CHARLES DICKENS DOMBEY AND SON CHAPTER I Dombey and ...

yet she felt it in its force, and knew it well without a name: that as it
looked upon her, seemed to cast a shadow on her head.
Did he see before him the successful rival of his son, in health and life?
Did he look upon his own successful rival of his son, in that son's
affection? Did a mad jealousy and withered pride, poison sweet remembrances
that should have endeared and made her precious to him? Could it be possible
that it was gall to him to look upon her in her beauty and her promise:
thinking of his infant boy!
Florence had no such thoughts. But love is quick to know when it is spurned
and hopeless: and hope died out of hers, as she stood looking in her
father's face.
'I ask you, Florence, are you frightened? Is there anything the matter, that
you come here?'
'I came, Papa--'
'Against my wishes. Why?'
She saw he knew why: it was written broadly on his face: and dropped her
head upon her hands with one prolonged low cry.
Let him remember it in that room, years to come. It has faded from the air,
before he breaks the silence. It may pass as quickly from his brain, as he
believes, but it is there. Let him remember it in that room, years to come!
He took her by the arm. His hand was cold, and loose, and scarcely closed
upon her.
'You are tired, I dare say,' he said, taking up the light, and leading her
towards the door, 'and want rest. We all want rest. Go, Florence. You have
been dreaming.'
The dream she had had, was over then, God help her! and she felt that it