Dombeywasabouteight-and-fortyyearsofage。Sonabouteight-and-fortyminutes。Dombeywasratherbald，ratherred，andthoughahandsomewell-mademan，toosternandpompousinappearance，tobeprepossessing。Sonwasverybald，andveryred，andthough(ofcourse)anundeniablyfineinfant，somewhatcrushedandspottyinhisgeneraleffect，asyet。OnthebrowofDombey，TimeandhisbrotherCarehadsetsomemarks，asonatreethatwastocomedowningoodtime——remorselesstwinstheyareforstridingthroughtheirhumanforests，notchingastheygo——whilethecountenanceofSonwascrossedandrecrossedwithathousandlittlecreases，whichthesamedeceitfulTimewouldtakedelightinsmoothingoutandwearingawaywiththeflatpartofhisscythe，asapreparationofthesurfaceforhisdeeperoperations。
Dombey，exultinginthelong-looked-forevent，jingledandjingledtheheavygoldwatch-chainthatdependedfrombelowhistrimbluecoat，whereofthebuttonssparkledphosphorescentlyinthefeebleraysofthedistantfire。Son，withhislittlefistscurledupandclenched，seemed，inhisfeebleway，tobesquaringatexistenceforhavingcomeuponhimsounexpectedly。
`Thehousewillonceagain，Mrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，`benotonlyinnamebutinfactDombeyandSon；Dom-beyandSon！'
Thewordshadsuchasofteninginfluence，thatheappendedatermofendearmenttoMrs。Dombey'sname(thoughnotwithoutsomehesitation，asbeingamanbutlittleusedtothatformofaddress)：andsaid，`Mrs。
Dombey，my——mydear。'
Atransientflushoffaintsurpriseoverspreadthesicklady'sfaceassheraisedhereyestowardshim。
`HewillbechristenedPaul，my——Mrs。Dombey——ofcourse。'
Shefeeblyechoed，`Ofcourse，'orratherexpresseditbythemotionofherlips，andclosedhereyesagain。
`Hisfather'sname，Mrs。Dombey，andhisgrandfather's！Iwishhisgrandfatherwerealivethisday！'Andagainhesaid`Dom-beyandSon，'
inexactlythesametoneasbefore。
ThosethreewordsconveyedtheoneideaofMr。Dombey'slife。
TheearthwasmadeforDombeyandSontotradein，andthesunandmoonweremadetogivethemlight。Riversandseaswereformedtofloattheirships；rainbowsgavethempromiseoffairweather；windsblewfororagainsttheirenterprises；starsandplanetscircledintheirorbits，topreserveinviolateasystemofwhichtheywerethecentre。Commonabbreviationstooknewmeaningsinhiseyes，andhadsolereferencetothem：A。D。hadnoconcernwithannoDomini，butstoodforannoDombei——andSon。
Hehadrisen，ashisfatherhadbeforehim，inthecourseoflifeanddeath，fromSontoDombey，andfornearlytwentyyearshadbeenthesolerepresentativeofthefirm。Ofthoseyearshehadbeenmarried，ten——married，assomesaid，toaladywithnohearttogivehim；whosehappinesswasinthepast，andwhowascontenttobindherbrokenspirittothedutifulandmeekenduranceofthepresent。SuchidletalkwaslittlelikelytoreachtheearsofMr。Dombey，whomitnearlyconcerned；andprobablynooneintheworldwouldhavereceiveditwithsuchutterincredulityashe，ifithadreachedhim。DombeyandSonhadoftendealtinhides，butneverinhearts。Theyleftthatfancywaretoboysandgirls，andboarding-schoolsandbooks。Mr。Dombeywouldhavereasoned：Thatamatrimonialalliancewithhimselfmust，inthenatureofthings，begratifyingandhonourabletoanywomanofcommonsense。Thatthehopeofgivingbirthtoanewpartnerinsuchahouse，couldnotfailtoawakenagloriousandstirringambitioninthebreastoftheleastambitiousofhersex。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadenteredonthatsocialcontractofmatrimony：almostnecessarilypartofagenteelandwealthystation，evenwithoutreferencetotheperpetuationoffamilyfirms：withhereyesfullyopentotheseadvantages。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadhaddailypracticalknowledgeofhispositioninsociety。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadalwayssatattheheadofhistable，anddonethehonoursofhishouseinaremarkablylady-likeandbecomingmanner。ThatMrs。Dombeymusthavebeenhappy。Thatshecouldn'thelpit。
Or，atallevents，withonedrawback。Yes。Thathewouldhaveallowed。Withonlyone；butthatonecertainlyinvolvingmuch。Theyhadbeenmarriedtenyears，anduntilthispresentdayonwhichMr。Dombeysatjinglingandjinglinghisheavygoldwatch-chaininthegreatarm-chairbythesideofthebed，hadhadnoissue——
Tospeakof；noneworthmentioning。Therehadbeenagirlsomesixyearsbefore，andthechild，whohadstolenintothechamberunobserved，wasnowcrouchingtimidly，inacornerwhenceshecouldseehermother'sface。ButwhatwasagirltoDombeyandSon！InthecapitaloftheHouse'snameanddignity，suchachildwasmerelyapieceofbasecointhatcouldn'tbeinvested——abadBoy——nothingmore。
Mr。Dombey'scupofsatisfactionwassofullatthismoment，however，thathefelthecouldaffordadroportwoofitscontents，eventosprinkleonthedustintheby-pathofhislittledaughter。
Sohesaid，`Florence，youmaygoandlookatyourprettybrother，ifyoulike，Idaresay。Don'ttouchhim！'
Thechildglancedkeenlyatthebluecoatandstiffwhitecravat，which，withapairofcreakingbootsandaveryloudtickingwatch，embodiedherideaofafather；buthereyesreturnedtohermother'sfaceimmediately，andsheneithermovednoranswered。
Nextmoment，theladyhadopenedhereyesandseenthechild；
andthechildhadruntowardsher；and，standingontip-toe，thebettertohideherfaceinherembrace，hadclungaboutherwithadesperateaffectionverymuchatvariancewithheryears。
`OhLordblessme！'saidMr。Dombey，risingtestily。`Averyill-advisedandfeverishproceedingthis，Iamsure。IhadbetteraskDoctorPepsifhe'llhavethegoodnesstostepupstairsagainperhaps。I'llgodown。
I'llgodown。Ineedn'tbegyou，'headded，pausingforamomentatthesetteebeforethefire，`totakeparticularcareofthisyounggentleman，Mrs——'
`Blockitt，Sir？'suggestedthenurse，asimperingpieceoffadedgentility，whodidnotpresumetostatehernameasafact，butmerelyoffereditasamildsuggestion。
`Ofthisyounggentleman，Mrs。Blockitt。'
`No，Sir，indeed。IrememberwhenMissFlorencewasborn——'
`Ay，ay，ay，'saidMr。Dombey，bendingoverthebasketbedstead，andslightlybendinghisbrowsatthesametime。`MissFlorencewasallverywell，butthisisanothermatter。Thisyounggentlemanhastoaccomplishadestiny。Adestiny，littlefellow！'Ashethusapostrophisedtheinfantheraisedoneofhishandstohislips，andkissedit；then，seemingtofearthattheactioninvolvedsomecompromiseofhisdignity，went，awkwardlyenough，away。
DoctorParkerPeps，oneoftheCourtPhysicians，andamanofimmensereputationforassistingattheincreaseofgreatfamilies，waswalkingupanddownthedrawing-roomwithhishandsbehindhim，totheunspeakableadmirationofthefamilySurgeon，whohadregularlypuffedthecaseforthelastsixweeks，amongallhispatients，friends，andacquaintances，asonetowhichhewasinhourlyexpectationdayandnightofbeingsummoned，inconjunctionwithDoctorParkerPeps。
`Well，Sir，'saidDoctorParkerPepsinaround，deep，sonorousvoice，muffledfortheoccasion，liketheknocker；`doyoufindthatyourdearladyisatallrousedbyyourvisit？'
`Stimulatedasitwere？'saidthefamilypractitionerfaintly：
bowingatthesametimetotheDoctor，asmuchastosay，`Excusemyputtinginaword，butthisisavaluableconnexion。'
Mr。Dombeywasquitediscomfitedbythequestion。Hehadthoughtsolittleofthepatient，thathewasnotinaconditiontoanswerit。
Hesaidthatitwouldbeasatisfactiontohim，ifDoctorParkerPepswouldwalkupstairsagain。
`Good！Wemustnotdisguisefromyou，Sir，'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`thatthereisawantofpowerinHerGracetheDuchess——Ibegyourpardon；Iconfoundnames；Ishouldsay，inyouramiablelady。Thatthereisacertaindegreeoflanguor，andageneralabsenceofelasticity，whichwewouldrather——not——'
`See，'interposedthefamilypractitionerwithanotherinclinationofthehead。
`Quiteso，'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`whichwewouldrathernotsee。ItwouldappearthatthesystemofLadyCankaby——excuseme：IshouldsayofMrs。Dombey：Iconfusethenamesofcases——'
`Soverynumerous，'murmuredthefamilypractitioner——`can'tbeexpectedI'msure——quitewonderfulifotherwise——DoctorParkerPeps'sWest-Endpractice——'
`Thankyou，'saidtheDoctor，`quiteso。Itwouldappear，Iwasobserving，thatthesystemofourpatienthassustainedashock，fromwhichitcanonlyhopetorallybyagreatandstrong——'
`Andvigorous，'murmuredthefamilypractitioner。
`Quiteso，'assentedtheDoctor——`andvigorouseffort。Mr。Pilkinshere，whofromhispositionofmedicaladviserinthisfamily——noonebetterqualifiedtofillthatposition，Iamsure。'
`Oh！'murmuredthefamilypractitioner。`“PraisefromSirHubertStanley！”'
`Youaregoodenough，'returnedDoctorParkerPeps，`tosayso。
Mr。Pilkinswho，fromhisposition，isbestacquaintedwiththepatient'sconstitutioninitsnormalstate(anacquaintanceveryvaluabletousinformingouropinionsontheseoccasions)，isofopinion，withme，thatNaturemustbecalledupontomakeavigorouseffortinthisinstance；
andthatifourinterestingfriendtheCountessofDombey——Ibegyourpardon；Mrs。Dombey——shouldnotbe——'
`Able，'saidthefamilypractitioner。
`Tomakethateffortsuccessfully，'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`thenacrisismightarise，whichweshouldbothsincerelydeplore。'
Withthat，theystoodforafewsecondslookingattheground。
Then，onthemotion——madeindumbshow——ofDoctorParkerPeps，theywentupstairs；thefamilypractitioneropeningtheroomdoorforthatdistinguishedprofessional，andfollowinghimout，withmostobsequiouspoliteness。
TorecordofMr。Dombeythathewasnotinhiswayaffectedbythisintelligence，wouldbetodohimaninjustice。Hewasnotamanofwhomitcouldproperlybesaidthathewaseverstartledorshocked；buthecertainlyhadasensewithinhim，thatifhiswifeshouldsickenanddecay，hewouldbeverysorry，andthathewouldfindasomethinggonefromamonghisplateandfurniture，andotherhouseholdpossessions，whichwaswellworththehaving，andcouldnotbelostwithoutsincereregret。
Thoughitwouldbeacool，business-like，gentlemanly，self-possessedregret，nodoubt。
Hismeditationsonthesubjectweresooninterrupted，firstbytherustlingofgarmentsonthestaircase，andthenbythesuddenwhiskingintotheroomofaladyratherpastthemiddleagethanotherwise，butdressedinaveryjuvenilemanner，particularlyastothetightnessofherbodice，who，runninguptohimwithakindofscrewinherfaceandcarriage，expressiveofsuppressedemotion，flungherarmsroundhisneck，andsaidinachokingvoice，`MydearPaul！He'squiteaDombey！'
`Well，well！'returnedherbrother——forMr。Dombeywasherbrother——`I
thinkheislikethefamily。Don'tagitateyourself，Louisa。'
`It'sveryfoolishofme，'saidLouisa，sittingdown，andtakingoutherpocket-handkerchief，`buthe's——he'ssuchaperfectDombey！Ineversawanythinglikeitinmylife！'
`ButwhatisthisaboutFanny，herself？'saidMr。Dombey。`HowisFanny？'
`MydearPaul，'returnedLouisa，`it'snothingwhatever。Takemyword，it'snothingwhatever。Thereisexhaustion，certainly，butnothinglikewhatIunderwentmyself，eitherwithGeorgeorFrederick。Aneffortisnecessary。That'sall。IfdearFannywereaDombey！——ButIdaresayshe'llmakeit；Ihavenodoubtshe'llmakeit。Knowingittoberequiredofher，asaduty，ofcourseshe'llmakeit。MydearPaul，it'sveryweakandsillyofme，Iknow，tobesotremblyandshakyfromheadtofoot；
butIamsoveryqueerthatImustaskyouforaglassofwineandamorselofthatcake。IthoughtIshouldhavefallenoutofthestaircasewindowasIcamedownfromseeingdearFanny，andthattiddyicklesing。'Theselastwordsoriginatedinasuddenvividreminiscenceofthebaby。
Theyweresucceededbyagentletapatthedoor。
`Mrs。Chick，'saidaveryblandfemalevoiceoutside，`howareyounow，mydearfriend？'
`MydearPaul，'saidLouisainalowvoice，assherosefromherseat，`it'sMissTox。Thekindestcreature！Inevercouldhavegotherewithouther！MissTox，mybrotherMr。Dombey。Paul，mydear，myveryparticularfriendMissTox。'
Theladythusspeciallypresented，wasalongleanfigure，wearingsuchafadedairthatsheseemednottohavebeenmadeinwhatlinen-draperscall`fastcolours'originally，andtohave，bylittleandlittle，washedout。Butforthisshemighthavebeendescribedastheverypinkofgeneralpropitiationandpoliteness。Fromalonghabitoflisteningadmirablytoeverythingthatwassaidinherpresence，andlookingatthespeakersasifshewerementallyengagedintakingoffimpressionsoftheirimagesuponhersoul，nevertopartwiththesamebutwithlife，herheadhadquitesettledononeside。Herhandshadcontractedaspasmodichabitofraisingthemselvesoftheirownaccordasininvoluntaryadmiration。Hereyeswereliabletoasimilaraffection。Shehadthesoftestvoicethateverwasheard；andhernose，stupendouslyaquiline，hadalittleknobintheverycentreorkey-stoneofthebridge，whenceittendeddownwardstowardsherface，asinaninvincibledeterminationnevertoturnupatanything。
MissTox'sdress，thoughperfectlygenteelandgood，hadacertaincharacterofangularityandscantiness。Shewasaccustomedtowearoddweedylittleflowersinherbonnetsandcaps。Strangegrassesweresometimesperceivedinherhair；anditwasobservedbythecurious，ofallhercollars，frills，tuckers，wristbands，andothergossamerarticles——indeedofeverythingsheworewhichhadtwoendstoitintendedtounite——thatthetwoendswereneverongoodterms，andwouldn'tquitemeetwithoutastruggle。Shehadfurryarticlesforwinterwear，astippets，boas，andmuffs，whichstooduponendinarampantmanner，andwerenotatallsleek。Shewasmuchgiventothecarryingaboutofsmallbagswithsnapstothem，thatwentofflikelittlepistolswhentheywereshutup；andwhenfull-dressed，sheworeroundherneckthebarrenestoflockets，representingafishyoldeye，withnoapproachtospeculationinit。Theseandotherappearancesofasimilarnature，hadservedtopropagatetheopinion，thatMissToxwasaladyofwhatiscalledalimitedindependence，whichsheturnedtothebestaccount。Possiblyhermincinggaitencouragedthebelief，andsuggestedthatherclippingastepofordinarycompassintotwoorthree，originatedinherhabitofmakingthemostofeverything。
`Iamsure，'saidMissTox，withaprodigiouscurtsey，`thattohavethehonourofbeingpresentedtoMr。DombeyisadistinctionwhichIhavelongsought，butverylittleexpectedatthepresentmoment。MydearMrs。Chick——mayIsayLouisa！'
Mrs。ChicktookMissTox'shandinhers，restedthefootofherwine-glassuponit，repressedatear，andsaidinalowvoice`Blessyou！'
`MydearLouisathen，'saidMissTox，`mysweetfriend，howareyounow？'
`Better，'Mrs。Chickreturned。`Takesomewine。YouhavebeenalmostasanxiousasIhavebeen，andmustwantit，Iamsure。'
Mr。Dombeyofcourseofficiated。
`MissTox，Paul，'pursuedMrs。Chick，stillretainingherhand，`knowinghowmuchIhavebeeninterestedintheanticipationoftheeventofto-day，hasbeenworkingatalittlegiftforFanny，whichIpromisedtopresent。Itisonlyapin-cushionforthetoilettetable，Paul，butIdosay，andwillsay，andmustsay，thatMissToxhasveryprettilyadaptedthesentimenttotheoccasion。Icall`WelcomelittleDombey'Poetry，myself！'
`Isthatthedevice？'inquiredherbrother。
`Thatisthedevice，'returnedLouisa。
`Butdomethejusticetoremember，mydearLouisa，'saidMissToxinatoneoflowandearnestentreaty，`thatnothingbutthe——Ihavesomedifficultyinexpressingmyself——thedubiousnessoftheresultwouldhaveinducedmetotakesogreataliberty：“Welcome，MasterDombey，“wouldhavebeenmuchmorecongenialtomyfeelings，asIamsureyouknow。Buttheuncertaintyattendantonangelicstrangers，will，Ihope，excusewhatmustotherwiseappearanunwarrantablefamiliarity。'MissToxmadeagracefulbendasshespoke，infavourofMr。Dombey，whichthatgentlemangraciouslyacknowledged。EventhesortofrecognitionofDombeyandSon，conveyedintheforegoingconversation，wassopalatabletohim，thathissister，Mrs。Chick——thoughheaffectedtoconsiderheraweakgood-naturedperson——hadperhapsmoreinfluenceoverhimthananybodyelse。
`Well'saidMrs。Chick，withasweetsmile，`afterthis，IforgiveFannyeverything！'
ItwasadeclarationinaChristianspirit，andMrs。Chickfeltthatitdidhergood。Notthatshehadanythingparticulartoforgiveinhersister-in-law，norindeedanythingatall，exceptherhavingmarriedherbrother——initselfaspeciesofaudacity——andherhaving，inthecourseofevents，givenbirthtoagirlinsteadofaboy：which，asMrs。Chickhadfrequentlyobserved，wasnotquitewhatshehadexpectedofher，andwasnotapleasantreturnforalltheattentionanddistinctionshehadmetwith。
Mr。Dombeybeinghastilysummonedoutoftheroomatthismoment，thetwoladieswereleftalonetogether。MissToximmediatelybecamespasmodic。
`Iknewyouwouldadmiremybrother。Itoldyousobefore-hand，mydear，'saidLouisa。
MissTox'shandsandeyesexpressedhowmuch。
`Andastohisproperty，mydear！'
`Ah！'saidMissTox，withdeepfeeling。
`Im——mense！'
`Buthisdeportment，mydearLouisa！'saidMissTox。`Hispresence！
Hisdignity！NoportraitthatIhaveeverseenofanyonehasbeenhalfsorepletewiththosequalities。Somethingsostately，youknow：souncompromising：
soverywideacrossthechest：soupright！ApecuniaryDukeofYork，mylove，andnothingshortofit！'saidMissTox。`That'swhatIshoulddesignatehim。'
`Why，mydearPaul！'exclaimedhissister，ashereturned，`youlookquitepale！There'snothingthematter？'
`Iamsorrytosay，Louisa，thattheytellmethatFanny——'
`Now，mydearPaul，'returnedhissisterrising，`don'tbelieveit。Ifyouhaveanyrelianceonmyexperience，Paul，youmayrestassuredthatthereisnothingwantingbutaneffortonFanny'spart。Andthateffort，'
shecontinued，takingoffherbonnet，andadjustinghercapandgloves，inabusiness-likemanner，`shemustbeencouraged，andreally，ifnecessary，urgedtomake。Now，mydearPaul，comeupstairswithme。'
Mr。Dombey，who，besidesbeinggenerallyinfluencedbyhissisterforthereasonalreadymentioned，hadreallyfaithinherasanexperiencedandbustlingmatron，acquiesced：andfollowedher，atonce，tothesickchamber。
Theladylayuponherbedashehadlefther，claspingherlittledaughtertoherbreast。Thechildclungcloseabouther，withthesameintensityasbefore，andneverraisedherhead，ormovedhersoftcheekfromhermother'sface，orlookedonthosewhostoodaround，orspoke，ormoved，orshedatear。
`Restlesswithoutthelittlegirl，'theDoctorwhisperedMr。Dombey。
`Wefounditbesttohaveherinagain。'
Therewassuchasolemnstillnessroundthebed；andthetwomedicalattendantsseemedtolookontheimpassiveformwithsomuchcompassionandsolittlehope，thatMrs。Chickwasforthemomentdivertedfromherpurpose。Butpresentlysummoningcourage，andwhatshecalledpresenceofmind，shesatdownbythebedside，andsaidinthelowprecisetoneofonewhoendeavourstoawakenasleeper：
`Fanny！Fanny！'
TherewasnosoundinanswerbuttheloudtickingofMr。Dombey'swatchandDoctorParkerPeps'swatch，whichseemedinthesilencetoberunningarace。
`Fanny，mydear，'saidMrs。Chick，withassumedlightness，`here'sMr。Dombeycometoseeyou。Won'tyouspeaktohim？Theywanttolayyourlittleboy——thebaby，Fanny，youknow；youhavehardlyseenhimyet，I
think——inbed；buttheycan'ttillyourouseyourselfalittle。Don'tyouthinkit'stimeyourousedyourselfalittle？Eh？'
Shebenthereartothebed，andlistened：atthesametimelookingroundatthebystanders，andholdingupherfinger。
`Eh？'sherepeated，`whatwasityousaid，Fanny？Ididn'thearyou。'
Nowordorsoundinanswer。Mr。Dombey'swatchandDr。ParkerPeps'swatchseemedtoberacingfaster。
`Now，really，Fannymydear，'saidthesister-in-law，alteringherposition，andspeakinglessconfidently，andmoreearnestly，inspiteofherself，`Ishallhavetobequitecrosswithyou，ifyoudon'trouseyourself。It'snecessaryforyoutomakeaneffort，andperhapsaverygreatandpainfuleffortwhichyouarenotdisposedtomake；butthisisaworldofeffortyouknow，Fanny，andwemustneveryield，whensomuchdependsuponus。Come！Try！Imustreallyscoldyouifyoudon't！'
Theraceintheensuingpausewasfierceandfurious。Thewatchesseemedtojostle，andtotripeachotherup。
`Fanny！'saidLouisa，glancinground，withagatheringalarm。
`Onlylookatme。Onlyopenyoureyestoshowmethatyouhearandunderstandme；willyou？GoodHeaven，gentlemen，whatistobedone！'
Thetwomedicalattendantsexchangedalookacrossthebed；andthePhysician，stoopingdown，whisperedinthechild'sear。Nothavingunderstoodthepurportofhiswhisper，thelittlecreatureturnedherperfectlycolourlessface，anddeepdarkeyestowardshim；butwithoutlooseningherholdintheleast。
Thewhisperwasrepeated。
`Mama！'saidthechild。
Thelittlevoice，familiaranddearlyloved，awakenedsomeshowofconsciousness，evenatthatebb。Foramoment，theclosedeye-lidstrembled，andthenostrilquivered，andthefaintestshadowofasmilewasseen。
`Mama！'criedthechildsobbingaloud。`OhdearMama！ohdearMama！'
TheDoctorgentlybrushedthescatteredringletsofthechild，asidefromthefaceandmouthofthemother。Alashowcalmtheylaythere；
howlittlebreaththerewastostirthem！
Thus，clingingfasttothatslightsparwithinherarms，themotherdriftedoutuponthedarkandunknownseathatrollsroundalltheworld。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DombeyandSon：Chapter2[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIInwhichTimelyProvisionismadeforanEmergencythatwillsometimesariseinthebest-regulatedFamilies`ISHALLneverceasetocongratulatemyself，'saidMrs。Chick，`onhavingsaid，whenIlittlethoughtwhatwasinstoreforus，——reallyasifIwasinspiredbysomething，——thatIforgavepoordearFannyeverything。Whateverhappens，thatmustalwaysbeacomforttome！'
Mrs。Chickmadethisimpressiveobservationinthedrawing-room，afterhavingdescendedthitherfromtheinspectionoftheMantua-Makersupstairs，whowerebusyonthefamilymourning。ShedelivereditforthebehoofofMr。Chick，whowasastoutbaldgentleman，withaverylargeface，andhishandscontinuallyinhispockets，andwhohadatendencyinhisnaturetowhistleandhumtunes，which，sensibleoftheindecorumofsuchsoundsinahouseofgrief，hewasatsomepainstorepressatpresent。
`Don'tyouover-exertyourself，Loo，'saidMr。Chick，`oryou'llbelaidupwithspasms，Isee。Righttolloorrul！Blessmysoul，Iforgot！
We'rehereonedayandgonethenext！'
Mrs。Chickcontentedherselfwithaglanceofreproof，andthenproceededwiththethreadofherdiscourse。
`Iamsure，'shesaid，`Ihopethisheart-rendingoccurrencewillbeawarningtoallofus，toaccustomourselvestorouseourselves，andtomakeeffortsintimewherethey'rerequiredofus。There'samoralineverything，ifwewouldonlyavailourselvesofit。Itwillbeourownfaultsifwelosesightofthisone。'
Mr。Chickinvadedthegravesilencewhichensuedonthisremarkwiththesingularlyinappropriateairof`Acobblertherewas；'andcheckinghimself，insomeconfusion，observed，thatitwasundoubtedlyourownfaultsifwedidn'timprovesuchmelancholyoccasionsasthepresent。
`Whichmightbebetterimproved，Ishouldthink，Mr。C。，'retortedhishelpmate，afterashortpause，`thanbytheintroduction，eitherofthecollegehornpipe，ortheequallyunmeaningandunfeelingremarkofrump-te-iddity，bow-wow-wow！'——whichMr。Chickhadindeedindulgedinunderhisbreath，andwhichMrs。Chickrepeatedinatoneofwitheringscorn。
`Merelyhabit，mydear，'pleadedMr。Chick。
`Nonsense！Habit！'returnedhiswife。`Ifyou'rearationalbeing，don'tmakesuchridiculousexcuses。Habit！IfIwastogetahabit(asyoucallit)ofwalkingontheceiling，liketheflies，Ishouldhearenoughofit，Idaresay。'
Itappearedsoprobablethatsuchahabitmightbeattendedwithsomedegreeofnotoriety，thatMr。Chickdidn'tventuretodisputetheposition。
`How'stheBaby，Loo？'askedMr。Chick：tochangethesubject。
`WhatBabydoyoumean？'answeredMrs。Chick。`IamsurethemorningIhavehad，withthatdining-roomdownstairsonemassofbabies，nooneintheirsenseswouldbelieve。'
`Onemassofbabies！'repeatedMr。Chick，staringwithanalarmedexpressionabouthim。
`Itwouldhaveoccurredtomostmen，'saidMrs。Chick，`thatpoordearFannybeingnomore，itbecomesnecessarytoprovideaNurse。'
`Oh！Ah！'saidMr。Chick。`Toor-rul——suchislife，Imean。Ihopeyouaresuited，mydear。'
`IndeedIamnot，'saidMrs。Chick；`norlikelytobe，sofarasIcansee。Meanwhile，ofcourse，thechildis——'
`GoingtotheveryDeuce，'saidMr。Chick，thoughtfully，`tobesure。'
Admonished，however，thathehadcommittedhimself，bytheindignationexpressedinMrs。Chick'scountenanceattheideaofaDombeygoingthere；
andthinkingtoatoneforhismisconductbyabrightsuggestion，headded：
`Couldn'tsomethingtemporarybedonewithateapot？'
Ifhehadmeanttobringthesubjectprematurelytoaclose，hecouldnothavedoneitmoreeffectually。Afterlookingathimforsomemomentsinsilentresignation，Mrs。Chickwalkedmajesticallytothewindowandpeepedthroughtheblind，attractedbythesoundofwheels。Mr。Chick，findingthathisdestinywas，forthetime，againsthim，saidnomore，andwalkedoff。ButitwasnotalwaysthuswithMr。Chick。Hewasoftenintheascendanthimself，andatthosetimespunishedLouisaroundly。Intheirmatrimonialbickeringstheywere，uponthewhole，awell-matched，fairly-balanced，give-and-takecouple。Itwouldhavebeen，generallyspeaking，verydifficulttohavebettedonthewinner。OftenwhenMr。Chickseemedbeaten，hewouldsuddenlymakeastart，turnthetables，clatterthemabouttheearsofMrs。Chick，andcarryallbeforehim。BeingliablehimselftosimilarunlookedforchecksfromMrs。Chick，theirlittlecontestsusuallypossessedacharacterofuncertaintythatwasveryanimating。
MissToxhadarrivedonthewheelsjustnowalludedto，andcamerunningintotheroominabreathlesscondition。
`MydearLouisa，'saidMissTox，`isthevacancystillunsupplied？'
`Yougoodsoul，yes，'saidMrs。Chick。
`Then，mydearLouisa，'returnedMissTox，`Ihopeandbelieve——butinonemoment，mydear，I'llintroducetheparty。'
Runningdownstairsagainasfastasshehadrunup，MissToxgotthepartyoutofthehackney-coach，andsoonreturnedwithitunderconvoy。
Itthenappearedthatshehadusedtheword，notinitslegalorbusinessacceptation，whenitmerelyexpressesanindividual，butasanounofmultitude，orsignifyingmany：forMissToxescortedaplumprosy-cheekedwholesomeapple-facedyoungwoman，withaninfantinherarms；
ayoungerwomannotsoplump，butapple-facedalso，wholedaplumpandapple-facedchildineachhand；anotherplumpandalsoapple-facedboywhowalkedbyhimself；andfinally，aplumpandapple-facedman，whocarriedinhisarmsanotherplumpandapple-facedboy，whomhestooddownonthefloor，andadmonished，inahuskywhisper，to`kitchholdofhisbrotherJohnny。'
`MydearLouisa，'saidMissTox，`knowingyourgreatanxiety，andwishingtorelieveit，IpostedoffmyselftotheQueenCharlotte'sRoyalMarriedFemales，whichyouhadforgot，andputthequestion，Wasthereanybodytherethattheythoughtwouldsuit？No，theysaidtherewasnot。Whentheygavemethatanswer，Idoassureyou，mydear，Iwasalmostdriventodespaironyouraccount。Butitdidsohappen，thatoneoftheRoyalMarriedFemales，hearingtheinquiry，remindedthematronofanotherwhohadgonetoherownhome，andwho，shesaid，wouldinalllikelihoodbemostsatisfactory。ThemomentIheardthis，andhaditcorroboratedbythematron——excellentreferencesandunimpeachablecharacter——Igottheaddress，mydear，andpostedoffagain。'
`LikethedeargoodTox，youare！'saidLouisa。
`Notatall，'returnedMissTox。`Don'tsayso。Arrivingatthehouse(thecleanestplace，mydear！Youmighteatyourdinneroffthefloor)，Ifoundthewholefamilysittingattable；andfeelingthatnoaccountofthemcouldbehalfsocomfortabletoyouandMr。Dombeyasthesightofthemalltogether，Ibroughtthemallaway。Thisgentleman，'saidMissTox，pointingouttheapple-facedman，`isthefather。Willyouhavethegoodnesstocomealittleforward，Sir？'
Theapple-facedmanhavingsheepishlycompliedwiththisrequest，stoodchucklingandgrinninginafrontrow。
`Thisishiswife，ofcourse，'saidMissTox，singlingouttheyoungwomanwiththebaby。`Howdoyoudo，Polly？'
`I'mprettywell，Ithankyou，Ma'am，'saidPolly。
Bywayofbringingheroutdexterously，MissToxhadmadetheinquiryasincondescensiontoanoldacquaintancewhomshehadn'tseenforafortnightorso。
`I，mgladtohearit，'saidMissTox。`Theotheryoungwomanisherunmarriedsisterwholiveswiththem，andwouldtakecareofherchildren。Hername'sJemima。Howdoyoudo，Jemima？'
`I'mprettywell，Ithankyou，Ma'am，'returnedJemima。
`I'mverygladindeedtohearit，'saidMissTox。`Ihopeyou'llkeepso。Fivechildren。Youngestsixweeks。Thefinelittleboywiththeblisteronhisnoseistheeldest。Theblister，Ibelieve，'saidMissTox，lookingrounduponthefamily，`isnotconstitutional，butaccidental？'
Theapple-facedmanwasunderstoodtogrowl，`Flatiron。'
`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，'saidMissTox，`didyou？——'
`Flatiron，'herepeated。
`Ohyes，'saidMissTox。`Yes！quitetrue。Iforgot。Thelittlecreature，inhismother'sabsence，smeltawarmflatiron。You'requiteright，Sir。Youweregoingtohavethegoodnesstoinformme，whenwearrivedatthedoorthatyouwerebytrade，a——'
`Stoker，'saidtheman。
`Achoker！'saidMissTox，quiteaghast。
`Stoker，'saidtheman。`Streamingine。'
`Oh-h！Yes！'returnedMissTox，lookingthoughtfullyathim，andseemingstilltohavebutaveryimperfectunderstandingofhismeaning。
`Andhowdoyoulikeit，Sir？'
`Which，Mum？'saidtheman。
`That，'repliedMissTox。`Yourtrade。'
`Oh！Prettywell，Mum。Theashessometimesgetsinhere；'touchinghischest：`andmakesamanspeakgruff，asatthepresenttime。Butitisashes，Mum，notcrustiness。'
MissToxseemedtobesolittleenlightenedbythisreply，astofindadifficultyinpursuingthesubject。ButMrs。Chickrelievedher，byenteringintoacloseprivateexaminationofPolly，herchildren，hermarriagecertificate，testimonials，andsoforth。Pollycomingoutunscathedfromthisordeal，Mrs。Chickwithdrewwithherreporttoherbrother'sroom，andasanemphaticcommentonit，andcorroborationofit，carriedthetworosiestlittleToodleswithher，Toodlebeingthefamilynameoftheapple-facedfamily。
Mr。Dombeyhadremainedinhisownapartmentsincethedeathofhiswife，absorbedinvisionsoftheyouth，education，anddestinationofhisbabyson。Somethinglayatthebottomofhiscoolheart，colderandheavierthanitsordinaryload；butitwasmoreasenseofthechild'slossthanhisown，awakeningwithinhimanalmostangrysorrow。Thatthelifeandprogressonwhichhebuiltsuchhopes，shouldbeendangeredintheoutsetbysomeanawant；thatDombeyandSonshouldbetotteringforanurse，wasasorehumiliation。Andyetinhisprideandjealousy，heviewedwithsomuchbitternessthethoughtofbeingdependentfortheveryfirststeptowardstheaccomplishmentofhissoul'sdesire，onahiredserving-womanwhowouldbetothechild，forthetime，allthatevenhisalliancecouldhavemadehisownwife，thatineverynewrejectionofacandidatehefeltasecretpleasure。Thetimehadnowcome，however，whenhecouldnolongerbedividedbetweenthesetwosetsoffeelings。Thelessso，asthereseemedtobenoflawinthetitleofPollyToodleafterhissisterhadsetitforth，withmanycommendationsontheindefatigablefriendshipofMissTox。
`Thesechildrenlookhealthy，'saidMr。Dombey。`ButtothinkoftheirsomedayclaimingasortofrelationshiptoPaul！Takethemaway，Louisa！Letmeseethiswomanandherhusband。'
Mrs。ChickboreoffthetenderpairofToodles，andpresentlyreturnedwiththattoughercouplewhosepresenceherbrotherhadcommanded。
`Mygoodwoman，'saidMr。Dombey，turningroundinhiseasychair，asonepiece，andnotasamanwithlimbsandjoints，`Iunderstandyouarepoor，andwishtoearnmoneybynursingthelittleboy，myson，whohasbeensoprematurelydeprivedofwhatcanneverbereplaced。Ihavenoobjectiontoyouraddingtothecomfortsofyourfamilybythatmeans。
SofarasIcantell，youseemtobeadeservingobject。ButImustimposeoneortwoconditionsonyou，beforeyouentermyhouseinthatcapacity。
whileyouarehere，Imuststipulatethatyouarealwaysknownas——sayasRichards——anordinaryname，andconvenient。HaveyouanyobjectiontobeknownasRichards？Youhadbetterconsultyourhusband。'
Asthehusbanddidnothingbutchuckleandgrin，andcontinuallydrawhisrighthandacrosshismouth，moisteningthepalm，Mrs。Toodle，afternudginghimtwiceorthriceinvain，droppedacurtseyandreplied`thatperhapsifshewastobecalledoutofhername，itwouldbeconsideredinthewages。'
`Oh，ofcourse，'saidMr。Dombey。`Idesiretomakeitaquestionofwages，altogether。Now，Richards，ifyounursemybereavedchild，I
wishyoutorememberthisalways。Youwillreceivealiberalstipendinreturnforthedischargeofcertainduties，intheperformanceofwhich，Iwishyoutoseeaslittleofyourfamilyaspossible。Whenthosedutiesceasetoberequiredandrendered，andthestipendceasestobepaid，thereisanendofallrelationsbetweenus。Doyouunderstandme？'
Mrs。Toodleseemeddoubtfulaboutit；andastoToodlehimself，hehadevidentlynodoubtwhatever，thathewasallabroad。
`Youhavechildrenofyourown，'saidMr。Dombey。`Itisnotatallinthisbargainthatyouneedbecomeattachedtomychild，orthatmychildneedbecomeattachedtoyou。Idon'texpectordesireanythingofthekind。Quitethereverse。Whenyougoawayfromhere，youwillhaveconcludedwhatisamerematterofbargainandsale，hiringandletting：
andwillstayaway。Thechildwillceasetorememberyou；andyouwillcease，ifyouplease，torememberthechild。'
Mrs。Toodle，withalittlemorecolourinhercheeksthanshehadhadbefore，said`shehopedsheknewherplace。'
`Ihopeyoudo，Richards，'saidMr。Dombey。`Ihavenodoubtyouknowitverywell。Indeeditissoplainandobviousthatitcouldhardlybeotherwise。Louisa，mydear，arrangewithRichardsaboutmoney，andletherhaveitwhenandhowshepleases。Mr。what's-yourname，awordwithyou，ifyouplease！'
Thusarrestedonthethresholdashewasfollowinghiswifeoutoftheroom，ToodlereturnedandconfrontedMr。Dombeyalone。Hewasastrong，loose，round-shouldered，shuffling，shaggyfellow，onwhomhisclothessatnegligently：withagooddealofhairandwhisker，deepenedinitsnaturaltint，perhapsbysmokeandcoal-dust：hardknottyhands：
andasquareforehead，ascoarseingrainasthebarkofanoak。AthoroughcontrastinallrespectstoMr。Dombey，whowasoneofthoseclose-shavedclose-cutmoneyedgentlemenwhoareglossyandcrisplikenewbank-notes，andwhoseemtobeartificiallybracedandtightenedasbythestimulatingactionofgoldenshower-baths。
`Youhaveason，Ibelieve？'saidMr。Dombey。
`Fouron'em，Sir。Fourhimsandaher。Allalive！'
`Why，it'sasmuchasyoucanaffordtokeepthem！'saidMr。Dombey。
`Icouldn'thardlyaffordbutonethingintheworldless，Sir。'
`Whatisthat？'
`Tolose'em，Sir。'
`Canyouread？'askedMr。Dombey。
`Why，notpartick'ler，Sir。'
`Write？'
`Withchalk，Sir？'
`Withanything？'
`Icouldmakeshifttochalkalittlebit，Ithink，ifIwasputtoit，'saidToodleaftersomereflection。
`Andyet，'saidMr。Dombey，`youaretwoorthreeandthirty，Isuppose？'
`Thereabouts，Isuppose，Sir，'answeredToodle，aftermorereflection。
`Thenwhydon'tyoulearn？'askedMr。Dombey。
`SoI'magoingto，Sir。Oneofmylittleboysisagoingtolearnme，whenhe'soldenough，andbeentoschoolhimself。'
`Well，'saidMr。Dombey，afterlookingathimattentively，andwithnogreatfavour，ashestoodgazingroundtheroom(principallyroundtheceiling)andstilldrawinghishandacrossandacrosshismouth。`YouheardwhatIsaidtoyourwifejustnow？'
`Pollyheerdit，'saidToodle，jerkinghishatoverhisshoulderinthedirectionofthedoor，withanairofperfectconfidenceinhisbetterhalf。`It'sallright。'
`Asyouappeartoleaveeverythingtoher，'saidMr。Dombey，frustratedinhisintentionofimpressinghisviewsstillmoredistinctlyonthehusband，asthestrongercharacter，`Isupposeitisofnousemysayinganythingtoyou。'
`Notabit，'saidToodle。`Pollyheerdit。She'sawake，Sir。'
`Iwon'tdetainyouanylongerthen，'returnedMr。Dombeydisappointed。
`Wherehaveyouworkedallyourlife？'
`Mostlyunderground，Sir，'tillIgotmarried。Icometothelevelthen。I'magoingononeofthesehererailroadswhentheycomesintofullplay。'
Asthelaststrawbreakstheladencamel'sback，thispieceofundergroundinformationcrushedthesinkingspiritsofMr。Dombey。Hemotionedhischild'sfoster-fathertothedoor，whodepartedbynomeansunwillingly：
andthenturningthekey，pacedupanddowntheroominsolitarywretchedness。
Forallhisstarched，impenetrabledignityandcomposure，hewipedblindingtearsfromhiseyesashedidso；andoftensaid，withanemotionofwhichhewouldnot，fortheworld，havehadawitness，`Poorlittlefellow！'
ItmayhavebeencharacteristicofMr。Dombey'spride，thathepitiedhimselfthroughthechild。Notpoorme。Notpoorwidower，confidingbyconstraintinthewifeofanignorantHindwhohasbeenworking`mostlyunderground'allhislife，andyetatwhosedoorDeathhadneverknocked，andatwhosepoortablefoursonsdailysit——butpoorlittlefellow！
Thosewordsbeingonhislips，itoccurredtohim——anditisaninstanceofthestrongattractionwithwhichhishopesandfearsandallhisthoughtsweretendingtoonecentre——thatagreattemptationwasbeingplacedinthiswoman'sway。Herinfantwasaboytoo。Now，woulditbepossibleforhertochangethem？
Thoughhewassoonsatisfiedthathehaddismissedtheideaasromanticandunlikely——thoughpossible，therewasnodenying——hecouldnothelppursuingitsofarastoentertainwithinhimselfapictureofwhathisconditionwouldbe，ifheshoulddiscoversuchanimposturewhenhewasgrownold。Whetheramansosituated，wouldbeabletopluckawaytheresultofsomanyyearsofusage，confidence，andbelief，fromtheimpostor，andendowastrangerwithit？
Ashisunusualemotionsubsided，thesemisgivingsgraduallymeltedaway，thoughsomuchoftheirshadowremainedbehind，thathewasconstantinhisresolutiontolookcloselyafterRichardshimself，withoutappearingtodoso。Beingnowinaneasierframeofmind，heregardedthewoman'sstationasratheranadvantageouscircumstancethanotherwise，byplacing，initself，abroaddistancebetweenherandthechild，andrenderingtheirseparationeasyandnatural。
MeanwhiletermswereratifiedandagreeduponbetweenMrs。ChickandRichards，withtheassistanceofMissTox；andRichardsbeingwithmuchceremonyinvestedwiththeDombeybaby，asifitwereanOrder，resignedherown，withmanytearsandkisses，toJemima。Glassesofwinewerethenproduced，tosustainthedroopingspiritsofthefamily。
`You'lltakeaglassyourself，Sir，won'tyou？'saidMissTox，asToodleappeared。
`Thankee，Mum，'saidToodle，`sinceyouaresuppressing。'
`Andyou'reverygladtoleaveyourdeargoodwifeinsuchacomfortablehome，ain'tyou，Sir？'saidMissTox，noddingandwinkingathimstealthily。
`No，Mum，'saidToodle。`Here'swishingofherbackagin。'
Pollycriedmorethaneveratthis。SoMrs。Chick，whohadhermatronlyapprehensionsthatthisindulgenceingriefmightbeprejudicialtothelittleDombey(`acid，indeed，'shewhisperedMissTox)，hastenedtotherescue。
`YourlittlechildwillthrivecharminglywithyoursisterJemima，Richards，'saidMrs。Chick；`andyouhaveonlytomakeaneffort——thisisaworldofeffort，youknow，Richards——tobeveryhappyindeed。Youhavebeenalreadymeasuredforyourmourning，haven'tyou，Richards？'
`Ye——es，Ma'am，'sobbedPolly。
`Andit'llfitbeautifully。Iknow，'saidMrs。Chick，`forthesameyoungpersonhasmadememanydresses。Theverybestmaterials，too！'
`Lor，you'llbesosmart，'saidMissTox，`thatyourhusbandwon'tknowyou；willyou，Sir？'
`Ishouldknowher，'saidToodle，gruffly，`anyhowsandanywheres。'
Toodlewasevidentlynottobeboughtover。
`Astoliving，Richards，youknow，'pursuedMrs。Chick，`whytheverybestofeverythingwillbeatyourdisposal。Youwillorderyourlittledinnereveryday；andanythingyoutakeafancyto，I'msurewillbeasreadilyprovidedasifyouwereaLady。'
`Yes，tobesure！'saidMissTox，keepinguptheballwithgreatsympathy。`Andastoporter！——quiteunlimited，willitnot，Louisa？'
`Oh，certainly！'returnedMrs。Chickinthesametone。`Withalittleabstinence，youknow，mydear，inpointofvegetables。'
`Andpickles，perhaps，'suggestedMissTox。
`Withsuchexceptions，'saidLouisa，`she'llconsultherchoiceentirely，andbeundernorestraintatall，mylove。'
`Andthen，ofcourse，youknow，'saidMissTox，`howeverfondsheisofherowndearlittlechild——andI'msure，Louisa，youdon'tblameherforbeingfondofit？'
`Ohno！'criedMrs。Chick，benignantly。
`Still，'resumedMissTox，`shenaturallymustbeinterestedinheryoungcharge，andmustconsideritaprivilegetoseealittlecherubcloselyconnectedwiththesuperiorclasses，graduallyunfoldingitselffromdaytodayatonecommonfountain。Isitnotso，Louisa？'
`Mostundoubtedly！'saidMrs。Chick。`Yousee，mylove，she'salreadyquitecontentedandcomfortable，andmeanstosaygood-byetohersisterJemimaandherlittlepets，andhergoodhonesthusband，withalightheartandasmile；don'tshe，mydear！'
`Ohyes！'criedMissTox。`Tobesureshedoes！'
Notwithstandingwhich，however，poorPollyembracedthemallroundingreatdistress，andfinallyranawaytoavoidanymoreparticularleave-takingbetweenherselfandthechildren。Butthestratagemhardlysucceededaswellasitdeserved；forthesmallestboybutonediviningherintent，immediatelybeganswarmingupstairsafterher——ifthatwordofdoubtfuletymologybeadmissible——onhisarmsandlegs；whiletheeldest(knowninthefamilybythenameofBiler，inremembranceofthesteamengine)
beatademoniacaltattoowithhisboots，expressiveofgrief；inwhichhewasjoinedbytherestofthefamily。
AquantityoforangesandhalfpencethrustindiscriminatelyoneachyoungToodle，checkedthefirstviolenceoftheirregret，andthefamilywerespeedilytransportedtotheirownhome，bymeansofthehackney-coachkeptinwaitingforthatpurpose。Thechildren，undertheguardianshipofJemima，blockedupthewindow，anddroppedoutorangesandhalfpenceallthewayalong。Mr。Toodlehimselfpreferredtoridebehindamongthespikes，asbeingthemodeofconveyancetowhichhewasbestaccustomed。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter3[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIIInwhichMr。Dombey，asaManandaFather，isseenattheHeadoftheHome-DepartmentTHEfuneralofthedeceasedladyhavingbeen`performed'totheentiresatisfactionoftheundertaker，aswellasoftheneighbourhoodatlarge，whichisgenerallydisposedtobecaptiousonsuchapoint，andispronetotakeoffenceatanyomissionsorshort-comingsintheceremonies，thevariousmembersofMr。Dombey'shouseholdsubsidedintotheirseveralplacesinthedomesticsystem。Thatsmallworld，likethegreatoneoutofdoors，hadthecapacityofeasilyforgettingitsdead；andwhenthecookhadsaidshewasaquiet-temperedlady，andthehouse-keeperhadsaiditwasthecommonlot，andthebutlerhadsaidwho'dhavethoughtit，andthehousemaidhadsaidshecouldn'thardlybelieveit，andthefootmanhadsaiditseemedexactlylikeadream，theyhadquitewornthesubjectout，andbegantothinktheirmourningwaswearingrustytoo。
OnRichards，whowasestablishedupstairsinastateofhonourablecaptivity，thedawnofhernewlifeseemedtobreakcoldandgrey。Mr。
Dombey'shousewasalargeone，ontheshadysideofatall，dark，dreadfullygenteelstreetintheregionbetweenPortlandPlaceandBryanstoneSquare。
Itwasacornerhouse，withgreatwideareascontainingcellarsfrowneduponbybarredwindow，andleeredatbycrooked-eyeddoorsleadingtodustbins。
Itwasahouseofdismalstate，withacircularbacktoit，containingawholesuitofdrawing-roomslookinguponagravelledyard，wheretwogaunttrees，withblackenedtrunksandbranches，rattledratherthanrustled，theirleavesweresosmoke-dried。Thesummersunwasneveronthestreet，butinthemorningaboutbreakfast-time，whenitcamewiththewater-cartsandtheold-clothesmen，andthepeoplewithgeraniums，andtheumbrella-mender，andthemanwhotrilledthelittlebelloftheDutchclockashewentalong。
Itwassoongoneagaintoreturnnomorethatday；andthebandsofmusicandthestragglingPunch'sshowsgoingafterit，leftitapreytothemostdismaloforgans，andwhitemice；withnowandthenaporcupine，tovarytheentertainments；untilthebutlerswhosefamilieswerediningout，begantostandatthehouse-doorsinthetwilight，andthelamplightermadehisnightlyfailureinattemptingtobrightenupthestreetwithgas。
Itwasasblankahouseinsideasoutside。Whenthefuneralwasover，Mr。Dombeyorderedthefurnituretobecoveredup——perhapstopreserveitforthesonwithwhomhisplanswereallassociated——andtheroomstobeungarnished，savingsuchasheretainedforhimselfonthegroundfloor。
Accordingly，mysteriousshapesweremadeoftablesandchairs，heapedtogetherinthemiddleofrooms，andcoveredoverwithgreatwinding-sheets。Bell-handles，window-blinds，andlooking-glasses，beingpaperedupinjournals，dailyandweekly，obtrudedfragmentaryaccountsofdeathsanddreadfulmurders。
Everychandelierorlustre，muffledinHolland，lookedlikeamonstrousteardependingfromtheceiling'seye。Odours，asfromvaultsanddampplaces，cameoutofthechimneys。Thedeadandburiedladywasawfulinapicture-frameofghastlybandages。Everygustofwindthatrose，broughteddyingroundthecornerfromtheneighbouringmews，somefragmentsofthestrawthathadbeenstrewnbeforethehousewhenshewasill，mildewedremainsofwhichwerestillcleavingtotheneighbourhood；andthese，beingalwaysdrawnbysomeinvisibleattractiontothethresholdofthedirtyhousetoletimmediatelyopposite，addressedadismaleloquencetoMr。
Dombey'swindows。
TheapartmentswhichMr。Dombeyreservedforhisowninhabiting，wereattainablefromthehall，andconsistedofasitting-room；alibrary，whichwasinfactadressing-room，sothatthesmellofhot-pressedpaper，vellummorocco，andRussialeather，contendedinitwiththesmellofdiverspairsofboots；andakindofconservatoryorlittleglassbreakfast-roombeyond，commandingaprospectofthetreesbeforementioned，and，generallyspeaking，ofafewprowlingcats。Thesethreeroomsopenedupononeanother。
Inthemorning，whenMr。Dombeywasathisbreakfastinoneorotherofthetwofirst-mentionedofthem，aswellasintheafternoonwhenhecamehometodinner，abellwasrungforRichardstorepairtothisglasschamber，andtherewalktoandfrowithheryoungcharge。FromtheglimpsesshecaughtofMr。Dombeyatthesetimes，sittinginthedarkdistance，lookingouttowardstheinfantfromamongthedarkheavyfurniture——thehousehadbeeninhabitedforyearsbyhisfather，andinmanyofitsappointmentswasold-fashionedandgrim——shebegantoentertainideasofhiminhissolitarystate，asifhewerealoneprisonerinacell，orastrangeapparitionthatwasnottobeaccostedorunderstood。
LittlePaulDombey'sfoster-motherhadledthislifeherself，andhadcarriedlittlePaulthroughitforsomeweeks；andhadreturnedupstairsonedayfromamelancholysaunterthroughthedrearyroomsofstate(sheneverwentoutwithoutMrs。Chick，whocalledonfinemornings，usuallyaccompaniedbyMissTox，totakeherandBabyforanairing——orinotherwords，tomarchthemgravelyupanddownthepavement；likeawalkingfuneral)；when，asshewassittinginherownroom，thedoorwasslowlyandquietlyopened，andadark-eyedlittlegirllookedin。
`It'sMissFlorencecomehomefromheraunt's，nodoubt，'thoughtRichards，whohadneverseenthechildbefore。`HopeIseeyouwell，Miss。'
`Isthatmybrother？'askedthechild，pointingtotheBaby。
`Yes，mypretty，'answeredRichards。`Comeandkisshim。'
Butthechild，insteadofadvancing，lookedherearnestlyintheface，andsaid：
`WhathaveyoudonewithmyMama？'
`Lordblessthelittlecreeter！'criedRichards，`whatasadquestion！
Idone？Nothing，Miss。'
`WhathavetheydonewithmyMama？'inquiredthechild。
`Ineversawsuchameltingthinginallmylife！'saidRichards，whonaturallysubstitutedforthischildoneofherown，inquiringforherselfinlikecircumstances。`Comenearerhere，mydearMiss！Don'tbeafraidofme。'
`Iamnotafraidofyou，'saidthechild，drawingnearer。`ButIwanttoknowwhattheyhavedonewithmyMama。'
`Mydarling，'saidRichards，`youwearthatprettyblackfrockinremembranceofyourMama。'
`IcanremembermyMama，'returnedthechild，withtearsspringingtohereyes，`inanyfrock。'
`Butpeopleputonblack，torememberpeoplewhenthey'regone。'
`Wheregone？'askedthechild。
`Comeandsitdownbyme，'saidRichards，`andI'lltellyouastory。'
Withaquickperceptionthatitwasintendedtorelatetowhatshehadasked，littleFlorencelaidasidethebonnetshehadheldinherhanduntilnow，andsatdownonastoolattheNurse'sfeet，lookingupintoherface。
`Onceuponatime，'saidRichards，`therewasalady——averygoodlady，andherlittledaughterdearlylovedher。'
`Averygoodladyandherlittledaughterdearlylovedher，'repeatedthechild。
`Who，whenGoodthoughtitrightthatitshouldbeso，wastakenillanddied。'
Thechildshuddered。
`Died，nevertobeseenagainbyanyoneonearth，andwasburiedinthegroundwherethetreesgrow。'
`Thecoldground？'saidthechild，shudderingagain。
`No！Thewarmground，'returnedPolly，seizingheradvantage，`wheretheuglylittleseedsturnintobeautifulflowers，andintograss，andcorn，andIdon'tknowwhatallbesides。Wheregoodpeopleturnintobrightangels，andflyawaytoHeaven！'
Thechild，whohaddroopedherhead，raiseditagain，andsatlookingatherintently。
`So；letmesee，'saidPolly，notalittleflurriedbetweenthisearnestscrutiny，herdesiretocomfortthechild，hersuddensuccess，andherveryslightconfidenceinherownpowers。`So，whenthisladydied，wherevertheytookher，orwherevertheyputher，shewenttoGOD！andsheprayedtoHim，thisladydid，'saidPolly，affectingherselfbeyondmeasure；beingheartilyinearnest，`toteachherlittledaughtertobesureofthatinherheart：andtoknowthatshewashappythereandlovedherstill：andtohopeandtry——Oh，allherlife——tomeetherthereoneday，never，never，nevertopartanymore。'
`ItwasmyMama！'exclaimedthechild，springingup，andclaspingherroundtheneck。
`Andthechild'sheart，'saidPolly，drawinghertoherbreast：
`thelittledaughter'sheartwassofullofthetruthofthis，thatevenwhenshehearditfromastrangenursethatcouldn'ttellitright，butwasapoormotherherselfandthatwasall，shefoundacomfortinit——didn'tfeelsolonely——sobbedandcrieduponherbosom——tookkindlytothebabylyinginherlap——and——there，there，there！'saidPolly，smoothingthechild'scurlsanddroppingtearsuponthem。`There，poordear！'
`Ohwell，MissFloy！Andwon'tyourPabeangryneither！'criedaquickvoiceatthedoor，proceedingfromashort，brown，womanlygirloffourteen，withalittlesnubnose，andblackeyeslikejetbeads。`Whenitwas'tickerlerlygivenoutthatyouwasn'ttogoandworritthewetnurse。'
`Shedon'tworryme，'wasthesurprisedrejoinderofPolly。`I
amveryfondofchildren。'
`Oh！butbeggingyourpardon，Mrs。Richards，thatdon'tmatter，youknow，'returnedtheblack-eyedgirl，whowassodesperatelysharpandbitingthatsheseemedtomakeone'seyeswater。`Imaybeveryfondofpennywinkles，Mrs。Richards，butitdon'tfollowthatI'mtohave'emfortea。'
`Well，itdon'tmatter，'saidPolly。
`Oh，thank'ee，Mrs。Richards，don'tit！'returnedthesharpgirl。
`Remembering，however，ifyou'llbesogood，thatMissFloy'sundermycharge，andMasterPaul'sunderyour'n。'
`Butstillweneedn'tquarrel，'saidPolly。
`Ohno，Mrs。Richards，'rejoinedSpitfire。`Notatall，Idon'twishit，weneedn'tstanduponthatfooting，MissFloybeingapermanency，MasterPaulatemporary。'Spitfiremadeuseofnonebutcommapauses；shootingoutwhatevershehadtosayinonesentence，andinonebreath，ifpossible。
`MissFlorencehasjustcomehome，hasn'tshe？'askedPolly。
`Yes，Mrs。Richards，justcome，andhere，MissFloy，beforeyou'vebeeninthehouseaquarterofanhour，yougoasmearingyourwetfaceagainsttheexpensivemourningthatMrs。RichardsisawearingforyourMa！'Withthisremonstrance，youngSpitfire，whoserealnamewasSusanNipper，detachedthechildfromhernewfriendbyawrench——asifshewereatooth。Butsheseemedtodoit，moreintheexcessivelysharpexerciseofherofficialfunctions，thanwithanydeliberateunkindness。
`She'llbequitehappy，nowshehascomehomeagain，'saidPolly，noddingtoherwithanencouragingsmileuponherwholesomeface，`andwillbesopleasedtoseeherdearPapato-night。'
`Lork，Mr。Richards！'criedMissNipper，takingupherwordswithajerk。`Don't。SeeherdearPapaindeed！Ishouldliketoseeherdoit！'
`Won'tshethen？'askedPolly。
`Lork，Mrs。Richards，no，herPa'sadealtoowrappedupinsomebodyelse，andbeforetherewasasomebodyelsetobewrappedupinsheneverwasafavourite，girlsarethrownawayinthishouse，Mrs。Richards，Iassureyou。'
Thechildlookedquicklyfromonenursetotheother，asifsheunderstoodandfeltwhatwassaid。
`Yousurpriseme！'criedPolly。`Hasn'tMr。Dombeyseenhersince——'
`No，'interruptedSusanNipper。`Notoncesince，andhehadn'thardlysethiseyesuponherbeforethatformonthsandmonths，andIdon'tthinkhe'dhaveknownherforhisownchildifhehadmetherinthestreets，orwouldknowherforhisownchildifhewastomeetherinthestreetsto-morrow，Mrs。Richards，astome，'saidSpitfire，withagiggle，`Idoubtifhe'saweerofmyexistence。'
`Prettydear！'saidRichards；meaning，notMissNipper，butthelittleFlorence。
`Oh！there'saTartarwithinahundredmilesofwherewe'renowinconversation，Icantellyou，Mrs。Richards，presentcompanyalwaysexceptedtoo，'saidSusanNipper；`wishyougoodmorning，Mrs。Richards，nowMissFloy，youcomealongwithme，anddon'tgohangingbacklikeanaughtywickedchildthatjudgmentsisnoexampleto，don't。'
Inspiteofbeingthusadjured，andinspitealsoofsomehaulingonthepartofSusanNipper，tendingtowardsthedislocationofherrightshoulder，littleFlorencebrokeaway，andkissedhernewfriend，affectionately。
`Good-bye！'saidthechild。`Godblessyou！Ishallcometoseeyouagainsoon，andyou'llcometoseeme？Susanwillletus。Won'tyou，Susan？'
Spitfireseemedtobeinthemainagood-naturedlittlebody，althoughadiscipleofthatschooloftrainersoftheyoungideawhichholdsthatchildhood，likemoney，mustbeshakenandrattledandjostledaboutagooddealtokeepitbright。For，beingthusappealedtowithsomeendearinggesturesandcaresses，shefoldedhersmallarmsandshookherhead，andconveyedarelentingexpressionintohervery-wide-openblackeyes。
`Itain'trightofyoutoaskit，MissFloy，foryouknowIcan'trefuseyou，butMrs。Richardsandmewillseewhatcanbedone，ifMrs。
Richardslikes，Imaywish，yousee，totakeavoyagetoChaney，Mrs。Richards，butImayn'tknowhowtoleavetheLondonDocks。'
Richardsassentedtotheproposition。
`Thishouseain'tsoexactlyringingwithmerry-making，'saidMissNipper，`thatoneneedbelonelierthanonemustbe。YourToxesandyourChicksesmaydrawoutmytwofrontdoubleteeth，Mrs。Richards，butthat'snoreasonwhyIneedoffer'emthewholeset。'
ThispropositionwasalsoassentedtobyRichards，asanobviousone。
`SoI'magreeable，I'msure，'saidSusanNipper，`tolivefriendly，Mrs。Richards，whileMasterPaulcontinuesapermanency，ifthemeanscanbeplannedoutwithoutgoingopenlyagainstorders，butgoodnessgraciousME，MissFloy，youhaven'tgotyourthingsoffyet，younaughtychild，youhaven't，comealong！'
Withthesewords，SusanNipper，inatransportofcoercion，madeachargeatheryoungward，andsweptheroutoftheroom。
Thechild，inhergriefandneglect，wassogentle，soquiet，anduncomplaining；waspossessedofsomuchaffectionthatnooneseemedtocaretohave，andsomuchsorrowfulintelligencethatnooneseemedtomindorthinkaboutthewoundingof；thatPolly'sheartwassorewhenshewasleftaloneagain。Inthesimplepassagethathadtakenplacebetweenherselfandthemotherlesslittlegirl，herownmotherlyhearthadbeentouchednolessthanthechild's；andshefelt，asthechilddid，thattherewassomethingofconfidenceandinterestbetweenthemfromthatmoment。
NothwithstandingMr。Toodle'sgreatrelianceonPolly，shewasperhapsinpointofartificialaccomplishmentsverylittlehissuperior。
Butshewasagoodplainsampleofanaturethatisever，inthemass，better，truer，higher，nobler，quickertofeel，andmuchmoreconstanttoretain，alltendernessandpity，self-denialanddevotion，thanthenatureofmen。And，perhaps，unlearnedasshewas，shecouldhavebroughtadawningknowledgehometoMr。Dombeyatthatearlyday，whichwouldnotthenhavestruckhimintheendlikelightning。
Butthisisfromthepurpose。Pollyonlythought，atthattime，ofimprovingonhersuccessfulpropitiationofMissNipper，anddevisingsomemeansofhavinglittleFlorencebesideher，lawfully，andwithoutrebellion。Anopeninghappenedtopresentitselfthatverynight。
Shehadbeenrungdownintotheglassroomasusual，andhadwalkedaboutandaboutitalongtime，withthebabyinherarms，when，tohergreatsurpriseanddismay，Mr。Dombeycameout，suddenly，andstoppedbeforeher。
`Goodevening，Richards。'
Justthesameaustere，stiffgentleman，ashehadappearedtoheronthatfirstday。Suchahard-lookinggentleman，thatsheinvoluntarilydroppedhereyesandhercurtseyatthesametime。
`HowisMasterPaul，Richards？'
`Quitethriving，Sir，andwell。'
`Helooksso，'saidMr。Dombey，glancingwithgreatinterestatthetinyfacesheuncoveredforhisobservation，andyetaffectingtobehalfcarelessofit。`Theygiveyoueverythingyouwant，Ihope？'
`Ohyes，thankyou，Sir。'
Shesuddenlyappendedsuchanobvioushesitationtothisreply，however，thatMr。Dombey，whohadturnedaway，stopped，andturnedroundagain，inquiringly。
`Ibelievenothingissogoodformakingchildrenlivelyandcheerful，Sir，asseeingotherchildrenplayingabout'em，'observedPolly，takingcourage。
`IthinkImentionedtoyou，Richards，whenyoucamehere，'saidMr。Dombey，withafrown，`thatIwishedyoutoseeaslittleofyourfamilyaspossible。Youcancontinueyourwalkifyouplease。'
Withthat，hedisappearedintohisinnerroom；andPollyhadthesatisfactionoffeelingthathehadthoroughlymisunderstoodherobject，andthatshehadfallenintodisgracewithouttheleastadvancementofherpurpose。
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