That the hope of giving birth to a new partner in such a House, could not fail to awaken a glorious and stirring ambition in the breast of the least ambitious of her sex.

That Mrs Dombey had entered on that social contract of matrimony: almost necessarily part of a genteel and wealthy station, even without reference to the perpetuation of family Firms: with her eyes fully open to these advantages.

That Mrs Dombey had had daily practical knowledge of his position in society.

That Mrs Dombey had always sat at the head of his table, and done the honours of his house in a remarkably lady-like and becoming manner.

That Mrs Dombey must have been happy.