d his friends.
That he was afraid he took a rash step in doing anything for the boy,
and one that might expose him to the censure of the prudent; but that
he did it of himself and for himself, and risked the consequences
single-handed; and that his mother's past connexion with Mr Dombey's
family had nothing to do with it, and that Mr Dombey had nothing to do
with it, but that he, Mr Carker, was the be-all and the end-all of this
business. Taking great credit to himself for his goodness, and
receiving no less from all the family then present, Mr Carker signified,
indirectly but still pretty plainly, that Rob's implicit fidelity,
attachment, and devotion, were for evermore his due, and the least
homage he could receive. And with this great truth Rob himself was so
impressed, that, standing gazing on his patron with tears rolling down
his cheeks, he nodded his shiny head until it seemed almost as loose as
it had done under the same patron's hands that morning.

Polly, who had passed Heaven knows how many sleepless nights on account
of this her dissipated firstborn, and had not seen him for weeks and
weeks, could have almost kneeled to Mr Carker the Manager, as to a Good
Spirit--in spite of his teeth. But Mr Carker rising to depart, she only
thanked him with her mother's prayers and blessings; thanks so rich when
paid out of the Heart's mint, especially for any service Mr Carker had
rendered, that he might have given back a large amount of change, and
yet been overpaid.

As that gentleman made his way among the crowding children to the door,
Rob retreated on his mother, and took her and the baby in the same
repentant hug.

'I'll try hard, dear mother, now. Upon my soul I will!' said Rob.

'Oh do, my dear boy! I am sure you will, for our sakes and your own!'
cried Polly, kissing him. 'But you're coming back to speak to me, when
you have seen the gentleman away?'

'I don't know, mother.' Rob hesitated, and looked down. 'Father--when's
he coming home?'

'Not till two o'clock to-morrow morning.'

'I'll come back, mother dear!' cried Rob. And passing through the
shrill cry of his brothers and sisters in reception of this promise, he
followed Mr Carker out.

'What!' said Mr Carker, who had heard this. 'You have a bad father, have
you?'

'No, Sir!' returned Rob, amazed. 'There ain't a better nor a kinder
father going, than mine is.'

'Why don't you want to see him then?' inquired his patron.

'There's such a differe