandseverity，nowwithakindoffearfuladmiration；nowinagigglingfoolishefforttomoveittoasmile；nowwithcapricioustearsandjealousshakingsofherhead，asimaginingherselfneglectedbyit；alwayswithanattractiontowardsit，thatneverfluctuatedlikeherotherideas，buthadconstantpossessionofher。FromEdithshewouldsometimeslookatFlorence，andbackagainatEdith，inamannerthatwaswildenough；andsometimesshewouldtrytolookelsewhere，asiftoescapefromherdaughter'sface；
　　butbacktoitsheseemedforcedtocome，althoughitneversoughthersunlesssought，ortroubledherwithonesingleglance。
　　Thebreakfastconcluded，Mrs。Skewton，affectingtoleangirlishlyupontheMajor'sarm，butheavilysupportedontheothersidebyFlowersthemaid，andproppedupbehindbyWithersthepage，wasconductedtothecarriage，whichwastotakeher，Florence，andEdithtoBrighton。
　　`AndisJosephabsolutelybanished？'saidtheMajor，thrustinginhispurplefaceoverthesteps。`Damme，Ma'am，isCleopatrasohard-heartedastoforbidherfaithfulAntonyBagstocktoapproachthepresence？'
　　`Goalong！'saidCleopatra，`Ican'tbearyou。YoushallseemewhenIcomeback，ifyouareverygood。'
　　`TellJoseph，hemayliveinhope，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor；`orhe'lldieindespair。'
　　Cleopatrashuddered，andleanedback。`Edith，mydear，'shesaid。`Tellhim——'
　　`What？'
　　`Suchdreadfulwords，'saidCleopatra。`Heusessuchdreadfulwords！'
　　Edithsignedtohimtoretire，gavethewordtogoon，andlefttheobjectionableMajortoMr。Dombey。Towhomhereturned，whistling。
　　`I'lltellyouwhat，Sir，'saidtheMajor，withhishandsbehindhim，andhislegsverywideasunder，`afairfriendofourshasremovedtoQueerStreet。'
　　`Whatdoyoumean，Major？'inquiredMr。Dombey。
　　`Imeantosay，Dombey，'returnedtheMajor，`thatyou'llsoonbeanorphan-in-law。'
　　Mr。Dombeyappearedtorelishthiswaggishdescriptionofhimselfsoverylittle，thattheMajorwoundupwiththehorse'scough，asanexpressionofgravity。
　　`Damme，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`thereisnouseindisguisingafact。Joeisblunt，Sir。That'shisnature。IfyoutakeoldJoshatall，youtakehimasyoufindhim；andade-vilishrusty，oldrasper，ofaclose-toothed，J。B。file，youdofindhim。Dombey，'saidtheMajor，`yourwife'smotherisonthemove，Sir。'
　　`Ifear，'returnedMr。Dombey，withmuchphilosophy，`thatMrs。Skewtonisshaken。'
　　`Shaken，Dombey！'saidtheMajor。`Smashed！'
　　`Change，however，'pursuedMr。Dombey，`andattentionmaydomuchyet。'
　　`Don'tbelieveit，Sir，'returnedtheMajor。`Damme，Sir，sheneverwrappedupenough。Ifamandon'twrapup，'saidtheMajor，takinginanotherbuttonofhisbuffwaistcoat，`hehasnothingtofallbackupon。
　　Butsomepeoplewilldie。Theywilldoit。Damme，theywill。
　　They'reobstinate。Itellyouwhat，Dombey，itmaynotbeornamental；itmaynotberefined；itmayberoughandtough；butalittleofthegenuineoldEnglishBagstockstamina，Sir，woulddoallthegoodintheworldtothehumanbreed。'
　　Afterimpartingthispreciouspieceofinformation，theMajor，whowascertainlytrue-blue，whateverotherendowmentshemayhavepossessedorwanted，comingwithinthe`genuineoldEnglish'classification，whichhasneverbeenexactlyascertained，tookhislobster-eyesandhisapoplexytotheclub，andchokedthereallday。
　　Cleopatra，atonetimefretful，atanotherself-complacent，sometimesawake，sometimesasleep，andatalltimesjuvenile，reachedBrightonthesamenight，felltopiecesasusual，andwasputawayinbed；whereagloomyfancymighthavepicturedamorepotentskeletonthanthemaid，whoshouldhavebeenone，watchingattherose-colouredcurtains，whichwerecarrieddowntoshedtheirbloomuponher。
　　Itwassettledinhighcouncilofmedicalauthoritythatsheshouldtakeacarriageairingeveryday，andthatitwasimportantsheshouldgetouteveryday，andwalkifshecould。Edithwasreadytoattendher——alwaysreadytoattendher，withthesamemechanicalattentionandimmoveablebeauty——andtheydroveoutalone；forEdithhadanuneasinessinthepresenceofFlorence，nowthathermotherwasworse，andtoldFlorence，withakiss，thatshewouldrathertheytwowentalone。
　　Mrs。Skewton，ononeparticularday，wasintheirresolute，exacting，jealoustemperthathaddevelopeditselfonherrecoveryfromherfirstattack。AftersittingsilentinthecarriagewatchingEdithforsometime，shetookherhandandkisseditpassionately。Thehandwasneithergivennorwithdrawn，butsimplyyieldedtoherraisingofit，andbeingreleased，droppeddownagain，almostasifitwereinsensible。Atthisshebegantowhimperandmoan，andsaywhatamothershehadbeen，andhowshewasforgotten！Thisshecontinuedtodoatcapriciousintervals，evenwhentheyhadalighted：whensheherselfwashaltingalongwiththejointsupportofWithersandastick，andEdithwaswalkingbyherside，andthecarriageslowlyfollowingatalittledistance。
　　Itwasableak，lowering，windyday，andtheywereoutupontheDownswithnothingbutabaresweepoflandbetweenthemandthesky。Themother，withaqueruloussatisfactioninthemonotonyofhercomplaint，wasstillrepeatingitinalowvoicefromtimetotime，andtheproudformofherdaughtermovedbesideherslowly，whentherecameadvancingoveradarkridgebeforethem，twootherfigures，whichinthedistance，weresolikeanexaggeratedimitationoftheirown，thatEdithstopped。
　　Almostasshestopped，thetwofiguresstopped；andthatonewhichtoEdith'sthinkingwaslikeadistortedshadowofhermother，spoketotheother，earnestly，andwithapointinghandtowardsthem。Thatoneseemedinclinedtoturnback，buttheother，inwhichEdithrecognisedenoughthatwaslikeherselftostrikeherwithanunusualfeeling，notquitefreefromfear，cameon；andthentheycameontogether。
　　Thegreaterpartofthisobservation，shemadewhilewalkingtowardsthem，forherstoppagehadbeenmomentary。Nearerobservationsowedherthattheywerepoorlydressed，aswanderersaboutthecountry；thattheyoungerwomancarriedknittedworkorsomesuchgoodsforsale；andthattheoldonetoiledonempty-handed。
　　Andyet，howeverfarremovedshewasindress，indignity，inbeauty，Edithcouldnotbutcomparetheyoungerwomanwithherself，still。
　　Itmayhavebeenthatshesawuponherfacesometraceswhichsheknewwerelingeringinherownsoul，ifnotyetwrittenonthatindex；but，asthewomancameon，returninghergaze，fixinghershiningeyesuponher，undoubtedlypresentingsomethingofherownairandstature，andappearingtoreciprocateherownthoughts，shefeltachillcreepoverher，asifthedayweredarkening，andthewindwerecolder。
　　Theyhadnowcomeup。Theoldwomanholdingoutherhandimportunately，stoppedtobegofMrs。Skewton。Theyoungeronestoppedtoo，andsheandEdithlookedinoneanother'seyes。
　　`Whatisitthatyouhavetosell？'saidEdith。
　　`Onlythis，'returnedthewoman，holdingoutherwares，withoutlookingatthem。`Isoldmyselflongago。'
　　`Mylady，don'tbelieveher，'croakedtheoldwomantoMrs。Skewton；
　　`don'tbelievewhatshesays。Shelovestotalklikethat。She'smyhandsomeandundutifuldaughter。Shegivesmenothingbutreproaches，mylady，forallIhavedoneforher。Lookathernow，mylady，howsheturnsuponherpooroldmotherwithherlooks。'
　　AsMrs。Skewtondrewherpurseoutwithatremblinghand，andeagerlyfumbledforsomemoney，whichtheotheroldwomangreedilywatchedfor——theirheadsallbuttouching，intheirhurryanddecrepitude——Edithinterposed：
　　`Ihaveseenyou，'addressingtheoldwoman，`before。'
　　`Yes，mylady，'withacurtsey。`DowninWarwickshire。Themorningamongthetrees。Whenyouwouldn'tgivemenothing。Butthegentleman，hegivemesomething！Oh，blesshim，blesshim！'mumbledtheoldwoman，holdingupherskinnyhand，andgrinningfrightfullyatherdaughter。
　　`It'sofnouseattemptingtostayme，Edith！'saidMrs。Skewton，angrilyanticipatinganobjectionfromher。`Youknownothingaboutit。
　　Iwon'tbedissuaded。Iamsurethisisanexcellentwoman，andagoodmother。'
　　`Yes，mylady，yes，'chatteredtheoldwoman，holdingoutheravaricioushand。`Thankee，mylady。Lordblessyou，mylady。Sixpencemore，myprettylady，asagoodmotheryourself。'
　　`Andtreatedundutifullyenough，too，mygoodoldcreature，sometimes，Iassureyou，'saidMrs。Skewton，whimpering。`There！Shakehandswithme。You'reaverygoodoldcreature——fullofwhat's-his-name——andallthat。
　　You'reallaffectionandetcetera，an'tyou？'
　　`Oh，yes，mylady！'
　　`Yes，I'msureyouare；andso'sthatgentlemanlycreatureGrangeby。
　　Imustreallyshakehandswithyouagain。Andnowyoucango，youknow；
　　andIhope，'addressingthedaughter，`you'llshowmoregratitude，andnaturalwhat'sits-name，andalltherestofit——butIneverdid>remembernames——forthereneverwasabettermotherthanthegoodoldcreature'sbeentoyou。Come，Edith！'
　　AstheruinofCleopatratotteredoffwhimpering，andwipingitseyeswithagingerlyremembranceofrougeintheirneighbourhood，theoldwomanhobbledanotherway，mumblingandcountinghermoney。Notonewordmore，noroneothergesture，hadbeenexchangedbetweenEdithandtheyoungerwoman，butneitherhadremovedhereyesfromtheotherforamoment。Theyhadremainedconfronteduntilnow，whenEdith，asawakeningfromadream，passedslowlyon。
　　`You'reahandsomewoman，'mutteredhershadow，lookingafterher；`butgoodlookswon'tsaveus。Andyou'reaproudwoman；butpridewon'tsaveus。Wehadneedtoknoweachotherwhenwemeetagain！'
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter41[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLINewVoicesintheWavesALLisgoingonasitwaswont。Thewavesarehoarsewithrepetitionoftheirmystery；thedustliespiledupontheshore；thesea-birdssoarandhover；thewindsandcloudsgoforthupontheirtracklessflight；thewhitearmsbeckon，inthemoonlighttotheinvisiblecountryfaraway。
　　Withatendermelancholypleasure，Florencefindsherselfagainontheoldgroundsosadlytrodden，yetsohappily，andthinksofhiminthequietplace，whereheandshehavemanyandmanyatimeconversedtogether，withthewaterwellingupabouthiscouch。Andnow，asshesitspensivethere，shehearsinthewildlowmurmurofthesea，hislittlestorytoldagain，hisverywordsrepeated；andfindsthatallherlifeandhopes，andgriefs，since——inthesolitaryhouse，andinthepageantithaschangedto——haveaportionintheburdenofthemarvelloussong。
　　AndgentleMr。Toots，whowandersatadistance，lookingwistfullytowardsthefigurethathedotesupon，andhasfollowedthere，butcannotinhisdelicacydisturbatsuchatime，likewisehearstherequiemoflittleDombeyonthewaters，risingandfallinginthelullsoftheireternalmadrigalinpraiseofFlorence。Yes！andhefaintlyunderstands，poorMr。
　　Toots，thattheyaresayingsomethingofatimewhenhewassensibleofbeingbrighterandnotaddle-brained；andthetearsrisinginhiseyeswhenhefearsthatheisdullandstupidnow，andgoodforlittlebuttobelaughedat，diminishhissatisfactionintheirsoothingreminderthatheisrelievedfrompresentresponsibilitytotheChicken，bytheabsenceofthatgameheadofpoultryinthecountry，trainingatToots'scost
　　forhisgreatmillwiththeLarkeyBoy。
　　ButMr。Tootstakescourage，whentheywhisperakindthoughttohim；andbyslowdegreesandwithmanyindecisivestoppagesontheway，approachesFlorence。Stammeringandblushing，Mr。Tootsaffectsamazementwhenhecomesnearher，andsayshavingfollowedcloseonthecarriageinwhichshetravelled，everyinchofthewayfromLondon，lovingeventobechokedbythedustofitswheelsthatheneverwassosurprisedinallhislife。
　　`Andyou'vebroughtDiogenes，too，MissDombey！'saysMr。Toots，thrilledthroughandthroughbythetouchofthesmallhandsopleasantlyandfranklygivenhim。
　　NodoubtDiogenesisthere，andnodoubtMr。Tootshasreasontoobservehim，forhecomesstraightwayatMr。Toots'slegs，andtumblesoverhimselfinthedesperationwithwhichhemakesathim，likeaverydogofMontargis。Butheischeckedbyhissweetmistress。
　　`Down，Di，down。Don'tyourememberwhofirstmadeusfriends，Di？Forshame！'
　　Oh！WellmayDilayhislovingcheekagainstherhand，andrunoff，andrunback，andrunroundher，barking，andrunheadlongatanybodycomingby，toshowhisdevotion。Mr。Tootswouldrunheadlongatanybody，too。Amilitarygentlemangoespast，andMr。Tootswouldlikenothingbetterthantorunathim，fulltilt。
　　`Diogenesisquiteinhisnativeair，isn'the，MissDombey？'
　　saysMr。Toots。
　　Florenceassents，withagratefulsmile。
　　`MissDombey，'saysMr。Toots，`begyourpardon，butifyouwouldliketowalktoBlimber's，I——I'mgoingthere。'
　　FlorenceputsherarminthatofMr。Tootswithoutaword，andtheywalkawaytogether，withDiogenesgoingonbefore。Mr。Toots'slegsshakeunderhim；andthoughheissplendidlydressed，hefeelsmisfits，andseeswrinkles，inthemasterpiecesofBurgessandCo。，andwisheshehadputonthatbrightestpairofboots。
　　DoctorBlimber'shouse，outside，hasasscholasticandstudiousanairasever：andupthereisthewindowwheresheusedtolookforthepaleface，andwherethepalefacebrightenedwhenitsawher，andthewastedlittlehandwavedkissesasshepassed。Thedoorisopenedbythesameweakeyedyoungman，whoseimbecilityofgrinatsightofMr。Tootsisfeeblenessofcharacterpersonified。TheyareshownintotheDoctor'sstudy，whereblindHomerandMinervagivethemaudienceasofyore，tothesobertickingofthegreatclockinthehall；andwheretheglobesstandstillintheiraccustomedplaces，asiftheworldwerestationarytoo，andnothinginiteverperishedinobediencetotheuniversallaw，that，whileitkeepsitontheroll，callseverythingtoearth。
　　AndhereisDoctorBlimber，withhislearnedlegs；andhereisMrs。Blimber，withhersky-bluecap；andhereisCornelia，withhersandylittlerowofcurls，andherbrightspectacles，stillworkinglikeasextoninthegravesoflanguages。Hereisthetableuponwhichhesatforlornandstrange，the`newboy'oftheschool；andhithercomesthedistantcooingoftheoldboys，attheiroldlivesintheoldroomontheoldprinciple！
　　`Toots，'saysDoctorBlimber，`Iamverygladtoseeyou，Toots。'
　　Mr。Tootschucklesinreply。
　　`Alsotoseeyou，Toots，insuchgoodcompany，'saysDoctorBlimber。
　　Mr。Toots，withascarletvisage，explainsthathehasmetMissDombeybyaccident，andthatMissDombeywishing，likehimself，toseetheoldplace，theyhavecometogether。
　　`Youwilllike，'saysDoctorBlimber，`tostepamongouryoungfriends，MissDombey，nodoubt。Allfellow-studentsofyours，Toots，once。
　　Ithinkwehavenonewdisciplesinourlittleportico，mydear，'saysDoctorBlimbertoCornelia，`sinceMr。Tootsleftus。'
　　`ExceptBitherstone，'returnsCornelia。
　　`Aye，truly，'saystheDoctor。`BitherstoneisnewtoMr。Toots。'
　　NewtoFlorence，too，almost；for，intheschoolroom，Bitherstone——nolongerMasterBitherstoneofMrs。Pipchin's——showsincollarsandaneckcloth，andwearsawatch。ButBitherstone，bornbeneathsomeBengalstarofill-omen，isextremelyinky；andhisLexiconhasgotsodropsicalfromconstantreference，thatitwon'tshut，andyawnsasifitreallycouldnotbeartobesobothered。
　　SodoesBitherstoneitsmaster，forcedatDoctorBlimber'shighestpressure；
　　butintheyawnofBitherstonethereismaliceandsnarl，andhehasbeenheardtosaythathewisheshecouldcatch`oldBlimber'inIndia。He'dprecioussoonfindhimselfcarriedupthecountrybyafewofhisBitherstone's
　　Coolies，andhandedovertotheThugs；hecantellhimthat。
　　Briggsisstillgrindinginthemillofknowledge；andTozer，too；andJohnson，too；andalltherest；theolderpupilsbeingprincipallyengagedinforgetting，withprodigiouslabour，everythingtheyknewwhentheywereyounger。Allareaspoliteandaspaleasever；andamongthem，Mr。Feeder，B。A。，withhisbonyhandandbristlyhead，isstillhardatit：withhisHerodotusstoponjustatpresent，andhisotherbarrelsonashelfbehindhim。
　　Amightysensationiscreated，evenamongthesegraveyounggentlemen，byavisitfromtheemancipatedToots；whoisregardedwithakindofawe，asonewhohaspassedtheRubicon，andispledgednevertocomeback，andconcerningthecutofwhoseclothes，andfashionofwhosejewellery，whispersgoabout，behindhands；thebiliousBitherstone，whoisnotofMr。Toots'stime，affectingtodespisethelattertothesmallerboys，andsayingheknowsbetter，andthatheshouldliketoseehimcomingthatsortofthinginBengal，wherehismotherhasgotanemeraldbelongingtohimthatwastakenoutofthefootstoolofaRajah。Comenow！
　　BewilderingemotionsareawakenedalsobythesightofFlorence，withwhomeveryyounggentlemanimmediatelyfallsinlove，again：except，asaforesaid，thebiliousBitherstone，whodeclinestodoso，outofcontradiction。
　　BlackjealousiesofMr。Tootsarise，andBriggsisofopinionthathean'tsoveryoldafterall。ButthisdisparaginginsinuationisspeedilymadenoughtbyMr。TootssayingaloudtoMr。Feeder，B。A。，`Howareyou，Feeder？'
　　andaskinghimtocomeanddinewithhimto-dayattheBedford；inrightofwhichfeatshemightsetupasOldParr，ifhechose，unquestioned。
　　Thereismuchshakingofhands，andmuchbowing，andagreatdesireonthepartofeachyounggentlemantotakeTootsdowninMissDombey'sgoodgraces；andthen，Mr。Tootshavingbestowedachuckleonhisolddesk，FlorenceandhewithdrawwithMrs。BlimberandCornelia；andDoctorBlimberisheardtoobservebehindthemashecomesoutlast，andshutsthedoor，`Gentlemen，wewillnowresumeourstudies。'ForthatandlittleelseiswhattheDoctorhearstheseasay，orhashearditsayingallhislife。
　　FlorencethenstealsawayandgoesupstairstotheoldbedroomwithMrs。BlimberandCornelia；Mr。Toots，whofeelsthatneitherhenoranybodyelseiswantedthere，standstalkingtotheDoctoratthestudy-door，orratherhearingtheDoctortalktohim，andwonderinghowheeverthoughtthestudyagreatsanctuary，andtheDoctor，withhisroundturnedlegs，likeaclericalpianoforte，anawfulman。Florencesooncomesdownandtakesleave；Mr。Tootstakesleave；andDiogenes，whohasbeenworryingtheweak-eyedyoungmanpitilesslyallthetime，shootsoutatthedoor，andbarksagladdefiancedownthecliff；while'Melia，andanotheroftheDoctor'sfemaledomestics，lookoutofanupperwindow，laughing`atthatthereToots，'andsayingofMissDombey，`Butreallythough，now——ain'tshelikeherbrother，onlyprettier？'
　　Mr。Toots，whosawwhenFlorencecamedownthatthereweretearsuponherface，isdesperatelyanxiousanduneasy，andatfirstfearsthathedidwronginproposingthevisit。Butheissoonrelievedbyhersayingsheisverygladtohavebeenthereagain，andbyhertalkingquitecheerfullyaboutitall，astheywalkedonbythesea。Whatwiththevoicesthere，andhersweetvoice，whentheycomenearMr。Dombey'shouse，andMr。Tootsmustleaveher，heissoenslavedthathehasnotascarpoffree-willleft；whenshegiveshimherhandatparting，hecannotletitgo。
　　`MissDombey，Ibegyourpardon，'saysMr。Toots，inasadfluster，`butifyouwouldallowmeto——to——'
　　ThesmilingandunconsciouslookofFlorencebringshimtoadeadstop。
　　`Ifyouwouldallowmeto——ifyouwouldnotconsideritaliberty，MissDombey，ifIwasto——withoutanyencouragementatall，ifIwastohope，youknow，'saysMr。Toots。
　　Florencelooksathiminquiringly。
　　`MissDombey，'saysMr。Toots，whofeelsthatheisinforitnow，`IreallyaminthatstateofadorationofyouthatIdon'tknowwhattodowithmyself。Iamthemostdeplorablewretch。Ifitwasn'tatthecorneroftheSquareatpresent，Ishouldgodownonmyknees，andbegandentreatofyou，withoutanyencouragementatall，justtoletmehopethatImay——maythinkitpossiblethatyou——'
　　`Oh，ifyouplease，don't！'criesFlorence，forthemomentquitealarmedanddistressed。`Oh，praydon't，Mr。Toots。Stop，ifyouplease。
　　Don'tsayanymore。Asakindnessandafavourtome，don't。'
　　Mr。Tootsisdreadfullyabashed，andhismouthopens。
　　`Youhavebeensogoodtome，'sayFlorence，`Iamsogratefultoyou，Ihavesuchreasontolikeyouforbeingakindfriendtome，andIdolikeyousomuch：'andheretheingenuousfacesmilesuponhimwiththepleasantestlookofhonestyintheworld；`thatIamsureyouareonlygoingtosaygood-bye。！'
　　`Certainly，MissDombey，'saysMr。Toots，`I——I——that'sexactlywhatImean。It'sofnoconsequence。'
　　`Good-bye！'criesFlorence。
　　`Good-bye，MissDombey！'stammersMr。Toots。`Ihopeyouwon'tthinkanythingaboutit。It's——it'sofnoconsequence，thankyou。It'snotoftheleastconsequenceintheworld。'
　　PoorMr。TootsgoeshometohisHotelinastateofdesperation，lockshimselfintohisbedroom，flingshimselfuponhisbed，andliesthereforalongtime；asifitwereofthegreatestconsequence，nevertheless。
　　ButMr。Feeder，B。A。，iscomingtodinner，whichhappenswellforMr。Toots，orthereisnoknowingwhenhemightgetupagain。Mr。Tootsisobligedtogetuptoreceivehim，andtogivehimhospitableentertainment。
　　Andthegenerousinfluenceofthatsocialvirtue，hospitalitytomakenomentionofwineandgoodcheer，opensMr。Toots'sheart，andwarmshimtoconversation。HedoesnottellMr。Feeder，B。A。，whatpassedatthecorneroftheSquare；butwhenMr。Feederaskshim`Whenitistocomeoff？'Mr。Tootsreplies，`thattherearecertainsubjects'——whichbringsMr。Feederdownapegortwoimmediately。Mr。Tootsadds，thathedon'tknowwhatrightBlimberhadtonoticehisbeinginMissDombey'scompany，andthatifhethoughthemeantimpudencebyit，he'dhavehimout，DoctorornoDoctor；buthesupposesit'sonlyhisignorance。Mr。
　　Feedersayshehasnodoubtofit。
　　Mr。Feeder，however，asanintimatefriend，isnotexcludedfromthesubject。Mr。Tootsmerelyrequiresthatitshouldbementionedmysteriously，andwithfeeling。Afterafewglassesofwine，hegivesMissDombey'shealth，observing，`Feeder，youhavenoideaofthesentimentswithwhichIproposethattoast。'Mr。Feederreplies，`Oh，yes，Ihave，mydearToots；andgreatlytheyredoundtoyourhonour，oldboy。'Mr。Feederisthenagitatedbyfriendship，andshakeshands；andsays，ifeverTootswantsabrother，heknowswheretofindhim，eitherbypostorparcel。Mr。Feederlikewisesays，thatifhemayadvise，hewouldrecommendMr。Tootstolearntheguitar，or，atleasttheflute；forwomenlikemusic，whenyouarepayingyouraddressesto'em，andhehasfoundtheadvantageofithimself。
　　ThisbringsMr。Feeder，B。A。，totheconfessionthathehashiseyeuponCorneliaBlimber。HeinformsMr。Tootsthathedon'tobjecttospectacles，andthatiftheDoctorweretodothehandsomethingandgiveupthebusiness，why，theretheyare——providedfor。Hesaysit'shisopinionthatwhenamanhasmadeahandsomesumbyhisbusiness，heisboundtogiveitup；andthatCorneliawouldbeanassistanceinitwhichanymanmightbeproudof。Mr。TootsrepliesbylaunchingwildlyoutintoMissDombey'spraises，andbyinsinuationsthatsometimeshethinksheshouldliketoblowhisbrainsout。Mr。Feederstronglyurgesthatitwouldbearashattempt，andshowshim，asareconcilementtoexistence，Cornelia'sportrait，spectaclesandall。
　　Thusthesequietspiritspasstheevening；andwhenithasyieldedplacetonight，Mr。TootswalkshomewithMr。Feeder，andpartswithhimatDoctorBlimber'sdoor。ButMr。Feederonlygoesupthesteps，andwhenMr。Tootsisgone，comesdownagain，tostrolluponthebeachalone，andthinkabouthisprospects。Mr。Feederplainlyhearsthewavesinforminghim，asheloitersalong，thatDoctorBlimberwillgiveupthebusiness；
　　andhefeelsasoftromanticpleasureinlookingattheoutsideofthehouse，andthinkingthattheDoctorwillfirstpaintit，andputitintothoroughrepair。
　　Mr。Tootsislikewiseroamingupanddown，outsidethecasketthatcontainshisjewel；andinadeplorableconditionofmind，andnotunsuspectedbythepolice，gazesatawindowwhereheseesalight，andwhichhehasnodoubtisFlorence's。Butitisnot，forthatisMrs。Skewton'sroom；andwhileFlorence，sleepinginanotherchamber，dreamslovingly，inthemidstoftheoldscenes，andtheiroldassociationsliveagain，thefigurewhichingrimrealityissubstitutedforthepatientboy'sonthesametheatre，oncemoretoconnectit——buthowdifferently！——withdecayanddeath，isstretchedthere，wakefulandcomplaining。Uglyandhaggarditliesuponitsbedofunrest；andbyit，intheterrorofherunimpassionedloveliness——forithasterrorinthesufferer'sfailingeyes——sitsEdith。Whatdothewavessay，inthestillnessofthenight，tothem？
　　`Edith，whatisthatstonearmraisedtostrikeme？Don'tyouseeit？'
　　`Thereisnothing，mother，butyourfancy。'
　　`Butmyfancy！Everythingismyfancy。Look！Isitpossiblethatyoudon'tseeit？'
　　`Indeed，mother，thereisnothing。ShouldIsitunmoved，iftherewereanysuchthingthere？'
　　`Unmoved？'lookingwildlyather——`it'sgonenow——andwhyareyousounmoved？Thatisnotmyfancy，Edith。Itturnsmecoldtoseeyousittingatmyside。'
　　`Iamsorry，mother。'
　　`Sorry！Youseemalwayssorry。Butitisnotforme！'
　　Withthat，shecries；andtossingherrestlessheadfromsidetosideuponherpillow，runsonaboutneglect，andthemothershehasbeen，andthemotherthegoodoldcreaturewas，whomtheymet，andthecoldreturnthedaughtersofsuchmothersmake。Inthemidstofherincoherence，shestops，looksatherdaughter，criesoutthatherwitsaregoing，andhidesherfaceuponthebed。
　　Edith，incompassion，bendsoverherandspeakstoher。Thesickoldwomanclutchesherroundtheneck，andsays，withalookofhorror，`Edith！wearegoinghomesoon；goingback。YoumeanthatIshallgohomeagain？'
　　`Yes，mother，yes。'
　　`Andwhathesaid——what's-his-name，Inevercouldremembernames——Major——thatdreadfulword，whenwecameaway——it'snottrue？Edith！'withashriekandastare，`it'snotthatthatisthematterwithme。'
　　Nightafternight，thelightsburninthewindow，andthefigureliesuponthebed，andEdithsitsbesideit，andtherestlesswavesarecallingtothemboththewholenightlong。Nightafternight，thewavesarehoarsewithrepetitionoftheirmystery；thedustliespiledupontheshore；thesea-birdssoarandhover；thewindsandcloudsareontheirtracklessflight；thewhitearmsbeckon，inthemoonlight，totheinvisiblecountryfaraway。
　　Andstillthesickoldwomanlooksintothecorner，wherethestonearm——partofafigureofsometomb，shesays——israisedtostrikeher。Atlastitfalls；andthenadumboldwomanliesuponthebed，andsheiscrookedandshrunkup，andhalfofherisdead。
　　Suchisthefigure，paintedandpatchedforthesuntomock，thatisdrawnslowlythroughthecrowdfromdaytoday；looking，asitgoes，forthegoodoldcreaturewhowassuchamother，andmakingmouthsasitpeersamongthecrowdinvain。Suchisthefigurethatisoftenwheeleddowntothemarginofthesea，andstationedthere；butonwhichnowindcanblowfreshness，andforwhichthemurmuroftheoceanhasnosoothingword。Sheliesandlistenstoitbythehour；butitsspeechisdarkandgloomytoher，andadreadisonherface，andwhenhereyeswanderovertheexpanse，theyseebutabroadstretchofdesolationbetweenearthandheaven。
　　Florencesheseldomsees，andwhenshedoes，isangrywithandmowsat。Edithisbesideheralways，andkeepsFlorenceaway；andFlorence，inherbedatnight，tremblesatthethoughtofdeathinsuchashape，andoftenwakesandlistens，thinkingithascome。NooneattendsonherbutEdith。Itisbetterthatfeweyesshouldseeher；andherdaughterwatchesalonebythebedside。
　　Ashadowevenonthatshadowedface，asharpeningevenofthesharpenedfeatures，andathickeningoftheveilbeforetheeyesintoapallthatshutsoutthedimworld，iscome。Herwanderinghandsuponthecoverletjoinfeeblypalmtopalm，andmovetowardsherdaughter；andavoicenotlikehers，notlikeanyvoicethatspeaksourmortallanguage——says，`ForInursedyou！'
　　Edith，withoutatear，kneelsdowntobringhervoiceclosertothesinkinghead，andanswers：
　　`Mother，canyouhearme？'
　　Staringwide，shetriestonodinanswer。
　　`CanyourecollectthenightbeforeImarried？'
　　Theheadismotionless，butitexpressessomehowthatshedoes。
　　`ItoldyouthenIforgaveyourpartinit，andprayedGodtoforgivemyown。Itoldyouthatthepastwasatanendbetweenus。Isaysonow，again。Kissme，mother。'
　　Edithtouchesthewhitelips，andforamomentallisstill。A
　　momentafterwards，hermother，withhergirlishlaugh，andtheskeletonoftheCleopatramanner，risesinherbed。
　　Drawtherose-colouredcurtains。Thereissomethingelseuponitsflightbesidesthewindandclouds。Drawtherosecolouredcurtainsclose！
　　IntelligenceoftheeventissenttoMr。Dombeyintown，whowaitsuponCousinFeenixnotyetabletomakeuphismindforBaden-Baden，whohasjustreceivedittoo。AgoodnaturedcreaturelikeCousinFeenixistheverymanforamarriageorafuneral，andhispositioninthefamilyrendersitrightthatheshouldbeconsulted。
　　`Dombey，'saidCousinFeenix，`uponmysoul，Iamverymuchshockedtoseeyouonsuchamelancholyoccasion。Mypooraunt！Shewasadevilishlivelywoman。'
　　Mr。Dombeyreplies，`Verymuchso。'
　　`Andmadeup，'saysCousinFeenix，`reallyyoung，youknow，considering。
　　Iamsure，onthedayofyourmarriage，Ithoughtshewasgoodforanothertwentyyears。Inpointoffact，IsaidsotoamanatBrook's——littleBillyJoper——youknowhim，nodoubt——manwithaglassinhiseye？'
　　Mr。Dombeybowsanegative。`Inreferencetotheobsequies，'hehints，`whetherthereisanysuggestion'
　　`Well，uponmylife，'saysCousinFeenix，strokinghischin，whichhehasjustenoughofhandbelowhiswristbandstodo；`Ireallydon'tknow。There'saMausoleumdownatmyplace，inthepark，butI'mafraidit'sinbadrepair，and，inpointoffact，inadevilofastate。Butforbeingalittleoutatelbows，Ishouldhavehaditputtorights；butI
　　believethepeoplecomeandmakepic-nicpartiesthereinsidetheironrailings。'
　　Mr。Dombeyisclearthatthiswon'tdo。
　　`There'sanuncommongoodchurchinthevillage，'saysCousinFeenix，thoughtfully；`purespecimenoftheAngloNormanstyle，andadmirablywellsketchedtoobyLadyJaneFinchbury——womanwithtightstays——butthey'vespoiltitwithwhitewash，Iunderstand，andit'salongjourney。'
　　`PerhapsBrightonitself，'Mr。Dombeysuggests。
　　`Uponmyhonour，Dombey，Idon'tthinkwecoulddobetter，'saysCousinFeenix。`It'sonthespot，yousee，andaverycheerfulplace。'
　　`Andwhen，'hintsMr。Dombey，`woulditbeconvenient？'
　　`Ishallmakeapoint，'saysCousinFeenix，`ofpledgingmyselfforanydayyouthinkbest。Ishallhavegreatpleasuremelancholypleasure，ofcourseinfollowingmypooraunttotheconfinesoftheinpointoffact，tothegrave，'saysCousinFeenix，failingintheotherturnofspeech。
　　`WouldMondaydoforleavingtown？'saysMr。Dombey。
　　`Mondaywouldsuitmetoperfection，'repliesCousinFeenix。ThereforeMr。DombeyarrangestotakeCousinFeenixdownonthatday，andpresentlytakeshisleave，attendedtothestairsbyCousinFeenix，whosays，atparting，`I'mreallyexcessivelysorry，Dombey，thatyoushouldhavesomuchtroubleaboutit；'towhichMr。Dombeyanswers，`Notatall。'
　　Attheappointedtime，CousinFeenixandMr。Dombeymeet，andgodowntoBrighton，andrepresenting，intheirtwoselves，alltheothermournersforthedeceasedlady'sloss，attendherremainstotheirplaceofrest。CousinFeenix，sittinginthemourning-coach，recognisesinnumerableacquaintancesontheroad，buttakesnoothernoticeofthem，indecorum，thancheckingthemoffaloud，astheygoby，forMr。Dombey'sinformation，as`TomJohnson。ManwithcorklegfromWhite's。What，areyouhere，Tommy？Foleyonabloodmare。TheSmaldergirls'——andsoforth。AttheceremonyCousinFeenixisdepressed，observing，thatthesearetheoccasionstomakeamanthink，inpointoffact，thatheisgettingshaky；andhiseyesarereallymoistened，whenitisover。Buthesoonrecovers；andsodotherestofMrs。Skewton'srelativesandfriends，ofwhomtheMajorcontinuallytellstheclubthatsheneverdidwrapupenough；whiletheyoungladywiththeback，whohassomuchtroublewithhereyelids，says，withalittlescream，thatshemusthavebeenenormouslyold，andthatshediedofallkindsofhorrors，andyoumustn'tmentionit。
　　SoEdith'smotherliesunmentionedofherdearfriends，whoaredeaftothewavesthatarehoarsewithrepetitionoftheirmystery，andblindtothedustthatispiledupontheshore，andtothewhitearmsthatarebeckoning，inthemoonlight，totheinvisiblecountryfaraway。Butallgoeson，asitwaswont，uponthemarginoftheunknownsea；andedithstandingtherealone，andlisteningtoitswaves，hasdankweedcastupatherfeet，tostrewherpathinlifewithal。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter42[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIIConfidentialandAccidentalATTIREDonmoreinCaptainCuttle'ssableandslopssou'westerhat，butdressedinasubstantialsuitofbrownlivery，which，whileitaffectedtobeaverysoberanddemureliveryindeed，wasreallyasself-satisfiedandconfidentaoneastailorneeddesiretomake，RobtheGrinder，thustransformedastohisouterman，andallregardlesswithinoftheCaptainandtheMidshipman，exceptwhenhedevotedafewminutesofhisleisuretimetocrowingoverthoseinseparableworthies，andrecalling，withmuchapplaudingmusicfromthatbrazeninstrument，hisconscience，thetriumphantmannerinwhichhehaddisembarrassedhimselfoftheircompany，nowservedhispatron，Mr。Carker。InmateofMr。Carker'shouse，andservingabouthisperson，Robkepthisroundeyesonthewhiteteethwithfearandtrembling，andfeltthathehadneedtoopenthemwiderthanever。
　　Hecouldnothavequakedmore，throughhiswholebeing，beforetheteeth，thoughhehadcomeintotheserviceofsomepowerfulenchanter，andtheyhadbeenhisstrongestspell。Theboyhadasenseofpowerandauthorityinthispatronofhisthatengrossedhiswholeattentionandexactedhismostimplicitsubmissionandobedience。Hehardlyconsideredhimselfsafeinthinkingabouthimwhenhewasabsent，lestheshouldfeelhimselfimmediatelytakenbythethroatagain，asonthemorningwhenhefirstbecameboundtohim，andshouldseeeveryoneoftheteethfindinghimout，andtakinghimwitheveryfancyofhismind。Facetofacewithhim，RobhadnomoredoubtthatMr。Carkerreadhissecretthoughts，orthathecouldreadthembytheleastexertionofhiswillifheweresoinclined，thanhehadthatMr。Carkersawhimwhenhelookedathim。Theascendancywassocomplete，andheldhiminsuchenthralment，that，hardlydaringtothinkatall，butwithhismindfilledwithaconstantlydilatingimpressionofhispatron'sirresistiblecommandoverhim，andpowerofdoinganythingwithhim，hewouldstandwatchinghispleasure，andtryingtoanticipatehisorders，inastateofmentalsuspension，astoallotherthings。
　　Robhadnotinformedhimselfperhaps——inhisthenstateofminditwouldhavebeenanactofnocommontemeritytoinquire——whetherheyieldedsocompletelytothisinfluenceinanypart，becausehehadfloatingsuspicionsofhispatron'sbeingamasterofcertaintreacherousartsinwhichhehadhimselfbeenapoorscholarattheGrinders'School。ButcertainlyRobadmiredhim，aswellasfearedhim。Mr。Carker，perhaps，wasbetteracquaintedwiththesourcesofhispower，whichlostnothingbyhismanagementofit。
　　OntheverynightwhenhelefttheCaptain'sservice，Rob，afterdisposingofhispigeons，andevenmakingabadbargaininhishurry，hadgonestraightdowntoMr。Carker'shouse，andhotlypresentedhimselfbeforehisnewmasterwithaglowingfacethatseemedtoexpectcommendation。
　　`What，scapegrace！'saidMr。Carker，glancingathisbundle。`Haveyouleftyoursituationandcometome？'
　　`Ohifyouplease，Sir，'falteredRob，`yousaid，youknow，whenIcomeherelast——'
　　`Isaid，'returnedMr。Carker，`whatdidIsay？'
　　`Ifyouplease，Sir，youdidn'tsaynothingatall，Sir，'returnedRob，warnedbythemannerofthisinquiry，andverymuchdisconcerted。
　　Hispatronlookedathimwithawidedisplayofgums，andshakinghisforefinger，observed：
　　`You'llcometoanevilend，myvagabondfriend，Iforesee。There'sruininstoreforyou。'
　　`Ohifyouplease，don't，Sir！'criedRob，withhislegstremblingunderhim。`I'msure，Sir，Ionlywanttoworkforyou，Sir，andtowaituponyou，Sir，andtodofaithfulwhateverI'mbidSir。'
　　`Youhadbetterdofaithfullywhateveryouarebid，'returnedhispatron，`ifyouhaveanythingtodowithme。'
　　`Yes，Iknowthat，Sir，'pleadedthesubmissiveRob；`I'msureofthat，Sir。Ifyou'llonlybesogoodastryme，Sir！Andifeveryoufindmeout，Sir，doinganythingagainstyourwishes，Igiveyouleavetokillme。'
　　`Youdog！'saidMr。Carker，leaningbackinhischair，andsmilingathimserenely。`That'snothingtowhatI'ddotoyouifyoutriedtodeceiveme。'
　　`Yes，Sir，'repliedtheabjectGrinder，`I'msureyouwouldbedownuponmedreadful，Sir。Iwouldn'tattemptfortogoanddoit，Sir，notifIwasbribedwithgoldenguineas。'
　　Thoroughlycheckedinhisexpectationsofcommendation，thecrestfallenGrinderstoodlookingathispatron，andvainlyendeavouringnottolookathim，withtheuneasinesswhichacurwilloftenmanifestinasimilarsituation。
　　`Soyouhaveleftyouroldservice，andcomeheretoaskmetotakeyouintomine，eh？'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Yes，ifyouplease，Sir，'returnedRob，who，indoingso，hadactedonhispatron'sowninstructions，butdarednotjustifyhimselfbytheleastinsinuationtothateffect。
　　`Well！'saidMr。Carker，`Youknowme，boy？'
　　`Please，Sir，yes，Sir，'returnedRob，fumblingwithhishat，andstillfixedbyMr。Carker'seye，andfruitlesslyendeavouringtounfixhimself。
　　Mr。Carkernodded。`Takecare，then！'
　　Robexpressedinanumberofshortbowshislivelyunderstandingofthiscaution，andwasbowinghimselfbacktothedoor，greatlyrelievedbytheprospectofgettingontheoutsideofit，whenhispatronstoppedhim。
　　`Halloa！'hecried，callinghimroughlyback。`Youhavebeen——shutthatdoor。'
　　Robobeyedasifhislifehaddependedonhisalacrity。
　　`Youhavebeenusedtoeaves-dropping。Doyouknowwhatthatmeans？'
　　`Listening，Sir？'Robhazarded，aftersomeembarrassedreflection。
　　Hispatronnodded。`Andwatching，andsoforth。'
　　`Iwouldn'tdosuchathinghere，Sir，'answeredRob；`uponmywordandhonour，Iwouldn't，Sir，IwishImaydieifIwould，Sir，foranythingthatcouldbepromisedtome。Ishouldconsideritisasmuchasalltheworldwasworth，tooffertodosuchathing，unlessIwasordered，Sir。'
　　`Youhadbetternot。Youhavebeenused，too，tobabblingandtattling，'saidhispatronwithperfectcoolness。`Bewareofthathere，oryou'realostrascal，'andhesmiledagain，andagaincautionedhimwithhisforefinger。
　　TheGrinder'sbreathcameshortandthickwithconsternation。
　　Hetriedtoprotestthepurityofhisintentions，butcouldonlystareatthesmilinggentlemaninastuporofsubmission，withwhichthesmilinggentlemanseemedwellenoughsatisfied，forheorderedhimdownstairs，afterobservinghimforsomemomentsinsilence，andgavehimtounderstandthathewasretainedinhisemployment。
　　ThiswasthemannerofRobtheGrinder'sengagementbyMr。Carker，andhisawe-strickendevotiontothatgentlemanhadstrengthenedandincreased，ifpossible，witheveryminuteofhisservice。
　　Itwasaserviceofsomemonths'duration，whenearlyonemorning，RobopenedthegardengatetoMr。Dombey，whowascometobreakfastwithhismaster，byappointment。Atthesamemomenthismasterhimselfcame，hurryingforthtoreceivethedistinguishedguest，andgivehimwelcomewithallhisteeth。
　　`Ineverthought，'saidCarker，whenhehadassistedhimtoalightfromhishorse，`toseeyouhere，I'msure。Thisisanextraordinarydayinmycalendar。Nooccasionisveryspecialtoamanlikeyou，whomaydoanything；buttoamanlikeme，thecaseiswidelydifferent。'
　　`Youhaveatastefulplacehere，Carker'ssaidMr。Dombey，condescendingtostopuponthelawn，tolookabouthim。
　　`Youcanaffordtosayso，'returnedCarker。`Thankyou。'
　　`Indeed，'saidMr。Dombey，inhisloftypatronage，`anyonemightsayso。Asfarasitgoes，itisaverycommodiousandwell-arrangedplace——quiteelegant。'
　　`Asfarasitgoes，truly，'returnedCarker，withanairofdisparagement。
　　`Itwantsthatqualification。Well！wehavesaidenoughaboutit；andthoughyoucanaffordtopraiseit，Ithankyounonetheless。Willyouwalkin？'
　　Mr。Dombey，enteringthehouse，noticed，ashehadreasontodo，thecompletearrangementoftherooms，andthenumerouscontrivancesforcomfortandeffectthataboundedthere。Mr。Carker，inhisostentationofhumility，receivedthisnoticewithadeferentialsmile，andsaidheunderstooditsdelicatemeaning，andappreciatedit，butintruththecottagewasgoodenoughforoneinhisposition——better，perhaps，thansuchamanshouldoccupy，poorasitwas。
　　`Butperhapstoyou，whoaresofarremoved，itreallydoeslookbetterthanitis，'hesaid，withhisfalsemouthdistendedtoitsfulleststretch。`Justasmonarchsimagineattractionsinthelivesofbeggars。'
　　HedirectedasharpglanceandasharpsmileatMr。Dombeyashespoke，andasharperglance，andasharpersmileyet，whenMr。Dombey，drawinghimselfupbeforethefire，intheattitudesooftencopiedbyhissecondincommand，lookedroundatthepicturesonthewalls。Cursorilyashiscoldeyewanderedoverthem，Carker'skeenglanceaccompaniedhis，andkeptpacewithhis，markingexactlywhereitwent，andwhatitsaw。
　　Asitrestedononepictureinparticular，Carkerhardlyseemedtobreathe，hissidelongscrutinywassocatlikeandvigilant，buttheeyeofhisgreatchiefpassedfromthat，asfromtheothers，andappearednomoreimpressedbyitthanbytherest。
　　Carkerlookedatit——itwasthepicturethatresembledEdith——asifitwerealivingthing；andwithawicked，silentlaughuponhisface，thatseemedinpartaddressedtoit，thoughitwasallderisiveofthegreatmanstandingsounconsciousbesidehim。Breakfastwassoonsetuponthetable：and，invitingMr。Dombeytoachairwhichhaditsbacktowardsthispicture，hetookhisownseatoppositetoitasusual。
　　Mr。Dombeywasevengraverthanitwashiscustomtobe，andquitesilent。Theparrot，swinginginthegildedhoopwithinhergaudycage，attemptedinvaintoattractnotice，forCarkerwastooobservantofhisvisitortoheedher；andthevisitor，abstractedinmeditation，lookedfixedly，nottosaysullenly，overhisstiffneckcloth，withoutraisinghiseyesfromthetable-cloth。AstoRob，whowasinattendance，allhisfacultiesandenergiesweresolockedupinobservationofhismaster，thathescarcelyventuredtogivesheltertothethoughtthatthevisitorwasthegreatgentlemanbeforewhomhehadbeencarriedasacertificateofthefamilyhealth，inhischildhood，andtowhomhehadbeenindebtedforhisleathersmalls。
　　`Allowme，'saidCarkersuddenly，`toaskhowMrs。Dombeyis？'
　　Heleanedforwardobsequiously，ashemadetheinquiry，withhischinrestingonhishand；andatthesametimehiseyeswentuptothepicture，asifhesaidtoit，`Now，see，howIwillleadhimon！'
　　Mr。Dombeyreddenedasheanswered：
　　`Mrs。Dombeyisquitewell。Youremindme，Carker，ofsomeconversationthatIwishtohavewithyou。'
　　`Robin，youcanleaveus，'saidhismaster，atwhosemildtonesRobinstartedanddisappeared，withhiseyesfixedonhispatrontothelast。`Youdon'trememberthatboy，ofcourse？'headded，whentheimmeshedGrinderwasgone。
　　`No，'saidMr。Dombey，withmagnificentindifference。
　　`Notlikelythatamanlikeyouwould。Hardlypossible，'murmuredCarker。`Butheisoneofthatfamilyfromwhomyoutookanurse。Perhapsyoumayrememberhavinggenerouslychargedyourselfwithhiseducation？'
　　`Isitthatboy？'saidMr。Dombey，withafrown。`Hedoeslittlecredittohiseducation，Ibelieve。'
　　`Why，heisayoungrip，Iamafraid，'returnedCarker，withashrug。`Hebearsthatcharacter。Butthetruthis，Itookhimintomyservicebecause，beingabletogetnootheremployment，heconceivedhadbeentaughtathome，Idaresaythathehadsomesortofclaimuponyou，andwasconstantlytryingtodogyourheelswithhispetition。Andalthoughmydefinedandrecognisedconnexionwithyouraffairsismerelyofabusinesscharacter，stillIhavethatspontaneousinterestineverythingbelongingtoyou，that——'
　　Hestoppedagain，asiftodiscoverwhetherhehadledMr。Dombeyfarenoughyet。Andagain，withhischinrestingonhishand，heleeredatthepicture。
　　`Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，`Iamsensiblethatyoudonotlimityour——'
　　`Service，'suggestedhissmilingentertainer。
　　`No；Iprefertosayyourregard，'observedMr。Dombey；verysensible，ashesaidso，thathewaspayinghimahandsomeandflatteringcompliment，`toourmerebusinessrelations。Yourconsiderationformyfeelings，hopesanddisappointments，inthelittleinstanceyouhavejustnowmentioned，isanexampleinpoint。Iamobligedtoyou，Carker。'
　　Mr。Carkerbenthisheadslowly，andverysoftlyrubbedhishands，asifhewereafraidbyanyactiontodisturbthecurrentofMr。Dombey'sconfidence。
　　`Yourallusiontoitisopportune，'saidMr。Dombey，afteralittlehesitation；`foritpreparesthewaytowhatIwasbeginningtosaytoyou，andremindsmethatthatinvolvesnoabsolutelynewrelationsbetweenus，althoughitmayinvolvemorepersonalconfidenceonmypartthanI
　　havehitherto——'
　　`Distinguishedmewith，'suggestedCarker，bendinghisheadagain：
　　`IwillnotsaytoyouhowhonouredIam；foramanlikeyouwellknowshowmuchhonourhehasinhispowertobestowatpleasure。'
　　`Mrs。Dombeyandmyself，'saidMr。Dombey，passingthiscomplimentwithaugustself-denial，`arenotquiteagreeduponsomepoints。Wedonotappeartounderstandeachotheryet。Mrs。Dombeyhassomethingtolearn。'
　　`Mrs。Dombeyisdistinguishedbymanyrareattractions；andhasbeenaccustomed，nodoubt，toreceivemuchadulation，'saidthesmooth，sleekwatcherofhisslightestlookandtone。`Butwherethereisaffection，duty，andrespect，anylittlemistakesengenderedbysuchcausesaresoonsetright。'
　　Mr。Dombey'sthoughtsinstinctivelyflewbacktothefacethathadlookedathiminhiswife'sdressing-room，whenanimperioushandwasstretchedtowardsthedoor；andrememberingtheaffection，duty，andrespect，expressedinit，hefeltthebloodrushtohisownfacequiteasplainlyasthewatchfuleyesuponhimsawitthere。
　　`Mrs。Dombeyandmyself，'hewentontosay，`hadsomediscussion，beforeMrs。Skewton'sdeath，uponthecauseofmydissatisfaction；ofwhichyouwillhaveformedageneralunderstandingfromhavingbeenawitnessofwhatpassedbetweenMrs。Dombeyandmyselfontheeveningwhenyouwereatour——atmyhouse。'
　　`WhenIsomuchregrettedbeingpresent，'saidthesmilingCarker。
　　`Proudasamaninmypositionnecessarilymustbeofyourfamiliarnotice——thoughIgiveyounocreditforit；youmaydoanythingyoupleasewithoutlosingcaste-andhonouredasIwasbyanearlypresentationtoMrs。Dombey，beforeshewasmadeeminentbybearingyourname，Ialmostregrettedthatnight，Iassureyou，thatIhadbeentheobjectofsuchespecialgoodfortune。'
　　Thatanymancould，underanypossiblecircumstances，regretthebeingdistinguishedbyhiscondescensionandpatronage，wasamoralphenomenonwhichMr。Dombeycouldnotcomprehend。Hethereforeresponded，withaconsiderableaccessionofdignity。`Indeed！Andwhy，Carker？'
　　`Ifear，'returnedtheconfidentialagent，`thatMrs。Dombey，neververymuchdisposedtoregardmewithfavourableinterest——oneinmypositioncouldnotexpectthat，fromaladynaturallyproud，andwhosepridebecomeshersowell——maynoteasilyforgivemyinnocentpartinthatconversation。Yourdispleasureisnolightmatter，youmustremember；andtobevisitedwithitbeforeathirdparty——'
　　`Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，arrogantly；`IpresumethatIamthefirstconsideration？'
　　`Oh！Cantherebeadoubtaboutit？'repliedtheother，withtheimpatienceofamanadmittinganotoriousandincontrovertiblefact。
　　`Mrs。Dombeybecomesasecondaryconsideration，whenwearebothinquestion，Iimagine，'saidMr。Dombey。`Isthatso？'
　　`Isitso？'returnedCarker。`Doyouknowbetterthananyone，thatyouhavenoneedtoask？'
　　`ThenIhope，Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，`thatyourregretintheacquisitionofMrs。Dombey'sdispleasure，maybealmostcounterbalancedbyyoursatisfactioninretainingmyconfidenceandgoodopinion。'
　　`Ihavethemisfortune，Ifind，'returnedCarker，`tohaveincurredthatdispleasure。Mrs。Dombeyhasexpressedittoyou？'
　　`Mrs。Dombeyhasexpressedvariousopinions，'saidMr。Dombey，withmajesticcoldnessandindifference，`inwhichIdonotparticipate，andwhichIamnotinclinedtodiscuss，ortorecall。ImadeMrs。Dombeyacquainted，sometimesince，asIhavealreadytoldyou，withcertainpointsofdomesticdeferenceandsubmissiononwhichIfeltitnecessarytoinsist。
　　IfailedtoconvinceMrs。Dombeyoftheexpediencyofherimmediatelyalteringherconductinthoserespects，withaviewtoherownpeaceandwelfare，andmydignity；andIinformedMrs。DombeythatifIshouldfinditnecessarytoobjectorremonstrateagain，Ishouldexpressmyopiniontoherthroughyourself，myconfidentialagent。'
　　Blendedwiththelook，thatCarkerbentuponhim，wasadevilishlookatthepictureoverhishead，thatstruckuponitlikeaflashoflightning。
　　`Now，Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，`IdonothesitatetosaytoyouthatIwillcarrymypoint。Iamnottobetrifledwith。Mrs。Dombeymustunderstandthatmywillislaw，andthatIcannotallowofoneexceptiontothewholeruleofmylife。Youwillhavethegoodnesstoundertakethischarge，which，comingfromme，isnotunacceptabletoyou，Ihope，whateverregretyoumaypolitelyprofess——forwhichIamobligedtoyouonbehalfofMrs。Dombey；andyouwillhavethegoodness，Iampersuaded，todischargeitasexactlyasanyothercommission。'
　　`Youknow，'saidMr。Carker，`thatyouhaveonlytocommandme。'
　　`Iknow，'saidMr。Dombey，withamajesticindicationofassent，`thatIhaveonlytocommandyou。ItisnecessarythatIshouldproceedinthis。Mrs。Dombeyisaladyundoubtedlyhighlyqualified，inmanyrespects，to——'
　　`Todocrediteventoyourchoice，'suggestedCarker，withafawningshowofteeth。
　　`Yes；ifyoupleasetoadoptthatformofwords，'saidMr。Dombey，inhistoneofstate；`andatpresentIdonotconceivethatMrs。Dombeydoesthatcredittoit，towhichitisentitled。ThereisaprincipleofoppositioninMrs。Dombeythatmustbeeradicated；thatmustbeovercome：
　　Mrs。Dombeydoesnotappeartounderstand，'saidMr。Dombey，forcibly，`thattheideaofoppositiontoMeismonstrousandabsurd。'
　　`We，intheCity，knowyoubetter，'repliedCarker，withasmilefromeartoear。
　　`Youknowmebetter，'saidMr。Dombey。`Ihopeso。Though，indeed，IamboundtodoMrs。Dombeythejusticeofsaying，howeverinconsistentitmayseemwithhersubsequentconductwhichremainsunchanged，thatonmyexpressingmydisapprobationanddeterminationtoher，withsomeseverity，ontheoccasiontowhichIhavereferred，myadmonitionappearedtoproduceaverypowerfuleffect。'Mr。Dombeydeliveredhimselfofthosewordswithmostportentousstateliness。`Iwishyoutohavethegoodness，then，toinformMrs。Dombey，Carker，fromme，thatImustrecallourformerconversationtoherremembrance，insomesurprisethatithasnotyethaditseffect。ThatImustinsistuponherregulatingherconductbytheinjunctionslaiduponherinthatconversation。ThatIamnotsatisfiedwithherconduct。
　　ThatIamgreatlydissatisfiedwithit。AndthatIshallbeundertheverydisagreeablenecessityofmakingyouthebearerofyetmoreunwelcomeandexplicitcommunications，ifshehasnotthegoodsenseandtheproperfeelingtoadaptherselftomywishes，asthefirstMrs。Dombeydid，and，IbelieveImayadd，asanyotherladyinherplacewould。'
　　`ThefirstMrs。Dombeylivedveryhappily，'saidCarker。
　　`ThefirstMrs。Dombeyhadgreatgoodsense，'saidMr。Dombey，inagentlemanlytolerationofthedead，`andverycorrectfeeling。'
　　`IsMissDombeylikehermother，doyouthink？'saidCarker。
　　Swiftlyanddarkly，Mr。Dombey'sfacechanged。Hisconfidentialagenteyeditkeenly。
　　`Ihaveapproachedapainfulsubject，'hesaid，inasoftregretfultoneofvoice，irreconcilablewithhiseagereye。`Prayforgiveme。IforgetthesechainsofassociationintheinterestIhave。Prayforgiveme。'
　　Butforallhesaid，hiseagereyescannedMr。Dombey'sdowncastfacenonethelessclosely；andthenitshotastrangetriumphantlookatthepicture，asappealingtoittobearwitnesshowheledhimonagain，andwhatwascoming。
　　`Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，lookinghereandthereuponthetable，andspeakinginasomewhatalteredandmorehurriedvoice，andwithapalerlip，`thereisnooccasionforapology。Youmistake。Theassociationiswiththematterinhand，andnotwithanyrecollection，asyousuppose。
　　IdonotapproveofMrs。Dombey'sbehaviourtowardsmydaughter。'
　　`Pardonme，'saidMr。Carker，`Idon'tquiteunderstand。'
　　`Understandthen，'returnedMr。Dombey，`thatyoumaymakethat——thatyouwillmakethat，ifyouplease——matterofdirectobjectionfrommetoMrs。Dombey。Youwillpleasetotellherthathershowofdevotionformydaughterisdisagreeabletome。Itislikelytobenoticed。ItislikelytoinducepeopletocontrastMrs。Dombeyinherrelationtowardsmydaughter，withMrs。Dombeyinherrelationtowardsmyself。YouwillhavethegoodnesstoletMrs。Dombeyknow，plainly，thatIobjecttoit；
　　andthatIexpecthertodefer，immediately，tomyobjection。Mrs。Dombeymaybeinearnest，orshemaybepursuingawhim，orshemaybeopposingme；butIobjecttoitinanycase，andineverycase。IfMrs。Dombeyisinearnest，somuchthelessreluctantshouldshebetodesist；forshewillnotservemydaughterbyanysuchdisplay。Ifmywifehasanysuperfluousgentlenessanddutyoverandaboveherpropersubmissiontome，shemaybestowthemwhereshepleases，perhaps；butIwillhavesubmissionfirst！——Carker，'
　　saidMr。Dombey，checkingtheunusualemotionwithwhichhehadspoken，andfallingintoatonemorelikethatinwhichhewasaccustomedtoasserthisgreatness，`youwillhavethegoodnessnottoomitorslurthispoint，buttoconsideritaveryimportantpartofyourinstructions。'
　　Mr。Carkerbowedhishead，andrisingfromthetable，andstandingthoughtfullybeforethefire，withhishandtohissmoothchin，lookeddownatMr。Dombeywiththeevilslynessofsomemonkishcarving，halfhumanandhalfbrute；orlikealeeringfaceonanoldwater-spout。Mr。
　　Dombey，recoveringhiscomposurebydegrees，orcoolinghisemotioninhissenseofhavingtakenahighposition，satgraduallystiffeningagain，andlookingattheparrotassheswungtoandfro，inhergreatweddingring。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，'saidCarker，afterasilence，suddenlyresuminghischair，anddrawingitoppositetoMr。Dombey's，`butletmeunderstand。
　　Mrs。Dombeyisawareoftheprobabilityofyourmakingmetheorganofyourdispleasure？'
　　`Yes，'repliedMr。Dombey。`Ihavesaidso。'
　　`Yes，'rejoinedCarker，quickly；`butwhy？'
　　`Why！'Mr。Dombeyrepeated，notwithouthesitation。`BecauseI
　　toldher。'
　　`Aye，'repliedCarker。`Butwhydidyoutellher？Yousee，'hecontinuedwithasmile，andsoftlylayinghisvelvethand，asacatmighthavelaiditssheathedclaws，onMr。Dombey'sarm；`ifIperfectlyunderstandwhatisinyourmind，Iamsomuchmorelikelytobeuseful，andtohavethehappinessofbeingeffectuallyemployed。IthinkIdounderstand。
　　IhavenotthehonourofMrs。Dombey'sgoodopinion。Inmyposition，I
　　havenoreasontoexpectit；butItakethefacttobe，thatIhavenotgotit？'
　　`Possiblynot，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Consequently，'pursuedCarker，`yourmakingthesecommunicationstoMrs。Dombeythroughme，issuretobeparticularlyunpalatabletothatlady？'
　　`Itappearstome，'saidMr。Dombey，withhaughtyreserve，andyetwithsomeembarrassment，`thatMrs。Dombey'sviewsuponthesubjectformnopartofitasitpresentsitselftoyouandme，Carker。Butitmaybeso。'
　　`And——pardonme——doImisconceiveyou，'saidCarker，`whenIthinkyoudescryinthis，alikelymeansofhumblingMrs。Dombey'spride——Iusethewordasexpressiveofaqualitywhich，keptwithinduebounds，adornsandgracesaladysodistinguishedforherbeautyandaccomplishments——and，nottosayofpunishingher，butofreducinghertothesubmissionyousonaturallyandjustlyrequire？'
　　`Iamnotaccustomed，Carker，asyouknow，'saidMr。Dombey，`togivesuchclosereasonsforanycourseofconductIthinkpropertoadopt，butIwillgainsaynothingofthis。Ifyouhaveanyobjectiontofounduponit，thatisindeedanotherthing，andthemerestatementthatyouhaveonewillbesufficient。ButIhavenotsupposed，Iconfess，thatanyconfidenceIcouldintrusttoyou，wouldbelikelytodegradeyou——'
　　`Oh！Idegraded！'exclaimedCarker。`Inyourservice！'
　　`——ortoplaceyou，'pursuedMr。Dombey，`inafalseposition。'
　　`Iinafalseposition！'exclaimedCarker。`Ishallbeproud——delighted——toexecuteyourtrust。Icouldhavewished，Iown，tohavegiventheladyatwhosefeetIwouldlaymyhumbledutyanddevotion——forisshenotyourwife！——nonewcauseofdislike；butawishfromyouis，ofcourse，paramounttoeveryotherconsiderationonearth。Besides，whenMrs。Dombeyisconvertedfromtheselittleerrorsofjudgment，incidental，Iwouldpresumetosay，tothenoveltyofhersituation，IshallhopethatshewillperceiveintheslightpartItake，onlyagrain——myremovedanddifferentspheregivesroomforlittlemore——oftherespectforyou，andsacrificeofallconsiderationstoyou，ofwhichitwillbeherpleasureandprivilegetogarnerupagreatstoreeveryday。'
　　Mr。Dombeyseemed，atthemoment，againtoseeherwithherhandstretchedouttowardsthedoor，andagaintohearthroughthemildspeechofhisconfidentialagentanechoofthewords，`Nothingcanmakeusstrangertoeachotherthanwearehenceforth！'Butheshookoffthefancy，anddidnotshakeinhisresolution，andsaid，`Certainly，nodoubt。'
　　`Thereisnothingmore，'quothCarker，drawinghischairbacktoitsoldplace——fortheyhadtakenlittlebreakfastasyet——andpausingforananswerbeforehesatdown。
　　`Nothing，'saidMr。Dombey，`butthis。Youwillbegoodenoughtoobserve，Carker，thatnomessagetoMrs。Dombeywithwhichyouareormaybecharged，admitsofreply。Youwillbegoodenoughtobringmenoreply。Mrs。Dombeyisinformedthatitdoesnotbecomemetotemporiseortreatuponanymatterthatisatissuebetweenus，andthatwhatIsayisfinal。'
　　Mr。Carkersignifiedhisunderstandingofthesecredentials，andtheyfelltobreakfastwithwhatappetitetheymight。TheGrinderalso，induetime，reappeared，keepinghiseyesuponhismasterwithoutamoment'srespite，andpassingthetimeinareverieofworshipfulterror。Breakfastconcluded，Mr。Dombey'shorsewasorderedoutagain，andMr。Carkermountinghisown，theyrodeofffortheCitytogether。
　　Mr。Carkerwasincapitalspirits，andtalkedmuch。Mr。Dombeyreceivedhisconversationwiththesovereignairofamanwhohadarighttobetalkedto，andoccasionallycondescendedtothrowinafewwordstocarryontheconversation。Sotheyrodeoncharacteristicallyenough。
　　ButMr。Dombey，inhisdignity，rodewithverylongstirrups，andaverylooserein，andveryrarelydeignedtolookdowntoseewherehishorsewent。InconsequenceofwhichithappenedthatMr。Dombey'shorse，whilegoingataroundtrot，stumbledonsomeloosestones，threwhim，rolledoverhim，andlashingoutwithhisiron-shodfeet，inhisstrugglestogetup，kickedhim。