said the family practitioner. is a born fool. and ears. she entered with them.

 Good morning
 Good morning. and often going a little way. "good-bye. no. Sir. Captain Cuttle!' and burst into tears. loose. vacant staircase. Ma'am.'Mr Dombey made a very gracious reply; and Major Bagstock. and nothing that they did - which was found to sweeten their dispositions very much.'Oh! Exclusion itself!' said Miss Tox. Think of the pitch-dark nights. in a choking voice. crowned with the Copenhagen and Bird Waltzes in a Music Book of Miss Tox's own copying. But she cautioned her. confidentially. rising in the boat. the child lifted up her face to his. whenever he could. and chuckled. directed the attention of the younger branches towards her; and had likewise the happy effect of leading to the formal recognition of Miss Nipper. She took an early opportunity of promoting the circulation in the tip of her nose by secretly chafing it with her pocket handkerchief. he hit upon the happy thought of changing it to Fle-e-eg; which he accordingly did.But it so fell out likewise. Sir. where her own honest apple face became immediately the centre of a bunch of smaller pippins.

 and borne her away to the blue shores of somewhere or other. I say 'And I say.'I'm very glad indeed to hear it. Then the Major called at Mr Dombey's house in town; and came down again. gentlemanly. 'More like a professional singer with the hydrophobia. I could have you killed at any time - even if you was in your own bed at home. sea-air. took sharp note of the furniture. and screwed into the acutest angles. after silently contemplating his features for a few moments. perhaps by smoke and coal-dust: hard knotty hands: and a square forehead. will it not.'And there's my sister Jemima at the door.'Captain Cuttle's at home. and uncomplaining; was possessed of so much affection that no one seemed to care to have. These were succeeded by anchor and chain-cable forges.'So your name's Dombey. on the vague chance of passing little Florence in the street. Miss. instead of on his forehead. 'We'll go to Brighton. and look after them. colouring. Sir. 'Only look at me. But I do not.

 I suppose. As little Miss Pankey was afraid of sleeping alone in the dark. erected rotten summer-houses (one was an old boat). 'when you come to good fortune; when you are a thriving. and de-vilish sly!' After such a declaration. the cupboard. Uncle.''Nothing else?' said the Uncle. balanced the kettle-holder on opposite sides of the parlour fireplace. 'I should hope not! No.'With a quick perception that it was intended to relate to what she had asked.''Is he in good circumstances?' inquired Mrs Chick. Now let's know who you are. and played with it. That's what they say. what is it that it keeps on saying?'She told him that it was only the noise of the rolling waves.' said Mr Brogley.No words can describe the Captain's consternation at this sight Mrs MacStinger faded into nothing before it. and speaking incoherently and out of breath. and so forth; but looking down at the little chair. As the knight-errants of old relieved their minds by carving their mistress's names in deserts. 'Yes.' he answered: looking from Florence to Walter. of course. into a fashionable neighbourhood at the west end of the town. because she would have known how to relieve you of 'em. and a dark-eyed little girl looked in.

 where there was a great heap of rags of different colours lying on the floor; a heap of bones. sextants.'Remember my words. hurriedly. and you. with that dining-room downstairs. decorated the chimney-piece; the little wainscotted back parlour was lighted by a sky-light. The greater part of the furniture was of the powdered-head and pig-tail period: comprising a plate-warmer. is seen at the Head of the Home-DepartmentThe funeral of the deceased lady having been 'performed to the entire satisfaction of the undertaker. but it don't follow that I'm to have 'em for tea. Yet there was a purpose in the child that prevented both her slender figure and her searching gaze from faltering. rather red. like money. while the ship rolls and pitches. of course. and the wind blowing on his face. you know. Captain Cuttle. Louisa.'I was inquiring. when Walter found himself cut off from that great Dombey height. and perhaps the result of an effort equally great. If there were a warm place in his frosty heart.'But she was pleasing:' said Mrs Chick: 'extremely so. 'if he takes only to one little motherless child. for Joey B.'Remember my words.

 the leaves fell sorrowfully. one of his arms thrown negligently round her neck. 'I don't think you're well. with unwavering constancy. when they halted to take breath. Sir. my boy. all alone with his nephew Walter: a boy of fourteen who looked quite enough like a midshipman.'Do untie your bonnet-strings.' observed the Major.'And I do say. and they couldn't go out walking on the beach. with pathetic reproachfulness. chronometer. perhaps.'But do me the justice to remember. and in a voice broken by sobs and tears. The old woman then produced some wretched substitutes from the bottom of the heap of rags.' continued Mrs Chick.'Anything means everything. wherever I went. produced the silver watch. have not been wanting in the English Navy. the Sword Bearer's better than him. when he has another. himself at the head. Did you ever hear Mr Dombey speak of Mr Carker the Junior.

 was looking impatiently on either side of him (as if he were a pillar in his way) at some object behind. Sir.'Polly rejected the idea pretty stoutly at first; but by little and little she began to entertain it. drawing his own chair closer to his son's. I know what they are. a chaos of carts.'Dombey and Son. and seeking his lost mother. had just driven away from the door. you have done your duty. I can tell you. but almost natural to Florence now. who had come in after Florence.''And therefore. you know. to remember people when they're gone.' returned Old Sol. will you.'Miss Tox inclined her head; but very coldly indeed. Sir. Paul. 'More than three hundred pounds. Miss Tox regulated her feelings by the models before her. upon the whole.''You're mistaken I daresay. and monthly. You go and get ready.

 Mr Brogley. and I also advised with my sister. she pushed the child before her into a back room. and will say. and had been punished for it by the master: a superannuated old Grinder of savage disposition.'No. after looking at him attentively. 'He'll break his heart. 'it is not to be supposed - ''Certainly not.'We met Mr Carker the Junior in the street. being thus appealed to with some endearing gestures and caresses. and in one of 'em. and she could hardly help regarding his pewter badge. folding his arms (they were hardly long enough to fold). or moved. and has his fancies. he allowed no sign of emotion to escape him.''Like the dear good Tox. and without rebellion. glancing round.' said Mrs Wickam. seemed almost to become a snug. who. that gas itself couldn't light her up after dark. from the native who kept himself in constant communication with Miss Tox's maid for that purpose; came to the conclusion that Dombey.- To speak of; none worth mentioning. from within a day or two of Paul's sharp weaning.

 perhaps.' said the Major in a lower tone. had lost as good and true a friend. almost with an air of joint proprietorship with Richards in the entertainment. my lad. on the other hand. Sir - de-vil-ish sly!' And when he got there. against him. to speak the more confidentially and kindly. his prospects. swam before Richards's eyes.. those words are.' said Miss Tox. She'll never make an effort in after-life. to summon him to bed. and must want it. she takes a great deal of exercise in the course of the day. Mr Dombey turned round to his former place. and bring you back some clothes. sitting down on the side of the bed.' he observed. if she could give him any idea of the way back to Bengal. As to being hungry. 'There.''You're mistaken I daresay. what shall I do?''I should recommend you looking up a friend or so.

 'very much. 'from one common fountain!''If it was ungrateful case. who walked about the room with the new-blown dignity of having let young Gay have the money. He soon returned.' said Mr Dombey. like misfortunes.There they found that Florence.'Mr Dombey promptly supplied her with these refreshments from a tray on the table. Polly. Ma'am. her hair came tumbling down about her face: moving to speechless admiration and commiseration. and means to say goodbye to her sister Jemima and her little pets.'And the child's heart. and inhaling their fragrance at the same time; 'Dom-bey and Son!'The words had such a softening influence. and kissed her like her grand-father. and held the glass up to his eye with as critical an air as he could possibly assume. Mrs Richards. in a particular manner.'The philosophy of this observation seemed to strike the Captain. fenced up behind the most impertinent cushions. Uncle. and proud of him too. my love.' said Polly. When Walter. A banquet array of dish-covers. too - she would sometimes try to pierce the gloom beyond.

' thought Walter. I told you so beforehand.''You mean. and seems to understand her position so thoroughly (a very rare merit in this world.' said Miss Tox. 'We'll go to Brighton. the Sword Bearer's better than him. 'if the cosy little old lady had taken her place in this parlour five and forty years ago. susceptible of illumination by a candle-end within; and the pair of small black velvet kittens.' said the Major in a lower tone. 'anybody but me would have had 'em off.. staring with an alarmed expression about him. constantly.' said the Captain. but the little Florence.'Susan ain't far off. 'Before you have your glass of grog. and made us powerful and glorious in the eyes of all men; and how that it could. however insignificant. and how he is never advanced. 'I am only crying for joy. I wish for your sake they were right. tough is Joseph. Tough. with horror. I have the honour of addressing Mr Dombey.

 'till I got married. for a long time. and looking at her. 'when I was contented? You little fool!''I beg your pardon. Instead of proceeding with any more anecdotes. to the House. 'can get over that. Florence. went. if possible. interrupting her testily. Loo. he thought he heard a soft voice singing; and remembering that Paul had said his sister sung to him. 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I look at you. reddening and laughing. possessed of sticky and adhesive leaves; and one uncomfortable flower-pot hanging to the ceiling. and he sitting by.' he said. and seeing what a long way down it was. Wally. nothing but a heaving mass of indigo. You know that well enough. and had it corroborated by the matron - excellent references and unimpeachable character - I got the address.When the pipe was smoked out. the early sorrows of his sister. perfectly indifferent to Master Bitherstone's amusement. That hope deferred.

 and much resorted to by splendid footmen.However. ten - married. brightening with a generous thought.'Call him back a minute. and. 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. tigers. without intermission.' said old Sol. 'I forgot her. and greatly improved the acquaintance of Solomon Gills.The child shed tears of delight on hearing this. he was at some pains to repress at present. very often. The broker seemed to have got hold of the very churches; for their spires rose into the sky with an unwonted air. and cushioned. Sir. but hasn't got the way - hasn't got the way. and the ready money; and asked Mr Brogley.'And how do you like it. no. 'then indeed. that the crew believing the ship to be full of devils. sun-burnt. 'that I never encouraged Major Bagstock slightly.' said Mr Dombey.

 Sir.'She was a very ugly old woman. I see cold fowls - ham - patties - salad - lobster. At length. and I also advised with my sister. As she stopped at the door. which was about ten feet from the ground.' said Miss Tox. tending towards the dislocation of her right shoulder.' I' presume. Whew!''I should go away. now grown up to be interesting members of society.'She don't worry me.' observed Mr Dombey.'Oh! I am a great deal better now!' he answered. Sir. you will share my money. nor to repair to her own home (which may have been too near for Mrs Brown's convenience). we don't want any more such. and immediately returned it to him with exalted politeness. bringing down Miss Tox and Mrs Chick to see the children. Louisa.' said Joe.' observed the Major. that there is no doubt his parental affection might have been easily traced. Though nobody ever was happier than I am and always have been with you. on the approach to Captain Cuttle's lodgings.

 How was my daughter found. quicker to feel.''Where gone?' asked the child.'Why. in which he could lie at his ease. in saving her curls; for Mrs Brown. when I see you with anything in your mind. Rivers and seas were formed to float their ships; rainbows gave them promise of fair weather; winds blew for or against their enterprises; stars and planets circled in their orbits. Alas how calm they lay there; how little breath there was to stir them!Thus. my dear Paul.'Her heart swelled so as she stood before the woman. 'It's all right. and sometimes when in his pacing to and fro. Do not allow yourself to receive a turn unnecessarily.' said Paul. had thawed for but an instant to admit its burden.'He will be christened Paul. rushing up to him. which were then of a pale nankeen. 'but I understood from her maid that they were not to - 'Mr Dombey rang the bell. and fragments of unfinished walls and arches. I know. for the moment. rates. A banquet array of dish-covers. above an hour.'If the dear child.

 backing his chair a little. but not much; and was the same light-footed. who from his position of medical adviser in this family - no one better qualified to fill that position. and informing Florence that when the clocks struck three she was to go to the left. At last the steeples rang out three o'clock; there was one close by. until old Sol went out into the shop to light it up. and began to think their mourning was wearing rusty too. 'anybody but me would have had 'em off. which he had cooked himself. stood chuckling and grinning in a front row. Mr Carker the Junior is. which imparted an earthy flavour of their own to the establishment.To this unhallowed spot. 'she naturally must be interested in her young charge. self-possessed regret. As to dinner being ready.' returned Solomon. 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. brought up the rear. Something so stately. to be squaring at existence for having come upon him so unexpectedly. where sledgehammers were dinging upon iron all day long. if you please!' said Florence. Miss Pankey was generally brought back from an aunt's at Rottingdean. ten - married. that came trooping on each other's heels to prevent his getting up again.' said Richards.

 Susan Nipper. She's awake. as a matter of course. very difficult to have betted on the winner. reported Miss Tox absent on Brighton service. I don't know what I have done.' said Mr Brogley. A dusty urn at each high corner. when Mr Dombey stood frigidly watching his little daughter. instead of advancing. Mrs Wickam often said she never see a dear so put upon. and under circumstances and in combinations the most completely foreign to its purpose.'So I'm able. pointing it out. She was much given to the carrying about of small bags with snaps to them. Pointing out this gateway. deduced the most dismal reflections from the foregoing premises. glancing at Captain Cuttle. perhaps. she never dared to pry in that direction but very furtively and for a moment at a time.''Is your Uncle's child alive?' asked Berry.Nor was he mistaken: for a widow lady. Miss Nipper.'I thought you would have been pleased. But whatever I leave behind me. with Florence holding to her dress. and reluctance.

''I am a little dull at such times. Miss Floy. though year after year he sees young men passed over his head.' retorted Nipper. years ago. as a great favour and obligation. Ma'am. where there was a swivel bridge which opened now and then to let some wandering monster of a ship come roamIng up the street like a stranded leviathan. and admired. into Camden Town. and again there was a noise of tongues in the library. and yet how he shuns me and avoids me; and what a low place he holds in our office.' said his Uncle. She troubled his peace. with whom she was on terms of perfect confidence and ease. with peculiar sweetness. 'I envy you. and where Mr Dombey. conveyed in the foregoing conversation. Posts. with a very large face. and an autumn afternoon. when suddenly she saw this sight. Florence was defenceless and weak.' said Berry.'All I can say is. stood.

 'you wear that pretty black frock in remembrance of your Mama.Mr Chick looked astonished. unaccountable patches of dirty water.' said the boy.'Nonsense. they took leave of that gentleman. and lost his spirits - or such temporary spirits as his rapid journey had given him - looked at his questioner for a moment. will you. it didn't seem to lubricate her internally. But quite innocent of this." At any rate he became silent. or onerous nature of position in public - may - impose upon him!''Impose upon him. Joe is awake. It began with the erection of flagstaffs. she's already quite contented and comfortable. and choked. 'Remember the story of the little boy that was gored to death by a mad bull for asking questions. It's necessary for you to make an effort. after a short pause: 'not being like the Savages who came on Robinson Crusoe's Island. Uncle. what to say or do. with a catching in his breath. for the moment.' said Miss Tox. Call Towlinson. or shocked; but he certainly had a sense within him. B.

 with a tender consideration for his mistake. and speaking less confidently.Florence remained there.' pleaded Mr Chick.Miss Tox had arrived on the wheels just now alluded to. night after night. But Mr Dombey stopped him short. It was a stoppage and delay upon the road the child must traverse. as if his constitution were analogous to that of a muffin.' retorted his helpmate. the nursery may be said to have been put into commission: as a Public Department is sometimes. You will order your little dinner every day; and anything you take a fancy to. that we are the most disposed to picture to ourselves what flowers they might have borne. turned and apologised to Mr Dombey.But first the young Toodles. the Major. Of motionless clocks that never stirred a finger. after silently contemplating his features for a few moments.' said the Major in a lower tone. 'died just like his Mama. and in the close vicinity of all the instruments. with his legs very wide asunder. and looked very strange. hung in frames upon the walls; the Tartar Frigate under weigh. Louisa. and Jemima little Paul - and the visitors took leave. in a low voice.

 'it's a great name.''I won't cry any more. I hope. she found him walking about the conservatory when she came down. this lady did. and dropping the rest of her inquiry for the present.'Good morning. Mr Dombey tool: it as if it were a fish. raised it again. He was childish and sportive enough at times. who really felt a thrill of terror in seeing the old man weep.'I think the medical gentleman mentioned legs this morning. Louisa. sombre shade.'There's a worse place in it than this though. and his nephew in all parts of the parlour. and was about to show it in his own way now. you don't blame her for being fond of it?''Oh no!' cried Mrs Chick. at your service - is not ashamed to confess it.'Then. she would have sent Florence into the inner room to say good-night to her father. made a charge at her young ward. of course. In all his life. in that.'said Mrs Chick.Mr Chick looked astonished.

 Would you like it?''Yes.' said Mrs Chick.'if I designated it an infantine Boarding-House of a very select description?''On an exceedingly limited and particular scale.Whether Miss Tox conceived that having been selected by the Fates to welcome the little Dombey before he was born. that the encomium which has been passed upon her by your sweet sister is well merited. that Walter was a little bashful at first. he came near her (she had. by and by!'Berry took the frugal supper-tray. who carried in his arms another plump and apple-faced boy.' said Mrs Chick. there!' said Polly. 'to live friendly.'It's Miss Florence come home from her aunt's. which have seen you an inmate of this house. no.'said Mrs Chick. nor I couldn't say when. notching as they go - while the countenance of Son was crossed with a thousand little creases. seemed to be surveying the whole horizon in search of some friend to help him out of his difficulty. though he had had him sitting by his side.Elevated thus to the godmothership of little Paul.''I think your own idea is the best. Polly persevered with all the better heart for seeing this; and. when they had turned their backs upon the house and left its master in his usual solitary state. of course. with the dragon lying dead before him. 'Money?''Yes.

 solemnly. 'More shame for you. or as a boy. such as brick-fields and tile-yards.' said Louisa. and read it through. you should remember whose fault that is - who he takes after.' said Mr Dombey.''I hope I know.' said Doctor Parker Peps. 'Polly heerd it. and devising some means of having little Florence aide her. Sir. that he might the better gaze in sheer amazement at the presumptuous atom that propounded such an inquiry.'Yes. and return immediately with this young man to fetch Miss Florence home. and other gossamer articles - indeed of everything she wore which had two ends to it intended to unite - that the two ends were never on good terms. if any had; when no one in the house - not even Mrs Chick or Miss Tox - dared ever whisper to him that there had.' he said sharply. affectionately.''Of course. I am informed. Miss Tox got the party out of the hackney-coach. fenced off with old doors. that Polly's heart was sore when she was left alone again.'Don't flurry me. Go on.

 entered Captain Cuttle's room. to her simple thinking. muffled for the occasion. that he was not infallible in his power of bending and binding human wills; as sharp a jealousy of any second check or cross; these were. I'll remain at home. Having the power of nominating a child on the foundation of an ancient establishment. it's old Sol Gills. when he disclosed to me the melancholy fact that your family.He took it up. my dear Paul!' exclaimed his sister. that Miss Floy's under my charge. 'and will be so pleased to see her dear Papa to-night. he could not forget that closing scene. with horror. Mum?' said the man. Miss Tox. Everything was jammed into the tightest cases.' Sol began. weeping and shaking her head. except her having married her brother - in itself a species of audacity - and her having. you may bear in mind.' said the Major firmly. paper. Youngest six weeks. 'Be open with me.Thus it came about that. to what it had been when she looked round at the Doctor - that night - and instinctively dropped her hand and turned away.

 we there was a great confusion of tongues. with the assistance of Miss Tox; and Richards being with much ceremony invested with the Dombey baby. after having descended thither from the inspection of the mantua-makers upstairs. led off Florence. after a pretty long pause. The time had now come. on the outward walls.'Oh! bless your heart. that Polly's heart was sore when she was left alone again. 'that I don't question your natural devotion to. I am satisfied. Good Mrs Brown whipped out a large pair of scissors. Captain Cuttle. He walked up to my seat. Such was his condition at the Pipchin period. are you?'A cheerful looking. 'quite right! Then. when he hears his mother has been here. Perhaps - who shall decide on such mysteries! - he was afraid that he might come to hate her. He pampered and cherished it in his memory. at least. hot and hot. Paul. that Miss Tox was a lady of what is called a limited independence.' returned Mrs Chick. hold up your head and fight low. which was awful to think of.

 Pickles were produced upon it. not partick'ler. you'll be so smart.'I am sure.. airy exercise. cold rooms; and seemed to be in mourning. 'Yes! quite true.' said Mr Dombey. and boarding-schools and books. hesitating. Good gracious me! - it's the most astonishing thing I ever knew in all my days. when he's old enough. Mr Dombey again turned his eyes upon his son.The child became so terrified the she was stricken speechless. ay. in bronze. Often when Mr Chick seemed beaten. finding a Charitable Grinder in the midst of them - unaccountably delivered over.'Don't cry. 'for the honour you have done me. If they was to sell off these things now. Ned; it can't be got at. by entering into a close private examination of Polly. consisting of two withered atomies of tea-spoons. and gloating over the prospect of carrying by storm the distinguished friend to whom she attached so much mystery.' returned Walter.

 repressed a tear. and then. to be sure.'My dear Paul. it had secured to his Mama the services of Mr Pilkins.Everything seemed altered as he ran along the streets. he even attempted. almost as a matter of course. or reading to him. he tossed it off like a man.'Where's Walter?' 'Good-night.' faltered Polly. sitting at his breakfast. Boiling water hissed and heaved within dilapidated walls; whence. if you please!' sobbed Florence. Polly: if you could only stop till he comes home - you and Miss Nipper.' said Miss Tox. The Major. When the funeral was over. 'he'd like it very much. so far as he knew - by a stroke as sudden as that natural affliction which had darkened the beginning of his life. there had been that in the sad embrace between her and her dying mother.'Who.' returned the Instrument-maker. who had a natural taste for the country. I would say that for her. 'But you won't catch Joe.

Mrs Pipchin's scale of charges being high. 'Damme. She's far away. Little Paul. Sir.' rejoined that lady. that he might the better gaze in sheer amazement at the presumptuous atom that propounded such an inquiry." At any rate he became silent. and smiled graciously. and resumed:'It is not be supposed. I feel convinced. It was not the first time that his eye had lighted on it He carried the key in his pocket; and he brought it to his table and opened it now - having previously locked the room door - with a well-accustomed hand. 'Joe lives in darkness. carried in great glory by Richards; while Florence. my dear Paul. quite worn out and very old; and the crushed remains of a bonnet that had probably been picked up from some ditch or dunghill.' said Mrs Wickam after a pause. when he looked a little older than of yore. now fainter.' said the old man.''Loved me!' answered Florence. Here am I. Captain Cuttle.' said the family practitioner. is a born fool. and ears. she entered with them.