To go back to old Sol Gills at the Wooden Midshipman's, and not first go round to ask how Mr. Dombey fared--albeit the house where he lay was out of London, and away on the borders of a fresh heath--was quite out of the Captain's course. So he got a lift when he was tired, and made out the journey gaily.

The blinds were pulled down, and the house so quiet, that the Captain was almost afraid to knock; but listening at the door, he heard low voices within, very near it, and knocking softly, was admitted by Mr. Toots. Mr. Toots and his wife had, in fact, just arrived there; having been at the Midshipman's to seek him, and having there obtained the address.

They were not so recently arrived, but that Mrs. Toots had caught the baby from somebody, taken it in her arms, and sat down on the stairs, hugging and fondling it. Florence was stooping down beside her; and no one could have said which Mrs. Toots was hugging and fondling most, the mother or the child, or which was the tenderer, Florence of Mrs. Toots, or Mrs. Toots of her, or both of the baby; it was such a little group of love and agitation.

`And is your Pa very ill, my darling dear Miss Floy?' asked Susan.

`He is very, very ill,' said Florence. `But, Susan, dear, you must not speak to me as you used to speak. And what's this?' said Florence, touching her clothes, in amazement. `Your old dress, dear? Your old cap, curls, and all?'

Susan burst into tears, and showered kisses on the little hand that had touched her so wonderingly.

`My dear Miss Dombey,' said Mr. Toots, stepping forward, `I'll explain. She's the most extraordinary woman. There are not many to equal her! She has always said--she said before we were married, and has said to this day--that whenever you came home, she'd come to you in no dress but the dress she used to serve you in, for fear she might seem strange to you, and you might like her less. I admire the dress myself,' said Mr. Toots, `of all things. I adore her in it! My dear Miss Dombey, she'll be your maid again, your nurse, all that she ever was, and more. There's no change in her. But, Susan, my dear,' said Mr. Toots, who had spoken with great feeling and high admiration, `all I ask is, that you'll remember the medical man, and not exert yourself too much.'