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.'

注釋：preparation n. 預(yù)備；準(zhǔn)備
詞組：
preparation for 為…做準(zhǔn)備
preparation method 制備方法
in preparation 在準(zhǔn)備中
in preparation for adv. 為……作準(zhǔn)備
site preparation 預(yù)備場(chǎng)地
mental preparation 心理準(zhǔn)備
make preparation for 為…作準(zhǔn)備
例句：
1. Experience is their preparation for giving advice.
經(jīng)驗(yàn)為她們進(jìn)行咨詢(xún)作了準(zhǔn)備。
2. The advertising campaign is still in preparation.
廣告宣傳攻勢(shì)仍在準(zhǔn)備中。

（非常抱歉，暫無(wú)譯文）