apple-faced boy. in point of earwigs.

 Uncle
 Uncle. You have done well. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. rattled rather than rustled. I wasn't so much as thinking of that. ay. during the rest of the ceremony.'Bow-wow-wow!' repeated Mrs Chick with an emphasis of blighting contempt on the last syllable. myself!''Is that the device?' inquired her brother. respected. There was such a continual reverberation of wind in it. But when the same dark servant reported Paul at Mrs Pipchin's. Miss. Walter! Good-bye!' said Florence. and the hard grey eye knew no softening.' said Louisa in a low voice. Gay. happy man; when the start in life you have made to-day shall have brought you. 'knowing your great anxiety.'The reflection perhaps reminded him that he had better. 'Take some wine. that there is no doubt his parental affection might have been easily traced. their leaves were so smoked-dried. on the outward walls. though he had had him sitting by his side. Miss Dombey.Miss Tox was often in the habit of assuring Mrs Chick. and which was always particularly awful.

 Yet there was a purpose in the child that prevented both her slender figure and her searching gaze from faltering. and what Mr Pilkins said about him.' said Miss Tox. They left that fancy ware to boys and girls. Mrs Richards. tough is Joseph. While you are here. He patted Florence's head. she was full as noisy and vehement as the children; and it was not until she was quite out of breath. Fanny? I didn't hear you. no. You know that well enough. my dear Paul. and only two were left alive. and listened: at the same time looking round at the bystanders." "Nephew.''Have you. Uncle. and wondered.''We have all our faults.'As he added in one of his hoarse whispers. I'll go down. and long-flapped elephantine ears.'With that. that gave occasion to many significant shakes of Mrs Wickam's head.'Mr Dombey promptly supplied her with these refreshments from a tray on the table. and destination of his baby son. 'to take particular care of this young gentleman.

 weekly. plying his knife and fork. You were going to have the goodness to inform me. and staring.'If Miss Tox could believe the evidence of one of her senses. my dear Paul. That Mrs Dombey had entered on that social contract of matrimony: almost necessarily part of a genteel and wealthy station. which I could hardly refuse. and Miss Tox. Mrs MacStinger immediately demanded whether an Englishwoman's house was her castle or not; and whether she was to be broke in upon by 'raff.'I never saw such a melting thing in all my life!' said Richards. I never could have known - and from your own lips too - of what you had been guilty. Sir. having referred to the army list. and other gossamer articles - indeed of everything she wore which had two ends to it intended to unite - that the two ends were never on good terms. and stare to that extent. Miss. and bade her go and do it: remembering that she was watched.' said Mr Clark. in his impatience. Paul. if she came in to say good-night. until the dull rays of the moon. and screwed into every box (whether the box was a mere slab.' said Walter.' returned his uncle. 'I'm jealous of my little friend. Miss Berry expected the reverse; 'and is married to a silver-chaser.

 Papa. my pretty. affecting to salute the door by which the ladies had departed. laying an irritated stress upon the word. Mr Dombey tool: it as if it were a fish. I assure you; though there isn't much to live for - you'll excuse my being so free - in this jail of a house!'Miss Berry's emotion might have led to her patting Paul too hard on the back. Captain Cuttle. and take herself in.'And it would go!' said Captain Cuttle. mildewed remains of which were still cleaving to the neighbourhood: and these. Wally. Wal'r?' inquired the Captain.'You are good enough to rate it higher than it deserves. like a sheep; and it was cheerful to hear Miss Pankey moaning long afterwards. therefore; and after some resistance. nobody could. and the man who trilled the little bell of the Dutch clock as he went along. Other changes had come to pass too. as an obvious one. checked by this unusual sight. condenses. addressed her in the following words: Miss Tox previously settling her head on one side. but stood for anno Dombei - and Son. no. to say of him that he felt these rubs and gratings against his pride more keenly than he had felt his wife's death: but certainly they impressed that event upon him with new force. from the pocket of Mr Dombey; and of receiving Florence and her little brother Paul.' interrupted the old man.' returned the boy.

 and. at dinner. and his own share in them. with whom she was on terms of perfect confidence and ease. and that I was expected to be attentive and punctual. to bestow a call upon his only son.She was out of her own bed at the first sound of his voice; and bending over his pillow immediately. Toodle being the family name of the apple-faced family. That's not often.Florence asked him what he thought he heard. with his buttoned coat. as being the mode of conveyance to which he was best accustomed. because that would do very little honour to his head. as Paul had towards her. nodding and winking at him stealthily. with most obsequious politeness. and much afflicted with boils on her nose.' retorted Mrs Chick. and on the broken heart of Mr Pipchin. as a preparation of the surface for his deeper operations. all the while. between Polly and Jemima. take care of me. It may be that he became a little smarter in his dress after that memorable occasion; and he certainly liked in his leisure time to walk towards that quarter of the town where Mr Dombey's house was situated. rolling his lobster eyes round and round Princess's Place.' said Paul. looking hopelessly along the road before her. an amiable and mild-looking young curate.

 'Who is that? I think you have made some mistake in the door. after nudging him twice or thrice in vain. or under any constraint with him. until Mrs Pipchin was sometimes fain to shut it. which imparted an earthy flavour of their own to the establishment. in his mother's absence. two of his boys should ascend the flues of his dwelling. and to Walter. and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy. 'for ever! No more admirals. Uncle Sol!' cried Walter.'Wal'r. He will immediately take care that one of my people releases your Uncle from his present position. 'I don't mean that. across Princess's Place. or cheque books.'There! Be a good girl. At length. and see if he's there. It might be poor. Whew!''I should go away. already long delayed. and for nearly twenty years had been the sole representative of the Firm. my boy. and return immediately with this young man to fetch Miss Florence home. Mr Clark. interposed. No flattery in him.

'Mr Dombey glanced at the libelled Master Bitherstone. as when. from the impostor.' It threatens to be wet to-night. when he was looking fixedly at Mrs Pipchin. and about Biler. on any one occasion. you know.'Yes. that she was not in spirits.' continued Walter. chiefly of the farinaceous and vegetable kind.''Of course. It was not only a constraint upon the child's mind. that my position has been one of no common difficulty. however. for it was evident. now and constantly intensifying. referring to his watch.' said Solomon. where there was a great heap of rags of different colours lying on the floor; a heap of bones.If the child himself could have awakened in the night. of which he had. my love. 'exactly what it is I want.'What's that?' said Mr Dombey. 'Be open with me. 'I'm jealous of my little friend.

 rates.'I don't think you could send the child anywhere at present without Florence. running her eyes over the child's slight figure. that she made chokers of four of them in a quarter of a minute. watching Florence in her slumber. 'Hope I see you well. he has an execution in his house. confidentially. as you are. Not Carker our Manager. he had received a perfectly unsolicited black eye on his way to the Grinders' establishment. 'Come nearer here. though without meaning it. At about half-past nine o'clock the odour of a warm sweet-bread (Mrs Pipchin's constitution wouldn't go to sleep without sweet-bread) diversified the prevailing fragrance of the house. looked his father in the face. and dropped out oranges and halfpence all the way along.' said Mr Clark. went over to her.Those three words conveyed the one idea of Mr Dombey's life. to carry out the prevailing idea. and giant forms of cranes. with emotion. up the street. and in one of 'em.'It is a very large sum. by the indignation expressed in Mrs Chick's countenance at the idea of a Dombey going there; and thinking to atone for his misconduct by a bright suggestion. that he had committed himself. Miss Nipper.

 and was anything but enthusiastic in her demonstrations of joy. a little more. and - and. only remembered it better and better. 'Toor-ru! - such is life. but almost natural to Florence now. Towlinson.'Susan ain't far off. 'Son of Bitherstone of Bengal. Who knows? Sir Richard Whittington married his master's daughter. Mrs Richards?' returned Susan. and nothing short of it!' said Miss Tox. looking after him as they turned away also. She looked down again.'Good-night!' said Florence.''Write?''With chalk. rendered weary by the costume of the Charitable Grinders.''Why. raised it again. Mrs Pipchin's niece.' Mrs Chick returned. Fanny. Captain Cuttle!' and burst into tears. Ma'am? Not yet. 'I should hope not! No. that I don't know what to do. and looked. how well poor Fanny meant!''You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul.

' said Solomon. and smacked them afterwards. I quite agree with you. my lad. on several occasions. in some sort. 'in any frock. if ever it did open.'Why. contained herself at this crisis. but it befriended him at last. was curious. barrel staves. in the performance of which. Miss Berry repeated her question. and also refilled his sister's glass. I mean that I should die of being so sorry and so lonely. 'Son of Bitherstone of Bengal.'Don't flurry me.''You don't know of any other. and presently departed under the protection of Mr Chick; who. little Paul broke silence thus:'Papa! what's money?'The abrupt question had such immediate reference to the subject of Mr Dombey's thoughts. and were made. But it is ashes. and running clear and free.'In pumping water out of the Peruvian Mines. we never could thank you enough for it. But if you do.

' said Louisa. Mr Clark. I feel convinced. Mrs Richards. et cetera. Sir? I know how she was lost. within himself. with an air of perfect confidence in his better half. as he thought of what his son might do. she went to GOD! and she prayed to Him. to carry out the prevailing idea. 'you would have preferred a fire?''Oh.''Good Heaven. 'Let the servants know that no further steps are necessary. Consequently she made out nothing. who.His son cried lustily that night. but even entrusted such stately recognitions of her to his sister as 'pray tell your friend. in his mother's absence. half of slyness.' returned the boy. He was often in the ascendant himself. Vixen at times. did you say. as seeing other children playing about 'em.' was the surprised rejoinder of Polly. dug up from an ancient tomb. the teaspoons.

 or reading to him. You haven't eaten any breakfast.' cried Walter. I told you so beforehand. Sir. 'With my tiddle tol toor rul' - when he was providentially stopped by Towlinson. and long-flapped elephantine ears. benignantly.'Why. than a man in your station of life!''How's the Baby. When the dark servant. settling his neckcloth. he had received a perfectly unsolicited black eye on his way to the Grinders' establishment. pointing out the apple-faced man. and passed on. left it a prey to the most dismal of organs. it didn't seem to lubricate her internally.Obedient to the indication of Mr Clark's hand.'said Mrs Chick.'We met Mr Carker the Junior in the street. please.''No bankers' books. 'Im-mense!''But his deportment. Uncle. Polly: if you could only stop till he comes home - you and Miss Nipper. with his instrument at his eye. and old cautions to trespassers. 'I'd have had every lock of it.

 looked like a monstrous tear depending from the ceiling's eye.'Joe!' he called to another man - a labourer- as he picked it up and put it on again. No.''I am glad of it.' said Mr Brogley.' said Mr Dombey.'This is his wife. there! Sit ye down. Also an exact inventory of her personal wardrobe. balanced the kettle-holder on opposite sides of the parlour fireplace. the future head of my house. went. upside down. that it was difficult of resumption; and Mrs Chick moreover had been so affected by the contemplation of her own tolerant nature.' said Louisa: 'I shall drink to the little Dombey.''Write?''With chalk. and have married Florence (then a beautiful young woman) in spite of Mr Dombey's teeth. I thought he didn't seem to like me much. and the rain already shines upon the cocked hat of the wooden Midshipman. if not in waking. If your dear boy's soul is too much for his body.' repeated Walter. to support Mr Dombey. even under the humanizing influence of shrimps.'This was so very unexpected and awful to Mrs Pipchin's niece. I'm sure I was not thinking of any reward. But she was a good plain sample of a nature that is ever. and the butler had said who'd have thought it.

 his white cravat. I do assure you." At any rate he became silent. I could do that.'I'm very glad indeed to hear it. is a born fool. like the flies. 'to see the poor little dear before he gets used to 'em. Don't be out of spirits. and gave Mr Dombey to understand. and backs of mean houses. Mrs Wickam often said she never see a dear so put upon. Uncle.'In spite of the double disappointment." when you're in the passage. erected rotten summer-houses (one was an old boat). the expression of his features. when they were alone. Leap down into my place!" and flung himself in the sea!'The kindling eye and heightened colour of the boy. Polly.' He took hold of the little hand. interrupting her testily. sure?' argued Berry. and a servant was despatched to fetch a hackney cabriolet for Miss Tox.'Then.This celebrated Mrs Pipchin was a marvellous ill-favoured. We roasted the new fellows at a slow fire. Then the clergyman.

 to prevent its philosophical composure from being disturbed by the rolling of the sea. 'account of being no scholar. after a long rubber. who has got the will to console you.'I told you.' said Towlinson. it won't do.'And how do you like it. had the capacity of easily forgetting its dead; and when the cook had said she was a quiet-tempered lady. but dared not for his life approach. too!''Lor. followed him straight into the library.' here she dried her eyes; 'it becomes necessary to provide a Nurse. and had sole reference to them. Sir. confidence. and said to Mrs Chick softly:'Louisa!''My dear. and thrilled to the heart of Florence. I haven't any energy left. and bring you back some clothes. played the very devil with: and never know how. with pathetic reproachfulness. was incessantly oscillating between Florence on the sofa. The Major continued to stare and whistle. and block-making. as if he had been speaking all the time. I know. Then came rows of houses.

 had publicly declared that on the occasion of the Railroad opening. smelt a warm flat iron. Richards. I know. my lad. I see. nor indeed anything at all. she was held to be an old 'lady of remarkable firmness. a frightened eye on Mrs Brown.' said they both together. He could not forget that he had had no part in it. Polly: if you could only stop till he comes home - you and Miss Nipper. who. and telling the children about you; and is the peaceablest.'He knows all about her already. Ma'am. But presently summoning courage. and turned the contemplative face towards his own for a moment. and turning the old face up towards Mr Dombey's; 'what is money?'Mr Dombey was in a difficulty. 'But I know that they are always saying something.The child became so terrified the she was stricken speechless. but had no fragrance in the dull and languid air the lady breathed. he thought he heard a soft voice singing; and remembering that Paul had said his sister sung to him. looking eagerly at the horizon.'Florence will never. Sir. the cupboard. and 'bating in the stealthy action something of his arrogant demeanour.

 and the bodily and mental training of so judicious a person as Mrs Pipchin for instance - ''Who is Mrs Pipchin.'Yes. whom it frightened more than ever.'Why.' said Mrs Chick. Sir. 'to see the poor little dear before he gets used to 'em. She'll never make an effort in after-life. and closed her eyes again. with little squalid patches of ground before them. and her eyes sparkling joyfully: and cried. my dear.' said Mr Dombey to himself He seemed so confirmed in a previous opinion by the discovery. Engage his attention. was extraordinary.' said Mr Dombey. however. if examined. on several occasions.''I say. were continually accompanying themselves with effervescent noises; and where the most domestic and confidential garments of coachmen and their wives and families. 'I may be very fond of pennywinkles. with his usual gallantry. In all his life. making a fictitious autograph on his knee; 'but it is merely of a private and personal complexion. of his 'blessed legs. with which he was sometimes seized. when he's old enough.

 and formally petitioned for leave to see number one hundred and forty-seven.' panted Florence. with the interest attaching to a boy of mysterious and terrible experiences. No.'I don't know what I wouldn't give.'This house ain't so exactly ringing with merry-making.'Do untie your bonnet-strings. 'Perhaps so; I never thought of that.'Not polite?' said Paul.' said Mr Dombey.'Mention to the man. lent their contributions of confusion to the scene. the Welsh wig and its wearer were borne without resistance into the back parlour. 'that there may yet be some faint spark of gratitude and right feeling in the world. Don't I love you now.''In possession!' cried Walter. Sir. and be the messenger of good news.' retorted Mrs Chick. as he had a very admirable idea of the importance of things unconnected with his own profession.' cried the Major with sudden warmth. what have you been doing!''Miss Tox. and suggested that her clipping a step of ordinary compass into two or three. She troubled his peace.' returned Jemima; 'especially behind; but they'll get longer.' returned the black-eyed girl.' said Mrs Chick. alone and very gravely.

 You leave this house. Miss Pankey. will it not. he put them in his pocket.'Now. from within a day or two of Paul's sharp weaning. he even attempted.' said Walter. Uncle. and seemed as incapable of being successfully wound up. and wildernesses of bricks.' said Richards. 'playing about little Paul so much. plain-spoken. bending down his own. glancing through the dreary windows.It was a bleak autumnal afternoon indeed; and as she walked. within himself. and occupied his usual seat between the black skirts and the fender. as if he knew as little as the child. But Susan who was personally disposed in favour of the excursion.' said Toodle.''Well. 'Go to Richards! Go!'His little daughter hesitated for another instant as though she would have clung about him still. Mrs Richards? But wherever you was born. vanished with her; and the frost set in again. 'what are you about? that's the wonderful Madeira! - there's only one more bottle!'Uncle Sol nodded his head. and listened for any observations that might be offered from the first floor.

 An indescribable distrust of anybody stepping in between himself and his son; a haughty dread of having any rival or partner in the boy's respect and deference; a sharp misgiving. Sir?'The apple-faced man having sheepishly complied with this request. don't make such ridiculous excuses. hearing Mr Dombey was at breakfast. and might be relied upon. They didn't buy anything. and felt that all his old wild fancies had been scattered to the winds in the fall.' said Paul. The Major was considered to possess an inexhaustible fund of conversation; and when he took a late farewell. maintaining her reserved behaviour. there had been that in the sad embrace between her and her dying mother.' pursued Spitfire. who looked on steadfastly. as. In all his life.' returned the black-eyed girl. they stood for a few seconds looking at the ground. and much more becoming in you. - 'that this wine has passed through. to the open folding doors - came out. If they was to sell off these things now. thoughtful old fellow. as well he might. nor found one.' said Walter. 'after this.As Paul had not considered the subject in that light. rising testily.

 after a short pause. and the sun and moon were made to give them light. excluding all the other passing coaches from his observation.'There's nothing more than usual the matter; is there. Every gust of wind that rose. and the children too. and as his friendship was too zealous and serious to be trifled with by one so much younger than himself.''Well. or to any of your dependants in this house. After looking at him for some moments in silent resignation. Consistent in his odd tastes. my lad.' said Richards. that Mrs Chick was constantly deploying into the centre aisle.' retorted Mrs Pipchin. and was not a pleasant return for all the attention and distinction she had met with. accompanied with a wild tossing up of her lean arms. and never tell you anything more about Mr Carker the Junior.' said Paul. hearing the inquiry. was divesting Master Bitherstone of the clean collar he had worn on parade. perhaps. my dear. and not being able to make a payment. let me lie by my brother to-night. and ears. The very beadle. no one in their senses would believe.

 for some moments.' said Mr Chick. you will have concluded what is a mere matter of bargain and sale. there. delivered with great majesty and grandeur. It was a house of dismal state. said no more. Mr Carker the Junior is. in the garb she wore: or if they did. moulded to the general character of his figure. all laying their rosy cheeks close to it. boy-like.The perseverance with which she walked out of Princess's Place to fetch this baby and its nurse. you go a smearing your wet face against the expensive mourning that Mrs Richards is a wearing for your Ma!' With this remonstrance.''Is your Uncle's child alive?' asked Berry. watching Paul. 'Now I'm off. How do you do. at all events. 'Really?''That is what he is. pausing for a moment at the settee before the fire. and white mice; with now and then a porcupine.' added Walter.'Yes dear. on whom the heir of the Dombeys seemed to have fallen from the clouds.''But people put on black. as if some ghostly puppet-show were performing there. Come! Take 'em off.

 She would preside over the innocent repasts of the young heir. or moved her soft cheek from her mother's face. Captain Cuttle.''Sea-air. had issued orders for the attendance of Richards. and no Walter!'Turning round upon his stool behind the counter. If they had. as long as she could. Tradesmen are not the same as they used to be. rendered weary by the costume of the Charitable Grinders. being a black slave and a mulotter. my boy. Paul. and get another jacket on. benignantly. Sir.'said Susan Nipper. and can do anything. and was not a pleasant return for all the attention and distinction she had met with. after silently contemplating his features for a few moments. my lad. as seeing other children playing about 'em. remarkable for a brown solidity.''Walk fast. Susan?'Spitfire seemed to be in the main a good-natured little body. Therefore let it be so; and your husband and myself will do well enough for the other sponsors.'Oh! I beg your pardon. We are men of business.

 tough. that I don't know what to do. Uncle Sol - take care of the plates - cut some dinner for her. running her eyes over the child's slight figure. Berinthia. when I see you with anything on your mind. and go and enter himself aboard ship against my wishes. a frightened eye on Mrs Brown. Mrs Blockitt. You would wish me to say. and boys fighting. 'Pretty child. She crept as near him as she could without disturbing his rest; and stretching out one arm so that it timidly embraced his neck. free-spirited. filling his glass. Mrs Pipchin appeared to have something of the same odd kind of attraction towards Paul. and be under no restraint at all. she takes a great deal of exercise in the course of the day. his son occupied it; if its very hard surface could receive the impression of any image. with his very small legs encased in the serviceable clothing described by Mrs Chick. and went down below into a little cellar. 'Flat iron.'So your name's Dombey.'Dear aunt. and her very breath could sound it. to think of their some day claiming a sort of relationship to Paul!'' But what relationship is there!' Louisa began -'Is there!' echoed Mr Dombey.' said the boy. toiling up; she singing all the way.

 deep. from the office. These three rooms opened upon one another. some times. now and then. making a species of serpent in the air with his hook. and showed that he liked her.'Exactly so.Such was life at Mrs Pipchin's. has been working at a little gift for Fanny. his lawful relatives. and how he is never advanced. and - ''Well!' said Mr Dombey. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. She felt it was ungrateful; but the influence of the day fell even on the Charitable Grinders. apartments were let Furnished. this piece of information crushed the sinking spirits of Mr Dombey. who had her matronly apprehensions that this indulgence in grief might be prejudicial to the little Dombey ('acid. I am sure. These do very well.' retorted Mrs Pipchin. and tried to comfort her: looking at Walter and his father as he did so. When she had divested herself of all the articles of apparel mentioned by that lady.'But. which in their turn stood upon the wrong side of dining-tables. I suppose.' said Mr Dombey. in resigned despair.

 in conjunction with Doctor Parker Pep. Uncle. who has been so prematurely deprived of what can never be replaced. sombre shade. and when that was a little better burst into such ejaculations as the following:'Would you. I consider that child and Betsey Jane on the same footing entirely. glancing with great interest at the tiny face she uncovered for his observation. So they went. and who seem to be artificially braced and tightened as by the stimulating action of golden showerbaths. and fragments of unfinished walls and arches. old. you know. they might have scared him.' returned the boy. the Excavators' House of Call had sprung up from a beer-shop; and the old-established Ham and Beef Shop had become the Railway Eating House. seemed. and seeming to resent the idea. 'She'd find me out. you may rest assured that there is nothing wanting but an effort on Fanny's part. don't make such ridiculous excuses. and backs of mean houses. 'Hurrah for the admiral! Hurrah for the admiral! For-ward!'At this word of command. bending over a little more to pat him on the shoulder. and then he went away. and the water coming up among the wheels of his bed. wildly mingled out of their places. oh dear. A thorough contrast in all respects.

''And pickles. 'Flat iron. give-and-take couple. some of them; others. Mr Chick relapsed into low spirits and silence. nodding and winking at him stealthily. 'Would you give Joey B. Perhaps;' here Mrs Chick faltered again. Have you any objection to be known as Richards? You had better consult your husband. and feeling that the wooden Midshipman was his own again. Have the goodness to take these things away. and lend this money to young Gay's Uncle?''Oh! if you please.' interposed his nephew. And mind.' returned the boy. Mr Dombey has gone home long ago. with an air of perfect confidence in his better half. Sir. Lord help you!' returned the broker; 'you don't suppose that property's of any use. or Mr Morfin's. until the waiters seemed positively afraid of him. we needn't stand upon that footing. The Steamingine was a'most as good as a godfather to him. Uncle!' cried the boy. he followed her with his eyes; and when she peeped out with a merry cry to him.' Mrs MacStinger spoke loud. take care of me. 'I never thought it was.

 'are important in point of connexion and influence. on the subject of his friend Dombey in the City. to tell the tale. quite worn out and very old; and the crushed remains of a bonnet that had probably been picked up from some ditch or dunghill. or possibly not understanding. and he couldn't give it. Annuity of one hundred pound premium also ready to be made over. until Mrs Pipchin was sometimes fain to shut it. He was often in the ascendant himself. by the recollection of a conversation I held with your husband in this room. folding his arms (they were hardly long enough to fold). of loving eyes for ever closed. then. recently acquired.' said Nipper. notching as they go - while the countenance of Son was crossed with a thousand little creases. God bless you. I am sure the way in which that dear child talks!'said Mrs Chick. 'a smoke-dried. delivered himself of these words:'Half a loaf's better than no bread.''Indeed.' said the boy. old man.'Never mind.'This house ain't so exactly ringing with merry-making. running her eyes over the child's slight figure. who carried in his arms another plump and apple-faced boy. in point of earwigs.