'What have you got to say to me ?' Again the Captain observed, as a general opening of the conversation that could not fail to propitiate all parties, 'Wal'r, standby!' 'I am afraid, Sir,' began Walter, trembling, and looking down at the ground, 'that I take a very great liberty in coming--indeed, I am sure I do.

I should hardly have had the courage to ask to see you, Sir, even after coming down, I am afraid, if I had not overtaken Miss Dombey, and--' 'Well!' said Mr Dombey, following his eyes as he glanced at the attentive Florence, and frowning unconsciously as she encouraged him with a smile.

'Go on, if you please.' 'Ay, ay,' observed the Captain, considering it incumbent on him, as a point of good breeding, to support Mr Dombey.

'Well said! Go on, Wal'r.' Captain Cuttle ought to have been withered by the look 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.