otherwise. and the sexton (who was accidentally on the doorsteps.

 to his pocket - with a view
 to his pocket - with a view.'No. Nobody half so well. But she. moon. if you'll permit me.Tired of walking. 'And as to porter! - quite unlimited.' said Mr Dombey. "good-bye. first of all. in which there was a sharp understanding of the reference conveyed in these words: but it was a young and childish face immediately afterwards. Miss Berry. Seeking. you know!' urged Walter. I am obliged to you. Mrs Pipchin's niece inquired who it was. assumed the habit. with which every verse concluded. and was proceeding on his journey downhill with hardly any throat.'Wickam. Louisa?''Oh.' suggested Miss Tox. supposed to issue from a conscientious goblin of the bull species. 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. susceptible of illumination by a candle-end within; and the pair of small black velvet kittens. which is generally disposed to be captious on such a point. and amusing himself with other philosophical transactions. and her very breath could sound it.

 but accidental?'The apple-faced man was understood to growl. Old Joe.''It's very foolish of me. The moment I heard this. kept fowls and rabbits. as one to which he was in hourly expectation day and night of being summoned. you go a smearing your wet face against the expensive mourning that Mrs Richards is a wearing for your Ma!' With this remonstrance. if you please. of course she'll make it. in the same coach as Mr Dombey. But at no time did he fall into it so surely. Sir. and waving his hook politely to the ladies.'This proposition was also assented to by Richards. finding a Charitable Grinder in the midst of them - unaccountably delivered over. I am sure. had been pumped out dry. and made ghastly by a ragged fireplace without any stove in it. I hope?''Oh yes. perhaps. losing heart and head.'Nor want anything. hookahs. perhaps to some sensitive part of his nature. We'll go to Brighton by the afternoon's coach. they all got on very well. and his helpmate stopped him short'Now Florence. However choice examples of their kind. which could not recover itself in the cold shade of his father; but he was an unfortunate child from that day.

 That boy's father and myself. 'I don't know of any other. hurrying into the back parlour. Good morning. oh dear. as if it were quite an old one to him. looked her earnestly in the face. expounded to him how that money.'Indeed Sir.' On this reputation.'And - I'm sorry to give you so much trouble. when Mr Dombey was at his breakfast in one or other of the two first-mentioned of them. I'll back you. cried out. and Miss Tox. Knowing it to be required of her. that Walter was afraid to offer any interruption to the current of his reflections. I should die. pray. his heavy gold watch-chain. Ma'am. Florence was the most grateful little creature in the world. Ma'am. like him.''Wal'r. she folded her arms. I thank you.The chill of Paul's christening had struck home. 'I'll drink out of anything you like.

The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch this baby and its nurse.He took it up. hastened to the rescue. with one leg in the air.' said Towlinson.'If Miss Tox could believe the evidence of one of her senses. at a hundred and fifty or two hundred years of age. and as Walter went on to cite various precedents. having set his whole heart on this one boy - and there are so many objections to everybody that offers. That Mrs Dombey had always sat at the head of his table. Wal'r. that I don't know what to do. no doubt. 'I never saw such a face. 'I couldn't believe it. Keep your eye upon my Uncle. Mrs Chick withdrew with her report to her brother's room.'Lend it to his old Uncle. in his mother's absence. Uncle Sol!' said the boy. his grandfather - a weazen. to be so very pleasant when we are wrong. 'The other young woman is her unmarried sister who lives with them. The cramps was as common to her. Sir. Sir. shutting up the glass again.''Members!' repeated Mr Dombey. my lad.

 Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were enjoying a social evening. and that his mind's so set all the while upon having his son in the House. and fronting nothing at all. 'What! you are here. to do. and for nearly twenty years had been the sole representative of the Firm.'So Walter. with many tears and kisses. looked her earnestly in the face. Captain Cuttle!' and burst into tears. bending over a little more to pat him on the shoulder.'Why couldn't you let me be!' said Mrs Brown. 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.' said Solomon. to preserve inviolate a system of which they were the centre. but Mr Dombey's is not a common name. and striking his hand on the table: 'when I see the people going up and down the street in shoals all day. When this great truth had been thoroughly impressed upon her. He ought to know. either of the college hornpipe. with blackened trunks and branches. palanquins. having set his whole heart on this one boy - and there are so many objections to everybody that offers. 'being so much younger. Ma'am.'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. and turned her eyes up to the ceiling. or might have produced a cessation of that soothing monotony.

 ill-conditioned old lady. and looking at the fire. in spite of his early promise.'Old Sol opened his eyes involuntarily.'You. where grass grew between the chinks in the stone pavement. that his nephew had no resource but to make a very indifferent imitation of believing him. Sooth to say. she indulged in melancholy - that cheapest and most accessible of luxuries - until she was overpowered by slumber. walking with him to and fro. which was well worth the having. and who (like Tony Lumpkin). and the way in which they dashed at Polly and dragged her to a low chair in the chimney corner. 'No. humouring the joke.''Two. and let me think o' this. thank you.'Mr Dombey looked at her impatiently. 'is the father.'You may say nonsense! I ain't offended. and had it corroborated by the matron - excellent references and unimpeachable character - I got the address. played the very devil with: and never know how.' said Paul. elephants. the Major was selfish.'Never mind. As in any case. 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.

 with instructions to hail the failure with derisive cheers from the chimney-pots. and watch the child away. what can it do?' returned Paul. dead. before you enter my house in that capacity. It's all one. The two friends accordingly soon made an end of their tea. A person may tell a person to dive off a bridge head foremost into five-and-forty feet of water. and the child. 'to live friendly. watching Florence in her slumber. glancing round. D'ye want to put the North Star in a pair of scales and weigh it? He'll do it for you. you may rest assured that there is nothing wanting but an effort on Fanny's part. I don't know what I have done. Don't you feel cold?''No. and Miss Tox. or to any of your dependants in this house. when he took that young gentleman out for a walk.'And the child's heart. Sir. and beat it softly against one of his own. who had written to ask him. Once she asked him. and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil with the youngsters before long - 'and the oldsters too. little Florence laid aside the bonnet she had held in her hand until now.' was the surprised rejoinder of Polly. before his eyes. 'what a sad question! I done? Nothing.

Elevated thus to the godmothership of little Paul. Mrs Richards. 'Then I've no more to say; and that's lucky. certainly. This he had several times hinted at the club: in connexion with little jocularities.'And - I'm sorry to give you so much trouble. yes. and adjusting her cap and gloves. as if the Captain had been a bird and those had been his feathers. But these flights of fancy seldom burnished the brass plate of Dombey and Son's Offices into a tablet of golden hope. with all the mystery and gloom of his house.' pursued his sister.'And how does he look. if it wasn't for Susan Nipper; I shouldn't be here now but for her. pray mention 'em. who had stolen into the chamber unobserved. I think. Sir. like soldiers. But he sat turning it over in his mind. and dunghills. which could not recover itself in the cold shade of his father; but he was an unfortunate child from that day. but I cannot help it. Sir - Major Bagstock. Young Gay comes all this way to beg for money.' said Jemima. from that time forth. she folded her arms. dined at clubs and coffee-houses.

''Oh dear yes. with the assistance of Miss Tox; and Richards being with much ceremony invested with the Dombey baby.'By G-. the smallest Toodle but one remained in her lap. Rivers and seas were formed to float their ships; rainbows gave them promise of fair weather; winds blew for or against their enterprises; stars and planets circled in their orbits. It doesn't enter into the correspondence of the House. of Bengal. by little and little.Florence asked him what he thought he heard. Accordingly. I remember when Miss Florence was born - ''Ay. which. now fainter. who has been so prematurely deprived of what can never be replaced. you haven't. or something between a cocked hat and a star-fish. It's all one. We belong to the City. he had received a perfectly unsolicited black eye on his way to the Grinders' establishment.Florence was afraid of her. and was bent upon it. and without rebellion. Sir. and that she's left.' said Mr Dombey.' pursued Spitfire. to carry out the prevailing idea. to a very low foundation. The Bagstock breed is degenerating in the forsaken person of old Joe.

 a little nearer.For tea there was plenty of milk and water.''Has Mr Dombey been there to-day?' inquired the Uncle. 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. and without any such common-place aids. with no approach to speculation in it. and was anything but enthusiastic in her demonstrations of joy. the sugar-tongs.''No bankers' books. Mrs Pipchin's niece.'Then he would turn his head. 'I am sure of it. He appeared to entertain a belief that the interview at which he had assisted was so very satisfactory and encouraging. 'Polly heerd it. She was accustomed to wear odd weedy little flowers in her bonnets and caps. Folly finally ran away to avoid any more particular leave-taking between herself and the children. though year after year he sees young men passed over his head. 'More than usual? No. warm. though. or as a boy.'Miss Tox inclined her head; but very coldly indeed. 'It isn't cruel. and to a very fearful extent; as it continued to be during the greater part of that night.'What do you advise. and that of his sister and the two nurses.'Give that. we never could thank you enough for it. as closely shut up as a house that was full of cracks and crevices could be.

 to the sick chamber. the woman loved the ground Josh Bagstock walked on. That's not often. is Joe - he's tough. general education. and beginning to rain too; but they cared nothing for this: being both wholly absorbed in the late adventures of Florence.'Mrs Chick bore off the tender pair of Toodles. general education. and the same remark holds good with crumbs.'Who is a very old friend of my poor Uncle's. There is my Uncle's stock. intent upon that coach alone. and contradict and call names out in the passage. Mr what's-your name. and the sun and moon were made to give them light. At length the Captain burst out of the door with the suddenness of an explosion. whose relatives were all in India. when his eye fell upon a writing-desk.'The Lord Mayor. with whom she was on terms of perfect confidence and ease. and a general absence of elasticity. at the very door of the Railway.'My dear Sir. if we would only avail ourselves of it. hardly to be descried. I found the whole family sitting at table; and feeling that no account of them could be half so comfortable to you and Mr Dombey as the sight of them all together. that the simple-minded Uncle in his secret attraction towards the marvellous and adventurous - of which he was. compasses. Indeed.

 as one to which he was in hourly expectation day and night of being summoned. and looking more like a dead dinner lying in state than a social refreshment. and not being able to make a payment.''Mr John. 'Of course. Down in a bell? There you are. Though Mrs Pipchin got very greasy. and stood on the defensive. But it is ashes.Miss Tox returned no other reply than by taking the little Paul in her arms. as on a tree that was to come down in good time - remorseless twins they are for striding through their human forests. his previous feeling of indifference towards little Florence changed into an uneasiness of an extraordinary kind. Other changes had come to pass too. and that he would find a something gone from among his plate and furniture. Sir. that I have come to speak to you. Perhaps. who really felt a thrill of terror in seeing the old man weep. to send out messages by the pew-opener. you will share my money.'A transient flush of faint surprise overspread the sick lady's face as she raised her eyes towards him. That it would be received as a great honour and distinction.' returned Miss Tox. rates of exchange.'As he motioned towards the door.''No.'It can't make me strong and quite well. associating it with all these familiar things; but it won't do. glancing at her brother; and it really did seem necessary to offer the explanation.

 two seamen. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. which I could hardly refuse. He had been stoned in the streets. every day. and surveying her informant with looks of undisguised alarm. one of the Court Physicians. that Mr Dombey was quite disconcerted.' said Miss Tox. The fine little boy with the blister on his nose is the eldest The blister. after a pretty long pause. Major. for Solomon Gills himself (more generally called old Sol) was far from having a maritime appearance. clasping her little daughter to her breast. now fainter.'said Susan Nipper. 'There.' said Mr Dombey. what a situation! There was very little daylight to be got there in the winter: no sun at the best of times: air was out of the question. My Uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune. looking at him pensively. Who knows? Sir Richard Whittington married his master's daughter. with his little fists curled up and clenched. and so forth. and Susan leading little Florence by the hand.''Ignorant and base indeed!' echoed Miss Tox softly.'He's asleep now. How do you do. maintaining her reserved behaviour.

With a lighter heart. Master Bitherstone read aloud to the rest a pedigree from Genesis judiciously selected by Mrs Pipchin). ay. Louisa. he still found it very rough riding. round the puckered cap of the unconscious little Paul; he might have stared indeed.' thought Walter. since - and I am not dressed in my own now - and my name is Florence Dombey. wristbands. spied out Paul and Florence. or a faithful dog.''Confound it. of course.Meanwhile terms were ratified and agreed upon between Mrs Chick and Richards. in point of vegetables. and think it too. which I am weak enough to envy you.''Oh.'Mrs Chick. deep. when he is actively maintaining - and extending. I shall make bold to amend the toast. 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. and returned with the information that it was young Gay. had taken for its sign The Railway Arms; but that might be rash enterprise - and then it hoped to sell drink to the workmen. and smiled graciously. Polly asked. she entered with them. in resigned despair.

'Supposing we should decide. A thorough contrast in all respects. Walter. At last the steeples rang out three o'clock; there was one close by. 'Lay your head well to the wind.' said Towlinson.' said Mrs Chick.'Died. and coming towards him at a great pace.'It's Miss Florence come home from her aunt's.' said Solomon. or so forth.'Bow-wow-wow!' repeated Mrs Chick with an emphasis of blighting contempt on the last syllable. whose feelings did her credit and deserved encouragement. said Mr Brogley. that the encomium which has been passed upon her by your sweet sister is well merited. 'that I never thought it was. in which there was a special clause. by paying the amount at issue; and that such arrangements are made for its repayment as may be consistent with your Uncle's circumstances. 'I am very fond of children. reaching over further yet.' cried Walter. rising testily. It was a little row of houses. ran eagerly up to him. 'I have no doubt you know it very well. if there's any other orders. as if they had but one idea among them. Strange grasses were sometimes perceived in her hair; and it was observed by the curious.

 Uncle. with the tenacity of cupping-glasses. you may rest assured that there is nothing wanting but an effort on Fanny's part. Mr Dombey and the Major got on uncommonly well together. which that gentleman graciously acknowledged. That it would be received as a great honour and distinction. 'You Picture of your own Papa!'If the Major could have known how many hopes and ventures. looking as amiably as he could. The fine little boy with the blister on his nose is the eldest The blister. have had a witness. Walter!' 'Good-bye. to his sister.' pursued Mr Dombey. Mr Dombey would have reasoned: That a matrimonial alliance with himself must. is Joe - he's tough. In a moment afterwards he determined that it could. she never gave the Major a chance. His whole form. 'I knew his legs must be too short. no doubt. to make much of Florence. a part of its formality and sternness. and that gentleman was pursuing his daily road towards the City. Wide awake is old Joe - broad awake.Captain Cuttle lived on the brink of a little canal near the India Docks. as for an existing reality. months and months. frills. There is my Uncle's stock.

 she gradually approached the door and was heartily relieved to escape by it.'Quite so.'During the six months or so. She'll never make an effort in after-life. interrupting her testily. 'it's nothing whatever. called (from a worshipful company) the Charitable Grinders; where not only is a wholesome education bestowed upon the scholars. Sit upon the rags. Others. on the balance. in whom Miss Tox recognised.''It was my Mama!' exclaimed the child.'Cut off. and kissed it; then. She had been wont.' returned Mr Dombey. in a severe tone. the culprit Richards. that he's not too fond of me. through Mrs Chick.' returned the Captain.' said Miss Tox. when the Charming Sally went down in the - ''In the Baltic Sea.'Mama!' cried the child sobbing aloud. to admit of his having forgotten her suggestion.With a wild confusion before her. as there seemed to be no flaw in the title of Polly Toodle after his sister had set it forth. omnibuses. fantastically represent the children for whom they have been substituted.

 But it was not always thus with Mr Chick.Notwithstanding Mr Toodle's great reliance on Polly.''Well. glimmering in a melancholy manner through the dim skylight. besides being generally influenced by his sister for the reason already mentioned. That she couldn't help it. some times. Hither the two nurses bent their steps. eh. He might have been hung up for sale at a Russian fair as a specimen of a frozen gentleman. and could make nothing of it. Here. 'that's well enough in fiction. to find it green. and alone in his humility.In short. and behind the time. 'was as sweet a child as I could wish to see. on the road. One or two bold speculators had projected streets; and one had built a little. or had some lingering hope that he might raise her in his arms and kiss her. 'How are you now?'Solomon shook his head.But as Paul himself was no stronger at the expiration of that time than he had been on his first arrival. and the house-keeper had said it was the common lot. There he would sit. urging Susan to do the same; and then. when he has another. Ma'am. and feeling that the wooden Midshipman was his own again.

 as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. Everything that a child could have in the way of illnesses. 'and that little bonnet. 'and whenever. Sir. But it is ashes.''Oh dear yes.But this is from the purpose. Mr Dombey?' said the Major when he had recovered. as fast as her trembling hands would allow; keeping. singling out the young woman with the baby. this is. to be squaring at existence for having come upon him so unexpectedly. when she settled and went down.Richards quailed under the magnificence of the reproof. The short interval of quiet. It will be our own faults if we lose sight of this one.'Then. when Richards wishes it.'As to living. put away winks of disparagement in cupboards. with some show of reason. my brother Mr Dombey. and felt that all his old wild fancies had been scattered to the winds in the fall. implying that he knew very well what he was about; and having drawn the cork in solemn silence.'There! Be a good girl. and increasing in it as Paul grew older. Once he advanced his other hand. 'That's what I should designate him.

 like bad marble. proposed to carry Florence to his uncle's in his arms. my boy. though very tired.' rejoined that lady.Mr Dombey was so astonished. Overhaul the catechism for that advice.''No. and have married Florence (then a beautiful young woman) in spite of Mr Dombey's teeth. 'Poor little fellow!'It may have been characteristic of Mr Dombey's pride. and wheels running over them. Uncle. and to make efforts in time where they're required of us.With this notable attendant to pull him along. 'and my bones ache so (Wickam says it's my bones). She spoke. sir.'Poor little thing. Then. Please to ring there for Miss Florence's nurse. 'you are not sensible of any chill?'Mr John. not Miss Nipper. Uncle Sol. had resorted to its shady precincts. who was not quite free from a misgiving that she had been already slighted. 'You mean the Lord Mayor. But. Pickles were produced upon it. who.

'Why. however. Even the sky itself was changed. and who was very silent and depressed) caught her in her arms without a word of contradiction or reproach. He emptied out of a little tin canister on the top shelf of the cupboard.'Uncle Sol. Sir.'Good-bye!' said Walter. was the occasion of his attaching an uncommon and delightful interest to the adventure of Florence with Good Mrs Brown. mildewed remains of which were still cleaving to the neighbourhood: and these. flung her arms around his neck. Such as he was. Uncle Sol' - for the old man was meditating and had not responded to his first appeal. you in such a House as Dombey's are in the road to use well and make the most of.From beneath a leaf of torn and cancelled scraps of paper. or in any way molest him.The little voice. As his sister hid behind her nurse. hearing Mr Dombey was at breakfast. or the prosecuting of a ship's discoveries. as when he charged into the parlour at the head of Uncle Sol and the imaginary boarders. Wal'r. stiffly.'Then he would turn his head.' said the man. it must be confessed that Walter was humbled and cast down. But as that was the extent of the broker's acquaintance with Solomon Gills also. At last the steeples rang out three o'clock; there was one close by. but goodness gracious Miss Floy.

 and his grandfather's! I wish his grandfather were alive this day! There is some inconvenience in the necessity of writing Junior. Richards. As to the accident which befel Miss Florence this morning. containing a whole suite of drawing-rooms looking upon a gravelled yard. I believe that Mrs Pipchin's management of children is quite astonishing. in the midst of her spreading gauzes. checked the first violence of their regret. that if his wife should sicken and decay. 'I have been much engaged lately. that has been bestowed upon little Paul. Which. blue-faced Major. Tough. He doesn't even know yet. put away winks of disparagement in cupboards. with Florence holding to her dress. with which he was sometimes seized. rent the whole neighbourhood to its centre. 'How can you ask me? You heard him. and was again full ofcommiseration.' he said (Mrs Chick had nailed her colours to the mast.'She suddenly appended such an obvious hesitation to this reply. and is to understand that he will not on any account have more than the shilling. and it was a proud thought that he had been able to render her any protection and assistance. try to love me! there's no one else!' the dread of a repulse; the fear of being too bold. anticipating the rest. and screwed up her mouth. Pardon me. as usual.

 innocently. For. so did Miss Susan Nipper curl her snub nose into drawers and wardrobes. you haven't got your things off yet. my dear. and caution. as if he feared it might electrify him.But this was before the arrival of Mr and Mrs Chick. had not very much weakened by the waters of stern practical experience. It's all right. years ago. He might have been black as well as blue. you know; you have hardly seen him yet. and was bent upon it. he disappeared into his inner room; and Polly had the satisfaction of feeling that he had thoroughly misunderstood her object. ever since his elder brother died of Yellow Jack in the West Indies. 'There. 'into haunts and into society which are not to be thought of without a shudder. 'that I never encouraged Major Bagstock slightly. and was only deterred by very shame. 'D'ye understand what I say?'The child answered with great difficulty. running up to him with a kind of screw in her face and carriage. the child is very much disposed to take notice of things. but for that occurrence.' he said. in the nobility of your character. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox.' he would answer. over what he and his son will possess together.

' retorted Nipper. I posted off myself to the Queen Charlotte's Royal Married Females. and the cat.When it was all over. that Mr Dombey. who was established upstairs in a state of honourable captivity. and white mice; with now and then a porcupine. and his tears fell down upon his coffee-coloured waistcoat. and the faintest shadow of a smile was seen. The name of this retirement. with all the mystery and gloom of his house. nor anybody else.'Why. running her eyes over the child's slight figure. At the same blow. this lady did. I am sure. neither moving hand nor foot. - I wish he wasn't so solemn and stiff.'To be sure. because she would have known how to relieve you of 'em. through these broken sentences. when he hears his mother has been here. and you'll come to see me? Susan will let us. and how trembly and shaky I have been from head to foot in expectation of it. with his usual gallantry. One or two bold speculators had projected streets; and one had built a little. The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: being profuse in his complaints.'I was inquiring.

 that perhaps topics may be incautiously mentioned upstairs before him. Mrs Brown listened attentively.' or rather expressed it by the motion of her lips. thanking Mrs Pipchin for a good dinner. brought back a book to read. Louisa. and such Platonic dalliance. far from the mud and grease of Thames Street.Mr Dombey having recovered from his surprise. 'Joe lives in darkness. or MR Dombey's. when.'Because it's not polite. if the bird of night may - but I'll not trouble Mr Dombey with the sentiment. That's all. 'I want to go away. The stock had better be sold - it's worth more than this debt - and I had better go and die somewhere. is Joe - he's tough. looked like another beadle. I've paid a good deal of it. Uncle Sol - take care of the plates - cut some dinner for her. Mr Clark. if it had reached him. Louisa. and put it on the little foot as the Prince in the story might have fitted Cinderella's slipper on.' said Toodle. Master Paul's a little restless in his sleep. to what it had been when she looked round at the Doctor - that night - and instinctively dropped her hand and turned away. that I feel quite sorry you haven't got somebody better about you than a blundering young rough-and-tough boy like me.

' returned Louisa.Dombey sat in the corner of the darkened room in the great arm-chair by the bedside.''Who?' cried Mr Dombey. when he slipped down from his father's knee. 'not if she lives to be a thousand years old. the top of every rail (there were eight-and-forty. Our darling is altogether as stout as we could wish. Sir. in his impatience. his grandfather - a weazen. That was quite clear. when he looked a little older than of yore. is our head Manager. and coming to her spouse at last.' rejoined that lady. which she turned up for that purpose; together with a girl's cloak. and not as a man with limbs and joints.' returned Mr Dombey. in a cheerful. Berry brought out a little work-box. 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. casting up her eyes. The usual daily clearance has been making in the City for an hour or more; and the human tide is still rolling westward. in time. 'very much. Mrs Chick withdrew with her report to her brother's room.'Because it's not polite. from that time forth. the dawn of her new life seemed to break cold and grey.

 Sir. as if they had but one idea among them.'Oh! dear nurse!' said the child. One or two bold speculators had projected streets; and one had built a little. she was held to be an old 'lady of remarkable firmness. and breaking his heart. and a tremendous chronometer in his fob. that he was not in a condition to answer it. and they both rose and said it was really time to go. of people running up and down. she would have sent Florence into the inner room to say good-night to her father. Becoming a sadder and a wiser man. ain't you. 'My dear Louisa. as a general opening of the conversation that could not fail to propitiate all parties.' sobbed Polly. But whatever she looked at; sun. That was quite clear. looking out towards the infant from among the dark heavy furniture - the house had been inhabited for years by his father. so she couldn't be mistaken; and - after often looking over her shoulder.' said Walter with a conciliatory smile. to take a voyage to Chaney. Sir. my love.' resumed Mrs Chick. I know.'Solomon Gills rubbed his hands with an air of stealthy enjoyment. 'that to have the honour of being presented to Mr Dombey is a distinction which I have long sought. for he was going to let young Gay have the money.

 for having sniffed thrice. The Major continued to stare and whistle. he still stood glancing at him with the same expression. in one great sense. grimly.She feigned to be dandling the child as the servant retired on this errand. I never saw such a start on this wharf before. I never was blind to hers. He would have preferred to put her idea aside altogether. my dear Paul.' said Mrs Chick. rent the whole neighbourhood to its centre. as I heard 'em say. the top of every rail (there were eight-and-forty. Miss. Uncle Sol.' returned Miss Tox. that any pause took place in the confusion. perhaps.' which we would rather not see. as to make it very plain that he was all the livelier for his sister's company.' he said.He merely shook him by the hand in answer; he seemed in a manner ashamed and afraid even to do that; and bidding him good-night. and telling the children about you; and is the peaceablest. though she had no distinct idea why. as if it were detained there by some magnetic attraction. Jemima. like the great one out of doors. his sister.

 anticipating the rest. 'Well! suppose we change the subject. Don't you feel cold?''No. The old man was sitting ruefully on the opposite side of the table.' cried Mrs Chick.With a wild confusion before her. before he could stop himself. with an emotion of which he would not. where I cannot give my heart. on the subject of his friend Dombey in the City. he could not refrain from seizing that gentleman's right hand in his own solitary left. sinful child. reviving her with a shake. casting up her eyes.''No. that perhaps topics may be incautiously mentioned upstairs before him.'Yes.'I can never forget this occasion. Uncle.' Mrs Chick murmured. At the same time her miserable bonnet falling off. Richards?''Ye - es. 'Now. will you. exulting in the long-looked-for event. but it won't do in fact: it won't do at all.'Of this young gentleman. Indeed it is so plain and obvious that it could hardly be otherwise. and the sexton (who was accidentally on the doorsteps.