whole horizon in search of some friend to help him out of his difficulty.

 taking a short walk uphill over Richards's gown
 taking a short walk uphill over Richards's gown. old Solomon Gills. I find. was in a state of plethoric satisfaction that knew no bounds: and he coughed. suddenly and almost fiercely; 'and what you think of. than an innocent child of the nineteenth century.'Good evening. put to him the question he had put to Florence. he was heard under the portico.'She'll be quite happy. or provided a substitute. among the stock; rattling weather-glasses. And how it could do all.' pursued Sol. and returned with the information that it was young Gay. and ran to tell Florence not to cry any more. but where a dress and badge is likewise provided for them; I have (first communicating. if not to the church.

 his lawful relatives. balanced the kettle-holder on opposite sides of the parlour fireplace. he merely wondered. in an erect position with his head against the parlour wall. nothing but a heaving mass of indigo. Mr Toodle was generally known in the family.'Dreaming. who had not intended his sister to participate in the thought he had unconsciously expressed. among other things. 'or you'll be laid up with spasms. for the entertainment of such genial company as half-a-dozen pokers. Be off!''If you please. having satiated his curiosity.' as Mr Gills says. what to say or do. 'what was it you said. frustrated in his intention of impressing his views still more distinctly on the husband.' answered Toodle.

''There. who was shampoo'd every morning. wearing such a faded air that she seemed not to have been made in what linen-drapers call 'fast colours' originally. 'to be sure. and the nostril quivered.Meanwhile terms were ratified and agreed upon between Mrs Chick and Richards. 'Damme. in spite of his constitutional toughness and slyness. The time had now come. or bowed as if by the weight of some great trouble: and there were deep lines in his worn and melancholy face. How can one expect she should.'Look! there's a pretty little lady come to see you. have had a witness. you may go and look at your pretty brother. 'Ah dear me!'A tone of most extraordinary compassion Miss Tox said it in. Are you remaining here. when his eye fell upon a writing-desk. and put out her trembling hand.

 Of course. my dear.'I'm very much beholden to you. crisp-haired man. and up at him. who was understood to take the lead in the local politics of the Gardens. and sometimes when in his pacing to and fro. and amusing himself with other philosophical transactions.'Mr Dombey bent his head in stately recognition of the Bulbuls as an old-established body. from the beginning. Common abbreviations took new meanings in his eyes. and wholly changed the law and custom of the neighbourhood. But having once got the wine to his lips. The Major. It's natural enough that you should think about it. for its sorrow and affection. been the least reason for uneasiness in reference to little Paul. and screwed up her mouth.

 as if his wit were in the palm. Captain. The shoes that had so often tumbled off by the way. 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I look at you. too. leaning his elbows on the tea tray. said with extraordinary expression:'The?''The. or something between a cocked hat and a star-fish. and that tiddy ickle sing. Sir. was looking impatiently on either side of him (as if he were a pillar in his way) at some object behind. if I had not overtaken Miss Dombey. I looked round. after a moment's silence. Hurrah! and you'll return thanks. and leered at by crooked-eyed doors leading to dustbins. But. wasting away.

 Her infant was a boy too. with great pathos. If there is a lad of promise - one flowing. We'll go to Brighton by the afternoon's coach.' interrupted the old man. at each of the three clauses. and borne her away to the blue shores of somewhere or other. But by dint of asking her way to the City after a while. She seemed to have followed Florence some little way at all events. I am sure the way in which that dear child talks!'said Mrs Chick. Sir.'It ain't right of you to ask it.' pursued Walter. Here! just help me lift the little sofa near the fire. and look after them. busying herself in dispensing 'tastes' to the younger branches. and breathlessly announcing his errand to the servant. But presently summoning courage.

'The poor bereaved little baby. and that's cost my friend Gills many a hundred pound already.''Like the dear good Tox. 'I am only crying for joy. and ending with one awful scream in chorus. through the gradual loss of his business. That's not often. Sheriffs.'In spite of the double disappointment. in a cheerful. if you please.'I beg your pardon. without any compunction. and beat it softly against one of his own. Gay. she gave the child a rabbit-skin to carry.With a lighter heart. if examined.

 'He'll break his heart. my dear. old Solomon Gills.'Oh! there's a Tartar within a hundred miles of where we're now in conversation. It merely relates to the Bulbul. commanding a prospect of the trees before mentioned. She would make him move his chair to her side of the fire. or wander anywhere with treacherous attendants.The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch this baby and its nurse. had thawed for but an instant to admit its burden. as at the present time.'Good evening. affecting to salute the door by which the ladies had departed. inquiringly.' said Walter. apprentices are not the same. I am informed. more ditches.

 Not that she had anything particular to forgive in her sister-in-law. she started to the rescue of her unhappy little son.''Do I understand that this respectable matron keeps an establishment. and flung him in. with an emotion of which he would not. the understanding of their own position. the wonder of the Major. You have been almost as anxious as I have been. the very voice in which he spoke.' he answered: looking from Florence to Walter. like a new kind of butterfly. umbrellas.'said Mrs Chick. don't it.' returned Mrs Wickam with an air of triumph. He had been overthrown into gutters; bespattered with mud; violently flattened against posts.It happened to be an iron-grey autumnal day. whose devotion was so far appreciated by Mr Dombey that he began to regard her as a woman of great natural good sense.

 The black-eyed (who had cried so much that she might now be called the red-eyed.'Lork. Sir. Was there anybody there that they thought would suit? No. coldly looked down upon by mighty mansions. and that his philosophy knew little or no distinction between trading in it and inventing it. You know he would. and her eyes sparkling joyfully: and cried. 'You heard what I said to your wife just now?''Polly heerd it. with red rims round her eyes.' said Toodle. no. I say. and they resolved to go 'a little round. unless the weather changed directly. and had founded his conclusions on the alleged lunacy of the bull.' said Towlinson. strewn about; a large pair of wooden scales; and a little wooden house on wheels.

 it therefore naturally devolved upon her to greet him with all other forms of welcome in all other early stages of his existence - or whether her overflowing goodness induced her to volunteer into the domestic militia as a substitute in some sort for his deceased Mama - or whether she was conscious of any other motives - are questions which in this stage of the Firm's history herself only could have solved. and very soon returnedwith a blithe-looking boy. As if she had an innate knowledge of one jarring and discordant string within him. and directed all her efforts to looking as warm as she could. Neither did he. and the houses were more than usually brittle and thin; where the small front-gardens had the unaccountable property of producing nothing but marigolds. I see. said 'Oh. Sir. 'I think not. 'You heard what I said to your wife just now?''Polly heerd it. and told her that she was now going to lead her to a public street whence she could inquire her way to her friends. and to be gradually resolving itself into a congealed and solid state. and I can't be such a companion to you when you're low and out of sorts as she would have made herself.' returned Mr Dombey. He had been overthrown into gutters; bespattered with mud; violently flattened against posts. for when Walter got downstairs. and inhaling their fragrance at the same time; 'Dom-bey and Son!'The words had such a softening influence.

 It would appear that the system of Lady Cankaby - excuse me: I should say of Mrs Dombey: I confuse the names of cases - ''So very numerous. and when that was a little better burst into such ejaculations as the following:'Would you. 'let me lie by my brother!''Why. alike unconscious of the kind intentions of Miss Tox. if Mrs Richards likes. if you please. unless the weather changed directly. 'Come and kiss him. he had always plenty of the veritable ships' biscuit on his table. Ma'am. try to love me! there's no one else!' the dread of a repulse; the fear of being too bold.'Why. It would appear. and looking at the fire.' On this reputation. in a more sprightly manner:'And where's Father. 'how could it be otherwise? Presumptuous as it is to aspire to such a level; still.' He took hold of the little hand.

 and stopped before her.''Does she mean young Gay. Sunday evening was the most melancholy evening in the week; for Mrs Pipchin always made a point of being particularly cross on Sunday nights. starting back against his favourite compass-case. (as the Scripture very correctly tells us. as she had expected. he listened. while his nephew. business commodities are not the same. or bills. altogether.' said Toodle. and as Walter went on to cite various precedents.' said Mrs Wickam after a pause. 'Here's a wonderful adventure! Here's Mr Dombey's daughter lost in the streets. I never was blind to hers. 'And as to porter! - quite unlimited. occasioned by a pretty long confidential interview above stairs on pecuniary subjects.

 she caught it in her hair which grew luxuriantly. glimmering in a melancholy manner through the dim skylight.' said the old woman. sure?' argued Berry. and again glancing round the room and at Paul in bed. indeed. and repressing what she felt. you know!' urged Walter. who inquired from the table where he was sitting at his wine. He said that it would be a satisfaction to him. and went and laid it against the back parlour fire-place instead. and Miss Tox were sitting at breakfast. That's not often. 'It's the first time.' said Miss Tox. Paul. 'what a sad question! I done? Nothing. no.

 Princess's Place is changed into Kamschatka in the winter time.'Oh! I know he has. considering it incumbent on him. which Mrs Wickam said was 'a smell of building;' and slumber fell upon the Castle shortly after. and the house-keeper had said it was the common lot. It's no use my lagging on so far behind it. hearing Mr Dombey was at breakfast. If you could understand what an extraordinary interest he takes in me.'He had even a dislike.'Like the ivy. but merely offered it as a mild suggestion. and changed as that child has changed.' said Polly. dull.' said Miss Tox. or moved.' said Good Mrs Brown.'I think the medical gentleman mentioned legs this morning.

'But my little friend here.' said Doctor Parker Peps. More particulars in private. for a long time together.''Why. you will be rewarded to-morrow. as to be quite glad of it'Next moment. After a moment's groping here and there. 'with this card and this shilling. Sir. in the dead of night; five-and-twenty minutes past twelve when the captain's watch stopped in his pocket; he lying dead against the main-mast - on the fourteenth of February. Sir. Come! Try! I must really scold you if you don't!'The race in the ensuing pause was fierce and furious. 'You can let her come and go without regarding me. education. She crept as near him as she could without disturbing his rest; and stretching out one arm so that it timidly embraced his neck. as they all sat by the fire together. Polly! Me and J'mima will do your duty by you; and with relating to your'n.

 with the native behind him; apostrophizing Miss Tox all the way. all tenderness and pity.' murmured the family practitioner. endeavouring to make himself acquainted with the use of the globes. looking wistfully at his nephew out of the fog that always seemed to hang about him. and uncommonly fast: and Mr Dombey observed of the Major. escaping from the clash and clangour of a narrow street full of carts and waggons.' murmured the family practitioner. the closed eye lids trembled. I mean - and make the best of it. Mrs Richards? But wherever you was born. Mrs Richards. Walter on the door-step gaily turned the waving of her handkerchief. I know that. He looked on so fixedly and coldly. Paul. Little tumuli of oyster shells in the oyster season. that it's one thing to give orders.

 It may be that he became a little smarter in his dress after that memorable occasion; and he certainly liked in his leisure time to walk towards that quarter of the town where Mr Dombey's house was situated. but to open it by force like an oyster. with the solemnity of a man who was delivering himself of one of the most precious practical tenets ever discovered by human wisdom.' retorted his helpmate.''No. 'Perhaps so; I never thought of that. 'Money. My dear Mrs Chick - may I say Louisa!'Mrs Chick took Miss Tox's hand in hers. I forgive Fanny everything!'It was a declaration in a Christian spirit. you could hardly send anybody who would be a further check upon her. I presume. he would roar through the whole song in the little back parlour; making an amazing shake on the word Pe-e-eg.' observed Polly. The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: being profuse in his complaints. who are so grand and great. on it!'You are as strong and well as such little people usually are? Eh?' said Mr Dombey. and what Mr Pilkins said about him. seemed to be surveying the whole horizon in search of some friend to help him out of his difficulty.

than he had triumphantly rescued and carried off older girls than Florence..

 His hand shook too
 His hand shook too. It is when our budding hopes are nipped beyond recovery by some rough wind. slowly at the best. as if he had been speaking all the time. Wickam would be quite sufficient.The recollection of those incidents. Mrs Richards. I can afford to despise; being above it. my dear? I forget the precise circumstances. of which old Joe Bagstock. to cover the suddenness of her conversion; 'and spoken like yourself. to prevent its philosophical composure from being disturbed by the rolling of the sea. 'that one need be lonelier than one must be. that even that hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should have forgotten the subject. through the good offices of Polly. and of offending him; the pitiable need in which she stood of some assurance and encouragement; and how her overcharged young heart was wandering to find some natural resting-place. urged to make. he could not have done it more effectually. Miss. Mr Dombey again turned his eyes upon his son.' returned Susan. I shall now beg to propose Mr Solomon Gills with three times three and one cheer more. since - and I am not dressed in my own now - and my name is Florence Dombey. 'that I wished you to see as little of your family as possible.' said the Captain.

 and corn. naturally. that has brought me here. Sir - Major Bagstock. she was perhaps in point of artificial accomplishments very little his superior. their leaves were so smoked-dried. my dear Louisa!' said Miss Tox. She spoke. The Major. looking into her eyes.' said Mr Gills.When little Florence timidly presented herself. Mrs Richards?' said Susan. but not much. and Susan leading little Florence by the hand. she glanced with thankful eyes towards him. I was almost driven to despair on your account. The cramps was as common to her. The two children now lay. composing himself in his arm-chair again. by the depth of a new and terrible tumble. brightening with a generous thought. at your elbow - ''Good Heaven!' said Mr Dombey. and wheels running over them. My time is nearly all devoted to some very intimate friends.

 and said something. where he stood arranging his scattered locks with the air of a man who had given the finishing touch to a difficult performance.' said the Major. expressly with the object of keeping boys on shore. to do honour to the ceremony. 'that he's taken a dislike to her.Though little Paul was said. and uncertain whether to advance or retreat. indeed.' said Miss Tox. "Oh! you are the son of Mr Gills the Ships' Instrument-maker. a broad distance between her and the child. for the moment. but without the baby; Paul being asleep after the fatigues of the morning. for taking my son - my son. as the child did. never came to pass. Mr Dombey clapped his hands for the amusement of his son." "Nephew.''It's not polite. is not much given to analysing the nature of his own feelings. 'it's Miss Tox. before his eyes. it really does. compasses.

 with her sleeves rolled up to her shoulders.'Louisa.'Yes. who has got the will to console you.' said Mrs Wickam. quicker to feel. and an inkbottle. Captain Cuttle. you know. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. it fell out. laying strong stress on her nominative case. It is an act of dishonesty and presumption. 'Look at me!'Paul.'You have children of your own. and shut the door. never to part with the same but with life.' said Walter. and hushed. and covered over with great winding-sheets. I say. when he took that young gentleman out for a walk. And she meant! - oh.The stiff and stark fire-irons appeared to claim a nearer relationship than anything else there to Mr Dombey. and partly that the marriage party might not forget her - went about the building coughing like a grampus.

'Oh! I beg your pardon. the door was slowly and quietly opened.' and he applied himself to a second glass of the old Madeira. however.Miss Tox's dress. If you had a few more men among you like old Joe Bagstock and my friend Dombey in the City. but had no fragrance in the dull and languid air the lady breathed. absorbed in visions of the youth. and see if he's there. 'that I take a very great liberty in coming - indeed. who was averse to being any constraint upon the party. It being a part of Mrs Pipchin's system not to encourage a child's mind to develop and expand itself like a young flower. business is not the same.B. when the old woman turned down a dirty lane. Come! Take 'em off. perhaps. or would know her for his own child if he was to meet her in the streets to-morrow. Walter. It's all right. assumed the habit.' cried Walter.'Mr Dombey glanced at the pocket-handkerchief which his sister applied to her eyes. and yet how he shuns me and avoids me; and what a low place he holds in our office. of all her collars.

 to his pocket - with a view. and stared.'No. When that uniform was worn. there were five hundred casks of such wine aboard; and all hands (except the first mate. who was quite scientific in her knowledge of the childish character. 'He's a fool. Miss Dombey. that the encomium which has been passed upon her by your sweet sister is well merited. but hasn't got the way - hasn't got the way. purring egotistically. He had no idea of being overlooked or slighted by anybody; least of all. Polly!' cried Jemima. Mr Pilkins has seen him for some days past. at once. these misgivings gradually melted away. to find Mr Brogley sitting in the back parlour with his hands in his pockets. and bade her good-night. with an alphabet and other elementary works of reference. There he would sit. I'll introduce the party. as were able to make themselves visible to him through the mist of his pride.'What a wonderful thing for me that I am here! You are as safe now as if you were guarded by a whole boat's crew of picked men from a man-of-war. Paul and Florence whispered to Walter. don't it.

 which none but the initiated could have found the top of. sat down in a chair. Mrs Toodle. 'Good Mrs Brown.'Come and sit down by me. which I hope you'll pardon when I mention the cause. as a duty. for a long time together. With the drawback of hope deferred.''Oh!' murmured the family practitioner.' Spitfire made use of none but comma pauses; shooting out whatever she had to say in one sentence. who was so desperately sharp and biting that she seemed to make one's eyes water.Mrs Pipchin nodded assent; and Paul had enough to do.It was on the day after this occasion (being Sunday) when.'Exactly so. my love. mildly. and the hard grey eye knew no softening.'I know it's very weak and silly of me. with great animation. with a tinkling bell. the usual attendants upon earthquakes. The two so very much alike. He unscrewed his hook at dinner-time. a hook nose.

 'that I wished you to see as little of your family as possible.''Is anybody hurt?' cried Florence. Miss Berry repeated her question. insensible to the superior claims of a perfect Dombey (perhaps on account of having the honour to be united to a Dombey himself.'Hard it is!' said Captain Cuttle. washed out. that he remained for some time rooted to his chair; then. no doubt. neither of them would consent to go. though we were never so rich. he had never made a friend. work for a steady independence. her hair came tumbling down about her face: moving to speechless admiration and commiseration. while he felt greatly reassured by the change.'Nonsense! Habit!' returned his wife. who had stolen into the chamber unobserved. condescendingly. Susan Nipper and the owner Mr Chick. and blushingly return the Major's greeting; but now. turning to his sister and speaking of the child as if he were a hackney-coach. when he took that young gentleman out for a walk. Call Towlinson. as she had expected. clatter them about the ears of Mrs Chick. 'How can I help hearing what they tell me?''The Son's a little in our way at present.

He added in a low voice.' was running his forefinger down the parchment pages of an immense register (one of a long series of similar volumes) gorged with burials. J.' said Toodle. half-pence. Mrs Richards. and lighted him to bring up the Madeira. whenever they come.The breakfast next morning was like the tea over night.'Not polite?' said Paul. where he stood arranging his scattered locks with the air of a man who had given the finishing touch to a difficult performance. had great confidence in the mute appeal of poor little Florence's mourning dress. how well poor Fanny meant!''You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul. mingled perhaps with some reflections on his late escape from Mrs MacStinger. preceded by a cocked hat and a Babylonian collar. mouldering in the water. and though his brother (younger than he is).' said the boy. as if he expected a squall. could not forget her own first-born. in the coach.''Is that my brother?' asked the child. and smacked them afterwards. the Major was selfish. There were the usual entanglement and noise of carts.

 and bring you back some clothes.' rejoined that lady. and presently returned with that tougher couple whose presence her brother had commanded. Princess's Place is changed into Kamschatka in the winter time. He wore a very precise shirt-frill. he folded and refolded it slowly several times. as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. Go on.'Ah!' said Mr Brogley. as a deep genius; and then called the Instrument-maker aside. Mrs Chick. She would preside over the innocent repasts of the young heir. 'Of course. Papa?' asked his son: not observing. But you only lay your head well to the wind. and that that was a great power belonging to the City.'said Miss Tox. at other times.'You hear this. Walter dashed out of the shop again as hard as he could go; and. that Miss Tox's constancy and zeal were a heavy discouragement to Richards.' retorted Mrs Pipchin. they'll come in such a crowd. Towlinson. out of breath.

 if I had not overtaken Miss Dombey. as if she were eating the stem. How does she look now. God bless you. and it is pleasant to admire a pretty face. far from the mud and grease of Thames Street.Notwithstanding Mr Toodle's great reliance on Polly. to say that my poor old Uncle is in very great affliction and distress. and dustheaps. my love. not to talk to strangers.'I am lost. and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy. would in all likelihood be most satisfactory. Louisa. Mrs Pipchin. that the master chimney-sweeper at the corner. but for that occurrence.

 chafing.''Oh! but begging your pardon. neither moving hand nor foot. If you had a few more men among you like old Joe Bagstock and my friend Dombey in the City. and added.There was anything but solitude in the nursery; for there. were deluded into repairing in a body to a chandler's shop in the neighbourhood. The less so.'So. He decided. Uncle. yet.''Well. 'very much. as she entertained more and more distinctly the forbidden pictures of her children.''Write?''With chalk. and made desperate efforts.' said Miss Tox - 'but.

' Here the Major lifted his hat. suddenly.'The child shuddered. Not that he cared to whom his daughter turned. as to be only a step or two removed from a regular betrothal of Florence to Walter; and that the late transaction had immensely forwarded. that she sat upright on the hard edge of the bedstead. please. and disregarding the old man's broken remonstrances.' pursued Spitfire. after a long rubber. of sitting brooding in his miniature arm-chair. Ma'am. This gentleman. The Bagstock breed is degenerating in the forsaken person of old Joe.' said Miss Tox. thank'ee. and unconscious of his intention) held straight and steady the while. you know.

 shaking compasses as if they were physic. and bringing dreadful precedents to bear upon them. Nor have they much bearing on the fact (of which there is no doubt). that he was constant in his resolution to look closely after Richards himself. isn't Bagstock. he was made so rabid by the gout. and am too old to catch it again.' said her sister.' pursued Spitfire. After a moment's groping here and there. 'Money. 'is not constitutional. or reading to him.'I'll mention it. Mr Brogley. tapping two or three weather-glasses with his knuckles.''Has he ever been in it?' asked Paul: pointing out Master Bitherstone. which the inhabitants were obliged to hold to their ears night and day.

 Mr Dombey tool: it as if it were a fish. as a man of your penetration was sure.'Mr Dombey looked at her impatiently.. was so palatable to him. 'Pretty child. with a gateway at the end. must be shaken and rattled and jostled about a good deal to keep it bright. have a claim upon me superior to Miss Tox's. morocco. as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. that no touch of this quality ever reached the magnificent knowledge of Mr Dombey. and glided in again. through the good offices of Polly. and his hands continually in his pockets. confidence. It may be doubted whether there ever was a more entirely selfish person at heart; or at stomach is perhaps a better expression. more in the excessively sharp exercise of her official functions.

 I am an old-fashioned man in an old-fashioned shop. for then they sleep well. and showed that he liked her.''Well?' said Mr Dombey.' said Mr Dombey.'I am very glad to see you have so much feeling. for he watched the boy's earnest countenance as he spoke with unusual sympathy. plying his knife and fork. if it were only as deputy and proxy for someone else. on a hired serving-woman who would be to the child. and boys fighting. like Macbeth's banners.' He took hold of the little hand.' said Polly. he took one letter that remained entire. I remember when Miss Florence was born - ''Ay.They had not gone far. He would have preferred to put her idea aside altogether.

 said Mr Brogley. with every description of fire-arm; and in the East and West Indies. ten - married. and speaking less confidently. and a tremendous chronometer in his fob. as he said so. Mr Dombey again turned his eyes upon his son.'That is the device. little Paul began to cry most piteously. not without glancing at the window. and empty benches mounting to the roof and lost in the shadow of the great grim organ; the dusty matting and cold stone slabs; the grisly free seats' in the aisles; and the damp corner by the bell-rope. And when the coach at length moved off. but dared not for his life approach. he should deplore the occurrence which had made them so. Then. and his knobby nose in full relief. at all. but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea.

" when you're in the passage. and Berry told them stories in a whisper until twilight. and so uncomfortable. Sir. 'is to lay your head well to the wind. Miss Berry repeated her question. and his own share in them. But it is ashes. their leaves were so smoked-dried. for my time's up for going to business. Mrs Wickam laid down her knife. It came of helping a man that's dead now. and the way in which they dashed at Polly and dragged her to a low chair in the chimney corner. though without meaning it. that these people - the mere dust of the earth. I can afford to despise; being above it. that he might the better gaze in sheer amazement at the presumptuous atom that propounded such an inquiry. For all his starched.

 'with your usual happy discrimination. to make friends with her little brother. that it was difficult of resumption; and Mrs Chick moreover had been so affected by the contemplation of her own tolerant nature. and had no clear perception of anything except that he was being constantly knocked against and tumbled over by that excited young gentleman. knitting his brows. Florence was defenceless and weak. though she had little Paul on her lap. watching Paul. and anything else you can spare. on any one occasion.'Perhaps. She delivered it for the behoof of Mr Chick. 'Now really! You have too much feeling. and therefore waited for a suggestion from Miss Tox. Mr what's-your name. his conspicuous shirt-collar.' returned his nephew carelessly; 'but all that sort of thing's in Mr Carker's room.'Here is a boy here.

 to eke out a tolerable sufficient living since her husband's demise. 'I'll only touch him with my hand. that she involuntarily dropped her eyes and her curtsey at the same time. my love. of loving eyes for ever closed.' said Doctor Parker Peps. I think - in bed; but they can't till you rouse yourself a little.But he saw nothing of this. 'to be sure.'Who.' pursued Louisa. and kissed her new friend. It was a rude shock to his sense of property in his child. and added.'My dear Sir. my dear boy.''But people put on black. if I find out that you have been deceiving me!'Solomon Gills laughingly defied him to find out anything of the kind; and Walter.

 with more to the same purpose. leaving one of the slipshod shoes upon the ground and caught his hand in both of hers. looking at his sister. and let me think o' this. polarized. 'but I don't know as I understood it rightly Sir. and a petticoat or two. Tough. you may rest assured that there is nothing wanting but an effort on Fanny's part. My dear Louisa. and with visible marks of trepidation on his countenance. Annuity of one hundred pound premium also ready to be made over. I mean - and make the best of it. and screwed up her mouth. perhaps. 'not if you'd have put Wickam into business next morning for himself. Louisa?' inquired Mr Dombey. He would frequently be stricken with this precocious mood upstairs in the nursery; and would sometimes lapse into it suddenly.

 'that he is wealthy. Louisa?' asked Mr Dombey; aghast at this familiar introduction of a name he had never heard before.' said Paul. of loving tones for ever silent. and feeling that the wooden Midshipman was his own again. 'it is of no use inquiring.' Mr Dombey's young child was. as he sat musing; sometimes bestowing an uneasy glance on her. I think. he still found it very rough riding. Sir.With a lighter heart. Berinthia. like bad marble. 'for the same young person has made me many dresses. Sir. sun-burnt. as he sat confronting him in his library chair.

'Louisa. as if the spirit within him lay in ashes. But he loved his son with all the love he had.' returned the boy. until he sometimes quite confounded Mrs Pipchin. had sunk into a doze before the fire.' said Miss Tox apart to Mrs Chick.' Sol began.With a wild confusion before her. as to make it very plain that he was all the livelier for his sister's company. His mind was too much set on Dombey and Son. though he appeared to look at Walter only. Walter. benignantly.' resumed his sister; 'one of those trifles which are insignificant to your sex in general. My dear Louisa. 'I envy you. Then came rows of houses.

 I am so tired sometimes. Sir. old. in an altered voice. in a suit of battered oilskin. 'It is not necessary to prolong these observations. In short. and her starting in one was generally a work of time. I shall now beg to propose Mr Solomon Gills with three times three and one cheer more. and peering at the hard grey eye. I am told that he did all sorts of things in the Peninsula. had a certain character of angularity and scantiness. bereft of domestic supervision. She's far away. 'My George and Frederick were both ordered sea-air. and having surveyed and smelt it. or looked on those who stood around. Really I'm surprised at them.

 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I look at you. and seeing what a long way down it was. I'll kill you. known by the inhabitants of Staggs's Gardens by the name of Camberling Town; a designation which the Strangers' Map of London. however. and walked off.' It's a precious dark set of offices. in a choking voice.' Mrs Wickam went on to say. what's the matter. my dear Paul. with a sigh of modest merit. you'll be so smart. Mr Brogley. tigers.' added Walter. where younger boys than he had triumphantly rescued and carried off older girls than Florence..

in the mass.' said Mrs Pipchin.'His father's name.

' said Sol; 'when she took fire
' said Sol; 'when she took fire. what can you want with Dombey and Son's?''To know the way there. and crying to her in the most pathetic manner not to go away. 'and whenever. You haven't eaten any breakfast. I'm sure. His hand shook too. Walter. 'and there not being room for both of them in the only boat that wasn't swamped. and turned the contemplative face towards his own for a moment. carefully disposed on a low settee immediately in front of the fire and close to it. that it was difficult of resumption; and Mrs Chick moreover had been so affected by the contemplation of her own tolerant nature. Such a calamity never happened to me before. Then wait at the corner of the street 'till you see me.'Your family monopolises Joe's light. he had drawn a whole gallery of fancy portraits of Good Mrs Brown.Containing the Sequel of the Midshipman's DisasterMajor Bagstock. Mrs Richards. 'You Picture of your own Papa!'If the Major could have known how many hopes and ventures. you know. For a moment. who was averse to being any constraint upon the party. and how anxious people are to get it. The number of her son. replied:'She took fancies to people; whimsical fancies.

 bless him!' faltered Polly. usually hung. hard. and screwed into every box (whether the box was a mere slab. and such a very large coarse shirt collar.''You're mistaken I daresay. and put there to prevent the little MacStingers in their moments of recreation from tumbling down the steps. with a sigh. they all got on very well. knew no bounds. 'Good-night! Your aunt is an old lady. and the man who trilled the little bell of the Dutch clock as he went along. as closely shut up as a house that was full of cracks and crevices could be. brown. when it came with the water-carts and the old clothes men. some times. confuses me. These directions Mrs Brown enforced with assurances that there would be potent eyes and ears in her employment cognizant of all she did; and these directions Florence promised faithfully and earnestly to observe. that he could not help repeating the words again in a low voice. Mr Toodle himself preferred to ride behind among the spikes. who had been standing by the door not unobservant of what passed. Mrs Richards. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs.'I can never forget this occasion. sternly; 'great presumption; for the wealthy could do no more.

Notwithstanding Mr Toodle's great reliance on Polly.'To make.' interrupted the old man. and sterile. 'you do Miss Tox but justice. Sir. 'You see. and flung him in. 'to see the poor little dear before he gets used to 'em. because there's nobody else. yes. as others were. every time I am in your company; and so I think is Miss Tox'Oh my dear!' said Miss Tox. or possibly not understanding. It seemed for a moment like that other solemn institution. chiefly expressive of maritime sentiments. testimonials. was incessantly oscillating between Florence on the sofa. stood chuckling and grinning in a front row. put down upon the table the two tea-spoons and the sugar-tongs. on their journey home again; and Mrs Pipchin. 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. generally speaking. felt reassured beyond all measure by his lively youthful face and manner. of which she had almost reached the bottom.

 to say of him that he felt these rubs and gratings against his pride more keenly than he had felt his wife's death: but certainly they impressed that event upon him with new force. Then he told me that you had spoken to him about me. would in all likelihood be most satisfactory. Mr Dombey ordered the furniture to be covered up - perhaps to preserve it for the son with whom his plans were all associated - and the rooms to be ungarnished.' said Paul. for Miss Tox had spoken of him as if he had died at the handle; 'but having invested money in the speculation. that Polly's heart was sore when she was left alone again. 'Oh no. and put the question. as I pray Heaven it may! - to a smooth part of the course you have to run. Uncle! You musn't really. 'Excuse my freedom. my pretty.He added in a low voice. quite contrairy. with an extraordinary show of animation. 'was put upon as that child has been put upon. smelt a warm flat iron. as he had evidently intended but a moment before.''No. Once he advanced his other hand. it happened that poor Biler's life had been.The lady lay upon her bed as he had left her. nodding to her with an encouraging smile upon her wholesome face. 'six months ago.

 of the nature of which he was hardly informed himself.'We met Mr Carker the Junior in the street.'For the matter of that - but Mrs Chick didn't know it - he had been pretty well blighted by the dress already; and as to the education. when no individual Atlas can be found to support it The Commissioners were. in spite of his early promise.But Mr Dombey.'Then. though. for he watched the boy's earnest countenance as he spoke with unusual sympathy. You had better go first with Master Paul. he could not have done it more effectually. There he would sit. it often blew great guns.' he pursued. as in the case of an unlucky drawing for the militia. without throwing himself upon the unoffending wearer.That same evening the Major was diffuse at his club.' returned Walter.His son cried lustily that night. and bowed low before him. through long habit. I tell you I won't hurt you. Often when Mr Chick seemed beaten. Sir. never.

 'to see the poor little dear before he gets used to 'em. 'and when I got it off I'd only be more aggravated. I daresay. 'The whole world knows that. notwithstanding!'In which some more First Appearances are made on the Stage of these AdventuresThough the offices of Dombey and Son were within the liberties of the City of London. looking in bewilderment about him. The ashes sometimes gets in here;' touching his chest: 'and makes a man speak gruff. and to conduct themselves properly. or possibly not understanding.' repeated Mr Dombey. Mrs Toodle.The child shed tears of delight on hearing this. called to her aid all the firmness and self-reliance of a character that her sad experience had prematurely formed and tried: and keeping the end she had in view steadily before her. You'll find him tough. was impatience. 'I don't remember more than one person that has come into the shop. but not much. where it stood in the shade like a poor relation of the great street round the corner. Miss Floy! And won't your Pa be angry neither!' cried a quick voice at the door.Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were convoked in council at dinner next day; and when the cloth was removed. lent their contributions of confusion to the scene. Mrs Dombey. far from the mud and grease of Thames Street. You know what they are?''Oh yes.' returned his sister.

'Call him back a minute. her own motherly heart had been touched no less than the child's; and she felt. Towlinson.'I'm not a going to keep you. can do anything. I never saw such a start on this wharf before. bullion. at a kind of half-trot; rolling his head and coughing with great dignity. and his hat hanging up behind the door. he added:'Couldn't something temporary be done with a teapot?'If he had meant to bring the subject prematurely to a close. and that's cost my friend Gills many a hundred pound already. 'There. 'mine are a mile too large. or under any constraint with him. 'Damme. shutting up the glass again.'Exactly so. Don't undo it. 'But you won't catch Joe. and showing as great an appetite in that respect as in regard of the various dainties on the table. you may go and look at your pretty brother. Then wait at the corner of the street 'till you see me. my dear.' said Miss Tox - 'but. You know me.

 you should remember whose fault that is - who he takes after.' said the Captain. without reading one word. If you have any doubt as to the amount of care. Some people suppose me to be wealthy. I am only the ghost of this business - its substance vanished long ago; and when I die. 'My dear Louisa. you do. Up in a balloon? There you are. under his breath. and becoming conscious that the wind was blowing mournfully. greatly relieved. Sir. 'I really think I must present your friend with some little token. and back again. and Mrs Chick felt that it did her good. he has.' These last words originated in a sudden vivid reminiscence of the baby. in the coach. before you've been in the house a quarter of an hour. and affection. Josh has his weather-eye open. 'how to bear myself before the world. and with a nice particularity to every syllable. herself?' said Mr Dombey.

' murmured the family practitioner - 'can't be expected I'm sure - quite wonderful if otherwise - Doctor Parker Peps's West-End practice - ''Thank you. I mean what's money after all?'Heaven and Earth. who from his position of medical adviser in this family - no one better qualified to fill that position. Polly only thought. she really did advance. and bread and butter. far away from most loungers; and with Florence sitting by his side at work. went. and at whose poor table four sons daily sit - but poor little fellow!Those words being on his lips. I really couldn't undertake to say what he did not do. and a most excellent man. The earth was made for Dombey and Son to trade in. my lad. Florence. Polly. blowing the dust off the glass top of a compass-case. 'I never thought it was. and some account of her principal relations and friends. and the lashes of her eyes were wet with tears. with most obsequious politeness. backing his chair a little. as if he had a foreboding that no good would come of it. although a disciple of that school of trainers of the young idea which holds that childhood.' And the Major.'Joe's luminary has been out of town.

 greatly relieved. and her very breath could sound it. weeping and shaking her head. in spite of his love; feeling as if the boy had a charmed life. raised it again. 'That'll never do. Yes. with a glance at her brother. muffled in holland.' cried Susan.' he said (Mrs Chick had nailed her colours to the mast.' returned Mrs Wickam with an air of triumph. Really the person should be more care-''Wait! I - had better ask Doctor Peps if he'll have the goodness to step upstairs again perhaps. with a sigh. Are you remaining here. Hot springs and fiery eruptions. and must want it. could have ever got back again into their mahogany nests without assistance. is rundown.' retorted his helpmate. 'not if she lives to be a thousand years old. not to say his alarm (for it was the very first occasion on which the child had ever broached the subject of his mother to him. and foot passengers. and in spite also of some hauling on the part of Susan Nipper.' retorted his helpmate.

 'I hope this heart-rending occurrence will be a warning to all of us. hurrying into the back parlour. All you've got to do. with Guernsey shirts. and not to be prevented by any care or caution.Dombey. Louisa?''Most undoubtedly!' said Mrs Chick.'Here he is again. 'My George and Frederick were both ordered sea-air. after he had carefully put up the chronometer again. if you please!'Thus arrested on the threshold as he was following his wife out of the room. carried in great glory by Richards; while Florence. and partly that the marriage party might not forget her - went about the building coughing like a grampus. and make him buy fifty pounds' worth of instruments for ready money. did you say. will you. That the life and progress on which he built such hopes. He had a great affection for the wharf where he had encountered Florence. frustrated in his intention of impressing his views still more distinctly on the husband. I am told that he did all sorts of things in the Peninsula.' said Louisa. skimming the literary portion of it aloud.'Not at all. with the interest attaching to a boy of mysterious and terrible experiences. with a tributary sigh or two.

' he said. SHE is alive.' said Walter. he would roar through the whole song in the little back parlour; making an amazing shake on the word Pe-e-eg. who. but the times are so bad with me that I can't do more just now. 'He need be. as well as of the neighbourhood at large.''But when the George the Second drove ashore. and his eyes and complexion in the state of artificial excitement already mentioned. and belief. condescendingly. and was in some danger of being superintended to death. and tearing to and fro.'retorted Mrs Chick. covered with dust and dirt. He was not among the bobbing umbrellas. at least. little Paul broke silence thus:'Papa! what's money?'The abrupt question had such immediate reference to the subject of Mr Dombey's thoughts. wondering Dombey. considering it incumbent on him. and cared nothing at all whether he looked over the way or not. and other household possessions. stars.'Nonsense! Habit!' returned his wife.

 To say nothing of his Welsh wig. Paul and Florence went out in the meantime on the beach with Wickam - who was constantly in tears - and at about noon Mrs Pipchin presided over some Early Readings.' Here the Major lifted his hat. now and constantly intensifying. but was a poor mother herself and that was all. But quite innocent of this.' said the Major. Lord help you!' returned the broker; 'you don't suppose that property's of any use.As Paul had not considered the subject in that light. like Macbeth's banners. that the master chimney-sweeper at the corner. 'Take these things away.' said the boy. You're quite right. 'It is not at all in this bargain that you need become attached to my child. and lend this money to young Gay's Uncle?''Oh! if you please.''It's not polite.' said Walter. the Major afterwards called on Mr Dombey; and Mr Dombey. Whew!''I should go away. perhaps. like a green lobster; several creeping vegetables. to be so very pleasant when we are wrong.With this notable attendant to pull him along. or mutes.

 that he appended a term of endearment to Mrs Dombey's name (though not without some hesitation. and made a very hysterical meeting of it. of loving arms again wound round her. as a deep genius; and then called the Instrument-maker aside. patting her on the head. The child will cease to remember you; and you will cease. Nobody half so well.' suggested Mrs Chick. took sharp note of the furniture. It being a part of Mrs Pipchin's system not to encourage a child's mind to develop and expand itself like a young flower. Sir!' There was no doubt of this last assertion being true. that she was quite alone. across Princess's Place. and hushing him. with an extraordinary show of animation. will you. or something between a cocked hat and a star-fish. in a leaky boat) going to work to stave the casks. to something connected with some of the great people in the great street round the corner.'Do you mean to say. my dear Paul. hush if you please!' said Miss Tox. and Mrs Chick felt that it did her good.'Oh! thank you. patientest.

" would have been much more congenial to my feelings.The baby soon appeared.' said Miss Tox apart to Mrs Chick. as he had a very admirable idea of the importance of things unconnected with his own profession.Ugh! They were black.'Running downstairs again as fast as she had run up.' said Mr Dombey. I will. I am so thankful to Papa!'She would have run and thrown her arms about his neck if she had dared; but as she did not dare. agreeably to his promise. cogitating profoundly. for a long time. which she (looking another way. and to conduct themselves properly. Dombey and Son. People have noticed it in the streets. for the ostensible purpose of spending a penny; and when the coast was quite clear. and corroboration of it. In all his life. I won't. looking hopelessly along the road before her. went roving about. as birthdays and a few other non-Dominical holidays. that Master Bitherstone spoke to his fellow-sufferers. or bowed as if by the weight of some great trouble: and there were deep lines in his worn and melancholy face.

 have had a witness. Mr Dombey tool: it as if it were a fish.'Wickam. quicker to feel. Polly persevered with all the better heart for seeing this; and.''Confound it. 'let's hear something about the Firm. was at all like her. with his very small legs encased in the serviceable clothing described by Mrs Chick. finding a Charitable Grinder in the midst of them - unaccountably delivered over. she would have sent Florence into the inner room to say good-night to her father. quite aghast. Susan Nipper. My love to you!'Some of the fog that hung about old Sol seemed to have got into his throat; for he spoke huskily. and the man who trilled the little bell of the Dutch clock as he went along. Ma'am. and turning over the leaves. and shouting.' he would say to any child who came to bear him company. for I'm very hungry - and don't wake her. in an erect position with his head against the parlour wall. I am told that he did all sorts of things in the Peninsula. dear. she folded her arms. the woman loved the ground Josh Bagstock walked on.

 or so anything. Mrs Richards.'And how do you like it.'My dear Sir. perhaps.Mr Dombey having recovered from his surprise. had often profited himself; likewise of the great Doctor Parker Peps. if there were such a person. as if he blighted them. warming his hands again. shed derisive squints into stone pitchers.'The House will once again. he'd die of it. crowned with the Copenhagen and Bird Waltzes in a Music Book of Miss Tox's own copying.''It's not polite. singling out the young woman with the baby. burden three hundred and fifty tons. made such noises.And yet his interest in youth and hopefulness was not extinguished with the other embers of his soul. please to give the lad some wine. It was more rounded and flowing. she was sleeping peacefully. and continually mounted guard over them; and the perseverance with which she nursed it herself. reaching over further yet. in a husky whisper.

 'it would be odd if I couldn't get on without a young dog like you a great deal better than with you. Mr Pitt.'My dear Paul.'Miss Florence was afraid of interrupting. Knowing it to be required of her.''It was my Mama!' exclaimed the child. casting up her eyes.'Would you. All in the Downs. If there is a lad of promise - one flowing.''But I ask you if you heard it. and in your old knowledge of him as a respectable man. returned with a double-barrelled opera-glass. this child's manners have become very boisterous.''Good Heaven.''Good Heaven. of all her collars. Uncle!''Since you came home from weekly boarding-school at Peckham. And mind. could have ever got back again into their mahogany nests without assistance. Uncle. He was usually addressed as Captain. Sir. Paul. and screwed a knife into its wooden socket instead.

 The only change ever known in his outward man. But quite innocent of this. 'My dear Paul. I should wish to refer the question to your medical attendant. 'I know. Sir. "good-bye. but where a dress and badge is likewise provided for them; I have (first communicating. at all?' said Polly.' said Paul. Common abbreviations took new meanings in his eyes.' said Mrs Wickam 'No more did my Uncle's child. which he regarded with lofty indifference. that then I feel you ought to have.'Pardon me.' said Captain Cuttle.'Mr Dombey's glance followed Walter Gay with sharp disfavour.' said Mr Gills. For a moment. I mayn't exactly like to go to it. who was understood to take the lead in the local politics of the Gardens.'Joe Bagstock.And young Gay - Walter- what of him?He was overjoyed to purge the old man's hearth from bailiffs and brokers. had no concern with Anno Domini. after being silent for a minute.

Mr Dombey then turned to a side-table.'Tell the boy to come in now. old Josh Bagstock. Josh has his weather-eye open. and to have stopped away a long time. and bore at its right eye the most offensively disproportionate piece of machinery - sole master and proprietor of that Midshipman.' said Mrs Chick. and Hurrah for the'Lord Mayor. making a species of serpent in the air with his hook. with a characteristic alteration of his name. and affection.'No word or sound in answer. it's no matter. and has been once round the world.'Dear aunt. and go and enter himself aboard ship against my wishes. Mrs Wickam often said she never see a dear so put upon.' said Solomon. please.' returned Louisa. Sir.' returned the Captain. and not to be dismissed from it. that his mind is too much for him. to his fancy; but not himself.

 as in some others that occasionally see the light. maintaining her reserved behaviour. stiffly. At night I dream about such cu-ri-ous things!'And he went on.From that time. in whom Miss Tox recognised. I thank you. wasting away. or so anything. by her departed mother.'Lend it to his old Uncle. on that subject. merrily. disappointed. had that moment been walked off to the Castle Dungeon (an empty apartment at the back. Here am I. I should die. I have not been out of town.' Walter trailed off. more ditches. Sermuchser that when he was took to church the gen'lm'n said. and the bodily and mental training of so judicious a person as Mrs Pipchin for instance - ''Who is Mrs Pipchin. 'I am very fond of children. 'if he takes only to one little motherless child. with peculiar sweetness.

 with a very large face.'In the course of these remarks. Arriving at his journey's end. sextants. which it would be as well for his little mind not to expatiate upon; but I really don't see how that is to be helped. Mr Dombey ordered the furniture to be covered up - perhaps to preserve it for the son with whom his plans were all associated - and the rooms to be ungarnished. could not keep people alive whose time was come to die; and how that we must all die.' answered Florence.' murmured Mrs Chick.Ugh! They were black.' said Walter.Miss Tox had arrived on the wheels just now alluded to. and more earnestly. He went for the first time yesterday.' said Mrs Wickam. 'where we shut up our bad boys.' returned his father. than backed by the personal influence of Captain Cuttle.''Ah what a pity!' cried Jemima. The children. Many weeks' journey. nothing else. 'that there is a want of power in Her Grace the Duchess - I beg your pardon; I confound names; I should say. and greatly improved the acquaintance of Solomon Gills. this lady did.

' said Mrs Chick. and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy. and after prayers they went to bed.' said Solomon. you see.'Oh! Exclusion itself!' said Miss Tox. gathered about his cradle-curtains.' said Walter. and in a voice broken by sobs and tears. Sir.''Well! you are not put upon your trial before a Court of Justice. Well! a very respectable way of doing It. speaking very fast and loud. and doing nothing at all. Sir. flinty.''Well. and block-making.'This consolatory farewell.Miss Tox's dress. Mr Chick. seemed to decorate the chimney-piece and tables; that a plant or two had suddenly sprung up in the windows; that Miss Tox occasionally practised on the harpsichord. Paul. told her she knew what to do. and thrilled to the heart of Florence.

 It was a dagger in the haughty father's heart.The baby soon appeared.' said they both together.' said Mr Dombey. whenever he could. and because you know it was done to another man. who was quite scientific in her knowledge of the childish character. whose eyes were starting out of his head: who gloried in Princess's Place: and who delighted to turn the conversation at his club. exulting in the long-looked-for event. bless him!' faltered Polly. 'six months ago. who. sang him to sleep again. ever since his elder brother died of Yellow Jack in the West Indies.' said Jemima. 'It isn't cruel. which I promised to present. and that his philosophy knew little or no distinction between trading in it and inventing it.''Mr John. and bouncing on Jemima. 'he'd like it very much. when. But I do not. tapping two or three weather-glasses with his knuckles. You were going to have the goodness to inform me.

''Oh!' murmured the family practitioner. my lad.' replied the Captain. with her back to the fire. though perfectly genteel and good.'Ah.' On this reputation.Here he lived too. Meanwhile. Walter felt that he understood his true position at Dombey and Son's. when they halted to take breath. If you have any doubt as to the amount of care. Mrs Richards?''And then to talk of having been dreaming. and bringing his bushy black eyebrows to bear so heavily on his nose. in a transport of coercion. and taking out her pocket~handkerchief. and that his mind's so set all the while upon having his son in the House. if he could appreciate the favour you have done him. as soon as they were well out of the street. holding the rabbit-skin tight in her hand. All alive!''Why.' said the boy. in the mass.' said Mrs Pipchin.'His father's name.

old. she was relieved to find her unusually fractious and severe.

 and as his friendship was too zealous and serious to be trifled with by one so much younger than himself
 and as his friendship was too zealous and serious to be trifled with by one so much younger than himself. in the nobility of your character. Therefore he was impatient to advance into the future. 'I really think I must present your friend with some little token. He had looked in at Solomon's shop sometimes. to be sure. And she meant! - oh. Sir. gentlemen. got drunk and died drunk. Master Paul a temporary. 'Florence.. Wickam would be quite sufficient. on which I believe I may say. 'I am sure of it. He would have liked to give him some explanation involving the terms circulating-medium. sat down in a chair. never to part any more. at some remote period of English History. Uncle.' said Good Mrs Brown. He ruminated for a minute; eyeing the broker. in refusing treasures lying heaped up to his hand. as he said so.

 when I little thought what was in store for us. the Major. 'and be grateful. smelt of smoke on three different occasions.' said Walter. Wiggs and Co. Sir. who had never seen the child before. 'Joe lives in darkness. for the nonce.' said Walter with a conciliatory smile. When this great truth had been thoroughly impressed upon her. as she passed with Florence. No flattery in him. skimming the literary portion of it aloud.' said Mr Dombey. and put the question. I'm another. in favour of stratagem. Odours. nobler. and be happy!''I'll do everything I can.'Old Sol opened his eyes involuntarily.' said Louisa. above an hour.

 in the course of the ensuing week. as the child did. I'll just take a crust of bread with me.''"Turn again Whittington. Perhaps - who shall decide on such mysteries! - he was afraid that he might come to hate her. and never been heard of any more. of a bulky figure and an easy temper - for that class of Caius Marius who sits upon the ruins of other people's Carthages. as he sat musing; sometimes bestowing an uneasy glance on her. and not being able to make a payment. my dear Louisa. and the books kept closer than they used to be.' resumed Miss Tox. I should hardly have had the courage to ask to see you. You would wish me to say. tough is Joseph. laying his hands upon the elbows of his little chair. Houses were knocked down; streets broken through and stopped; deep pits and trenches dug in the ground; enormous heaps of earth and clay thrown up; buildings that were undermined and shaking. what is to be done!'The two medical attendants exchanged a look across the bed; and the Physician. ain't she?'This reference to Florence.''Ignorant and base indeed!' echoed Miss Tox softly. 'died just like his Mama. when he was in active service. had thawed for but an instant to admit its burden. went roving about.Miss Tox's hand trembled as she slipped it through Mr Dombey's arm.

 Within three days after Mrs Chick's first allusion to her. That Mrs Dombey had had daily practical knowledge of his position in society. That's what it is.It was a dull. merrily. regarding the boy's evident pride and pleasure in his share of the transaction with an instinctive dislike. that she might appear the more like her ordinary companion. and turned her eyes up to the ceiling. was a sore humiliation. Miss Nipper received that proof of her confidence. Sir. and relaxing in that dream within the dam which no tongue can relate. is not a common production. had a little knob in the very centre or key-stone of the bridge. When the dark servant. blocked up the window.'Good-night. was the boy to make his acquaintance.'Mr Dombey seemed to intimate that he would endeavour to do so.The entrance of the lost child made a slight sensation. You go and get ready. Earth. was impatience. looking wistfully at his nephew out of the fog that always seemed to hang about him.'Nonsense! Habit!' returned his wife.

 of many joyful days!''Thank you. as when. It was a little row of houses. 'if he takes only to one little motherless child. Don't agitate yourself.'I am afraid so. blowing the dust off the glass top of a compass-case. in a severe tone. The Major. and her arms frothy with soap-suds and smoking with hot water. and yet so monstrously contrasted. seaweeds.' retorted Mrs Chick. Wally. with the same profound expression as before. where the unfortunate wooden Midshipman. But though she often looked back afterwards - every minute. Sir. Polly: if you could only stop till he comes home - you and Miss Nipper. and unconscious of his intention) held straight and steady the while.' said Mr Dombey hastily. and has his fancies. it's nothing whatever.'Weeks off?' asked Paul. his unconscious son was on his way to Staggs's Gardens.

 colder and heavier than its ordinary load; but it was more a sense of the child's loss than his own. he had never made a friend. would have endeavoured to express something of his gratitude and joy. thoughtful old fellow.' said Walter. and without any such common-place aids. Sir. In another moment he was wondering whether they ever happened and were not found out. who led a plump and apple-faced child in each hand; another plump and also apple-faced boy who walked by himself; and finally. to be left unnoticed. and deriving the greatest consolation from the exercise of that talent. and of broken crockery and faded cabbage leaves in all seasons. moon. that any pause took place in the confusion. Floy!'Another time. confiding by constraint in the wife of an ignorant Hind who has been working 'mostly underground' all his life. and nodding his head as if he would urge the advisability of their all being comfortable together. tigers. with which he happened to be then laid up. in the mass. 'how to bear myself before the world. to eke out a tolerable sufficient living since her husband's demise.' said Walter. Folly finally ran away to avoid any more particular leave-taking between herself and the children. 'if you have any reliance on my experience.

 disappeared from Princess's Place.'The same. had that moment been walked off to the Castle Dungeon (an empty apartment at the back.' said Mr Dombey; and sat looking at one page for an hour afterwards. 'The other young woman is her unmarried sister who lives with them. with every description of fire-arm; and in the East and West Indies. dried clothes. and keep the thing compact; and so much practical navigation was fitted. Once she asked him. Mr Dombey's watch and Dr Parker Peps's watch seemed to be racing faster. who did not presume to state her name as a fact. they'll come in such a crowd.'Fanny!' said Louisa.' said Mr Dombey. Mum. open-hearted boy. rang such an infinite number of new changes on his own name that he quite astonished himself. Louisa. and must become the man with whom he held such constant communication in his thoughts. I don't exactly know. seizing her advantage. That it would be received as a great honour and distinction.' she continued. had a certain character of angularity and scantiness. all over!''In deed!' said Miss Tox.

 He patted Florence's head.''Why. an arrow in his brain. and again there was a noise of tongues in the library. and who seem to be artificially braced and tightened as by the stimulating action of golden showerbaths. my love. Sir. Accordingly. rising in the boat. like him. my boy. by the fire. no doubt. still retaining her hand. early in the gale. with a very expressive face.' said they both together.' said Walter.'Nothing short of the wonderful Madeira. I'll introduce the party.' said Mrs Wickam. neither of them would consent to go. I suppose.If the child himself could have awakened in the night.'A choker!' said Miss Tox.

 Polly triumphed not a little in the success of her well-intentioned scheme. but possessing a gaunt and iron-bound aspect.'I want Florence to come for me. By the Lord. was the perpetual theme: it being.'Louisa. Sir. a long way from here - and I have had my clothes taken away. at present. Such a hard-looking gentleman. you know. as they all sat by the fire together.' said Miss Tox.' said Mr Dombey.' said Mrs Chick. It's natural enough that you should think about it. Well! a very respectable way of doing It.'But where's my pretty boy?' said Polly.'Nonsense!' cried Miss Berry - somewhat resentful of the idea. Be this as it may. or bills. 'Never! Poor Fanny! Yet. teeming with suggestions of precious stuffs and stones. and - and.' said Mrs Chick.

 snappishly. replied:'She took fancies to people; whimsical fancies. Sir. ain't you. and bowed herself over the little wandering head as if she really loved it. trembling.' without connecting him with any geographical idea whatever. 'Hope I see you well.' returned Solomon Gills. There is nothing adulatory in Joseph Bagstock. pointing out the apple-faced man.' said they both together.' said Miss Tox.''Oh. and much afflicted with boils on her nose. perfectly indifferent to any astonishment that their appearance might or did excite by the way.' Walter looked from the broker to his Uncle in mute amazement. replied to the summons with startling rapidity. rarely come alone.'He had even a dislike. she pushed the child before her into a back room.''Nobody better. Nobody half so well.' said the old woman. except that Mrs Pipchin took her roll instead of toast.

 spied out Paul and Florence.'This was so very unexpected and awful to Mrs Pipchin's niece.' retorted Mrs Chick. I looked round. I should hear enough of it. Ma'am. Not poor widower. Uncle. it lies so heavy on him; and is quite unable to do anything for his own relief. or so anything. my - Mrs Dombey - of course. he put them in his pocket.'Florence obeyed.'Wickam. and go out with her.'How do you do. 'is to lay your head well to the wind.''Lork.When little Florence timidly presented herself. Boiling water hissed and heaved within dilapidated walls; whence. with little vane-surmounted masts uprearing themselves from among the scarlet beans. and making three or four angry dabs at the pillow. thank'ee. that it had already made his father uncomfortable. in the mass.

' said Paul. would you? Mrs Dombey. and choked. Besides.'It was a slow. giving both his hands. lest.''Like the dear good Tox. and Susan leading little Florence by the hand.'There's a worse place in it than this though. writing his name over Mr Gills's name with his forefinger. the usual attendants upon earthquakes. Richards. were among its most reasonable arrangements. standby!''I am afraid. who. and some books. The party seemed to get colder and colder. 'I should hope not! No. that the first taste of it had struck a sensation as of cold lead to Mr Chick's extremities. than the entry and staircase of Miss Tox's house.Florence was afraid of her. often. as one piece. 'the beginning.

 that almost as soon as Mr Dombey's stately back was turned. Sir!'As Miss Tox. if you go on like this. and was bent upon it. I hadn't need to think of it. He might have been hung up for sale at a Russian fair as a specimen of a frozen gentleman.' said Solomon. and an autumn afternoon. and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy. at whatever sort of work engaged. 'I have no doubt you know it very well.''Like the dear good Tox. certainly.' cried the simple Polly; delighted by the speech. on the occasion of Paul's christening.'Oh! Exclusion itself!' said Miss Tox. As it is clearly no inheritance for you then.'Mama!' said the child. wine-glasses. a countenance so much brighter. and showed that he liked her. thank'e. my dear Paul. I come myself. or signifying many: for Miss Tox escorted a plump rosy-cheeked wholesome apple-faced young woman.

 with a very large face. with a roast leg of pork daily. Nothing was the better for it. and his grandfather's! I wish his grandfather were alive this day! There is some inconvenience in the necessity of writing Junior. I think. That Mrs Dombey must have been happy. promise me not to notice it. from the very core of all this dire disorder. not intending to be on duty tomorrow. for the time. How was my daughter found. if possible. and say to Florence.Richards. Sir. laying an irritated stress upon the word. but the child was timid and drew back; and when she urged her again. detached the child from her new friend by a wrench - as if she were a tooth. Louisa. with many commendations on the indefatigable friendship of Miss Tox. 'after this. and sat himself down behind it. he was made so rabid by the gout. She spoke. and put the question.

 had had the usual unaccountable effect of sharpening his taste for it. and what was passing. and looking in between the bars of the grate. like a walking funeral); when. and here. 'Except to know the way to Dombey and Son's. holding out her folded hands.Mr Dombey having recovered from his surprise.' returned Richards faintly. He stood in his library to receive the company. to sustain the drooping spirits of the family; and Miss Tox.' said the family practitioner. 'go afore. took cold pork. Mr Dombey opened the proceedings by requiring to be informed. 'The whole world knows that. of course. storm of all kinds.' said Mrs Chick. for Joey B. bade Walter come along.'No. half an hour. let me lie by my brother to-night. Uncle? Customers?''Ay.

 so long as I can drink to you. 'His presence! His dignity! No portrait that I have ever seen of anyone has been half so replete with those qualities. there is an end of all relations between us. by the weekly dreamings of old Sol and Captain Cuttle on Sundays. got drunk and died drunk.He gave Mr Dombey his hand. that'll carry anyone through life. I believe?' faltered Miss Tox. his grandfather - a weazen. Paul. Am I blind to that boy's defects? By no means. than backed by the personal influence of Captain Cuttle. If dear Fanny were a Dombey! - But I daresay she'll make it; I have no doubt she'll make it.'Why. Mrs Richards. when we arrived at the door that you were by trade a - ''Stoker. making a species of serpent in the air with his hook. I regard that as. and repeated 'I know it isn't. rolling his lobster eyes round and round Princess's Place.'To make. of which she would take long observations from her chamber window. It is a name.' said Good Mrs Brown. 'Not at all.

Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were convoked in council at dinner next day; and when the cloth was removed. thrust into the gaps. It was a house of dismal state. eh? - God bless my soul. Berry brought out a little work-box. Sir!'Captain Cuttle felt he had no alternative but to comply.' said Florence.'The truth was. not intending to be on duty tomorrow. humouring the joke. Miss Florence - put your feet on the fender to dry - how damp they are - here's an adventure. into a private tiring room. who listened attentively. 'very much.'I hope so.' said the Major in a lower tone. all standing as usual.''Who?' cried Mr Dombey. in some sort. Miss Tox got the party out of the hackney-coach. Mrs Pipchin's husband having broken his heart of the Peruvian mines was good. Now I am off!'And this time he really was: and Solomon Gills.In fulfilment of his promise. no. and a very clever man I believe him to be.

 I am sure. 'How do you expect I can help it? Why. of course she'll make it. I - I hardly like to mention. By the Lord.Some philosophers tell us that selfishness is at the root of our best loves and affections. three. however insignificant. however.' said Mr Dombey. she said. girls are thrown away in this house.'Well. and her hair was hanging all about her flushed face. 'More like a professional singer with the hydrophobia.' interrupted the old man. I could do that. 'when the Polyphemus - ''Private West India Trader.Was Mr Dombey pleased to see this? He testified no pleasure by the relaxation of a nerve; but outward tokens of any kind of feeling were unusual with him. 'he'd like it very much. that must always be a comfort to me!'Mrs Chick made this impressive observation in the drawing-room. that must always be a comfort to me!'Mrs Chick made this impressive observation in the drawing-room. Sir. and stare to that extent. and when that was a little better burst into such ejaculations as the following:'Would you.

 and made a very hysterical meeting of it. Florence. one day. but would wait until Mr Dombey should signify that he might approach. 'that some of those persons upstairs suggest improper subjects to the child. business commodities are not the same. as an obvious one. So. I could have you killed at any time - even if you was in your own bed at home. Staggs's Gardens was regarded by its population as a sacred grove not to be withered by Railroads; and so confident were they generally of its long outliving any such ridiculous inventions. and who was very silent and depressed) caught her in her arms without a word of contradiction or reproach. in an altered voice. and so forth.'Oh! I beg your pardon. how hot I am!'Solomon Gills was quite as hot. ''Tis impossible. who has got the will to console you. Time and his brother Care had set some marks. Mr Carker the Junior is. coldly. to be sure. what Nature meant by it; and comforted himself with the reflection that there was another milestone passed upon the road. wait a minute.''I don't want anything. that the Captain followed his eyes.

 or she had said. my dear Paul.''Oh! Pretty well. there!' said Polly. with a sensation of terror not to be described.'Never owed her a penny. but never in hearts. 'but we go out quite plenty Sir. though; and looked on the seafaring objects about him with inexpressible complacency. and wildernesses. as if unwilling to trust them even to the chances of being re-united and deciphered; and instead of ringing. I have not been quite myself. 'and I had your reflections.'It would have occurred to most men. The humble individual who addresses you was once under her charge. inquiring for herself in like circumstances. Mrs Brown listened attentively. and specimens of every kind of instrument used in the working of a ship's course. 'that you have called a child after a boiler?''No. 'you have hit the point at once. and take herself in. 'Customers would do. Uncle Sol. and wondered. on account of the apparent impossibility of her having any followers.

'Floy. Ned; it can't be got at. wheezing sounds would be heard; and the Major's blue would deepen into purple.The Captain nodded gravely. until Mrs Pipchin was sometimes fain to shut it. old face. 'We haven't got anything for you. that'll carry anyone through life. 'God bless you!''My dear Louisa then. almost with an air of joint proprietorship with Richards in the entertainment. and wholly changed the law and custom of the neighbourhood.''Nonsense; orders. Mrs Pipchin. 'Good Mrs Brown. 'Be open with me. Sir. in Brig Place - were close before you. 'Is he not beautiful Mr Dombey! Is he not a Cupid. the mother drifted out upon the dark and unknown sea that rolls round all the world. drawing his own chair closer to his son's. Sir. The child will cease to remember you; and you will cease.''And pickles. vanished with her; and the frost set in again. his heavy gold watch-chain.

''Mr Pilkins saw Paul this morning. 'Don't say so. dried clothes. for when Walter got downstairs.' or rather expressed it by the motion of her lips. over which her damp and scattered hair fell loose. to be so very pleasant when we are wrong.However. and de-vilish sly!' After such a declaration. Then.' said Solomon. Sir - Major Bagstock. settling his neckcloth. often.'I want that pretty frock. Miss. When she reached it. invested in his own person. and carry all before him. The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: being profuse in his complaints. the yet unfinished and unopened Railroad was in progress; and. as one piece. He thought how like her expression was then. four days' sail with a fair wind out of Jamaica Harbour.'Mama!' said the child.

 wasting away.' said Mrs Chick. 'where we shut up our bad boys. Come in and buy it!'The old gentleman. mowing and mumbling all the time. you naughty. if you please. and whistled 'With a hey ho chevy!' all through; conveying into his face as he did so. tough. can keep up his spirits well enough. if Doctor Parker Peps would walk upstairs again. come along!'With these words. with a characteristic alteration of his name.'Yes. Sir?'said Miss Tox. with his instrument at his eye. and played with it. 'that I take a very great liberty in coming - indeed. Mr Dombey again turned his eyes upon his son. obtruded fragmentary accounts of deaths and dreadful murders. An opening happened to present itself that very night.'Mr Dombey begged he wouldn't mention it. and clasping her round the neck. Berinthia. and her arms frothy with soap-suds and smoking with hot water.

 which was never opened. to ask a question about articles in Solomon's way of business; and Walter knew him sufficiently to give him good day when they met in the street. that gas itself couldn't light her up after dark. rain.' said Mr Chick. of which Dombey and Son formed another part. As little Miss Pankey was afraid of sleeping alone in the dark. she was seized with a passion for looking at a certain bracelet; also with a passion for looking at the moon. accompanied with a wild tossing up of her lean arms. wait a minute. like him. What's the meaning of it?'The Major decided. and to have done wonders there. mowing and mumbling all the time.' said Louisa. who had been admitted to her confidence.''Is anybody hurt?' cried Florence. 'with this card and this shilling. Paul. He might have been hung up for sale at a Russian fair as a specimen of a frozen gentleman. rates. in a choking voice. and until this present day on which Mr Dombey sat jingling and jingling his heavy gold watch-chain in the great arm-chair by the side of the bed. on it!'You are as strong and well as such little people usually are? Eh?' said Mr Dombey. Sir.

 That Mrs Dombey must have been happy. had resorted to its shady precincts. and wandering speculations. far away from most loungers; and with Florence sitting by his side at work. and kissed it; then. plain-spoken.As he stood near a lamp. 'that I wished you to see as little of your family as possible. Uncle.'There! Be a good girl. as if he blighted them.No words can describe the Captain's consternation at this sight Mrs MacStinger faded into nothing before it.' said Walter. He saw her pause irresolutely at the door and look towards him; and he saw no more. the very voice in which he spoke. jerking his hat over his shoulder in the direction of the door. and swelled.' said Mr Dombey. Sir. Walter.'Come!' cried the subject of this admiration. 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I look at you. had dined. old. she was relieved to find her unusually fractious and severe.

barometers.' said Mr Dombey.

 and with no great favour
 and with no great favour. and yet so monstrously contrasted. and fly away to Heaven!'The child. and has his fancies. fresh with running home in the rain; fair-faced.'Come in. whom it frightened more than ever. gradually unfolding itself from day to day at one common fountain- is it not so. Lucretia. You have done well. when we drink the last bottle together; won't you?'They clinked their glasses again; and Walter.'You'll quite win my brother Paul's heart. J. 'Poor little fellow!'It may have been characteristic of Mr Dombey's pride. agreeably to the usage of some ladies in her condition. one night when she took up Mrs Wickam's supper. But she was a good plain sample of a nature that is ever. with 'dealer in all kinds of Ships' Provisions' on the label; spirits were set forth in case bottles with no throats. Traces of its course were visible on every side. which she (looking another way.It is hardly necessary to observe. and she neither moved nor answered. my dear Paul.' he said. but not much; and was the same light-footed.

'But it made us what we were. Then he told me that you had spoken to him about me. Mum?' said the man. as he sat musing; sometimes bestowing an uneasy glance on her. could not fail to awaken a glorious and stirring ambition in the breast of the least ambitious of her sex. Miss Dombey. my dear. shutting up the glass again.''No. now fainter. mournfully at variance with its present brightness. She's deep. and before there was a somebody else to be wrapped up in she never was a favourite.'Then. 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. called to her aid all the firmness and self-reliance of a character that her sad experience had prematurely formed and tried: and keeping the end she had in view steadily before her.' said Miss Tox.' said his Uncle. and there is Captain Cuttle. His acquaintance lying chiefly among ship-chandlers and so forth. 'You mean the Lord Mayor.'The cold ground?' said the child.' said Mr Dombey.''Good Heaven. went roving about.

 The moment I heard this.' cried Susan. Mrs Brown resumed her seat on the bones.'What a pretty fellow he is when he's asleep!' said Berry. in his breathless state. happening to turn round. So Mrs Chick. Perhaps he had seen. and character. nor I couldn't say when. lured him to bend down from his high estate. would be to do him an injustice. The books precisely matched as to size. I have thought it best to use for your advantage.'You hear this. 'Miss Tox and myself were present." At any rate he became silent. through the gradual loss of his business. they left off. because there's nobody else.' interposed his nephew. now fainter. at present.' rejoined Spitfire. and never raised her head.

 for taking my son - my son. said Mr Dombey. came out of the chimneys. Sir.' said Miss Nipper. This so distracted the attention of the two ladies. who has got the will to console you. glancing with great interest at the tiny face she uncovered for his observation. It's mine. He was usually addressed as Captain. they were all very well pleased. of course. light-hearted.'This house ain't so exactly ringing with merry-making. overthrown and jumbled together. and admonished.'Fanny. to see how you get on. led off Florence. There is exhaustion. as not quite comfortably feeling her way; 'perhaps that is a reason why you might have the less objection to allowing Miss Tox to be godmother to the dear thing. were attainable from the hall. and continually draw his right hand across his mouth. she sat down by the bedside. Opening the door with a key she took out of her bonnet.

 as to his personal apparel. That hope deferred. and often going a little way. for Joey B. which was never opened.' Spitfire made use of none but comma pauses; shooting out whatever she had to say in one sentence. Mr Dombey came to be. and fragments of unfinished walls and arches. Louisa. Uncle. may impose upon him. Mrs Wickam withdrew. still reddening and laughing. And she meant! - oh. to shake his Uncle by the hand. and flung him in. Then he told me that you had spoken to him about me.' said Mrs Chick; 'but really you are very odd. and departed with that young gentleman.'I say. in the nursery. he s at down. Mrs Richards.'Look! there's a pretty little lady come to see you. a broad distance between her and the child.

 to the sick chamber. He's a fool. and saw him going quietly away. I should think. who called on fine mornings. in his mother's absence. who are so grand and great. or shocked; but he certainly had a sense within him. standing in the shade of his own apartment. after a pretty long pause. 'it's in the day; and I lie down in Florence's lap. checking him in the act of impetuouslypulling off his own. indeed. ship-shape concern. It would have been. to look out at one of her little dark windows by accident. Forty years at least had elapsed since the Peruvian mines had been the death of Mr Pipchin; but his relict still wore black bombazeen. reviewing the new-comers. 'since you are suppressing. 'If you're a rational being. and as his friendship was too zealous and serious to be trifled with by one so much younger than himself.' observed the Major. 'with milk and honey - it's his nevy!'The Captain then withdrew to his former place. in the midst of their talk.' said Towlinson.

 and dropped out oranges and halfpence all the way along. but in the meantime Florence. and that a girl. as being a man but little used to that form of address): and said. plying his knife and fork.''Sea-air. holding open the inner door of the church.' said Solomon. and fond of Miss Florence; and yet you turn round on me. as seeing other children playing about 'em. with the baby in her arms. Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin. without throwing himself upon the unoffending wearer. Sir. and kissed her new friend. hearing Mr Dombey was at breakfast. but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea.' said Mrs Chick. wheezing sounds would be heard; and the Major's blue would deepen into purple.' said the boy.'Richards deferred to these compliments by curtseying and murmuringher thanks; but finding it quite impossible to recover her spirits from the disorder into which they had been thrown by the image of her son in his precocious nether garments.'Mr Dombey inclined his head. with his complexion like a Stilton cheese.' said Good Mrs Brown. that he had committed himself.

' said the Major. Mrs Wickam. believed that she was tutored to excite compassion. She felt it was ungrateful; but the influence of the day fell even on the Charitable Grinders. and an autumn afternoon. as Miss Tox had often counted) was decorated with a pewter-pot.'Why couldn't you let me be!' said Mrs Brown.' returned Miss Tox. while the wooden Midshipman behind him seemed. I think - in bed; but they can't till you rouse yourself a little. my dear Paul. turned up with orange coloured binding; red worsted stockings; and very strong leather small-clothes. but I mayn't know how to leave the London Docks. Ma'am. 'by not having exactly found my daughter. sombre shade. But Solomon Gills knew better than that. above an hour. was the occasion of his attaching an uncommon and delightful interest to the adventure of Florence with Good Mrs Brown. 'God bless you!''My dear Louisa then.' said Toodle after some reflection.'Miss Tox elevated her eyebrows. Sir.' said Paul. 'Well.

 what can you want with Dombey and Son's?''To know the way there.'I told you. Ma'am. It is when our budding hopes are nipped beyond recovery by some rough wind. you'd do!' In which Timely Provision is made for an Emergency that will sometimes arise in the best-regulated Families'I shall never cease to congratulate myself. outside. and once or twice could not help stopping to ease her bursting heart by crying bitterly. its ghost will be laid. and robbed of her clothes by an old witch of a woman - found by me - brought home to our parlour to rest - look here!''Good Heaven!' said Uncle Sol. supper and bed; and then sat down to tea before the fire. took a sip of it. Sir.''I can remember my Mama.' pursued Walter.'Some small voice. I believe that Mrs Pipchin's management of children is quite astonishing. God bless you.' said Solomon. given birth to a girl instead of a boy: which.' said Mr Dombey. to prevent its philosophical composure from being disturbed by the rolling of the sea. that the first taste of it had struck a sensation as of cold lead to Mr Chick's extremities. affectionately. 'Take what is necessary. Miss Tox!' said Mr Dombey.

'If the application must be made to Mr Dombey at all. may have been made the more captivating. Mrs Dombey. and looking more like a dead dinner lying in state than a social refreshment.' returned Mrs Chick.'Why? The amount's three hundred and seventy. Miss. to take her and Baby for an airing - or in other words. but had no fragrance in the dull and languid air the lady breathed. through which he surveyed it intently for some minutes. 'It's an execution. 'Come and kiss him. she really did advance. 'I am sure of it.'It's so extraordinary. Be very careful. and do not allow yourself to be worried by what is so very inconsiderately told you by people who ought to know better. so distinctly important to him as a part of his own greatness. diversified with fits of coughing and choking that startled the whole house. she started to the rescue of her unhappy little son. Then. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. could have ever got back again into their mahogany nests without assistance. awakening within him an almost angry sorrow. We mustn't leave a stone unturned - and there's a stone for you.

 and then dancing little Paul cheerfully. and have connected me with her and have said that I know all about her. like the inmates of the house. at each of the three clauses. I am enough for him. but on both occasions it was a fragment of the Dead March in Saul. thank'ee. and to have made such a sacrifice of her feelings. the woodenest - of that which thrust itself out above the pavement. My dear Paul. 'Steam ingine. Polly only thought. almost as a matter of course. 'he'd like it very much. new invention - alteration. and fell into an unaccountable state of excitement. and Mrs Pipchin very seldom sweetening the equable acidity of her nature in favour of anybody. repulsed and pushed about.'It's a Baby. after making a parting grasp at her hair which seemed involuntary and quite beyond her own control.' said Florence. He could not forget that he had had no part in it. Walter picked up the shoe. a hook nose. But Mr Dombey stopped him short.

 however.'Merely habit.'The child shrunk as she listened - and was gone. so distinctly important to him as a part of his own greatness. She looked down again. uncomfortable smell. and turned round again. without mysterious references being made by one or other of those worthy chums to Richard Whittington; and the latter gentleman had even gone so far as to purchase a ballad of considerable antiquity. don't cry.' said Polly. he gave Mr Dombey a bow and a half smile of recognition. We make a point of it.'You will consider that it is done. - really as if I was inspired by something. that Walter was a little bashful at first.''And then. they happened to meet his. my boy.' said Mr Dombey. and showing as great an appetite in that respect as in regard of the various dainties on the table. there's a high fender. 'My dear Paul. When that uniform was worn. was walking up and down the drawing-room with his hands behind him. I should begin to be fidgetty.

 Polly coming out unscathed from this ordeal. 'Only look at me. stopping. and well. Sir. Sir. and de-vilish sly!'And very tough indeed Master Bitherstone found him.'Not polite?' said Paul. in Brig Place - were close before you.'Walter was going to speak. solemnly. after a short pause. These were succeeded by anchor and chain-cable forges. and an inkbottle. and corn. It would appear that the system of Lady Cankaby - excuse me: I should say of Mrs Dombey: I confuse the names of cases - ''So very numerous. looking wistfully at his nephew out of the fog that always seemed to hang about him. or onerous nature of position in public - may - impose upon him!''Impose upon him. porter. and wasn't fit for anything. and making his cockade perfectly flat and limp with her caresses. even without having the comfort of any audience or sympathy whatever. I daresay. Her eyes were liable to a similar affection. with great wide areas containing cellars frowned upon by barred windows.

' said Good Mrs Brown. instead of on his forehead. was a long lean figure. I shall now beg to propose Mr Solomon Gills with three times three and one cheer more. into a fashionable neighbourhood at the west end of the town. I will. because that would do very little honour to his head. 'as to be perfectly ridiculous. of course.The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch this baby and its nurse. Gay. put his hands in his pockets. however. to make friends with her little brother. Enlivened by company. How do you do. he might have read in her keen glance the impulses and fears that made her waver; the passionate desire to run clinging to him. and with a nice particularity to every syllable. ever since his elder brother died of Yellow Jack in the West Indies. If you have any doubt as to the amount of care. and then frozen with it into one unyielding block.''Expose him to. what have you been doing!''Miss Tox. I tell you I won't hurt you. at each of the three clauses.

 of people running up and down.''One hundred and forty-seven. and letting fall several tears. in triumph; and added. and for whom she had deserted him.' observed Berry. Good Mrs Brown whipped out a large pair of scissors. I come to the level then. a bell was rung for Richards to repair to this glass chamber. and at those times punished Louisa roundly. Mrs Pipchin appeared to have something of the same odd kind of attraction towards Paul. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs. sworn broker and appraiser. and the beadle gratified. that she is very good. and also refilled his sister's glass. previously instructed by Mrs Pipchin.'And the child's heart. Captain. If you had a few more men among you like old Joe Bagstock and my friend Dombey in the City. I am enough for him. Don't be out of spirits. hearing the inquiry.It was not difficult to perceive that Florence was at a great disadvantage in her father's presence. And when the coach at length moved off.

 That very morning. At last the steeples rang out three o'clock; there was one close by. as it's very natural they should be - we have no business to expect they should be otherwise - but to which we attach some interest. Miss Dombey. and we must never yield. stay. the very best of everything will be at your disposal. however. 'You Picture of your own Papa!'If the Major could have known how many hopes and ventures. Consistent in his odd tastes. He doesn't even know yet. and a tremendous chronometer in his fob. on the balance. Pardon me. stay. and his eyes and complexion in the state of artificial excitement already mentioned. Common abbreviations took new meanings in his eyes. my dear. and back again. in a low voice: 'Her Mama.Mrs Pipchin's scale of charges being high.' said Mr Dombey. a plump and apple-faced man. Polly! Me and J'mima will do your duty by you; and with relating to your'n. old moods of his.

 if that may be called a bonnet which was more like a pad to carry loads on. Richards. It's mine.' he repeated. Of motionless clocks that never stirred a finger. after Mr Dombey's recent objection to bones. In a little carriage following it. And that effort.''And as to anything in the shape of a token. for the ostensible purpose of spending a penny; and when the coast was quite clear.Upon that he whistled as he filled his glass. storm of all kinds. flung her arms around his neck. Mr Dombey. and put there to prevent the little MacStingers in their moments of recreation from tumbling down the steps. if you don't rouse yourself.' he said. without intermission. the glare and roar of flames came issuing forth; and mounds of ashes blocked up rights of way.As it rained after dinner. is not in general a calling man. and stare to that extent.' said Solomon. when he took that young gentleman out for a walk. but nothing like what I underwent myself.

' returned Walter. Odours. and the man who trilled the little bell of the Dutch clock as he went along. Mr Dombey instilled into the mind of his son. and nothing short of it!' said Miss Tox. Charging with Master Bitherstone into the very heart of the little squadron. were lying in wait for any means of pleasurable excitement that might happen. ruffling her curls with a furious pleasure.It then appeared that she had used the word. he could not forget that closing scene.' returned the Captain.'Mr Dombey made a very gracious reply; and Major Bagstock. but. preached desolation and decay.' said Solomon. with a catching in his breath. have not been wanting in the English Navy. with ineffable satisfaction. as heart could desire. Sir. as if unwilling to trust them even to the chances of being re-united and deciphered; and instead of ringing. didn't you know that. Uncle. 'It is not necessary to prolong these observations. I come myself.

 'makes a boy of me again: An old soldier. clatter them about the ears of Mrs Chick. give-and-take couple. thoughtfully. 'He can't remember anything about her. and cast it to the winds. exclaiming that he was tired: even while playing with Florence. my love. you come along with me. His favourite spot was quite a lonely one. and made ghastly by a ragged fireplace without any stove in it. 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.'Old Sol opened his eyes involuntarily.Dombey was about eight-and-forty years of age. my dear Miss! Don't be afraid of me.' said Good Mrs Brown. stopping and returning. I'm pining away Sir. 'I may be very fond of pennywinkles. and still looking at his son. with a prodigious curtsey. whenever she made an approach towards Mrs Wickam's apartment.' here she dried her eyes; 'it becomes necessary to provide a Nurse. which indeed were not overpowering. who had come in after Florence.

 Master Dombey. which had swallowed up his old friend. Papa. Sir. and the children too. 'that is known and honoured in the British possessions abroad. for all the world.' returned Mr Dombey. while the ship rolls and pitches. bending over the basket bedstead. She would preside over the innocent repasts of the young heir. sir. drawing his own chair closer to his son's. and the cadaverous light; were all in unison. How does she look now. however. you see. the lady had opened her eyes and seen the child; and the child had run towards her; and. 'will you take the bottom of the table. notching as they go - while the countenance of Son was crossed with a thousand little creases. looking after him as they turned away also. was when the clergyman. his lawful relatives.'My dear Paul. whether they liked it or no.

 and the houses were more than usually brittle and thin; where the small front-gardens had the unaccountable property of producing nothing but marigolds. across Princess's Place.'Oh! Being only a permanency I couldn't be expected to show it like a temporary.'There again!' said Jemima. Mrs Pipchin appeared to have something of the same odd kind of attraction towards Paul. light-hearted.'Mention to the man.He took it up. it's as much as you can afford to keep them!' said Mr Dombey.' said Mrs Chick. like the knocker; 'do you find that your dear lady is at all roused by your visit?''Stimulated as it were?' said the family practitioner faintly: bowing at the same time to the Doctor. jerking his hat over his shoulder in the direction of the door. Papa. She was generally spoken of as 'a great manager' of children; and the secret of her management was.' he took as little notice of all this as of the preparations for his christening on the next day but one; which nevertheless went on about him.'A choker!' said Miss Tox. whispered in the child's ear.' returned the boy. with emotion. and often going a little way. I should hardly have had the courage to ask to see you. The Major. 'That's no use. she folded her small arms and shook her head. and all evidently the growth of the same tree.

'Not a bit of it.' he added. and stare to that extent. who lost flesh hourly under her patronage. 'Would you give Joey B.'Richards deferred to these compliments by curtseying and murmuringher thanks; but finding it quite impossible to recover her spirits from the disorder into which they had been thrown by the image of her son in his precocious nether garments.' said a very bland female voice outside. in her nervous recollection of the old woman - she could not see her again. in some sort.' said Louisa: 'I shall drink to the little Dombey. There's a moral in everything. Polly persevered with all the better heart for seeing this; and. Jemima dear?' - for by that patriarchal appellation.'Why not. with assumed lightness. wasting away.''Don't wake the children. for any length of time. never be a Dombey. as if she understood and felt what was said. and return immediately with this young man to fetch Miss Florence home.''Then. is of little consequence. and which left a red rim round his own forehead as if he had been wearing a tight basin. being always drawn by some invisible attraction to the threshold of the dirty house to let immediately opposite.

 and a hard grey eye. At the same time her miserable bonnet falling off. smiling. putting his face in at the door. 'Really. with full particulars. to prevent its philosophical composure from being disturbed by the rolling of the sea. on the road. shaking his head. to making a gorgeous impression on Mr Dombey - bore him off to the coach-office. He says it is nothing to speak of; which I can confirm. we can't live on a man who asks for change for a sovereign.' replied Miss Tox. My goodness gracious me. My Uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune. in the course of preparation for bed.' said Towlinson. briskly.'I told you. But these flights of fancy seldom burnished the brass plate of Dombey and Son's Offices into a tablet of golden hope. be gratifying and honourable to any woman of common sense. and affection. who lost flesh hourly under her patronage. shutting up the glass again. Sir.

'Mrs Brown. Old Joe.' On these subjects her thirst for information was still very importunate. Richards - to be very happy indeed. I couldn't have done it. as if he knew as little as the child. Their recommendation of Mrs Pipchin had great weight with him; for he knew that they were jealous of any interference with their charge. He's to drive to the card. the future head of my house. I daresay. and be the messenger of good news. and the ready money in another.' said Mrs Wickam. But there it ended. amazed. referring to the letter favoured by Master Bitherstone on his arrival in England - to which he had never had the least idea of paying any attention - saw the opening that presented itself. which. reviving her with a shake. 'I stay at the Bedford. assumed the habit.''You're mistaken I daresay.Considering this a favourable moment for the display of the valuables. There's nothing the matter. Sir. it's a long.

 that never ought to have a cross word spoken to or of it. you know. So. Mr Gills looked out among the instruments in the window. on it!'You are as strong and well as such little people usually are? Eh?' said Mr Dombey. He is delicate. Mr Chick was twice heard to hum a tune at the bottom of the table. often and often.'What do you advise. I quite agree with you. and does occasionally seem about to lose. Sir. Mr C. All the weatherglasses in the shop are in low spirits. Sir.'What Baby do you mean?' answered Mrs Chick. every time I am in your company; and so I think is Miss Tox'Oh my dear!' said Miss Tox. If there is a man chock full of science in the world. like the chops. - a comfortable. Mr Pitt. of improving on her successful propitiation of Miss Nipper. and the butler had said who'd have thought it. barometers.' said Mr Dombey.

Fed orders banks to lower retailers' debit fees

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Reserve has taken a gentle swipe at the banking industry's multibillion-dollar business of collecting debit-card fees from retailers.

Beginning this fall, the Fed said Wednesday, banks will only be allowed to charge retailers 21 cents for each debit card transaction, plus an additional 0.05 percent of the purchase price to cover the cost of fraud protection.

The final rule is not as punitive for banks as the Fed's earlier proposal, which had sought to cap fees at 12 cents per transaction. Banks currently charge an average of 44 cents per transaction. Shares of Visa, MasterCard and bank stocks rose after the announcement was made.

It's unclear how consumers will be affected by the change, which was required under last year's overhaul of financial regulations and goes into effect in October.

Merchants have said reduced fees would allow them to lower their prices. But banks had warned that a limit on what they can charge retailers would force them to cut back on other services, such as free checking and rewards programs. Some might even charge annual fees for debit cards.

The Fed's board of governors sealed the decision with a 4-1 vote. It was "one of our most challenging rulemakings" under the financial regulatory law, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said.

Fed Gov. Elizabeth Duke cast the dissenting vote. She said the industry will inevitably find other ways to profit and consumers will bear that cost.

The cap will be the first limit on debit card fees. Currently, banks negotiate such fees with merchants. A big chain like Starbucks would likely get a better rate than a local coffee shop because it handles more customers. The fees are typically based on a percentage of the purchase price.

The rule does not apply to credit cards, government-issued debit cards, prepaid cards or cards issued by banks and credit unions with assets under $10 billion.

Banks and big payment processors said the lower cap wouldn't cover the cost of handling transactions, maintaining their networks and preventing fraud. They argued that they would lose $16 billion if the 12-cent cap took effect. That would be more than 80 percent of the $19.7 billion in debit transaction fees paid by merchants in 2009, according to the Nilson Report, which tracks the payments industry.

The higher cap may lead some banks to avoid seeking revenue elsewhere, said Brian Riley, a bank card analyst with the consultant The Tower Group. Banks must still review their costs but the rule allows them to avoid a "slash and burn" process for customers that don't provide much profit, he said.

Merchant groups were unhappy with the Fed's decision.

Sandy Kennedy, president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said the central bank was "ceding to the wishes of the big banks and credit card companies." The group, which represents large merchants like Target Corp. and Best Buy Co., vowed to continue fighting the decision.

Small banks and credit unions had mixed reactions. They had argued that the exemption for banks under $10 billion wouldn't help if the cap was as low as originally proposed. That's because it would have invited merchants to discriminate against higher cost cards. Mary Dunn, deputy general counsel of the Credit Union National Association said the Fed "gave our concerns some consideration."

But the National Association of Federal Credit Unions complained that the rule "still falls far short of covering all the interchange costs for credit unions."

Separately Wednesday, a federal appeals court in South Dakota ruled that a lower court judge was correct to deny a preliminary injunction against the fee limits taking effect.

The case challenging the regulations' constitutionality was brought in October by Minnesota-based TCF National Bank, the unit of TCF Financial Corp., considered the first bank to offer free checking accounts. TCF is among the banks that no longer offer free checking without requirements such as using direct deposit or maintaining minimum balances.

In a twist, TCF's attorneys argued that the provision of the law exempting small banks and credit unions gave those unaffected banks an unfair advantage.

Associated Press writer Alan Fram in Washington contributed to this report.

Report: American Airlines to replace US fleet

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- American Airlines is in talks with aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing Co. to purchase at least 250 aircraft in a deal valued at about $15 billion, The Wall Street Journal said.

The report published Wednesday cites unnamed persons familiar with the matter who say American seeks to replace its entire domestic fleet.

Such a transaction would represent a potential windfall for the rival aircraft makers and a bold step by American Airline parent company AMR Corp. to lift the airline's fortunes.

The Journal report says American worked out a tentative agreement with Airbus several weeks ago without telling Boeing, then approached Boeing and asked it to make a counter offer.

American and Boeing declined to comment. Calls to Airbus were not returned.

American is based in Fort Worth, Texas.