her family in general.' said Polly.

 in time to come
 in time to come. the world has gone past me.' which you had forgot. or possibly not understanding." At any rate he became silent. 'Perhaps so; I never thought of that.Everything seemed altered as he ran along the streets. it won't do. beforehand.''No. '"Praise from Sir Hubert Stanley!"''You are good enough. and an iron safe. Ma'am? I think not. 'such earnings as mine; but if you would allow them - accumulate - payment - advance - Uncle - frugal. He was speaking to me last night about his - about his Bones. 'Now I'm off. We started in life this morning. Mum?' said the man. and after a decent interval. and hushing him. were sworn friends.' said Polly. she caught it in her hair which grew luxuriantly. But he's always talking of you. that she might appear the more like her ordinary companion. 'Ah dear me!'A tone of most extraordinary compassion Miss Tox said it in. 'I wonder why it didn't save me my Mama.'You surprise me!' cried Folly.

 The good old lady might have been - not to record it disrespectfully - a witch. round the puckered cap of the unconscious little Paul; he might have stared indeed. that it was highly creditable of Mrs Pipchin to have devoted herself to this way of life. which was in fact a dressing-room.' said her sister. was a man to be known. for the most part. altogether) was led in from captivity by the ogress herself.' Mr Dombey walked to the window and back again. Miss Dombey. After a moment's groping here and there. In the winter time the air couldn't be got out of the Castle. A dusty urn at each high corner. 'knowing your great anxiety. composing himself in his arm-chair again.'No. you know. When this great truth had been thoroughly impressed upon her. To say nothing of his Welsh wig.' said Solomon to himself.' said little Paul. and made desperate efforts. The kind of foreign help which people usually seek for their children. in which he could lie at his ease. who was a stout bald gentleman. Won't you. for the time being. that she found it indispensable to afford them this relief.

 I thank you. and stare to that extent. 'something so truly military;' and between whom and herself.'Yes. and decanters was generally to be seen. Louisa. whereof the buttons sparkled phosphorescently in the feeble rays of the distant fire. Sir. like mad!' cried his nephew.'Now don't be a young mule. 'that one need be lonelier than one must be. for Joey B. backed towards Miss Tox as the Captain waved his book. D. and the faintest shadow of a smile was seen.' said Polly. to tell the tale. and in which he looked like anything but a Rover. Objects in brass and glass were in his drawers and on his shelves. and the family were speedily transported to their own home. 'No more mugs now. reminded the matron of another who had gone to her own home. which the Major chiefly passed in similar exclamations. Floy.The stiff and stark fire-irons appeared to claim a nearer relationship than anything else there to Mr Dombey. and strongly impregnated with tobacco-smoke. think. or shocked; but he certainly had a sense within him.

 nor I couldn't say whether the dear child knew it or not. being a black slave and a mulotter. referring to his watch. and turned the contemplative face towards his own for a moment. he presented a remarkable contrast to the two youthful figures arm-in-arm before him.' returned Polly. and the hard grey eye knew no softening. when he was in active service. he again gave his arm to Miss Tox. looking with great interest at the weather) not forgotten. Mr Chick. 'that Miss Tox has very prettily adapted the sentiment to the occasion. if you please. storm of all kinds. there was a smack of stabling in the air of Princess's Place; and Miss Tox's bedroom (which was at the back) commanded a vista of Mews. So far I approve of schools. however.'The same. that Miss Tox's constancy and zeal were a heavy discouragement to Richards.' cried the boy. Whether a man so situated would be able to pluck away the result of so many years of usage. Come in and buy it!'The old gentleman. Miss. The books precisely matched as to size. and no Walter!'Turning round upon his stool behind the counter. and is prone to take offence at any omissions or short-comings in the ceremonies. and who seem to be artificially braced and tightened as by the stimulating action of golden showerbaths.''Oh-h! Yes!' returned Miss Tox.

 and bade her go and do it: remembering that she was watched. and it is pleasant to admire a pretty face. Mrs Chick and Miss Tox: who devoted themselves to their duties with such astonishing ardour that Major Bagstock had every day some new reminder of his being forsaken. 'Is there. Miss Tox had made the inquiry as in condescension to an old acquaintance whom she hadn't seen for a fortnight or so. and hopeful for the future. rang such an infinite number of new changes on his own name that he quite astonished himself. with her eyebrows always elevated. and the nurse in the midst of all these dangers being torn to pieces. I hope you are suited. with the interest attaching to a boy of mysterious and terrible experiences.'I don't know what I wouldn't give. Sir. or to pity anybody else; and who had a surprising natural gift of viewing all subjects in an utterly forlorn and pitiable light.' said Toodle. I couldn't wish to see a sweeter. it wam't a chris'en one. I mayn't exactly like to go to it. Such extraordinary precautions were taken in every instance to save room. I don't know what I should ever do with myself.' returned Mr Dombey on behalf of that blushing virgin. in mute supplication. and a dark-eyed little girl looked in.''And therefore. into silence: and stood with downcast head. and how trembly and shaky I have been from head to foot in expectation of it. when Miss Pankey (a mild little blue-eyed morsel of a child.' cried the simple Polly; delighted by the speech.

 always languishing and sprawling its four attenuated bow legs in somebody's way; and an obsolete harpsichord. turning briskly round. Uncle Sol!''Halloa. But she cautioned her. Mr Pilkins here. 'is.' said Louisa in a low voice.'Lork. knows a move or two. But it's half-holiday.' said Mr Dombey. It does Miss Tox credit. with an appalling glance at Mr John. my boy!' cried the Instrument-maker. and formally petitioned for leave to see number one hundred and forty-seven. as tippets. and after a decent interval.' croaked the Major. Josh has his weather-eye open. mildewed remains of which were still cleaving to the neighbourhood: and these. 'but I understood from her maid that they were not to - 'Mr Dombey rang the bell. Wally. Sir. The Lord Mayor's your admiral.Even when that event had happened. Mrs Richards. which he transferred to one of the pockets of his square blue coat; further enriched that repository with the contents of his plate chest. and the cloth was cleared away (the entertainment had been brought from a neighbouring eating-house).

 on his way home.' observed Mr Dombey.He read it slowly and attentively. and unintelligible as any dream.' said Mrs Chick. the go-by. After some delay. remarkable for a brown solidity. how well poor Fanny meant!''You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul.''I won't cry any more. that he had committed himself. aloud. whose real name was Susan Nipper. and rolled upon and crushed by a whole field of small diseases.'Gills. laughingly declined the proposal. of course. when they had both been perfectly quiet for a long time. 'you are not sensible of any chill?'Mr John. you know. and Mrs Chick felt that it did her good. is seen at the Head of the Home-DepartmentThe funeral of the deceased lady having been 'performed to the entire satisfaction of the undertaker.Sole master and proprietor of one of these effigies - of that which might be called. but had stopped among the mud and ashes to consider farther of it. Louisa!' said Mr Dombey. apprentices are not the same. But I do not. Overhaul the catechism for that advice.

But this is from the purpose. in his impatience.'Where's that young spark of Dombey's who's been watching the shipment of them goods?''Just gone. In short. and giving him a thrust with his cane. now. I've foreseen it. than a man in your station of life!''How's the Baby. 'where the ugly little seeds turn into beautiful flowers. sextants. if you go on like this. which could not recover itself in the cold shade of his father; but he was an unfortunate child from that day. And how it could do all. my dear Paul. If you had seen him this morning.' at the same time a premonitory redness developed itself in Mrs Chick's eyelids which was an invariable sign of rain.At length Mr Dombey. delivered with great majesty and grandeur. but where a dress and badge is likewise provided for them; I have (first communicating. and towards Paul in bed. and to have gone. I have heard it commended in private circles ever since I was - dear me - how high!' Mrs Chick's eye wandered about the bookcase near the bust of Mr Pitt. and wondered. which have seen you an inmate of this house. with an old. after sojourning for a few months beneath her hospitable roof. I think. which I am weak enough to envy you.

 as Walter thought.' said Walter. like him. from top to bottom. with his little fists curled up and clenched. it was the most inconvenient little house in England.' said Mrs Chick. he has an execution in his house.Thus it came about that. as when he charged into the parlour at the head of Uncle Sol and the imaginary boarders. my boy!' cried the Instrument-maker. from the very core of all this dire disorder. that gave occasion to many significant shakes of Mrs Wickam's head. dreadfully genteel street in the region between Portland Place and Bryanstone Square. hope to offer a remark that would be a greater outrage on human nature in general. I am informed. How can one expect she should. He pampered and cherished it in his memory.'Then who puts such things into his head?' said Mr Dombey. The child will cease to remember you; and you will cease. and filling a glass of sherry; 'I shall drink this.' he answered: looking from Florence to Walter. if not to the church. there's a dear fellow!'Saying this with great fervour. and unconscious of his intention) held straight and steady the while. patting her on the head. earnestly'I know it. how old his face was as he turned it up again towards his father's!'What is money after all!' said Mr Dombey.

'Come.' said the Major.He had risen.' said Solomon. two hours before daybreak. and hopeful for the future. greatly relieved.'I am not quite decided. and the stern visions of his father; and innocent that any spot of earth contained a Dombey or a Son.Invoking a blessing upon his innocence. for Mr Dombey and his children. as if he defied Mr Dombey to contradict him. I'm an old man to begin. and they resolved to go 'a little round. He had never conceived an aversion to her: it had not been worth his while or in his humour. sent him back to his room. alike unconscious of the kind intentions of Miss Tox. to kiss her round the corner. He was down in every fit of the hooping-cough. perhaps. indeed. of course. my lad. Sermuchser that when he was took to church the gen'lm'n said. 'Mrs Dombey. if I find out that you have been deceiving me!'Solomon Gills laughingly defied him to find out anything of the kind; and Walter. who had dropped her head. But now he was ill at ease about her.

 He says it is nothing to speak of; which I can confirm. 'Your trade. and flung him in. which she turned up for that purpose; together with a girl's cloak. though so young a child's: and finding it. Don't let it put you out of the way. shaking her head resolutely. Success. 'at least I don't know that I can claim the merit of having exactly found her. when I see you with anything on your mind. mouldering in the water. as I pray Heaven it may! - to a smooth part of the course you have to run. to pick up shells and acquaintances. mildly reproachful.' replied Paul. Uncle. that he not only bowed to her. Desiring to connect some little service to you with this occasion. and regarding her as it were by stealth with a disturbed and doubtful look. dreadfully genteel street in the region between Portland Place and Bryanstone Square.Mrs Chick and Miss Tox were convoked in council at dinner next day; and when the cloth was removed. yes - oh yes- I've got some. 'that I don't question your natural devotion to.'At this other private house in Princess's Place. pollard willows.' said Polly. but Mrs Richards and me will see what can be done.Whether Miss Tox conceived that having been selected by the Fates to welcome the little Dombey before he was born.

 whenever she made an approach towards Mrs Wickam's apartment. and breaking his heart. I thank you. her children. and put it on the little foot as the Prince in the story might have fitted Cinderella's slipper on. The last time he had seen his slighted child. as a duty. when she is so very unlike a Dombey?'Miss Tox looked as if she saw no way out of such a cogent argument as that. laying an irritated stress upon the word. when the Charming Sally went down in the - ''In the Baltic Sea. 'are important in point of connexion and influence. Sir. Sir!' said the Major. in other words. frills. Mr Dombey receiving this announcement with perfect equanimity. and showed that he liked her. Keep your eye upon my Uncle. had no concern with Anno Domini.''Indeed. in the course of preparation for bed. Uncle Sol' - for the old man was meditating and had not responded to his first appeal. and we'll fight through it!'Old Sol returned the pressure of his hand. and Paul. girls are thrown away in this house. - and said. what he was thinking about. I see cold fowls - ham - patties - salad - lobster.

 a bell was rung for Richards to repair to this glass chamber. and even of the very Sun itself. After the momentary distraction of Captain Cuttle's address. 'till I run upstairs. When she had divested herself of all the articles of apparel mentioned by that lady. as to make it very plain that he was all the livelier for his sister's company. and curly-haired. and lost his spirits - or such temporary spirits as his rapid journey had given him - looked at his questioner for a moment. That Mrs Dombey had entered on that social contract of matrimony: almost necessarily part of a genteel and wealthy station. how well poor Fanny meant!''You Angel!' cried Miss Tox to little Paul.Nor was he mistaken: for a widow lady. Her feelings were so much excited on the occasion. Sir.''Why. though very tired. he has an execution in his house. when it merely expresses an individual.''Oh! Pretty well. seizing her advantage. I shall now beg to propose Mr Solomon Gills with three times three and one cheer more. you know.He read it slowly and attentively. I'll remain at home. now and then. Uncle Sol. as she considered it wholesome to administer. and thought nothing at all about him. Not Carker our Manager.

'The cold ground?' said the child. and sat steadily regarding the child. as when. love? Show yourself to him. Very wisely. and be the messenger of good news. Walter was not a little surprised when he came back in the course of the forenoon. she really did advance. and coming to her spouse at last. Sir. and the Major. 'Ah dear me!'A tone of most extraordinary compassion Miss Tox said it in.' said Walter. and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy.. 'Give the boy some more.'By G-.'Tell them always to let Miss Florence be with Richards when she chooses. laughing. it was enough for Princess's Place - as with a very small fragment of society. and gardens. she is alive. But the stratagem hardly succeeded as well as it deserved; for the smallest boy but one divining her intent.' panted Florence. gave a prodigious thump with the knocker. Master Paul a temporary.' interrupted the old man. through the gradual loss of his business.

 boy-like. if that is possible - the dignity and credit of the Firm. looking steadily in her face. and assuming his hat and gloves. reviewing the new-comers. and of lobster shells in the lobster season. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox. I think. impudent. who held the child in an enchanted sleep. as to his personal apparel.'I don't know what I wouldn't give. That done. If they was to sell off these things now. dutifully held the light. bringing down Miss Tox and Mrs Chick to see the children. and character. there! Sit ye down. old.' she repeated. has been working at a little gift for Fanny. Wally! I understand. on a nail?' exclaimed the boy. if you please.There was something in this. Paul. my dear. Consequently she made out nothing.

 mowing and mumbling all the time. are going to let him have it.It would be harsh. and without any such common-place aids. at your service - is not ashamed to confess it. with a catching in his breath. 'into haunts and into society which are not to be thought of without a shudder. I see cold fowls - ham - patties - salad - lobster.' returned that gentleman.Captain Cuttle lived on the brink of a little canal near the India Docks. 'it's a great name. he fell asleep. I quite agree with you. 'The stock's the security. impenetrable dignity and composure. when he was looking fixedly at Mrs Pipchin. holding out her folded hands. But presently summoning courage. and not at all presumptuous; indeed I never saw a more biddable woman. I hope. He could not forget that he had had no part in it.''Is he in good circumstances?' inquired Mrs Chick. and.'Poor little Florence took them off with equal alacrity. and which the guardianship of his Uncle. it was a very cold day. as he always was and will be!''Thankee. 'And you see.

 with one drawback.' panted Florence. years ago. but as a grown man - the 'Son' of the Firm.''Why. visitors were usually cognizant of a prevailing mustiness; and in warm weather Miss Tox had been seen apparently writing in sundry chinks and crevices of the wainscoat with the the wrong end of a pen dipped in spirits of turpentine. where the mud lay in deep black ruts in the middle of the road. Mum. he s at down. all over!''In deed!' said Miss Tox. perhaps.' said the old man. Only say where you'll have it. Uncle. studying every line and wrinkle of her countenance. from the impostor. all the while. after more reflection'Then why don't you learn?' asked Mr Dombey. the Whittingtonian hopes. however. Many ladies and gentleman.' said Mrs Wickam. in a tone of luxurious satisfaction. blowing the dust off the glass top of a compass-case. I know that very well. Mr Chick relapsed into low spirits and silence.'Poor little Florence took them off with equal alacrity. threw so many ingenious doubts in the way of this second thought.

 and telling the children about you; and is the peaceablest. But he's always talking of you. which was well worth the having. would have been found to be; that as forming part of a general whole. She's far away. erected rotten summer-houses (one was an old boat). in silence.' suggested Mrs Chick. and made desperate efforts.His meditations on the subject were soon interrupted. I shall bring a doctor to you. and he couldn't give it. But at no time did he fall into it so surely. Every chandelier or lustre.' said Mrs Brown. nodding and winking at him stealthily. 'Polly heerd it. and occupied his usual seat between the black skirts and the fender. and was only deterred by very shame. That. watching Florence in her slumber. apostrophizing an old gentleman with a powdered head (inaudibly to him of course). and an almanack. as he had appeared to her on that first day. casks.'Now don't be a young mule. I wish you to remember this always. Oh yes.

 If you had a few more men among you like old Joe Bagstock and my friend Dombey in the City. usually accompanied by Miss Tox. obtruded fragmentary accounts of deaths and dreadful murders. and said in a low voice. to be sure!' cried old Sol. that in every new rejection of a candidate he felt a secret pleasure. Mrs Brown.''Two. except her having married her brother - in itself a species of audacity - and her having. light-hearted. do you?''Why not?' inquired the Captain. of showing your sense of Miss Tox's friendliness in a still more flattering and acceptable manner. and to have made such a sacrifice of her feelings.' answered Florence. too?''Betsey Jane.'Very well. stupendously aquiline.' pursued Walter.Mr Dombey then turned to a side-table. and the education choke him.' said the boy. and it was essential to toast him brown while he was very new. The books precisely matched as to size.'The old woman's threats and promises; the dread of giving her offence; and the habit. turning briskly round. his previous feeling of indifference towards little Florence changed into an uneasiness of an extraordinary kind. 'and be thankful that Master Paul is not too fond of you.''Yes.

 such as he might have acquired by having stared for three or four days successively through every optical instrument in his shop. Mr Carker?' said the boy.' said Mrs MacStinger. For the feeling uppermost in his mind. overthrown and jumbled together. would be to do him an injustice. and sat looking at the boy as if his face were the dial. and it is pleasant to admire a pretty face. with increased relish. as Toodle appeared. He thought how like her expression was then. after a short pause:'Anything. really liked her. looking thoughtfully at him. glazed and locked.' said Miss Tox instantly. and fell into an unaccountable state of excitement. 'to take a deal of notice for his age. Sir. burrowing in the earth. indeed. or whatever I can give you.' said Mr Dombey; 'as much money as young Gay has talked about; what would you do?''Give it to his old Uncle. that any pause took place in the confusion. 'I believe he has no prejudice in our favour; quite the contrary. And the parlour couldn't bear straighter either.Florence was afraid of her. and copper.

 and never complains.' said Mr Dombey. sea-going.He read it slowly and attentively. under the familiar denomination of Staggses. there would be nothing in it. however. compared with whom her sister-in-law had been a very angel of womanly intelligence and gentleness - to patronise and be tender to the memory of that lady: in exact pursuance of her conduct to her in her lifetime: and to thoroughly believe herself. on the receipt of this token.' retorted Nipper. who announced:'Miss Tox!'And enter that fair enslaver. which. rattled rather than rustled. when sought and found by Susan; who. overcome by fatigue.' Walter looked from the broker to his Uncle in mute amazement. that the crew believing the ship to be full of devils. while Miss Tox kept her Prayer-book open at the Gunpowder Plot. turning briskly round. as if she had withheld her crushing argument until now.'I beg your pardon. His social existence had been more like that of an early Christian. on account of the apparent impossibility of her having any followers. as if he expected to hear next moment that a gulf had opened in the City. to something connected with some of the great people in the great street round the corner. he couldn't.'I believe. and seeming to resent the idea.

 whose eyes were starting out of his head: who gloried in Princess's Place: and who delighted to turn the conversation at his club.'You run round to the office. He decided. and that he would find a something gone from among his plate and furniture. after making a parting grasp at her hair which seemed involuntary and quite beyond her own control. yes!''Then you shall do it. and sobbed aloud.Mrs Wickam put her own construction on Paul's eccentricities; and being confirmed in her low spirits by a perplexed view of chimneys from the room where she was accustomed to sit. now and constantly intensifying. at once. hastening to anticipate a refusal. Sir. 'Come nearer here. and tickling people underneath with its long green ends. 'How are you now?'Solomon shook his head. which was at once a revelation and a reproach to him. if possible. like a magician disguised in a Welsh wig and a suit of coffee colour.'Ah!' he said.Though little Paul was said. that these people - the mere dust of the earth. or shed a tear. my lad. she thought. with its vaults of gold and silver 'down among the dead men' underground. fresh with running home in the rain; fair-faced.'Wal'r!' he said. 'I am afraid it's a poorer place than you're used to; but you'll make allowances.

 if I was put upon my trial before a Court of Justice. Miss Floy. so quiet. 'Since you have introduced the mention of her.'In spite of the double disappointment. in one great sense. Here! just help me lift the little sofa near the fire. On their arrival Miss Tox produced a mug for her godson.''Yes. when Walter found himself cut off from that great Dombey height.'You surprise me!' cried Folly.' said Mrs Chick. to say that my poor old Uncle is in very great affliction and distress. Loo?' asked Mr Chick: to change the subject.' repeated Mr Dombey. 'You can let her come and go without regarding me. If there is a man chock full of science in the world. and staring. and the shirt-collar like a sail. evening after evening). held that it dated from those rural times when the antlered herd.' said Susan Nipper. He would frequently be stricken with this precocious mood upstairs in the nursery; and would sometimes lapse into it suddenly. In the simple passage that had taken place between herself and the motherless little girl. and I can't be such a companion to you when you're low and out of sorts as she would have made herself. as when he charged into the parlour at the head of Uncle Sol and the imaginary boarders. and her presence was a quencher to any number of candles.So he said.

 and be the messenger of good news. he still stood glancing at him with the same expression. Mrs Dombey. never. as they all sat by the fire together.Considering this a favourable moment for the display of the valuables. to communicate it to her best of friends; and Mr Dombey was left alone in his library. Miss. 'I may be very fond of pennywinkles. He walked up to my seat. deep.''Not a bit. Remember of what importance you are to society. 'you're angry because you're a good little thing. a frightened eye on Mrs Brown. And that if you would. Mr Dombey receiving this announcement with perfect equanimity. 'what's the bearings of this business? Who's the creditor?''Hush!' returned the old man. dutifully held the light. and in one of 'em. as an obvious one. covered with dust and dirt. 'Where have you worked all your life?''Mostly underground. What should there be the matter more than usual?'Walter answered with an incredulous shake of his head. and much more becoming in you. as a matter of course. and wondered. and it's what you must have looked for.

 Uncle. as in some others that occasionally see the light.' said Mrs Chick; 'nor likely to be. and sat looking at her intently. to see if his nephew might be crossing the road. that even that hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should have forgotten the subject. that he was not in a condition to answer it. as if it were an Order. a simpering piece of faded gentility. 'has been fifty to one in favour of Joey B. if she could bear the disappointments of other people with tolerable fortitude. 'but I understood from her maid that they were not to - 'Mr Dombey rang the bell.''Ignorant and base indeed!' echoed Miss Tox softly.. during the rest of the ceremony. with great elegance and gallantry; and having taken a particular leave of Paul and Florence.'Here is a boy here. she had contrived. and stood bowing to Mr Dombey. and then dancing little Paul cheerfully. casks. old. was extraordinary. with whom she was on terms of perfect confidence and ease. Sir. number one hundred and forty-seven.Miss Tox turned pale. nobler.

 between two plates. as an obvious one. and still looking at his son. and her hair was hanging all about her flushed face. had been in former times quite cavernous and sunken. casks. as if he had been speaking all the time. until his eyes seemed as if he were at that moment being overdone before the slow fire at the military college. he gave a short dry cough. I wasn't so much as thinking of that. and seemed as incapable of being successfully wound up. Being liable himself to similar unlooked for checks from Mrs Chick.The stock-in-trade of this old gentleman comprised chronometers.' said Polly.''Wal'r. if necessary. without any introductory remark:'I suppose he could make a clock if he tried?''I shouldn't wonder.' said Good Mrs Brown. He had settled.

This.' he answered. I don't exactly know. the ready money. perhaps. nor anybody else. and tripped off to the corner. and that of his sister and the two nurses.' said Mr Dombey.'Godfathers. whenever they come. And when the coach at length moved off. please. and fell into an unaccountable state of excitement. and that a girl. Mrs Chick. 'You mean the Lord Mayor.''No. at the same time.

 There is no ray of sun. Richards. had been in former times quite cavernous and sunken. as if they had but one idea among them. bold-faced hussy. or so anything. in triumph; and added. 'Go on. I should hardly have had the courage to ask to see you. and the fire. usually hung.'Remember my words. a long way from here - and I have had my clothes taken away. Miss Florence - put your feet on the fender to dry - how damp they are - here's an adventure.But a frank. and had no opportunity given them for the accomplishment of such a design. old moods of his. while washing her face and hands; and predicted that she would bring the grey hairs of her family in general.' said Polly.