Several People delighted, and the Game Chicken disgusted
The Midshipman was all alive. Mr Toots and Susan had arrived at last. Susan had run upstairs like a young woman bereft1 of her senses, and Mr Toots and the Chicken had gone into the Parlour.
'Oh my own pretty darling sweet Miss Floy!' cried the Nipper, running into Florence's room, 'to think that it should come to this and I should find you here my own dear dove with nobody to wait upon you and no home to call your own but never never will I go away again Miss Floy for though I may not gather moss2 I'm not a rolling stone nor is my heart a stone or else it wouldn't bust3 as it is busting4 now oh dear oh dear!'
Pouring out these words, without the faintest indication of a stop, of any sort, Miss Nipper, on her knees beside her mistress, hugged her close.
'Oh love!' cried Susan, 'I know all that's past I know it all my tender pet and I'm a choking give me air!'
'Susan, dear good Susan!' said Florence. 'Oh bless her! I that was her little maid when she was a little child! and is she really, really truly going to be married?'exclaimed Susan, in a burst of pain and pleasure, pride and grief, and Heaven knows how many other conflicting feelings.
'Who told you so?' said Florence.
'Oh gracious me! that innocentest creetur Toots,' returned Susan hysterically6. 'I knew he must be right my dear, because he took on so. He's the devotedest and innocentest infant! And is my darling,' pursued Susan, with another close embrace and burst of tears, 'really really going to be married!'
The mixture of compassion7, pleasure, tenderness, protection, and regret with which the Nipper constantly recurred8 to this subject, and at every such once, raised her head to look in the young face and kiss it, and then laid her head again upon her mistress's shoulder, caressing9 her and sobbing10, was as womanly and good a thing, in its way, as ever was seen in the world.
'There, there!' said the soothing11 voice of Florence presently. 'Now you're quite yourself, dear Susan!'
Miss Nipper, sitting down upon the floor, at her mistress's feet, laughing and sobbing, holding her pocket-handkerchief to her eyes with one hand, and patting Diogenes with the other as he licked her face, confessed to being more composed, and laughed and cried a little more in proof of it.
'I-I-I never did see such a creetur as that Toots,' said Susan, 'in all my born days never!'
'So kind,' suggested Florence.
'And so comic!' Susan sobbed12. 'The way he's been going on inside with me with that disrespectable Chicken on the box!'
'About what, Susan?' inquired Florence, timidly.
'Oh about Lieutenant13 Walters, and Captain Gills, and you my dear Miss Floy, and the silent tomb,' said Susan.
'The silent tomb!' repeated Florence.
'He says,' here Susan burst into a violent hysterical5 laugh, 'that he'll go down into it now immediately and quite comfortable, but bless your heart my dear Miss Floy he won't, he's a great deal too happy in seeing other people happy for that, he may not be a Solomon,' pursued the Nipper, with her usual volubility, 'nor do I say he is but this I do say a less selfish human creature human nature never knew!' Miss Nipper being still hysterical, laughed immoderately after making this energetic declaration, and then informed Florence that he was waiting below to see her; which would be a rich repayment14 for the trouble he had had in his late expedition.
Florence entreated15 Susan to beg of Mr Toots as a favour that she might have the pleasure of thanking him for his kindness; and Susan, in a few moments, produced that young gentleman, still very much dishevelled in appearance, and stammering16 exceedingly.
'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots. 'To be again permitted to - to - gaze - at least, not to gaze, but - I don't exactly know what I was going to say, but it's of no consequence.
'I have to thank you so often,' returned Florence, giving him both her hands, with all her innocent gratitude17 beaming in her face, 'that I have no words left, and don't know how to do it.'
'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, in an awful voice, 'if it was possible that you could, consistently with your angelic nature, Curse me, you would - if I may be allowed to say so - floor me infinitely18 less, than by these undeserved expressions of kindness Their effect upon me - is - but,' said Mr Toots, abruptly19, 'this is a digression, and of no consequence at all.'
As there seemed to be no means of replying to this, but by thanking him again, Florence thanked him again.
'I could wish,' said Mr Toots, 'to take this opportunity, Miss Dombey, if I might, of entering into a word of explanation. I should have had the pleasure of - of returning with Susan at an earlier period; but, in the first place, we didn't know the name of the relation to whose house she had gone, and, in the second, as she had left that relation's and gone to another at a distance, I think that scarcely anything short of the sagacity of the Chicken, would have found her out in the time.'
Florence was sure of it.
'This, however,' said Mr Toots, 'is not the point. The company of Susan has been, I assure you, Miss Dombey, a consolation20 and satisfaction to me, in my state of mind, more easily conceived than described. The journey has been its own reward. That, however, still, is not the point. Miss Dombey, I have before observed that I know I am not what is considered a quick person. I am perfectly21 aware of that. I don't think anybody could be better acquainted with his own - if it was not too strong an expression, I should say with the thickness of his own head - than myself. But, Miss Dombey, I do, notwithstanding, perceive the state of - of things - with Lieutenant Walters. Whatever agony that state of things may have caused me (which is of no consequence at all), I am bound to say, that Lieutenant Walters is a person who appears to be worthy22 of the blessing23 that has fallen on his - on his brow. May he wear it long, and appreciate it, as a very different, and very unworthy individual, that it is of no consequence to name, would have done! That, however, still, is not the point. Miss Dombey, Captain Gills is a friend of mine; and during the interval24 that is now elapsing, I believe it would afford Captain Gills pleasure to see me occasionally coming backwards25 and forwards here. It would afford me pleasure so to come. But I cannot forget that I once committed myself, fatally, at the corner of the Square at Brighton; and if my presence will be, in the least degree, unpleasant to you, I only ask you to name it to me now, and assure you that I shall perfectly understand you. I shall not consider it at all unkind, and shall only be too delighted and happy to be honoured with your confidence.'
'Mr Toots,' returned Florence, 'if you, who are so old and true a friend of mine, were to stay away from this house now, you would make me very unhappy. It can never, never, give me any feeling but pleasure to see you.
'Miss Dombey,' said Mr Toots, taking out his pocket-handkerchief, 'if I shed a tear, it is a tear of joy. It is of no consequence, and I am very much obliged to you. I may be allowed to remark, after what you have so kindly27 said, that it is not my intention to neglect my person any longer.'
Florence received this intimation with the prettiest expression of perplexity possible.
'I mean,' said Mr Toots, 'that I shall consider it my duty as a fellow-creature generally, until I am claimed by the silent tomb, to make the best of myself, and to - to have my boots as brightly polished, as - as -circumstances will admit of. This is the last time, Miss Dombey, of my intruding28 any observation of a private and personal nature. I thank you very much indeed. if I am not, in a general way, as sensible as my friends could wish me to be, or as I could wish myself, I really am, upon my word and honour, particularly sensible of what is considerate and kind. I feel,' said Mr Toots, in an impassioned tone, 'as if I could express my feelings, at the present moment, in a most remarkable29 manner, if - if - I could only get a start.'
Appearing not to get it, after waiting a minute or two to see if it would come, Mr Toots took a hasty leave, and went below to seek the Captain, whom he found in the shop.
'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'what is now to take place between us, takes place under the sacred seal of confidence. It is the sequel, Captain Gills, of what has taken place between myself and Miss Dombey, upstairs.'
'Alow and aloft, eh, my lad?' murmured the Captain.
'Exactly so, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, whose fervour of acquiescence30 was greatly heightened by his entire ignorance of the Captain's meaning. 'Miss Dombey, I believe, Captain Gills, is to be shortly united to Lieutenant Walters?'
'Why, ay, my lad. We're all shipmets here, - Wal'r and sweet- heart will be jined together in the house of bondage31, as soon as the askings is over,' whispered Captain Cuttle, in his ear.
'The askings, Captain Gills!' repeated Mr Toots.
'In the church, down yonder,' said the Captain, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.
'Oh! Yes!' returned Mr Toots.
'And then,' said the Captain, in his hoarse32 whisper, and tapping Mr Toots on the chest with the back of his hand, and falling from him with a look of infinite admiration33, 'what follers? That there pretty creetur, as delicately brought up as a foreign bird, goes away upon the roaring main with Wal'r on a woyage to China!'
'Lord, Captain Gills!' said Mr Toots.
'Ay!' nodded the Captain. 'The ship as took him up, when he was wrecked34 in the hurricane that had drove her clean out of her course, was a China trader, and Wal'r made the woyage, and got into favour, aboard and ashore35 - being as smart and good a lad as ever stepped - and so, the supercargo dying at Canton, he got made (having acted as clerk afore), and now he's supercargo aboard another ship, same owners. And so, you see,' repeated the Captain, thoughtfully, 'the pretty creetur goes away upon the roaring main with Wal'r, on a woyage to China.'
Mr Toots and Captain Cuttle heaved a sigh in concert. 'What then?' said the Captain. 'She loves him true. He loves her true. Them as should have loved and tended of her, treated of her like the beasts as perish. When she, cast out of home, come here to me, and dropped upon them planks37, her wownded heart was broke. I know it. I, Ed'ard Cuttle, see it. There's nowt but true, kind, steady love, as can ever piece it up again. If so be I didn't know that, and didn't know as Wal'r was her true love, brother, and she his, I'd have these here blue arms and legs chopped off, afore I'd let her go. But I know it, and what then! Why, then, I say, Heaven go with 'em both, and so it will! Amen!'
'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'let me have the pleasure of shaking hands You've a way of saying things, that gives me an agreeable warmth, all up my back. I say Amen. You are aware, Captain Gills, that I, too, have adored Miss Dombey.'
'Cheer up!' said the Captain, laying his hand on Mr Toots's shoulder. 'Stand by, boy!'
'It is my intention, Captain Gills,' returned the spirited Mr Toots, 'to cheer up. Also to standby, as much as possible. When the silent tomb shall yawn, Captain Gills, I shall be ready for burial; not before. But not being certain, just at present, of my power over myself, what I wish to say to you, and what I shall take it as a particular favour if you will mention to Lieutenant Walters, is as follows.'
'Is as follers,' echoed the Captain. 'Steady!'
'Miss Dombey being so inexpressably kind,' continued Mr Toots with watery38 eyes, 'as to say that my presence is the reverse of disagreeable to her, and you and everybody here being no less forbearing and tolerant towards one who - who certainly,' said Mr Toots, with momentary39 dejection, 'would appear to have been born by mistake, I shall come backwards and forwards of an evening, during the short time we can all be together. But what I ask is this. If, at any moment, I find that I cannot endure the contemplation of Lieutenant Walters's bliss40, and should rush out, I hope, Captain Gills, that you and he will both consider it as my misfortune and not my fault, or the want of inward conflict. That you'll feel convinced I bear no malice41 to any living creature-least of all to Lieutenant Walters himself - and that you'll casually42 remark that I have gone out for a walk, or probably to see what o'clock it is by the Royal Exchange. Captain Gills, if you could enter into this arrangement, and could answer for Lieutenant Walters, it would be a relief to my feelings that I should think cheap at the sacrifice of a considerable portion of my property.'
'My lad,' returned the Captain, 'say no more. There ain't a colour you can run up, as won't be made out, and answered to, by Wal'r and self.'
'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'my mind is greatly relieved. I wish to preserve the good opinion of all here. I - I - mean well, upon my honour, however badly I may show it. You know,' said Mr Toots, 'it's as exactly as Burgess and Co. wished to oblige a customer with a most extraordinary pair of trousers, and could not cut out what they had in their minds.'
With this apposite illustration, of which he seemed a little Proud, Mr Toots gave Captain Cuttle his blessing and departed.
The honest Captain, with his Heart's Delight in the house, and Susan tending her, was a beaming and a happy man. As the days flew by, he grew more beaming and more happy, every day. After some conferences with Susan (for whose wisdom the Captain had a profound respect, and whose valiant43 precipitation of herself on Mrs MacStinger he could never forget), he proposed to Florence that the daughter of the elderly lady who usually sat under the blue umbrella in Leadenhall Market, should, for prudential reasons and considerations of privacy, be superseded44 in the temporary discharge of the household duties, by someone who was not unknown to them, and in whom they could safely confide26. Susan, being present, then named, in furtherance of a suggestion she had previously45 offered to the Captain, Mrs Richards. Florence brightened at the name. And Susan, setting off that very afternoon to the Toodle domicile, to sound Mrs Richards, returned in triumph the same evening, accompanied by the identical rosy-cheeked apple-faced Polly, whose demonstrations47, when brought into Florence's presence, were hardly less affectionate than those of Susan Nipper herself.
This piece of generalship accomplished48; from which the Captain derived49 uncommon50 satisfaction, as he did, indeed, from everything else that was done, whatever it happened to be; Florence had next to prepare Susan for their approaching separation. This was a much more difficult task, as Miss Nipper was of a resolute51 disposition52, and had fully36 made up her mind that she had come back never to be parted from her old mistress any more.
'As to wages dear Miss Floy,' she said, 'you wouldn't hint and wrong me so as think of naming them, for I've put money by and wouldn't sell my love and duty at a time like this even if the Savings53' Banks and me were total strangers or the Banks were broke to pieces, but you've never been without me darling from the time your poor dear Ma was took away, and though I'm nothing to be boasted of you're used to me and oh my own dear mistress through so many years don't think of going anywhere without me, for it mustn't and can't be!'
'Dear Susan, I am going on a long, long voyage.'
'Well Miss Floy, and what of that? the more you'll want me. Lengths of voyages ain't an object in my eyes, thank God!' said the impetuous Susan Nipper.
'But, Susan, I am going with Walter, and I would go with Walter anywhere - everywhere! Walter is poor, and I am very poor, and I must learn, now, both to help myself, and help him.'
'Dear Miss Floy!' cried Susan, bursting out afresh, and shaking her head violently, 'it's nothing new to you to help yourself and others too and be the patientest and truest of noble hearts, but let me talk to Mr Walter Gay and settle it with him, for suffer you to go away across the world alone I cannot, and I won't.'
'Alone, Susan?' returned Florence. 'Alone? and Walter taking me with him!' Ah, what a bright, amazed, enraptured54 smile was on her face! - He should have seen it. 'I am sure you will not speak to Walter if I ask you not,' she added tenderly; 'and pray don't, dear.'
Susan sobbed 'Why not, Miss Floy?'
'Because,' said Florence, 'I am going to be his wife, to give him up my whole heart, and to live with him and die with him. He might think, if you said to him what you have said to me, that I am afraid of what is before me, or that you have some cause to be afraid for me. Why, Susan, dear, I love him!'
Miss Nipper was so much affected55 by the quiet fervour of these words, and the simple, heartfelt, all-pervading earnestness expressed in them, and making the speaker's face more beautiful and pure than ever, that she could only cling to her again, crying. Was her little mistress really, really going to be married, and pitying, caressing, and protecting her, as she had done before. But the Nipper, though susceptible56 of womanly weaknesses, was almost as capable of putting constraint57 upon herself as of attacking the redoubtable58 MacStinger. From that time, she never returned to the subject, but was always cheerful, active, bustling59, and hopeful. She did, indeed, inform Mr Toots privately60, that she was only 'keeping up' for the time, and that when it was all over, and Miss Dombey was gone, she might be expected to become a spectacle distressful61; and Mr Toots did also express that it was his case too, and that they would mingle62 their tears together; but she never otherwise indulged her private feelings in the presence of Florence or within the precincts of the Midshipman.
Limited and plain as Florence's wardrobe was - what a contrast to that prepared for the last marriage in which she had taken part! - there was a good deal to do in getting it ready, and Susan Nipper worked away at her side, all day, with the concentrated zeal63 of fifty sempstresses. The wonderful contributions Captain Cuttle would have made to this branch of the outfit64, if he had been permitted - as pink parasols, tinted65 silk stockings, blue shoes, and other articles no less necessary on shipboard - would occupy some space in the recital66. He was induced, however, by various fraudulent representations, to limit his contributions to a work-box and dressing67 case, of each of which he purchased the very largest specimen68 that could be got for money. For ten days or a fortnight afterwards, he generally sat, during the greater part of the day, gazing at these boxes; divided between extreme admiration of them, and dejected misgivings69 that they were not gorgeous enough, and frequently diving out into the street to purchase some wild article that he deemed necessary to their completeness. But his master-stroke was, the bearing of them both off, suddenly, one morning, and getting the two words FLORENCE GAY engraved70 upon a brass71 heart inlaid over the lid of each. After this, he smoked four pipes successively in the little parlour by himself, and was discovered chuckling73, at the expiration74 of as many hours.
Walter was busy and away all day, but came there every morning early to see Florence, and always passed the evening with her. Florence never left her high rooms but to steal downstairs to wait for him when it was his time to come, or, sheltered by his proud, encircling arm, to bear him company to the door again, and sometimes peep into the street. In the twilight75 they were always together. Oh blessed time! Oh wandering heart at rest! Oh deep, exhaustless, mighty76 well of love, in which so much was sunk!
The cruel mark was on her bosom77 yet. It rose against her father with the breath she drew, it lay between her and her lover when he pressed her to his heart. But she forgot it. In the beating of that heart for her, and in the beating of her own for him, all harsher music was unheard, all stern unloving hearts forgotten. Fragile and delicate she was, but with a might of love within her that could, and did, create a world to fly to, and to rest in, out of his one image.
How often did the great house, and the old days, come before her in the twilight time, when she was sheltered by the arm, so proud, so fond, and, creeping closer to him, shrunk within it at the recollection! How often, from remembering the night when she went down to that room and met the never-to-be forgotten look, did she raise her eyes to those that watched her with such loving earnestness, and weep with happiness in such a refuge! The more she clung to it, the more the dear dead child was in her thoughts: but as if the last time she had seen her father, had been when he was sleeping and she kissed his face, she always left him so, and never, in her fancy, passed that hour.
'Walter, dear,' said Florence, one evening, when it was almost dark.'Do you know what I have been thinking to-day?'
'Thinking how the time is flying on, and how soon we shall be upon the sea, sweet Florence?'
'I don't mean that, Walter, though I think of that too. I have been thinking what a charge I am to you.
'A precious, sacred charge, dear heart! Why, I think that sometimes.'
'You are laughing, Walter. I know that's much more in your thoughts than mine. But I mean a cost.
'A cost, my own?'
'In money, dear. All these preparations that Susan and I are so busy with - I have been able to purchase very little for myself. You were poor before. But how much poorer I shall make you, Walter!'
'And how much richer, Florence!'
Florence laughed, and shook her head.
'Besides,' said Walter, 'long ago - before I went to sea - I had a little purse presented to me, dearest, which had money in it.'
'Ah!' returned Florence, laughing sorrowfully, 'very little! very little, Walter! But, you must not think,' and here she laid her light hand on his shoulder, and looked into his face, 'that I regret to be this burden on you. No, dear love, I am glad of it. I am happy in it. I wouldn't have it otherwise for all the world!'
'Nor I, indeed, dear Florence.'
'Ay! but, Walter, you can never feel it as I do. I am so proud of you! It makes my heart swell79 with such delight to know that those who speak of you must say you married a poor disowned girl, who had taken shelter here; who had no other home, no other friends; who had nothing - nothing! Oh, Walter, if I could have brought you millions, I never could have been so happy for your sake, as I am!'
'And you, dear Florence? are you nothing?' he returned.
'No, nothing, Walter. Nothing but your wife.' The light hand stole about his neck, and the voice came nearer - nearer. 'I am nothing any more, that is not you. I have no earthly hope any more, that is not you. I have nothing dear to me any more, that is not you.
Oh! well might Mr Toots leave the little company that evening, and twice go out to correct his watch by the Royal Exchange, and once to keep an appointment with a banker which he suddenly remembered, and once to take a little turn to Aldgate Pump and back!
But before he went upon these expeditions, or indeed before he came, and before lights were brought, Walter said:
'Florence, love, the lading of our ship is nearly finished, and probably on the very day of our marriage she will drop down the river. Shall we go away that morning, and stay in Kent until we go on board at Gravesend within a week?'
'If you please, Walter. I shall be happy anywhere. But - '
'Yes, my life?'
'You know,' said Florence, 'that we shall have no marriage party, and that nobody will distinguish us by our dress from other people. As we leave the same day, will you - will you take me somewhere that morning, Walter - early - before we go to church?'
Walter seemed to understand her, as so true a lover so truly loved should, and confirmed his ready promise with a kiss - with more than one perhaps, or two or threes or five or six; and in the grave, peaceful evening, Florence was very happy.
Then into the quiet room came Susan Nipper and the candles; shortly afterwards, the tea, the Captain, and the excursive Mr Toots, who, as above mentioned, was frequently on the move afterwards, and passed but a restless evening. This, however, was not his habit: for he generally got on very well, by dint80 of playing at cribbage with the Captain under the advice and guidance of Miss Nipper, and distracting his mind with the calculations incidental to the game; which he found to be a very effectual means of utterly81 confounding himself.
The Captain's visage on these occasions presented one of the finest examples of combination and succession of expression ever observed. His instinctive82 delicacy83 and his chivalrous84 feeling towards Florence, taught him that it was not a time for any boisterous85 jollity, or violent display of satisfaction; floating reminiscences of Lovely Peg86, on the other hand, were constantly struggling for a vent87, and urging the Captain to commit himself by some irreparable demonstration46. Anon, his admiration of Florence and Walter - well-matched, truly, and full of grace and interest in their youth, and love, and good looks, as they sat apart - would take such complete possession of hIm, that he would lay down his cards, and beam upon them, dabbing88 his head all over with his pockethandkerchief; until warned, perhaps, by the sudden rushing forth89 of Mr Toots, that he had unconsciously been very instrumental, indeed, in making that gentleman miserable90. This reflection would make the Captain profoundly melancholy91, until the return of Mr Toots; when he would fall to his cards again, with many side winks92 and nods, and polite waves of his hook at Miss Nipper, importing that he wasn't going to do so any more. The state that ensued on this, was, perhaps, his best; for then, endeavouring to discharge all expression from his face, he would sit staring round the room, with all these expressions conveyed into it at once, and each wrestling with the other. Delighted admiration of Florence and Walter always overthrew93 the rest, and remained victorious94 and undisguised, unless Mr Toots made another rush into the air, and then the Captain would sit, like a remorseful95 culprit, until he came back again, occasionally calling upon himself, in a low reproachful voice, to 'Stand by!' or growling96 some remonstrance97 to 'Ed'ard Cuttle, my lad,' on the want of caution observabl in his behaviour.
One of Mr Toots's hardest trials, however, was of his own seeking. On the approach of the Sunday which was to witness the last of those askings in church of which the Captain had spoken, Mr Toots thus stated his feelings to Susan Nipper.
'Susan,' said Mr Toots, 'I am drawn99 towards the building. The words which cut me off from Miss Dombey for ever, will strike upon my ears like a knell100 you know, but upon my word and honour, I feel that I must hear them. Therefore,' said Mr Toots, 'will you accompany me to-morrow, to the sacred edifice101?'
Miss Nipper expressed her readiness to do so, if that would be any satisfaction to Mr Toots, but besought102 him to abandon his idea of going.
'Susan,' returned Mr Toots, with much solemnity, 'before my whiskers began to be observed by anybody but myself, I adored Miss Dombey. While yet a victim to the thraldom103 of Blimber, I adored Miss Dombey. When I could no longer be kept out of my property, in a legal point of view, and - and accordingly came into it - I adored Miss Dombey. The banns which consign104 her to Lieutenant Walters, and me to - to Gloom, you know,' said Mr Toots, after hesitating for a strong expression, 'may be dreadful, will be dreadful; but I feel that I should wish to hear them spoken. I feel that I should wish to know that the ground wascertainly cut from under me, and that I hadn't a hope to cherish, or a - or a leg, in short, to - to go upon.'
Susan Nipper could only commiserate105 Mr Toots's unfortunate condition, and agree, under these circumstances, to accompany him; which she did next morning.
The church Walter had chosen for the purpose, was a mouldy old church in a yard, hemmed106 in by a labyrinth107 of back streets and courts, with a little burying-ground round it, and itself buried in a kind of vault108, formed by the neighbouring houses, and paved with echoing stones It was a great dim, shabby pile, with high old oaken pews, among which about a score of people lost themselves every Sunday; while the clergyman's voice drowsily109 resounded110 through the emptiness, and the organ rumbled111 and rolled as if the church had got the colic, for want of a congregation to keep the wind and damp out. But so far was this city church from languishing112 for the company of other churches, that spires113 were clustered round it, as the masts of shipping114 cluster on the river. It would have been hard to count them from its steeple-top, they were so many. In almost every yard and blind-place near, there was a church. The confusion of bells when Susan and Mr Toots betook themselves towards it on the Sunday morning, was deafening115. There were twenty churches close together, clamouring for people to come in.
The two stray sheep in question were penned by a beadle in a commodious116 pew, and, being early, sat for some time counting the congregation, listening to the disappointed bell high up in the tower, or looking at a shabby little old man in the porch behind the screen, who was ringing the same, like the Bull in Cock Robin,' with his foot in a stirrup. Mr Toots, after a lengthened118 survey of the large books on the reading-desk, whispered Miss Nipper that he wondered where the banns were kept, but that young lady merely shook her head and frowned; repelling119 for the time all approaches of a temporal nature.
Mr Toots, however, appearing unable to keep his thoughts from the banns, was evidently looking out for them during the whole preliminary portion of the service. As the time for reading them approached, the poor young gentleman manifested great anxiety and trepidation120, which was not diminished by the unexpected apparition121 of the Captain in the front row of the gallery. When the clerk handed up a list to the clergyman, Mr Toots, being then seated, held on by the seat of the pew; but when the names of Walter Gay and Florence Dombey were read aloud as being in the third and last stage of that association, he was so entirley conquered by his feelings as to rush from the church without his hat, followed by the beadle and pew-opener, and two gentlemen of the medical profeesion, who happened to be present; of whom the first-named presently returned for that article, informing Miss Nipper in a whisper that she was not to make herself uneasy about the gentleman, as the gentleman said his indisposition was of no consequence.
Miss Nipper, feeling that the eyes of that integral portion of Europe which lost itself weekly among the high-backed pews, were upon her, would have been sufficient embarrassed by this incident, though it had terminated here; the more so, as the Captain in the front row of the gallery, was in a state of unmitigated consciousness which could hardly fail to express to the congregation that he had some mysterious connection with it. But the extreme restlessness of Mr Toots painfully increased and protracted122 the delicacy of her situation. That young gentleman, incapable123, in his state of mind, of remaining alone in the churchyard, a prey124 to solitary125 meditation126, and also desirous, no doubt, of testifying his respect for the offices he had in some measure interrupted, suddenly returned - not coming back to the pew, but stationing himself on a free seat in the aisle127, between two elderly females who were in the habit of receiving their portion of a weekly dole128 of bread then set forth on a shelf in the porch. In this conjunction Mr Toots remained, greatly disturbing the congregation, who felt it impossible to avoid looking at him, until his feelings overcame him again, when he departed silently and suddenly. Not venturing to trust himself in the church any more, and yet wishing to have some social participation129 in what was going on there, Mr Toots was, after this, seen from time to time, looking in, with a lorn aspect, at one or other of the windows; and as there were several windows accessible to him from without, and as his restlessness was very great, it not only became difficult to conceive at which window he would appear next, but likewise became necessary, as it were, for the whole congregation to speculate upon the chances of the different windows, during the comparative leisure afforded them by the sermon. Mr Toots's movements in the churchyard were so eccentric, that he seemed generally to defeat all calculation, and to appear, like the conjuror's figure, where he was least expected; and the effect of these mysterious presentations was much increased by its being difficult to him to see in, and easy to everybody else to see out: which occasioned his remaining, every time, longer than might have been expected, with his face close to the glass, until he all at once became aware that all eyes were upon him, and vanished.
These proceedings131 on the part of Mr Toots, and the strong individual consciousness of them that was exhibited by the Captain, rendered Miss Nipper's position so responsible a one, that she was mightily132 relieved by the conclusion of the service; and was hardly so affable to Mr Toots as usual, when he informed her and the Captain, on the way back, that now he was sure he had no hope, you know, he felt more comfortable - at least not exactly more comfortable, but more comfortably and completely miserable.
Swiftly now, indeed, the time flew by until it was the evening before the day appointed for the marriage. They were all assembled in the upper room at the Midshipman's, and had no fear of interruption; for there were no lodgers133 in the house now, and the Midshipman had it all to himself. They were grave and quiet in the prospect134 of to-morrow, but moderately cheerful too. Florence, with Walter close beside her, was finishing a little piece of work intended as a parting gift to the Captain. The Captain was playing cribbage with Mr Toots. Mr Toots was taking counsel as to his hand, of Susan Nipper. Miss Nipper was giving it, with all due secrecy135 and circumspection136. Diogenes was listening, and occasionally breaking out into a gruff half-smothered fragment of a bark, of which he afterwards seemed half-ashamed, as if he doubted having any reason for it.
'Steady, steady!' said the Captain to Diogenes, 'what's amiss with you? You don't seem easy in your mind to-night, my boy!'
Diogenes wagged his tail, but pricked137 up his ears immediately afterwards, and gave utterance138 to another fragment of a bark; for which he apologised to the Captain, by again wagging his tail.
'It's my opinion, Di,' said the Captain, looking thoughtfully at his cards, and stroking his chin with his hook, 'as you have your doubts of Mrs Richards; but if you're the animal I take you to be, you'll think better o' that; for her looks is her commission. Now, Brother:' to Mr Toots: 'if so be as you're ready, heave ahead.'
The Captain spoke98 with all composure and attention to the game, but suddenly his cards dropped out of his hand, his mouth and eyes opened wide, his legs drew themselves up and stuck out in front of his chair, and he sat staring at the door with blank amazement139. Looking round upon the company, and seeing that none of them observed him or the cause of his astonishment140, the Captain recovered himself with a great gasp141, struck the table a tremendous blow, cried in a stentorian142 roar, 'Sol Gills ahoy!' and tumbled into the arms of a weather-beaten pea-coat that had come with Polly into the room.
In another moment, Walter was in the arms of the weather-beaten pea-coat. In another moment, Florence was in the arms of the weather-beaten pea-coat. In another moment, Captain Cuttle had embraced Mrs Richards and Miss Nipper, and was violently shaking hands with Mr Toots, exclaiming, as he waved his hook above his head, 'Hooroar, my lad, hooroar!' To which Mr Toots, wholly at a loss to account for these proceedings, replied with great politeness, 'Certainly, Captain Gills, whatever you think proper!'
The weather-beaten pea-coat, and a no less weather-beaten cap and comforter belonging to it, turned from the Captain and from Florence back to Walter, and sounds came from the weather-beaten pea-coat, cap, and comforter, as of an old man sobbing underneath143 them; while the shaggy sleeves clasped Walter tight. During this pause, there was an universal silence, and the Captain polished his nose with great diligence. But when the pea-coat, cap, and comforter lifted themselves up again, Florence gently moved towards them; and she and Walter taking them off, disclosed the old Instrument-maker, a little thinner and more careworn144 than of old, in his old Welsh wig145 and his old coffee-coloured coat and basket buttons, with his old infallible chronometer146 ticking away in his pocket.
'Chock full o' science,' said the radiant Captain, 'as ever he was! Sol Gills, Sol Gills, what have you been up to, for this many a long day, my ould boy?'
'I'm half blind, Ned,' said the old man, 'and almost deaf and dumb with joy.'
'His wery woice,' said the Captain, looking round with an exultation147 to which even his face could hardly render justice - 'his wery woice as chock full o' science as ever it was! Sol Gills, lay to, my lad, upon your own wines and fig-trees like a taut148 ould patriark as you are, and overhaul149 them there adwentures o' yourn, in your own formilior woice. 'Tis the woice,' said the Captain, impressively, and announcing a quotation150 with his hook, 'of the sluggard151, I heerd him complain, you have woke me too soon, I must slumber152 again. Scatter153 his ene-mies, and make 'em fall!'
The Captain sat down with the air of a man who had happily expressed the feeling of everybody present, and immediately rose again to present Mr Toots, who was much disconcerted by the arrival of anybody, appearing to prefer a claim to the name of Gills.
'Although,' stammered154 Mr Toots, 'I had not the pleasure of your acquaintance, Sir, before you were - you were - '
'Lost to sight, to memory dear,' suggested the Captain, in a low voice.
Exactly so, Captain Gills!' assented155 Mr Toots. 'Although I had not the pleasure of your acquaintance, Mr - Mr Sols,' said Toots, hitting on that name in the inspiration of a bright idea, 'before that happened, I have the greatest pleasure, I assure you, in - you know, in knowing you. I hope,' said Mr Toots, 'that you're as well as can be expected.'
With these courteous156 words, Mr Toots sat down blushing and chuckling.
The old Instrument-maker, seated in a corner between Walter and Florence, and nodding at Polly, who was looking on, all smiles and delight, answered the Captain thus:
'Ned Cuttle, my dear boy, although I have heard something of the changes of events here, from my pleasant friend there - what a pleasant face she has to be sure, to welcome a wanderer home!' said the old man, breaking off, and rubbing his hands in his old dreamy way.
'Hear him!' cried the Captain gravely. ''Tis woman as seduces157 all mankind. For which,' aside to Mr Toots, 'you'll overhaul your Adam and Eve, brother.'
'I shall make a point of doing so, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots.
'Although I have heard something of the changes of events, from her,' resumed the Instrument-maker, taking his old spectacles from his pocket, and putting them on his forehead in his old manner, 'they are so great and unexpected, and I am so overpowered by the sight of my dear boy, and by the,' - glancing at the downcast eyes of Florence, and not attempting to finish the sentence - 'that I - I can't say much to-night. But my dear Ned Cuttle, why didn't you write?'
The astonishment depicted158 in the Captain's features positively159 frightened Mr Toots, whose eyes were quite fixed160 by it, so that he could not withdraw them from his face.
'Write!' echoed the Captain. 'Write, Sol Gills?'
'Ay,' said the old man, 'either to Barbados, or Jamaica, or Demerara, That was what I asked.'
'What you asked, Sol Gills?' repeated the Captain.
'Ay,' said the old man. 'Don't you know, Ned? Sure you have not forgotten? Every time I wrote to you.'
The Captain took off his glazed161 hat, hung it on his hook, and smoothing his hair from behind with his hand, sat gazing at the group around him: a perfect image of wondering resignation.
'You don't appear to understand me, Ned!' observed old Sol.
'Sol Gills,' returned the Captain, after staring at him and the rest for a long time, without speaking, 'I'm gone about and adrift. Pay out a word or two respecting them adwenturs, will you! Can't I bring up, nohows? Nohows?' said the Captain, ruminating162, and staring all round.
'You know, Ned,' said Sol Gills, 'why I left here. Did you open my packet, Ned?'
'Why, ay, ay,' said the Captain. 'To be sure, I opened the packet.'
'And read it?' said the old man.
'And read it,' answered the Captain, eyeing him attentively163, and proceeding130 to quote it from memory. '"My dear Ned Cuttle, when I left home for the West Indies in forlorn search of intelligence of my dear-" There he sits! There's Wal'r!' said the Captain, as if he were relieved by getting hold of anything that was real and indisputable.
'Well, Ned. Now attend a moment!' said the old man. 'When I wrote first - that was from Barbados - I said that though you would receive that letter long before the year was out, I should be glad if you would open the packet, as it explained the reason of my going away. Very good, Ned. When I wrote the second, third, and perhaps the fourth times - that was from Jamaica - I said I was in just the same state, couldn't rest, and couldn't come away from that part of the world, without knowing that my boy was lost or saved. When I wrote next - that, I think, was from Demerara, wasn't it?'
'That he thinks was from Demerara, warn't it!' said the Captain, looking hopelessly round.
'I said,' proceeded old Sol, 'that still there was no certain information got yet. That I found many captains and others, in that part of the world, who had known me for years, and who assisted me with a passage here and there, and for whom I was able, now and then, to do a little in return, in my own craft. That everyone was sorry for me, and seemed to take a sort of interest in my wanderings; and that I began to think it would be my fate to cruise about in search of tidings of my boy, until I died.'
'Began to think as how he was a scientific Flying Dutchman!' said the Captain, as before, and with great seriousness.
'But when the news come one day, Ned, - that was to Barbados, after I got back there, - that a China trader home'ard bound had been spoke, that had my boy aboard, then, Ned, I took passage in the next ship and came home; arrived at home to-night to find it true, thank God!' said the old man, devoutly164.
The Captain, after bowing his head with great reverence165, stared all round the circle, beginning with Mr Toots, and ending with the Instrument-maker; then gravely said:
'Sol Gills! The observation as I'm a-going to make is calc'lated to blow every stitch of sail as you can carry, clean out of the bolt-ropes, and bring you on your beam ends with a lurch166. Not one of them letters was ever delivered to Ed'ard Cuttle. Not one o' them letters,' repeated the Captain, to make his declaration the more solemn and impressive, 'was ever delivered unto Ed'ard Cuttle, Mariner167, of England, as lives at home at ease, and doth improve each shining hour!'
'And posted by my own hand! And directed by my own hand, Number nine Brig Place!' exclaimed old Sol.
The colour all went out of the Captain's face and all came back again in a glow.
'What do you mean, Sol Gills, my friend, by Number nine Brig Place?' inquired the Captain.
'Mean? Your lodgings168, Ned,' returned the old man. 'Mrs What's-her-name! I shall forget my own name next, but I am behind the present time - I always was, you recollect78 - and very much confused. Mrs - '
'Sol Gills!' said the Captain, as if he were putting the most improbable case in the world, 'it ain't the name of MacStinger as you're a trying to remember?'
'Of course it is!' exclaimed the Instrument-maker. 'To be sure Ned. Mrs MacStinger!'
Captain Cuttle, whose eyes were now as wide open as they would be, and the knobs upon whose face were perfectly luminous169, gave a long shrill170 whistle of a most melancholy sound, and stood gazing at everybody in a state of speechlessness.
'Overhaul that there again, Sol Gills, will you be so kind?' he said at last.
'All these letters,' returned Uncle Sol, beating time with the forefinger171 of his right hand upon the palm of his left, with a steadiness and distinctness that might have done honour, even to the infallible chronometer in his pocket, 'I posted with my own hand, and directed with my own hand, to Captain Cuttle, at Mrs MacStinger's, Number nine Brig Place.'
The Captain took his glazed hat off his hook, looked into it, put it on, and sat down.
'Why, friends all,' said the Captain, staring round in the last state of discomfiture172, 'I cut and run from there!'
'And no one knew where you were gone, Captain Cuttle?' cried Walter hastily.
'Bless your heart, Wal'r,' said the Captain, shaking his head, 'she'd never have allowed o' my coming to take charge o' this here property. Nothing could be done but cut and run. Lord love you, Wal'r!' said the Captain, 'you've only seen her in a calm! But see her when her angry passions rise - and make a note on!'
'I'd give it her!' remarked the Nipper, softly.
'Would you, do you think, my dear?' returned the Captain, with feeble admiration. 'Well, my dear, it does you credit. But there ain't no wild animal I wouldn't sooner face myself. I only got my chest away by means of a friend as nobody's a match for. It was no good sending any letter there. She wouldn't take in any letter, bless you,' said the Captain, 'under them circumstances! Why, you could hardly make it worth a man's while to be the postman!'
'Then it's pretty clear, Captain Cuttle, that all of us, and you and Uncle Sol especially,' said Walter, 'may thank Mrs MacStinger for no small anxiety.'
The general obligation in this wise to the determined173 relict of the late Mr MacStinger, was so apparent, that the Captain did not contest the point; but being in some measure ashamed of his position, though nobody dwelt upon the subject, and Walter especially avoided it, remembering the last conversation he and the Captain had held together respecting it, he remained under a cloud for nearly five minutes - an extraordinary period for him when that sun, his face, broke out once more, shining on all beholders with extraordinary brilliancy; and he fell into a fit of shaking hands with everybody over and over again.
At an early hour, but not before Uncle Sol and Walter had questioned each other at some length about their voyages and dangers, they all, except Walter, vacated Florence's room, and went down to the parlour. Here they were soon afterwards joined by Walter, who told them Florence was a little sorrowful and heavy-hearted, and had gone to bed. Though they could not have disturbed her with their voices down there, they all spoke in a whisper after this: and each, in his different way, felt very lovingly and gently towards Walter's fair young bride: and a long explanation there was of everything relating to her, for the satisfaction of Uncle Sol; and very sensible Mr Toots was of the delicacy with which Walter made his name and services important, and his presence necessary to their little council.
'Mr Toots,' said Walter, on parting with him at the house door, 'we shall see each other to-morrow morning?'
'Lieutenant Walters,' returned Mr Toots, grasping his hand fervently174, 'I shall certainly be present.
'This is the last night we shall meet for a long time - the last night we may ever meet,' said Walter. 'Such a noble heart as yours, must feel, I think, when another heart is bound to it. I hope you know that I am very grateful to you?'
'Walters,' replied Mr Toots, quite touched, 'I should be glad to feel that you had reason to be so.'
'Florence,' said Walter, 'on this last night of her bearing her own name, has made me promise - it was only just now, when you left us together - that I would tell you - with her dear love - '
Mr Toots laid his hand upon the doorpost, and his eyes upon his hand.
- with her dear love,' said Walter, 'that she can never have a friend whom she will value above you. That the recollection of your true consideration for her always, can never be forgotten by her. That she remembers you in her prayers to-night, and hopes that you will think of her when she is far away. Shall I say anything for you?'
'Say, Walter,' replied Mr Toots indistinctly, 'that I shall think of her every day, but never without feeling happy to know that she is married to the man she loves, and who loves her. Say, if you please, that I am sure her husband deserves her - even her!- and that I am glad of her choice.'
Mr Toots got more distinct as he came to these last words, and raising his eyes from the doorpost, said them stoutly175. He then shook Walter's hand again with a fervour that Walter was not slow to return and started homeward.
Mr Toots was accompanied by the Chicken, whom he had of late brought with him every evening, and left in the shop, with an idea that unforeseen circumstances might arise from without, in which the prowess of that distinguished176 character would be of service to the Midshipman. The Chicken did not appear to be in a particularly good humour on this occasion. Either the gas-lamps were treacherous177, or he cocked his eye in a hideous178 manner, and likewise distorted his nose, when Mr Toots, crossing the road, looked back over his shoulder at the room where Florence slept. On the road home, he was more demonstrative of aggressive intentions against the other foot-passengers, than comported179 with a professor of the peaceful art of self-defence. Arrived at home, instead of leaving Mr Toots in his apartments when he had escorted him thither180, he remained before him weighing his white hat in both hands by the brim, and twitching181 his head and nose (both of which had been many times broken, and but indifferently repaired), with an air of decided182 disrespect.
His patron being much engaged with his own thoughts, did not observe this for some time, nor indeed until the Chicken, determined not to be overlooked, had made divers183 clicking sounds with his tongue and teeth, to attract attention.
'Now, Master,' said the Chicken, doggedly184, when he, at length, caught Mr Toots's eye, 'I want to know whether this here gammon is to finish it, or whether you're a going in to win?'
'Chicken,' returned Mr Toots, 'explain yourself.'
'Why then, here's all about it, Master,' said the Chicken. 'I ain't a cove72 to chuck a word away. Here's wot it is. Are any on 'em to be doubled up?'
When the Chicken put this question he dropped his hat, made a dodge185 and a feint with his left hand, hit a supposed enemy a violent blow with his right, shook his head smartly, and recovered himself'
'Come, Master,' said the Chicken. 'Is it to be gammon or pluck? Which?'
Chicken,' returned Mr Toots, 'your expressions are coarse, and your meaning is obscure.'
'Why, then, I tell you what, Master,' said the Chicken. 'This is where it is. It's mean.'
'What is mean, Chicken?' asked Mr Toots.
'It is,' said the Chicken, with a frightful186 corrugation of his broken nose. 'There! Now, Master! Wot! When you could go and blow on this here match to the stiff'un;' by which depreciatory187 appellation188 it has been since supposed that the Game One intended to signify Mr Dombey; 'and when you could knock the winner and all the kit189 of 'em dead out o' wind and time, are you going to give in? To give in? 'said the Chicken, with contemptuous emphasis. 'Wy, it's mean!'
'Chicken,' said Mr Toots, severely190, 'you're a perfect Vulture! Your sentiments are atrocious.'
'My sentiments is Game and Fancy, Master,' returned the Chicken. 'That's wot my sentiments is. I can't abear a meanness. I'm afore the public, I'm to be heerd on at the bar of the Little Helephant, and no Gov'ner o' mine mustn't go and do what's mean. Wy, it's mean,' said the Chicken, with increased expression. 'That's where it is. It's mean.'
'Chicken,' said Mr Toots, 'you disgust me.'
'Master,' returned the Chicken, putting on his hat, 'there's a pair on us, then. Come! Here's a offer! You've spoke to me more than once't or twice't about the public line. Never mind! Give me a fi'typunnote to-morrow, and let me go.'
'Chicken,' returned Mr Toots, 'after the odious117 sentiments you have expressed, I shall be glad to part on such terms.'
'Done then,' said the Chicken. 'It's a bargain. This here conduct of yourn won't suit my book, Master. Wy, it's mean,' said the Chicken; who seemed equally unable to get beyond that point, and to stop short of it. 'That's where it is; it's mean!'
So Mr Toots and the Chicken agreed to part on this incompatibility191 of moral perception; and Mr Toots lying down to sleep, dreamed happily of Florence, who had thought of him as her friend upon the last night of her maiden192 life, and who had sent him her dear love.
海军军官候补生精神抖擞。图茨先生和苏珊终于来了。苏珊像一个发疯的姑娘一样跑到楼上，图茨先生和斗鸡则走进客厅。
“啊，我亲爱的心肝宝贝可爱的弗洛伊小姐！”尼珀跑进弗洛伊的房间，喊道，“想不到事情会到了这个地步，我竟会在这里找到您呀我亲爱的小鸽子，您在这里没有人侍候您也没有一个您可以称为自己的家，不过我永远永远也不会再离开您了，弗洛伊小姐，因为我虽然不会长苔藓，但我不是一块滚动的石头，①我的心也不是一块石头要不然它就不会像现在这样在爆裂了，啊亲爱的啊亲爱的！”
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①滚动的石头不长苔藓（Arollingstonegathersnomoss），是英国谚语。滚动的石头一般比喻喜欢改换职业、住址等的人。
尼珀姑娘滔滔不绝地倾吐出这些话语，并跪在她的女主人的前面，紧紧地拥抱着她。
“我亲爱的！”苏珊喊道，“过去发生的事情我全知道了，我一切都知道了，我心爱的宝贝，我喘不过气来了，给我空气吧！”
“苏珊，亲爱的好苏珊！”弗洛伦斯说道。
“啊上帝保佑她！她还是个小孩子的时候我就是她的小侍女！难道她确确实实当真要结婚了吗？”苏珊高声喊道，她又是痛苦又是高兴，又是自豪又是悲伤，天知道还夹杂着多少其他相互冲突的感情。
“谁跟您这么说的？”弗洛伦斯说道。
“啊我的天哪！就是那个最傻里傻气的人图茨，”苏珊歇斯底里地回答道，“我知道他准没错，我亲爱的，因为他很伤心。他是个最忠实最傻里傻气的小娃娃！难道我心爱的人儿确确实实要结婚了吗？”苏珊继续说道，一边泪流满脸地又紧紧拥抱着她。
尼珀不断地提到这个问题，每当提到这个问题的时候，她都要抬起头来注视这张年轻的脸孔并吻它，然后又把头低垂在女主人肩膀上，爱抚着她，并哭泣着；她提到这个问题时所流露出来的、混杂着同情、喜悦、亲切与爱护的感情是世界上真正女性的高尚的感情。
“好了，好了！”弗洛伦斯不久用安慰的声调说道，“啊现在您镇静下来了，亲爱的苏珊！”
尼珀姑娘坐在女主人脚边的地板上，又是大笑又是哭泣，一只手用手绢抹着眼泪，另一只手轻轻地拍着正舔她的脸孔的戴奥吉尼斯；她承认她现在镇静一些了，为了证明这一点，她又大笑了一会儿，哭泣了一会儿。
“我——我——我从来没有见过像图茨这样的人，”苏珊说道，“从我生下来起从来没有见过！”
“他是那么善良，”弗洛伦斯提示道。
“而且是那么滑稽可笑！”苏珊抽抽嗒嗒地哭泣着说道，“他跟我坐在马车里跟我谈话，那位不值得尊敬的斗鸡则坐在车夫座位上，那时候瞧他那说话的神态和腔调！”
“他谈了些什么呢；苏珊？”弗洛伦斯胆怯地问道。
“他谈到沃尔特斯上尉，谈到吉尔斯船长，还谈到您我亲爱的弗洛伊小姐，还有那沉默的坟墓，”苏珊说道。
“沉默的坟墓！”弗洛伦斯重复地说道。
“他说，”这时苏珊歇斯底里地大笑了一阵子，“他将立刻很轻松自在地走进沉默的坟墓，可是您放心他不会的，我亲爱的弗洛伊小姐，他说那句话是表示他看到别人幸福真是太快乐了，他也许并不是所罗门，”尼珀姑娘又像往常那样滔滔不绝地继续说道，“我也没有说他就是所罗门，但是我敢说世界上从来没有见到过像他那样不自私的人！”
尼珀姑娘作了这个有力的声明之后，仍然处于歇斯底里的状态，毫无节制地大笑着，然后才告诉弗洛伦斯，他在楼下等着见她，这将是对他最近不辞辛苦、长途奔波的极为丰厚的酬答。
弗洛伦斯请苏珊去邀请图茨先生上楼来，她将高兴地对他的好意帮助表示感谢。几分钟之后，苏珊就把那位年轻人带进房间，他头发还是乱蓬蓬的，说起话来结巴得厉害。
“董贝小姐，”图茨先生说道，“又承蒙您允许我——注视——至少，不是注视，不过——我不知道我要说什么，不过这是无关紧要的。”
“我是这么经常地感谢您，我都已经把话讲完了，因此我不知道现在该讲些什么好。”弗洛伦斯向他伸出双手，脸上露出真挚的谢意。
“董贝小姐，”图茨先生用可怕的说道，“如果您能够咒骂我几句（这并不改变您那天使般的性格），那么我反倒好受些；现在您讲了这样亲切的话，可真把我难住了（如果您允许我这样说的话）。这些话对我的影响——是——不过，”图茨先生突然中断话头，说道，“我离题了，这完全是无关紧要的。”
弗洛伦斯由于除了再次谢谢他之外，似乎没办法回答他的话，所以就再一次谢谢他。
“董贝小姐，”图茨先生说道，“如果可能的话，我希望趁这个机会解释一、两句。我本可以和苏珊早一些回来的，可是第一，我们不知道她投奔的亲戚的姓名，第二，因为她已离开了她那位亲戚的家，到另一位住在远处的亲戚那里去了，所以我想，如果不是斗鸡聪明的话，那么我们到现在也还不见得就能找到她呢。”
弗洛伦斯相信这一点。
“不过，这并不是重要的一点，”图茨先生说道，“我可以向您肯定地说，董贝小姐，就我当时的心情来说（它是容易想象而难以描述的），跟苏珊在一起对我是一种安慰与满足。这次旅行本身就是一种报酬。可是那仍然不是重要的一点。董贝小姐，我曾经跟您说过，我明白，我并不是个人们可以称做头脑灵敏的人。我完全知道这一点。我自己比任何人都清楚，我是个多么——如果不算说得太过分的话，那么我就要说，我是个脑子很愚钝的人。可是尽管这样，董贝小姐，我还是看出沃尔特斯上尉的情况是怎么回事。不论这种情况会使我产生多少痛苦（这是完全无关紧要的），可是我一定得说，沃尔特斯上尉看来是个值得享受降临在他的——他的身上的幸福的人。祝愿他长久地享受它，并珍惜它，就像一个很不相同、很不足取、指出他的姓名完全是无关紧要的人会珍惜它的一样！不过，这仍然不是重要的一点。董贝小姐，吉尔斯船长是我的朋友，我觉得如果在这段时间里我不时来回到这里来看看，吉尔斯船长是会感到高兴的。到这里来看看也会使我感到高兴。不过我不能忘记，我有一次在布赖顿广场角落里犯了一个极严重的错误；如果我到这里来会使您有一点点不乐意的话，那么我只请求您现在就向我指出来；我可以向您保证，我将完全理解您。我决不会认为这是冷酷无情，而只会由于荣幸地得到您的信任而感到快乐和幸福。”
“图茨先生，”弗洛伦斯回答道，“您是我的一位很真诚的老朋友；如果您现在不再到这里来看我们的话，那么您将会使我感到很不快乐。我看到您只会感到高兴，而决不会产生任何其他的感情。”“董贝小姐，”图茨先生掏出手绢来，说道，“如果我掉眼泪的话，那么这是欢乐的眼泪；这是无关紧要的；我深深地感谢您。在您讲了这些亲切的话以后，请允许我说一句，我不打算再轻视我自己了。”
弗洛伦斯听到这个暗示，露出了茫然不解的可爱的表情。
“我的意思是说，”图茨先生说道，“我将认为，在我没有被沉默的坟墓召唤去之前，作为人类的一员，我有责任尽量让我的外表好看一些；如果——如果情况允许的话，那么我将——把我的靴子擦得亮亮的。董贝小姐，这是我最后一次冒昧地向您讲到有关个人方面的事。我确实非常感谢您。如果我不是像我的朋友们或我自己所希望的那样明白事理的话，那么，说实话，我以我的荣誉发誓，我对别人的体贴与好意是特别能领会的。如果——如果——我知道怎样开始的话，图茨先生用充满热情的语气说道，“我觉得仿佛我现在能以最美好的方式来表达我的感情似的。”
图茨先生等了一、两分钟，看看他是否能想出怎样开始；看来他还是想不出来，就匆匆告辞了。他走下楼去找船长，在店铺里找到了他。
“吉尔斯船长，”图茨先生说道，“我现在跟您谈的事情必须保证严守秘密，吉尔斯船长；这是我跟董贝小姐在楼上谈话的结果。”
“在船内和在桅杆高处是吗，我的孩子？”船长低声问道。
“正是这样，吉尔斯船长，”图茨先生说道，他由于完全不明白船长讲话的意思，就以极大的热情表示同意。“吉尔斯船长，我相信董贝小姐很快就要跟沃尔特斯上尉结婚了吧？”
“是的，是的，我的孩子。我们这里全都是船友。沃尔跟他亲爱的情人在结婚预告①结束之后，就立即在缔结婚姻的房屋里结为夫妇了，”卡特尔船长凑着他的耳朵低声说道。
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①在信奉基督教的国家，人们在结婚之前，在教堂中须宣读结婚预告，询问是否有人提出异议；在不同时间，共宣读三次预告。
“结婚预告，吉尔斯船长！”图茨先生重复说道。
“在那边教堂里，”船长用大姆指指指肩膀后面，说道。
“啊，是的！”图茨先生回答道。
“然后怎样呢？”船长用手背拍拍图茨先生的胸膛，往后退了一步，露出钦佩的神情看着他，并用嘶哑的低声说道，“然
收听单词发音 |
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bereft
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| adj.被剥夺的 | |
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moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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busting
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| 打破，打碎( bust的现在分词 )； 突击搜查（或搜捕）； （使）降级，降低军阶 | |
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hysterical
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| adj.情绪异常激动的，歇斯底里般的 | |
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hysterically
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| ad. 歇斯底里地 | |
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compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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recurred
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| 再发生，复发( recur的过去式和过去分词 )； 治愈 | |
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caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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sobbing
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| <主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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repayment
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| n.偿还，偿还款；报酬 | |
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entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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stammering
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的现在分词 ) | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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confide
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| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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intruding
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| v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的现在分词)；把…强加于 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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bondage
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| n.奴役，束缚 | |
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hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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watery
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| adj.有水的，水汪汪的；湿的，湿润的 | |
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momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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casually
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| adv.漠不关心地，无动于衷地，不负责任地 | |
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valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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superseded
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| [医]被代替的，废弃的 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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savings
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| n.存款，储蓄 | |
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enraptured
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| v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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distressful
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| adj.苦难重重的，不幸的，使苦恼的 | |
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mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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tinted
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| adj. 带色彩的 动词tint的过去式和过去分词 | |
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recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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misgivings
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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cove
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| n.小海湾，小峡谷 | |
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chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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expiration
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| n.终结，期满，呼气，呼出物 | |
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twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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chivalrous
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| adj.武士精神的；对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
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boisterous
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| adj.喧闹的，欢闹的 | |
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peg
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| n.木栓，木钉；vt.用木钉钉，用短桩固定 | |
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vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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dabbing
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| 石面凿毛，灰泥抛毛 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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winks
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| v.使眼色( wink的第三人称单数 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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93
overthrew
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| overthrow的过去式 | |
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94
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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95
remorseful
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| adj.悔恨的 | |
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96
growling
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| n.吠声, 咆哮声 v.怒吠, 咆哮, 吼 | |
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97
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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98
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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99
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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100
knell
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| n.丧钟声；v.敲丧钟 | |
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101
edifice
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| n.宏伟的建筑物(如宫殿，教室) | |
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102
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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103
thraldom
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| n.奴隶的身份，奴役，束缚 | |
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104
consign
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| vt.寄售（货品），托运，交托，委托 | |
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105
commiserate
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| v.怜悯，同情 | |
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106
hemmed
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| 缝…的褶边( hem的过去式和过去分词 )； 包围 | |
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107
labyrinth
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| n.迷宫；难解的事物；迷路 | |
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108
vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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109
drowsily
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| adv.睡地，懒洋洋地，昏昏欲睡地 | |
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110
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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111
rumbled
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| 发出隆隆声，发出辘辘声( rumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 轰鸣着缓慢行进； 发现…的真相； 看穿（阴谋） | |
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112
languishing
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| a. 衰弱下去的 | |
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113
spires
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| n.（教堂的） 塔尖，尖顶( spire的名词复数 ) | |
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114
shipping
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| n.船运（发货，运输，乘船） | |
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115
deafening
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| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
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116
commodious
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| adj.宽敞的；使用方便的 | |
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117
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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118
lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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119
repelling
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| v.击退( repel的现在分词 )；使厌恶；排斥；推开 | |
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120
trepidation
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| n.惊恐，惶恐 | |
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121
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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122
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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123
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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124
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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125
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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126
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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127
aisle
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| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
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128
dole
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| n.救济，（失业）救济金；vt.（out）发放，发给 | |
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129
participation
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| n.参与，参加，分享 | |
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130
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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131
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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132
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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133
lodgers
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| n.房客，租住者( lodger的名词复数 ) | |
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134
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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135
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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136
circumspection
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| n.细心，慎重 | |
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137
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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138
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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139
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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140
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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141
gasp
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| n.喘息，气喘；v.喘息；气吁吁他说 | |
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142
stentorian
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| adj.大声的，响亮的 | |
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143
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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144
careworn
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| adj.疲倦的，饱经忧患的 | |
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145
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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146
chronometer
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| n.精密的计时器 | |
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147
exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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148
taut
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| adj.拉紧的，绷紧的，紧张的 | |
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149
overhaul
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| v./n.大修，仔细检查 | |
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150
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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151
sluggard
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| n.懒人；adj.懒惰的 | |
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152
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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153
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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154
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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157
seduces
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| 诱奸( seduce的第三人称单数 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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158
depicted
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| 描绘，描画( depict的过去式和过去分词 )； 描述 | |
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159
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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160
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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161
glazed
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| adj.光滑的，像玻璃的；上过釉的；呆滞无神的v.装玻璃( glaze的过去式)；上釉于，上光；（目光）变得呆滞无神 | |
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162
ruminating
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| v.沉思( ruminate的现在分词 )；反复考虑；反刍；倒嚼 | |
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163
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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164
devoutly
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| adv.虔诚地，虔敬地，衷心地 | |
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165
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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166
lurch
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| n.突然向前或旁边倒；v.蹒跚而行 | |
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167
mariner
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| n.水手号不载人航天探测器，海员，航海者 | |
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168
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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169
luminous
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| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
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170
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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171
forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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172
discomfiture
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| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
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173
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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174
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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175
stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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176
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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177
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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178
hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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179
comported
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| v.表现( comport的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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181
twitching
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| n.颤搐 | |
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182
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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183
divers
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| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
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184
doggedly
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| adv.顽强地，固执地 | |
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185
dodge
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| v.闪开，躲开，避开；n.妙计，诡计 | |
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186
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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187
depreciatory
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| adj.贬值的，蔑视的 | |
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188
appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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189
kit
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| n.用具包，成套工具；随身携带物 | |
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190
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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191
incompatibility
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| n.不兼容 | |
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192
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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