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

in recollection of the mines, was accustomed to rout the servants about, as
she had routed her young Brighton boarders; to the everlasting acidulation
of Master Bitherstone, 'and the sooner this house sees your back the
better.'
Susan had no spirits even for the look that belonged to Mrs. Pipchin by
right; so she dropped her curtsey to Mrs. Dombey (who inclined her head
without one word, and whose eye avoided every one but Florence), and gave
one last parting hug to her young mistress, and received her parting embrace
in return. Poor Susan's face at this crisis, in the intensity of her
feelings and the determined suffocation of her sobs, lest one should become
audible and be a triumph to Mrs. Pipchin, presented a series of the most
extraordinary physiognomical phenomena ever witnessed.
'I beg your pardon, Miss, I'm sure,' said Towlinson, outside the door with
the boxes, addressing Florence, 'but Mr. Toots is in the drawing-room, and
sends his compliments, and begs to know how Diogenes and Master is.'
Quick as thought, Florence glided out and hastened down stairs, where Mr.
Toots, in the most splendid vestments, was breathing very hard with doubt
and agitation on the subject of her coming.
'Oh, how de do, Miss Dombey,' said Mr. Toots, 'God bless my soul!'
This last ejaculation was occasioned by Mr. Toots's deep concern at the
distress he saw in Florence's face; which caused him to stop short in a fit
of chuckles, and become an image of despair.
'Dear Mr. Toots,' said Florence, 'you are so friendly to me, and so honest,
that I am sure I may ask a favour of you.'
'Miss Dombey,' returned Mr. Toots, 'if you'll only name one, you'll--you'll
give me an appetite. To which,' said Mr. Toots, with some sentiment, 'I have
long been a stranger.'
'Susan, who is an old friend of mine, the oldest friend I have,' said