It might have been well for Mr Dombey, if he had thought of his own dignity a little less; and had thought of the great origin and purpose of the ceremony in which he took so formal and so stiff a part, a little more. His arrogance contrasted strangely with its history.

When it was all over, he again gave his arm to Miss Tox, and conducted her to the vestry, where he informed the clergyman how much pleasure it would have given him to have solicited the honour of his company at dinner, but for the unfortunate state of his household affairs. The register signed, and the fees paid, and the pew-opener (whose cough was very bad again) remembered, and the beadle gratified, and the sexton (who was accidentally on the doorsteps, looking with great interest at the weather) not forgotten, they got into the carriage again, and drove home in the same bleak fellowship.

There they found Mr Pitt turning up his nose at a cold collation, set forth in a cold pomp of glass and silver, and looking more like a dead dinner lying in state than social refreshment. On their arrival Miss Tox produced a mug for her godson, and Mr Chick a knife and fork and spoon in a case. Mr. Dombey also produced a bracelet for Miss Tox; and, on the receipt of this token, Miss Tox was tenderly affected.

'Mr. John,' said Mr. Dombey, 'will you take the bottom of the table, if you please? What have you got there, Mr. John?'
'I have got a cold fillet of veal here, Sir,' replied Mr. Chick, rubbing his numbed hands hard together. 'What have you got there, Sir?'

'This,' returned Mr. Dombey, 'is some cold preparation of calf's head, I think. I see cold fowls - ham - patties - salad - lobster. Miss Tox will do me the honour of taking some wine? Champagne to Miss Tox.'

注释：preparation n. 预备；准备
词组：
preparation for 为…做准备
preparation method 制备方法
in preparation 在准备中
in preparation for adv. 为……作准备
site preparation 预备场地
mental preparation 心理准备
make preparation for 为…作准备
例句：
1. Experience is their preparation for giving advice.
经验为她们进行咨询作了准备。
2. The advertising campaign is still in preparation.
广告宣传攻势仍在准备中。

（非常抱歉，暂无译文）