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Rh approaching to politeness in an individual so situated would be a hollow mockery. Captain Gills, I beg to request the favour of a private interview."

"Why, Brother," returned the Captain, taking him by the hand, "you are the man as we was on the look-out for."

"Oh, Captain Gills," said Mr. Toots, "what a look-out that must be, of which I am the object! I haven’t dared to shave, I’m in that rash state. I haven’t had 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, aye, 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 an’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"

"Aye, aye, 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 father,