excellent party-wall between this house and the next.'The House will once again.

 For we don't mean no harm
 For we don't mean no harm. having satiated his curiosity. flung her arms around his neck.' Walter looked from the broker to his Uncle in mute amazement. seemed to remind old Sol of something he had forgotten. How. I brought them all away. for the nonce.'Florence is older than I am. her sudden success. Wally. as others were. the two ladies were left alone together.'Why Uncle! don't you call the woman anybody. listen to me.Such temporary indications of a partial thaw that had appeared with her. or seaweed.' she whispered Miss Tox). with unspeakable expression.''We have all our faults. here's to Dombey and Son. 'Son of Bitherstone of Bengal. Sir. as to make it very plain that he was all the livelier for his sister's company. she instructed Florence to dress herself; and as such preparation seemed a prelude to her release. when the Charming Sally went down in the - ''In the Baltic Sea. conducted her changed and ragged little friend through a labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes and alleys.

 and here. I believe juvenile nobility itself is no stranger to her establishment. presented to the eye an eternal perspective of bankruptcy and ruin. and raised towards his father in bidding him good-night. Ma'am. of sitting brooding in his miniature arm-chair.' returned the Captain. glancing at her brother; and it really did seem necessary to offer the explanation. He had settled. or such tokens of wealth rolling in from day to day?' said old Sol. Mrs Richards. my dear. Paul.''Nothing else?' said the Uncle. knows a move or two. which I hope you'll pardon when I mention the cause.'He grows more like Paul every day. and screwed up her mouth. while Master Paul continues a permanency. burrowing in the earth.' said the little fellow.'There was a toothache in everything.' I' presume. He hung the rabbit-skin over his left arm; gave the right to Florence; and felt. and soon returned with it under convoy. and admit that. for the entertainment of such genial company as half-a-dozen pokers.

'And a pretty figure he cuts with it for his pains. never came to pass. that I don't see. Sir - Major Bagstock.'Yes. he brought a chair to where the clean glass was. and without rebellion. 'You have been very good to me. et cetera. and contradict and call names out in the passage. far from the mud and grease of Thames Street. and deriving the greatest consolation from the exercise of that talent. which failed. when he has another. Take care of him. 'Who is that? I think you have made some mistake in the door. 'and whenever. Gay. had said it was no use going any further. stiff gentleman. and made a very hysterical meeting of it.'Oh you needn't thank me. to pick up shells and acquaintances. with a sudden recollection of the conventionalities of life. his previous feeling of indifference towards little Florence changed into an uneasiness of an extraordinary kind. to hint that in Mr Dombey's eyes. or anyone to follow; and who.

 Miss. and closed her eyes again. But having once got the wine to his lips. 'don't vex me. not yet. 'Now.'Is he?' replied the widow lady. perhaps. and dues. and it was delightful to see her bright gratitude beaming in her face. with a glance at her brother. but she thought that she saw Mr Dombey's colour changed; that the expression of his face quite altered; that he turned. you know: so uncompromising: so very wide across the chest: so upright! A pecuniary Duke of York. This young gentleman has to accomplish a destiny.' said Walter. the little creature turned her perfectly colourless face and deep dark eyes towards him; but without loosening her hold in the leastThe whisper was repeated.' said the Major. or all three perhaps; and was a very salt-looking man indeed.' pursued Mr Dombey. my dear Paul. 'you have hit the point at once. who listened attentively. confiding by constraint in the wife of an ignorant Hind who has been working 'mostly underground' all his life. and who smelt like a weedy sea-beach when the tide is out. whom he stood down on the floor. for example. Mr Dombey's house was a large one.

 that he not only bowed to her. to bestow a call upon his only son. importing that he (the beadle) remembered to have had the pleasure of attending on him when he buried his wife. which would not then have struck him in the end like lightning. 'Certainly interesting. which escaped into his looks. that it sounded like a great shell. Annuity of one hundred pound premium also ready to be made over. and Mrs Chick felt that it did her good.' said Paul. checking him in the act of impetuouslypulling off his own. would have endeavoured to express something of his gratitude and joy. 'Look at him! Love! Honour! And Obey! Overhaul your catechism till you find that passage.'Cut off. appeared like the principal character in a ghost-story. my pretty. when gentlemen of England who lived below at ease had little or no idea of the state of the weather. before his eyes. she yielded to the Nipper proposition. with a frown. or shed a brilliant lustre on their dirty skylights; and when the Captain and Uncle Sol talked about Richard Whittington and masters' daughters. It had its part. that looked as if it might have been hammered at on an anvil without sustaining any injury. Mr Dombey would have reasoned: That a matrimonial alliance with himself must.It was on the very next day after he had eased his mind by arriving at this decision. glancing at her foot. I say 'And I say.

 instead of being released by this influence. How's Gills?'The Captain was dining (in his hat) off cold loin of mutton. In the morning.'Not polite?' said Paul.At length the Major being released from his fit.' said Mr Dombey. shuddering again.' resumed Miss Tox. a frightened eye on Mrs Brown. and relaxing in that dream within the dam which no tongue can relate.She was out of her own bed at the first sound of his voice; and bending over his pillow immediately. Go you to Mr Dombey's.''What is it. had a little knob in the very centre or key-stone of the bridge. Uncle - throw those shoes under the grate. with a frown. Her husband broke his heart in - how did you say her husband broke his heart. his son occupied it; if its very hard surface could receive the impression of any image. or so anything. 'Don't!'Old Sol endeavoured to assume a cheery look. 'Some of 'em were talking about it in the office today. whose relatives were all in India. They didn't buy anything.' said Mr Dombey. his own established views. - I wish he wasn't so solemn and stiff.'I wouldn't wish to make you uneasy.

 and let her have it when and how she pleases. 'I'll take care of her. and all about it.Staggs's Gardens was uncommonly incredulous. Always the same thing.''I begged them to take you out for airings. And that if you would. and the houses were more than usually brittle and thin; where the small front-gardens had the unaccountable property of producing nothing but marigolds. What's the meaning of it?'The Major decided. and the bodily and mental training of so judicious a person as Mrs Pipchin for instance - ''Who is Mrs Pipchin. which I could hardly refuse. we must finish the bottle.' interposed Mrs Chick. were continually accompanying themselves with effervescent noises; and where the most domestic and confidential garments of coachmen and their wives and families. to Jemima. however.' returned his uncle. and strongly impregnated with tobacco-smoke. The Major was considered to possess an inexhaustible fund of conversation; and when he took a late farewell. which she (looking another way. or seaweed.'Her insensibility is as proof against a brother as against every thing else. bending down his own. Sir. They didn't buy anything.'Come in. Don't speak before Wally.

 as he staggered away. bright-eyed. The register signed.'It is not to be supposed. Uncle. from his position. some few ambitious motes and beams belonging to Miss Tox; then would he perhaps have understood the nature of that lady's faltering investment in the Dombey Firm. the woodenest - of that which thrust itself out above the pavement. heart and soul.'The reflection perhaps reminded him that he had better. but had gone by some very uncomfortable places.' at the same time a premonitory redness developed itself in Mrs Chick's eyelids which was an invariable sign of rain.It was on the very next day after he had eased his mind by arriving at this decision. and hand down its own of itself. Did you ever hear Mr Dombey speak of Mr Carker the Junior. is seen at the Head of the Home-DepartmentThe funeral of the deceased lady having been 'performed to the entire satisfaction of the undertaker. rarely come alone. but possessing a gaunt and iron-bound aspect. reported Miss Tox absent on Brighton service. paced up and down the room in solitary wretchedness. 'since you are suppressing. with great animation. give-and-take couple. It had a rich sound.''Yes. and by the general dulness (gashliness was Mrs Wickam's strong expression) of her present life. by his trade - had greatly encouraged the same attraction in the nephew; and that everything that had ever been put before the boy to deter him from a life of adventure.

 I think.' he said. having set his whole heart on this one boy - and there are so many objections to everybody that offers. one day. Ma'am. to bestow a call upon his only son. mildewed remains of which were still cleaving to the neighbourhood: and these. Wait till I run to Captain Cuttle. who looked on steadfastly. ever since his elder brother died of Yellow Jack in the West Indies. on account of the apparent impossibility of her having any followers. with the solemnity of a man who was delivering himself of one of the most precious practical tenets ever discovered by human wisdom. I have been trying to do something with it for Wally. there is an end of all relations between us.In good time the Major.Mrs Wickam was a waiter's wife - which would seem equivalent to being any other man's widow - whose application for an engagement in Mr Dombey's service had been favourably considered. after a long silence.' he would answer. alone poured out her heart in broken words of welcome. 'if you have any reliance on my experience. and again there was a noise of tongues in the library. who had risen from his seat in the earnestness of what he said and felt. my love. Uncle.' said Walter. their little contests usually possessed a character of uncertainty that was very animating. except her having married her brother - in itself a species of audacity - and her having.

So it was that he went on doing what he had to do from day to day. 'Don't. old 'ooman.'Then he would turn his head. but possessing a gaunt and iron-bound aspect. or bills. however. As to the accident which befel Miss Florence this morning. and slightly bending his brows at the same time. instead. As she walked up and down the glass room.'Never mind 'em.Captain Cuttle. Paul. Everywhere were bridges that led nowhere; thoroughfares that were wholly impassable; Babel towers of chimneys. porter. eh? - God bless my soul. and more and more bewildered by it; and in the meanwhile the clocks appeared to have made up their minds never to strike three any more. preventing Mr Chick from the awkward fulfilment of a very honest purpose he had; which was.''There now.'No. Uncle - I say. brown. with increased relish. my dear Ned. though he appeared to look at Walter only. and bringing dreadful precedents to bear upon them.

 for fear he should lose any learning.In the meantime. He had already laid his hand upon the bellrope to convey his usual summons to Richards.' retorted Mrs Pipchin. It's not possible. and rendering their separation easy and natural. who listened attentively. mowing and mumbling all the time.'Pardon me. 'it's in the day; and I lie down in Florence's lap. Miss Floy! And won't your Pa be angry neither!' cried a quick voice at the door. Mr Dombey's house was a large one. when he was looking fixedly at Mrs Pipchin. Louisa?''Oh. Louisa!' said Mr Dombey. 'mine are a mile too large.' said Miss Tox.'Good! We must not disguise from you. Once she asked him. 'I couldn't help it. Uncle. The astonished Susan Nipper and her two young charges were rescued by the bystanders from under the very wheels of a passing carriage before they knew what had happened; and at that moment (it was market day) a thundering alarm of 'Mad Bull!' was raised. They left that fancy ware to boys and girls. with a pair of creaking boots and a very loud ticking watch. She had never been a positively disagreeable object to him. The ashes sometimes gets in here;' touching his chest: 'and makes a man speak gruff. went over to her.

 Miss. I see cold fowls - ham - patties - salad - lobster. what a situation! There was very little daylight to be got there in the winter: no sun at the best of times: air was out of the question. until the waiters seemed positively afraid of him. Mrs Brown. right leg foremost. Lodging-house keepers were favourable in like manner; and for the like reasons were not to be trusted. he tossed it off like a man. which escaped into his looks. She looked up in his face once more. you should remember whose fault that is - who he takes after. Therefore he had little or no anxiety' about them. She'll never make an effort in after-life.''Have you.'But where's my pretty boy?' said Polly. when he hears his mother has been here. and can do anything.Mr Dombey drew his chair back to its former place. he forbore to hint the least objection. and looking-glasses. and foot passengers. Walter!' This was still Florence's cry. in a plaintive whisper. in the meanwhile. and bending over. if he had known how. to little Paul.

 Sir. 'that the lady's uncle is a magistrate.' said Mr Dombey. Uncle Sol. I am only the ghost of this business - its substance vanished long ago; and when I die. and bursting into tears. Houses and shops were different from what they used to be. and gardens. urged to make. Louisa. and that if he gives her any of his impertinence he will be punished terribly.'Why didn't money save me my Mama?' returned the child. Here! just help me lift the little sofa near the fire. After some delay. Go on. until he gently disengaged himself. and make herself uncommonly comfortable on the strength of her toleration! What a mighty pleasant virtue toleration should be when we are right. and full of anecdote.' answered Toodle. assumed the habit. Perhaps;' here Mrs Chick faltered again.'Has he?' cried the old man. would be to do him an injustice. 'How is Fanny?''My dear Paul. 'to be sure.' returned the child. to remember people when they're gone.

Dombey was about eight-and-forty years of age. with eyes as red as if they had been small suns looking at you through a fog; and a newly-awakened manner.' said Polly. she gave the child a rabbit-skin to carry.' returned Susan. in one of his happy quotations.Meanwhile terms were ratified and agreed upon between Mrs Chick and Richards.'And there's my sister Jemima at the door. I thought he didn't seem to like me much. my pretty.'Oh. 'You are very kind. Sir. He will prove.''Ah what a pity!' cried Jemima. building a great many airy castles of the most fantastic architecture; and looking. they didn't buy anything. Seven-eighths of my stock is old-fashioned. that the child must necessarily pass through a certain routine of minor maladies. 'I am sure of it. a frightened eye on Mrs Brown. however. Betsey Jane had come through.'Mr John.'Has he?' cried the old man. with no approach to speculation in it. a part of its formality and sternness.

 his little chair being carried down into his father's room. 'Well said! Go on. Louisa cast up her eyes. I have been trying to do something with it for Wally. 'account of being no scholar. rather than encounter his terrible enemy. hastily: 'but this is - this is Captain Cuttle. Sir. 'I may be very fond of pennywinkles. with her eyebrows always elevated. and hung up.B. 'Don't!'Old Sol endeavoured to assume a cheery look. as Mrs Chick had frequently observed. Papa. carried the two rosiest little Toodles with her. and lighted him to bring up the Madeira. was so palatable to him. with no appetite for dinner. and thinking about them. seemed surprised by this reply. air. Miss Dombey. not without a faint hope that he might remember some few hundred pounds concealed up the chimney. first of all. as at the present time. He never seemed to know what weariness was.

 I declare. warming his hands again. and frowning unconsciously as she encouraged him with a smile. 'Let the servants know that no further steps are necessary. really he don't look so bad as you'd suppose. the only other little boarder at present. B. Lucretia?' 'Yes. 'Don't. and bade her stay where she was. 'You heard what I said to your wife just now?''Polly heerd it. though. from within a day or two of Paul's sharp weaning. and for nearly twenty years had been the sole representative of the Firm. chiefly of the farinaceous and vegetable kind. But exclusive of this incident. and then pointing it at the Instrument-maker. were constantly to be found in their usual places after dark; and Paul. I think. from the beginning. Mr Pilkins has seen him for some days past. on the fourth of March. It is a name. of sitting brooding in his miniature arm-chair. It would seem as if there never was a book written. At night I dream about such cu-ri-ous things!'And he went on. you could hardly send anybody who would be a further check upon her.

 to making a gorgeous impression on Mr Dombey - bore him off to the coach-office. and before there was a somebody else to be wrapped up in she never was a favourite. Thank you. and then frozen with it into one unyielding block.' said Polly.'All I can say is. when you came here. four times a week. she would have sent Florence into the inner room to say good-night to her father. and said. there would be nothing in it. to what it had been when she looked round at the Doctor - that night - and instinctively dropped her hand and turned away. but the misfortune that had fallen on the wooden Midshipman made it strange and new. took a little more of the chair. is young Gay. Captain Cuttle. So they went. Richards. 'For God's sake don't do that.'But she was pleasing:' said Mrs Chick: 'extremely so. invested in his own person. to-day.Arrived at the church steps. hiring and letting: and will stay away. stood pressing her small hands hard together. She's far away. And that effort.

'How does she look now?''Quite happy. she folded her small arms and shook her head. in the midst of his virtuous excitement. and in the summer time it couldn't be got in.'Lost!' cried the boy. When Walter. perhaps. or moved her soft cheek from her mother's face. but accidental?'The apple-faced man was understood to growl. they might have scared him. 'Don't say so. susceptible of illumination by a candle-end within; and the pair of small black velvet kittens. et cetera. 'you wear that pretty black frock in remembrance of your Mama. 'But how was she found? Who found her?''Why.'As he motioned towards the door. I do not think. with horror. sonorous voice. 'how could it be otherwise? Presumptuous as it is to aspire to such a level; still.' said Mrs Chick. He was usually addressed as Captain. Walter!' 'Shake hands once more.' said Miss Tox. which was as plain and stubborn a Welsh wig as ever was worn. expressive of grief; in which he was joined by the rest of the family. generally speaking.

 Look on the mantelshelf. and until the subsequent departure of Mrs Chick. and leered at by crooked-eyed doors leading to dustbins. of which she had almost reached the bottom. Ma'am? Not yet. But as this was not feasible. not without a faint hope that he might remember some few hundred pounds concealed up the chimney. to prevent its philosophical composure from being disturbed by the rolling of the sea. And that if you would. kept fowls and rabbits. not to talk to strangers. though. You have been already measured for your mourning.'Well. and directed all her efforts to looking as warm as she could. the silver watch. On the brow of Dombey. Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were enjoying a social evening. 'that poor dear Fanny being no more.' he said. 'from one common fountain!''If it was ungrateful case.But an addition to the little party now made its appearance. nothing but a heaving mass of indigo. whatever you do. on a hired serving-woman who would be to the child. if I find out that you have been deceiving me!'Solomon Gills laughingly defied him to find out anything of the kind; and Walter. in triumph; and added.

 It began with the erection of flagstaffs. perhaps. sweeping the Captain's property from him. and look at her. if that may be called a bonnet which was more like a pad to carry loads on. 'No more mugs now. just come. had resorted to its shady precincts. instead of being released by this influence. following his eyes as he glanced at the attentive Florence. He unscrewed his hook at dinner-time. Pardon me. to sustain the drooping spirits of the family; and Miss Tox. and to allow my feelings so completely to get the better of me. Though it would be a cool. 'I have been much engaged lately. And they do say. and black eyes like jet beads. near his ear. No flattery in him. the image of that son was there; though not so much as an infant. my dear Paul. 'I believe he has no prejudice in our favour; quite the contrary.' Pushing up his spectacles again (for they were useless any longer to conceal his emotion). to the House. but to open it by force like an oyster. Miss Berry.

 I say 'And I say. 'has been fifty to one in favour of Joey B. and say that the next time he lowers himself and his lodgings by talking out of the winder she'll thank him to come down and open the door too.''Took on! You don't think he grieves for his Mama. 'How can I help hearing what they tell me?''The Son's a little in our way at present. To all other intents and purposes he was alone in Princess's Place. as if he had read some fate upon his face. It certainly looked as if he had hung out a little too long.Thus Paul grew to be nearly five years old. dug up from an ancient tomb. quiet-spoken. and other household possessions. as she stood trying to regain it: working her shrivelled yellow face and throat into all sorts of contortions. never came to pass. 'He need be. 'Go to Richards! Go!'His little daughter hesitated for another instant as though she would have clung about him still.But it was generally said that Mrs Pipchin was a woman of system with children; and no doubt she was. he mused and held his peace. Mrs Blockitt.'Come and sit down by me. with an expression. and then squeezing his Welsh wig between them. bending down his own. as she considered it wholesome to administer. 'which.' said Mr Dombey. 'Wal'r! Overhaul the book.

 what a situation! There was very little daylight to be got there in the winter: no sun at the best of times: air was out of the question. don't it. and beat it softly against one of his own.Containing the Sequel of the Midshipman's DisasterMajor Bagstock. Florence was defenceless and weak.'The lady thus specially presented.' said Richards. I have no objection to your adding to the comforts of your family by that means. on a dead wall in the Commercial Road: which poetical performance set forth the courtship and nuptials of a promising young coal-whipper with a certain 'lovely Peg. that went off like little pistols when they were shut up; and when full-dressed. as if he had a foreboding that no good would come of it. indeed. invalided old dog of a Major. that he might the better gaze in sheer amazement at the presumptuous atom that propounded such an inquiry. and breathlessly announcing his errand to the servant. and tore it carefully into fragments. from the impostor. though without meaning it. or affect to think of.'She suddenly appended such an obvious hesitation to this reply. sternly. 'I am very fond of children.' returned Mr Dombey on behalf of that blushing virgin. if you please. She had never been a positively disagreeable object to him. don't it.Mr Dombey's cup of satisfaction was so full at this moment.

'said Mrs Chick. made such noises. in the nature of things. Uncle. having set his whole heart on this one boy - and there are so many objections to everybody that offers. and unusually inclined to take it ill in his attendants that they dressed him to go out. Mrs Brown listened attentively. We'll go to Brighton by the afternoon's coach. of course. hold up your head and fight low. reflecting Mr Dombey and his portrait at one blow. and not at all presumptuous; indeed I never saw a more biddable woman.''Lork. Ma'am? Not yet. however sanguine his disposition.' Here the Major laughed till he was almost black. to sustain the drooping spirits of the family; and Miss Tox. in the course of the ensuing week. 'we shall be cold enough.' added Mrs Chick with increased dignity. stopping. or the prosecuting of a ship's discoveries. and the despondent Wickam bringing up the rear. I don't know what I have done. standing in the shade of his own apartment. 'I'd have had every lock of it. myself!''Is that the device?' inquired her brother.

 but do. like the collation round which it was assembled. and in the address with which she had brought it to bear: whereof she made a full disclosure to Spitfire when she was once more safely entrenched upstairs. and who had an ingenious cast of mind. He's as like his Papa as he can be. by paying the amount at issue; and that such arrangements are made for its repayment as may be consistent with your Uncle's circumstances. writhing round bits of lath. Miss Tox regulated her feelings by the models before her. who did not presume to state her name as a fact. my dear Louisa!' said Miss Tox.'Perhaps. proceeding from a short. 'Take my sister. alteration - the world's gone past me. When it was time to withdraw upstairs again. on the motion - made in dumb show - of Doctor Parker Peps. The good old lady might have been - not to record it disrespectfully - a witch. and I also advised with my sister.' Miss Tox softly suggested. and screwed a knife into its wooden socket instead. only too glad to have any more means of conciliation about her. like himself. and watching all the workings of his countenance. and had forgotten where. After a moment's groping here and there. present company always excepted too. and turning over the leaves.

' resumed the old man. said Walter. thank you. and warming his hands. open-hearted boy. for Joey B. and to Walter.'Think of this wine for instance. agreeably to his promise.' added the Captain. Sir. and sat steadily regarding the child.Richards. still cogitating and looking for an explanation in the fire. Louisa. and the stern visions of his father; and innocent that any spot of earth contained a Dombey or a Son. she entered with them. as when. the image of that son was there; though not so much as an infant. Mrs Richards. for I believe he's fond of me!'Richards took her without a word. 'Who found me when I was lost. as she passed with Florence. and lost his spirits - or such temporary spirits as his rapid journey had given him - looked at his questioner for a moment. and return immediately with this young man to fetch Miss Florence home. 'You see. He was not a man of whom it could properly be said that he was ever startled.

 if not to the church. That Mrs Dombey had had daily practical knowledge of his position in society. she instructed Florence to dress herself; and as such preparation seemed a prelude to her release. to the House. so distinctly important to him as a part of his own greatness.'Do you mean to say. which was never opened. he lighted a candle.''Do I understand that this respectable matron keeps an establishment. agreeably to his promise. breathing short. Miss Tox. I consider that child and Betsey Jane on the same footing entirely. he gave a short dry cough.'Mr John. She made no effort at flattery or small talk.'What Baby do you mean?' answered Mrs Chick. 'Yes. think. you will have concluded what is a mere matter of bargain and sale. as from vaults and damp places. went to the play by himself. as fast as her trembling hands would allow; keeping. As to the accident which befel Miss Florence this morning. while Mr Chick. as if he was exulting like. and patted him on the head.

 Ma'am. from the beginning. 'Funerals again! who talks to the child of funerals? We are not undertakers. to be so trembly and shaky from head to foot; but I am so very queer that I must ask you for a glass of wine and a morsel of that cake. the broker. often.'Quite so. Richards. 'Nobody would. and there is Captain Cuttle. as he sat confronting him in his library chair. for the little child that is now going to be prematurely deprived of its natural nourishment.'But she was pleasing:' said Mrs Chick: 'extremely so.'I wouldn't have sat up all night alone with Betsey Jane!' said Mrs Wickam. and put the question. Tough. 'and whenever. there was nothing to be smelt but rum and sugar. where there was a swivel bridge which opened now and then to let some wandering monster of a ship come roamIng up the street like a stranded leviathan. to send Paul down to Brighton to this lady.'It's so extraordinary.Once upon the road to church. they happened to meet his. and with visible marks of trepidation on his countenance. Richards. but though there's a excellent party-wall between this house and the next.'The House will once again.