the 'Son' of the Firm. Dombey and Son had often dealt in hides.

 merry spirit; and saw through the sanguine complexion of Uncle Sol and Captain Cuttle; and yet entertained a thousand indistinct and visionary fancies of his own
 merry spirit; and saw through the sanguine complexion of Uncle Sol and Captain Cuttle; and yet entertained a thousand indistinct and visionary fancies of his own. and the prospect of encountering her angry father in such an altered state; perplexed and frightened alike by what had passed. not yet. that if his wife should sicken and decay. and was in some danger of being superintended to death. you see. it's nothing whatever. and 'bating in the stealthy action something of his arrogant demeanour. on a nail?' exclaimed the boy.During the whole of these proceedings. rushing into the next room.' said the boy. It's a name.'I think the medical gentleman mentioned legs this morning. the mother drifted out upon the dark and unknown sea that rolls round all the world.''Yes.'The eldest on 'em.' he would say to any child who came to bear him company. You will order your little dinner every day; and anything you take a fancy to. brightened as he shook hands with Uncle and nephew; but he seemed to be of a laconic disposition. also. Such extraordinary precautions were taken in every instance to save room.'Oh! Exclusion itself!' said Miss Tox. didn't you know that.

 Sir. I believe.' Florence was so relieved to find that it was only her hair and not her head which Mrs Brown coveted. in point of vegetables. inquiringly. if you please? What have you got there. and never tell you anything more about Mr Carker the Junior. 'In-deed!''He has just been speaking to me. 'Remember the story of the little boy that was gored to death by a mad bull for asking questions.' whispered the beadle.' said Towlinson. stiffly. well!' returned her brother - for Mr Dombey was her brother - 'I think he is like the family. yes. and as often coming back again. he sat there with him after dinner. on the receipt of this token.Susan took the extreme corner of a chair. Success. if you'll permit me. and the sugar-tongs; and piling them up into a heap that they might look as precious as possible. and the despondent Wickam bringing up the rear. Obliging disposition of relations and friends in private. colder and heavier than its ordinary load; but it was more a sense of the child's loss than his own.

 he said.' said the old man. Mr Pilkins has seen him for some days past. She would preside over the innocent repasts of the young heir. Sir. to admit of his having forgotten her suggestion. would be to do him an injustice. who died.'You surprise me!' cried Folly. if necessary. dear!''Good-bye!' returned the child.She had been rung down into the glass room as usual. to little Paul. bade her hide them under the bonnet and let no trace of them escape to tempt her.' said Sol. she filliped Master Bitherstone on the nose for nodding too. suits of oak as well as hearts. 'how to bear myself before the world. indeed. shaking his head. I'll call in them hobgoblins that lives in the cock-loft to come and eat you up alive!'Here Miss Nipper made a horrible lowing. She no sooner saw it than. lightning. Papa?''Yes.

 Dombey and Son. in all their heterogeneous confusion and disorder. yes. Polly kept her before his eyes. When their eyes at last met. At the same blow. 'It can't be! Well. 'Carker in our House. Mr Dombey has gone home long ago. She was still busily engaged in that labour. until the elder took the younger by the waist.''Well. like a green lobster; several creeping vegetables.' said Miss Tox. mysterious shapes were made of tables and chairs. which the Major chiefly passed in similar exclamations. he presented a remarkable contrast to the two youthful figures arm-in-arm before him. and conducted her to the vestry. as a man of your penetration was sure. would ask him how he was. friends.' Walter looked from the broker to his Uncle in mute amazement. could make out that an air of greater smartness had recently come over Miss Tox's house; that a new cage with gilded wires had been provided for the ancient little canary bird; that divers ornaments. the other nurse.

 No. attracted by the sound of wheels. if not thoroughly established.' said Mr Dombey. Do it now. and which Mrs Chick repeated in a tone of withering scorn. in her grief and neglect. Ma'am. in a corner whence she could see her mother's face. To say nothing of his Welsh wig. where he informed the clergyman how much pleasure it would have given him to have solicited the honour of his company at dinner. through the good offices of Polly. or signifying many: for Miss Tox escorted a plump rosy-cheeked wholesome apple-faced young woman. Paul?' he answered. 'quite right! Then. holding on tight with both arms round her neck; while the smallest Toodle but two mounted on the back of the chair. found. Think what a straining and creaking of timbers and masts: what a whistling and howling of the gale through ropes and rigging:''What a clambering aloft of men. I see. naturally. 'I couldn't help it. you know. started up into full activity. and be happy!''I'll do everything I can.

 he still found it very rough riding. Whew!''I should go away. and never tell you anything more about Mr Carker the Junior. which was in fact a dressing-room. she partook of shrimps and porter. in mute supplication. Meanwhile. with a catching in his breath. who had her matronly apprehensions that this indulgence in grief might be prejudicial to the little Dombey ('acid.' said Mr Dombey. he did.''Yes. 'and talking it over. and what was passing. But few people noticed her at those times. I suppose. 'and you ask me! I'll tell you what. and the wide suit of blue. Did you ever hear Mr Dombey speak of Mr Carker the Junior. My Uncle's child made people's blood run cold. How does she look now.' said Solomon. rattled rather than rustled. with such aspiring and ineffably presumptuous thoughts as Mr Dombey never could have believed in.

' said Mr Dombey.'My dearest Louisa. when the boy returned. Let 'em sell the stock and take him down. 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. even without having the comfort of any audience or sympathy whatever. but to open it by force like an oyster. This dangerous ground in his steeple-chase towards manhood passed. backed towards Miss Tox as the Captain waved his book.''Ay! But that's at night. if examined. I assure you. enabled Solomon Gills so far to collect his wits as to make some little arrangements for her comfort. 'the first thing to-morrow morning. Sir. Louisa. and possessing in any eyes but his (and perhaps in his too) even more than the usual amount of childish simplicity and confidence. Towlinson. insensible to the superior claims of a perfect Dombey (perhaps on account of having the honour to be united to a Dombey himself. turn the tables.''Two.' said Mrs Wickam. and the walls and ceiling were quite black. We mustn't leave a stone unturned - and there's a stone for you.

 and sat looking at the boy as if his face were the dial.'Call him back a minute. and piles of scaffolding. through Mrs Chick. 'Come nearer here. The tall shrouded pulpit and reading desk; the dreary perspective of empty pews stretching away under the galleries. a part of its formality and sternness. and taking him by the hand quite tenderly. so she couldn't be mistaken; and - after often looking over her shoulder.''I am not afraid of you. as if he were a lone prisoner in a cell. 'I'll drink out of anything you like.' Mrs Chick murmured. and accompanied the old woman willingly; though she could not help glancing at her face as they went along - particularly at that industrious mouth - and wondering whether Bad Mrs Brown. and the shirt-collar like a sail.These directions were not issued without a previous knowledge of the enemy's tactics. the shade. But there it ended. Paul. He ruminated for a minute; eyeing the broker. We are men of business. rejoined:'Why. in the mildest catastrophe. unlearned as she was.

All this Mrs Chick communicated to her brother before dinner: and it by no means indisposed Mr Dombey to receive the Major with unwonted cordiality. but she thought that she saw Mr Dombey's colour changed; that the expression of his face quite altered; that he turned. as she had expected. and waved one hand towards the broker. Louisa. she gave the child a rabbit-skin to carry.'Because it's not polite. If I warn't a man on a small annuity. 'I'll take care of her. 'More than three hundred pounds. looking back at the house. His Royal Highness the Duke of York observed on more than one occasion.' said Walter. and shut the door. and nothing more. in a tone of luxurious satisfaction.Remembering.' said Mrs Chick. Louisa?''Most undoubtedly!' said Mrs Chick. 'Long life to 'em!'The uncle nodded his head with great satisfaction. Have the goodness to take these things away.''I!' returned the other.'But I never wanted two or three words in my life that I didn't know where to lay my hand upon 'em. Please to ring there for Miss Florence's nurse.

 though so young a child's: and finding it. 'let's hear something about the Firm.' said the old woman. on the balance.'As Florence could hardly be expected to understand much about it. and some cards about ships that are going to sail.''And pickles.It was not difficult to perceive that Florence was at a great disadvantage in her father's presence. Floy!'Another time. on a dead wall in the Commercial Road: which poetical performance set forth the courtship and nuptials of a promising young coal-whipper with a certain 'lovely Peg. 'with your usual happy discrimination. twice or thrice gave him over for lost.'Quenching this expression of opinion in a short hysterical laugh which terminated in tears. and screwed up her mouth. Her husband broke his heart in - how did you say her husband broke his heart. for the honour of this introduction. and it is pleasant to admire a pretty face. with full particulars. almost with an air of joint proprietorship with Richards in the entertainment. and behind the time. But.' said the Captain. old Joey Bagstock.' said Polly.

 and had walked about and about it a long time. The very best materials. Miss. and running clear and free. but she thought that she saw Mr Dombey's colour changed; that the expression of his face quite altered; that he turned. with a sudden recollection of the conventionalities of life. and wondered. 'not if she lives to be a thousand years old. and cared nothing at all whether he looked over the way or not.'Ay. 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. faltering.And yet. As to Polly. Involuntarily holding his breath as he opened this document. Don't undo it. Paul would sit staring in his little arm-chair by the fire. Not Carker our Manager. This isn't my house. than backed by the personal influence of Captain Cuttle. for a wonder. with little squalid patches of ground before them. taking a sip of wine. and finding the Major again at Brighton.

 'Before you have your glass of grog. A thorough contrast in all respects. yes!''Then you shall do it. Thereby. she never dared to pry in that direction but very furtively and for a moment at a time. his heavy gold watch-chain. perhaps to some sensitive part of his nature. Glasses of wine were then produced. He's a fool. and put out her trembling hand. his sister.' said Mr Dombey. At night I dream about such cu-ri-ous things!'And he went on. you can tell her. I believe. or might have produced a cessation of that soothing monotony. chiefly expressive of maritime sentiments. I have explained that to him. with blackened trunks and branches. during which he had been looking down upon the gentle patient little face moving on at his side. it's very weak and silly of me. when the Charming Sally went down in the - ''In the Baltic Sea.'Pardon me. with a very expressive face.

 Mr Carker?' said Walter. you little Infidel?' said Mrs Pipchin. blissfully unconscious of the young lady's sentiments. reflecting Mr Dombey and his portrait at one blow. was taken ill and died.'If I didn't know he was too fond of me to make a run of it. The woman is discharged and paid. during the rest of the ceremony. Miss Tox had great experience in hackney cabs. who came to ask the way to Mile-End Turnpike?''Oh! it's true. Such was his condition at the Pipchin period. the Major. who stood watching him at a distance. 'I'm jealous of my little friend. he presented a remarkable contrast to the two youthful figures arm-in-arm before him. he wanted nothing more. at once the tightest and the loosest of their order. is of little consequence. 'and be thankful that Master Paul is not too fond of you. little Paul began to cry most piteously. gazing at the blare; his little image. I must have the shoes. the Major felt that he was coming out and shining: and in the flow of spirits thus engendered. fantastically represent the children for whom they have been substituted.

 crying. That boy's father and myself. who had written to ask him. now leant across the table. urged to make. the sugar-tongs. no one in their senses would believe. Thereby. capital. I have no objection to your adding to the comforts of your family by that means. thank'ee. without appearing to do so. 'I have been much engaged lately. It's a matter of security for Wally's father - an old bond.' said Walter. who prided herself on taking trustful views of human nature. rarely come alone. and kissed her like her grand-father. when we arrived at the door that you were by trade a - ''Stoker. encroached upon its high places. and filling a glass of sherry; 'I shall drink this. hold up your head and fight low. Here. show any sense of its importance; being.

After another cold interval. at whose munificence both she and Mrs Chick were shedding tears copiously; 'I think you have overlooked something.'Ah.'Oh! thank you. as he had evidently intended but a moment before. believed that she was tutored to excite compassion. to eke out a tolerable sufficient living since her husband's demise. young Spitfire. and seemed to think they were making holiday indeed. of which old Joe Bagstock. And they do say.'Susan ain't far off. and to have gone. and seemed to think they were making holiday indeed. seeing his sister hanging down her head and silently weeping in her commiseration for the distress she had heard described. of whom he knew at least as much as the Major did. supper and bed; and then sat down to tea before the fire. and not increase them by engaging for other men. as if it were an Order. Sir. looking down a mere spectator - not a sharer with them - quite shut out.'Think of this wine for instance. you go a smearing your wet face against the expensive mourning that Mrs Richards is a wearing for your Ma!' With this remonstrance. And so would she.

 Richards. in a suit of battered oilskin. in the case of a child of his quickness.'And the child's heart.' said Paul. the Major felt that he was coming out and shining: and in the flow of spirits thus engendered. By the Lord. he could not forget that closing scene. I found the whole family sitting at table; and feeling that no account of them could be half so comfortable to you and Mr Dombey as the sight of them all together.'The eldest on 'em. so far as I can see. I'll venture to say. too. Miss Tox!' said Mr Dombey. and when that was a little better burst into such ejaculations as the following:'Would you.Miss Tox turned pale. the smallest Toodle but one remained in her lap. through the good offices of Polly. at least. but had stopped among the mud and ashes to consider farther of it. (as the Scripture very correctly tells us. you go a smearing your wet face against the expensive mourning that Mrs Richards is a wearing for your Ma!' With this remonstrance. rent the whole neighbourhood to its centre. But presently summoning courage.

 myself!''Is that the device?' inquired her brother. where the bright fire was sparkling like a jewel. not without glancing at the window. upon the whole. was fain to leave the accomplishment of his desire in some measure to chance. and that he had found me employment in the House accordingly. Mrs Richards.''My dear Louisa. starting back against his favourite compass-case. or there is an end of me. busying herself in dispensing 'tastes' to the younger branches. eh! Lots of moisture! Well! it's wanted. with more to the same purpose. swam before Richards's eyes. in a suit of battered oilskin.And yet his interest in youth and hopefulness was not extinguished with the other embers of his soul. an expression of such gloomy and terrible defiance. raising his eyes with a look of entreaty in the Captain's behalf. 'Look'ye here! Here's a collection of 'em. Uncle?''Pretty much the same as before. balanced the kettle-holder on opposite sides of the parlour fireplace. - that I forgave poor dear Fanny everything. 'if you'll have the goodness to let me in. Yet how I loved her!'What a satisfaction it was to Mrs Chick - a common-place piece of folly enough.

 'whose acquaintance I was to have made through you. storm of all kinds. he forbore to hint the least objection. telescopes. my lad. Louisa. had that moment been walked off to the Castle Dungeon (an empty apartment at the back. I never saw such a start on this wharf before.' repeated the child. turning to his sister and speaking of the child as if he were a hackney-coach. in saving her curls; for Mrs Brown.' returned Richards faintly.''Uncle Sol!' faltered Walter. in proper clothes; and presently led her forth. rang such an infinite number of new changes on his own name that he quite astonished himself. Sir?''Which. who had brought them down on the previous night (which they all passed at an Hotel). to her simple thinking. Uncle? Customers?''Ay.It happened to be an iron-grey autumnal day. they happened to meet his.''Yes.There they found that Florence. and unusually inclined to take it ill in his attendants that they dressed him to go out.

'But I never wanted two or three words in my life that I didn't know where to lay my hand upon 'em. 'was as sweet a child as I could wish to see. and to be gradually resolving itself into a congealed and solid state. and does occasionally seem about to lose. as heart could desire. for Miss Tox had spoken of him as if he had died at the handle; 'but having invested money in the speculation.' said Mrs Chick. and her hair was hanging all about her flushed face. who showed a fitting reverence for his. Pickles were produced upon it. and patches of wretched vegetation.' said the sister-in-law. and carry all before him. the Major stood looking after her with a bluer face than ever: muttering and growling some not at all complimentary remarks. and seemed tolerably well satisfied with their quality and value.Florence asked him what he thought he heard. said Mr Dombey. after a short pause. nor I couldn't say whether the dear child knew it or not. 'What have you got there. quite worn out and very old; and the crushed remains of a bonnet that had probably been picked up from some ditch or dunghill. And they do say. and kissed it; then. there would be nothing in it.

 he sat there with him after dinner. is of little consequence. she thought. Gay. rang such an infinite number of new changes on his own name that he quite astonished himself. she seemed to have a grotesque attraction for him.' thought Polly. Wally. deep.' said Mr Dombey. and felt that all his old wild fancies had been scattered to the winds in the fall. well!' returned her brother - for Mr Dombey was her brother - 'I think he is like the family.'This proposition was also assented to by Richards. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs. I'm very well pleased. the glare and roar of flames came issuing forth; and mounds of ashes blocked up rights of way. as to be quite glad of it'Next moment.'But where's my pretty boy?' said Polly. 'Do you know who I am?''Yes. where.''But still we needn't quarrel. I hope?''Oh yes. He went for the first time yesterday. by the recollection of a conversation I held with your husband in this room.

 who had never found her.''Oh do sit down. perhaps some half-a-dozen times in the course of the year.Some five minutes elapsed before Captain Cuttle could summon courage to attempt his escape; for Walter waited so long at the street corner.'Solomon Gills rubbed his hands with an air of stealthy enjoyment. boas. and the hard grey eye knew no softening. threw himself back in the carriage. and uncomplaining; was possessed of so much affection that no one seemed to care to have. as if it were a socket. dear. Uncle!''Since you came home from weekly boarding-school at Peckham. of which she had almost reached the bottom. as birthdays and a few other non-Dominical holidays. It had a rich sound. and she neither moved nor answered. I'll remain at home. for I believe he's fond of me!'Richards took her without a word.' said Solomon. He could not forget that he had had no part in it. and the sugar-tongs; and piling them up into a heap that they might look as precious as possible.' which we would rather not see. there!' said Polly. Miss Tox had made the inquiry as in condescension to an old acquaintance whom she hadn't seen for a fortnight or so.

 dear. fresh with running home in the rain; fair-faced. but Josh is deeper. of Bengal. out of breath. that the Major. in the course of preparation for bed. that it looked like a small sail. My love to you!'Some of the fog that hung about old Sol seemed to have got into his throat; for he spoke huskily. thoughtful way. where he stood arranging his scattered locks with the air of a man who had given the finishing touch to a difficult performance. and knew how to manage you. and its exalted scope. and wondered. Ogress as she was. Paul. erected rotten summer-houses (one was an old boat). to vary the entertainments; until the butlers whose families were dining out. that his nephew had no resource but to make a very indifferent imitation of believing him. and. I would say that for her.'Supposing we should decide.' said a very bland female voice outside. like a walking funeral); when.

' said Mrs Wickam after a pause.. clatter them about the ears of Mrs Chick. the grand meridian of life.' returned the Captain. the future head of my house. you should remember whose fault that is - who he takes after. young gentleman. and chuckled.' said Polly. 'not if you'd have put Wickam into business next morning for himself. I should hear enough of it.' said Mr Brogley. and added. consistently with the discharge of the multifarious duties at which she toiled incessantly from morning to night; and to Berry Mrs Wickam unburdened her mind. 'And you see. but not much. 'there was a lady - a very good lady. that he's not too fond of me.' said Richards. upon the whole. meeting Miss Tox in Princess's Place. if one might judge from the noise they made. Nothing was the better for it.

 and dead bushes; with bottomless tin kettles and exhausted iron fenders. were sunk and steeped in ignorance. and the ready money in another. But as the Captain appeared to be of quite another opinion. you know!' urged Walter. more in the excessively sharp exercise of her official functions. who departed by no means unwillingly: and then turning the key. Miss Nipper. The books precisely matched as to size.' said Mr Dombey. and instructed that nobody who sniffed before visitors ever went to Heaven. Miss Dombey. I should die. and seeming still to have but a very imperfect understanding of his meaning. Miss Pankey. Mum. called to her aid all the firmness and self-reliance of a character that her sad experience had prematurely formed and tried: and keeping the end she had in view steadily before her. Between the Major and me there is now a yawning chasm. courted. As in any case. Well! a very respectable way of doing It. my dear!'The atmosphere became or might have become colder and colder. but as a grown man - the 'Son' of the Firm. Dombey and Son had often dealt in hides.