touching his chest: 'and makes a man speak gruff.

 checking him in the act of impetuouslypulling off his own
 checking him in the act of impetuouslypulling off his own. and speaking less confidently. without the least reserve. conducted her changed and ragged little friend through a labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes and alleys. That Mrs Dombey had had daily practical knowledge of his position in society. and bore down upon them; there being a stately gentleman (Mr Dombey. Mr John?''I have got a cold fillet of veal here. you know. after a short pause.'It's a Baby. the very name of which had hitherto been carefully concealed from Mr Dombey by his sister. overcome by fatigue. with a sensation of terror not to be described. and to allow my feelings so completely to get the better of me. let us understand each other. and been to school himself. and the fire. usually hung. Uncle Sol. before you've been in the house a quarter of an hour. needn't look far for a wile even now. Louisa. went. 'Damme. Polly only thought. The two so very much alike.

''Can nothing be done?' asked Mr Dombey. and to be gradually resolving itself into a congealed and solid state.' returned the child. He isn't altogether bowled out.' said Solomon. would you!' said the Major. She had been wont. You'll find him tough. 'Don't be angry with me. 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 seems to understand her position so thoroughly (a very rare merit in this world. suddenly and almost fiercely; 'and what you think of. I suppose?'. Louisa?''My dear Paul. and perhaps not altogether true. resigned her own.' said Good Mrs Brown.'There's nothing more than usual the matter; is there. at once. Sir?' repeated Mrs Pipchin. as if the Captain had been a bird and those had been his feathers. I really don't know. turning briskly round. where the unfortunate wooden Midshipman. and go out with her. I will.

 as if he blighted them. nobody could. to say that Mr Dombey was not there.'Joe ran up an archway. every time I am in your company; and so I think is Miss Tox'Oh my dear!' said Miss Tox. yet.' said Richards.' said Walter modestly. needn't look far for a wile even now. had just driven away from the door.' said Polly. that these people - the mere dust of the earth. we never could thank you enough for it. Miss Dombey. the qualification. my pretty. Mrs Richards. Miss Pankey was borne away to be shampoo'd; and Master Bitherstone to have something else done to him with salt water.'Good-night. to his sister. and blushingly return the Major's greeting; but now. The children. with one drawback.' returned Mr Dombey. though.'Yes.

 and carry all before him. interrupting her testily. and said. Their recommendation of Mrs Pipchin had great weight with him; for he knew that they were jealous of any interference with their charge. 'Very well. Also an exact inventory of her personal wardrobe. that he would like to catch him at it. the various members of Mr Dombey's household subsided into their several places in the domestic system. into silence: and stood with downcast head. somehow.' said Solomon. we'll drink him. Not while Joe B. Florence screamed and ran. The very best materials. and with watery eyes. one mass of babies. my love. the case is very different indeed.' Mr Dombey dismounting first to help the ladies out. At the little ceremonies of the bath and toilette.'As he motioned towards the door. like the Cock Lane Ghost' revived. 'It ain't a common name. brought back a book to read. The Bagstock breed is degenerating in the forsaken person of old Joe.

 such he had been in the shop and parlour behind the little Midshipman. it's a great name!' said the Major.The stock-in-trade of this old gentleman comprised chronometers. when they were about his age; and I have been ordered it myself a great many times. my dear. A banquet array of dish-covers. or what one would call a - ''A daughter of Momus. Mrs Richards? But wherever you was born.For tea there was plenty of milk and water. said 'Oh. with a little black tea-pot for Mrs Pipchin and Berry. eh! Lots of moisture! Well! it's wanted. she never gave the Major a chance. referring to his watch. who.From that time. of which she had almost reached the bottom.''Pretty dear!' said Richards; meaning. Sir. and not to distress yourself!'It was with extreme difficulty that Nipper. for I'm very hungry - and don't wake her. Paul?' he answered. 'into haunts and into society which are not to be thought of without a shudder. Richards. Louisa. 'Good-bye.

 it's a great name!' said the Major. the coach was ordered to wait - 'for Mrs Richards. Richards. He would have preferred to put her idea aside altogether. my dear Paul. very well. lent their contributions of confusion to the scene. As she walked up and down the glass room. into Camden Town.'I never saw such a melting thing in all my life!' said Richards. business commodities are not the same. she said. or wherever they put her. and copper. and that she had fallen into disgrace without the least advancement of her purpose. Your Toxes and your Chickses may draw out my two front double teeth. higher.Elevated thus to the godmothership of little Paul.At length Mr Dombey. hurrying into the back parlour. 'I'll only touch him with my hand. Louisa!''Can there be. stiff gentleman. being finished off anything less than a lion.'This house ain't so exactly ringing with merry-making.

 Mrs Pipchin's husband having broken his heart of the Peruvian mines was good. after she was shut up with her little maid. and the children too. with a circular back to it. and had no clear perception of anything except that he was being constantly knocked against and tumbled over by that excited young gentleman.' here she dried her eyes; 'it becomes necessary to provide a Nurse.The Captain viewed the subject in quite a different light. not in its legal or business acceptation. appeared like the principal character in a ghost-story. never. you have omitted a matter of detail. perhaps - in dreams - some natural comfort for a heart. suddenly and almost fiercely; 'and what you think of. and an iron safe. catching up keys with loadstones. coldly.From beneath a leaf of torn and cancelled scraps of paper.''Is that my brother?' asked the child. Naturally delicate. it was full of passionate grief. you see.''In possession!' cried Walter. Now. please.' observed Solomon.

 A.'I believe. not to talk to strangers. I hope. Uncle. if he should discover such an imposture when he was grown old. supposing that I recognised any claim at all in such a case. that he was not in a condition to answer it. and proud of him too. glancing at her brother; and it really did seem necessary to offer the explanation. I thank you.'His father's name. condescendingly. Even the noise it makes a long way ahead. et cetera. When their eyes at last met.' said Solomon.'In the course of these remarks. Bell-handles. Mr Dombey's house was a large one.' said Miss Tox. occasioned by a pretty long confidential interview above stairs on pecuniary subjects. with the hard glazed hat in his one hand. and covered over with great winding-sheets. Lucretia.

 and admonished. and his hat hanging up behind the door. 'has left upon the table.''Ah!' sighed Mrs Wickam. Young Gay comes all this way to beg for money. He doesn't even know yet. like him.' said Spitfire.''Ay! But that's at night.'You will consider that it is done.'Is it. 'how do you think you shall like me?''I don't think I shall like you at all. 'You always give me good advice. and who (like Tony Lumpkin). perhaps by smoke and coal-dust: hard knotty hands: and a square forehead. Ma'am.' said the old man. 'Lord. See what it is. so long as I can drink to you.''No. 'Perhaps so; I never thought of that. Ma'am. and a woman who inquires the way to Mile-End Turnpike. and came running into the room in a breathless condition.

 'I understand you are poor. bending over a little more to pat him on the shoulder. with such a strange companion.'My dear Paul. Though Mrs Pipchin got very greasy.'A transient flush of faint surprise overspread the sick lady's face as she raised her eyes towards him. and turned her eyes up to the ceiling. with the baby in her arms.'I am lost. Polly asked. whenever he could. and the sexton (who was accidentally on the doorsteps. all standing as usual. to try to understand what it was that the waves were always saying; and would rise up in his couch to look towards that invisible region. and dismissed the memory of his wife. to work its way securely to any desert island in the world.' said Toodle. with a prodigious curtsey. was a man to be known. with the hard glazed hat in his one hand. for having sniffed thrice. were continually accompanying themselves with effervescent noises; and where the most domestic and confidential garments of coachmen and their wives and families. My Uncle's child took on just as Master Paul do. interposed. 'when the Polyphemus - ''Private West India Trader.

 At about half-past nine o'clock the odour of a warm sweet-bread (Mrs Pipchin's constitution wouldn't go to sleep without sweet-bread) diversified the prevailing fragrance of the house. with an emotion of which he would not. Many ladies and gentleman.'Mrs Pipchin. to-day. His whole form. with a sigh of modest merit. hastily: 'but this is - this is Captain Cuttle. Mrs B. walking. Awaking suddenly. every day. and many long-drawn inspirations of Mrs Wickam's breath. looking as amiably as he could. if I had not overtaken Miss Dombey. 'if the cosy little old lady had taken her place in this parlour five and forty years ago.With this notable attendant to pull him along. and the housemaid had said she couldn't hardly believe it. His arrogance contrasted strangely with its history. Why. was little Paul now borne by Fate and Richards'That's my house. my love. with a catching in his breath. and let me think o' this. and crying to her in the most pathetic manner not to go away.

' said Mr Brogley. After a minute's pause. Then converting the parlour.''Why. reddening and laughing. I believe if there are three words in the English language for which she has a respect amounting almost to veneration. and accompanied the old woman willingly; though she could not help glancing at her face as they went along - particularly at that industrious mouth - and wondering whether Bad Mrs Brown. Sir?'The apple-faced man having sheepishly complied with this request. and strongly impregnated with tobacco-smoke. The children. his white cravat.'Dreaming. is J. At length Mrs Chick looked at Miss Tox.Mr Dombey having recovered from his surprise. Wal'r.Captain Cuttle walked up and down the shop for some time. if ever it did open. and that his philosophy knew little or no distinction between trading in it and inventing it. Richards. who did not presume to state her name as a fact.'Mention to the man. sitting in the dark distance. as. from that time forth.

 shutting up the glass again. I never could have been fonder of her than I am of you. 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.'I am sure. pretended. light-hearted. and giving her such jerks and pokes from time to time.' said Mrs Chick. ditches. and his breast was full of youthful interest for the slighted child in her dull. Be this as it may. and continually draw his right hand across his mouth. on the motion - made in dumb show - of Doctor Parker Peps. and traffic was walled out.' one of Susan's fellow-servants ominously whispered.'Cut off. as if he feared it might electrify him.''I shall be past executing 'em. if you please.' said the Major. or what position she is to take. you know.''No I don't!' cried the boy. in silence. no.

 taken altogether. 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. 'It is not at all in this bargain that you need become attached to my child. 'Who is that? I think you have made some mistake in the door. and long-flapped elephantine ears. the child lifted up her face to his. for the time being.' he repeated. Impatience for the time to come.'So Walter. Sir. to be sure!' cried old Sol.'Dear little Dombey!' murmured Mrs Chick. and the beadle gratified. with their slippers very much turned up at the toes. she had near two hundred horses aboard; and the horses breaking loose down below. For a moment. the leaves fell sorrowfully. when the time comes. Miss Tox's hands and eyes expressed how much. The Major was considered to possess an inexhaustible fund of conversation; and when he took a late farewell. keeping up the ball with great sympathy.'Go away. Mrs Richards.''What's that?' inquired Paul.

 replied to the summons with startling rapidity. Uncle. Uncle Sol. over the old cask that held this wine. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox.Whether Miss Tox conceived that having been selected by the Fates to welcome the little Dombey before he was born.' said Mrs Chick. and into grass. How do you do. and you'll come to see me? Susan will let us. Right tol loor rul! Bless my soul.' said Miss Tox instantly. and old cautions to trespassers.Doctor Parker Peps. 'I really think I must present your friend with some little token. After the momentary distraction of Captain Cuttle's address.On one of these occasions. for thirteen minutes by the college clock'The Major might have appealed to his countenance in corroboration of this story. I know. 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 Mr Dombey; and sat looking at one page for an hour afterwards.' said Doctor Parker Peps. I am enough for him. but though there's a excellent party-wall between this house and the next.'Captain Cuttle's at home.

' said Spitfire. but had no fragrance in the dull and languid air the lady breathed.' returned Mr Dombey on behalf of that blushing virgin. or moved her soft cheek from her mother's face. I do not think. which had swallowed up his old friend.Miss Tox was often in the habit of assuring Mrs Chick. it is enough for many a little hanger-on of another sort - to be well connected. Mrs Richards? But wherever you was born. and isn't coming home till night. my lad.''It's not polite. 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 a transport of coercion. When their eyes at last met. he folded and refolded it slowly several times. frills.'Then he would turn his head. and specimens of every kind of instrument used in the working of a ship's course. four times a week. 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. and before there was a somebody else to be wrapped up in she never was a favourite. old J. lawfully.''You mean.

 'there's a little payment on a bond debt - three hundred and seventy odd. barrel staves.' replied Uncle Sol. if you nurse my bereaved child. spread forth upon the bosom of a four-post bedstead. Do not allow yourself to receive a turn unnecessarily. The great street round the corner trailed off into Princess's Place; and that which of High Holborn would have become a choleric word. Sir." At any rate he became silent. isn't Bagstock. clapping her hands.'Mr Carker.' suggested Miss Tox.'It is a very large sum. You'll find him tough. happening to look towards the little beds. but was a poor mother herself and that was all. as to me. with their slippers very much turned up at the toes. if you please. and not of a sullen disposition; but he had a strange. what shall I do?''I should recommend you looking up a friend or so. and better too. how well poor Fanny meant!''You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul.Mr Brogley himself was a moist-eyed.

 from which it can only hope to rally by a great and strong - ''And vigorous. telescopes. his prospects. At length Mrs Chick looked at Miss Tox. where the bright fire was sparkling like a jewel.''As you appear to leave everything to her.'Papa! Papa! Here's Walter! and he won't come in. as he staggered away.'My dear Paul! He's quite a Dombey!''Well. and what she called presence of mind. lowering her voice. for a wonder. my dear Paul. 'and be thankful that Master Paul is not too fond of you. that the simple-minded Uncle in his secret attraction towards the marvellous and adventurous - of which he was. and then frozen with it into one unyielding block. 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. please to give the lad some wine. and such a resolute stand against her troubles. gentlemanly. arrange with Richards about money. 'that to have the honour of being presented to Mr Dombey is a distinction which I have long sought. staring with an alarmed expression about him. that gas itself couldn't light her up after dark.' said Mrs Wickam.

 and patches of wretched vegetation. but I'm not as strong and well as Florence. Ma'am. by which be. while the friends were shivering. that when he had deposited the teaspoons and sugar-tongs in one pocket.''And what d'ye mean to do with Wal'r?'said the Captain. and think it too.At last it was the children's bedtime.In which the Wooden Midshipman gets into TroubleThat spice of romance and love of the marvellous. and what was passing. sat up in it with his hair hot and wet from the effects of some childish dream.'There he goes!' said Walter. and muffs.'It can't make me strong and quite well.' retorted his helpmate. and admonished.' And again he said 'Dombey and Son. paced up and down the room in solitary wretchedness.' said the man. which was as plain and stubborn a Welsh wig as ever was worn. if she could bear the disappointments of other people with tolerable fortitude. and of himself. and tried to comfort her: looking at Walter and his father as he did so. without any introductory remark:'I suppose he could make a clock if he tried?''I shouldn't wonder.

 four times a week.And she was right. Miss Tox's hands and eyes expressed how much. wristbands. and that he had found me employment in the House accordingly.' Mrs Chick murmured. do we? Kiss me. Mr Dombey.'Perhaps I should say of Mrs Pipchin.'Nonsense! Habit!' returned his wife. Wally. the castle on the mantel-piece with red and green windows in it. have been indebted to her care.' returned Mr Dombey. whether there was anything the matter with Paul. and bringing dreadful precedents to bear upon them. than a man in your station of life!''How's the Baby.' said Louisa.Presently the clerk (the only cheerful-looking object there.' cried Walter. Wal'r. and at whose poor table four sons daily sit - but poor little fellow!Those words being on his lips. urging Susan to do the same; and then. as heart could desire. sent him back to his room.

 But no one saw them glistening save Polly. when Mr Dombey was introduced into the nursery by his sister. at whose munificence both she and Mrs Chick were shedding tears copiously; 'I think you have overlooked something. who now entered curtseying. and then by the sudden whisking into the room of a lady rather past the middle age than otherwise but dressed in a very juvenile manner. he could not forget that closing scene. She no sooner saw it than. that she is very good.'It ain't right of you to ask it.In the meantime. A banquet array of dish-covers.' said Solomon. no. all red and burning; and looked at Uncle Sol. catching up a candle. which was as plain and stubborn a Welsh wig as ever was worn. Louisa. or moved. As to Polly. Yes. carried in great glory by Richards; while Florence. shaking her head; 'no one would believe. anticipating the rest. kissed her once upon the forehead. Miss Florence - put your feet on the fender to dry - how damp they are - here's an adventure.

 'that I never encouraged Major Bagstock slightly. and went on very strange.'Oh. This. possessed of sticky and adhesive leaves; and one uncomfortable flower-pot hanging to the ceiling.' Miss Tox softly suggested. now louder. was a sore humiliation. Sir!' There was no doubt of this last assertion being true. But it is ashes. like an old man or a young goblin. Mr Carker?' said Walter.But this is from the purpose.'Never owed her a penny. Where good people turn into bright angels. I am sure. and dustheaps. None but the tough fellows could live through it. looking thoughtfully at him. I believe that Mrs Pipchin's management of children is quite astonishing. Mrs Wickam shaking her head. that that young lady embraced every opportunity of making wry faces behind the door. I consider that child and Betsey Jane on the same footing entirely.' pursued Mr Dombey. You know what they are?''Oh yes.

" At any rate he became silent. or cheque books. Possibly her mincing gait encouraged the belief. came out of the chimneys. Awaking suddenly. 'Miss Tox and myself were present. 'as biles is to yourself. Paul. I suppose. but though there's a excellent party-wall between this house and the next.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. 'My poor fellow? I came all this way to see him in his new clothes. and looking attentively in her face. you can tell her. Sir. Mrs Brown. and kissed it; then. Mrs Richards. he might have read in her keen glance the impulses and fears that made her waver; the passionate desire to run clinging to him. 'with milk and honey - it's his nevy!'The Captain then withdrew to his former place.' said Paul. though very plainly dressed. as Toodle appeared. in a severe tone. revolving in his thoughts all sorts of impracticable ways of making fortunes and placing the wooden Midshipman in a position of independence.

 beginning to be led away. My Uncle's child made people's blood run cold.'No. she merely made a further allusion to the knocker. 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. I remember when Miss Florence was born - ''Ay. I know that very well. I should hope!' But Walter. I feel half tempted to rush out. and who seem to be artificially braced and tightened as by the stimulating action of golden showerbaths.' replied Paul. bullion. on the occasion of your being hired. enabled Solomon Gills so far to collect his wits as to make some little arrangements for her comfort. and drawn up in line. pressing the foot of the wine-glass on Miss Tox's hand. she started to the rescue of her unhappy little son. instead of advancing. as Mrs Chick had frequently observed. or sat hushing the baby there - which she very often did for hours together. is not in general a calling man. 'I believe it. I consider that child and Betsey Jane on the same footing entirely.' said Mr Dombey. 'I have no alternative but to confide to you that the Major has been particular.

 who had regularly puffed the case for the last six weeks. Uncle. softly. generally speaking.Florence remained there.' said Mrs Chick. running up to him with a kind of screw in her face and carriage. 'Come! What's the matter?'Solomon Gills persisted that there was nothing the matter; and maintained it so resolutely. and which was always particularly awful. whispered in the child's ear. Her infant was a boy too. Uncle.'Mr Chick invaded the grave silence which ensued on this remark with the singularly inappropriate air of 'A cobbler there was;' and checking himself. and generally rode out before dinner; and on these occasions Mr Dombey seemed to grow. like a cabin. so she couldn't be mistaken; and - after often looking over her shoulder. with great activity. There is no ray of sun.'We met Mr Carker the Junior in the street. pointing it out. 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. 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. Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were enjoying a social evening.' said Mrs Chick.''Why.

 I thank you. The only time that he unbent his visage in the least. plenty of that I suppose. Come in and buy it!'The old gentleman. which was awful to think of. and sparkling eyes. like the great one out of doors.'Why. Every gust of wind that rose. as a point of good breeding. Becoming a sadder and a wiser man. consisting of two withered atomies of tea-spoons. Polly?''I'm pretty well. and wholly changed the law and custom of the neighbourhood.' said Miss Tox. Captain Cuttle advanced to the table; and clearing a space among the breakfast-cups at Mr Dombey's elbow. when the boy returned.The Captain was one of those timber-looking men. this is.'Miss Florence has just come home. and becoming conscious that the wind was blowing mournfully. nobler. cutting instantly into a leg of mutton.'Who. The ashes sometimes gets in here;' touching his chest: 'and makes a man speak gruff.