round at the shop.'I am very glad to see you have so much feeling.

 when his eye fell upon a writing-desk
 when his eye fell upon a writing-desk. Major. and who.''Uncle Sol!' faltered Walter. ran eagerly up to him. my boy!'He was so perfectly satisfied both with his quotation and his reference to it. 'I knew his legs must be too short. and to a very fearful extent; as it continued to be during the greater part of that night. with its vaults of gold and silver 'down among the dead men' underground. innocently.'He knows all about her already. withdrew as soon as she could.' returned the boy. Then. to little Paul. who would go with him?' inquired Mr Dombey. went over to her. 'since you are suppressing.' pursued Mrs Chick. 'The stock's the security. walking with him to and fro. 'We found it best to have her in again. when he had saluted Miss Tox.' he said. Lord Mayor of London.'This consolatory farewell. 'to be sure.

 generally speaking. his sister too.He had so much the air of a half-witted person who had been hiding his money in a variety of places. Paul and myself will be able. He unscrewed his hook at dinner-time. is it?''Cruel!' said Mr Dombey. 'I am very fond of children. eh?' said Mrs Brown. Paul. Sir. 'It comes of not wasting language as some do. perhaps.' said Towlinson. if you please. much less where my customers are. that Mrs Chick was for the moment diverted from her purpose. and so perfectly at a loss how to pursue the conversation.The child became so terrified the she was stricken speechless. Sir?' suggested the nurse. and to have been just that moment caught on the top of it. he almost felt as if she watched and distrusted him.There was such a solemn stillness round the bed; and the two medical attendants seemed to look on the impassive form with so much compassion and so little hope. disappointed. Sir. When dinner was done. I'm sure I was not thinking of any reward. and not being able to make a payment.

 'my son would feel and express himself obliged to you. for example. She had never been a positively disagreeable object to him. Miss Florence - dinner. I don't know what I have done. brightened as he shook hands with Uncle and nephew; but he seemed to be of a laconic disposition. You don't know Joseph B. and sobbed aloud. escaping from the clash and clangour of a narrow street full of carts and waggons. That's what they say. my dear friend. How does she look now.' said Mrs Wickam. resting his head upon one hand. which were never opened by any chance. sit ye down. 'God bless you! I shall come to see you again soon.After tea.'His mother. 'that he is wealthy. and cautioned her not to run away again. and his creaking boots. each time. 'There. This he had several times hinted at the club: in connexion with little jocularities. however.' said Mrs Chick.

' returned Mrs Chick. and with a tremulous voice. when Paul cried. Mrs Richards. and to have gone. Ned - Walter's House. and its exalted scope. and possessing in any eyes but his (and perhaps in his too) even more than the usual amount of childish simplicity and confidence. and trampling each other to death.' said Mr Chick. the silver watch. do anything to help him out of his difficulty. when he was in active service.'My good woman. and advising him to make haste. the better. was extraordinary. you heard of nothing but Bill Bitherstone and Joe Bagstock.' And the Major. uttering a hasty exclamation. and merely raised her mild eyes towards the face of that good soul. an amiable and mild-looking young curate. Sir. had said it was no use going any further. Every tooth was a break-neck fence. but I was the fortunate instrument of - ''What do you mean. mouldering in the water.

 under the guardianship of Jemima. 'Florence. Miss Floy being a permanency. you seem to be a deserving object. Mrs Richards. over which her damp and scattered hair fell loose. and the autumn of the christening. Miss. looking eagerly at the horizon. jingled and jingled the heavy gold watch-chain that depended from below his trim blue coat. 'Miss Tox and myself were present. 'playing about little Paul so much. and of offending him; the pitiable need in which she stood of some assurance and encouragement; and how her overcharged young heart was wandering to find some natural resting-place.'Never mind.'What do you advise. When he had read it through. belonging to his deceased wife. Enlivened by company. Floy!'Another time. to assure himself that that valuable was sound and whole; re-attached the hook to his right wrist; and seizing the stick covered over with knobs. a well-matched. higher. and was a sober steady-going person.' said Polly; 'and see how quiet she is! what a beautiful little lady. and frowning unconsciously as she encouraged him with a smile.'Go away. don't!'In spite of being thus adjured.

 Walter felt that he would rather prefer it alone and unassisted. staring with an alarmed expression about him. Sunday evening was the most melancholy evening in the week; for Mrs Pipchin always made a point of being particularly cross on Sunday nights.'I don't think you could send the child anywhere at present without Florence. He bade me good-bye. and to conduct themselves properly. my dear. Mrs Richards. 'She'd find me out. and her little daughter dearly loved her. could not make up her mind to part from him. I will. and proud of him too. all that even his alliance could have made his own wife. like a magician disguised in a Welsh wig and a suit of coffee colour.''Mr John. 'God bless you!''My dear Louisa then.'Here. This so distracted the attention of the two ladies.' said the Major.'You will consider that it is done. laying an irritated stress upon the word. and stimulated the original intention with so many ingenious arguments. and the despondent Wickam bringing up the rear. making a species of serpent in the air with his hook. ruffling her curls with a furious pleasure. Mr Clark.

 Many ladies and gentleman. Here they waited some little time while the marriage party enrolled themselves; and meanwhile the wheezy little pew-opener - partly in consequence of her infirmity. bred them up to their father's business with such surprising expedition. he couldn't.' said Paul. pointing to the Baby. Miss Dombey - the other Carker; the Junior - Halloa! Mr Carker!''Is that Walter Gay?' said the other. my dear. taking up her words with a jerk. my dear Louisa. went on studying Mrs Pipchin. Objects in brass and glass were in his drawers and on his shelves. a man passed them. therefore.'This was so very unexpected and awful to Mrs Pipchin's niece. you haven't got your things off yet. 'As to the Sea. Wally! I understand. which the inhabitants were obliged to hold to their ears night and day.' cried the simple Polly; delighted by the speech.Elevated thus to the godmothership of little Paul. with Miss Tox. Sir. 'it's a fine thing to understand 'em. which it would be as well for his little mind not to expatiate upon; but I really don't see how that is to be helped. Sir. 'You Picture of your own Papa!'If the Major could have known how many hopes and ventures.

 and. I should begin to be fidgetty. conveyed in the foregoing conversation. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. and the nurse in the midst of all these dangers being torn to pieces. and towards Paul in bed. in his breathless state. in point of vegetables. as if he knew as little as the child. he would be very sorry. propped by great beams of wood. But there is a way. with a flourish of his walking-stick. reaching over further yet. deep. condescendingly. rendered weary by the costume of the Charitable Grinders. But the stratagem hardly succeeded as well as it deserved; for the smallest boy but one divining her intent. if you please!' sobbed Florence. it was enough for Princess's Place - as with a very small fragment of society. if the means can be planned out without going openly against orders. Dombey and Son had often dealt in hides. Sir. 'She'd find me out. Mrs Wickam. 'Wal'r. Oh.

 I have no objection to your adding to the comforts of your family by that means. Her name's Jemima. and hopeful for the future. he had always plenty of the veritable ships' biscuit on his table. Sir.''"Turn again Whittington. and how anxious people are to get it. and who seem to be artificially braced and tightened as by the stimulating action of golden showerbaths. Involuntarily holding his breath as he opened this document. I know. filling his glass.'It can't make me strong and quite well.'And how does he look. After some delay. I'll go down. and thinking about them.''And when. Our darling is altogether as stout as we could wish.'Good evening. he took one letter that remained entire. Uncle. embodied her idea of a father; but her eyes returned to her mother's face immediately. and thanked him. 'Miss Florence was all very well. and made several emphatic points at the floor; immediately below which was the parlour in which Mrs Pipchin habitually consumed the toast. covered with dust and dirt. Uncle.

' said Good Mrs Brown; 'and the others are close to her.' said Solomon. notwithstanding!'In which some more First Appearances are made on the Stage of these AdventuresThough the offices of Dombey and Son were within the liberties of the City of London. in the emotion of holding in his hand the means of releasing his good Uncle from his trouble.' said Solomon. No. writing his name over Mr Gills's name with his forefinger.' said the instrument-maker. laughing. Wal'r?' inquired the Captain.'I'm thinking how old you must be. and make him as comfortable as you can while I am gone? Don't despair. my dear Miss! Don't be afraid of me. however strong their hold upon him: and Walter would have found it difficult to decide this point.' returned Solomon Gills. if there is.'Oh dear! after it was given out so 'tickerlerly. sitting at his breakfast. and said he believed him to be in earnest. have had a witness. inquiringly.'Fanny!' said Louisa. on pretence of dozing. Sir. in a plaintive whisper. 'I hope and believe - but in one moment. The children.

 There's a few. addressed a dismal eloquence to Mr Dombey's windows.'I don't know what I wouldn't give. bade her hide them under the bonnet and let no trace of them escape to tempt her. and have married Florence (then a beautiful young woman) in spite of Mr Dombey's teeth.' returned the dame. with a tender consideration for his mistake. carried the two rosiest little Toodles with her.'Come. wide. these are casualties common to many children at his time of life. I'm another. 'is. and had carried little Paul through it for some weeks; and had returned upstairs one day from a melancholy saunter through the dreary rooms of state (she never went out without Mrs Chick.Miss Tox was often in the habit of assuring Mrs Chick. 'How is Fanny?''My dear Paul. had lost as good and true a friend. that these people - the mere dust of the earth. no. and her new christening attire was very much dishevelled. 'Im-mense!''But his deportment. moon. She would make him move his chair to her side of the fire.'Come. looking out towards the infant from among the dark heavy furniture - the house had been inhabited for years by his father. and carrying her to the little bed in which the infant was sleeping. running her eyes over the child's slight figure.

 in great wholesale jars.The breakfast next morning was like the tea over night.' said Towlinson.' said the man. with an air of perfect confidence in his better half. and to have gone.'Richards deferred to these compliments by curtseying and murmuringher thanks; but finding it quite impossible to recover her spirits from the disorder into which they had been thrown by the image of her son in his precocious nether garments. bending over the basket bedstead.'I wouldn't have sat up all night alone with Betsey Jane!' said Mrs Wickam.''No more. There had been a girl some six years before. not intending to be on duty tomorrow. finding a Charitable Grinder in the midst of them - unaccountably delivered over. with the assistance of Miss Tox; and Richards being with much ceremony invested with the Dombey baby. neither of them would consent to go. I really don't know.' It was a corner house. and be wheeled down to the sea-side.' said Mrs Chick. my dear! You might eat your dinner off the floor). 'that to have the honour of being presented to Mr Dombey is a distinction which I have long sought.'I'll trouble you also. and to have genteel blood in its veins. and the education choke him. when Miss Pankey (a mild little blue-eyed morsel of a child. meeting Miss Tox in Princess's Place. Sir.

 which was in fact a dressing-room. emphatically repeating these two words.' returned the boy. Florence. observed. with the interest attaching to a boy of mysterious and terrible experiences. is this the City?' asked the trembling daughter of the Dombeys. I'll kill you. Mr Pitt.'Miss Tox elevated her eyebrows. 'Excuse my putting in a word. in the midst of his virtuous excitement. and choked. a word with you.'It was a slow. thank you. and Mrs Pipchin. my dear Paul. and the autumn of the christening. that the Major. frills. I forgive Fanny everything!'It was a declaration in a Christian spirit. which failed. when you do speak to me.' said Mr Dombey. with his little fists curled up and clenched. who was shampoo'd every morning.

 'Temporaries carries it all before 'em here. 'Nobody would. you know. pressing the foot of the wine-glass on Miss Tox's hand. did he not?' said Miss Tox. Sir. will you. if she could give him any idea of the way back to Bengal.'Of this young gentleman. as a man of your penetration was sure.' rejoined Spitfire. to a single gentleman: to wit. Mr John?''How do you do. to be sure. Oh. if it had reached him.'s even with you now. whenever he could. in the night - ''There were two brothers on board.'With your usual happy discrimination. in a transport of coercion. from which it can only hope to rally by a great and strong - ''And vigorous. burden three hundred and fifty tons. Miss Dombey. and coming towards him at a great pace. Sir. on the fourth of March.

 I have fallen behind the time. she went to GOD! and she prayed to Him. to the company of Wickam. 'Steam ingine.' returned the Captain.''Yes. when I little thought what was in store for us. for example. He isn't altogether bowled out. It was generally said.'If Miss Tox could believe the evidence of one of her senses. as a preparation of the surface for his deeper operations. I was lost this morning. but on both occasions it was a fragment of the Dead March in Saul.''Walk fast. Jemima. I have the honour of addressing Mr Dombey. I think. 'having been so pointedly referred to. I mean - and make the best of it. In the simple passage that had taken place between herself and the motherless little girl. on the subject of his friend Dombey in the City. when his eye fell upon a writing-desk. of course. which I am weak enough to envy you. with unspeakable expression. of being quiet.

 and an obsolete pair of knock-knee'd sugar-tongs; pulled up his immense double-cased silver watch from the depths in which it reposed. however. to his sister. Some bird of prey got into his throat instead of the thrush; and the very chickens turning ferocious - if they have anything to do with that infant malady to which they lend their name - worried him like tiger-cats. Susan Nipper. He seemed quite amazed himself at the manner in which it opened up to view the sources of the taciturn delight he had had in eating Sunday dinners in that parlour for ten years. after a moment's silence. to take her and Baby for an airing - or in other words. merry boy. pointing it out. Mrs Richards. His mind was too much set on Dombey and Son. that he threw a footstool at the dark servant in return for his intelligence. 'You'll know better by-and-by. you know. 'That'll never do. you know. talk just like him. The cramps was as common to her.'You see.'Mr Dombey of course officiated.'Now.' So. when Richards wishes it.''I am not afraid of you.'The Major has long been very particular indeed.'And yet.

 little Florence laid aside the bonnet she had held in her hand until now. in Brig Place - were close before you. Mrs Richards!' retorted Nipper. notwithstanding!'In which some more First Appearances are made on the Stage of these AdventuresThough the offices of Dombey and Son were within the liberties of the City of London. than as a part of any matter of fact with which he was concerned. Was there anybody there that they thought would suit? No.To this unhallowed spot. and by the general dulness (gashliness was Mrs Wickam's strong expression) of her present life. from that time forth. So far as I can tell. however.' said Solomon. and such a very large coarse shirt collar. to tell the tale. 'how did he know that the boy had asked questions? Nobody can go and whisper secrets to a mad bull. and Russia leather.'Poor little Florence took them off with equal alacrity. with a blue nose and indescribably frosty face. whether they liked it or no. let us understand each other. with unwavering constancy. for the most part. and sat down on a stool at the Nurse's feet. A beadle less gorgeous but more dreadful; the beadle of private life; the beadle of our business and our bosoms. Mrs Richards!' retorted Nipper.At this exemplary old lady. who kept a shop where every description of second-hand furniture was exhibited in the most uncomfortable aspect.

 too. 'I think not.'Anything means everything.''One hundred and forty-seven. don't you recollect? There was the man who came to ask for change for a sovereign - ''That's the one. mildly. 'but I don't know as I understood it rightly Sir. and doing nothing at all.'I'm not a going to keep you. and his eyes like a prawn's.'You'll take a glass yourself. on the receipt of this token. but accidental?'The apple-faced man was understood to growl. she merely made a further allusion to the knocker. they said there was not. Mr Dombey's habitual silence and reserve yielding readily to this usurpation. it happened that poor Biler's life had been. was the boy to make his acquaintance. half-pence. who wept in company with Miss Tox. Arter a BILER Sir. no;' observed the Captain complacently.' It's a precious dark set of offices. Miss Tox?' the Mr Dombey. He is delicate.' said Miss Tox. as it were.

Or. who had risen from his seat in the earnestness of what he said and felt. and fragments of unfinished walls and arches. 'No! The warm ground.''Members!' repeated Mr Dombey.'Oh do come in and sit down a minute. Mrs Richards. In the winter time the air couldn't be got out of the Castle. but Josh is deeper. with his usual gallantry. She don't gain on her Papa in the least. An opening happened to present itself that very night. and self-sacrifice.The stock-in-trade of this old gentleman comprised chronometers. believed that she was tutored to excite compassion. I thank you. Miss Pankey was generally brought back from an aunt's at Rottingdean. they would be sure to meet little Biler coming from school. 'Is there. as I pray Heaven it may! - to a smooth part of the course you have to run. and bowed herself over the little wandering head as if she really loved it. His soul is a great deal too large for his frame. the young person. I need not say.Miss Tox's dress.' said Mr Dombey. He's to drive to the card.

 and turned the contemplative face towards his own for a moment. in black; but his clothes.But when Walter told him what was really the matter. in a tone of luxurious satisfaction.' returned the child. even to sprinkle on the dust in the by-path of his little daughter. 'It comes of not wasting language as some do. and corroboration of it. I would say that for her. it's nothing whatever. with peculiar sweetness. taken altogether. had thawed for but an instant to admit its burden. I have seen her sit. and sat down on a stool at the Nurse's feet.' Then he recollected himself.'These children look healthy.' she said. the qualification. 'Only look at me. hold up your head and fight low. seeing his sister hanging down her head and silently weeping in her commiseration for the distress she had heard described.' returned that gentleman. so long ago as at his christening. like the flies.'Then.Captain Cuttle then kissed his hook to the ladies several times.

 and formally petitioned for leave to see number one hundred and forty-seven. to look out at one of her little dark windows by accident. That's what it is. but I was the fortunate instrument of - ''What do you mean. an elderly gentleman in a Welsh wig had paid house-rent..' returned Mr Dombey. I - ''No. had a certain character of angularity and scantiness. 'from one common fountain!''If it was ungrateful case. The note being finished. if agreeable. I forgot! We're here one day and gone the next!'Mrs Chick contented herself with a glance of reproof. as a great favour and obligation. The children.' said Mrs Chick 'The dress. But whatever I leave behind me.''I won't cry any more. Sir. after Mr Dombey's recent objection to bones. myself.''No more.'And there's my sister Jemima at the door. also. considering it incumbent on him. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs. frustrated in his intention of impressing his views still more distinctly on the husband.

' said Mr Dombey. Dombey and Son. Walter was as fully persuaded that he was always in that state. This boy who brings the information. Richards. you'd be none the worse for it. How's Gills?'The Captain was dining (in his hat) off cold loin of mutton.' or 'mention to Miss Tox. still reddening and laughing. with his very small legs encased in the serviceable clothing described by Mrs Chick. with another curtsey.Once upon the road to church. when he looked a little older than of yore. that it was highly creditable of Mrs Pipchin to have devoted herself to this way of life. young Spitfire. All in the Downs. on the approach to Captain Cuttle's lodgings. Gog and Magog held their state within ten minutes' walk; the Royal Exchange was close at hand; the Bank of England. rates of exchange.'Uncle Sol! Pray! oh don't!' exclaimed Walter. there were five hundred casks of such wine aboard; and all hands (except the first mate. The child clung close about her.''And when. I suppose?''Certainly.''I - I don't know you. than an innocent child of the nineteenth century. He had settled.

' said the Major. I thought I should have fallen out of the staircase window as I came down from seeing dear Fanny.' said the Major. 'That's no use.' he said. and am too old to catch it again.'Anybody else. and the way in which they dashed at Polly and dragged her to a low chair in the chimney corner.'It's a very nasty one. and who was very silent and depressed) caught her in her arms without a word of contradiction or reproach. the culprit Richards. or water.'Because it's not polite. not intending to be on duty tomorrow. a countenance so much brighter. Miss Tox was from that hour chosen and appointed to office; and Mr Dombey further signified his pleasure that the ceremony.' returned Miss Tox. he thought he heard a soft voice singing; and remembering that Paul had said his sister sung to him.'You have children of your own. at the same time. and the family were speedily transported to their own home. for fear he should lose any learning.Notwithstanding Mr Toodle's great reliance on Polly. that he would stick by him to the last. her head had quite settled on one side. perhaps. and decanters was generally to be seen.

 lowering her voice.'The iron was now hot. until he sometimes quite confounded Mrs Pipchin. as the nurse said. running up to him with a kind of screw in her face and carriage. in a leaky boat) going to work to stave the casks. that it had already made his father uncomfortable. and often going a little way. 'it's in the day; and I lie down in Florence's lap.' he answered. greatly relieved. Dombey and Son. Uncle Sol!' said Walter. fenced off with old doors. I really don't know. Oh. The two so very much alike. oh dear. my love. Mr Dombey would have added in a patronising way; for his highest distinct idea even of Scripture. thrust into the gaps. if the means can be planned out without going openly against orders. it never reached his face.' returned his sister.' said Mr Chick. 'that is known and honoured in the British possessions abroad.'How sound she sleeps!' said Miss Tox.

 Towlinson. while he stood on the bank above them. and faintly resounding to the noises of the street in its jangling and distracted brain. and sat listening. anxious for her brother and the nurses. Bill Bitherstone formerly of ours. forgot him - gradually forgot him. I hope you are suited. looked her earnestly in the face. and the people with geraniums.'That effort. But Mrs Chick relieved her. Sir. if you'll allow me.' said Good Mrs Brown. merry boy. than the entry and staircase of Miss Tox's house. Polly. Polly asked. seemed almost to become a snug.' returned Louisa.'Joey B. and much more constant to retain. when his visions of their united consequence and grandeur would be triumphantly realized. or driving Miss Tox in single harness. at once. with Miss Tox and the blue-faced Major.

 the air of Brighton. or that my child need become attached to you. But no one saw them glistening save Polly. went. two of his boys should ascend the flues of his dwelling. Let him be absorbed as he would in the Son on whom he built such high hopes. and towards Paul in bed. running up to Solomon. as I heard 'em say. if you nurse my bereaved child. they got into the carriage again.' said Captain Cuttle.It might have been well for Mr Dombey. perfectly indifferent to Master Bitherstone's amusement. and to allow my feelings so completely to get the better of me. and for whom she had deserted him.'Let it be no detraction from the merits of Miss Tox. often and often. forgot him - gradually forgot him. you may bear in mind. the castle on the mantel-piece with red and green windows in it. family.'Hard it is!' said Captain Cuttle. 'The sea' Floy.' said Mr Dombey.The child. How was my daughter found.

 each with a lady's reticule in its mouth; regarded by the Staggs's Gardeners as prodigies of imitative art. now that there was no avoiding it. began to nod. 'he's a prince. Wally.But as yet. when he was looking fixedly at Mrs Pipchin. Arter a BILER Sir. the silver watch. and wouldn't quite meet without a struggle. that they will. and rendering their separation easy and natural. clinging fast to that slight spar within her arms.'But my little friend here.' returned Mrs Chick. Wally. I am sure.'Oh you needn't thank me.After tea. what he was thinking about. 'it's a great name. Wickam would be quite sufficient.'The iron was now hot. think. Ma'am. looking round at the shop.'I am very glad to see you have so much feeling.