in the
dingy dining room, upon whose shoulder she laid her head weeping.

'I am devilish sorry,' said Cousin Feenix, lifting his wristbands to his
eyes in the simplest manner possible, and without the least concealment,
'that the lovely and accomplished daughter of my friend Dombey and
amiable wife of my friend Gay, should have had her sensitive nature
so very much distressed and cut up by the interview which is just
concluded. But I hope and trust I have acted for the best, and that my
honourable friend Dombey will find his mind relieved by the disclosures
which have taken place. I exceedingly lament that my friend Dombey
should have got himself, in point of fact, into the devil's own state
of conglomeration by an alliance with our family; but am strongly of
opinion that if it hadn't been for the infernal scoundrel Barker--man
with white teeth--everything would have gone on pretty smoothly.
In regard to my relative who does me the honour to have formed an
uncommonly good opinion of myself, I can assure the amiable wife of my
friend Gay, that she may rely on my being, in point of fact, a father to
her. And in regard to the changes of human life, and the extraordinary
manner in which we are perpetually conducting ourselves, all I can say
is, with my friend Shakespeare--man who wasn't for an age but for all
time, and with whom my friend Gay is no doubt acquainted--that its like
the shadow of a dream.'

CHAPTER 62. Final

A bottle that has been long excluded from the light of day, and is
hoary with dust and cobwebs, has been brought into the sunshine; and the
golden wine within it sheds a lustre on the table.

It is the last bottle of the old Madiera.

'You are quite right, Mr Gills,' says Mr Dombey. 'This is a very rare
and most delicious wine.'

The Captain, who is of the party, beams with joy. There is a very halo
of delight round his glowing forehead.

'We always promised ourselves, Sir,' observes Mr Gills,' Ned and myself,
I mean--'

Mr Dombey nods at the Captain, who shines more and more with speechless
gratification.

'--that we would drink this, one day or other, to Walter safe at home:
though such a home we never thought of. If you don't object to our old
whim, Sir, let us devote this first glass to Walter and his wife.'

'To Walter and his wife!' says Mr Dombey. 'Florence, my child'--and
turns to kiss her.

'To Walter and his wife!' says Mr Toots.

'To Wal'r and his wife!' exclaims the Capta