Noteventheinfluenceofthesofterpassionontheyounggentlemen——andtheyall，toaboy，doatedonFlorence——couldrestrainthemfromtakingquiteanoisyleaveofPaul；wavinghatsafterhim，pressingdownstairstoshakehandswithhim，cryingindividually`Dombey，don'tforgetme！'
　　andindulginginmanysuchebullitionsoffeeling，uncommonamongthoseyoungChesterfields。PaulwhisperedFlorence，asshewrappedhimupbeforethedoorwasopened，Didshehearthem？Wouldsheeverforgetit？Wasshegladtoknowit？Andalivelydelightwasinhiseyesashespoketoher。
　　Once，foralastlook，heturnedandgazeduponthefacesthusaddressedtohim，surprisedtoseehowshiningandhowbright，andnumeroustheywere，andhowtheywereallpiledandheapedup，asfacesareatcrowdedtheatres。Theyswambeforehimashelooked，likefacesinanagitatedglass；andnextmomenthewasinthedarkcoachoutside，holdingclosetoFlorence。Fromthattime，wheneverhethoughtofDoctorBlimber's，itcamebackashehadseenitinthislastview；anditneverseemedtobearealplaceagain，butalwaysadream，fullofeyes。
　　ThiswasnotquitethelastofDoctorBlimber's，however。Therewassomethingelse。TherewasMr。Toots。Who，unexpectedlylettingdownoneofthecoach-windows，andlookingin，said，withamostegregiouschuckle，`IsDombeythere？'andimmediatelyputitupagain，withoutwaitingforananswer。NorwasthisquitethelastofMr。Toots，even；forbeforethecoachmancoulddriveoff，heassuddenlyletdowntheotherwindow，andlookinginwithapreciselysimilarchuckle，saidinapreciselysimilartoneofvoice，`IsDombeythere？'anddisappearedpreciselyasbefore。
　　HowFlorencelaughed！Pauloftenrememberedit，andlaughedhimselfwheneverhedidso。
　　Buttherewasmuch，soonafterwards——nextday，andafterthat——whichPaulcouldonlyrecollectconfusedly。As，whytheystayedatMrs。Pipchin'sdaysandnights，insteadofgoinghome；whyhelayinbed，withFlorencesittingbyhisside；whetherthathadbeenhisfatherintheroom，oronlyatallshadowonthewall；whetherhehadheardhisdoctorsay，ofsomeone，thatiftheyhadremovedhimbeforetheoccasiononwhichhehadbuiltupfancies，stronginproportiontohisownweakness，itwasverypossiblehemighthavepinedaway。
　　HecouldnotevenrememberwhetherhehadoftensaidtoFlorence，`OhFloy，takemehome，andneverleaveme！'buthethoughthehad。Hefanciedsometimeshehadheardhimselfrepeating，`Takemehome，Floy！
　　takemehome！'
　　Buthecouldremember，whenhegothome，andwascarriedupthewell-rememberedstairs，thattherehadbeentherumblingofacoachformanyhourstogether，whilehelayupontheseat，withFlorencestillbesidehim，andoldMrs。Pipchinsittingopposite。Herememberedhisoldbedtoo，whentheylaidhimdowninit：hisaunt，MissTox，andSusan：buttherewassomethingelse，andrecenttoo，thatstillperplexedhim。
　　`IwanttospeaktoFlorence，ifyouplease，'hesaid。`ToFlorencebyherself，foramoment！'
　　Shebentdownoverhim，andtheothersstoodaway。
　　`Floy，mypet，wasn'tthatPapainthehall，whentheybroughtmefromthecoach？'
　　`Yes，dear。'
　　`Hedidn'tcry，andgointohisroom，Floy，didhe，whenhesawmecomingin？'
　　Florenceshookherhead，andpressedherlipsagainsthischeek。
　　`I'mverygladhedidn'tcry，'saidlittlePaul。`Ithoughthedid。Don'ttellthemthatIasked。'
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVAmazingArtfulnessofCaptainCuttle，andanewPursuitforWalterGayWALTERcouldnot，forseveraldays，decidewhattodointheBarbadosbusiness；
　　andevencherishedsomefainthopethatMr。Dombeymightnothavemeantwhathehadsaid，orthathemightchangehismind，andtellhimhewasnottogo。Butasnothingoccurredtogivethisideawhichwassufficientlyimprobableinitselfanytouchofconfirmation，andastimewasslippingby，andhehadnonetolose，hefeltthathemustact，withouthesitatinganylonger。
　　Walter'schiefdifficultywas，howtobreakthechangeinhisaffairstoUncleSol，towhomhewassensibleitwouldbeaterribleblow。
　　HehadthegreaterdifficultyindashingUncleSol'sspiritswithsuchanastoundingpieceofintelligence，becausetheyhadlatelyrecoveredverymuch，andtheoldmanhadbecomesocheerful，thatthelittlebackparlourwasitselfagain。UncleSolhadpaidthefirstappointedportionofthedebttoMr。Dombey，andwashopefulofworkinghiswaythroughtherest；andtocasthimdownafresh，whenhehadsprungupsomanfullyfromhistroubles，wasaverydistressingnecessity。
　　Yetitwouldneverdotorunawayfromhim。Hemustknowofitbeforehand：andhowtotellhimwasthepoint。Astothequestionofgoingornotgoing，Walterdidnotconsiderthathehadanypowerofchoiceinthematter。Mr。Dombeyhadtrulytoldhimthathewasyoung，andthathisuncle'scircumstanceswerenotgood；andMr。Dombeyhadplainlyexpressed，intheglancewithwhichhehadaccompaniedthatreminder，thatifhedeclinedtogohemightstayathomeifhechose，butnotinhiscounting-house。
　　HisuncleandhelayunderagreatobligationtoMr。Dombey，whichwasofWalter'sownsoliciting。Hemighthavebeguninsecrettodespairofeverwinningthatgentleman'sfavour，andmighthavethoughtthathewasnowandthendisposedtoputaslightuponhim，whichwashardlyjust。
　　Butwhatwouldhavebeendutywithoutthat，wasstilldutywithit——orWalterthoughtso——anddutymustbedone。
　　WhenMr。Dombeyhadlookedathim，andtoldhimhewasyoung，andthathisuncle'scircumstanceswerenotgood，therehadbeenanexpressionofdisdaininhisface；acontemptuousanddisparagingassumptionthathewouldbequitecontenttoliveidlyonareducedoldman，whichstungtheboy'sgeneroussoul。DeterminedtoassureMr。Dombey，insofarasitwaspossibletogivehimtheassurancewithoutexpressingitinwords，thatindeedhemistookhisnature，WalterhadbeenanxioustoshowevenmorecheerfulnessandactivityaftertheWestIndianinterviewthanhehadshownbefore：ifthatwerepossible，inoneofhisquickandzealousdisposition。Hewastooyoungandinexperiencedtothink，thatpossiblythisveryqualityinhimwasnotagreeabletoMr。Dombey，andthatitwasnostepping-stonetohisgoodopiniontobeelasticandhopefulofpleasingundertheshadowofhispowerfuldispleasure，whetheritwererightorwrong。Butitmayhavebeen——itmayhavebeen——thatthegreatmanthoughthimselfdefiedinthisnewexpositionofanhonestspirit，andpurposedtobringitdown。
　　`Well！atlastandatleast，UncleSolmustbetold，'thoughtWalter，withasigh。AndasWalterwasapprehensivethathisvoicemightperhapsquaveralittle，andthathiscountenancemightnotbequiteashopefulashecouldwishittobe，ifhetoldtheoldmanhimself，andsawthefirsteffectsofhiscommunicationonhiswrinkledface，heresolvedtoavailhimselfoftheservicesofthatpowerfulmediator，CaptainCuttle。
　　Sundaycominground，hesetofftherefore，afterbreakfast，oncemoretobeatupCaptainCuttle'squarters。
　　Itwasnotunpleasanttoremember，onthewaythither，thatMrs。
　　MacStingerresortedtoagreatdistanceeverySundaymorning，toattendtheministryoftheReverendMelchisedechHowler，who，havingbeenonedaydischargedfromtheWestIndiaDocksonafalsesuspiciongotupexpresslyagainsthimbythegeneralenemyofscrewinggimletsintopuncheons，andapplyinghislipstotheorifice，hadannouncedthedestructionoftheworldforthatdaytwoyears，atteninthemorning，andopenedafrontparlourforthereceptionofladiesandgentlemenoftheRantingpersuasion，uponwhom，onthefirstoccasionoftheirassemblage，theadmonitionsoftheReverendMelchisedechhadproducedsopowerfulaneffect，that，intheirrapturousperformanceofasacredjig，whichclosedtheservice，thewholeflockbrokethroughintoakitchenbelow，anddisabledamanglebelongingtooneofthefold。
　　ThistheCaptain，inamomentofuncommonconviviality，hadconfidedtoWalterandhisuncle，betweentherepetitionsoflovelyPeg，onthenightwhenBrogleythebrokerwaspaidout。TheCaptainhimselfwaspunctualinhisattendanceatachurchinhisownneighbourhood，whichhoistedtheUnionJackeverySundaymorning；andwherehewasgoodenough——thelawfulbeadlebeinginfirm——tokeepaneyeupontheboys，overwhomheexercisedgreatpower，invirtueofhismysterioushook。KnowingtheregularityoftheCaptain'shabits，Waltermadeallthehastehecould，thathemightanticipatehisgoingout；andhemadesuchgoodspeed，thathehadthepleasure，onturningintoBrigPlace，tobeholdthebroadbluecoatandwaistcoathangingoutoftheCaptain'sopenwindow，toairinthesun。
　　ItappearedincrediblethatthecoatandwaistcoatcouldbeseenbymortaleyeswithouttheCaptain：buthecertainlywasnotinthem，otherwisehislegs——thehousesinBrigPlacenotbeinglofty——wouldhaveobstructedthestreetdoor，whichwasperfectlyclear。Quitewonderingatthisdiscovery，Waltergaveasingleknock。
　　`Stinger，'hedistinctlyheardtheCaptainsay，upinhisroom，asifthatwerenobusinessofhis。ThereforeWaltergavetwoknocks。
　　`Cuttle，'heheardtheCaptainsayuponthat；andimmediatelyafterwardstheCaptain，inhiscleanshirtandbraces，withhisneckerchiefhanginglooselyroundhisthroatlikeacoilofrope，andhisglazedhaton，appearedatthewindow，leaningoutoverthebroadbluecoatandwaistcoat。
　　`Wal'r！'criedtheCaptain，lookingdownuponhiminamazement。
　　`Ay，ay，CaptainCuttle，'returnedWalter，`onlyme。'
　　`What'sthematter，mylad？'inquiredtheCaptain，withgreatconcern。`Gillsan'tbeenandsprungnothingagain？'
　　`No，no，'saidWalter。`Myuncle'sallright，CaptainCuttle。'
　　TheCaptainexpressedhisgratification，andsaidhewouldcomedownbelowandopenthedoor，whichhedid。
　　`Thoughyou'reearly，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimstilldoubtfully，whentheygotupstairs。
　　`Why，thefactis，CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，sittingdown，`Iwasafraidyouwouldhavegoneout，andIwanttobenefitbyyourfriendlycounsel。'
　　`Soyoushall，'saidtheCaptain；`what'llyoutake？'
　　`Iwanttotakeyouropinion，CaptainCuttle，'returnedWalter，smiling。`That'stheonlythingforme。'
　　`Comeonthen，'saidtheCaptain。`Withawill，mylad！'
　　Walterrelatedtohimwhathadhappened；andthedifficultyinwhichhefeltrespectinghisuncle，andthereliefitwouldbetohimifCaptainCuttle，inhiskindness，wouldhelphimtosmoothitaway；CaptainCuttle'sinfiniteconsternationandastonishmentattheprospectunfoldedtohim，graduallyswallowingthatgentlemanup，untilitlefthisfacequitevacant，andthesuitofblue，theglazedhat，andthehook，apparentlywithoutanowner。
　　`Yousee，CaptainCuttle，'pursuedWalter，`formyself，Iamyoung，asMr。Dombeysaid，andnottobeconsidered。Iamtofightmywaythroughtheworld，Iknow；buttherearetwopointsIwasthinking，asIcamealong，thatIshouldbyveryparticularabout，inrespecttomyuncle。Idon'tmeantosaythatIdeservetobetheprideanddelightofhislife——youbelieveme，Iknow——butIam。Now，don'tyouthinkIam？'
　　TheCaptainseemedtomakeanendeavourtorisefromthedepthsofhisastonishment，andgetbacktohisface；buttheeffortbeingineffectual，theglazedhatmerelynoddedwithamute，unutterablemeaning。
　　`IfIliveandhavemyhealth，'saidWalter，`andIamnotafraidofthat，still，whenIleaveEnglandIcanhardlyhopetoseemyuncleagain。Heisold，CaptainCuttle；andbesides，hislifeisalifeofcustom'
　　`Steady，Wal'r！Ofawantofcustom？'saidtheCaptain，suddenlyreappearing。
　　`Tootrue，'returnedWalter，shakinghishead：`butImeantalifeofhabit，CaptainCuttle——thatsortofcustom。Andifasyouverytrulysaid，Iamsurehewouldhavediedthesoonerforthelossofthestock，andallthoseobjectstowhichhehasbeenaccustomedforsomanyyears，don'tyouthinkhemightdiealittlesoonerforthelossof'
　　`OfhisNevy，'interposedtheCaptain。`Right！'
　　`Wellthen，'saidWalter，tryingtospeakgaily，`wemustdoourbesttomakehimbelievethattheseparationisbutatemporaryone，afterall；butasIknowbetter，ordreadthatIknowbetter，CaptainCuttle，andasIhavesomanyreasonsforregardinghimwithaffection，andduty，andhonour，IamafraidIshouldmakebutaverypoorhandatthat，ifItriedtopersuadehimofit。That'smygreatreasonforwishingyoutobreakitouttohim；andthat'sthefirstpoint。'
　　`Keepheroffapointorso！'observedtheCaptain，inacontemplativevoice。
　　`Whatdidyousay，CaptainCuttle？'inquiredWalter。
　　`Standby！'returnedtheCaptain，thoughtfully。
　　WalterpausedtoascertainiftheCaptainhadanyparticularinformationtoaddtothis，butashesaidnomore，wenton。
　　`Now，thesecondpoint，CaptainCuttle。Iamsorrytosay，IamnotafavouritewithMr。Dombey。Ihavealwaystriedtodomybest，andIhavealwaysdoneit；buthedoesnotlikeme。Hecan'thelphislikingsanddislikings，perhaps。Isaynothingofthat。IonlysaythatIamcertainhedoesnotlikeme。Hedoesnotsendmetothispostasagoodone；hedisdainstorepresentitasbeingbetterthanitis；andIdoubtverymuchifitwilleverleadmetoadvancementintheHouse——whetheritdoesnot，onthecontrary，disposeofmeforever，andputmeoutoftheway。Now，wemustsaynothingofthistomyuncle，CaptainCuttle，butmustmakeitouttobeasfavourableandpromisingaswecan；andwhenItellyouwhatitreallyis，Ionlydoso，thatincaseanymeansshouldeverariseoflendingmeahand，sofaroff，Imayhaveonefriendathomewhoknowsmyrealsituation。'
　　`Wal'r，myboy，'repliedtheCaptain，`intheProverbsofSolomonyouwillfindthefollowingwords，`Mayweneverwantafriendinneed，norabottletogivehim！'Whenfound，makeanoteof。'
　　HeretheCaptainstretchedouthishandtoWalter，withanairofdownrightgoodfaiththatspokevolumes；atthesametimerepeatingforhefeltproudoftheaccuracyandpointedapplicationofhisquotation，`Whenfound，makeanoteof。'
　　`CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，takingtheimmensefistextendedtohimbytheCaptaininbothhishands，whichitcompletelyfilled，`nexttomyUncleSol，Iloveyou。ThereisnooneonearthinwhomIcanmoresafelytrust，Iamsure。Astothemeregoingaway，CaptainCuttle，Idon'tcareforthat；whyshouldIcareforthat！IfIwerefreetoseekmyownfortune——ifIwerefreetogoasacommonsailor——ifIwerefreetoventureonmyownaccounttothefarthestendoftheworld——Iwouldgladlygo！
　　Iwouldhavegladlygone，yearsago，andtakenmychanceofwhatmightcomeofit。Butitwasagainstmyuncle'swishes，andagainsttheplanshehadformedforme；andtherewasanendofthat。ButwhatIfeel，CaptainCuttle，isthatwehavebeenalittlemistakenallalong，andthat，sofarasanyimprovementinmyprospectsisconcerned，IamnobetteroffnowthanIwaswhenIfirstenteredDombey'sHouse-perhapsalittleworse，fortheHousemayhavebeenkindlyinclinedtowardsmethem，anditcertainlyisnotnow。'
　　`Turnagain，Whittington，'mutteredthedisconsolateCaptainafterlookingatWalterforsometime。
　　`Aye，'repliedWalterlaughing，`andturnagreatmanytimes，tooCaptainCuttle，I'mafraid，beforesuchfortuneashiseverturnsupagain。NotthatIcomplain，'headded，inhislively，animated，energeticway。`Ihavenothingtocomplainof。Iamprovidedfor。Icanlive。WhenIleavemyuncle，Ileavehimtoyou；andIcanleavehimtonoonebetter，CaptainCuttle。Ihaven'ttoldyouallthisbecauseIdespair，notI；it'stoconvinceyouthatIcan'tpickandchooseinDombey'sHouse，andthatwhereIamsent，thereImustgo，andwhatIamoffered，thatImusttake。
　　It'sbetterformyunclethatIshouldbesentaway；forMr。Dombeyisavaluablefriendtohim，asheprovedhimself，youknowwhen，CaptainCuttle；andIampersuadedhewon'tbelessvaluablewhenhehasn'tmethere，everyday，toawakenhisdislike。SohurrahfortheWestIndies，CaptainCuttle！Howdoesthattunegothatthesailorssing？
　　`ForthePortofBarbados，Boys！Cheerily！
　　LeavingoldEnglandbehindus，Boys！Cheerily！'
　　HeretheCaptainroaredinchorus——
　　`Ohcheerily，cheerily！Ohcheer——i——ly！'
　　Thelastlinereachingthequickearsofanardentskippernotquitesober，wholodgedopposite，andwhoinstantlysprungoutofbed，threwuphiswindow，andjoinedin，acrossthestreet，atthetopofhisvoice，producedafineeffect。Whenitwasimpossibletosustaintheconcludingnoteanylonger，theskipperbellowedforthaterrific`ahoy！'intendedinpartasafriendlygreeting，andinparttoshowthathewasnotatallbreathed。Thatdone，heshutdownhiswindow，andwenttobedagain。
　　`Andnow，CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，handinghimthebluecoatandwaistcoat，andbustlingverymuch，`ifyou'llcomeandbreakthenewstoUncleSolwhichheoughttohaveknown，daysupondaysago，byrights，I'llleaveyouatthedoor，youknow，andwalkaboutuntiltheafternoon。'
　　TheCaptain，however，scarcelyappearedtorelishthecommission，ortobebyanymeansconfidentofhispowersofexecutingit。HehadarrangedthefuturelifeandadventuresofWaltersoverydifferently，andsoentirelytohisownsatisfaction；hehadfelicitatedhimselfsooftenonthesagacityandforesightdisplayedinthatarrangement，andhadfounditsocompleteandperfectinallitsparts；thattosufferittogotopiecesallatonce，andeventoassistinbreakingitup，requiredagreateffortofhisresolution。TheCaptain，too，founditdifficulttounloadhisoldideasuponthesubject，andtotakeaperfectlynewcargoonboard，withthatrapiditywhichthecircumstancesrequired，orwithoutjumblingandconfoundingthetwo。Consequently，insteadofputtingonhiscoatandwaistcoatwithanythingliketheimpetuositythatcouldalonehavekeptpacewithWalter'smood，hedeclinedtoinvesthimselfwiththosegarmentsatallatpresent；andinformedWalterthatonsuchaseriousmatter，hemustbeallowedto`bitehisnailsabit。'
　　`It'sanoldhabitofmine，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，`anytimethesefiftyyear。WhenyouseeNedCuttlebitehisnails，Wal'r，thenyoumayknowthatNedCuttle'saground。'
　　ThereupontheCaptainputhisironhookbetweenhisteeth，asifitwereahand；andwithanairofwisdomandprofunditythatwastheveryconcentrationandsublimationofallphilosophicalreflectionandgraveinquiry，appliedhimselftotheconsiderationofthesubjectinitsvariousbranches。
　　`There'safriendofmine，'murmuredtheCaptain，inanabsentmanner，`buthe'satpresentcoastingroundtoWhitby，thatwoulddeliversuchanopiniononthissubject，oranyotherthatcouldbenamed，aswouldgiveParliamentsixandbeat'em。Beenknockedoverboard，thatman，'saidtheCaptain，`twice，andnonetheworseforit。Wasbeatinhisapprenticeship，forthreeweeksoffandon，abouttheheadwitharingbolt。Andyetaclearer-mindedmandon'twalk。'
　　InspiteofhisrespectforCaptainCuttle，Waltercouldnothelpinwardlyrejoicingattheabsenceofthissage，anddevoutlyhopingthathislimpidintellectmightnotbebroughttobearonhisdifficultiesuntiltheywerequitesettled。
　　`IfyouwastotakeandshowthatmanthebuoyattheNore，'saidCaptainCuttleinthesametone，`andaskhimhisopinionofit，Wal'r，he'dgiveyouanopinionthatwasnomorelikethatbuoythanyouruncle'sbuttonsare。Thereain'tamanthatwalks——certainlynotontwolegs——thatcancomenearhim。Notnearhim！'
　　`What'shisname，CaptainCuttle？'inquiredWalter，determinedtobeinterestedintheCaptain'sfriend。
　　`Hisname'sBunsby，'saidtheCaptain。`ButLord，itmightbeanythingforthematterofthat，withsuchamindashis！'
　　TheexactideawhichtheCaptainattachedtothisconcludingpieceofpraise，hedidnotfurtherelucidate；neitherdidWalterseektodrawitforth。Foronhisbeginningtoreview，withthevivacitynaturaltohimselfandtohissituation，theleadingpointsinhisownaffairs，hesoondiscoveredthattheCaptainhadrelapsedintohisformerprofoundstateofmind；andthatwhileheeyedhimsteadfastlyfrombeneathhisbushyeyebrows，heevidentlyneithersawnotheardhim，butremainedimmersedincogitation。
　　Infact，CaptainCuttlewaslabouringwithsuchgreatdesigns，thatfarfrombeingaground，hesoongotoffintothedeepestofwater，andcouldfindnobottomtohispenetration。BydegreesitbecameperfectlyplaintotheCaptainthattherewassomemistakehere；thatitwasundoubtedlymuchmorelikelytobeWalter'smistakethanhis；thatiftherewerereallyanyWestIndiaschemeafoot，itwasaverydifferentonefromwhatWalter，whowasyoungandrash，supposed；andcouldonlybesomenewdeviceformakinghisfortunewithunusualcelerity。`Orifthereshouldbeanylittlehitchbetween'em，'thoughttheCaptain，meaningbetweenWalterandMr。
　　Dombey，`itonlywantsawordinseasonfromafriendofbothparties，tosetitrightandsmooth，andmakealltautagain。'CaptainCuttle'sdeductionfromtheseconsiderationswas，thatashealreadyenjoyedthepleasureofknowingMr。Dombey，fromhavingspentaveryagreeablehalf-hourinhiscompanyatBrightononthemorningwhentheyborrowedthemoney；
　　andthat，asacoupleofmenoftheworld，whounderstoodeachother，andweremutuallydisposedtomakethingscomfortable，couldeasilyarrangeanylittledifficultyofthissort，andcomeattherealfacts；thefriendlythingforhimtodowouldbe，withoutsavinganythingaboutittoWalteratpresent，justtostepuptoMr。Dombey'shouse——saytotheservant`Wouldyebesogood，mylad，asreportCap'enCuttlehere？'——meetMr。Dombeyinaconfidentialspirit——hookhimbythebutton-hole——talkitover——makeitallright——andcomeawaytriumphant！
　　AsthesereflectionspresentedthemselvestotheCaptain'smind，andbyslowdegreesassumedthisshapeandform，hisvisageclearedlikeadoubtfulmorningwhenitgivesplacetoabrightnoon。Hiseyebrows，whichhadbeeninthehighestdegreeportentous，smoothedtheirruggedbristlingaspect，andbecameserene；hiseyes，whichhadbeennearlyclosedintheseverityofhismentalexercise，openedfreely；asmilewhichhadbeenatfirstbutthreespecks——oneattheright-handcornerofhismouth，andoneatthecornerofeacheye——graduallyoverspreadhiswholeface，andripplingupintohisforehead，liftedtheglazedhat：asifthattoohadbeenagroundwithCaptainCuttle，andwerenow，likehim，happilyafloatagain。
　　FinallytheCaptainleftoffbitinghisnails，andsaid，`Now，Wal'r，myboy，youmayhelpmeonwiththemslops。'BywhichtheCaptainmeanthiscoatandwaistcoat。
　　WalterlittleimaginedwhytheCaptainwassoparticularinthearrangementofhiscravat，astotwistthependentendsintoasortofpigtail，andpassthemthroughamassivegoldringwithapictureofatombuponit，andaneatironrailing，andatree，inmemoryofsomedeceasedfriend。NorwhytheCaptainpulleduphisshirt-collartotheutmostlimitsallowedbytheIrishlinenbelow，andbysodoingdecoratedhimselfwithacompletepairofblinkers；norwhyhechangedhisshoes，andputonanunparalleledpairofankle-jacks，whichheonlyworeonextraordinaryoccasions。
　　TheCaptainbeingatlengthattiredtohisowncompletesatisfaction，andhavingglancedathimselffromheadtofootinashaving-glasswhichheremovedfromanailforthatpurpose，tookuphisknottedstick，andsaidhewasready。
　　TheCaptain'swalkwasmorecomplacentthanusualwhentheygotoutintothestreet；butthisWaltersupposedtobetheeffectoftheankle-jacks，andtooklittleheedof。Beforetheyhadgoneveryfar，theyencounteredawomansellingflowers；whentheCaptainstoppingshort，asifstruckbyahappyidea，madeapurchaseofalargestbundleinherbasket：amostgloriousnosegay，fan-shaped，sometwofeetandahalfround，andcomposedofallthejolliest-lookingflowersthatblow。
　　ArmedwiththislittletokenwhichhedesignedforMr。Dombey，CaptainCuttlewalkedonwithWalteruntiltheyreachedtheInstrument-maker'sdoor，beforewhichtheybothpaused。
　　`You'regoingin？'saidWalter。
　　`Yes，'returnedtheCaptain，whofeltthatWaltermustbegotridofbeforeheproceededanyfurther，andthathehadbettertimehisprojectedvisitsomewhatlaterintheday。
　　`Andyouwon'tforgetanything？'
　　`No，'returnedtheCaptain。
　　`I'llgouponmywalkatonce，'saidWalter，`andthenIshallbeoutoftheway，CaptainCuttle。'
　　`Takeagoodlong'un，mylad！'repliedtheCaptain，callingafterhim。Walterwavedhishandinassent，andwenthisway。
　　Hiswaywasnowhereinparticular；buthethoughthewouldgooutintothefields，wherehecouldreflectupontheunknownlifebeforehim，andrestingundersometree，ponderquietly。HeknewnobetterfieldsthanthosenearHampstead，andnobettermeansofgettingatthemthanbypassingMr。Dombey'shouse。
　　Itwasasstatelyandasdarkasever，whenhewentbyandglancedupatitsfrowningfront。Theblindswereallpulleddown，buttheupperwindowsstoodwideopen，andthepleasantairstirringthosecurtainsandwavingthemtoandfro，wastheonlysignofanimationinthewholeexterior。
　　Walterwalkedsoftlyashepassed，andwasgladwhenhehadleftthehouseadoorortwobehind。
　　Helookedbackthen；withtheinteresthehadalwaysfeltfortheplacesincetheadventureofthelostchild，yearsago；andlookedespeciallyatthoseupperwindows。Whilehewasthusengaged，achariotdrovetothedoor，andaportlygentlemaninblack，withaheavywatch-chain，alighted，andwentin。Whenheafterwardsrememberedthisgentlemanandhisequipagetogether，Walterhadnodoubthewasaphysician；andthenhewonderedwhowasill；butthediscoverydidnotoccurtohimuntilhehadwalkedsomedistance，thinkinglistlesslyofotherthings。
　　Thoughstill，ofwhatthehousehadsuggestedtohim；forWalterpleasedhimselfwiththinkingthatperhapsthetimemightcome，whenthebeautifulchildwhowashisoldfriendandhadalwaysbeensogratefultohimandsogladtoseehimsince，mightinterestherbrotherinhisbehalfandinfluencehisfortunesforthebetter。Helikedtoimaginethis——more，atthatmoment，forthepleasureofimagininghercontinuedremembranceofhim，thanforanyworldlyprofithemightgain：butanotherandmoresoberfancywhisperedtohimthatifhewerealivethen，hewouldbebeyondtheseaandforgotten；shemarried，rich，proud，happy。Therewasnomorereasonwhysheshouldrememberhimwithanyinterestinsuchanalteredstateofthings，thananyplaythingsheeverhad。No，notsomuch。
　　YetWaltersoidealisedtheprettychildwhomhehadfoundwanderingintheroughstreets，andsoidentifiedherwithherinnocentgratitudeofthatnightandthesimplicityandtruthofitsexpression，thatheblushedforhimselfasalibellerwhenhearguedthatshecouldevergrowproud。
　　Ontheotherhand，hismeditationswereofthatfantasticorderthatitseemedhardlylesslibellousinhimtoimaginehergrownawoman：tothinkofherasanythingbutthesameartless，gentle，winninglittlecreature，thatshehadbeeninthedaysofgoodMrs。Brown。Inaword，WalterfoundoutthattoreasonwithhimselfaboutFlorenceatall，wastobecomeveryunreasonableindeed；andthathecoulddonotbetterthanpreserveherimageinhismindassomethingprecious，unattainable，unchangeable，andindefinite——indefiniteinallitspowerofgivinghimpleasure，andrestraininghimlikeanangel'shandfromanythingunworthy。
　　ItwasalongstrollinthefieldsthatWaltertookthatday，listeningtothebirds，andtheSundaybells，andthesoftenedmurmurofthetown——breathingsweetscents；glancingsometimesatthedimhorizonbeyondwhichhisvoyageandhisplaceofdestinationlay；thenlookingroundonthegreenEnglishgrassandthehomelandscape。Buthehardlyoncethought，evenofgoingaway，distinctly；andseemedtoputoffreflectionidly，fromhourtohour，andfromminutetominute，whileheyetwentonreflectingallthetime。
　　Walterhadleftthefieldsbehindhim，andwasploddinghomewardinthesameabstractedmood，whenheheardashoutfromaman，andthenawoman'svoicecallingtohimloudlybyname。Turningquicklyinhissurprise，hesawthatahackney-coach，goinginthecontrarydirection，hadstoppedatnogreatdistance；thatthecoachmanwaslookingbackfromhisboxandmakingsignalstohimwithhiswhip；andthatayoungwomaninsidewasleaningoutofthewindow，andbeckoningwithimmenseenergy。Runninguptothiscoach，hefoundthattheyoungwomanwasMissNipper，andthatMissNipperwasinsuchaflutterastobealmostbesideherself。
　　`Staggs'sGardens，Mr。Walter！'saidMissNipper：`ifyouplease，ohdo！'
　　`Eh？'criedWalter；`whatisthematter？'
　　`Oh，Mr。Walter，Staggs'sGardens，ifyouplease！'saidSusan。
　　`There！'criedthecoachman，appealingtoWalter，withasortofexultingdespair；`that'sthewaytheyounglady'sbeenagoin'onforup'ardsofamortalhour，andmecontinivallybackingoutofnothoroughfares，whereshewoulddriveup。I'vehadamanyfaresinthiscoach，firstandlast，butneversuchafareasher。'
　　`DoyouwanttogotoStaggs'sGardens，Susan？'inquiredWalter。
　　`Ah！Shewantstogothere！WHEREISIT？'growledthecoachman。
　　`Idon'tknowwhereitis！'exclaimedSusan，wildly。`Mr。Walter，Iwasthereoncemyself，alongwithMissFloyandourpoordarlingMasterPaul，ontheverydaywhenyoufoundMissFloyintheCity，forwelosthercominghome，Mrs。Richardsandme，andamadbull，andMrs。Richards'seldest，andthoughIwentthereafterwards，Ican'trememberwhereitis，Ithinkit'ssunkintotheground。Oh，Mr。Walter，don'tdesertme，Staggs'sGardens，ifyouplease！MissFloy'sdarling——allourdarlings——little，meek，meekMasterPaul！OhMr。Walter！'
　　`GoodGod！'criedWalter。`Isheveryill？'
　　`Theprettyflower！'criedSusan，wringingherhands，`hastookthefancythathe'dliketoseehisoldnurse，andI'vecometobringhertohisbedside，Mrs。Staggs，ofPollyToodle'sGardens，someonepray！'
　　Greatlymovedbywhatheheard，andcatchingSusan'searnestnessimmediately，Walter，nowthatheunderstoodthenatureofhererrand，dashedintoitwithsuchardourthatthecoachmanhadenoughtodotofollowcloselyasheranbefore，inquiringhereandthereandeverywhere，thewaytoStaggs'sGardens。
　　TherewasnosuchplaceasStaggs'sGardens。Ithadvanishedfromtheearth。Wheretheoldrottensummer-housesoncehadstood，placesnowrearedtheirheads，andgranitecolumnsofgiganticgirthopenedavistatotherailwayworldbeyond。Themiserablewasteground，wheretherefuse-matterhadbeenheapedofyore，wasswallowedupandgone；andinitsfrowsysteadweretiersofwarehouses，crammedwithrichgoodsandcostlymerchandise。
　　Theoldby-streetsnowswarmedwithpassengersandvehiclesofeverykind：
　　thenewstreetsthathadstoppeddisheartenedinthemudandwaggon-ruts，formedtownswithinthemselves，originatingwholesomecomfortsandconveniencesbelongingtothemselves，andnevertriednorthoughtofuntiltheysprungintoexistence。Bridgesthathadledtonothing，ledtovillas，gardens，churches，healthypublicwalks。Thecarcassesofhouses，andbeginningsofnewthoroughfares，hadstartedoffuponthelineatsteam'sownspeed，andshotawayintothecountryinamonstertrain。
　　Astotheneighbourhoodwhichhadhesitatedtoacknowledgetherailroadinitsstragglingdays，thathadgrownwiseandpenitent，asanyChristianmightinsuchacase，andnowboastedofitspowerfulandprosperousrelation。Therewererailwaypatternsinitsdrapers'shops，andrailwayjournalsinthewindowsofitsnewsmen。Therewererailwayhotels，office-houses，lodging-houses，boarding-houses；railwayplans，maps，views，wrappers，bottles，sandwich-boxes，andtimetables；railwayhackney-coachandcabstands；
　　railwayomni-buses，railwaystreetsandbuildings，railwayhangers-onandparasites，andflatterersoutofallcalculation。Therewasevenrailwaytimeobservedinclocks，asifthesunitselfhadgivenin。Amongthevanquishedwasthemasterchimney-sweeper，whilomeincredulousatStaggs'sGardens，whonowlivedinastuccoedhousethreestorieshigh，andgavehimselfout，withgoldenflourishesuponavarnishedboard，ascontractorforthecleansingofrailwaychimneysbymachinery。
　　Toandfromtheheartofthisgreatchange，alldayandnight，throbbingcurrentsrushedandreturnedincessantlylikeitslife'sblood。
　　Crowdsofpeopleandmountainsofgoods，departingandarrivingscoresuponscoresoftimesineveryfour-and-twentyhours，producedafermentationintheplacethatwasalwaysinaction。Theveryhousesseemeddisposedtopackupandtaketrips。WonderfulMembersofParliament，who，littlemorethantwentyyearsbefore，hadmadethemselvesmerrywiththewildrailroadtheoriesofengineers，andgiventhemtheliveliestrubsincross-examination，wentdownintothenorthwiththeirwatchesintheirhands，andsentonmessagesbeforebytheelectrictelegraph，tosaythattheywerecoming。
　　Nightanddaytheconqueringenginesrumbledattheirdistantwork，or，advancingsmoothlytotheirjourney'send，andglidingliketamedragonsintotheallottedcornersgroovedouttotheinchfortheirreception，stoodbubblingandtremblingthere，makingthewallsquake，asiftheyweredilatingwiththesecretknowledgeofgreatpowersyetunsuspectedinthem，andstrongpurposesnotyetachieved。
　　ButStaggs'sGardenshadbeencutuprootandbranch。Ohwoethedaywhen`notaroodofEnglishground'——laidoutinStaggs'sGardens——issecure！
　　Atlast，aftermuchfruitlessinquiry，Walter，followedbythecoachandSusan，foundamanwhohadonceresidedinthatvanishedland，andwhowasnootherthanthemastersweepbeforereferredto，grownstout，andknockingadoubleknockathisowndoor。HeknowedToodle，hesaid，well。BelongedtotheRailroad，didn'the？
　　`Yes，sir，yes！'criedSusanNipperfromthecoachwindow。
　　Wheredidhelivenow？hastilyinquiredWalter。
　　HelivedintheCompany'sownBuildings，secondturningtotheright，downtheyard，crossover，andtakethesecondontherightagain。
　　Itwasnumbereleven；theycouldn'tmistakeit；butiftheydid，theyhadonlytoaskforToodle，EngineFireman，andanyonewouldshowthemwhichwashishouse。Atthisunexpectedstrokeofsuccess，SusanNipperdismountedfromthecoachwithallspeed，tookWalter'sarm，andsetoffatabreathlesspaceonfoot；leavingthecoachtheretoawaittheirreturn。
　　`Hasthelittleboybeenlongill，Susan？'inquiredWalter，astheyhurriedon。
　　`Ailingforadealoftime，butnooneknewhowmuch，'saidSusan；
　　adding，withexcessivesharpness，`Oh，themBlimbers！'
　　`Blimbers？'echoedWalter。
　　`Icouldn'tforgivemyselfatsuchatimeasthis，Mr。Walter，'
　　saidSusan，`andwhenthere'ssomuchseriousdistresstothinkabout，ifIrestedhardonanyone，especiallyonthemthatlittledarlingPaulspeakswellof，butImaywishthatthefamilywassettoworkinastonysoiltomakenewroads，andthatMissBlimberwentinfront，andhadthepickaxe！'
　　MissNipperthentookbreath，andwentonfasterthanbefore，asifthisextraordinaryaspirationhadrelievedher。Walter，whohadbythistimenobreathofhisowntospare，hurriedalongwithoutaskinganymorequestions；andtheysoon，intheirimpatience，burstinatalittledoorandcameintoacleanparlourfullofchildren。
　　`Where'sMrs。Richards？'exclaimedSusanNipper，lookinground。
　　`OhMrs。Richards，Mrs。Richards，comealongwithme，mydearcreetur！'
　　`Why，ifitan'tSusan！'criedPolly，risingwithherhonestfaceandmotherlyfigurefromamongthegroup，ingreatsurprise。
　　`Yes，Mrs。Richards，it'sme，'saidSusan，`andIwishitwasn't，thoughImaynotseemtoflatterwhenIsayso，butlittleMasterPaulisveryill，andtoldhisPato-daythathewouldliketoseethefaceofhisoldnurse，andhimandMissFloyhopeyou'llcomealongwithme——andMr。Walter，Mrs。Richards——forgettingwhatispast，anddoakindnesstothesweetdearthatiswitheringaway。Oh，Mrs。Richards，witheringaway！'
　　SusanNippercrying，Pollyshedtearstoseeher，andtohearwhatshehadsaid；andallthechildrengatheredroundincludingnumbersofnewbabies；andMr。Toodle，whohadjustcomehomefromBirmingham，andwaseatinghisdinneroutofabasin，laiddownhisknifeandfork，andputonhiswife'sbonnetandshawlforher，whichwerehangingupbehindthedoor；thentappedherontheback；andsaid，withmorefatherlyfeelingthaneloquence，`Polly！cutaway！'
　　Sotheygotbacktothecoach，longbeforethecoachmanexpectedthem；andWalter，puttingSusanandMrs。Richardsinside，tookhisseatontheboxhimselfthattheremightbenomoremistakes，anddepositedthemsafelyinthehallofMr。Dombey'shouse——where，bythebye，hesawamightynosegaylying，whichremindedhimoftheoneCaptainCuttlehadpurchasedinhiscompanythatmorning。Hewouldhavelingeredtoknowmoreoftheyounginvalid，orwaitedanylengthoftimetoseeifhecouldrendertheleastservice；but，painfullysensiblethatsuchconductwouldbelookeduponbyMr。Dombeyaspresumptuousandforward，hereturnedslowly，sadly，anxiously，away。
　　Hehadnotgonefiveminutes'walkfromthedoor，whenamancamerunningafterhim，andbeggedhimtoreturn。Walterretracedhisstepsasquicklyashecould，andenteredthegloomyhousewithasorrowfulforeboding。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIWhattheWaveswerealwayssayingPAULhadneverrisenfromhislittlebed。Helaythere，listeningtothenoisesinthestreet，quitetranquilly；notcaringmuchhowthetimewent，butwatchingitandwatchingeverythingabouthimwithobservingeyes。
　　Whenthesunbeamsstruckintohisroomthroughtherustlingblinds，andquiveredontheoppositewalllikegoldenwater，heknewthateveningwascomingon，andthattheskywasredandbeautiful。Asthereflectiondiedaway，andagloomwentcreepingupthewall，hewatcheditdeepen，deepen，deepen，intonight。Thenhethoughthowthelongstreetsweredottedwithlamps，andhowthepeacefulstarswereshiningoverhead。Hisfancyhadastrangetendencytowandertotheriver，whichheknewwasflowingthroughthegreatcity；andnowhethoughthowblackitwas，andhowdeepitwouldlook，reflectingthehostsofstars——andmorethanall，howsteadilyitrolledawaytomeetthesea。
　　Asitgrewlaterinthenight，andfootstepsinthestreetbecamesorarethathecouldhearthemcoming，countthemastheypassed，andlosetheminthehollowdistance，hewouldlieandwatchthemany-colouredringaboutthecandle，andwaitpatientlyforday。Hisonlytroublewas，theswiftandrapidriver。Hefeltforced，sometimes，totrytostopit——tostemitwithhischildishhands——orchokeitswaywithsand——andwhenhesawitcomingon，resistless，hecriedout！ButawordfromFlorence，whowasalwaysathisside，restoredhimtohimself；andleaninghispoorheaduponherbreast，hetoldFloyofhisdream，andsmiled。
　　Whendaybegantodawnagain，hewatchedforthesun；andwhenitscheerfullightbegantosparkleintheroom，hepicturedtohimself——pictured！
　　hesaw——thehighchurchtowersrisingupintothemorningsky，thetownreviving，waking，startingintolifeoncemore，theriverglisteningasitrolledbutrollingfastasever，andthecountrybrightwithdew。
　　Familiarsoundsandcriescamebydegreesintothestreetbelow；theservantsinthehousewererousedandbusy；faceslookedinatthedoor，andvoicesaskedhisattendantssoftlyhowhewas。Paulalwaysansweredforhimself，`Iambetter。Iamagreatdealbetter，thankyou！TellPapaso！'
　　Bylittleandlittle，hegottiredofthebustleoftheday，thenoiseofcarriagesandcarts，andpeoplepassingandrepassing；andwouldfallasleep，orbetroubledwitharestlessanduneasysenseagain——thechildcouldhardlytellwhetherthiswereinhissleepingorhiswakingmoments——ofthatrushingriver。`Why，willitneverstop，Floy？'hewouldsometimesaskher。`Itisbearingmeaway，Ithink！'
　　ButFloycouldalwayssootheandreassurehim；anditwashisdailydelighttomakeherlayherheaddownonhispillow，andtakesomerest。
　　`Youarealwayswatchingme，Floy。Letmewatchyou，now！'
　　Theywouldprophimupwithcushionsinacornerofhisbed，andtherehewouldreclinethewhileshelaybesidehim：bendingforwardoftentimestokissher，andwhisperingtothosewhowerenearthatshewastired，andhowshehadsatupsomanynightbesidehim。
　　Thus，theflushoftheday，initsheatandlight，wouldgraduallydecline；andagainthegoldenwaterwouldbedancingonthewall。
　　Hewasvisitedbyasmanyasthreegravedoctors——theyusedtoassembledownstairs，andcomeuptogether——andtheroomwassoquiet，andPaulwassoobservantofthemthoughheneveraskedofanybodywhattheysaid，thatheevenknewthedifferenceinthesoundoftheirwatches。
　　ButhisinterestcentredinSirParkerPeps，whoalwaystookhisseatonthesideofthebed。ForPaulhadheardthemsaylongago，thatthatgentlemanhadbeenwithhismamawhensheclaspedFlorenceinherarms，anddied。
　　Andhecouldnotforgetit，now。Helikedhimforit。Hewasnotafraid。
　　ThepeopleroundhimchangedasunaccountablyasonthatfirstnightatDoctorBlimber's——exceptFlorence；Florenceneverchanged——andwhathadbeenSirParkerPeps，wasnowhisfather，sittingwithhisheaduponhishand。OldMrs。Pipchindozinginaneasychair，oftenchangedtoMissTox，orhisaunt；andPaulwasquitecontenttoshuthiseyesagain，andseewhathappenednextwithoutemotion。Butthisfigurewithitsheaduponitshandreturnedsooften，andremainedsolong，andsatsostillandsolemn，neverspeaking，neverbeingspokento，andrarelyliftingupitsface，thatPaulbegantowonderlanguidly，ifitwerereal；andinthenight-timesawitsittingthere，withfear。
　　`Floy！'hesaid。`Whatisthat？'
　　`Where，dearest？'
　　`There！atthebottomofthebed。'
　　`There'snothingthere，exceptPapa！'
　　Thefigureliftedupitshead，androse，andcomingtothebeside，said：`Myownboy！Don'tyouknowme？'
　　Paullookeditintheface，andthought，wasthishisfather？
　　Butthefacesoalteredtohisthinking，thrilledwhilehegazed，asifitwereinpain；andbeforehecouldreachoutbothhishandstotakeitbetweenthem，anddrawittowardshim，thefigureturnedawayquicklyfromthelittlebed，andwentoutatthedoor。
　　PaullookedatFlorencewithaflutteringheart，butheknewwhatshewasgoingtosay，andstoppedherwithhisfaceagainstherlips。Thenexttimeheobservedthefiguresittingatthebottomofthebed，hecalledtoit。
　　`Don'tbesosorryforme，dearPapa！IndeedIamquitehappy！'
　　Hisfathercomingandbendingdowntohim——whichhedidquickly，andwithoutfirstpausingbythebedside——Paulheldhimroundtheneck，andrepeatedthosewordstohimseveraltimes，andveryearnestly；andPaulneversawhiminhisroomagainatanytime，whetheritweredayornight，buthecalledout，`Don'tbesosorryforme！IndeedIamquitehappy！'Thiswasthebeginningofhisalwayssayinginthemorningthathewasagreatdealbetter，andthattheyweretotellhisfatherso。
　　Howmanytimesthegoldenwaterdanceduponthewall；howmanynightsthedark，darkriverrolledtowardstheseainspiteofhim；Paulnevercounted，neversoughttoknow。Iftheirkindness，orhissenseofit，couldhaveincreased，theyweremorekind，andhemoregratefuleveryday；butwhethertheyweremanydaysorfew，appearedoflittlemomentnow，tothegentleboy。
　　Onenighthehadbeenthinkingofhismother，andherpictureinthedrawing-roomdownstairs，andthoughtshemusthavelovedsweetFlorencebetterthanhisfatherdid，tohaveheldherinherarmswhenshefeltthatshewasdying——forevenhe，herbrother，whohadsuchdearloveforher，couldhavenogreaterwishthanthat。Thetrainofthoughtsuggestedtohimtoinquireifhehadeverseenhismother；forhecouldnotrememberwhethertheyhadtoldhim，yesorno，theriverrunningveryfast，andconfusinghismind。
　　`Floy，didIeverseemama？'
　　`No，darling，why？'
　　`DidIeverseeanykindface，likemama's，lookingatmewhenIwasababy，Floy？'
　　Heasked，incredulously，asifhehadsomevisionofafacebeforehim。
　　`Ohyes，dear！'
　　`Whose，Floy？'
　　`Youroldnurse's。Often。'
　　`Andwhereismyoldnurse？'saidPaul。`Isshedeadtoo？Floy，arewealldead，exceptyou？'
　　Therewasahurryintheroom，foraninstant——longer，perhaps；butitseemednomore——thenallwasstillagain；andFlorence，withherfacequitecolourless，butsmiling，heldhisheaduponherarm。Herarmtrembledverymuch。
　　`Showmethatoldnurse，Floy，ifyouplease！'
　　`Sheisnothere，darling。Sheshallcometo-morrow。'
　　`Thankyou，Floy！'
　　Paulclosedhiseyeswiththosewords，andfellasleep。Whenheawoke，thesunwashigh，andthebroaddaywasclearandwarm。Helayalittle，lookingatthewindows，whichwereopen，andthecurtainsrustlingintheair，andwavingtoandfro：thenhesaid，`Floy，isitto-morrow？
　　Isshecome？'
　　Someoneseemedtogoinquestofher。PerhapsitwasSusan。Paulthoughtheheardhertellinghimwhenhehadclosedhiseyesagain，thatshewouldsoonbeback；buthedidnotopenthemtosee。Shekeptherword——perhapsshehadneverbeenaway——butthenextthingthathappenedwasanoiseoffootstepsonthestairs，andthenPaulwoke——wokemindandbody——andsatuprightinhisbed。Hesawthemnowabouthim。Therewasnogreymistbeforethem，astherehadbeensometimesinthenight。Heknewthemeveryone，andcalledthembytheirnames。
　　`Andwhoisthis？Isthismyoldnurse？'saidthechild，regardingwitharadiantsmile，afigurecomingin。
　　Yes，yes。Nootherstrangerwouldhaveshedthosetearsatsightofhim，andcalledhimherdearboy，herprettyboy，herownpoorblightedchild。Nootherwomanwouldhavestoopeddownbyhisbed，andtakenuphiswastedhand，andputittoherlipsandbreast，asonewhohadsomerighttofondleit。NootherwomanwouldhavesoforgotteneverybodytherebuthimandFloy，andbeensofulloftendernessandpity。
　　`Floy！thisisakindgoodface！'saidPaul。`Iamgladtoseeagain。Don'tgoaway，oldnurse！Stayhere。'
　　Hissenseswereallquickened，andheheardanameheknew。
　　`Whowasthat，whosaid“Walter“？'heasked，lookinground。`SomeonesaidWalter。Ishehere？Ishouldliketoseehimverymuch。'
　　Nobodyreplieddirectly；buthisfathersoonsaidtoSusan，`Callhimback，then：lethimcomeup！'Afterashortpauseofexpectation，duringwhichhelookedwithsmilinginterestandwonder，onhisnurse，andsawthatshehadnotforgottenFloy，Walterwasbroughtintotheroom。Hisopenfaceandmanner，andhischeerfuleyes，hadalwaysmadehimafavouritewithPaul；andwhenPaulsawhim，hestretchedouthishand，andsaid`Good-bye！'
　　`Good-bye，mychild！'saidMrs。Pipchin，hurryingtohisbed'shead。`Notgood-bye？'
　　Foraninstant，Paullookedatherwiththewistfulfacewithwhichhehadsooftengazeduponherinhiscornerbythefire。`Ahyes，'
　　hesaidplacidly，`good-bye！Walterdear，good-bye！'——turninghisheadtowherehestood，andputtingouthishandagain。`WhereisPapa？'
　　Hefelthisfather'sbreathuponhischeck，beforethewordshadpartedfromhislips。
　　`RememberWalter，dearpapa，'hewhispered，lookinginhisface。
　　`RememberWalter。IwasfondofWalter！'Thefeeblehandwavedintheair，asifitcried`good-bye！'toWalteronceagain。
　　`Nowlaymedown，'hesaid，`and，Floy，comeclosetome，andletmeseeyou！'
　　Sisterandbrotherwoundtheirarmsaroundeachother，andthegoldenlightcamestreamingin，andfelluponthem，lockedtogether。
　　`Howfasttheriverruns，betweenitsgreenbanksandtherushes，Floy！Butit'sverynearthesea。Ihearthewaves！Theyalwayssaidso！'
　　Presentlyhetoldherthatthemotionoftheboatuponthestreamwaslullinghimtorest。Howgreenthebankswerenow，howbrighttheflowersgrowingonthem，andhowtalltherushes！Nowtheboatwasoutatsea，butglidingsmoothlyon。Andnowtherewasashorebeforehim。Whostoodonthebank！——
　　Heputhishandstogether，ashehadbeenusedtodoathisprayers。
　　Hedidnotremovehisarmstodoit；buttheysawhimfoldthemso，behindherneck。
　　`Mamaislikeyou，Floy。Iknowherbytheface！Buttellthemthattheprintuponthestairsatschoolisnotdivineenough。ThelightabouttheheadisshiningonmeasIgo！'
　　Thegoldenrippleonthewallcamebackagain，andnothingelsestirredintheroom。Theold，oldfashion！Thefashionthatcameinwithourfirstgarments，andwilllastunchangeduntilourracehasrunitscourse，andthewidefirmamentisrolleduplikeascroll。Theold，oldfashion——Death！
　　OhthankGod，allwhoseeit，forthatolderfashionyet，ofImmortality！
　　Andlookuponus，angelsofyoungchildren，withregardsnotquiteestranged，whentheswiftriverbearsustotheocean！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIICaptainCuttledoesalittleBusinessfortheYoungPeopleCAPTAINCUTTLE，intheexerciseofthatsurprisingtalentfordeep-laidandunfathomablescheming，withwhichasisnotunusualinmenoftransparentsimplicityhesincerelybelievedhimselftobeendowedbynature，hadgonetoMr。Dombey'shouseontheeventfulSunday，winkingallthewayasaventforhissuperfluoussagacity，andhadpresentedhimselfinthefulllustreoftheankle-jacksbeforetheeyesofTowlinson。Hearingfromthatindividual，tohisgreatconcern，oftheimpendingcalamity，CaptainCuttle，inhisdelicacy，sheeredoffagainconfounded；merelyhandinginthenosegayasasmallmarkofhissolicitude，andleavinghisrespectfulcomplimentsforthefamilyingeneral，whichheaccompaniedwithanexpressionofhishopethattheywouldlaytheirheadswelltothewindunderexistingcircumstances，andafriendlyintimationthathewould`lookupagain'
　　to-morrow。
　　TheCaptain'scomplimentswereneverheardofanymore。TheCaptain'snosegay，afterlyinginthehallallnight，wassweptintothedust-binnextmorning；andtheCaptain'sslyarrangement，involvedinonecatastrophewithgreaterhopesandloftierdesigns，wascrushedtopieces。Sowhenanavalanchebearsdownamountain-forest，twigsandbushessufferwiththetrees，andallperishtogether。
　　WhenWalterreturnedhomeontheSundayeveningfromhislongwalk，anditsmemorableclose，hewastoomuchoccupiedatfirstbythetidingshehadtogivethem，andbytheemotionsnaturallyawakenedinhisbreastbythescenethroughwhichhehadpassed，toobserveeitherthathisunclewasevidentlyunacquaintedwiththeintelligencetheCaptainhadundertakentoimpart，orthattheCaptainmadesignalswithhishook，warninghimtoavoidthesubject。NotthattheCaptain'ssignalswerecalculatedtohaveprovedverycomprehensible，howeverattentivelyobserved；for，likethoseChinesesageswhoaresaidintheirconferencestowritecertainlearnedwordsintheairthatarewhollyimpossibleofpronunciation，theCaptainmadesuchwavesandflourishesasnobodywithoutapreviousknowledgeofhismystery，wouldhavebeenatalllikelytounderstand。
　　CaptainCuttle，however，becomingcognisantofwhathadhappened，relinquishedtheseattempts，asheperceivedtheslenderchancethatnowexistedofhisbeingabletoobtainalittleeasychatwithMr。DombeybeforetheperiodofWalter'sdeparture。Butinadmittingtohimself，withadisappointedandcrestfallencountenance，thatSolGillsmustbetold，andthatWaltermustgo——takingthecaseforthepresentashefoundit，andnothavingitenlightenedorimprovedbeforehandbytheknowingmanagementofafriend——theCaptainstillfeltanunabatedconfidencethathe，NedCuttle，wasthemanforMr。Dombey；andthat，tosetWalter'sfortunesquitesquare，nothingwaswantedbutthattheytwoshouldcometogether。
　　FortheCaptainnevercouldforgethowwellheandMr。DombeyhadgotonatBrighton；withwhatnicetyeachofthemhadputinawordwhenitwaswanted；howexactlytheyhadtakenoneanother'smeasure；norhowNedCuttlehadpointedoutthatresourceinthefirstextremity，andhadbroughttheinterviewtothedesiredtermination。OnallthesegroundstheCaptainsoothedhimselfwiththinkingthatthoughNedCuttlewasforcedbythepressureofeventsto`standby'almostuselessforthepresent，Nedwouldfetchupwithawetsailingoodtime，andcarryallbeforehim。
　　Undertheinfluenceofthisgood-natureddelusion，CaptainCuttleevenwenttofarastorevolveinhisownbosom，whilehesatlookingatWalterandlisteningwithatearonhisshirt-collartowhatherelated，whetheritmightnotbeatoncegenteelandpolitictogiveMr。Dombeyaverbalinvitation，whenevertheyshouldmeet，tocomeandcuthismuttoninBrigPlaceonsomedayofhisownnaming，andenteronthequestionofhisyoungfriend'sprospectsoverasocialglass。ButtheuncertaintemperofMrs。MacStinger，andthepossibilityofhersettingupherrestinthepassageduringsuchanentertainment，andtheredeliveringsomehomilyofanuncomplimentarynature，operatedasacheckontheCaptain'shospitablethoughts，andrenderedhimtimidofgivingthemencouragement。
　　OnefactwasquitecleartotheCaptain，asWalter，sittingthoughtfullyoverhisuntasteddinner，dweltonallthathadhappened；namely，thathoweverWalter'smodestymightstandinthewayofhisperceivingithimself，hewasasonemightsay，amemberofMrs。Dombey'sfamily。Hehadbeen，inhisownperson，connectedwiththeincidenthesopatheticallydescribed；
　　hehadbeenbynamerememberedandcommendedincloseassociationwithit；andhisfortunesmusthaveaparticularinterestinhisemployer'seyes。IftheCaptainhadanylurkingdoubtwhateverofhisownconclusions，hehadnottheleastdoubtthattheyweregoodconclusionsforthepeaceofmindoftheInstrument-maker。ThereforeheavailedhimselfofsofavourableamovementforbreakingtheWestIndianIntelligencetohisoldfriend，asapieceofextraordinarypreferment；declaringthatforhisparthewouldfreelygiveahundredthousandpoundsifhehaditforWalter'sgaininthelong-run，andthathehadnodoubtsuchaninvestmentwouldyieldahandsomepremium。
　　SolomonGillswasatfirststunnedbythecommunication，whichfelluponthelittleback-parlourlikeathunderbolt，andtoreupthehearthsavagely。ButtheCaptainflashedsuchgoldenprospectsbeforehisdimsight：hintedsomysteriouslyatWhittingtonianconsequences；laidsuchemphasisonwhatWalterhadjustnowtoldthem：andappealedtoitsoconfidentlyasacorroborationofhispredictions，andagreatadvancetowardstherealisationoftheromanticlegendofLovelyPeg：thathebewilderedtheoldman。Walter，forhispart，feignedtobesofullofhopeandardour，andsosureofcominghomeagainsoon，andbackeduptheCaptainwithsuchexpressiveshakingsofhisheadandrubbingsofhishands，thatSolomon，lookingfirstathimandthenatCaptainCuttle，begantothinkheoughttobetransportedwithjoy。
　　`ButI'mbehindthetime，youunderstand，'heobservedinapology，passinghishandnervouslydownthewholerowofbrightbuttonsonhiscoat，andthenupagain，asiftheywerebeadsandheweretellingthemtwiceover：`andIwouldratherhavemydearboyhere。It'sanold-fashionednotion，Idaresay。Hewasalwaysfondofthesea。He's'——andhelookedwistfullyatWalter——he'sgladtogo。'
　　`UncleSol！'criedWalter，quickly，`ifyousaythat，Iwon'tgo。No，CaptainCuttle，Iwon't。IfmyunclethinksIcouldbegladtoleavehim，thoughIwasgoingtobemadeGovernorofalltheIslandsintheWestIndies，that'senough。I'mafixture。'
　　`Wal'r，mylad，'saidtheCaptain。`Steady！SolGills，takeanobservationofyournevy。'
　　FollowingwithhiseyesthemajesticactionoftheCaptain'shook，theoldmanlookedatWalter。
　　`Hereisacertaincraft，'saidtheCaptain，withamagnificentsenseoftheallegoryintowhichhewassoaring，`a-goingtoputoutonacertainvoyage。Whatnameiswroteuponthatcraftindelibly？IsitTheGay？or，'saidtheCaptain，raisinghisvoiceasmuchastosay，observethepointofthis，`isitTheGills？'
　　`Ned，'saidtheoldman，drawingWaltertohisside，andtakinghisarmtenderlythroughhis，`Iknow。Iknow。OfcourseIknowthatWallyconsidersmemorethanhimselfalways。That'sinmymind。WhenIsayheisgladtogo，ImeanIhopeheis。Eh？lookyou，Ned，andyoutoo，Wally，mydear，thisisnewandunexpectedtome；andI'mafraidmybeingbehindthetime，andpoor，isatthebottomofit。Isitreallygoodfortuneforhim，doyoutellme，now？'saidtheoldman，lookinganxiouslyfromonetotheother。`Reallyandtruly？Isit？IcanreconcilemyselftoalmostanythingthatadvancesWally，butIwon'thaveWallyputtinghimselfatanydisadvantageforme，orkeepinganythingfromme。You，NedCuttle！'
　　saidtheoldman，fasteningontheCaptain，tothemanifestconfusionofthatdiplomatist；`areyoudealingplainlybyyouroldfriend？Speakout，NedCuttle。Isthereanythingbehind？Oughthetogo？Howdoyouknowitfirst，andwhy？'
　　Asitwasacontestofaffectionandself-denial，Walterstruckinwithinfiniteeffect，totheCaptain'srelief；andbetweenthemtheytolerablyreconciledoldSolGills，bycontinuedtalking，totheproject；
　　orrathersoconfusedhim，thatnothing，noteventhepainofseparation，wasdistinctlycleartohismind。
　　Hehadnotmuchtimetobalancethematter；forontheverynextday，WalterreceivedfromMr。CarkertheManager，thenecessarycredentialsforhispassageandoutfit，togetherwiththeinformationthattheSonandHeirwouldsaidinafortnight，orwithinadayortwoafterwardsatlatest。Inthehurryofpreparation：whichWalterpurposelyenhancedasmuchaspossible：theoldmanlostwhatlittleself-possessionheeverhad；andsothetimeofdeparturedrewonrapidly。
　　TheCaptain，whodidnotfailtomakehimselfacquaintedwithallthatpassed，throughinquiriesofWalterfromdaytoday，foundthetimestilltendingontowardshisgoingaway，withoutanyoccasionofferingitself，orseeminglikelytoofferitself，forabetterunderstandingofhisposition。Itwasaftermuchconsiderationofthisfact，andmuchponderingoversuchanunfortunatecombinationofcircumstances，thatabrightideaoccurredtotheCaptain。SupposehemadeacallonMr。Carker，andtriedtofindoutfromhimhowthelandreallylay！
　　CaptainCuttlelikedthisideaverymuch。Itcameuponhiminamomentofinspiration，ashewassmokinganearlypipeinBrigPlaceafterbreakfast；anditwasworthyofthetobacco。Itwouldquiethisconscience，whichwasanhonestone，andwasmadealittleuneasybywhatWalterhadconfidedtohim，andwhatSolGillshadsaid；anditwouldbeadeep，shrewdactoffriendship。HewouldsoundMr。Carkercarefully，andsaymuchorlittle，justashereadthatgentleman'scharacter，anddiscoveredthattheygotonwelltogetherorthereverse。
　　AccordinglywithoutthefearofWalterbeforehiseyeswhoheknewwasathomepacking，CaptainCuttleagainassumedhisankle-jacksandmourningbrooch，andissuedforthonthissecondexpedition。Hepurchasednopropitiatorynosegayonthepresentoccasion，ashewasgoingtoaplaceofbusiness；butheputasmallsunflowerinhisbutton-holetogivehimselfanagreeablerelishofthecountry；andwiththis，andtheknobbystick，andtheglazedhat，boredownupontheofficesofDombeyandSon。
　　Aftertakingaglassofwarmrum-and-wateratataverncloseby，tocollecthisthoughts，theCaptainmadearushdownthecourt，lestitsgoodeffectsshouldevaporate，andappearedsuddenlytoMr。Perch。
　　`Matey，'saidtheCaptain，inpersuasiveaccents。`OneofyourGovernorsisnamedCarker。'
　　Mr。Perchadmittedit；butgavehimtounderstand，asinofficialdutybound，thatallhisGovernorswereengaged，andneverexpectedtobedisengagedanymore。
　　`Look'eehere，mate，'saidtheCaptaininhisear；`myname'sCap'enCuttle。'
　　TheCaptainwouldhavehookedPerchgentlytohim，butMr。Percheludedtheattempt；notsomuchindesign，asinstartingatthesuddenthoughtthatsuchaweaponunexpectedlyexhibitedtoMrs。Perchmight，inherthencondition，bedestructivetothatlady'shopes。
　　`Ifyou'llbesogoodasjustreportCap'enCuttlehere，whenyougetachance，'saidtheCaptain，`I'llwait。'
　　Sayingwhich，theCaptaintookhisseatonMr。Perch'sbracket，anddrawingouthishandkerchieffromthecrownoftheglazedhat，whichhejammedbetweenhiskneeswithoutinjurytoitsshape，fornothinghumancouldbendit，rubbedhisheadwellallover，andappearedrefreshed。
　　Hesubsequentlyarrangedhishairwithhishook，andsatlookingroundtheoffice，contemplatingtheclerkswithaserenerespect。
　　TheCaptain'sequanimitywassoimpenetrable，andhewasaltogethersomysteriousabeing，thatPerchthemessengerwasdaunted。
　　`Whatnamewasityousaid？'askedMr。Perch，bendingdownoverhimashesatonthebracket。
　　`Cap'en，'inadeephoarsewhisper。
　　`Yes，'saidMr。Perch，keepingtimewithhishead。
　　`Cuttle。'
　　`Oh！'saidMr。Perch，inthesametone，forhecaughtit，andcouldn'thelpit；theCaptain，inhisdiplomacy，wassoimpressive。`I'llseeifhe'sdisengagednow。Idon'tknow。Perhapshemaybeforaminute。'
　　`Aye，aye，mylad，Iwon'tdetainhimlongerthanaminute，'saidtheCaptain，noddingwithalltheweightyimportancethathefeltwithinhim。Perch，soonreturning，said，`WillCaptainCuttlewalkthisway？'