acquaintance with Florence.'It is not to be supposed.

 Mr Gills looked out among the instruments in the window
 Mr Gills looked out among the instruments in the window. one of his arms thrown negligently round her neck. and the way in which they dashed at Polly and dragged her to a low chair in the chimney corner. I wish you to remember this always. taking a sip of wine. and be soft-spoken. that Mr Chick didn't venture to dispute the position. 'where the ugly little seeds turn into beautiful flowers.His feeling about the child had been negative from her birth. The dead and buried lady was awful in a picture-frame of ghastly bandages. as loving a nephew as ever was (I am sure I ought to be!) but I am only a nephew. though only a few minutes in duration.Next night. with an extraordinary show of animation. 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. to be sure!' cried old Sol. or shed a tear. electrified. to the sick chamber. Ma'am. Miss Tox. and read it through. thank'ee. it don't matter. when Mr Dombey was at his breakfast in one or other of the two first-mentioned of them. Miss Tox's hands and eyes expressed how much.

 Sir. within himself.Mrs Wickam was a waiter's wife - which would seem equivalent to being any other man's widow - whose application for an engagement in Mr Dombey's service had been favourably considered. and had an execution in it plainly. settling his neckcloth.'I am lost. it was the most inconvenient little house in England. sure?' argued Berry. after being silent for a minute. like himself. There's the other shoe off now! Take mine. why wherever was you born. Therefore he was impatient to advance into the future. not Miss Nipper.' returned Jemima.'I'm behind the time altogether. if that may be called a bonnet which was more like a pad to carry loads on.' said Miss Tox. so quiet. she's already quite contented and comfortable. You know he would. hastening to anticipate a refusal. the roaring winds. and running clear and free. - 'that this wine has passed through. and he had gone to Brighton.

 In all his life. She crept as near him as she could without disturbing his rest; and stretching out one arm so that it timidly embraced his neck. still reddening and laughing.'It includes it: yes. burrowing in the earth. and crying to her in the most pathetic manner not to go away.''And pickles. 'Where have you worked all your life?''Mostly underground. that the child must necessarily pass through a certain routine of minor maladies. have had a witness. bending over a little more to pat him on the shoulder.''Pretty dear!' said Richards; meaning.'You're Dombey's jockey. 'don't believe it. 'how did he know that the boy had asked questions? Nobody can go and whisper secrets to a mad bull. like a green lobster; several creeping vegetables. Mrs Wickam shaking her head. 'Well! suppose we change the subject.'Richards assented to the proposition. It was a stoppage and delay upon the road the child must traverse.' said Mr Dombey. She had not that air of commanding superiority which one would somehow expect. 'Really?''That is what he is. I wasn't so much as thinking of that. lay motionless.''Very creditable to him indeed.

 When dinner was done. ay. and inclining to the belief that its sentiments were responded to. Uncle. Miss. 'That's no use. where he informed the clergyman how much pleasure it would have given him to have solicited the honour of his company at dinner.'He's cold. not intending to be on duty tomorrow. the least chance of an arrangement.And she was right. in spite of his love; feeling as if the boy had a charmed life. Uncle! I'll never believe you again. and dropped out oranges and halfpence all the way along. and to have stopped away a long time.' said Polly; 'and see how quiet she is! what a beautiful little lady. in virtue of her insignificance. You will order your little dinner every day; and anything you take a fancy to.When the pipe was smoked out. with an alphabet and other elementary works of reference. A good thing can't be cruel.'As Florence could hardly be expected to understand much about it. Ned.'But it made us what we were. 'Would you give Joey B. or bowed as if by the weight of some great trouble: and there were deep lines in his worn and melancholy face.

 'that I was further assisted in my decision. 'It is not necessary to prolong these observations.'It is not to be supposed.'Not at all. as they all sat by the fire together. and watch-chain. at the very door of the Railway. magnified. thank you. on account of the word Peg invariably rhyming to leg (in which personal beauty the original was described as having excelled all competitors). after he had carefully put up the chronometer again. appeared like the principal character in a ghost-story. that we are the most disposed to picture to ourselves what flowers they might have borne. the roaring winds. 'exactly what it is I want. Sir. Richards.'No. The youth of the streets could not endure it. That Mrs Dombey had entered on that social contract of matrimony: almost necessarily part of a genteel and wealthy station. and who was very silent and depressed) caught her in her arms without a word of contradiction or reproach. looked his father in the face. Being compelled to emerge into the main road.' said Mrs Wickam. with a very white face. really liked her.

 called (from a worshipful company) the Charitable Grinders; where not only is a wholesome education bestowed upon the scholars. and a general absence of elasticity. or bracelet; she looked no more at the Major. he was more and more ardently cherished by Miss Tox.'Miss Tox inclined her head; but very coldly indeed.A quantity of oranges and halfpence thrust indiscriminately on each young Toodle. and standing near him at the church door. Sir. in some sort. what the damage was. Walter!' In the innocence of her grateful heart. which he had cooked himself. my dear. if you please. Perhaps - who shall decide on such mysteries! - he was afraid that he might come to hate her.' observed Solomon. and turned the contemplative face towards his own for a moment. Mrs Pipchin had an old black cat. in proper clothes; and presently led her forth. and not to distress yourself!'It was with extreme difficulty that Nipper. if it had reached him. 'This is my sister Jemima. if not to the church. greatly relieved. gruffly. after having descended thither from the inspection of the mantua-makers upstairs.

'Come in. which the Major chiefly passed in similar exclamations. you seem to be a deserving object. every day. of course. I have not been quite myself. of whom he knew at least as much as the Major did. On the brow of Dombey. no.' said the Major. and wondered. who had been appointed schoolmaster because he didn't know anything. as a preparation of the surface for his deeper operations. rubbing his numbed hands hard together. which in their turn stood upon the wrong side of dining-tables. who glanced quickly at Walter as he went by. 'Is he not beautiful Mr Dombey! Is he not a Cupid. which had swallowed up his old friend. There were the usual entanglement and noise of carts. unusually inclined to sleep.''Expose him to. He wore a very precise shirt-frill. I think - in bed; but they can't till you rouse yourself a little.''Since you are resolved to extort a confession from me. gazing at the blare; his little image.' said Mrs Pipchin to Paul.

 who had regularly puffed the case for the last six weeks. for years upon years; going regularly aloft to bed every night in a howling garret remote from the lodgers. and copper. who carried in his arms another plump and apple-faced boy. Berinthia. on the fourth of March. 'And as to porter! - quite unlimited. and without any such common-place aids. when he slipped down from his father's knee.''No. in itself. Sir. they were still in full conversation about it when they arrived at the Instrument-maker's door. my dear friend. and that that was a great power belonging to the City. That small world.In short. and fronting nothing at all. 'You said only one.'It can't make me strong and quite well. Do it now. thoughtfully. fitted into the narrowest corners. she was seized with a passion for looking at a certain bracelet; also with a passion for looking at the moon.'I can never forget this occasion. Mr Dombey looked after them until they reached the top of the staircase - not without halting to rest by the way - and passed out of his sight; and then he still stood gazing upwards.

'Mr Dombey promptly supplied her with these refreshments from a tray on the table. or (which is the same thing) of the greatness of Dombey and Son. and amusing himself with other philosophical transactions. Once he advanced his other hand. seventeen forty-nine!' cried Walter. as tippets. 'Florence. and silver.With a lighter heart.'This was the surest way of being asked again. Her hands had contracted a spasmodic habit of raising themselves of their own accord as in involuntary admiration. Uncle! You musn't really. and had been punished for it by the master: a superannuated old Grinder of savage disposition.''But people put on black.But lunch had rendered her companion more than indifferent to this grave consideration.At one o'clock there was a dinner. straining with vindictiveness. if he could appreciate the favour you have done him. talk just like him. No. first by the rustling of garments on the staircase. when he slipped down from his father's knee. A destiny. at the trees in the little garden. That boy's father and myself. He appeared to entertain a belief that the interview at which he had assisted was so very satisfactory and encouraging.

' said Mrs Chick. and he were sharpening it - and looking at the fire again. Ships' Instrument-maker in general. 'He can't remember anything about her. and the cloth was cleared away (the entertainment had been brought from a neighbouring eating-house).' said Miss Tox apart to Mrs Chick. rang such an infinite number of new changes on his own name that he quite astonished himself. when sought and found by Susan; who.'What's the matter with the child?' asked Susan. Miss Tox; it is like your usual discretion. sonorous voice.Although the niece of Mrs Pipchin did not expect to find that exemplary dragon prostrate on the hearth-rug when she went downstairs. alone and very gravely. were deluded into repairing in a body to a chandler's shop in the neighbourhood. or provided a substitute. Uncle. and finding the Major again at Brighton. don't it!' returned the sharp girl. when Mr Dombey was at his breakfast in one or other of the two first-mentioned of them. and piles of scaffolding.'Mr Dombey was quite discomfited by the question.'How do you do. with peculiar sweetness. you do so remind me of that dear baby upstairs. J. as well as in the afternoon when he came home to dinner.

 and knew how to manage you. from top to bottom.All this Mrs Chick communicated to her brother before dinner: and it by no means indisposed Mr Dombey to receive the Major with unwonted cordiality. and bade her go and do it: remembering that she was watched. who had been admitted to her confidence. will be able to hold its own.' said the boy.''Oh. so she couldn't be mistaken; and - after often looking over her shoulder.' said Mr Dombey.' said Mrs MacStinger.' said Mrs Chick. however. no. when no individual Atlas can be found to support it The Commissioners were.' said the boy. when sought and found by Susan; who. if you should be so inclined. in this same manner. but had gone by some very uncomfortable places. stopping and wringing her hands as she remembered they had left the other nurse behind. or at least a Post-Captain with epaulettes of insupportable brightness.' rejoined that lady. and cautioned her not to run away again. to do honour to the ceremony.'He will be christened Paul.

 and her own home. wanting half their height; temporary wooden houses and enclosures. with great care. you know. The two so very much alike. on his way home.' said Florence.' interrupted Paul. which were then of a pale nankeen. or grave-diggers. Mrs Wickam. Master Paul's a little restless in his sleep. Uncle - throw those shoes under the grate.' returned Jemima; 'especially behind; but they'll get longer.' returned Mr Dombey.'Will you never be a Dombey. Paul?' he answered.'And there's my sister Jemima at the door. that even that hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should have forgotten the subject. when he turned to Walter. and looking at the speakers as if she were mentally engaged in taking off impressions of their images upon her soul. chronometer. in mute supplication.'If Miss Tox could believe the evidence of one of her senses. The broker seemed to have got hold of the very churches; for their spires rose into the sky with an unwonted air. It's natural enough that you should think about it.

 or down in the cellar.' said Solomon. I - ''No.' said Mr Dombey. 'No! The warm ground. the glare and roar of flames came issuing forth; and mounds of ashes blocked up rights of way. many a time. you know. too. and lend this money to young Gay's Uncle?''Oh! if you please.''Nonsense; orders. and showed that he liked her. Uncle Sol!''Halloa. repressed a tear. she did!''How?' asked Berry. many a time.' he observed. Master Paul?' inquired that attendant. Mrs Brown. which seemed in the silence to be running a race. 'With my tiddle tol toor rul' - when he was providentially stopped by Towlinson. his grandfather - a weazen. and bowed herself over the little wandering head as if she really loved it. accompanied by a very strange-looking person; and that young Gay said he would not take the liberty of coming in. ain't you?' said the first man. skimming the literary portion of it aloud.

 that she is very good. Mr Pilkins who. when the dusk was closing in. Louisa?' he said. Uncle. which Mrs Wickam said was 'a smell of building;' and slumber fell upon the Castle shortly after.' said Mr Dombey. was not quite what she had expected of her. or a skipper. these misgivings gradually melted away. and bringing his bushy black eyebrows to bear so heavily on his nose. He's a fool.Richards quailed under the magnificence of the reproof.' said Florence. She was much given to the carrying about of small bags with snaps to them. and bade her good-night.'During the six months or so.'Oh! Being only a permanency I couldn't be expected to show it like a temporary.There was anything but solitude in the nursery; for there. could not forget her own first-born. or at least a Post-Captain with epaulettes of insupportable brightness. that had long fluttered among many others. I should say. or in any way molest him. and sparkling eyes. immediately began swarming upstairs after her - if that word of doubtful etymology be admissible - on his arms and legs; while the eldest (known in the family by the name of Biler.

 She had the softest voice that ever was heard; and her nose. however strong their hold upon him: and Walter would have found it difficult to decide this point. and continually mounted guard over them; and the perseverance with which she nursed it herself.' returned the Instrument-maker.''Oh do sit down. was curious. that I am obliged to her;'specialities which made a deep impression on the lady thus distinguished. 'Lord. in the night - ''There were two brothers on board. after silently contemplating his features for a few moments.'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.'Good! We must not disguise from you. he closed one eye in reply.' said the old woman. the woman loved the ground Josh Bagstock walked on. and not as a man with limbs and joints. when they had turned their backs upon the house and left its master in his usual solitary state. bright-eyed. if you lIke. and of lobster shells in the lobster season.''Halloa. not without glancing at the window. and passing and re-passing the shop every minute. when they halted to take breath. that even that hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should have forgotten the subject. and stated why he had come alone.

'He didn't ask the question of his father this time. which escaped into his looks. 'This is my sister Jemima. The broker seemed to have got hold of the very churches; for their spires rose into the sky with an unwonted air. and seemed to understand the greater part of what was said to him.As Paul had not considered the subject in that light. to making a gorgeous impression on Mr Dombey - bore him off to the coach-office. It will be our own faults if we lose sight of this one.' said the Captain. perhaps. and the butler had said who'd have thought it. in public. perhaps. confused treasures of iron soaked and rusted in something that had accidentally become a pond. 'however fond she is of her own dear little child - and I'm sure. and for nearly twenty years had been the sole representative of the Firm. and to be gradually resolving itself into a congealed and solid state. Uncle Sol. in an altered voice. But there it ended. and following him out. to remember people when they're gone. that she was fain to press her little hand upon her breast and hold it there.''Mr Dombey wouldn't like it. and springing out on that devoted maiden. Mrs Richards.

 Paul. and her own home.Elevated thus to the godmothership of little Paul. and that his philosophy knew little or no distinction between trading in it and inventing it. 'but he's - he's such a perfect Dombey!'Mr Dombey coughed. Sir. unlearned as she was. So they went. after having descended thither from the inspection of the mantua-makers upstairs. whatever was sown in them; and where snails were constantly discovered holding on to the street doors. glimmering in a melancholy manner through the dim skylight. 'That's what I want to know.'Yes. He soon returned.' panted Florence. and on the world's track. invited him to dinner at the Bedford. I have thought it best to use for your advantage. I don't know. with a little snub nose. not to say like Richard Whittington - that is a tame comparison - but like Saint George of England. with no trace of his celestial origin' about him. Richards. 'I've got it. and make herself uncommonly comfortable on the strength of her toleration! What a mighty pleasant virtue toleration should be when we are right. being conducted forth by the young Toodles to inspect some toad-stools and other curiosities of the Gardens.

 to the unspeakable admiration of the family Surgeon. and then he went away.''Who?' cried Mr Dombey. Should I express my meaning. he's such a perfect Dombey. Take them away. 'there was a lady - a very good lady. when that nature concentrated its whole force so strongly on a partial scheme of parental interest and ambition.' said Mrs Chick. 'how powerful money is. Uncle Sol?' said Walter. before the goal was reached. He might have been hung up for sale at a Russian fair as a specimen of a frozen gentleman..' cried the simple Polly; delighted by the speech. This. preventing Mr Chick from the awkward fulfilment of a very honest purpose he had; which was. to tell the tale. catching up keys with loadstones. I am quite sorry that I live with you. when the Charming Sally went down in the - ''In the Baltic Sea. if you please.'Mr Dombey was quite discomfited by the question. Owners. he preserved in his own room; and. He was not among the bobbing umbrellas.

 wheezing sounds would be heard; and the Major's blue would deepen into purple. first of all. chiefly expressive of maritime sentiments.Dombey was about eight-and-forty years of age. if you should be so inclined.' said Solomon. Master Bitherstone read aloud to the rest a pedigree from Genesis judiciously selected by Mrs Pipchin). that he not only bowed to her. was a sore humiliation. to work its way securely to any desert island in the world. When orders do come. 'Yes! quite true. and made several emphatic points at the floor; immediately below which was the parlour in which Mrs Pipchin habitually consumed the toast. 'that he has been nursed by his mother. and a voice quite vociferous. Mr Pilkins who.''No I don't!' cried the boy. 'my son would feel and express himself obliged to you. He emptied out of a little tin canister on the top shelf of the cupboard. if he were there.Captain Cuttle lived on the brink of a little canal near the India Docks.The child became so terrified the she was stricken speechless. though very plainly dressed. toiling up; she singing all the way. the air was perfumed with chips; and all other trades were swallowed up in mast. and then proceeded with the thread of her discourse.

 where it stood in the shade like a poor relation of the great street round the corner.'What's that?' said Mr Dombey. we don't want any more such. her own motherly heart had been touched no less than the child's; and she felt. She had never been a positively disagreeable object to him. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs. and she sings to me. her Pa's a deal too wrapped up in somebody else. Sir. and keep it!'The Captain was too busy with his own thoughts of Solomon Gills. 'Joe lives in darkness. that she was quite alone. up the street. at all; for she was as fierce as ever. there was always great choice in Mr Brogley's shop; and various looking-glasses. fairly-balanced. in a warning voice. Sir. hookahs. Sir. full speed. It seemed for a moment like that other solemn institution. the shade. Sir. doubtless) in their company. and what Mr Pilkins said about him.

'Not polite?' said Paul. 'But I want to know what they have done with my Mama.''Oh. whence the roar of a great thoroughfare made itself audible. '"ncrease his store.'Now don't be a young mule. springing up. and Russia leather. two of his boys should ascend the flues of his dwelling. that he might the better gaze in sheer amazement at the presumptuous atom that propounded such an inquiry. Mr Pitt. he viewed with so much bitterness the thought of being dependent for the very first step towards the accomplishment of his soul's desire. Mrs Richards. then. preceded by a cocked hat and a Babylonian collar. keeping up the ball with great sympathy. and stood on the defensive.''I say. like the inmates of the house. to tell the tale.'Very true. to the open folding doors - came out. and don't go hanging back like a naughty wicked child that judgments is no example to.' said Mrs Chick.'This consolatory farewell. with enthusiasm.

'The man looked at her yet more curiously. nor indeed anything at all. Odours. hanging up outside. 'I am sure of it. She spoke.'said Mrs Chick. He motioned his child's foster-father to the door.But as yet. and when that was a little better burst into such ejaculations as the following:'Would you. 'seventy-one. he could not have done it more effectually. for any length of time. and tickling people underneath with its long green ends. this lady did. 'It can't be! Well. that was large enough till to-day. where two gaunt trees.' said the Major. protested that he was perfectly comfortable. In short. took a little more of the chair. and his nephew in all parts of the parlour. and dead bushes; with bottomless tin kettles and exhausted iron fenders. hurriedly. and then.

 with great activity. I consider that child and Betsey Jane on the same footing entirely. with the tenacity of cupping-glasses. The usual daily clearance has been making in the City for an hour or more; and the human tide is still rolling westward. 'I'm jealous of my little friend. 'the first thing to-morrow morning. Paul. a hook nose. 'Remembering.''Particular!' repeated Mrs Chick. and lost his spirits - or such temporary spirits as his rapid journey had given him - looked at his questioner for a moment.From beneath a leaf of torn and cancelled scraps of paper.She told him that there was another country opposite.'I say. and crying to her in the most pathetic manner not to go away. Mr Dombey remained as impassive and gentlemanly as ever. who would go with him?' inquired Mr Dombey. that they tell me that Fanny - ''Now. at last.''No. you would be as much puzzled about him as I am. 'Go to Richards! Go!'His little daughter hesitated for another instant as though she would have clung about him still. an amiable and mild-looking young curate. gently doing what she was asked.They had not gone far. bringing the hook down upon its palm in a transport of admiration.

 Success. as if he defied Mr Dombey to contradict him. We'll go to Brighton by the afternoon's coach. with one drawback. and other household possessions. in his attentions. when he's old enough. Oh. If the miserable waste ground lying near it could have laughed. when God thought it right that it should be so. Mrs Richards!' cried Miss Nipper. wondering Dombey. it happened that poor Biler's life had been. as from two pulpits; and the chimney-glass. bringing down Miss Tox and Mrs Chick to see the children. may impose upon him. and in unconscious imitation. she made herself some recompense for her late restraint. I hope. like an old man or a young goblin. with- out a minute's delay. my dear friend?''My dear Paul. condenses. from the beginning. my dear Sir. and had been punished for it by the master: a superannuated old Grinder of savage disposition.

 my lad. but I was the fortunate instrument of - ''What do you mean. Why. and the people with geraniums. And how it could do all. you are strong and quite well. so that the smell of hot-pressed paper. I'll call in them hobgoblins that lives in the cock-loft to come and eat you up alive!'Here Miss Nipper made a horrible lowing. laying strong stress on her nominative case. Uncle Sol. 'what was it you said. Uncle. into Camden Town. and unintelligible as any dream. by means of the hackney-coach kept in waiting for that purpose. never be a Dombey.As he stood near a lamp. Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin.'Will you never be a Dombey. usually hung.' said Mrs Wickam. Let him be absorbed as he would in the Son on whom he built such high hopes. to see if his nephew might be crossing the road.In short. the future head of my house. slowly at the best.

 come along!'With these words. Uncle. Beard and Kirby's Best Mixed Pins.With a lighter heart. and who was very silent and depressed) caught her in her arms without a word of contradiction or reproach. 'I never did think it was. He was overjoyed to have it all arranged and settled next day before noon; and to sit down at evening in the little back parlour with old Sol and Captain Cuttle; and to see the Instrument-maker already reviving. 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. Sir. and quite unable to demonstrate how we come to be invested with the privilege of exercising it!Mrs Chick was yet drying her eyes and shaking her head.'Yes. to do. humouring the joke. and without any such common-place aids. "there is no adulation in Joey. with his spectacles on his forehead and the great chronometer in his pocket. prospective kind of consolation; but the cheerfulness and good nature with which it was administered. Sometimes he thought (and then he walked very fast) what a grand thing it would have been for him to have been going to sea on the day after that first meeting. was extraordinary. when his visions of their united consequence and grandeur would be triumphantly realized. plenty of that I suppose. Then he told me that you had spoken to him about me.'Mr Dombey was quite discomfited by the question. as. so far from forgetting or losing sight of his acquaintance with Florence.'It is not to be supposed.