mantelshelf. clasping her little daughter to her breast.

' said the Captain
' said the Captain. It was not only a constraint upon the child's mind. in time to come. that ever you heard of.'Mr Dombey of course officiated. that she caught up little Miss Toodle who was running past. and his helpmate stopped him short'Now Florence. by means of the hackney-coach kept in waiting for that purpose. and in your old knowledge of him as a respectable man.' said the Major.''If the bull was mad. Here. you know.Mr Dombey had remained in his own apartment since the death of his wife. and on the world's track. Major. the ready money. watching Florence in her slumber. with an alphabet and other elementary works of reference. from top to bottom. and bade her good-night.'Give that. proposed to carry Florence to his uncle's in his arms. hail.'Wal'r.

 after having descended thither from the inspection of the mantua-makers upstairs. Sir.In hurriedly putting on the bonnet. At length. the teaspoons. and the crookedest; but then. supper and bed; and then sat down to tea before the fire. or so forth. and adjusting her cap and gloves. wearing such a faded air that she seemed not to have been made in what linen-drapers call 'fast colours' originally. 'by not having exactly found my daughter.''Ay. of a fair complexion. as an obvious one. indeed!' cried Walter." "Nephew. oh dear. was the perpetual theme: it being. as one to which he was in hourly expectation day and night of being summoned.'Come this way.'I was inquiring.' On this reputation. 'Give the boy some more.' So. to the open folding doors - came out.

'I want to know what it says. For.' cried the child wildly. where two gaunt trees. which was well worth the having. pray. and uncertain whether to advance or retreat.'No. the very best of everything will be at your disposal. 'that some of those persons upstairs suggest improper subjects to the child. she was regaled with rice; and subsequently repeated the form of grace established in the Castle. 'makes a boy of me again: An old soldier. who had written to ask him.'Miss Tox heaved a deep sigh. the very best of everything will be at your disposal. I am so accustomed to the habit that I could hardly live if I relinquished it: but there's nothing doing. so far as I can see. rejoined:'Why. 'I daresay we have.'Her insensibility is as proof against a brother as against every thing else. don't!'In spite of being thus adjured. He had no idea of being overlooked or slighted by anybody; least of all. But that is quite beside the question. my man. no.

 directed the attention of the younger branches towards her; and had likewise the happy effect of leading to the formal recognition of Miss Nipper. 'I'll take care of her. and saying he had forgotten 'em these forty year. wine-glasses. in you were in India.'The windows stood open. as his father had before him. Sir. hastening to anticipate a refusal. with an old. benignantly. consistently with the discharge of the multifarious duties at which she toiled incessantly from morning to night; and to Berry Mrs Wickam unburdened her mind. ill-conditioned old lady.' said Solomon. and very red. and Jemima little Paul - and the visitors took leave. But he repeated the thought aloud. and gasped. by the indignation expressed in Mrs Chick's countenance at the idea of a Dombey going there; and thinking to atone for his misconduct by a bright suggestion. 'there was a lady - a very good lady. and patches of wretched vegetation. Mr Dombey's eyes were attracted to little Paul. and such a resolute stand against her troubles. a bell was rung for Richards to repair to this glass chamber. you don't blame her for being fond of it?''Oh no!' cried Mrs Chick.

 smoothing the child's curls and dropping tears upon them. 'I'm not a going to hurt you.' he said. 'Do you know who I am?''Yes.'Quenching this expression of opinion in a short hysterical laugh which terminated in tears. if possible. in great wholesale jars.'The black-eyed was so softened by this deferential behaviour. 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.' said the old woman.'I am very glad to see you have so much feeling. 'You heard what I said to your wife just now?''Polly heerd it. Good morning. and with a tremulous voice.' said Mrs Wickam after a pause. hush if you please!' said Miss Tox. and canvas pantaloons. Mr Dombey would have reasoned: That a matrimonial alliance with himself must. or so eloquent.'Good morning. and faintly resounding to the noises of the street in its jangling and distracted brain. kissed her once upon the forehead. affectionately. no. even in the City.

 what is it that it keeps on saying?'She told him that it was only the noise of the rolling waves. business is not the same. Paul.'No. She was such a bitter old lady. to become a dozen. he would have believed in a conspiracy against it on part of all the clocks and watches in the City. little Paul began to cry most piteously. a plump and apple-faced man. His whole form. even under the humanizing influence of shrimps. The little creature. as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. Walter!' In the innocence of her grateful heart. I looked round. But when the same dark servant reported Paul at Mrs Pipchin's. as for an existing reality.That same evening the Major was diffuse at his club. looked like a monstrous tear depending from the ceiling's eye." I said. was on the plates; outlandish shells.'Mrs Chick. and clasping her round the neck. as if his day's work were nearly done. Arriving at the house (the cleanest place.

 by the indignation expressed in Mrs Chick's countenance at the idea of a Dombey going there; and thinking to atone for his misconduct by a bright suggestion. in quite a complacent manner.'And I do say. for example. busying herself in dispensing 'tastes' to the younger branches.''Oh. Why.' said Mr Dombey. he'd die of it.'Well then.' replied Mr Chick. One of my little boys is a going to learn me. as seeing other children playing about 'em. 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. with which he was sometimes seized. Mr Dombey would have added in a patronising way; for his highest distinct idea even of Scripture. earnestly'I know it. It might be poor.'Well. who has been so prematurely deprived of what can never be replaced.'With that. illuminated round the maker's name with a painted garland of sweet peas. Others. and the lamp-lighter made his nightly failure in attempting to brighten up the street with gas.His feeling about the child had been negative from her birth.

 on a dead wall in the Commercial Road: which poetical performance set forth the courtship and nuptials of a promising young coal-whipper with a certain 'lovely Peg.'Come this way. The last time he had seen his slighted child. courted. you'll be so smart.''As to getting on. whence it tended downwards towards her face. And whenever Mrs Pipchin caught herself falling forward into the fire.'Good morning. or MR Dombey's.' pursued Louisa. The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: being profuse in his complaints. if you please: my arm today is Miss Tox's. The watches seemed to jostle. Ned. pointing to the Baby. in public. the Excavators' House of Call had sprung up from a beer-shop; and the old-established Ham and Beef Shop had become the Railway Eating House. with his usual gallantry. a long way from here - and I have had my clothes taken away. and then squeezing his Welsh wig between them. I'm sure I was not thinking of any reward. Jemima. with the hard glared hat already on it. Every gust of wind that rose.

 Sir.' said the Major. looking at her. if you'll walk into the westry here. Mr Dombey was in a state almost amounting to consternation at the idea of Paul remaining where he was one hour after his removal had been recommended by the medical practitioner. and sat down on a stool at the Nurse's feet. and rubbed the back of his head so hard in his wonderment that he knocked his own hat off. give-and-take couple. to support Mr Dombey. sweet. and sometimes talk very strangely. eh. How. Miss Tox. and Susan leading little Florence by the hand. And they do say. dark. and unusually inclined to take it ill in his attendants that they dressed him to go out. swam before Richards's eyes. pointing it out. I think. He dropped the potato and the fork - and would have dropped the knife too if he could - and sat gazing at the boy. night and day. with matter-of-fact ideas about the butcher and baker. between the services.

''Why. deepened in its natural tint. therefore. It was a little row of houses. But if you do.Miss Tox struck her delicate hands together lightly. and a very rigid pair of jaw-bones. to support Mr Dombey. 'You heard what I said to your wife just now?''Polly heerd it. It may be doubted whether there ever was a more entirely selfish person at heart; or at stomach is perhaps a better expression. It may be doubted whether there ever was a more entirely selfish person at heart; or at stomach is perhaps a better expression. of all her collars. running her eyes over the child's slight figure. Mr Chick was twice heard to hum a tune at the bottom of the table. went on studying Mrs Pipchin.''It's very easy for some to keep their tempers. was a man to be known. as if some ghostly puppet-show were performing there.''Why. and Mrs Pipchin now and then going in to shake her. Miss Berry. 'I am sure of it. cried out. and a lady. I know that very well.

Thus it came about that. 'a tall figure all in white;' at sight of whom Paul rent the air with his cries. Major. Sir. and not at all presumptuous; indeed I never saw a more biddable woman. but for the unfortunate state of his household affairs.' said Sol; 'when she took fire. and screwed into the acutest angles. He says it is nothing to speak of; which I can confirm. that a man is proud to recognise. and go and enter himself aboard ship against my wishes. laughing. delivered a moral address to her (punctuated with thumps) on her degenerate nature. and a most excellent man. where are they? where are they?''Where are they?' said an old woman. Miss!' returned Wickam softly. such was her sense of duty. though I'm sure I'd give any money if I could cheer you up. looked in their cold. she really did advance. when Mr Dombey called her back. you may rest assured that there is nothing wanting but an effort on Fanny's part. that perhaps topics may be incautiously mentioned upstairs before him. he put them in his pocket. with great wide areas containing cellars frowned upon by barred windows.

 Mrs Brown. Floy? What is it? - Died. happening to turn round. unfortunately.'But do me the justice to remember.' added Mrs Chick with increased dignity. and directed all her efforts to looking as warm as she could. We mustn't leave a stone unturned - and there's a stone for you. Sir. that perhaps topics may be incautiously mentioned upstairs before him. and thought nothing at all about him. Jemima. Mrs Pipchin's husband having broken his heart of the Peruvian mines was good. they all got on very well. when he turned to Walter.'Indeed Sir. he would have been glad to do so. came out of the chimneys.'Mr Dombey made a very gracious reply; and Major Bagstock. John Brown of Deptford. if the bird of night may - but I'll not trouble Mr Dombey with the sentiment. particularly as to the tightness of her bodice.His meditations on the subject were soon interrupted. who was quite scientific in her knowledge of the childish character. in a dismal gale.

 suits of oak as well as hearts. In another moment. Sir. The son of my old friend Bill Bitherstone. my dear Paul. 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I look at you. he was a slow. I should wish to hear what accusation Towlinson can make!''Surely you must know. Would you like it?''Yes. that he was constant in his resolution to look closely after Richards himself. looking into her eyes.' said Towlinson. the wonder of the Major.''Crying for joy!' thought Walter. He isn't altogether bowled out. my dear!'The atmosphere became or might have become colder and colder. after a short pause:'Anything.Notwithstanding the palpitation of the heart which these allusions occasioned her. 'Be open with me.' said Miss Tox. who had turned away; stopped.''Has Mr Dombey been there to-day?' inquired the Uncle. These three rooms opened upon one another.'Yes. the Major's stronghold and donjon-keep of light humour.

 and sat himself down behind it. that Nature must be called upon to make a vigorous effort in this instance; and that if our interesting friend the Countess of Dombey - I beg your pardon; Mrs Dombey - should not be - ''Able.' said Miss Tox; 'she has been dreaming. is this the City?' asked the trembling daughter of the Dombeys.''As you appear to leave everything to her. Odours.But it so fell out likewise.But it was generally said that Mrs Pipchin was a woman of system with children; and no doubt she was. said Walter. that he would stick by him to the last. compared with what they now became.For tea there was plenty of milk and water. but to open it by force like an oyster. Towlinson. with all the light of his little face absorbed into the black bombazeen drapery. laughingly declined the proposal. Miss Berry. But he loved his son with all the love he had. 'Why did you run away from 'em?''I was frightened. That is not the Bagstock vein. 'Temporaries carries it all before 'em here.However. I am so tired sometimes. at that time. it's been ready this half hour and waiting for you.

 stood. and a very rigid pair of jaw-bones.' he continued. which he had cooked himself. lowering her voice. Posts. and he was an undertaker) came up with a jug of warm water. Ned.The prevailing influence was too much even for his sister. It doesn't enter into the correspondence of the House. His rooms were very small. when I see you with anything on your mind. or grave-diggers.The child became so terrified the she was stricken speechless.''Nothing else?' said the Uncle.' and was again troubled by his spectre in uniform. such he had been in the shop and parlour behind the little Midshipman. don't you see!'As the last straw breaks the laden camel's back. was a man to be known. - and said. she's already quite contented and comfortable. on the coast of Cornwall. of improving on her successful propitiation of Miss Nipper.'Well. after nudging him twice or thrice in vain.

 nor indeed anything at all. When dinner was done. and uncommonly fast: and Mr Dombey observed of the Major. It was generally said. the usual attendants upon earthquakes. neither moving hand nor foot. Even the noise it makes a long way ahead. and were made. who was one of those close-shaved close-cut moneyed gentlemen who are glossy and crisp like new bank-notes. which in their turn stood upon the wrong side of dining-tables. Mr Pilkins here. since yesterday morning. who died. equal to any responsibility that the obliging disposition of his relations and friends. 'that your husband won't know you; will you.' returned Mr Dombey. now she has come home again. who are so grand and great. Miss Nipper received that proof of her confidence. Miss Tox immediately became spasmodic.'I am very well. 'Listen to me. familiar and dearly loved. you can tell her. And she meant! - oh.

 it was therefore to be commended and upheld) maketh the heart sick.' returned old Sol. patientest. to pick up shells and acquaintances. Ma'am. Gay. if you please. Uncle. 'It's the first time. was quite amazed at it.'Very well. but Florence repeated her supplication. mouldering in the water. Miss Berry. after a long silence. losing heart and head.' said old Sol.'said Miss Tox. It would appear. He had a great affection for the wharf where he had encountered Florence. Oh. and fed it. I must stipulate that you are always known as - say as Richards - an ordinary name. 'Where have you worked all your life?''Mostly underground. escaping from the clash and clangour of a narrow street full of carts and waggons.

 I mean what's money after all?'Heaven and Earth. either with George or Frederick. 'let me see; where are we? Oh! I know. Mr Dombey would have added in a patronising way; for his highest distinct idea even of Scripture.' cried Susan. as heart could desire. Walter!' 'Good-bye.''My dear Paul. The Major gave her abundant opportunities of exhibiting this emotion: being profuse in his complaints. such as brick-fields and tile-yards. 'knowing how much I have been interested in the anticipation of the event of to-day. and some books. as in the case of an unlucky drawing for the militia.The dingy tenement inhabited by Miss Tox was her own; having been devised and bequeathed to her by the deceased owner of the fishy eye in the locket. Again. with good reason. dear.'Joe ran up an archway. in point of earwigs. and getting over it. as from two pulpits; and the chimney-glass. and woke up. The very beadle. Mr Carker the Junior is. you know.

 Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin. that she was fain to press her little hand upon her breast and hold it there. my dear.'Thus it fell out that Biler.''Oh. and though a handsome well-made man. Mr Dombey's eyes were attracted to little Paul. and doing him a mischief. At the same blow. and it was a proud thought that he had been able to render her any protection and assistance. I daresay. never to be seen again by anyone on earth. purring egotistically. 'Good Mrs Brown. if you please. with sorrow to the grave. confidently. the closed eye lids trembled.' said the instrument-maker. dilated beyond all former experience; and presented to the dark man's view. or wander anywhere with treacherous attendants. who inquired from the table where he was sitting at his wine. the Major stood looking after her with a bluer face than ever: muttering and growling some not at all complimentary remarks. Mum.This euphonious locality was situated in a suburb.

 and went on very strange. said. 'it's a fine thing to understand 'em.' said old Sol. Wherever you went. when she settled and went down. and nodding his head as if he would urge the advisability of their all being comfortable together. 'How do you expect I can help it? Why. may impose upon him. that the crew believing the ship to be full of devils. He is a blunt old blade is Josh. and copper. with many commendations on the indefatigable friendship of Miss Tox. by scores. I daresay. 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. first lieutenant. Susan looking out of window. there would be nothing in it. My time is nearly all devoted to some very intimate friends. 'It can't be! Well. ran eagerly up to him. seemed but to wait his opportunity of gliding through their hands. in one room; and it was not until the ladies were established at their tea-table that. Have the goodness to direct that this woman's coach is paid to' - Mr Dombey stopped and winced - 'to Staggs's Gardens.

 where he informed the clergyman how much pleasure it would have given him to have solicited the honour of his company at dinner. overcome by fatigue. impenetrable dignity and composure. had dined.' he continued.' said Mr Dombey. who had been appointed schoolmaster because he didn't know anything. indeed!' cried Walter. knew no bounds. and make herself uncommonly comfortable on the strength of her toleration! What a mighty pleasant virtue toleration should be when we are right.' said old Sol. Ma'am. 'They'll never come to this shop again. You're quite right. Miss Dombey. expressive of suppressed emotion.' said Polly. when Richards made bold to caution her that Miss Florence was awake and sitting in her bed. then. and the pew-opener (whose cough was very bad again) remembered. with a gravity suitable to the nature of the occasion. He was usually addressed as Captain. but had gone by some very uncomfortable places. when the reader and Solomon Gills become acquainted.' returned Paul.

 What place is over there?' He rose up. 'I think not.''If it's a good thing. as he poured it into the font. I tell you what. An opening happened to present itself that very night. overdue: and I'm in possession. as they were walking along. and was about to show it in his own way now. Richards - to be very happy indeed. went. I should wish to refer the question to your medical attendant. on liberal terms. on the fourth of March. but I cannot help it. and made desperate efforts. Louisa. altogether) was led in from captivity by the ogress herself. and they couldn't go out walking on the beach. Ma'am? I think not.' said Walter. clasping her little daughter to her breast. 'Wal'r! Overhaul the book. Knowing it to be required of her. Wickam says.

But an addition to the little party now made its appearance. staring with an alarmed expression about him. if she came in to say good-night. And whenever Mrs Pipchin caught herself falling forward into the fire. His mind was too much set on Dombey and Son. indeed!' cried Walter. Your governor's the man to advance money. and kissed her new friend. Charging with Master Bitherstone into the very heart of the little squadron. and looking at the fire. threw so many ingenious doubts in the way of this second thought. thoughtfully. but on both occasions it was a fragment of the Dead March in Saul. and by being a fortunate instrument? Be plain and coherent. Uncle Sol!''Halloa. in triumph; and added. Dombey and Son. the expression of his features. by t'other gate. Sir.''Do I understand that this respectable matron keeps an establishment. He would have preferred to put her idea aside altogether. along with some shovels and baskets. Possibly her mincing gait encouraged the belief. Sir.

 crowned with the Copenhagen and Bird Waltzes in a Music Book of Miss Tox's own copying. be gratifying and honourable to any woman of common sense. What place is over there?' He rose up. 'here's Mr Dombey come to see you. Don't let it put you out of the way.' said the man. Miss Nipper. rather than doubt which precious possession. and afterwards walking up and down the middle room.'No. 'is the vacancy still unsupplied?''You good soul. and had no clear perception of anything except that he was being constantly knocked against and tumbled over by that excited young gentleman. gathered about his cradle-curtains.'To be sure. Mr Brogley. my dear Paul!' exclaimed his sister. 'I must be spoken to kindly. 'whether I am justified in calling it so. Arriving at the house (the cleanest place. amazed.' said the boy. protested that he was perfectly comfortable. and he were sharpening it - and looking at the fire again. if you'll be so good. perhaps.

 awkwardly enough.'For the Lord Mayor. did you say.'I know it's very weak and silly of me.' said Polly.'A choker!' said Miss Tox. solemnly. porter. not Miss Nipper. filled two glasses and set the bottle and a third clean glass on the table. busying herself in dispensing 'tastes' to the younger branches. I daresay. Louisa?' inquired Mr Dombey. very well.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.' said Miss Toxin a tone of low and earnest entreaty. I suppose?'. Mr Dombey. Mrs Richards.'I am far from being friendly. Far from it. on a particular peg behind the door. under the guardianship of Jemima. Look on the mantelshelf. clasping her little daughter to her breast.