d my clothes brushed. My hair is matted together. I told the
Chicken that if he offered to clean my boots, I'd stretch him a Corpse
before me!'

All these indications of a disordered mind were verified in Mr Toots's
appearance, which was wild and savage.

'See here, Brother,' said the Captain. 'This here's old Sol Gills's nevy
Wal'r. Him as was supposed to have perished at sea.'

Mr Toots took his hand from his forehead, and stared at Walter.

'Good gracious me!' stammered Mr Toots. 'What a complication of misery!
How-de-do? I--I--I'm afraid you must have got very wet. Captain Gills,
will you allow me a word in the shop?'

He took the Captain by the coat, and going out with him whispered:

'That then, Captain Gills, is the party you spoke of, when you said that
he and Miss Dombey were made for one another?'

'Why, ay, my lad,' replied the disconsolate Captain; 'I was of that mind
once.'

'And at this time!' exclaimed Mr Toots, with his hand to his forehead
again. 'Of all others!--a hated rival! At least, he ain't a hated
rival,' said Mr Toots, stopping short, on second thoughts, and taking
away his hand; 'what should I hate him for? No. If my affection has been
truly disinterested, Captain Gills, let me prove it now!'

Mr Toots shot back abruptly into the parlour, and said, wringing Walter
by the hand:

'How-de-do? I hope you didn't take any cold. I--I shall be very glad if
you'll give me the pleasure of your acquaintance. I wish you many happy
returns of the day. Upon my word and honour,' said Mr Toots, warming
as he became better acquainted with Walter's face and figure, 'I'm very
glad to see you!'

'Thank you, heartily,' said Walter. 'I couldn't desire a more genuine
and genial welcome.'

'Couldn't you, though?' said Mr Toots, still shaking his hand. 'It's
very kind of you. I'm much obliged to you. How-de-do? I hope you left
everybody quite well over the--that is, upon the--I mean wherever you
came from last, you know.'

All these good wishes, and better intentions, Walter responded to
manfully.

'Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'I should wish to be strictly
honourable; but I trust I may be allowed now, to allude to a certain
subject that--'

'Ay, ay, my lad,' returned the Captain. 'Freely, freely.'

'Then, Captain Gills,' said Mr Toots, 'and Lieutenant Walters--are you
aware that the most dreadful circumstances have been happening at Mr
Dombey's house, and that Miss Dombey herself has left her fa