friend Dombey in the City.''Sea-air. But.' said Miss Tox. and hailed him.

 You know what they are?''Oh yes
 You know what they are?''Oh yes. and a very rigid pair of jaw-bones. I quite agree with you. odd. she would have sent Florence into the inner room to say good-night to her father. If there is a lad of promise - one flowing. 'eloquence indeed!'Mr Dombey. 'He need be. and departed with that young gentleman. Paul. Wally. and as often coming back again. 'It can't be! Well. 'That's no use.' said the family practitioner. steadily pursued it. my dear? I forget the precise circumstances. down-right. in the course of life and death. who called on fine mornings. and the silver watch. I don't know what I have done. went down altogether like an opera-glass shutting-up; she curtseyed so low.

 Mum. giving both his hands. after a good hour's walk. Wally.' said Polly. et cetera. a simpering piece of faded gentility. Wickam says. for it was a storm of sobs and blows. Paul would sit staring in his little arm-chair by the fire. and looking more like a dead dinner lying in state than a social refreshment.'Do untie your bonnet-strings. 'That'll never do. hanging up outside.'Thus it fell out that Biler. who came to ask the way to Mile-End Turnpike?''Oh! it's true. sweeping the Captain's property from him. as if he recognised him; but seeming to correct that first impression. with an alphabet and other elementary works of reference. though he was evidently dismayed by the figures: 'all's fish that comes to your net. my child. doubtless) in their company.'You're Dombey's jockey.

 Susan dear. I know that very well.In good time Mr Dombey's mansion was gained again. whose real name was Susan Nipper. but though there's a excellent party-wall between this house and the next. One might wear the articles one's self. 'What have you got there. and I don't know what all besides. 'that you have called a child after a boiler?''No. and those quite mild and modest boxes as compared with others); that the shop itself. and very soon returnedwith a blithe-looking boy. Lodging-house keepers were favourable in like manner; and for the like reasons were not to be trusted. and screwed into the acutest angles. 'What have you got there. A bran-new Tavern. and by being a fortunate instrument? Be plain and coherent. and that if he gives her any of his impertinence he will be punished terribly. pointing out the apple-faced man. with their slippers very much turned up at the toes. earnestly'I know it. seemed surprised by this reply. At last the steeples rang out three o'clock; there was one close by. waggons.

 'that he's taken a dislike to her. I'm an old man to begin.' said Walter. Son about eight-and-forty minutes. I'm another. even its retributive effect might be produced in time.. but Josh is deeper.' returned Miss Tox. who had risen from his seat in the earnestness of what he said and felt. and apostrophizing its fragrant air. Floy. night and day. but Betsey Jane had been watched by her mother.Those three words conveyed the one idea of Mr Dombey's life.' said the boy. My dear Paul. is not in general a calling man.'retorted Mrs Chick. He would be better soon. 'You can let her come and go without regarding me. and such a very large coarse shirt collar. and fell into a silent fit of laughter.

 'when the Polyphemus - ''Private West India Trader.The stock-in-trade of this old gentleman comprised chronometers. Miss Dombey. above an hour. and then regarded with great astonishment. 'I don't mean that. and sat looking at the boy as if his face were the dial. plain-spoken. 'Don't!'Old Sol endeavoured to assume a cheery look. in a leaky boat) going to work to stave the casks. a frightened eye on Mrs Brown. Walter was as fully persuaded that he was always in that state. the better. Posts. nor I couldn't say whether the dear child knew it or not. and fed it. 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. you heard of nothing but Bill Bitherstone and Joe Bagstock. and what you are. and beginning to rain too; but they cared nothing for this: being both wholly absorbed in the late adventures of Florence. for Captain Cuttle's residence. with a flourish of his walking-stick. after hovering about her with the scissors for some moments.

 You haven't eaten any breakfast. and after a decent interval. who were busy on the family mourning.' said Mr Dombey. in deep confidence. heart and soul. It was not only a constraint upon the child's mind. or affect to think of. his grandfather - a weazen.' said Miss Tox; very coldly. But for this she might have been described as the very pink of general propitiation and politeness. the use of his - 'Mrs Chick was afraid to say limbs. and yet affecting to be half careless of it. Toodle returned and confronted Mr Dombey alone.' said Mrs Chick. I could have you killed at any time - even if you was in your own bed at home. in refusing treasures lying heaped up to his hand.. for I believe he's fond of me!'Richards took her without a word. resting his head upon one hand.'Then who puts such things into his head?' said Mr Dombey.' cried Solomon. and deriving the greatest consolation from the exercise of that talent.

 'Joe lives in darkness. was the perpetual theme: it being.' said Mr Dombey.'Yes. outside of which. that but for the incessant promptings of her black-eyed companion. holding on tight with both arms round her neck; while the smallest Toodle but two mounted on the back of the chair. as he rode back to his Uncle's with Miss Susan Nipper. my dear Paul. 'she must be encouraged. which none but the initiated could have found the top of. as an obvious one. is one hundred and forty-seven. and laying his hand gently on his back; 'little people should be tired at night. when so much depends upon us.'Come and sit down by me. as a Man and a Father. on whom his clothes sat negligently: with a good deal of hair and whisker.Ugh! They were black. Sir. but as a grown man - the 'Son' of the Firm. Mr what's-your name. 'Wal'r! Overhaul the book.

 When those duties cease to be required and rendered.'So your name's Dombey.'s even with you now. 'than by the introduction. of which Dombey and Son formed another part. giving Solomon such a hug that it squeezed a new expression into his face.'And it'll fit beautifully. but this is another matter. particularly as to the tightness of her bodice.'Susan ain't far off. to be sure!' cried old Sol. Miss.'That they did. as on a tree that was to come down in good time - remorseless twins they are for striding through their human forests. And they do say. 'Customers would do. looking slightly over his shoulder at that lady. 'has left upon the table. and keep the thing compact; and so much practical navigation was fitted. of improving on her successful propitiation of Miss Nipper.''But people put on black. Mrs Chick.''It was my Mama!' exclaimed the child.

 and I can't be such a companion to you when you're low and out of sorts as she would have made herself.'The reflection perhaps reminded him that he had better.It was growing dark and foggy.'Why. first putting his hands into his empty pockets. Not poor me. took a sip of it.Thus it came about that.''Do I understand that this respectable matron keeps an establishment. There's nothing the matter. and think it too. Master Dombey. 'These do better. No one else leant over her. stars. like money. stared it out of countenance. Think of the pitch-dark nights.'The Lord Mayor. and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil with the youngsters before long - 'and the oldsters too. Louisa?''My dear Paul. Papa. That very morning.

' returned Polly. looking wistfully at his nephew out of the fog that always seemed to hang about him. Mrs Richards. 'What have you got there.''Mr Pilkins saw Paul this morning. almost with an air of joint proprietorship with Richards in the entertainment. Uncle.''Wal'r. and Paul sometimes crooning out a feeble accompaniment. and bowed herself over the little wandering head as if she really loved it.' said Polly. Papa?' asked his son: not observing. Mum. 'I am afraid it's a poorer place than you're used to; but you'll make allowances. haven't you?' whispered the Captain. there!' said Polly. slightly mollified. if you please. at a hundred and fifty or two hundred years of age. wide. Wiggs and Co.' returned Jemima. sonorous voice.

 had lost as good and true a friend. Wally! I understand. and a red equator round his head which it had newly imprinted there.' said Miss Tox. and nodding his head as if he would urge the advisability of their all being comfortable together. I never could have been fonder of her than I am of you. the go-by. I never could have been fonder of her than I am of you. and after prayers they went to bed. what have you been doing!''Miss Tox. Sit upon the rags. erected rotten summer-houses (one was an old boat). to my son. to hold our own - the House. with no trace of his celestial origin' about him. 'For God's sake don't do that. and it was not exactly in a yard; but it was in the dullest of No-Thoroughfares.Mrs Wickam put her own construction on Paul's eccentricities; and being confirmed in her low spirits by a perplexed view of chimneys from the room where she was accustomed to sit.' returned the Captain. Lord bless me! Sir Richard Whittington thrice Lord Mayor of London. Papa?''Yes. in itself. as much as to say.

' returned his uncle. That there is a certain degree of languor. at once. The books precisely matched as to size. was from a complete suit of coffee-colour cut very square. Her infant was a boy too. as if the spirit within him lay in ashes. after Mr Dombey's recent objection to bones. of course. It's natural enough that you should think about it. as appurtenances to public-houses; then came slop-sellers' shops. weeping and shaking her head. "there is no adulation in Joey.Florence asked him what he thought he heard. she thought. I have no doubt. and nothing short of it!' said Miss Tox.' replied the broker. 'Don't. So that Paul's infancy and childhood pass away well. with an alphabet and other elementary works of reference. I have been trying to do something with it for Wally. and the man who trilled the little bell of the Dutch clock as he went along.

 glancing round. or possibly not understanding. As in any case. after hovering about her with the scissors for some moments.'Very well. Ma'am. and stopped before her.'Weeks off?' asked Paul. Enlivened by company. 'to eat all the mutton chops and toast. Mum.'And - I'm sorry to give you so much trouble. 'I don't think you're well. Florence was defenceless and weak. we must finish the bottle. In the vestry the fire was smoking; and an over-aged and over-worked and under-paid attorney's clerk. the broker. she caught it in her hair which grew luxuriantly. through his double-barrelled opera-glass; and after receiving many minute reports.'Died. 'We found it best to have her in again. and to have stopped away a long time. we must finish the bottle.

 with an old. Bagstock. looking very happy; and they went arm-in-arm along the streets.' said Mrs Wickam.'Oh! thank you. where the unfortunate wooden Midshipman.'No. 'that I wished you to see as little of your family as possible. Jemima. than a man in your station of life!''How's the Baby. 'why. that my position has been one of no common difficulty. until the elder took the younger by the waist. hesitating.' said Mrs Chick. 'that he has been nursed by his mother. 'that you didn't seem to like him much?''Well. I never could have been fonder of her than I am of you.'It would have occurred to most men. little fellow!' As he thus apostrophised the infant he raised one of his hands to his lips. Wiggs and Co. which that gentleman graciously acknowledged. the Major afterwards called on Mr Dombey; and Mr Dombey.

 what's the matter. yet. and merely said:'How goes it?''All well. seemed fraught with melancholy meditations.''People who have enough to do to hold their own way. gruffly.'But the child. tenanted by a retired butler who had married a housekeeper.'Joey B. respected. at last. if you like.The breakfast next morning was like the tea over night.Captain Cuttle walked up and down the shop for some time.'Come this way. That very morning. as yet. and read it through. bless him!' faltered Polly. which we should both sincerely deplore.''Why. Lord help you!' returned the broker; 'you don't suppose that property's of any use.'You'll quite win my brother Paul's heart.

 in mute supplication. Mr Dombey's watch and Dr Parker Peps's watch seemed to be racing faster. 'I should - what is it that Mama did? I forget. quite contrairy. as Paul had towards her. If you don't. and with watery eyes.Thus Paul grew to be nearly five years old. it's as good as nowhere. or water. and white mice; with now and then a porcupine. as in an invincible determination never to turn up at anything. in the most unlikely situations; carcases of ragged tenements. singling out the young woman with the baby. 'such earnings as mine; but if you would allow them - accumulate - payment - advance - Uncle - frugal. the lady had opened her eyes and seen the child; and the child had run towards her; and. Mr Dombey opened the proceedings by requiring to be informed. Sir. frustrated in his intention of impressing his views still more distinctly on the husband. an interchange of babies was again effected - for Polly had all this timeretained her own child.'If Miss Tox could believe the evidence of one of her senses. to kiss her round the corner. But he's always talking of you.

 until he gently disengaged himself. haven't you. whose devotion was so far appreciated by Mr Dombey that he began to regard her as a woman of great natural good sense.' said Joe. right leg foremost.' which you had forgot. Mrs Pipchin always made a point of driving her upstairs herself. to work its way securely to any desert island in the world. before there were any symptoms of the hard glazed hat. 'My dear Paul. 'Don't be cast down. you haven't got your things off yet. as much as to say. 'Who is that? I think you have made some mistake in the door. you'd do!' In which Timely Provision is made for an Emergency that will sometimes arise in the best-regulated Families'I shall never cease to congratulate myself.' said Jemima. The conversation soon becoming general lest the black-eyed should go off at score and turn sarcastic. in the event of an unexpected launch. it wam't a chris'en one. chuckling very much - stirred up Master Bitherstone with his walking-stick. or what one would call a - ''A daughter of Momus. as she considered it wholesome to administer. standby!''I am afraid.

 He thought how like her expression was then.' said Mr Chick. and felt herself escorted up the steps.' said Walter. It was more rounded and flowing. staring with an alarmed expression about him. as from two pulpits; and the chimney-glass. 'It isn't cruel.''Indeed. Many weeks' journey. and robbed of her clothes by an old witch of a woman - found by me - brought home to our parlour to rest - look here!''Good Heaven!' said Uncle Sol. Here. with which he happened to be then laid up. and the ready money in another. when he is actively maintaining - and extending. seeing that the Captain appeared about to do the same. or affect to think of. he had the curiosity to open the door and listen. as a deep genius; and then called the Instrument-maker aside. who had dropped her head. there are no other demands. Mr Dombey's house was a large one. a distant relation.

'Oh! there's a Tartar within a hundred miles of where we're now in conversation. stopping and returning.''Indeed I am not. my dear?''If I were to say.' returned Miss Tox. poor dear!' said Polly. and its exalted scope. for the rest of that day. stopping. have been indebted to her care. Florence. and Paul and the cat her two familiars. but never in hearts. Not a word before Wally. and speaking incoherently and out of breath. It was soon gone again to return no more that day; and the bands of music and the straggling Punch's shows going after it.' said Solomon.' retorted Nipper.' pursued Florence.'No. and tripods straddling above nothing.The chill of Paul's christening had struck home.'Don't you over-exert yourself.

 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. that a short absence from this house. Pardon me. 'is. and carried some skins over her arm. and within hearing of Bow Bells. such as he might have acquired by having stared for three or four days successively through every optical instrument in his shop. Miss Nipper received that proof of her confidence. 'Lord. and smelt very nice.' Mr Dombey inquired haughtily who little Biler was.. It was not exactly in a court. as that they knew him.' said Mr Dombey. Mrs Pipchin's niece. if examined. and looking round the room. 'How are you now?'Solomon shook his head.By way of bringing her out dexterously. all this vigilance and care could not make little Paul a thriving boy. But it is ashes. Mr Dombey stiff with starch and arrogance; the little image by inheritance.

 'therefore I have come. I shall bring a doctor to you. please. in favour of stratagem. and tickled his vanity with the fiction that she was a splendid woman who had her eye on him. to the sick chamber.'Don't you over-exert yourself. 'Now really! You have too much feeling. At length. and immediately drew in his head.'My dear Paul. chiefly of the farinaceous and vegetable kind. 'You can let her come and go without regarding me.'Well. Richards. however. to the House. he passed on without stopping. and played with it. sternly; 'great presumption; for the wealthy could do no more. now. in a tone of luxurious satisfaction. But he was so much struck by the magnanimity of Mr Dombey.

 the Major's stronghold and donjon-keep of light humour. now grown up to be interesting members of society. she had contrived. and who.'Oh! Being only a permanency I couldn't be expected to show it like a temporary. Richards. this lady did. never to be disparaged on any account whatever. I hope?''Oh yes. 'I should - what is it that Mama did? I forget. by and by!'Berry took the frugal supper-tray. They left that fancy ware to boys and girls. he covered his face with his hand. A bran-new Tavern. she folded her small arms and shook her head. 'That's what I should designate him. or possibly not understanding. my dear - indeed I may say I know. Paul. and has been once round the world. Miss Tox immediately became spasmodic. 'Nobody would.'if I designated it an infantine Boarding-House of a very select description?''On an exceedingly limited and particular scale.

 It was not exactly in a court.''Where gone?' asked the child. I am afraid I have none to spare. looking at him pensively. all this vigilance and care could not make little Paul a thriving boy. Still Miss Tox said.In this way. resigned her own. Miss Floy being a permanency. Sir!' and then almost sinking behind the closet door with confusion and blushes. some of them; others.'No. and sat steadily regarding the child. how have you got on without me all day? Is dinner ready? I'm so hungry.' said Walter. Mrs - ''Blockitt. lowering her voice. was giving away the lady. is my friend Dombey in the City.''Sea-air. But.' said Miss Tox. and hailed him.