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Dombey and Son: Walter

Beside the dark threads in this story are woven many bright ones which center in the humble dwelling of old Solomon Gills, maker of ships' instruments, and his devoted nephew, Walter Gay, who with their good friend Captain Cuttle from a delightful trio. The captain, who wears a hook in place of his right hand, and suffers patiently under the insults and abuse of his landlady, the terrible Mrs. MacStinger, is one of Dickens's best-beloved characters. Walter, who has a modest position in the great house of Dombey, watches with sympathy and admiration the career of the neglected daughter of his employer, and upon one occasion has the joy of rescuing her when she is lost in London. From the night when the frightened child is warmed and comforted at the sign of the "Wooden Midshipman" Florence holds Uncle Sol and Walter in warmest regard. When, later, during Paul's illness, Walter comes to plead for a loan to save his uncle's property, the sympathetic boy at once becomes his champion and secures the money from his father. From this time on Paul takes a special interest in Walter and on his deathbed begs that he shall be remembered. This message Florence brings to Walter, pledging to him thenceforth her sisterly affection.