 Chapter 56 of Dombean's Son The midshipman was all alive. Mr. Toots and Susan had arrived at last. Susan had run upstairs like a young woman bereft of her senses, and Mr. Toots and the chicken had gone into the parlor. Oh, my own pretty darling sweet Miss Floyd, 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 Floyd, for though I may not gather moss, I am not a rolling stone, nor is my heart a stone, or else it wouldn't bust, as it is busting 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 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 innocent creature toots, returned Susan hysterically. 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 compassion, pleasure, tenderness, protection and regret, with which the Nipper constantly recurred to this subject, and at every such occurrence raised her head to look in the young face and kiss it, and then laid her head again upon her mistress' shoulder, caressing her and sobbing was as womanly and good a thing in its way as ever was seen in the world. There, there, said the soothing voice of Florence presently. Now you're quite yourself, dear Susan. Miss Nipper, sitting down upon the floor at her mistress' feet, laughing and sobbing, holding her pocket-hanker-chief 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 creature as that toots, said Susan, in all my born days never. So kind suggested Florence, and so comic, Susan sobbed, 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 Lieutenant Walters and Captain Gills, and you, my dear Miss Floyd, and the silent tomb, said Susan. The silent tomb repeated Florence? He says, here Susan burst into a violent hysterical laugh. That he'll go down into it now immediately and quite comfortable, but bless your heart, my dear Miss Floyd, 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 repayment for the trouble he had had in his late expedition. Florence entreated 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 disheveled in appearance and stammering exceedingly. Miss Domby, said Mr. Toots, to be again permitted 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 gratitude beaming in her face, that I have no words left and don't know how to do it. Miss Domby, 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, to floor me infinitely less than by these undeserved expressions of kindness. Their effect upon me is but, said Mr. Toots, abruptly. This is a digression, ends of no consequence at all. As there seem 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 Domby, if I might, of entering into a world of explanation. I should have had the pleasure 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 relations 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 Domby, a consolation 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 Domby, I have before observed that I know I am not what is considered a quick person. I am perfectly 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 a thickness of his own head than myself. But, Miss Domby, I do not withstanding perceive the state 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 worthy of the blessing that has fallen 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 Domby, Captain Gilles is a friend of mine, and during the interval that is now elapsing, I believe it would afford Captain Gilles' pleasure to see me occasionally coming backwards and forwards here. It 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 but only be too delighted and happy to be honored with your confidence. Mr. Toots, return 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 Domby, 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 kindly 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 have my boots as brightly polished as, as circumstances will admit of. This is the last time, Miss Domby, of my intruding 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 honor, particularly sensible of what is considerate and kind. I feel, said Miss Toots, in an impassioned tone as if I could express my feelings at the present moment in a most remarkable 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 Gilles, said Mr. Toots, what is now to take place between us takes place under the sacred seal of confidence. It is the sequel, Captain Gilles, of what has taken place between myself and Miss Domby upstairs. A low and a loft, eh, my lad, murmured the captain. Exactly so, Captain Gilles, said Mr. Toots, whose fervor of acquiescence was greatly heightened by his entire ignorance of the captain's meaning. Miss Domby, I believe, Captain Gilles, is to be shortly united to Lieutenant Walters? Why I, my lad, we're all shipmates here. Walter and Sweetheart will be joined together in the House of Bondage as soon as the askings is over, whispered Captain Cuddle in his ear. The askings, Captain Gilles, 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 hoarse whisper and tapping Mr. Toots on the chest with the back of his hand and falling from him with a look of infinite admiration. What fallers? That their pretty creature, as delicately brought up as a foreign bird, goes away upon the roaring mane with Walter on a voyage to China. Lord, Captain Gilles, said Mr. Toots, I nodded the captain. The ship, as took him up, when he was wrecked in the hurricane that had drove her clean out of her course, was a Chinese trader, and Walter made the voyage and got into favor, aboard and ashore, being as smart and good a lad as ever stepped, and so the supercargo dying at Canton, he got made, having acted as Clark afore, and now his supercargo aboard another ship, same owners, and so you see, repeated the captain thoughtfully, the pretty creature goes away upon the roaring mane with Walter on a voyage to China. Mr. Toots and Captain Cuddle 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 beast as perish, when she, cast out of home, come here to me and dropped upon them planks. Her wounded heart was broke, I know it, I, Edward Cuddle, see it. There's now 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 Walter 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 do know it, and what then? Why then, I say, heaven go with them 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 Dombie. Cheer up, said the captain, laying his hand on Mr. Toots' shoulder. Stand by, boy. It is my intention, Captain Gills, return the spirited Mr. Toots to cheer up. Also, to stand by 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 favor, if you will mention to Lieutenant Walters, is as follows. Is as follows, echoed the captain, steady, Miss Dombie, being so inexpressibly kind, continued Mr. Toots with watery 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 momentary 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' bliss, 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 malice to any living creature, least of all to Lieutenant Walters himself, that you'll casually remark that I have gone out for a walk or probably to see what a 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. Captain Say No More! There ain't a color you can run up as won't be made out and answered to by Walter 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 honor, however badly I may show it. You know, said Mr. Toots, it's exactly as if Burgess and Company 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 Cuddle his blessing and departed. The honest Captain, with his heart's delight in the house and Susan tending her, was a beaming and 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 valiant precipitation of herself on Mrs. McStinger he could never forget. He proposed to Florence that the daughter of the elderly lady who usually sat under the blue umbrella in Leadon Hall Market should, for prudential reasons and considerations of privacy, be superseded in the temporary discharge of the household duties by someone who was not unknown to them and in whom they could safely confide. Susan, being present, then named in furtherance of a suggestion she had previously offered to the Captain, Mrs. Richards. Florence brightened at the name and Susan, setting off that very afternoon to the Tootle domicile to sound Mrs. Richards returned in triumph the same evening accompanied by the identical rosy-cheeked apple-faced Polly whose demonstrations, when brought into Florence's presence, were hardly less affectionate than those of Susan Nipper herself. This piece of general ship accomplished from which the Captain derived uncommon 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 resolute disposition and had fully made up her mind that she had come back never to be parted from her old mistress any more. As to wages, dear Miss Floyd, she said, you wouldn't hint and wrong me so as to 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 savings 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 owe 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 Floyd, and what of that? The more you 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 Floyd, cried Susan, bursting out of fresh 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 and raptured 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 Floyd? 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 that you have some cause to be afraid for me. Why, Susan, dear, I love him. Miss Nipper was so much affected by the quiet fervor 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 pitting, caressing and protecting her as she had done before? But the Nipper, though susceptible of womanly weaknesses, was almost as capable of putting constraint upon herself as of attacking the redoubtable Max Stinger. From that time, she never returned to the subject, but was always cheerful, active, bustling and hopeful. She did indeed inform Mr. Toots privately that she was only keeping up for the time and that when it was all over and Miss Dombie was gone, she might be expected to become a spectacle distressful. And Mr. Toots did also express that it was his case too and that they would mingle their tears together but she never otherwise indulged her private feelings in the presence of Florence or within the precincts of the midshipmen. 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 a concentrated zeal of fifty simstresses. The wonderful contributions Captain Cuttle would have made to this branch of the outfit if he had been permitted, as pink parasols tinted silk stockings, blue shoes and other articles no less necessary on ship-board would occupy some space in the recital. He was induced, however, by various fraudulent representations to limit his contributions to a work-box and dressing case, of each of which he purchased the very largest specimen that could be got for the 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 misgivings 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 two words, Florence gay, engraved upon a brass heart inlaid over the lid of each. After this he smoked four pipes successively in the little parlor by himself and was discovered chuckling at the expiration of as many hours. Walter was busy in a way all day but came there every morning early to see Florence and always pass 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 and circling arm to bear him company to the door again and sometimes peep into the street. In the twilight they were always together. Oh, blessed time! Oh, wandering heart at rest! Oh, deep exhaustless mighty well of love in which so much was sunk! The cruel mark was on her bosom 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 she 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 he kissed his face she always left him so and never in her fancy past that hour Walter dear said Florence one evening when it was almost dark do you know what I have been thinking today 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 poor 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 I but Walter you can never feel it as I do I am so proud of you it makes my heart swell 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 near near I am nothing anymore that is not you I have no earthly hope anymore that is not you I have nothing dear to me anymore 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 up on 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 Graves End 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 three or five or six and in the grave peaceful evening Florence was very happy then into the quiet room came the news in 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 dint of playing at cribbage with the captain under the advice and guidance of Miss Nipper distracting his mind with the calculations incidental to the game which he found to be a very effectual means of utterly confounding himself the captain's visage on these occasions presented one of the finest examples of combination and succession of expression ever observed his instinctive delicacy and his chivalrous feelings towards Florence taught him that it was not a time for any boisterous jollity or violent display of satisfaction certain floating reminiscences of lovely peg on the other hand were constantly struggling for event and urging the captain to commit himself by some irreparable demonstration 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 dabbing his head all over with his pocket handkerchief until warned perhaps by the sudden rushing forth of Mr. Toots that he had unconsciously been very instrumental indeed in making that gentleman miserable This reflection would make the captain profoundly melancholy until the return of Mr. Toots when he would fall to his cards again with many sidewinks and nods and polite waves of his hook at Miss Nipper importing that he wasn't going to do so anymore The state that ensued on this was perhaps his best for then, endeavoring 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 over through the rest and remain victorious and undisguised unless Mr. Toots made another rush into the air and then the captain would sit like a remorseful culprit until he came back again occasionally calling upon himself in a low, reproachful voice to stand by or growling some remonstrance to Edward Cuddle, my lad on the want of caution observable in his behavior One of Mr. Toots' 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 drawn towards the building the words which cut me off from Miss Dombie forever will strike upon my ears like a knell, you know but upon my word and honor I feel that I must hear them therefore said Mr. Toots will you accompany me tomorrow to the sacred edifice? Miss Nipper expressed her readiness to do so if that would be of any satisfaction to Mr. Toots but besought 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 Dombie while yet a victim to the thralldom of limber I adored Miss Dombie when I could no longer be kept out of my property in a legal point of view and accordingly came into it I adored Miss Dombie the bands which consign her to Lieutenant Walters and to me 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 was certainly cut from under me and that I hadn't a hope to cherish or a leg in short to go upon Susan Nipper could only commiserate Mr. Toots his 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 moldy old church in a yard hemmed in by a labyrinth of back streets and courts with a little burying ground rounded and itself buried in a kind of vault formed by the neighboring houses 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 drowsily resounded through the emptiness and the organ rumbled 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 church from languishing for the company of other churches that spires were clustered rounded as the mass of shipping cluster on the river it would have been hard to count them from its steeple top there 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 toward it when the Sunday morning was deafening there were twenty churches close together clamoring for people to come in the two stray sheep in question were penned by a beetle in a commodious pew and, being early, sat for some time counting the congregation listening to the disappointed bell high up in the tower 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 lengthened survey of the large books on the reading desk whispered Miss Nipper that he wondered where the bands were kept but that young lady merely shook her head and frowned, repelling for the time all approaches of a temporal nature Mr. Toots, however, appearing unable to keep his thoughts from the bands 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 trepidation which was not diminished by the unexpected apparition of the captain in the front row of the gallery when the clock 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 Domby were read aloud as being in the third and last stage of that association he was so entirely conquered by his feelings as to rush from the church without his hat followed by the beetle and pew opener and two gentlemen of the medical profession who happened to be present of whom the first name 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 highback pews were upon her would have been sufficiently 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 protracted the delicacy of her situation that young gentleman incapable in his state of mind of remaining alone in the churchyard a prey to solitary meditation 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 aisle between two elderly females who were in the habit of receiving their portion of a weekly doll 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 anymore and yet wishing to have some social participation 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 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' movements in the churchyard was so eccentric that he seemed generally to defeat all calculation and to appear like the conjurer'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 proceedings 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 she was mightily 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 comfortable and completely miserable swiftly now indeed the time flew by until it was ending before the day appointed for the marriage they were all assembled in the upper room at the midshipments and had no fear of interruption for there were no lodgers in the house now and the midshipman had it all to himself they were grave and quiet in the prospect of tomorrow but moderately cheerful too Florence, with Walter close beside her was finishing a little piece of work and ended 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 secrecy and circumspection Diogenes was listening and occasionally breaking out into a gruff half smothered fragment of a bark for which he afterwards seemed half ashamed as if he doubted having any reason for it steady steady said the captain to Diogenes what's the mess with you you don't seem easy in your mind tonight boy Diogenes wagged his tail but pricked up his ears immediately afterwards and gave utterance to another fragment of a bark for which he apologized to the captain 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 on Mrs. Richards but if you're the animal I take you to be you'd think better of that for her looks is her commission now brother to Mr. Toots if so be as you're ready heave ahead the captain spoke 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 amazement looking round upon the company and seeing that none of them observed him or the cause of his astonishment the captain recovered himself with a great gasp struck the table a tremendous blow cried in a stentorian roar Saul gills a hoi and tumbled into the arms of a weather-beaten peacote that had come with Polly into the room in another moment Walter was in the arms of the weather-beaten peacote in another moment Florence was in the arms of the weather-beaten peacote in another moment Captain Cuddle had embraced Mrs. Richards and Miss Nipper and was violently shaking hands with Mr. Toots exclaiming as he waved his hook above his head horror my lad, horror 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 peacote 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 peacote cap and comforter as of an old man sobbing underneath them while the shaggy sleeves clasp Walter tight during this pause there was an universal silence and the captain polished his nose with great diligence but when the peacote, 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 care-worn than of old in his old Welsh wig and his old coffee-colored coat buttons with his old infallible chronometer ticking away in his pocket shockful of science said the radiant captain as ever he was Saul Gills, Saul Gills what have you been up to for this many a long day, my old boy I'm half-blind Ned said the old man and almost deaf and dumb with joy his very voice said the captain looking round with expectation to which even his face could hardly render justice his very voice as shockful of science as ever it was Saul Gills, lay to my lad upon your own lines and fig trees like a taut old patriarch as you are and overhaul them their adventures are yarn in your own familiar voice tis the voice said the captain impressively and announcing a quotation with his hook of the sluggered I heard him complain you have woke me too soon I must slumber again scatter his enemies and make him 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 stammered Mr. Toots I had not the pleasure of your acquaintance sir before you were lost to sight to memory dear suggested the captain in a low voice exactly so captain Gills assented Mr. Toots although I had not the pleasure of your acquaintance Mr. Saul's 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 courteous 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 net cuddle 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 his woman as seduces all mankind 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 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 can't say much tonight but my dear net cuddle why didn't you write the astonishment depicted in the captain's features that frightened Mr. Toots whose eyes were quite fixed by it so that he could not withdraw them from his face right echoed the captain right Saul Gills I said the old man either to Barbados or Jamaica or Demirara that was what I asked what you asked Saul Gills repeated the captain I said the old man I've forgotten every time I wrote to you captain took off his glazed 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 net observed old Saul Saul Gilles returned the captain after staring at him and the rest without speaking I'm gone about an adrift pay out a word or two respecting them adventures will you can't I bring up no house said the captain ruminating and staring all round you know Ned said Saul Gills why I left here did you open my packet Ned why I I said the captain to be sure I opened the packet said the old man and read it answered the captain eyeing him attentively and proceeding to quote it from memory my dear Ned Cuddle when I left home from the West Indies in Forlorn search of intelligence of my dear there he sits there's Walter said the captain as if he were relieved by getting hold of anything that was real and indisputable well Ned I now attend moments of 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 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 weren't it said the captain looking hopelessly round I said preceded old Saul that there still was no certain information got yet that I found many captains and others in that part of the world for years and who assisted me with 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 homeward bound had been spoke and had my boy aboard then Ned I took a passage in the next ship and came home arrived at home tonight to find it true thank God said the old man devoutly the captain after bowing his head stared all around the circle beginning with Mr. Toots and ending with the instrument maker then gravely said Saul Gilles the observation as I'm going to make is calculated 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 lurch not one of them letters was ever delivered to Edward Cuddle not one of them letters repeated the captain to make his declaration the more solemn and impressive was ever delivered on to Edward Cuddle Mariner 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 Saul the color all went out of the captain's face and all came back again in a glow what do you mean Saul Gilles my friend by number nine Brig place inquired the captain mean? your lodging's 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 recollect and very much confused Mrs. Saul Gilles said the captain as if he were putting the most improbable case in the world it ain't the name of Max Stinger as you are trying to remember of course it is exclaimed the instrument maker to be sure Ned Mrs. Max Stinger Captain Cuddle whose eyes were now as wide open as they could be and the knobs upon whose face were perfectly luminous gave a long shrill whistle of a most melancholy sound and stood gazing at everybody in a state of speechlessness overhaul that there again Saul Gilles will you be so kind he said at last all these letters returned Uncle Saul beating time with the forefinger of his right hand upon the palm of his left with a steadiness and distinctness that might have done honor even to the infallible chronometer in his pocket I posted with my own hand and directed with my own hand to Captain Cuddle at Mrs. Max Stinger's number nine big 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 discomforture I cut and run from there and no one knew where you were gone Captain Cuddle cried Walter hastily bless your heart Walter said the captain shaking his head she'd never have allowed am I coming to take charge of this here property nothing could be done but cut and run I love you Walter 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 give it to her remarked the nipper softly would you do you think my dear return the captain with feeble admiration well my dear it does you credit but there ain't no wild animal I would 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 Cuddle that all of us and you and Uncle Saul especially said Walter may thank Mrs. McStinger for no small anxiety the general obligation in this wise to the determined relict of the late Mr. McStinger 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 son his face broke out once more shining on all beholders with extraordinary brillian see and he fell into a fit of shaking hands with everybody over and over again at an early hour but not before Uncle Saul 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 parlor here they were soon afterwards joined by Walter who told them Florence was a little sorrowful and heavy-hearted and had gone though they could not have disturbed her with their voices down there they all spoken a whisper after this and each in his different way felt very lovingly and gently towards Walter's very young bride and a long explanation there was of everything relating to her for the satisfaction of Uncle Saul and very sensible Mr. Toots was of the delicacy with which Walter made his name for the purposes important and his presence necessary to their little counsel Mr. Toots said Walter on parting with him at the house door we shall see each other tomorrow morning Lieutenant Walter's return Mr. Toots grasping his hand fervently 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 I think when another heart is bound to it I hope you know that I am very grateful to you Walter's 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 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 tonight and hopes that you will think of her when she is far away shall I say anything for you say Walter's 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 his eyes from the doorpost said them stoutly he then shook Walter's hand again with a fervor 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 distinguished character would be of service to the midshipmen the chicken did not appear to be in a particularly good humor on this occasion either the gas lamps were treacherous or he cocked his eye in a hideous 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 than other foot passengers then comported with a professor of the peaceful art of self-defense arrived at home instead of leaving Mr. Toots in his apartments when he had escorted him thither he remained before him weighing his white hat in both hands by the brim and twitching his head and nose both of which had been many times broken but indifferently repaired by the air of decided 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 diverse clicking sounds with his tongue and teeth to attract attention now master said the chicken doggedly when he at length caught Mr. Toots' eye I want to know whether this here gammon is to finish it or whether you 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 cove to chuck a word away here's what it is are any of them to be doubled up when the chicken put this question he dropped his hat made a dodge and a faint with his left hand gave me 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 the corrugation of his broken nose there now master what when you could go and blow on this here match to the stiffen by which depreciatory appellation it has been since supposed that the game one intended to signify Mr. Dambi and when you could knock the winner and all the kid of them dead out a wind and time are you going to give in said the chicken which with contemptuous emphasis why it's mean chicken said Mr. Toots severely you're a perfect vulture your sentiments are atrocious my sentiments is game and fancy master return the chicken that's what my sentiments is I can't a bear a meanness I'm a for the public I'm to be heard on at the bar of the little helifant and no governor mine mustn't go and do what's mean why 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 return the chicken putting on his hat there's a pair on us then come here's offer you've spoke to me more than once or twice about the public line never mind give me a 50 pound note tomorrow and let me go chicken return Mr. Toots after the odious 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 urine won't suit my book master why 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 incompatibility 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 maiden life and who had sent him her dear love end of chapter 56 chapter 57 Dombie and Son this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Dombie and Son chapter 57 another wedding Mr. Sounds the Beetle and Mrs. Miff the pew opener are early at their posts to find church where Mr. Dombie was married a yellow faced old gentleman from India is going to take unto himself a young wife this morning and six carriages full of company are expected and Mrs. Miff has been informed that the yellow faced old gentleman could pave the road to church with diamonds and hardly miss them the nuptial benediction the superior one proceeding from a very reverend a dean and the lady is to be given away as an extraordinary present by somebody who comes express from the horse guards Mrs. Miff is more intolerant of common people this morning than she generally is and she has always strong opinions on that subject for it is associated with free sittings Mrs. Miff is not a student of political economy she thinks the science is connected with dissenters Baptist or Wesleyans or some of them she says but she can never understand what business your common folks have to be married Dratum says Mrs. Miff you read the same things over them and instead of sovereigns we have six pence Mr. Sounds the beetle is more liberal than Mrs. Miff but then he is not a pew opener it must be done ma'am he said we must marry him we must have our national schools to walk at the head of and we must have our standing armies we must marry him ma'am says Mr. Sounds and keep the country going Mr. Sounds is sitting steps and Mrs. Miff is dusting in the church when a young couple plainly dressed come in the mortified bonnet of Mrs. Miff is sharply turned towards them for she spies in this early visit indications of a runaway match but they don't want to be married only says the gentleman to walk round the church and as he slips a little compliment into the palm of Mrs. Miff her vinegary face relaxes and her mortified bonnet and her spare dry figure dip and crackle Mrs. Miff resumes her dusting and plumps up her cushions for the yellow faced old gentleman is reported to have tender knees but keeps her glazed on the young couple who are walking round the church coughs Mrs. Miff whose cough is drier than the hay in any cassock in her charge you'll come to us one of these mornings my dears unless I'm much mistaken they are looking at a tablet on the wall erected to the memory of someone dead they are a long way off from Mrs. Miff Mrs. Miff can see with half an eye how she is leaning on his arm and how his head is bent down over her well well says Mrs. Miff you might do worse for you're a tidy pair there is nothing personal in Mrs. Miff's remark she merely speaks of stock in trade she is hardly more curious in couples she is such a spare straight dry old lady such a pew of a woman that you should find as many individual sympathies in a chip Mr. Sounds now who is fleshy and has scarlet in his coat is of a different temperament he says as they stand upon the steps watching the young couple away that she has a pretty figure isn't she and as well as he could see for she has held her head down coming out an uncommon pretty face altogether Mrs. Miff says Mr. Sounds with a relish she is what you may call a rosebud Mrs. Miff ascents with a spare nod of her mortified bonnet but approves of this so little that she inwardly resolves she wouldn't be the wife of Mr. Sounds for any money he could give her beetle as he is and what are the young couple saying as they leave the church and go out at the gate dear Walter thank you I can go away now happy and when we come back Florence we will come and see his grave again Florence lifts her eyes so bright with tears to his kind face and clasps her disengaged hand on that other modest little hand which clasps his arm it is very early Walter and the streets are almost empty yet let us walk but you will be so tired my love oh no I was very tired the first time that we ever walk together but I shall not be so today and thus not much changed she as innocent and earnest hearted he as Frank as hopeful and more proud of her Florence and Walter on their bridal morning walk through the streets together not even in that childish walk of long ago were they so far removed from all the world about them today the childish feet of long ago did not tread such enchanted ground as theirs do now the confidence and love of children may be given many times and will spring up in many places but the woman's heart of Florence with its undivided treasure can be yielded only once and under slight or change droop and die they take the streets that are the quietest and do not go near that in which her old home stands it is a fair warm summer morning and the sun shines on them as they walk towards the darkening mist that over spreads the city riches are uncovered in shops jewels, gold and silver flash in the goldsmith's many windows and great houses cast a stately shade upon them as they pass but through the light and through the shade they go unlovingly together lost to everything around thinking of no other riches and no prouder home than they have now in one another gradually they come into the darker narrowest streets now yellow and now red is seen through the mist only at street corners and in small open spaces where there is a tree or one of the innumerable churches or a paved way and a flight of steps or a curious little patch of garden or a burying ground where the few tombs and tombstones are almost black lovingly and trustfully through all the narrow yards and alleys and the shady streets Florence goes clinging to his arms to be his wife her heart beats quicker now for Walter tells her that their church is very near they pass a few great stacks of warehouses with wagons at the door and busy carmen stopping up the way Florence does not see or hear them and then the air is quiet and the day is darkened and she is trembling in a church which has a strange smell like a cellar the shabby little old man ringer of the disappointed bell is standing in the porch and has put his hat in the font for he is quite at home there being sexted he ushers them into an old brown paneled dusty vestry like a corner cupboard with the shelves taken out where the wormy registers diffuse a smell like faded snuff which has set the tearful nipper sneezing youthful and how beautiful the young bride looks in this dusty old place with no kindred object near her but her husband there is a dusty old Clark who keeps a sort of evaporated new shop underneath an archway opposite behind a perfect fortification of posts there is a dusty old pew opener who only keeps herself and finds that quite enough to do there is a dusty old beetle these are Mr. Toots's pew opener of last Sunday who has something to do with a worshipful company who have got a hall in the next yard with a stained glass window in it that no mortal ever saw there are dusty wooden ledges and cornices poked in and out over the altar and over the screen and round the gallery and over the inscription about what the master wardens of the worshipful company did in 1694 there are dusty old sounding boards over the pulpit and reading desk looking like lids to be let down on the officiating ministers in case of their giving offence there is every possible provision for the accommodation of dust except in the churchyard where the facilities in that respect are very limited the captain Uncle Saul and Mr. Toots are come the clergyman is putting on his surplus in the vestry while the clock walks around him blowing the dust off it and the bride and bridegroom stand before the altar there is no bridesmaid unless Susan Nipper is one and no better father than Captain Cuddle a man with a wooden leg chewing a faint apple and carrying a blue bag in his hand looks in to see what is going on but finding it nothing entertaining stumps off again and pegs his way among the echoes out of doors no gracious ray of light is seen to fall on Florence kneeling at the altar with her timid head bowed down the morning luminary out and don't shine there there is a meager tree outside where the sparrows are chirping a little and there is a black bird in an islet hole of sun in a dyer's garret over against the window who whistles loudly whilst the service is performing and there is the man with the wooden leg stomping away the almonds of a dusty clerk appear like Macbeth's to stick in his throat a little but Captain Cuddle helps him out and does it with so much good will that he interpolates three entirely new responses of that word never introduced into the service before they are married and have signed their names in one of the old sneezy registers and the clergyman's surplus is restored to the dust and the clergyman is gone home in a dark corner of the dark church Florence has turned to Susan Nipper and is weeping in her arms Mr. Toots's eyes are red the Captain lubricates his nose Uncle Saul has pulled down his spectacles from his forehead and walked out to the door God bless you, Susan dearest Susan if you ever can bear witness to the love I have for Walter and the reason that I have to love him do it for his sake goodbye, goodbye they have thought it better not to go back to the midshipmen but to part so a coach is waiting for them near at hand Miss Nipper cannot speak she only sobs and chokes and hugs her mistress Mr. Toots advances urges her to cheer up and takes charge of her Florence gives him her hand gives him in the fullness of her heart her lips kisses Uncle Saul and Captain Cuddle and is born away by her young husband but Susan cannot bear that Florence should go away with a mournful recollection of her she had meant to be so different that she reproaches herself bitterly intent on making one last effort to redeem her character she breaks from Mr. Toots and runs away to find the coach and show a parting smile the captain dividing her object sets off after her for he feels at his duty also to dismiss them Uncle Saul and Mr. Toots are left behind together outside the church to wait for them the coach is gone but the street is steep and narrow and blocked up and Susan can see it at a standstill in the distance she is sure Captain Cuddle follows her as she flies down the hill and waves his glazed hat as a general signal to attract the right coach and which may not Susan outstrips the captain and comes up with it she looks in at the window sees Walter with the gentle face beside him and claps her hands and screams Miss Floyd my darling look at me we are all so happy now dear one more goodbye my precious one more how Susan does it doesn't know but she reaches to the window kisses her and has her arms about her neck in a moment we are all so so happy now my dear Miss Floyd says Susan with a suspicious catching in her breath you you won't be angry with me now now will you angry Susan no no I am sure you won't I say you won't my pet exclaim Susan and here's the captain too your friend the captain you know to say goodbye once more horror my heart's delight vociferates the captain with a countenance of strong emotion horror Walter my lad horror horror what with the young husband at one window and the young wife at the other the captain hanging on at this door and Susan Nipper holding fast by that the coach obliged to go on whether it will or no and all the other carts and coaches turbulent because it hesitates there never was so much confusion on four wheels but Susan Nipper gallantly maintains her point she keeps a smiling face upon her mistress smiling through her tears until the last even when she is left behind the captain continues to appear and disappear at the door crying horror my lad horror my heart's delight with his shirt collar in a violent state of agitation until it is hopeless to attempt to keep up with the coach any longer finally when the coach is gone Susan Nipper being rejoined by the captain falls into a state of insensibility and is taken into a baker's shop to recover Uncle Saul and Mr. Toots wait patiently in the churchyard sitting on the coping stone of the railings until captain Cuddle and Susan come back neither being at all desirous to speak or to be spoken to they are excellent company and quite satisfied when they all arrive again at little midshipman and sit down to breakfast nobody can touch a morsel captain Cuddle makes a faint of being voracious about toast but gives it up as a swindle Mr. Toots says after breakfast he will come back in the evening and goes wandering about the town all day with a vague sensation upon him as if he hadn't been to bed for a fortnight there is a strange charm in the house and in the room in which they have been used to be together and out of which so much is gone it aggravates and yet it soothes the sorrow of the separation Mr. Toots tells Susan Nipper when he comes at night that he hasn't been so wretched and yet he likes it he confides in Susan Nipper being alone with her and tells her what his feelings were when she gave him that candid opinion as to the probability of Miss Dombie's ever loving him in the vein of confidence engendered by these common recollections and their tears Mr. Toots proposes that they shall go out together and buy something Miss Nipper assenting they buy a good many little things and with the aid of Mrs. Richards the supper out quite showily before the captain and old Saul came home the captain and old Saul have been on board the ship and have established die there and have seen the chests put aboard they have much to tell about the popularity of Walter and the comforts he will have about him and the quiet way in which it seems he has been working early and late to make his cabin what the captain calls a picture to surprise his little wife and Admiral's cabin mind you says the captain ain't more trim but one of the captain's chief delights is that he knows the big watch and the sugar tongs are on board and again and again he murmurs to himself Edward cuddle my lad you never shaped a better course in your life than when you made that their little property over jointly you see how the land bore Edward says the captain and it does you credit my lad the old instrument maker is more distraught and misty than he used to be and takes the marriage very much to heart but he is greatly comforted by having his old ally Ned Cuddle at his side and he sits down to supper with a grateful and contented face my boy has been preserved and thrives says old Sol Gills rubbing his hands what right have I to be otherwise than thankful and happy the captain who has not taken his seat at the table but who has been fidgeting about for some time and now stands hesitating in his place looks doubtfully at Mr. Gills and says Sol there's that last bottle of the old Madeira down below would you wish to have it up tonight my boy and drink to Walter and his wife the instrument maker looking wistfully at the captain puts his hands into the breast pocket of his coffee colored coat brings forth his pocket book and takes a letter out to Mr. Dambi says the old man from Walter to be sent in three weeks time I'll read it sir I am married to your daughter she has gone with me upon a distant voyage to be devoted to her is to have no claim on her or you but God knows that I am why loving her beyond all earthly things I have yet without remorse united her to the uncertainties and dangers of my life I will not say to you you know why and you are her father do not reproach her she has never reproached you I do not think or hope you will ever forgive me there is nothing I expect less but if an hour should come when it will comfort you to believe that Florence has someone ever near her the great charge of whose life is to cancel her remembrance of past sorrow I solemnly assure you you may in that hour rest in that belief Solomon puts back the letter carefully in his pocket book and puts back his pocket book in his coat we won't drink the last bottle of the old Madeira yet Ned says the old man thoughtfully not yet not yet ascends the captain no not yet Susan and Mr. Toots are of the same opinion after a silence they all sit down to supper and drink to the young husband and wife in something else and the last bottle of the old Madeira still remains among its dust and cod webs undisturbed a few days have elapsed and a stately ship is out at sea spreading its white wings to the favoring wind upon the deck image to the roughest man on board of something that is graceful beautiful and harmless something that it is good and pleasant to have there and that should make the voyage prosperous is Florence it is night and she and Walter sit alone watching the solemn path of light upon the sea between them and the moon at length she cannot see it plainly for the tears that fill her eyes and then she lays her head down on his breast and puts her arms round his neck saying oh Walter dearest love I am so happy her husband holds her to his heart and they are very quiet and the stately ship goes on serenely as I hear the sea says Florence and sit watching it it brings so many days into my mind it makes me think so much of Paul my love I know it does of Paul and Walter and the voices in the waves are always whispering to Florence in their ceaseless murmuring of love of love eternal and illimitable not bounded by the confines of this world or by the end of time but ranging still beyond the sea beyond the sky to the invisible country far away end of chapter 57