OldSolreturnedthepressureofhishand，andthankedhim。
　　CaptainCuttle，then，withagravitysuitabletothenatureoftheoccasion，putdownuponthetablethetwotea-spoonsandthesugar-tongs，thesilverwatch，andthereadymoney；andaskedMr。Brogley，thebroker，whatthedamagewas。
　　`Come！Whatdoyoumakeofit？'saidCaptainCuttle。
　　`Why，Lordhelpyou！'returnedthebroker；`youdon'tsupposethatproperty'sofanyuse，doyou？'
　　`Whynot？'inquiredtheCaptain。
　　`Why？Theamount'sthreehundredandseventy，odd，'repliedthebroker。
　　`Nevermind，'returnedtheCaptain，thoughhewasevidentlydismayedbythefigures：`all'sfishthatcomestoyournet，Isuppose？'
　　`Certainly，'saidMr。Brogley。`Butspratsan'twhales，youknow。'
　　ThephilosophyofthisobservationseemedtostriketheCaptain。
　　Heruminatedforaminute；eyeingthebroker，meanwhile，asadeepgenius；
　　andthencalledtheinstrument-makeraside。
　　`Gills，'saidCaptainCuttle，`what'sthebearingsofthisbusiness？
　　Who'sthecreditor？'
　　`Hush！'returnedtheoldman。`Comeaway。Don'tspeakbeforeWally。
　　It'samatterofsecurityforWally'sfather——anoldbond。I'vepaidagooddealofit，Ned，butthetimesaresobadwithmethatIcan'tdomorejustnow。I'veforeseenit，butIcouldn'thelpit。NotawordbeforeWally，foralltheworld。'
　　`You'vegotsomemoney，haven'tyou？'whisperedtheCaptain。
　　`Yes，yes——ohyes——I'vegotsome，'returnedoldSol，firstputtinghishandsintohisemptypockets，andthensqueezinghisWelshwigbetweenthem，asifhethoughthemightwringsomegoldoutofit；`butI——thelittleIhavegot，isn'tconvertible，Ned；itcan'tbegotat。IhavebeentryingtodosomethingwithitforWally，andI'moldfashioned，andbehindthetime。It'shereandthere，and——and，inshort，it'sasgoodasnowhere，'
　　saidtheoldman，lookinginbewildermentabouthim。
　　Hehadsomuchtheairofahalf-wittedpersonwhohadbeenhidinghismoneyinavarietyofplaces，andhadforgottenwhere，thattheCaptainfollowedhiseyes，notwithoutafainthopethathemightremembersomefewhundredpoundsconcealedupthechimney，ordowninthecellar。ButSolomonGillsknewbetterthanthat。
　　`I'mbehindthetimealtogether，mydearNed，'saidSol，inresigneddespair，`alongway。It'snousemylaggingonsofarbehindit。Thestockhadbetterbesold——it'sworthmorethanthisdebt——andIhadbettergoanddiesomewhere，onthebalance。Ihaven'tanyenergyleft。Idon'tunderstandthings。Thishadbetterbetheendofit。Let'emsellthestockandtakehimdown，'saidtheoldman，pointingfeeblytothewoodenmidshipman，`andletusbothbebrokenuptogether。'
　　`Andwhatd'yemeantodowithWal'r？'saidtheCaptain。`There，there！Sityedown，Gills，sityedown，andletmethinko'this。IfI
　　warn'tamanonasmallannuity，thatwaslargeenoughtillto-day，Ihadn'tneedtothinkofit。Butyouonlylayyourheadwelltothewind，'saidtheCaptain，againadministeringthatunanswerablepieceofconsolation，`andyou'reallright！'
　　OldSolthankedhimfromhisheart，andwentandlaiditagainstthebackparlourfire-placeinstead。
　　CaptainCuttlewalkedupanddowntheshopforsometime，cogitatingprofoundly，andbringinghisbushyblackeyebrowstobearsoheavilyonhisnose，likecloudssettingonamountain，thatWalterwasafraidtoofferanyinterruptiontothecurrentofhisreflections。Mr。Brogley，whowasaversetobeinganyconstraintupontheparty，andwhohadaningeniouscastofmind，went，softlywhistling，among，thestock；rattlingweather-glasses，shakingcompassesasiftheywerephysic，catchingupkeyswithloadstones，lookingthroughtelescopes，endeavouringtomakehimselfacquaintedwiththeuseoftheglobessettingparallelrulersastrideontohisnose，andamusinghimselfwithotherphilosophicaltransactions。
　　`Wal'r？'saidtheCaptainatlast。`I'vegotit。'
　　`Haveyou，CaptainCuttle？'criedWalter，withgreatanimation。
　　`Comethisway，mylad，'saidtheCaptain。`TheStock'sonesecurity。
　　I'manother。Yourgovernor'sthemantoadvancethemoney。'
　　`Mr。Dombey！'falteredWalter。
　　TheCaptainnoddedgravely。`Lookathim，'hesaid，`LookatGills。
　　Iftheywastosellofthesethingsnow，he'ddieofit。Youknow，hewould。
　　Wemustn'tleaveastoneunturned——andthere'sastoneforyou。'
　　`Astone！——Mr。Dombey！falteredWalter。
　　`Yourunroundtotheoffice，firstofall，andseeifhe'sthere，'
　　saidCaptainCuttle，clappinghimontheback。`Quick！'
　　Walterfelthemustnotdisputethecommand——aglanceathisunclewouldhavedeterminedhimifhehadfeltotherwise——anddisappearedtoexecuteit。Hesoonreturned，outofbreath，tosaythatMr。Dombeywasnotthere。ItwasSaturday，andhehadgonetoBrighton。
　　`Itellyouwhat，Wal'r！'saidtheCaptain，whoseemedtohavepreparedhimselfforthiscontingencyinhisabsence。`We'llgotoBrighton。
　　I'llbackyou，myboy。I'llbackyou，Wal'r。We'llgotoBrightonbytheafternoon'scoach。'
　　IftheapplicationmustbemadetoMr。Dombeyatall，whichwasawfultothinkof，Walterfeltthathewouldratherpreferitaloneandunassisted，thanbackedbythepersonalinfluenceofCaptainCuttle，towhichhehardlythoughtMr。Dombeywouldattachmuchweight。ButastheCaptainappearedtobeofquiteanotheropinion，andwasbentuponit，andashisfriendshipwastoozealousandserioustobetrifledwithbyonesomuchyoungerthanhimself，heforboretohinttheleastobjection。
　　Cuttle，therefore，takingahurriedleaveofSolomonGills，andreturningthereadymoney，thetea-spoons，thesugar-tongs，andthesilverwatch，tohispocket——withaview，asWalterthought，withhorror，tomakingagorgeousimpressiononMr。Dombey——borehimofftothecoach-office，withoutaminute'sdelay，andrepeatedlyassuredhim，ontheroad，thathewouldstickbyhimtothelast。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXContainingtheSequeloftheMidshipman'sDisasterMAJORBAGSTOCK，afterlongandfrequentobservationofPaul，acrossPrincess'sPlace，throughhisdouble-barrelledopera-glass；andafterreceivingmanyminutereports，daily，weekly，andmonthly，onthatsubject，fromthenativewhokepthimselfinconstantcommunicationwithMissTox'smaidforthatpurpose；cametotheconclusionthatDombey，Sir，wasamantobeknown，andthatJ。B。wastheboytomakehisacquaintance。
　　MissTox，however，maintainingherreservedbehaviour，andfrigidlydecliningtounderstandtheMajorwheneverhecalledwhichheoftendid
　　onanylittlefishingexcursionconnectedwiththisproject，theMajor，inspiteofhisconstitutionaltoughnessandslyness，wasfaintoleavetheaccomplishmentofhisdesireinsomemeasuretochance，`which，'ashewasusedtoobservewithchucklesathisclub，`hasbeenfiftytooneinfavourofJoeyB。，Sir，eversincehiselderbrotherdiedofYellowJackintheWestIndies。'
　　Itwassometimecomingtohisaidinthepresentinstance，butitbefriendedhimatlast。Whenthedarkservant，withfullparticulars，reportedMissToxabsentonBrightonservice，theMajorwassuddenlytouchedwithaffectionatereminiscencesofhisfriendBillBitherstoneofBengal，whohadwrittentoaskhim，ifheeverwentthatway，tobestowacalluponhisonlyson。ButwhenthesamedarkservantreportedPaulatMrs。
　　Pipchin's，andtheMajor，referringtotheletterfavouredbyMasterBitherstoneonhisarrivalinEngland——towhichhehadneverhadtheleastideaofpayinganyattention——sawtheopeningthatpresenteditself，hewasmadesorabidbythegout，withwhichhehappenedtobethenlaidup，thathethrewafootstoolatthedarkservantinreturnforhisintelligence，andsworehewouldbethedeathoftherascalbeforehehaddonewithhim：
　　whichthedarkservantwasmorethanhalfdisposedtobelieve。
　　AtlengththeMajorbeingreleasedfromhisfit，wentoneSaturdaygrowlingdowntoBrighton，withthenativebehindhim；apostrophizingMissToxalltheway，andgloatingovertheprospectofcarryingbystormthedistinguishedfriendtowhomsheattachedsomuchmystery，andforwhomshehaddesertedhim。
　　`Wouldyou，Ma'am，wouldyou！'saidtheMajor，strainingwithvindictiveness，andswellingeveryalreadyswollenveininhishead。`WouldyougiveJoeyB。thego-by，Ma'am？Notyet，ma'am，notyet！Damme，notyet，Sir。Joeisawake，Ma'am。Bagstockisalive，Sir。J。B。knowsamoveortwo，Ma'am。Joshhashisweather-eyeopen，Sir。You'llfindhimtough，Ma'am。Tough，Sir，toughisJoseph。Tough，andde-vilishsly！'
　　AndverytoughindeedMasterBitherstonefoundhim，whenhetookthatyounggentlemanoutforawalk。ButtheMajor，withhiscomplexionlikeaStiltoncheese，andhiseyeslikeaprawn's，wentrovingabout，perfectlyindifferenttoMasterBitherstone'samusement，anddraggingMasterBitherstonealong，whilehelookedabouthimhighandlow，forMr。Dombeyandhischildren。
　　IngoodtimetheMajor，previouslyinstructedbyMrs。Pipchin，spiedoutPaulandFlorence，andboredownuponthem；therebeingastatelygentlemanMr。Dombey，doubtlessintheircompany。ChargingwithMasterBitherstoneintotheveryheartofthelittlesquadron，itfellout，ofcourse，thatMasterBitherstonespoketohisfellow-sufferers。UponthattheMajorstoppedtonoticeandadmirethem；rememberedwithamazementthathehadseenandspokentothemathisfriendMissTox'sinPrincess'sPlace；opinedthatPaulwasadevilishfinefellow，andhisownlittlefriend；inquiredifherememberedJoeyB。theMajor；andfinally，withasuddenrecollectionoftheconventionalitiesoflife，turnedandapologisedtoMr。Dombey。
　　`Butmylittlefriendhere，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`makesaboyofmeagain。Anoldsoldier，Sir——MajorBagstock，atyourservice——isnotashamedtoconfessit。'HeretheMajorliftedhishat。`Damme，Sir，'criedtheMajorwithsuddenwarmth，`Ienvyyou。'Thenherecollectedhimself，andadded，`Excusemyfreedom。'
　　Mr。Dombeybeggedhewouldn'tmentionit。
　　`Anoldcampaigner，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`asmoke-dried，sun-burnt，usedup，invalidedolddogofaMajor，Sir，wasnotafraidofbeingcondemnedforhiswhimbyamanlikeMr。Dombey。IhavethehonourofaddressingMr。Dombey，Ibelieve？'
　　`Iamthepresentunworthyrepresentativeofthatname，Major，'
　　returnedMr。Dombey。
　　`ByG——，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`it'sgreatname。It'saname，Sir，'saidtheMajorfirmly，asifhedefiedMr。Dombeytocontradicthim，andwouldfeelithispainfuldutytobullyhimifhedid，`thatisknownandhonouredintheBritishpossessionsabroad。Itisaname，Sir，thatamanisproudtorecognise。ThereisnothingadulatoryinJosephBagstock，Sir。HisRoyalHighnesstheDukeofYorkobservedonmorethanoneoccasion，`thereisnoadulationinJoey。HeisaplainoldsoldierisJoe。HeistoughtoafaultisJoseph：'butit'sagreatname，Sir。BytheLord，it'sagreatname！'saidtheMajor，solemnly。
　　`Youaregoodenoughtorateithigherthanitdeserves，perhaps，Major，'returnedMr。Dombey。
　　`No，Sir，'saidtheMajor。`Mylittlefriendhere，Sir，willcertifyforJosephBagstockthatheisathorough-going，down-right，plain-spoken，oldTrump，Sir，andnothingmore。Thatboy，Sir，'saidtheMajorinalowertone，`willliveinhistory。Thatboy，Sir，isnotacommonproduction。
　　Takecareofhim，Mr。Dombey。'
　　Mr。Dombeyseemedtointimatethathewouldendeavourtodoso。
　　`Hereisaboyhere，Sir，'pursuedtheMajor，confidentially，andgivinghimathrustwithhiscane。`SonofBitherstoneofBengal。BillBitherstoneformerlyofours。Thatboy'sfatherandmyself，Sir，wereswornfriends。Whereveryouwent，Sir，youheardofnothingbutBillBitherstoneandJoeBagstock。AmIblindtothatboy'sdefects？Bynomeans。He'safool，Sir。'
　　Mr。DombeyglancedatthelibelledMasterBitherstone，ofwhomheknewatleastasmuchastheMajordid，andsaid，inquiteacomplacentmanner，`Really？'
　　`Thatiswhatheis，Sir，'saidtheMajor。`He'safool。JoeBagstocknevermincesmatters。ThesonofmyoldfriendBillBitherstone，ofBengal，isabornfool，Sir。'HeretheMajorlaughedtillhewasalmostblack。
　　`Mylittlefriendisdestinedforapublicschool，Ipresume，Mr。Dombey？'
　　saidtheMajorwhenhehadrecovered。
　　`Iamnotquitedecided，'returnedMr。Dombey。`Ithinknot。Heisdelicate。'
　　`Ifhe'sdelicate，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`youareright。Nonebutthetoughfellowscouldlivethroughit，Sir，atSandhurst。Weputeachothertothetorturethere，Sir。Weroastedthenewfellowsataslowfire，andhung'emoutofathreepairofstairswindow，withtheirheadsdownwards。JosephBagstock，Sir，washeldoutofthewindowbytheheelsofhisboots，forthirteenminutesbythecollegeclock。'
　　TheMajormighthaveappealedtohiscountenance，incorroborationofthisstory。Itcertainlylookedasifhehadhungoutalittletoolong。
　　`Butitmadeuswhatwewere，Sir，'saidtheMajor，settlinghisshirtfrill。`Wewereiron，Sir，anditforgedus。Areyouremaininghere，Mr。Dombey？'
　　`Igenerallycomedownonceaweek，Major，'returnedthatgentleman。
　　`IstayattheBedford。'
　　`IshallhavethehonourofcallingattheBedford，Sir，ifyou'llpermitme，'saidtheMajor。`JoeyB。，Sir，isnotingeneralacallingman，butMr。Dombey'sisnotacommonname。Iammuchindebtedtomylittlefriend，Sir，forthehonourofthisintroduction。'
　　Mr。Dombeymadeaverygraciousreply；andMajorBagstock，havingpattedPaulonthehead，andsaidofFlorencethathereyeswouldplaytheDevilwiththeyoungstersbeforelong——`andtheoldsterstoo，Sir，ifyoucometothat，'addedtheMajor，chucklingverymuch——stirredupMasterBitherstonewithhiswalking-stick，anddepartedwiththatyounggentleman，atakindofhalf-trot；rollinghisheadandcoughingwithgreatdignity，ashestaggeredaway，withhislegsverywideasunder。
　　Infulfilmentofhispromise，theMajorafterwardscalledonMr。
　　Dombey；andMr。Dombey，havingreferredtothearmylist，afterwardscalledontheMajor。ThentheMajorcalledatMr。Dombey'shouseintown；andcamedownagain，inthesamecoachasMr。Dombey。Inshort，Mr。DombeyandtheMajorgotonuncommonlywelltogether，anduncommonlyfast：andMr。DombeyobservedoftheMajor，tohissister，thatbesidesbeingquiteamilitarymanhewasreallysomethingmore，ashehadaveryadmirableideaoftheimportanceofthingsunconnectedwithhisownprofession。
　　AtlengthMr。Dombey，bringingdownMissToxandMrs。Chicktoseethechildren，andfindingtheMajoragainatBrighton，invitedhimtodinnerattheBedford，andcomplimentedMissToxhighly，beforehand，onherneighbourandacquaintance。Notwithstandingthepalpitationoftheheartwhichtheseallusionsoccasionedher，theywereanythingbutdisagreeabletoMissTox，astheyenabledhertobeextremelyinteresting，andtomanifestanoccasionalincoherenceanddistractionwhichshewasnotatallunwillingtodisplay。TheMajorgaveherabundantopportunitiesofexhibitingthisemotion：beingprofuseinhiscomplaints，atdinner，ofherdesertionofhimandPrincess'sPlace：andasheappearedtoderivegreatenjoymentfrommakingthem，theyallgotonverywell。
　　NonetheworseonaccountoftheMajortakingchargeofthewholeconversation，andshowingasgreatanappetiteinthatrespectasinregardofthevariousdaintiesonthetable，amongwhichhemaybealmostsaidtohavewallowed：greatlytotheaggravationofhisinflammatorytendencies。
　　Mr。Dombey'shabitualsilenceandreserveyieldingreadilytothisusurpation，theMajorfeltthathewascomingoutandshining：andintheflowofspiritsthusengendered，rangsuchaninfinitenumberofnewchangesonhisownnamethathequiteastonishedhimself。Inaword，theywereallverywellpleased。TheMajorwasconsideredtopossessaninexhaustiblefundofconversation；
　　andwhenhetookalatefarewell，afteralongrubber，Mr。DombeyagaincomplimentedtheblushingMissToxonherneighbourandacquaintance。
　　Butallthewayhometohisownhotel，theMajorincessantlysaidtohimself，andofhimself，`Sly，Sir——sly，Sir——de-vil-ishsly！'Andwhenhegotthere，satdowninachair，andfellintoasilentfitoflaughter，withwhichhewassometimesseized，andwhichwasalwaysparticularlyawful。
　　Itheldhimsolongonthisoccasionthatthedarkservant，whostoodwatchinghimatadistance，butdarednotforhislifeapproach，twiceorthricegavehimoverforlost。Hiswholeform，butespeciallyhisfaceandhead，dilatedbeyondallformerexperience；andpresentedtothedarkman'sview，nothingbutaheavymassofindigo。Atlengthheburstintoaviolentparoxysmofcoughing，andwhenthatwasalittlebetterburstintosuchejaculationsasthefollowing：
　　`Wouldyou，Ma'am，wouldyou？Mrs。Dombey，eh，Ma'am？Ithinknot，Ma'am。NotwhileJoeB。canputaspokeinyourwheel，Ma'am。J。B。'sevenwithyounow，Ma'am。Heisn'taltogetherbowledout，yet，Sir，isn'tBagstock。She'sdeep，Sir，deep，butJoshisdeeper。WideawakeisoldJoe——broadawake，andstaring，Sir！'Therewasnodoubtofthislastassertionbeingtrue，andtoaveryfearfulextent；asitcontinuedtobeduringthegreaterpartofthatnight，whichtheMajorchieflypassedinsimilarexclamations，diversifiedwithfitsofcoughingandchokingthatstartledthewholehouse。
　　ItwasonthedayafterthisoccasionbeingSundaywhen，asMr。Dombey，Mrs。Chick，andMissToxweresittingatbreakfast，stilleulogisingtheMajor，Florencecamerunningin：herfacesuffusedwithabrightcolour，andhereyessparklingjoyfully：andcried，`Papa！papa！Here'sWalter！andhewon'tcomein。'
　　`Who？'criedMr。Dombey。`Whatdoesshemean？Whatisthis？'
　　`Walter，Papa！'saidFlorencetimidly；sensibleofhavingapproachedthepresencewithtoomuchfamiliarity。`WhofoundmewhenIwaslost。'
　　`DoesshemeanyoungGay，Louisa？'inquiredMr。Dombey，knittinghisbrows。`Really，thischild'smannershavebecomeveryboisterous。ShecannotmeanyoungGay，Ithink。Seewhatitis，willyou？'
　　Mrs。Chickhurriedintothepassage，andreturnedwiththeinformationthatitwasyoungGay，accompaniedbyaverystrange-lookingperson；andthatyoungGaysaidhewouldnottakethelibertyofcomingin，hearingMr。Dombeywasatbreakfast，butwouldwaituntilMr。Dombeyshouldsignifythathemightapproach。
　　`Telltheboytocomeinnow，'saidMr。Dombey。`Now，Gay，whatisthematter？Whosentyoudownhere？Wastherenobodyelsetocome？'
　　`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，'returnedWalter。`Ihavenotbeensent。
　　Ihavebeensoboldastocomeonmyownaccount，whichIhopeyou'llpardonwhenImentionthecause。'
　　ButMr。Dombeywithoutattendingtowhathesaid，waslookingimpatientlyoneithersideofhimasifhewereapillarinhiswayatsomeobjectbehind。
　　`What'sthat？'saidMr。Dombey。`Whoisthat？Ithinkyouhavemadesomemistakeinthedoor，Sir。'
　　`Oh，I'mverysorrytointrudewithanyone，Sir，'criedWalter，hastily：`butthisis——thisisCaptainCuttle，Sir。'
　　`Wal'r，mylad，'observedtheCaptaininadeepvoice：`standby！'
　　AtthesametimetheCaptain，comingalittlefurtherin，broughtouthiswidesuitofblue，hisconspicuousshirt-collar，andhisknobbynoseinfullrelief，andstoodbowingtoMr。Dombey，andwavinghishookpolitelytotheladies，withthehardglazedhatinhisonehand，andaredequatorroundhisheadwhichithadnewlyimprintedthere。
　　Mr。Dombeyregardedthisphenomenonwithamazementandindignation，andseemedbyhislookstoappealtoMrs。ChickandMissToxagainstit。
　　LittlePaul，whohadcomeinafterFlorence，backedtowardsMissToxastheCaptainwavedhishook，andstoodonthedefensive。
　　`Now，Gay，'saidMr。Dombey。`Whathaveyougottosaytome？'
　　AgaintheCaptainobserved，asageneralopeningoftheconversationthatcouldnotfailtopropitiateallparties，`Wal'r，standby！'
　　`Iamafraid，Sir，'beganWalter，trembling，andlookingdownattheground，`thatItakeaverygreatlibertyincoming——indeed，IamsureIdo。Ishouldhardlyhavehadthecouragetoasktoseeyou，Sir，evenaftercomingdown，Iamafraid，ifIhadnotovertakenMissDombey，and——'
　　`Well！'saidMr。Dombey，followinghiseyesasheglancedattheattentiveFlorence，andfrowningunconsciouslyassheencouragedhimwithasmile。`Goon，ifyouplease。'
　　`Aye，aye，'observedtheCaptain，consideringitincumbentonhim，asapointofgoodbreeding，tosupportMr。Dombey。`Wellsaid！Goon，Wal'r。'
　　CaptainCuttleoughttohavebeenwitheredbythelookwhichMr。
　　Dombeybestoweduponhiminacknowledgmentofhispatronage。Butquiteinnocentofthis，heclosedoneeyeinreply，andgaveMr。Dombeytounderstandbycertainsignificantmotionsofhishook，thatWalterwasalittlebashfulatfirst，andmightbeexpectedtocomeoutshortly。
　　`Itisentirelyaprivateandpersonalmatter，thathasbroughtmehere，Sir，'continuedWalter，faltering，`andCaptainCuttle——'
　　`Here！'interposedtheCaptain，asanassurancethathewasathand，andmightbereliedupon。
　　`Whoisaveryoldfriendofmypooruncle's，andamostexcellentman，Sir，'pursuedWalter，raisinghiseyeswithalookofentreatyintheCaptain'sbehalf，`wassogoodastooffertocomewithme，whichI
　　couldhardlyrefuse。'
　　`No，no，no，'observedtheCaptaincomplacently。`Ofcoursenot。
　　Nocallforrefusing。Goon，Wal'r。'
　　`Andtherefore，Sir，'saidWalter，venturingtomeetMr。Dombey'seye，andproceedingwithbettercourageintheverydesperationofthecase，nowthattherewasnoavoidingit，`thereforeIhavecome，withhim，Sir，tosaythatmypoorolduncleisinverygreatafflictionanddistress。
　　That，throughthegraduallossofhisbusiness，andnotbeingabletomakeapayment，theapprehensionofwhichhasweighedveryheavilyuponhismind，monthsandmonths，asindeedIknow，Sir，hehasanexecutioninhishouse，andisindangeroflosingallhehas，andbreakinghisheart。
　　Andthatifyouwould，inyourkindness，andinyouroldknowledgeofhimasarespectableman，doanythingtohelphimoutofhisdifficulty，Sir，wenevercouldthankyouenoughforit。'
　　Walter'seyesfilledwithtearsashespoke；andsodidthoseofFlorence。Herfathersawthemglistening，thoughheappearedtolookatWalteronly。
　　`Itisaverylargesum，Sir，'saidWalter。`Morethanthreehundredpounds。Myuncleisquitebeatendownbyhismisfortune，itliessoheavyonhim；andisquiteunabletodoanythingforhisownrelief。Hedoesn'tevenknowyet，thatIhavecometospeaktoyou。Youwouldwishmetosay，Sir，'addedWalter，afteramoment'shesitation，`exactlywhatitisI
　　want。Ireallydon'tknow，Sir。Thereismyuncle'sstock，onwhichIbelieveImaysay，confidently，therearenootherdemands，andthereisCaptainCuttle，whowouldwishtobesecuritytoo。I——Ihardlyliketomention，'
　　saidWalter，`suchearningsasmine；butifyouwouldallowthem——accumulate——payment——advance——uncle——frugal，honourable，oldman。'Waltertrailedoff，throughthesebrokensentences，intosilence：andstood，withdowncasthead，beforehisemployer。
　　Consideringthisafavourablemomentforthedisplayofthevaluables，CaptainCuttleadvancedtothetable；andclearingaspaceamongthebreakfast-cupsatMr。Dombey'selbow，producedthesilverwatch，thereadymoney，theteaspoons，andthesugar-tongs；andpilingthemupintoaheapthattheymightlookaspreciousaspossible，deliveredhimselfofthesewords：
　　`Halfaloaf'sbetterthannobread，andthesameremarkholdsgoodwithcrumbs。There'safew。Annuityofonehundredpoundprannumalsoreadytobemadeover。Ifthereisamanchockfullofscienceintheworld，it'soldSolGills。Ifthereisaladofpromise——oneflowing，'addedtheCaptain，inoneofhishappyquotations，`withmilkandhoney——it'shisnevy！'
　　TheCaptainthenwithdrewtohisformerplace，wherehestoodarranginghisscatteredlockswiththeairofamanwhohadgiventhefinishingtouchtoadifficultperformance。
　　WhenWalterceasedtospeak，Mr。Dombey'seyeswereattractedtolittlePaul，who，seeinghissisterhangingdownherheadandsilentlyweepinginhercommiserationforthedistressshehadhearddescribed，wentovertoher，andtriedtocomforther：lookingatWalterandhisfatherashedidso，withaveryexpressiveface。AfterthemomentarydistractionofCaptainCuttle'saddress，whichheregardedwithloftyindifference，Mr。Dombeyagainturnedhiseyesuponhisson，andsatsteadilyregardingthechild，forsomemoments，insilence。
　　`Whatwasthisdebtcontractedfor？'askedMr。Dombey，atlength。
　　`Whoisthecreditor？'
　　`Hedon'tknow，'repliedtheCaptain，puttinghishandonWalter'sshoulder。`Ido。Itcameofhelpingamanthat'sdeadnow，andthat'scostmyfriendGillsmanyahundredpoundalready。Moreparticularsinprivate，ifagreeable。'
　　`Peoplewhohaveenoughtodotoholdtheirownway，'saidMr。
　　Dombey，unobservantoftheCaptain'smysterioussignsbehindWalter，andstilllookingathisson，`hadbetterbecontentwiththeirownobligationsanddifficulties，andnotincreasethembyengagingforothermen。Itisanactofdishonestyandpresumption，too，'saidMr。Dombey，sternly；`greatpresumption；forthewealthycoulddonomore。Paul，comehere！'
　　Thechildobeyed：andMr。Dombeytookhimonhisknee。
　　`Ifyouhadmoneynow'saidMr。Dombey。`Lookatme！'
　　Paul，whoseeyeshadwanderedtohissister，andtoWalter，lookedhisfatherintheface。
　　`Ifyouhadmoneynow，'saidMr。Dombey；`asmuchmoneyasyoungGayhastalkedabout；whatwouldyoudo？'
　　`Giveittohisolduncle，'returnedPaul。
　　`Lendittohisolduncle，eh？'retortedMr。Dombey。`Well！Whenyouareoldenough，youknow，youwillsharemymoney，andweshalluseittogether。'
　　`DombeyandSon，'interruptedPaul，whohadbeentutoredearlyinthephrase。
　　`DombeyandSon，'repeatedhisfather。`WouldyouliketobegintobeDombeyandSon，now，andlendthismoneytoyoungGay'suncle？'
　　`Oh！ifyouplease，Papa！'saidPaul：`andsowouldFlorence。'
　　`Girls，'saidMr。Dombey，`havenothingtodowithDombeyandSon。Wouldyoulikeit？'
　　`Yes，Papa，yes！'
　　`Thenyoushalldoit，'returnedhisfather。`Andyousee，Paul，'
　　headded，droppinghisvoice，`howpowerfulmoneyis，andhowanxiouspeoplearetogetit。YoungGaycomesallthiswaytobegformoney，andyou，whoaresograndandgreat，havinggotit，aregoingtolethimhaveit，asagreatfavourandobligation。'
　　Paulturneduptheoldfaceforamoment，inwhichtherewasasharpunderstandingofthereferenceconveyedinthesewords：butitwasayoungandchildishfaceimmediatelyafterwards，whenheslippeddownfromhisfather'sknee，andrantotellFlorencenottocryanymore，forhewasgoingtoletyoungGayhavethemoney。
　　Mr。Dombeythenturnedtoaside-table，andwroteanoteandsealedit。Duringtheinterval，PaulandFlorencewhisperedtoWalter，andCaptainCuttlebeamedonthethree，withsuchaspiringandineffablypresumptuousthoughtsasMr。Dombeynevercouldhavebelievedin。Thenotebeingfinished，Mr。Dombeyturnedroundtohisformerplace，andhelditouttoWalter。
　　`Givethat，'hesaid，`thefirstthingto-morrowmorning，toMr。
　　Carker。Hewillimmediatelytakecarethatoneofmypeoplereleasesyourunclefromhispresentposition，bypayingtheamountatissue；andthatsucharrangementsaremadeforitsrepaymentasmaybeconsistentwithyouruncle'scircumstances。YouwillconsiderthatthisisdoneforyoubyMasterPaul。'
　　Walter，intheemotionofholdinginhishandthemeansofreleasinghisgoodunclefromhistrouble，wouldhaveendeavouredtoexpresssomethingofhisgratitudeandjoy。ButMr。Dombeystoppedhimshort。
　　`Youwillconsiderthatitisdone，'herepeated，`byMasterPaul。
　　Ihaveexplainedthattohim，andheunderstandsit。Iwishnomoretobesaid。'
　　Ashemotionedtowardsthedoor，Waltercouldonlybowhisheadandretire。MissTox，seeingthattheCaptainappearedabouttodothesame，interposed。
　　`MydearSir，'shesaid，addressingMr。Dombey，atwhosemunificencebothsheandMrs。Chickweresheddingtearscopiously；`Ithinkyouhaveoverlookedsomething。Pardonme，Mr。Dombey，Ithink，inthenobilityofyourcharacter，anditsexaltedscope，youhaveomittedamatterofdetail。'
　　`Indeed，MissTox！'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`ThegentlemanwiththeInstrument，'pursuedMissTox，glancingatCaptainCuttle，`hasleftuponthetable，atyourelbow'
　　`GoodHeaven！'saidMr。Dombey，sweepingtheCaptain'spropertyfromhim，asifitweresomuchcrumbindeed。`Takethesethingsaway。
　　Iamobligedtoyou，MissTox；itislikeyourusualdiscretion。Havethegoodnesstotakethesethingsaway，Sir！'
　　CaptainCuttlefelthehadnoalternativebuttocomply。ButhewassomuchstruckbythemagnanimityofMr。Dombey，inrefusingtreasureslyingheapeduptohishand，thatwhenhehaddepositedtheteaspoonsandsugar-tongsinonepocket，andthereadymoneyinanother，andhadloweredthegreatwatchdownslowlyintoitspropervault，hecouldnotrefrainfromseizingthatgentleman'srighthandinhisownsolitaryleft，andwhilehehelditopenwithhispowerfulfingers，bringingthehookdownuponitspalminatransportofadmiration。Atthistouchofwarmfeelingandcoldiron，Mr。Dombeyshiveredallover。
　　CaptainCuttlethenkissedhishooktotheladiesseveraltimes，withgreateleganceandgallantry；andhavingtakenaparticularleaveofPaulandFlorence，accompaniedWalteroutoftheroom。Florencewasrunningafterthemintheearnestnessofherheart，tosendsomemessagetooldSol，whenMr。Dombey，calledherback，andbadeherstaywhereshewas。
　　`WillyouneverbeaDombey，mydearchild！'saidMrs。
　　Chick，withpatheticreproachfulness。
　　`DearAunt，'saidFlorence。`Don'tbeangrywithme。IamsothankfultoPapa！'
　　Shewouldhaverunandthrownherarmsabouthisneckifshehaddared；butasshedidnotdare，sheglancedwiththankfuleyestowardshim，ashesatmusing；sometimesbestowinganuneasyglanceonher，but，forthemostpart，watchingPaul，whowalkedabouttheroomwiththenew-blowndignityofhavingletyoungGayhavethemoney。
　　AndyoungGay——Walter——whatofhim？
　　Hewasoverjoyedtopurgetheoldman'shearthfrombailiffsandbrokers，andtohurrybacktohisunclewiththegoodtidings。Hewasoverjoyedtohaveitallarrangedandsettlednextdaybeforenoon；andtositdownateveninginthelittlebackparlourwitholdSolandCaptainCuttle；
　　andtoseetheinstrument-makeralreadyreviving，andhopefulforthefuture，andfeelingthatthewoodenmidshipmanwashisownagain。ButwithouttheleastimpeachmentofhisgratitudetoMr。Dombey，itmustbeconfessedthatWalterwashumbledandcastdown。Itiswhenourbuddinghopesarenippedbeyondrecoverybysomeroughwind，thatwearethemostdisposedtopicturetoourselveswhatflowerstheymighthaveborne，iftheyhadflourished；andnow，whenWalterfoundhimselfcutofffromthatgreatDombeyheight，bythedepthofanewandterribletumble，andfeltthatallhisoldwildfancieshadbeenscatteredtothewindsinthefall，hebegantosuspectthattheymighthaveledhimontoharmlessvisionsofaspiringtoFlorenceintheremotedistanceoftime。
　　TheCaptainviewedthesubjectinquiteadifferentlight。Heappearedtoentertainabeliefthattheinterviewatwhichhehadassistedwassoverysatisfactoryandencouraging，astobeonlyasteportworemovedfromaregularbetrothalofFlorencetoWalter；andthatthelatetransactionhadimmenselyforwarded，ifnotthoroughlyestablished，theWhittingtonianhopes。Stimulatedbythisconviction，andbytheimprovementinthespiritsofhisoldfriend，andbyhisownconsequentgaiety，heevenattempted，infavouringthemwiththeballadof`LovelyPeg'forthethirdtimeinoneevening，tomakeanextemporaneoussubstitutionofthename`Florence；'
　　butfindingthisdifficult，onaccountofthewordPeginvariablyrhymingtoleginwhichpersonalbeautytheoriginalwasdescribedashavingexcelledallcompetitors，hehituponthehappythoughtofchangingittoFle——e——eg；
　　whichheaccordinglydid，withanarchnessalmostsupernatural，andavoicequitevociferous，notwithstandingthatthetimewascloseathandwhenhemustseektheabodeofthedreadfulMrs。MacStinger。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIPaul'sIntroductiontoaNewSceneMRS。PIPCHIN'Sconstitutionwasmadeofsuchhardmetal，inspiteofitsliabilitytothefleshlyweaknessesofstandinginneedofreposeafterchops，andofrequiringtobecoaxedtosleepbythesoporificagencyofsweet-breads，thatitutterlysetatnaughtthepredictionsofMrs。Wickam，andshowednosymptomsofdecline。Yet，asPaul'sraptinterestintheoldladycontinuedunabated，Mrs。Wickamwouldnotbudgeaninchfromthepositionshehadtakenup。Fortifyingandentrenchingherselfonthestronggroundofheruncle'sBetseyJane，sheadvisedMissBerry，asafriend，toprepareherselffortheworst；andforewarnedherthatherauntmight，atanytime，beexpectedtogooffsuddenly，likeapowder-mill。
　　PoorBerrytookitallingoodpart，anddrudgedandslavedawayasusual；perfectlyconvincedthatMrs。Pipchinwasoneofthemostmeritoriouspersonsintheworld，andmakingeverydayinnumerablesacrificesofherselfuponthealtarofthatnobleoldwoman。ButalltheseimmolationsofBerryweresomehowcarriedtothecreditofMrs。PipchinbyMrs。Pipchin'sfriendsandadmirers；andweremadetoharmonisewith，andcarryout，thatmelancholyfactofthedeceasedMr。PipchinhavingbrokenhisheartinthePeruvianmines。
　　Forexample，therewasanhonestgrocerandgeneraldealerintheretaillineofbusiness，betweenwhomandMrs。Pipchintherewasasmallmemorandumbook，withagreasyredcover，perpetuallyinquestion，andconcerningwhichdiverssecretcouncilsandconferenceswerecontinuallybeingheldbetweenthepartiestotheregister，onthematinthepassage，andwithcloseddoorsintheparlour。NorweretherewantingdarkhintsfromMasterBitherstonewhosetemperhadbeenmadere-vengefulbythesolarheatsofIndiaactingonhisblood，ofbalancesunsettled，andofafailure，ononeoccasionwithhismemory，inthesupplyofmoistsugarattea-time。Thisgrocerbeingabachelor，andnotamanwholookeduponthesurfaceforbeauty，hadoncemadehonourableoffersforthehandofBerry，whichMrs。Pipchinhad，withcontumelyandscorn，rejected。EverybodysaidhowlaudablethiswasinMrs。Pipchin，relictofamanwhohaddiedofthePeruvianmines；andwhatastaunch，high，independentspirittheoldladyhad。ButnobodysaidanythingaboutpoorBerry，whocriedforsixweeksbeingsoundlyratedbyhergoodauntallthetime，andlapsedintoastateofhopelessspinsterhood。
　　`Berry'sveryfondofyou，ain'tshe？'PaulonceaskedMrs。Pipchinwhentheyweresittingbythefirewiththecat。
　　`Yes，'saidMrs。Pipchin。
　　`Why？'askedPaul。
　　`Why！'returnedthedisconcertedoldlady。`Howcanyouasksuchthings，Sir！whyareyoufondofyoursisterFlorence？'
　　`Becauseshe'sverygood，'saidPaul。`There'snobodylikeFlorence。'
　　`Well！'retortedMrs。Pipchin，shortly，`andthere'snobodylikeme，Isuppose。'
　　`Ain'ttherereallythough？'askedPaul，leaningforwardinhischair，andlookingatherveryhard。
　　`No，'saidtheoldlady。
　　`Iamgladofthat，'observedPaul，rubbinghishandsthoughtfully。
　　`That'saverygoodthing。'
　　Mrs。Pipchindidn'tdaretoaskhimwhy，lestsheshouldreceivesomeperfectlyannihilatinganswer。Butasacompensationtoherwoundedfeelings，sheharassedMasterBitherstonetothatextentuntilbed-time，thathebeganthatverynighttomakearrangementsforanoverlandreturntoIndia，bySecretingfromhissupperaquarterofaroundofbreadandafragmentofmoistDutchcheese，asthebeginningofastockofprovisiontosupporthimonthevoyage。
　　Mrs。PipchinhadkeptwatchandwardoverlittlePaulandhissisterfornearlytwelvemonths。Theyhadbeenhometwice，butonlyforafewdays；andhadbeenconstantintheirweeklyvisitstoMr。Dombeyatthehotel。BylittleandlittlePaulhadgrownstronger，andhadbecomeabletodispensewithhiscarriage；thoughhestilllookedthinanddelicate；
　　andstillremainedthesameold，quiet，dreamychildthathehadbeenwhenfirstconsignedtoMrs。Pipchin'scare。OneSaturdayafternoon，atdusk，greatconsternationwasoccasionedinthecastlebytheunlooked-forannouncementofMr。DombeyasavisitortoMrs。Pipchin。Thepopulationoftheparlourwasimmediatelysweptupstairsasonthewingsofawhirlwind，andaftermuchslammingofbedroomdoors，andtramplingoverhead，andsomeknockingaboutofMasterBitherstonebyMrs。Pipchin，asarelieftotheperturbationofherspirits，theblackbombazeengarmentsoftheworthyoldladydarkenedtheaudience-chamberwhereMr。Dombeywascontemplatingthevacantarm-chairofhissonandheir。
　　`Mrs。Pipchin，'saidMr。Dombey，`Howdoyoudo？'
　　`Thankyou，Sir，'saidMrs。Pipchin，`Iamprettywell，considering。'
　　Mrs。Pipchinalwaysusedthatformofwords。Itmeant，consideringhervirtues，sacrifices，andsoforth。
　　`Ican'texpect，Sir，tobeverywell，'saidMrs。Pipchin，takingachairandfetchingherbreath；`butsuchhealthasIhave，Iamgratefulfor。'
　　Mr。Dombeyinclinedhisheadwiththesatisfiedairofapatron，whofeltthatthiswasthesortofthingforwhichhepaidsomuchaquarter。
　　Afteramoment'ssilencehewentontosay：
　　`Mrs。Pipchin，Ihavetakenthelibertyofcalling，toconsultyouinreferencetomyson。Ihavehaditinmymindtodosoforsometimepast；buthavedeferreditfromtimetotime，inorderthathishealthmightbethoroughlyre-established。Youhavenomisgivingsonthatsubject，Mrs。Pipchin？'
　　`Brightonhasprovedverybeneficial，Sir，'returnedMrs。Pipchin。`Verybeneficial，indeed。'
　　`Ipurpose，'saidMr。Dombey，`hisremainingatBrighton。'
　　Mrs。Pipchinrubbedherhands，andbenthergreyeyesonthefire。
　　`But，'pursuedMr。Dombey，stretchingouthisforefinger，`butpossiblythatheshouldnowmakeachange，andleaddifferentkindoflifehere。Inshort，Mrs。Pipchin，thatistheobjectofmyvisit。Mysonisgettingon，Mrs。Pipchin。Reallyheisgettingon。'
　　TherewassomethingmelancholyinthetriumphantairwithwhichMr。Dombeysaidthis。ItshowedhowlongPaul'schildishlifehadbeentohim，andhowhishopesweresetuponalaterstageofhisexistence。
　　Pitymayappearastrangewordtoconnectwithanyonesohaughtyandsocold，andyetheseemedaworthysubjectforitatthatmoment。
　　`Sixyearsold！'saidMr。Dombey，settlinghisneckcloth——perhapstohideanirrepressiblesmilethatratherseemedtostrikeuponthesurfaceofhisfaceandglanceaway，asfindingnoresting-place，thantoplaythereforaninstant。`Dearme，sixwillbechangedtosixteen，beforewehavetimetolookaboutus。'
　　`Tenyears，'croakedtheunsympatheticPipchin，withafrostyglisteningofherhardgreyeye，andadrearyshakingofherbenthead，`isalongtime。'
　　`Itdependsoncircumstances，'returnedMr。Dombey；`atallevents，Mrs。Pipchin，mysonissixyearsold，andthereisnodoubt，Ifear，thatinhisstudiesheisbehindmanychildrenofhisage——orhisyouth，'saidMr。Dombey，quicklyansweringwhathemistrustedwasashrewdtwinkleofthefrostyeye，`hisyouthisamoreappropriateexpression。Now，Mrs。
　　Pipchin，insteadofbeingbehindhispeers，mysonoughttobebeforethem；
　　farbeforethem。Thereisaneminencereadyforhimtomountupon。Thereisnothingofchanceordoubtinthecoursebeforemyson。Hiswayinlifewasclearandprepared，andmarkedoutbeforeheexisted。Theeducationofsuchayounggentlemanmustnotbedelayed。Itmustnotbeleftimperfect。
　　Itmustbeverysteadilyandseriouslyundertaken，Mrs。Pipchin。'`Well，Sir，'saidMrs。Pipchin，`Icansaynothingtothecontrary。'
　　`Iwasquitesure，Mrs。Pipchin，'returnedMr。Dombey，approvingly，`thatapersonofyourgoodsensecouldnot，andwouldnot。'
　　`Thereisagreatdealofnonsense——andworse——talkedaboutyoungpeoplenotbeingpressedtoohardatfirst，andbeingtemptedon，andalltherestofit，Sir，'saidMrs。Pipchin，impatientlyrubbingherhookednose。`Itneverwasthoughtofinmytime，andithasnobusinesstobethoughtofnow。Myopinionis“keep'ematit。“'
　　`Mygoodmadam，'returnedMr。Dombey，`youhavenotacquiredyourreputationundeservedly；andIbegyoutobelieve，Mrs。Pipchin，thatI
　　ammorethansatisfiedwithyourexcellentsystemofmanagement，andshallhavethegreatestpleasureincommendingitwhenevermypoorcommendation'——Mr。
　　Dombey'sloftinesswhenheaffectedtodisparagehisownimportance，passedallbounds——`canbeofanyservice。IhavebeenthinkingofDoctorBlimber's，Mrs。Pipchin。'
　　`Myneighbour，Sir？'saidMrs。Pipchin。`IbelievetheDoctor'sisanexcellentestablishment。I'veheardthatit'sverystrictlyconducted，andthereisnothingbutlearninggoingonfrommorningtonight。'
　　`Andit'sveryexpensive，'addedMr。Dombey。
　　`Andit'sveryexpensive，Sir，'returnedMrs。Pipchin，catchingatthefact，asifinomittingthat，shehadomittedoneofitsleadingmerits。
　　`IhavehadsomecommunicationwiththeDoctor，Mrs。Pipchin，'
　　saidMr。Dombey，hitchinghischairanxiouslyalittlenearertothefire，`andhedoesnotconsiderPaulatalltooyoungforhispurpose。HementionedseveralinstancesofboysinGreekataboutthesameage。IfIhaveanylittleuneasinessinmyownmind，Mrs。Pipchin，onthesubjectofthischange，itisnotonthathead。Mysonnothavingknownamotherhasgraduallyconcentratedmuch——toomuch——ofhischildishaffectiononhissister。Whethertheirseparation——'Mr。Dombeysaidnomore，butsatsilent。
　　`Hoity-toity！'exclaimedMrs。Pipchin，shakingoutherblackbombazeenskirts，andpluckingupalltheogresswithinher。`Ifshedon'tlikeit，Mr。Dombey，shemustbetaughttolumpit。'Thegoodladyapologisedimmediatelyafterwardsforusingsocommonafigureofspeech，butsaidandtruly
　　thatthatwasthewayshereasonedwith'em。
　　Mr。DombeywaiteduntilMrs。Pipchinhaddonebridlingandshakingherhead，andfrowningdownalegionofBitherstonesandPankeys；andthensaidquietly，butcorrectively，`He，mygoodmadam，he。'
　　Mrs。Pipchin'ssystemwouldhaveappliedverymuchthesamemodeofcuretoanyuneasinessonthepartofPaul，too；butasthehardgreyeyewassharpenoughtoseethattherecipe，howeverMr。Dombeymightadmititsefficacyinthecaseofthedaughter，wasnotasovereignremedyfortheson，shearguedthepoint；andcontendedthatchange，andnewsociety，andthedifferentformoflifehewouldleadatDoctorBlimber's，andthestudieshewouldhavetomaster，wouldverysoonprovesufficientalienations。
　　AsthischimedinwithMr。Dombey'sownhopeandbelief，itgavethatgentlemanastillhigheropinionofMrs。Pipchin'sunderstanding：andasMrs。Pipchin，atthesametime，bewailedthelossofherdearlittlefriendwhichwasnotanoverwhelmingshocktoher，asshehadlongexpectedit，andhadnotlooked，inthebeginning，forhisremainingwithherlongerthanthreemonths，heformedanequallygoodopinionofMrs。Pipchin'sdisinterestedness。
　　Itwasplainthathehadgiventhesubjectanxiousconsideration，forhehadformedaplan，whichheannouncedtotheogress，ofsendingPaultotheDoctor'sasaweeklyboarderforthefirsthalfyear，duringwhichtimeFlorencewouldremainatthecastle，thatshemightreceiveherbrotherthere，onSaturdays。Thiswouldweanhimbydegrees，Mr。Dombeysaid；probablywitharecollectionofhisnothavingbeenweanedbydegreesonaformeroccasion。
　　Mr。DombeyfinishedtheinterviewbyexpressinghishopethatMrs。Pipchinwouldstillremaininofficeasgeneralsuperintendentandoverseerofhisson，pendinghisstudiesatBrighton；andhavingkissedPaul，andshakenhandswithFlorence，andbeheldMasterBitherstoneinhiscollarofstate，andmadeMissPankeycrybypattingherontheheadinwhichregionshewasuncommonlytender，onaccountofahabitMrs。
　　Pipchinhadofsoundingitwithherknuckles，likeacask，hewithdrewtohishotelanddinner：resolvedthatPaul，nowthathewasgettingsooldandwell，shouldbeginavigorouscourseofeducationforthwith，toqualifyhimforthepositioninwhichhewastoshine；andthatDoctorBlimbershouldtakehiminhandimmediately。
　　WheneverayounggentlemanwastakeninhandbyDoctorBlimber，hemightconsiderhimselfsureofaprettytightsqueeze。Thedoctoronlyundertookthechargeoftenyounggentlemen，buthehad，alwaysready，asupplyoflearningforahundred，onthelowestestimate；anditwasatoncethebusinessanddelightofhislifetogorgetheunhappytenwithit。
　　Infact，DoctorBlimber'sestablishmentwasagreathot-house，inwhichtherewasaforcingapparatusincessantlyatwork。Alltheboysblewbeforetheirtime。Mentalgreen-peaswereproducedatChristmas，andintellectualasparagusalltheyearround。Mathematicalgooseberriesverysouronestoowerecommonatuntimelyseasons，andfrommeresproutsofbushes，underDoctorBlimber'scultivation。EverydescriptionofGreekandLatinvegetablewasgotoffthedriesttwigsofboys，underthefrostiestcircumstances。Naturewasofnoconsequenceatall。Nomatterwhatayounggentlemanwasintendedtobear，DoctorBlimbermadehimbeartopattern，somehoworother。
　　Thiswasallverypleasantandingenious，butthesystemofforcingwasattendedwithitsusualdisadvantages。Therewasnottherighttasteabouttheprematureproductions，andtheydidn'tkeepwell。Moreover，oneyounggentleman，withaswollennoseandanexcessivelylargeheadtheoldestofthetenwhohad`gonethrough'everything，suddenlyleftoffblowingoneday，andremainedintheestablishmentamerestalk。AndpeopledidsaythattheDoctorhadratheroverdoneitwithyoungToots，andthatwhenhebegantohavewhiskersheleftoffhavingbrains。
　　ThereyoungTootswas，atanyrate；possessedofthegruffestofvoicesandtheshrillestofminds；stickingornamentalpinsintohisshirt，andkeepingaringinhiswaistcoatpockettoputonhislittlefingerbystealth，whenthepupilswentoutwalking；constantlyfallinginlovebysightwithnurserymaids，whohadnoideaofhisexistence；andlookingatthegas-lightedworldoverthelittleironbarsintheleft-handcornerwindowofthefrontthreepairsofstairs，afterbed-time，likeagreatlyovergrowncherubwhohadsatupaloftmuchtoolong。
　　TheDoctorwasaportlygentlemaninasuitofblack，withstringsathisknees，andstockingsbelowthem。Hehadabaldhead，highlypolished；
　　adeepvoice；andachinsoverydouble，thatitwasawonderhowheevermanagedtoshaveintothecreases。Hehadlikewiseapairoflittleeyesthatwerealwayshalfshutup，andamouththatwasalwayshalfexpandedintoagrin，asifhehad，thatmoment，posedaboy，andwerewaitingtoconvicthimfromhisownlips。Insomuch，thatwhentheDoctorputhisrighthandintothebreastofhiscoat，andwithhisotherhandbehindhim，andascarcelyperceptiblewagofhishead，madethecommonestobservationtoanervousstranger，itwaslikeasentimentfromthesphynx，andsettledhisbusiness。
　　TheDoctor'swasamightyfinehouse，frontingthesea。Notajoyfulstyleofhousewithin，butquitethecontrary。Sad-colouredcurtains，whoseproportionswerespareandlean，hidthemselvesdespondentlybehindthewindows。Thetablesandchairswereputawayinrows，likefiguresinasum：firesweresorarelylightedintheroomsofceremony，thattheyfeltlikewells，andavisitorrepresentedthebucket；thedining-roomseemedthelastplaceintheworldwhereanyeatingordrinkingwaslikelytooccur；therewasnosoundthroughallthehousebutthetickingofagreatclockinthehall，whichmadeitselfaudibleintheverygarrets：
　　andsometimesadullcryingofyounggentlemenattheirlessons，likethemurmuringsofanassemblageofmelancholypigeons。
　　MissBlimber，too，althoughaslimandgracefulmaid，didnosoftviolencetothegravityofthehouse。TherewasnolightnonsenseaboutMissBlimber。Shekeptherhairshortandcrisp，andworespectacles。Shewasdryandsandywithworkinginthegravesofdeceasedlanguages。NoneofyourlivelanguagesforMissBlimber。Theymustbedead——stonedead——andthenMissBlimberdugthemuplikeaGhoul。
　　Mrs。Blimber，hermama，wasnotlearnedherself，butshepretendedtobe，andthatdidquiteaswell。Shesaidateveningparties，thatifshecouldhaveknownCicero，shethoughtshecouldhavediedcontented。
　　ItwasthesteadyjoyofherlifetoseetheDoctor'syounggentlemengooutwalking，unlikeallotheryounggentlemen，inthelargestpossibleshirt-collars，andthestiffestpossiblecravats。Itwassoclassical，shesaid。
　　AstoMr。Feeder，B。A。，DoctorBlimber'sassistant，hewasakindofhumanbarrel-organ，withalittlelistoftunesatwhichhewascontinuallyworking，overandoveragain，withoutanyvariation。Hemighthavebeenfittedupwithachangeofbarrels，perhaps，inearlylife，ifhisdestinyhadbeenfavourable；butithadnotbeen；andhehadonlyone，withwhich，inamonotonousround，itwashisoccupationtobewildertheyoungideasofDoctorBlimber'syounggentlemen。Theyounggentlemenwereprematurelyfullofcarkinganxieties。Theyknewnorestfromthepursuitofstony-heartedverbs，savagenoun-substantives，inflexiblesyntacticpassages，andghostsofexercisesthatappearedtothemintheirdreams。Undertheforcingsystem，ayounggentlemanusuallytookleaveofhisspiritsinthreeweeks。Hehadallthecaresoftheworldonhisheadinthreemonths。Heconceivedbittersentimentsagainsthisparentsorguardiansinfour；hewasanoldmisanthrope，infive；enviedCurtiusthatblessedrefugeintheearth，insix；andattheendofthefirsttwelvemonthhadarrivedattheconclusion，fromwhichheneverafterwardsdeparted，thatallthefanciesofthepoets，andlessonsofthesages，wereamerecollectionofwordsandgrammar，andhadnoothermeaningintheworld。
　　Buthewentonblow，blow，blowing，intheDoctor'shot-house，allthetime；andtheDoctor'sgloryandreputationweregreat，whenhetookhiswintrygrowthhometohisrelationsandfriends。
　　UpontheDoctor'sdoor-stepsoneday，Paulstoodwithaflutteringheart，andwithhissmallrighthandinhisfather's。HisotherhandwaslockedinthatofFlorence。Howtightthetinypressureofthatone；andhowlooseandcoldtheother！
　　Mrs。Pinchinhoveredbehindthevictim，withhersableplumageandherhookedbeak，likeabirdofill-omen。Shewasoutofbreath——forMr。Dombey，fullofgreatthoughts，hadwalkedfast——andshecroakedhoarselyasshewaitedfortheopeningofthedoor。
　　`Now，Paul，'saidMr。Dombey，exultingly。`ThisisthewayindeedtobeDombeyandSon，andhavemoney。Youarealmostamanalready。'
　　`Almost，'returnedthechild。
　　Evenhischildishagitationcouldnotmastertheslyandquaintyettouchinglook，withwhichheaccompaniedthereply。
　　ItbroughtavagueexpressionofdissatisfactionintoMr。Dombey'sface；butthedoorbeingopened，itwasquicklygone。
　　`DoctorBlimberisathome，Ibelieve？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　Themansaidyes；andastheypassedin，lookedatPaulasifhewerealittlemouse，andthehousewereatrap。Hewasaweak-eyedyoungman，withthefirstfaintstreaksorearlydawnofagrinonhiscountenance。
　　Itwasmereimbecility；butMrs。Pipchintookitintoherheadthatitwasimpudence，andmadeasnapathimdirectly。
　　`Howdareyoulaughbehindthegentleman'sback？'saidMrs。Pipchin。
　　`Andwhatdoyoutakemefor？'
　　`Iain'talaughingatnobody，andI'msureIdon'ttakeyoufornothing，Ma'am，'returnedtheyoungman，inconsternation。
　　`Apackofidledogs！'saidMrs。Pipchin，`onlyfittobeturnspits。
　　GoandtellyourmasterthatMr。Dombey'shere，orit'llbeworseforyou！'
　　Theweak-eyedyoungmanwent，verymeekly，todischargehimselfofthiscommission；andsooncamebacktoinvitethemtotheDoctor'sstudy。
　　`You'relaughingagain，Sir，'saidMrs。Pipchin，whenitcametoherturn，bringinguptherear，topasshiminthehall。
　　`Iain't，returnedtheyoungman，grievouslyoppressed。
　　`Ineverseesuchathingasthis！'
　　`Whatisthematter，Mrs。Pipchin？'saidMr。Dombey，lookinground。
　　`Softly！Pray！'
　　Mrs。Pipchin，inherdeference，merelymutteredattheyoungmanasshepassedon，andsaid，`Oh！hewasapreciousfellow'——leavingtheyoungman，whowasallmeeknessandincapacity，affectedeventotearsbytheincident。ButMrs。Pipchinhadawayoffallingfoulofallmeekpeople；andherfriendssaidwhocouldwonderatit，afterthePeruvianmines！
　　TheDoctorwassittinginhisportentousstudy，withaglobeateachknee，booksallroundhim，Homeroverthedoor，andMinervaonthemantel-shelf。`Andhowdoyoudo，Sir？'hesaidtoMr。Dombey；`andhowismylittlefriend？'GraveasanorganwastheDoctor'sspeech；andwhenheceased，thegreatclockinthehallseemedtoPaulatleasttotakehimup，andtogoonsaying，`how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？'overandoverandoveragain。
　　ThelittlefriendbeingsomethingtoosmalltobeseenatallfromwheretheDoctorsat，overthebooksonhistable，theDoctormadeseveralfutileattemptstogetaviewofhimroundthelegs；whichMr。
　　Dombeyperceiving，relievedtheDoctorfromhisembarrassmentbytakingPaulupinhisarms，andsittinghimonanotherlittletable，overagainsttheDoctor，inthemiddleoftheroom。
　　`Ha！'saidtheDoctor，leaningbackinhischairwithhishandinhisbreast。`NowIseemylittlefriend。Howdoyoudo，mylittlefriend？'
　　Theclockinthehallwouldn'tsubscribetothisalterationintheformofwords，butcontinuedtorepeat`how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？
　　how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？'
　　`Verywell，Ithankyou，Sir，'returnedPaul，answeringtheclockquiteasmuchastheDoctor。
　　`Ha！'saidDoctorBlimber。`Shallwemakeamanofhim？'
　　`Doyouhear，Paul？'addedMr。Dombey；Paulbeingsilent。
　　`Shallwemakeamanofhim？'repeatedtheDoctor。
　　`Ihadratherbeachild，'repliedPaul。
　　`Indeed！'saidtheDoctor。`Why？'
　　Thechildsatonthetablelookingathim，withacuriousexpressionofsuppressedemotioninhisface，andbeatingonehandproudlyonhiskneeasifhehadtherisingtearsbeneathit，andcrushedthem。Buthisotherhandstrayedalittlewaythewhile，alittlefarther——fartherfromhimyet——untilitlightedontheneckofFlorence。`Thisiswhy，'itseemedtosay，andthenthesteadylookwasbrokenupandgone；theworkinglipwasloosened；andthetearscamestreamingforth。
　　`Mrs。Pipchin，'saidhisfather，inaquerulousmanner，`Iamreallyverysorrytoseethis。'
　　`Comeawayfromhim，do，MissDombey，'quoththematron。
　　`Nevermind，'saidtheDoctor，blandlynoddinghishead，tokeepMrs。Pipchinback。`Ne-vermind；weshallsubstitutenewcaresandnewimpressions，Mr。Dombey，veryshortly。Youwouldstillwishmylittlefriendtoacquire'
　　`Everything，ifyouplease，Doctor，'returnedMr。Dombey，firmly。
　　`Yes，'saidtheDoctor，who，withhishalf-shuteyes，andhisusualsmile，seemedtosurveyPaulwiththesortofinterestthatmightattachtosomechoicelittleanimalhewasgoingtostuff。`Yes，exactly。
　　Ha！Weshallimpartagreatvarietyofinformationtoourlittlefriend，andbringhimquicklyforward，Idaresay。Idaresay。Quiteavirginsoil，Ibelieveyousaid，Mr。Dombey？'
　　`Exceptsomeordinarypreparationathome，andfromthislady，'
　　repliedMr。Dombey，introducingMrs。Pipchin，whoinstantlycommunicatedarigiditytoherwholemuscularsystem，andsnorteddefiancebeforehand，incasetheDoctorshoulddisparageher；`exceptsofar，Paulhas，asyet，appliedhimselftonostudiesatall。'
　　DoctorBlimberinclinedhishead，ingentletoleranceofsuchinsignificantpoachingasMrs。Pipchin's，andsaidhewasgladtohearit。Itwasmuchmoresatisfactory，heobserved，rubbinghishands，tobeginatthefoundation。AndagainheleeredatPaul，asifhewouldhavelikedtotacklehimwiththeGreekalphabetonthespot。
　　`Thatcircumstance，indeed，DoctorBlimber，'pursuedMr。Dombey，glancingathislittleson，`andtheinterviewIhavealreadyhadthepleasureofholdingwithyou，rendersanyfurtherexplanation，andconsequently，andfurtherintrusiononyourvaluabletime，sounnecessary，that——'
　　`Now，MissDombey！'saidtheacidPipchin。
　　`Permitme，'saidtheDoctor，`onemoment。AllowmetopresentMrs。Blimberandmydaughter，whowillbeassociatedwiththedomesticlifeofouryoungPilgrimtoParnassus。Mrs。Blimber，'forthelady，whohadperhapsbeeninwaiting，opportunelyentered，followedbyherdaughter，thatfairSextoninspectacles，`Mr。Dombey。MydaughterCornelia，Mr。
　　Dombey。Mr。Dombey，mylove，'pursuedtheDoctor，turningtohiswife，`issoconfidingasto——doyouseeourlittlefriend？'
　　Mrs。Blimber，inanexcessofpoliteness，ofwhichMr。Dombeywastheobject，apparentlydidnot，forshewasbackingagainstthelittlefriend，andverymuchendangeringhispositiononthetable。But，onthishint，sheturnedtoadmirehisclassicalandintellectuallineaments，andturningagaintoMr。Dombey，said，withasigh，thatsheenviedhisdearson。
　　`Likeabee，Sir，'saidMrs。Blimber，withupliftedeyes，`abouttoplungeintoagardenofthechoicestflowers，andsipthesweetsforthefirsttime。Virgil，Horace，Ovid，Terence，Plautus，Cicero。Whataworldofhoneyhavewehere。Itmayappearremarkable，Mr。Dombey，inonewhoisawife——thewifeofsuchahusband——'
　　`Hush，hush，'saidDoctorBlimber。`Fieforshame。'
　　`Mr。Dombeywillforgivethepartialityofawife，'saidMrs。
　　Blimber，withanengagingsmile。
　　Mr。Dombeyanswered`Notatall：'applyingthosewords，itistobepresumed，tothepartiality，andnottotheforgiveness。
　　`——Anditmayseemremarkableinonewhoisamotheralso，'resumedMrs。Blimber。
　　`Andsuchamother，'observedMr。Dombey，bowingwithsomeconfusedideaofbeingcomplimentarytoCornelia。
　　`Butreally，'pursuedMrs。Blimber，`IthinkifIcouldhaveknownCicero，andbeenhisfriend，andtalkedwithhiminhisretirementatTusculumbeautifulTusculum！，Icouldhavediedcontented。'
　　Alearnedenthusiasmissoverycontagious，thatMr。Dombeyhalfbelievedthiswasexactlyhiscase；andevenMrs。Pipchin，whowasnot，aswehaveseen，ofanaccommodatingdispositiongenerally，gaveutterancetoalittlesoundbetweenagroanandasigh，asifshewouldhavesaidthatnobodybutCicerocouldhaveprovedalastingconsolationunderthatfailureofthePeruvianMines，butthatheindeedwouldhavebeenaveryDavy-lampofrefuge。
　　CornelialookedatMr。Dombeythroughherspectacles，asifshewouldhavelikedtocrackafewquotationswithhimfromtheauthorityinquestion。Butthisdesign，ifsheentertainedit，wasfrustratedbyaknockattheroom-door。
　　`Whoisthat？'saidtheDoctor。`Oh！Comein，Toots：comein。
　　Mr。Dombey，Sir。'Tootsbowed。`Quiteacoincidence！'saidDoctorBlimber。
　　`Herewehavethebeginningandtheend。AlphaandOmega。Ourheadboy，Mr。Dombey。'
　　TheDoctormighthavecalledhimtheirheadandshouldersboy，forhewasatleastthatmuchtallerthananyoftherest。Heblushedverymuchatfindinghimselfamongstrangers，andchuckledaloud。
　　`AnadditiontoourlittlePortico，Toots，'saidtheDoctor；`Mr。
　　Dombey'sson。'
　　YoungTootsblushedagain：andfinding，fromasolemnsilencewhichprevailedthathewasexpectedtosaysomething，saidtoPaul，`Howareyou？'inavoicesodeep，andamannersosheepish，thatifalambhadroareditcouldn'thavebeenmoresurprising。
　　`AskMr。Feeder，ifyouplease，Toots，'saidtheDoctor，`toprepareafewintroductoryvolumesforMr。Dombey'sSon，andtoallothimaconvenientseatforstudy。Mydear，IbelieveMr。Dombeyhasnotseenthedormitories。'
　　`IfMr。Dombeywillwalkupstairs，'saidMrs。Blimber，`Ishallbemorethanproudtoshowhimthedominionsofthedrowsygod。'
　　Withthat，Mrs。Blimber，whowasaladyofgreatsuavity，andawiryfigure，andwhoworeacapcomposedofsky-bluematerials，proceededupstairswithMr。DombeyandCornelia；Mrs。Pipchinfollowing，andlookingoutsharpforherenemythefootman。
　　Whiletheyweregone，Paulsatuponthetable，holdingFlorencebythehand，andglancingtimidlyfromtheDoctorroundandroundtheroom，whiletheDoctor，leaningbackinhischair，withhishandinhisbreastasusual，heldabookfromhimatarm'slength，andread。Therewassomethingveryawfulinthismannerofreading。Itwassuchadetermined，unimpassioned，inflexible，coldbloodedwayofgoingtowork。ItlefttheDoctor'scountenanceexposedtoview；andwhentheDoctorsmiledauspiciouslyathisauthor，orknithisbrows，orshookhisheadandmadewryfacesathim，asmuchastosay，`Don'ttellme，Sir；Iknowbetter，'itwasterrific。
　　Toots，too，hadnobusinesstobeoutsidethedoor，ostentatiouslyexaminingthewheelsinhiswatch，andcountinghishalf-crowns。Butthatdidn'tlastlong；forDoctorBlimber，happeningtochangethepositionofhistightplumplegs，asifheweregoingtogetup，Tootsswiftlyvanished，andappearednomore。
　　Mr。Dombeyandhisconductressweresoonheardcomingdownstairsagain，talkingalltheway；andpresentlytheyreenteredtheDoctor'sstudy。
　　`Ihope，Mr。Dombey，'saidtheDoctor，layingdownhisbook，`thatthearrangementsmeetyourapproval。'
　　`Theyareexcellent，Sir，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Veryfair，indeed，'saidMrs。Pipchin，inalowvoice；neverdisposedtogivetoomuchencouragement。
　　`Mrs。Pipchin，'saidMr。Dombey，wheelinground，`will，withyourpermission，DoctorandMrs。Blimber，visitPaulnowandthen。'
　　`WheneverMrs。Pipchinpleases，'observedtheDoctor。
　　`Alwayshappytoseeher，'saidMrs。Blimber。
　　`Ithink，'saidMr。Dombey，`IhavegivenallthetroubleIneed，andmaytakemyleave。Paul，mychild，'hewentclosetohim，ashesatuponthetable。`Good-bye。'
　　`Good-bye，Papa。'
　　ThelimpandcarelesslittlehandthatMr。Dombeytookinhis，wassingularlyoutofkeepingwiththewistfulface。Buthehadnopartinitssorrowfulexpression。Itwasnotaddressedtohim。No，no。ToFlorence——alltoFlorence。
　　IfMr。Dombeyinhisinsolenceofwealth，hadevermadeanenemy，hardtoappeaseandcruellyvindictiveinhishate，evensuchanenemymighthavereceivedthepangthatwrunghisproudheartthen，ascompensationforhisinjury。
　　Hebentdownoverhisboy，andkissedhim。Ifhissightweredimmedashedidso，bysomethingthatforamomentblurredthelittleface，andmadeitindistincttohim，hismentalvisionmayhavebeen，forthatshorttime，theclearerperhaps。
　　`Ishallseeyousoon，Paul。YouarefreeonSaturdaysandSundays，youknow。'
　　`Yes，papa，'returnedPaul：lookingathissister。`OnSaturdaysandSundays。'
　　`Andyou'lltryandlearnagreatdealhere，andbeacleverman，'
　　saidMr。Dombey；`won'tyou？'
　　`I'lltry，'returnedthechildwearily。
　　`Andyou'llsoonbegrownupnow！'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Oh！verysoon！'repliedthechild。Oncemoretheold，oldlookpassedrapidlyacrosshisfeatureslikeastrangelight。ItfellonMrs。
　　Pipchin，andextinguisheditselfinherblackdress。ThatexcellentogresssteppedforwardtotakeleaveandtobearoffFlorence，whichshehadlongbeenthirstingtodo。ThemoveonherpartrousedMr。Dombey，whoseeyeswerefixedonPaul。Afterpattinghimonthehead，andpressinghissmallhandagain，hetookleaveofDoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimber，withhisusualpolitefrigidity，andwalkedoutofthestudy。
　　Despitehisentreatythattheywouldnotthinkofstirring，DoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimberallpressedforwardtoattendhimtothehall；andthusMrs。PipchingotintoastateofentanglementwithMissBlimberandtheDoctor，andwascrowdedoutofthestudybeforeshecouldclutchFlorence。TowhichhappyaccidentPaulstoodafterwardsindebtedforthedearremembrance，thatFlorenceranbacktothrowherarmsroundhisneck，andthatherswasthelastfaceinthedoorway：turnedtowardshimwithasmileofencouragement，thebrighterforthetearsthroughwhichitbeamed。
　　Itmadehischildishbosomheaveandswellwhenitwasgone；andsenttheglobes，thebooks，blindHomerandMinerva，swimmingroundtheroom。Buttheystopped，allofasudden；andthenheheardtheloudclockinthehallstillgravelyinquiring`how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？'asithaddonebefore。
　　Hesat，withfoldedhands，uponhispedestal，silentlylistening。
　　Buthemighthaveanswered`weary，weary！verylonely，verysad！'Andthere，withanachingvoidinhisyoungheart，andalloutsidesocold，andbare，andstrange，Paulsatasifhehadtakenlifeunfurnished，andtheupholstererwerenevercoming。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIIPaul'sEducationAFTERthelapseofsomeminutes，whichappearedanimmensetimetolittlePaulDombeyonthetable，DoctorBlimbercameback。TheDoctor'swalkwasstately，andcalculatedtoimpressthejuvenilemindwithsolemnfeelings。