which Mr Dombey
bestowed upon him in acknowledgment of his patronage. But quite innocent
of this, he closed one eye in reply, and gave Mr Dombey to understand,
by certain significant motions of his hook, that Walter was a little
bashful at first, and might be expected to come out shortly.

'It is entirely a private and personal matter, that has brought me here,
Sir,' continued Walter, faltering, 'and Captain Cuttle--'

'Here!' interposed the Captain, as an assurance that he was at hand, and
might be relied upon.

'Who is a very old friend of my poor Uncle's, and a most excellent man,
Sir,' pursued Walter, raising his eyes with a look of entreaty in the
Captain's behalf, 'was so good as to offer to come with me, which I
could hardly refuse.'

'No, no, no;' observed the Captain complacently. 'Of course not. No call
for refusing. Go on, Wal'r.'

'And therefore, Sir,' said Walter, venturing to meet Mr Dombey's eye,
and proceeding with better courage in the very desperation of the case,
now that there was no avoiding it, 'therefore I have come, with him,
Sir, to say that my poor old Uncle is in very great affliction and
distress. That, through the gradual loss of his business, and not being
able to make a payment, the apprehension of which has weighed very
heavily upon his mind, months and months, as indeed I know, Sir, he has
an execution in his house, and is in danger of losing all he has, and
breaking his heart. And that if you would, in your kindness, and in your
old knowledge of him as a respectable man, do anything to help him out
of his difficulty, Sir, we never could thank you enough for it.'

Walter's eyes filled with tears as he spoke; and so did those of
Florence. Her father saw them glistening, though he appeared to look at
Walter only.

'It is a very large sum, Sir,' said Walter. 'More than three hundred
pounds. My Uncle is quite beaten down by his misfortune, it lies so
heavy on him; and is quite unable to do anything for his own relief. He
doesn't even know yet, that I have come to speak to you. You would wish
me to say, Sir,' added Walter, after a moment's hesitation, 'exactly
what it is I want. I really don't know, Sir. There is my Uncle's stock,
on which I believe I may say, confidently, there are no other demands,
and there is Captain Cuttle, who would wish to be security too. I--I
hardly like to mention,' said Walter, 'such earnings as mine; but if
you would allow them--accumulate--payment--advanc