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Shelookedathimagain，andsmiledinherpeculiarmanner。\'Iamascheerful，father，asIusuallyam，orusuallyhavebeen。\'
\'That\'swell，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。So，hekissedherandwentaway；andLouisareturnedtothesereneapartmentofthehaircuttingcharacter，andleaningherelbowonherhand，lookedagainattheshort-livedsparksthatsosoonsubsidedintoashes。
\'Areyouthere，Loo？\'saidherbrother，lookinginatthedoor。Hewasquiteayounggentlemanofpleasurenow，andnotquiteaprepossessingone。
\'DearTom，\'sheanswered，risingandembracinghim，\'howlongitissinceyouhavebeentoseeme！\'
\'Why，Ihavebeenotherwiseengaged，Loo，intheevenings；andinthedaytimeoldBounderbyhasbeenkeepingmeatitrather。ButI
touchhimupwithyouwhenhecomesittoostrong，andsowepreserveanunderstanding。Isay！Hasfathersaidanythingparticulartoyouto-dayoryesterday，Loo？\'
\'No，Tom。Buthetoldmeto-nightthathewishedtodosointhemorning。\'
\'Ah！That\'swhatImean，\'saidTom。\'Doyouknowwhereheisto-
night？\'-withaverydeepexpression。
\'No。\'
\'ThenI\'lltellyou。He\'switholdBounderby。TheyarehavingaregularconfabtogetherupattheBank。WhyattheBank，doyouthink？Well，I\'lltellyouagain。TokeepMrs。Sparsit\'searsasfaroffaspossible，Iexpect。\'
Withherhanduponherbrother\'sshoulder，Louisastillstoodlookingatthefire。Herbrotherglancedatherfacewithgreaterinterestthanusual，and，encirclingherwaistwithhisarm，drewhercoaxinglytohim。
\'Youareveryfondofme，an\'tyou，Loo？\'
\'IndeedIam，Tom，thoughyoudoletsuchlongintervalsgobywithoutcomingtoseeme。\'
\'Well，sisterofmine，\'saidTom，\'whenyousaythat，youarenearmythoughts。Wemightbesomuchoftenertogether-mightn\'twe？
Alwaystogether，almost-mightn\'twe？ItwoulddomeagreatdealofgoodifyouweretomakeupyourmindtoIknowwhat，Loo。Itwouldbeasplendidthingforme。Itwouldbeuncommonlyjolly！\'
Herthoughtfulnessbaffledhiscunningscrutiny。Hecouldmakenothingofherface。Hepressedherinhisarm，andkissedhercheek。Shereturnedthekiss，butstilllookedatthefire。
\'Isay，Loo！IthoughtI\'dcome，andjusthinttoyouwhatwasgoingon:thoughIsupposedyou\'dmostlikelyguess，evenifyoudidn\'tknow。Ican\'tstay，becauseI\'mengagedtosomefellowsto-
night。Youwon\'tforgethowfondyouareofme？\'
\'No，dearTom，Iwon\'tforget。\'
\'That\'sacapitalgirl，\'saidTom。\'Good-bye，Loo。\'
Shegavehimanaffectionategood-night，andwentoutwithhimtothedoor，whencethefiresofCoketowncouldbeseen，makingthedistancelurid。Shestoodthere，lookingsteadfastlytowardsthem，andlisteningtohisdepartingsteps。Theyretreatedquickly，asgladtogetawayfromStoneLodge；andshestoodthereyet，whenhewasgoneandallwasquiet。Itseemedasif，firstinherownfirewithinthehouse，andtheninthefieryhazewithout，shetriedtodiscoverwhatkindofwoofOldTime，thatgreatestandlongest-
establishedSpinnerofall，wouldweavefromthethreadshehadalreadyspunintoawoman。Buthisfactoryisasecretplace，hisworkisnoiseless，andhisHandsaremutes。
CHAPTERXV-FATHERANDDAUGHTER
ALTHOUGHMr。GradgrinddidnottakeafterBlueBeard，hisroomwasquiteabluechamberinitsabundanceofbluebooks。Whatevertheycouldprove(whichisusuallyanythingyoulike)，theyprovedthere，inanarmyconstantlystrengtheningbythearrivalofnewrecruits。Inthatcharmedapartment，themostcomplicatedsocialquestionswerecastup，gotintoexacttotals，andfinallysettled-ifthoseconcernedcouldonlyhavebeenbroughttoknowit。Asifanastronomicalobservatoryshouldbemadewithoutanywindows，andtheastronomerwithinshouldarrangethestarryuniversesolelybypen，ink，andpaper，soMr。Gradgrind，inhisObservatory(andtherearemanylikeit)，hadnoneedtocastaneyeupontheteemingmyriadsofhumanbeingsaroundhim，butcouldsettlealltheirdestiniesonaslate，andwipeoutalltheirtearswithonedirtylittlebitofsponge。
TothisObservatory，then:asternroom，withadeadlystatisticalclockinit，whichmeasuredeverysecondwithabeatlikearapuponacoffin-lid；Louisarepairedontheappointedmorning。A
windowlookedtowardsCoketown；andwhenshesatdownnearherfather\'stable，shesawthehighchimneysandthelongtractsofsmokeloomingintheheavydistancegloomily。
\'MydearLouisa，\'saidherfather，\'Ipreparedyoulastnighttogivemeyourseriousattentionintheconversationwearenowgoingtohavetogether。Youhavebeensowelltrained，andyoudo，Iamhappytosay，somuchjusticetotheeducationyouhavereceived，thatIhaveperfectconfidenceinyourgoodsense。Youarenotimpulsive，youarenotromantic，youareaccustomedtovieweverythingfromthestrongdispassionategroundofreasonandcalculation。Fromthatgroundalone，IknowyouwillviewandconsiderwhatIamgoingtocommunicate。\'
Hewaited，asifhewouldhavebeengladthatshesaidsomething。
Butshesaidneveraword。
\'Louisa，mydear，youarethesubjectofaproposalofmarriagethathasbeenmadetome。\'
Againhewaited，andagainsheanswerednotoneword。Thissofarsurprisedhim，astoinducehimgentlytorepeat，\'aproposalofmarriage，mydear。\'Towhichshereturned，withoutanyvisibleemotionwhatever:
\'Ihearyou，father。Iamattending，Iassureyou。\'
\'Well！\'saidMr。Gradgrind，breakingintoasmile，afterbeingforthemomentataloss，\'youareevenmoredispassionatethanI
expected，Louisa。Or，perhaps，youarenotunpreparedfortheannouncementIhaveitinchargetomake？\'
\'Icannotsaythat，father，untilIhearit。Preparedorunprepared，Iwishtohearitallfromyou。Iwishtohearyoustateittome，father。\'
Strangetorelate，Mr。Gradgrindwasnotsocollectedatthismomentashisdaughterwas。Hetookapaper-knifeinhishand，turneditover，laiditdown，tookitupagain，andeventhenhadtolookalongthebladeofit，consideringhowtogoon。
\'Whatyousay，mydearLouisa，isperfectlyreasonable。Ihaveundertakenthentoletyouknowthat-inshort，thatMr。Bounderbyhasinformedmethathehaslongwatchedyourprogresswithparticularinterestandpleasure，andhaslonghopedthatthetimemightultimatelyarrivewhenheshouldofferyouhishandinmarriage。Thattime，towhichhehassolong，andcertainlywithgreatconstancy，lookedforward，isnowcome。Mr。Bounderbyhasmadehisproposalofmarriagetome，andhasentreatedmetomakeitknowntoyou，andtoexpresshishopethatyouwilltakeitintoyourfavourableconsideration。\'
Silencebetweenthem。Thedeadlystatisticalclockveryhollow。
Thedistantsmokeveryblackandheavy。
\'Father，\'saidLouisa，\'doyouthinkIloveMr。Bounderby？\'
Mr。Gradgrindwasextremelydiscomfitedbythisunexpectedquestion。\'Well，mychild，\'hereturned，\'I-really-cannottakeuponmyselftosay。\'
\'Father，\'pursuedLouisainexactlythesamevoiceasbefore，\'doyouaskmetoloveMr。Bounderby？\'
\'MydearLouisa，no。No。Iasknothing。\'
\'Father，\'shestillpursued，\'doesMr。Bounderbyaskmetolovehim？\'
\'Really，mydear，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'itisdifficulttoansweryourquestion-\'
\'Difficulttoanswerit，YesorNo，father？
\'Certainly，mydear。Because；\'herewassomethingtodemonstrate，anditsethimupagain；\'becausethereplydependssomaterially，Louisa，onthesenseinwhichweusetheexpression。Now，Mr。
Bounderbydoesnotdoyoutheinjustice，anddoesnotdohimselftheinjustice，ofpretendingtoanythingfanciful，fantastic，or(I
amusingsynonymousterms)sentimental。Mr。Bounderbywouldhaveseenyougrowupunderhiseyes，toverylittlepurpose，ifhecouldsofarforgetwhatisduetoyourgoodsense，nottosaytohis，astoaddressyoufromanysuchground。Therefore，perhapstheexpressionitself-Imerelysuggestthistoyou，mydear-maybealittlemisplaced。\'
\'Whatwouldyouadvisemetouseinitsstead，father？\'
\'Why，mydearLouisa，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，completelyrecoveredbythistime，\'Iwouldadviseyou(sinceyouaskme)toconsiderthisquestion，asyouhavebeenaccustomedtoconsidereveryotherquestion，simplyasoneoftangibleFact。Theignorantandthegiddymayembarrasssuchsubjectswithirrelevantfancies，andotherabsurditiesthathavenoexistence，properlyviewed-reallynoexistence-butitisnocomplimenttoyoutosay，thatyouknowbetter。Now，whataretheFactsofthiscase？Youare，wewillsayinroundnumbers，twentyyearsofage；Mr。Bounderbyis，wewillsayinroundnumbers，fifty。Thereissomedisparityinyourrespectiveyears，butinyourmeansandpositionsthereisnone；onthecontrary，thereisagreatsuitability。Thenthequestionarises，Isthisonedisparitysufficienttooperateasabartosuchamarriage？Inconsideringthisquestion，itisnotunimportanttotakeintoaccountthestatisticsofmarriage，sofarastheyhaveyetbeenobtained，inEnglandandWales。Ifind，onreferencetothefigures，thatalargeproportionofthesemarriagesarecontractedbetweenpartiesofveryunequalages，andthattheelderofthesecontractingpartiesis，inrathermorethanthree-fourthsoftheseinstances，thebridegroom。Itisremarkableasshowingthewideprevalenceofthislaw，thatamongthenativesoftheBritishpossessionsinIndia，alsoinaconsiderablepartofChina，andamongtheCalmucksofTartary，thebestmeansofcomputationyetfurnishedusbytravellers，yieldsimilarresults。
ThedisparityIhavementioned，therefore，almostceasestobedisparity，and(virtually)allbutdisappears。\'
\'Whatdoyourecommend，father，\'askedLouisa，herreservedcomposurenotintheleastaffectedbythesegratifyingresults，\'thatIshouldsubstituteforthetermIusedjustnow？Forthemisplacedexpression？\'
\'Louisa，\'returnedherfather，\'itappearstomethatnothingcanbeplainer。ConfiningyourselfrigidlytoFact，thequestionofFactyoustatetoyourselfis:DoesMr。Bounderbyaskmetomarryhim？Yes，hedoes。Thesoleremainingquestionthenis:ShallI
marryhim？Ithinknothingcanbeplainerthanthat？\'
\'ShallImarryhim？\'repeatedLouisa，withgreatdeliberation。
\'Precisely。Anditissatisfactorytome，asyourfather，mydearLouisa，toknowthatyoudonotcometotheconsiderationofthatquestionwiththeprevioushabitsofmind，andhabitsoflife，thatbelongtomanyyoungwomen。\'
\'No，father，\'shereturned，\'Idonot。\'
\'Inowleaveyoutojudgeforyourself，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。\'I
havestatedthecase，assuchcasesareusuallystatedamongpracticalminds；Ihavestatedit，asthecaseofyourmotherandmyselfwasstatedinitstime。Therest，mydearLouisa，isforyoutodecide。\'
Fromthebeginning，shehadsatlookingathimfixedly。Ashenowleanedbackinhischair，andbenthisdeep-seteyesuponherinhisturn，perhapshemighthaveseenonewaveringmomentinher，whenshewasimpelledtothrowherselfuponhisbreast，andgivehimthepent-upconfidencesofherheart。But，toseeit，hemusthaveoverleapedataboundtheartificialbarriershehadformanyyearsbeenerecting，betweenhimselfandallthosesubtleessencesofhumanitywhichwilleludetheutmostcunningofalgebrauntilthelasttrumpetevertobesoundedshallblowevenalgebratowreck。Thebarriersweretoomanyandtoohighforsuchaleap。
Withhisunbending，utilitarian，matter-of-factface，hehardenedheragain；andthemomentshotawayintotheplumblessdepthsofthepast，tominglewithallthelostopportunitiesthataredrownedthere。
Removinghereyesfromhim，shesatsolonglookingsilentlytowardsthetown，thathesaid，atlength:\'AreyouconsultingthechimneysoftheCoketownworks，Louisa？\'
\'Thereseemstobenothingtherebutlanguidandmonotonoussmoke。
Yetwhenthenightcomes，Fireburstsout，father！\'sheanswered，turningquickly。
\'OfcourseIknowthat，Louisa。Idonotseetheapplicationoftheremark。\'Todohimjusticehedidnot，atall。
Shepasseditawaywithaslightmotionofherhand，andconcentratingherattentionuponhimagain，said，\'Father，Ihaveoftenthoughtthatlifeisveryshort。\'-Thiswassodistinctlyoneofhissubjectsthatheinterposed。
\'Itisshort，nodoubt，mydear。Still，theaveragedurationofhumanlifeisprovedtohaveincreasedoflateyears。Thecalculationsofvariouslifeassuranceandannuityoffices，amongotherfigureswhichcannotgowrong，haveestablishedthefact。\'
\'Ispeakofmyownlife，father。\'
\'Oindeed？Still，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'Ineednotpointouttoyou，Louisa，thatitisgovernedbythelawswhichgovernlivesintheaggregate。\'
\'Whileitlasts，IwouldwishtodothelittleIcan，andthelittleIamfitfor。Whatdoesitmatter？\'
Mr。Gradgrindseemedratheratalosstounderstandthelastfourwords；replying，\'How，matter？Whatmatter，mydear？\'
\'Mr。Bounderby，\'shewentoninasteady，straightway，withoutregardingthis，\'asksmetomarryhim。ThequestionIhavetoaskmyselfis，shallImarryhim？Thatisso，father，isitnot？Youhavetoldmeso，father。Haveyounot？\'
\'Certainly，mydear。\'
\'Letitbeso。SinceMr。Bounderbylikestotakemethus，Iamsatisfiedtoaccepthisproposal。Tellhim，father，assoonasyouplease，thatthiswasmyanswer。Repeatit，wordforword，ifyoucan，becauseIshouldwishhimtoknowwhatIsaid。\'
\'Itisquiteright，mydear，\'retortedherfatherapprovingly，\'tobeexact。Iwillobserveyourveryproperrequest。Haveyouanywishinreferencetotheperiodofyourmarriage，mychild？\'
\'None，father。Whatdoesitmatter！\'
Mr。Gradgrindhaddrawnhischairalittlenearertoher，andtakenherhand。But，herrepetitionofthesewordsseemedtostrikewithsomelittlediscordonhisear。Hepausedtolookather，and，stillholdingherhand，said:
\'Louisa，Ihavenotconsidereditessentialtoaskyouonequestion，becausethepossibilityimpliedinitappearedtometobetooremote。ButperhapsIoughttodoso。Youhaveneverentertainedinsecretanyotherproposal？\'
\'Father，\'shereturned，almostscornfully，\'whatotherproposalcanhavebeenmadetome？WhomhaveIseen？WherehaveIbeen？Whataremyheart\'sexperiences？\'
\'MydearLouisa，\'returnedMr。Gradgrind，reassuredandsatisfied。
\'Youcorrectmejustly。Imerelywishedtodischargemyduty。\'
\'WhatdoIknow，father，\'saidLouisainherquietmanner，\'oftastesandfancies；ofaspirationsandaffections；ofallthatpartofmynatureinwhichsuchlightthingsmighthavebeennourished？
WhatescapehaveIhadfromproblemsthatcouldbedemonstrated，andrealitiesthatcouldbegrasped？\'Asshesaidit，sheunconsciouslyclosedherhand，asifuponasolidobject，andslowlyopeneditasthoughshewerereleasingdustorash。
\'Mydear，\'assentedhereminentlypracticalparent，\'quitetrue，quitetrue。\'
\'Why，father，\'shepursued，\'whatastrangequestiontoaskme！
Thebaby-preferencethatevenIhaveheardofascommonamongchildren，hasneverhaditsinnocentresting-placeinmybreast。
Youhavebeensocarefulofme，thatIneverhadachild\'sheart。
Youhavetrainedmesowell，thatIneverdreamedachild\'sdream。
Youhavedealtsowiselywithme，father，frommycradletothishour，thatIneverhadachild\'sbelieforachild\'sfear。\'
Mr。Gradgrindwasquitemovedbyhissuccess，andbythistestimonytoit。\'MydearLouisa，\'saidhe，\'youabundantlyrepaymycare。
Kissme，mydeargirl。\'
So，hisdaughterkissedhim。Detainingherinhisembrace，hesaid，\'Imayassureyounow，myfavouritechild，thatIammadehappybythesounddecisionatwhichyouhavearrived。Mr。
Bounderbyisaveryremarkableman；andwhatlittledisparitycanbesaidtoexistbetweenyou-ifany-ismorethancounterbalancedbythetoneyourmindhasacquired。Ithasalwaysbeenmyobjectsotoeducateyou，asthatyoumight，whilestillinyourearlyyouth，be(ifImaysoexpressmyself)almostanyage。
Kissmeoncemore，Louisa。Now，letusgoandfindyourmother。\'
Accordingly，theywentdowntothedrawing-room，wheretheesteemedladywithnononsenseabouther，wasrecumbentasusual，whileSissyworkedbesideher。Shegavesomefeeblesignsofreturninganimationwhentheyentered，andpresentlythefainttransparencywaspresentedinasittingattitude。
\'Mrs。Gradgrind，\'saidherhusband，whohadwaitedfortheachievementofthisfeatwithsomeimpatience，\'allowmetopresenttoyouMrs。Bounderby。\'
\'Oh！\'saidMrs。Gradgrind，\'soyouhavesettledit！Well，I\'msureIhopeyourhealthmaybegood，Louisa；forifyourheadbeginstosplitassoonasyouaremarried，whichwasthecasewithmine，I
cannotconsiderthatyouaretobeenvied，thoughIhavenodoubtyouthinkyouare，asallgirlsdo。However，Igiveyoujoy，mydear-andIhopeyoumaynowturnallyourologicalstudiestogoodaccount，IamsureIdo！Imustgiveyouakissofcongratulation，Louisa；butdon\'ttouchmyrightshoulder，forthere\'ssomethingrunningdownitalldaylong。Andnowyousee，\'
whimperedMrs。Gradgrind，adjustinghershawlsaftertheaffectionateceremony，\'Ishallbeworryingmyself，morning，noon，andnight，toknowwhatIamtocallhim！\'
\'Mrs。Gradgrind，\'saidherhusband，solemnly，\'whatdoyoumean？\'
\'WhateverIamtocallhim，Mr。Gradgrind，whenheismarriedtoLouisa！Imustcallhimsomething。It\'simpossible，\'saidMrs。
Gradgrind，withamingledsenseofpolitenessandinjury，\'tobeconstantlyaddressinghimandnevergivinghimaname。IcannotcallhimJosiah，forthenameisinsupportabletome。Youyourselfwouldn\'thearofJoe，youverywellknow。AmItocallmyownson-
in-law，Mister！Not，Ibelieve，unlessthetimehasarrivedwhen，asaninvalid，Iamtobetrampleduponbymyrelations。Then，whatamItocallhim！\'
Nobodypresenthavinganysuggestiontoofferintheremarkableemergency，Mrs。Gradgrinddepartedthislifeforthetimebeing，afterdeliveringthefollowingcodiciltoherremarksalreadyexecuted:
\'Astothewedding，allIask，Louisa，is，-andIaskitwithaflutteringinmychest，whichactuallyextendstothesolesofmyfeet，-thatitmaytakeplacesoon。Otherwise，IknowitisoneofthosesubjectsIshallneverhearthelastof。\'
WhenMr。GradgrindhadpresentedMrs。Bounderby，Sissyhadsuddenlyturnedherhead，andlooked，inwonder，inpity，insorrow，indoubt，inamultitudeofemotions，towardsLouisa。Louisahadknownit，andseenit，withoutlookingather。Fromthatmomentshewasimpassive，proudandcold-heldSissyatadistance-
changedtoheraltogether。
CHAPTERXVI-HUSBANDANDWIFE
MR。BOUNDERBY\'Sfirstdisquietudeonhearingofhishappiness，wasoccasionedbythenecessityofimpartingittoMrs。Sparsit。Hecouldnotmakeuphismindhowtodothat，orwhattheconsequencesofthestepmightbe。Whethershewouldinstantlydepart，bagandbaggage，toLadyScadgers，orwouldpositivelyrefusetobudgefromthepremises；whethershewouldbeplaintiveorabusive，tearfulortearing；whethershewouldbreakherheart，orbreakthelooking-
glass；Mr。Bounderbycouldnotallforesee。However，asitmustbedone，hehadnochoicebuttodoit；so，afterattemptingseveralletters，andfailinginthemall，heresolvedtodoitbywordofmouth。
Onhiswayhome，ontheeveninghesetasideforthismomentouspurpose，hetooktheprecautionofsteppingintoachemist\'sshopandbuyingabottleoftheverystrongestsmelling-salts。\'ByGeorge！\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'ifshetakesitinthefaintingway，I\'llhavetheskinoffhernose，atallevents！\'But，inspiteofbeingthusforearmed，heenteredhisownhousewithanythingbutacourageousair；andappearedbeforetheobjectofhismisgivings，likeadogwhowasconsciousofcomingdirectfromthepantry。
\'Goodevening，Mr。Bounderby！\'
\'Goodevening，ma\'am，goodevening。\'Hedrewuphischair，andMrs。Sparsitdrewbackhers，aswhoshouldsay，\'Yourfireside，sir。Ifreelyadmitit。Itisforyoutooccupyitall，ifyouthinkproper。\'
\'Don\'tgototheNorthPole，ma\'am！\'saidMr。Bounderby。
\'Thankyou，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，andreturned，thoughshortofherformerposition。
Mr。Bounderbysatlookingather，as，withthepointsofastiff，sharppairofscissors，shepickedoutholesforsomeinscrutableornamentalpurpose，inapieceofcambric。Anoperationwhich，takeninconnexionwiththebushyeyebrowsandtheRomannose，suggestedwithsomelivelinesstheideaofahawkengagedupontheeyesofatoughlittlebird。Shewassosteadfastlyoccupied，thatmanyminuteselapsedbeforeshelookedupfromherwork；whenshedidsoMr。Bounderbybespokeherattentionwithahitchofhishead。
\'Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bounderby，puttinghishandsinhispockets，andassuringhimselfwithhisrighthandthatthecorkofthelittlebottlewasreadyforuse，\'Ihavenooccasiontosaytoyou，thatyouarenotonlyaladybornandbred，butadevilishsensiblewoman。\'
\'Sir，\'returnedthelady，\'thisisindeednotthefirsttimethatyouhavehonouredmewithsimilarexpressionsofyourgoodopinion。\'
\'Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'Iamgoingtoastonishyou。\'
\'Yes，sir？\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，interrogatively，andinthemosttranquilmannerpossible。Shegenerallyworemittens，andshenowlaiddownherwork，andsmoothedthosemittens。
\'Iamgoing，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，\'tomarryTomGradgrind\'sdaughter。\'
\'Yes，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit。\'Ihopeyoumaybehappy，Mr。
Bounderby。Oh，indeedIhopeyoumaybehappy，sir！\'Andshesaiditwithsuchgreatcondescensionaswellaswithsuchgreatcompassionforhim，thatBounderby，-farmoredisconcertedthanifshehadthrownherworkboxatthemirror，orswoonedonthehearthrug，-corkedupthesmelling-saltstightinhispocket，andthought，\'Nowconfoundthiswoman，whocouldhaveevenguessedthatshewouldtakeitinthisway！\'
\'Iwishwithallmyheart，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，inahighlysuperiormanner；somehowsheseemed，inamoment，tohaveestablishedarighttopityhimeverafterwards；\'thatyoumaybeinallrespectsveryhappy。\'
\'Well，ma\'am，\'returnedBounderby，withsomeresentmentinhistone:whichwasclearlylowered，thoughinspiteofhimself，\'Iamobligedtoyou。IhopeIshallbe。\'
\'Doyou，sir！\'saidMrs。Sparsit，withgreataffability。\'Butnaturallyyoudo；ofcourseyoudo。\'
AveryawkwardpauseonMr。Bounderby\'spart，succeeded。Mrs。
Sparsitsedatelyresumedherworkandoccasionallygaveasmallcough，whichsoundedlikethecoughofconsciousstrengthandforbearance。
\'Well，ma\'am，\'resumedBounderby，\'underthesecircumstances，I
imagineitwouldnotbeagreeabletoacharacterlikeyourstoremainhere，thoughyouwouldbeverywelcomehere。\'
\'Oh，dearno，sir，Icouldonnoaccountthinkofthat！\'Mrs。
Sparsitshookherhead，stillinherhighlysuperiormanner，andalittlechangedthesmallcough-coughingnow，asifthespiritofprophecyrosewithinher，buthadbetterbecougheddown。
\'However，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，\'thereareapartmentsattheBank，whereabornandbredlady，askeeperoftheplace，wouldberatheracatchthanotherwise；andifthesameterms-\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，sir。Youweresogoodastopromisethatyouwouldalwayssubstitutethephrase，annualcompliment。\'
\'Well，ma\'am，annualcompliment。Ifthesameannualcomplimentwouldbeacceptablethere，why，Iseenothingtopartus，unlessyoudo。\'
\'Sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit。\'Theproposalislikeyourself，andifthepositionIshallassumeattheBankisonethatIcouldoccupywithoutdescendinglowerinthesocialscale-\'
\'Why，ofcourseitis，\'saidBounderby。\'Ifitwasnot，ma\'am，youdon\'tsupposethatIshouldofferittoaladywhohasmovedinthesocietyyouhavemovedin。NotthatIcareforsuchsociety，youknow！Butyoudo。\'
\'Mr。Bounderby，youareveryconsiderate。\'
\'You\'llhaveyourownprivateapartments，andyou\'llhaveyourcoalsandyourcandles，andalltherestofit，andyou\'llhaveyourmaidtoattenduponyou，andyou\'llhaveyourlightportertoprotectyou，andyou\'llbewhatItakethelibertyofconsideringpreciouscomfortable，\'saidBounderby。
\'Sir，\'rejoinedMrs。Sparsit，\'saynomore。Inyieldingupmytrusthere，Ishallnotbefreedfromthenecessityofeatingthebreadofdependence:\'shemighthavesaidthesweetbread，forthatdelicatearticleinasavourybrownsaucewasherfavouritesupper:
\'andIwouldratherreceiveitfromyourhand，thanfromanyother。
Therefore，sir，Iacceptyouroffergratefully，andwithmanysincereacknowledgmentsforpastfavours。AndIhope，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，concludinginanimpressivelycompassionatemanner，\'IfondlyhopethatMissGradgrindmaybeallyoudesire，anddeserve！\'
NothingmovedMrs。Sparsitfromthatpositionanymore。ItwasinvainforBounderbytoblusterortoasserthimselfinanyofhisexplosiveways；Mrs。Sparsitwasresolvedtohavecompassiononhim，asaVictim。Shewaspolite，obliging，cheerful，hopeful；
but，themorepolite，themoreobliging，themorecheerful，themorehopeful，themoreexemplaryaltogether，she；theforlornerSacrificeandVictim，he。Shehadthattendernessforhismelancholyfate，thathisgreatredcountenanceusedtobreakoutintocoldperspirationswhenshelookedathim。
Meanwhilethemarriagewasappointedtobesolemnizedineightweeks\'time，andMr。BounderbywenteveryeveningtoStoneLodgeasanacceptedwooer。Lovewasmadeontheseoccasionsintheformofbracelets；and，onalloccasionsduringtheperiodofbetrothal，tookamanufacturingaspect。Dressesweremade，jewellerywasmade，cakesandglovesweremade，settlementsweremade，andanextensiveassortmentofFactsdidappropriatehonourtothecontract。ThebusinesswasallFact，fromfirsttolast。TheHoursdidnotgothroughanyofthoserosyperformances，whichfoolishpoetshaveascribedtothematsuchtimes；neitherdidtheclocksgoanyfaster，oranyslower，thanatotherseasons。ThedeadlystatisticalrecorderintheGradgrindobservatoryknockedeverysecondontheheadasitwasborn，andburieditwithhisaccustomedregularity。
Sothedaycame，asallotherdayscometopeoplewhowillonlysticktoreason；andwhenitcame，thereweremarriedinthechurchofthefloridwoodenlegs-thatpopularorderofarchitecture-
JosiahBounderbyEsquireofCoketown，toLouisaeldestdaughterofThomasGradgrindEsquireofStoneLodge，M。P。forthatborough。
Andwhentheywereunitedinholymatrimony，theywenthometobreakfastatStoneLodgeaforesaid。
Therewasanimprovingpartyassembledontheauspiciousoccasion，whoknewwhateverythingtheyhadtoeatanddrinkwasmadeof，andhowitwasimportedorexported，andinwhatquantities，andinwhatbottoms，whethernativeorforeign，andallaboutit。Thebridesmaids，downtolittleJaneGradgrind，were，inanintellectualpointofview，fithelpmatesforthecalculatingboy；
andtherewasnononsenseaboutanyofthecompany。
Afterbreakfast，thebridegroomaddressedtheminthefollowingterms:
\'Ladiesandgentlemen，IamJosiahBounderbyofCoketown。Sinceyouhavedonemywifeandmyselfthehonourofdrinkingourhealthsandhappiness，IsupposeImustacknowledgethesame；though，asyouallknowme，andknowwhatIam，andwhatmyextractionwas，youwon\'texpectaspeechfromamanwho，whenheseesaPost，says"that\'saPost，"andwhenheseesaPump，says"that\'saPump，"andisnottobegottocallaPostaPump，oraPumpaPost，oreitherofthemaToothpick。Ifyouwantaspeechthismorning，myfriendandfather-in-law，TomGradgrind，isaMemberofParliament，andyouknowwheretogetit。Iamnotyourman。However，ifIfeelalittleindependentwhenIlookaroundthistableto-day，andreflecthowlittleIthoughtofmarryingTomGradgrind\'sdaughterwhenIwasaraggedstreet-boy，whoneverwashedhisfaceunlessitwasatapump，andthatnotoftenerthanonceafortnight，IhopeI
maybeexcused。So，Ihopeyoulikemyfeelingindependent；ifyoudon\'t，Ican\'thelpit。Idofeelindependent。NowIhavementioned，andyouhavementioned，thatIamthisdaymarriedtoTomGradgrind\'sdaughter。Iamverygladtobeso。Ithaslongbeenmywishtobeso。Ihavewatchedherbringing-up，andI
believesheisworthyofme。Atthesametime-nottodeceiveyou-IbelieveIamworthyofher。So，Ithankyou，onbothourparts，forthegood-willyouhaveshowntowardsus；andthebestwishIcangivetheunmarriedpartofthepresentcompany，isthis:
IhopeeverybachelormayfindasgoodawifeasIhavefound。AndIhopeeveryspinstermayfindasgoodahusbandasmywifehasfound。\'
Shortlyafterwhichoration，astheyweregoingonanuptialtriptoLyons，inorderthatMr。BounderbymighttaketheopportunityofseeinghowtheHandsgotoninthoseparts，andwhetherthey，too，requiredtobefedwithgoldspoons；thehappypairdepartedfortherailroad。Thebride，inpassingdown-stairs，dressedforherjourney，foundTomwaitingforher-flushed，eitherwithhisfeelings，orthevinouspartofthebreakfast。
\'Whatagamegirlyouare，tobesuchafirst-ratesister，Loo！\'
whisperedTom。
Sheclungtohimassheshouldhaveclungtosomefarbetternaturethatday，andwasalittleshakeninherreservedcomposureforthefirsttime。
\'OldBounderby\'squiteready，\'saidTom。\'Time\'sup。Good-bye！I
shallbeonthelook-outforyou，whenyoucomeback。Isay，mydearLoo！AN\'Tituncommonlyjollynow！\'
ENDOFTHEFIRSTBOOK
BOOKTHESECOND-REAPING
CHAPTERI-EFFECTSINTHEBANK
ASUNNYmidsummerday。Therewassuchathingsometimes，eveninCoketown。
Seenfromadistanceinsuchweather，Coketownlayshroudedinahazeofitsown，whichappearedimpervioustothesun\'srays。Youonlyknewthetownwasthere，becauseyouknewtherecouldhavebeennosuchsulkyblotchupontheprospectwithoutatown。Ablurofsootandsmoke，nowconfusedlytendingthisway，nowthatway，nowaspiringtothevaultofHeaven，nowmurkilycreepingalongtheearth，asthewindroseandfell，orchangeditsquarter:adenseformlessjumble，withsheetsofcrosslightinit，thatshowednothingbutmassesofdarkness:-Coketowninthedistancewassuggestiveofitself，thoughnotabrickofitcouldbeseen。
Thewonderwas，itwasthereatall。Ithadbeenruinedsooften，thatitwasamazinghowithadbornesomanyshocks。Surelythereneverwassuchfragilechina-wareasthatofwhichthemillersofCoketownweremade。Handlethemneversolightly，andtheyfelltopieceswithsucheasethatyoumightsuspectthemofhavingbeenflawedbefore。Theywereruined，whentheywererequiredtosendlabouringchildrentoschool；theywereruinedwheninspectorswereappointedtolookintotheirworks；theywereruined，whensuchinspectorsconsidereditdoubtfulwhethertheywerequitejustifiedinchoppingpeopleupwiththeirmachinery；theywereutterlyundone，whenitwashintedthatperhapstheyneednotalwaysmakequitesomuchsmoke。BesidesMr。Bounderby\'sgoldspoonwhichwasgenerallyreceivedinCoketown，anotherprevalentfictionwasverypopularthere。Ittooktheformofathreat。WheneveraCoketownerfelthewasill-used-thatistosay，wheneverhewasnotleftentirelyalone，anditwasproposedtoholdhimaccountablefortheconsequencesofanyofhisacts-hewassuretocomeoutwiththeawfulmenace，thathewould\'soonerpitchhispropertyintotheAtlantic。\'ThishadterrifiedtheHomeSecretarywithinaninchofhislife，onseveraloccasions。
However，theCoketownersweresopatrioticafterall，thattheyneverhadpitchedtheirpropertyintotheAtlanticyet，but，onthecontrary，hadbeenkindenoughtotakemightygoodcareofit。Sothereitwas，inthehazeyonder；anditincreasedandmultiplied。
Thestreetswerehotanddustyonthesummerday，andthesunwassobrightthatitevenshonethroughtheheavyvapourdroopingoverCoketown，andcouldnotbelookedatsteadily。Stokersemergedfromlowundergrounddoorwaysintofactoryyards，andsatonsteps，andposts，andpalings，wipingtheirswarthyvisages，andcontemplatingcoals。Thewholetownseemedtobefryinginoil。
Therewasastiflingsmellofhotoileverywhere。Thesteam-
enginesshonewithit，thedressesoftheHandsweresoiledwithit，themillsthroughouttheirmanystoriesoozedandtrickledit。
TheatmosphereofthoseFairypalaceswaslikethebreathofthesimoom:andtheirinhabitants，wastingwithheat，toiledlanguidlyinthedesert。Butnotemperaturemadethemelancholymadelephantsmoremadormoresane。Theirwearisomeheadswentupanddownatthesamerate，inhotweatherandcold，wetweatheranddry，fairweatherandfoul。Themeasuredmotionoftheirshadowsonthewalls，wasthesubstituteCoketownhadtoshowfortheshadowsofrustlingwoods；while，forthesummerhumofinsects，itcouldoffer，alltheyearround，fromthedawnofMondaytothenightofSaturday，thewhirrofshaftsandwheels。
Drowsilytheywhirredallthroughthissunnyday，makingthepassengermoresleepyandmorehotashepassedthehummingwallsofthemills。Sun-blinds，andsprinklingsofwater，alittlecooledthemainstreetsandtheshops；butthemills，andthecourtsandalleys，bakedatafierceheat。Downupontheriverthatwasblackandthickwithdye，someCoketownboyswhowereatlarge-araresightthere-rowedacrazyboat，whichmadeaspumoustrackuponthewaterasitjoggedalong，whileeverydipofanoarstirredupvilesmells。Butthesunitself，howeverbeneficent，generally，waslesskindtoCoketownthanhardfrost，andrarelylookedintentlyintoanyofitscloserregionswithoutengenderingmoredeaththanlife。SodoestheeyeofHeavenitselfbecomeanevileye，whenincapableorsordidhandsareinterposedbetweenitandthethingsitlooksupontobless。
Mrs。SparsitsatinherafternoonapartmentattheBank，ontheshadiersideofthefryingstreet。Office-hourswereover:andatthatperiodoftheday，inwarmweather，sheusuallyembellishedwithhergenteelpresence，amanagerialboard-roomoverthepublicoffice。Herownprivatesitting-roomwasastoryhigher，atthewindowofwhichpostofobservationshewasready，everymorning，togreetMr。Bounderby，ashecameacrosstheroad，withthesympathizingrecognitionappropriatetoaVictim。Hehadbeenmarriednowayear；andMrs。Sparsithadneverreleasedhimfromherdeterminedpityamoment。
TheBankofferednoviolencetothewholesomemonotonyofthetown。
Itwasanotherredbrickhouse，withblackoutsideshutters，greeninsideblinds，ablackstreet-dooruptwowhitesteps，abrazendoor-plate，andabrazendoor-handlefullstop。ItwasasizelargerthanMr。Bounderby\'shouse，asotherhouseswerefromasizetohalf-a-dozensizessmaller；inallotherparticulars，itwasstrictlyaccordingtopattern。
Mrs。Sparsitwasconsciousthatbycomingintheevening-tideamongthedesksandwritingimplements，sheshedafeminine，nottosayalsoaristocratic，graceupontheoffice。Seated，withherneedleworkornettingapparatus，atthewindow，shehadaself-
laudatorysenseofcorrecting，byherladylikedeportment，therudebusinessaspectoftheplace。Withthisimpressionofherinterestingcharacteruponher，Mrs。Sparsitconsideredherself，insomesort，theBankFairy。Thetownspeoplewho，intheirpassingandrepassing，sawherthere，regardedherastheBankDragonkeepingwatchoverthetreasuresofthemine。
Whatthosetreasureswere，Mrs。Sparsitknewaslittleastheydid。
Goldandsilvercoin，preciouspaper，secretsthatifdivulgedwouldbringvaguedestructionuponvaguepersons(generally，however，peoplewhomshedisliked)，werethechiefitemsinheridealcataloguethereof。Fortherest，sheknewthatafteroffice-
hours，shereignedsupremeoveralltheofficefurniture，andoveralocked-upironroomwiththreelocks，againstthedoorofwhichstrongchamberthelightporterlaidhisheadeverynight，onatrucklebed，thatdisappearedatcockcrow。Further，shewasladyparamountovercertainvaultsinthebasement，sharplyspikedofffromcommunicationwiththepredatoryworld；andovertherelicsofthecurrentday\'swork，consistingofblotsofink，worn-outpens，fragmentsofwafers，andscrapsofpapertornsosmall，thatnothinginterestingcouldeverbedecipheredonthemwhenMrs。
Sparsittried。Lastly，shewasguardianoveralittlearmouryofcutlassesandcarbines，arrayedinvengefulorderaboveoneoftheofficialchimney-pieces；andoverthatrespectabletraditionnevertobeseparatedfromaplaceofbusinessclaimingtobewealthy-arowoffire-buckets-vesselscalculatedtobeofnophysicalutilityonanyoccasion，butobservedtoexerciseafinemoralinfluence，almostequaltobullion，onmostbeholders。
Adeafserving-womanandthelightportercompletedMrs。Sparsit\'sempire。Thedeafserving-womanwasrumouredtobewealthy；andasayinghadforyearsgoneaboutamongthelowerordersofCoketown，thatshewouldbemurderedsomenightwhentheBankwasshut，forthesakeofhermoney。Itwasgenerallyconsidered，indeed，thatshehadbeenduesometime，andoughttohavefallenlongago；butshehadkeptherlife，andhersituation，withanill-conditionedtenacitythatoccasionedmuchoffenceanddisappointment。
Mrs。Sparsit\'steawasjustsetforheronapertlittletable，withitstripodoflegsinanattitude，whichsheinsinuatedafteroffice-hours，intothecompanyofthestern，leathern-topped，longboard-tablethatbestrodethemiddleoftheroom。Thelightporterplacedthetea-trayonit，knucklinghisforeheadasaformofhomage。
\'Thankyou，Bitzer，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Thankyou，ma\'am，\'returnedthelightporter。Hewasaverylightporterindeed；aslightasinthedayswhenheblinkinglydefinedahorse，forgirlnumbertwenty。
\'Allisshutup，Bitzer？\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Allisshutup，ma\'am。\'
\'Andwhat，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，pouringouthertea，\'isthenewsoftheday？Anything？\'
\'Well，ma\'am，Ican\'tsaythatIhaveheardanythingparticular。
Ourpeopleareabadlot，ma\'am；butthatisnonews，unfortunately。\'
\'Whataretherestlesswretchesdoingnow？\'askedMrs。Sparsit。
\'Merelygoingonintheoldway，ma\'am。Uniting，andleaguing，andengagingtostandbyoneanother。\'
\'Itismuchtoberegretted，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，makinghernosemoreRomanandhereyebrowsmoreCoriolanianinthestrengthofherseverity，\'thattheunitedmastersallowofanysuchclass-
combinations。\'
\'Yes，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer。
\'Beingunitedthemselves，theyoughtoneandalltosettheirfacesagainstemployinganymanwhoisunitedwithanyotherman，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Theyhavedonethat，ma\'am，\'returnedBitzer；\'butitratherfellthrough，ma\'am。\'
\'Idonotpretendtounderstandthesethings，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，withdignity，\'mylothavingbeensignallycastinawidelydifferentsphere；andMr。Sparsit，asaPowler，beingalsoquiteoutofthepaleofanysuchdissensions。Ionlyknowthatthesepeoplemustbeconquered，andthatit\'shightimeitwasdone，onceforall。\'
\'Yes，ma\'am，\'returnedBitzer，withademonstrationofgreatrespectforMrs。Sparsit\'soracularauthority。\'Youcouldn\'tputitclearer，Iamsure，ma\'am。\'
AsthiswashisusualhourforhavingalittleconfidentialchatwithMrs。Sparsit，andashehadalreadycaughthereyeandseenthatshewasgoingtoaskhimsomething，hemadeapretenceofarrangingtherulers，inkstands，andsoforth，whilethatladywentonwithhertea，glancingthroughtheopenwindow，downintothestreet。
\'Hasitbeenabusyday，Bitzer？\'askedMrs。Sparsit。
\'Notaverybusyday，mylady。Aboutanaverageday。\'Henowandthenslidedintomylady，insteadofma\'am，asaninvoluntaryacknowledgmentofMrs。Sparsit\'spersonaldignityandclaimstoreverence。
\'Theclerks，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，carefullybrushinganimperceptiblecrumbofbreadandbutterfromherleft-handmitten，\'aretrustworthy，punctual，andindustrious，ofcourse？\'
\'Yes，ma\'am，prettyfair，ma\'am。Withtheusualexception。\'
Heheldtherespectableofficeofgeneralspyandinformerintheestablishment，forwhichvolunteerservicehereceivedapresentatChristmas，overandabovehisweeklywage。Hehadgrownintoanextremelyclear-headed，cautious，prudentyoungman，whowassafetoriseintheworld。Hismindwassoexactlyregulated，thathehadnoaffectionsorpassions。Allhisproceedingsweretheresultofthenicestandcoldestcalculation；anditwasnotwithoutcausethatMrs。Sparsithabituallyobservedofhim，thathewasayoungmanofthesteadiestprincipleshehadeverknown。Havingsatisfiedhimself，onhisfather\'sdeath，thathismotherhadarightofsettlementinCoketown，thisexcellentyoungeconomisthadassertedthatrightforherwithsuchasteadfastadherencetotheprincipleofthecase，thatshehadbeenshutupintheworkhouseeversince。Itmustbeadmittedthatheallowedherhalfapoundofteaayear，whichwasweakinhim:first，becauseallgiftshaveaninevitabletendencytopauperisetherecipient，andsecondly，becausehisonlyreasonabletransactioninthatcommoditywouldhavebeentobuyitforaslittleashecouldpossiblygive，andsellitforasmuchashecouldpossiblyget；ithavingbeenclearlyascertainedbyphilosophersthatinthisiscomprisedthewholedutyofman-notapartofman\'sduty，butthewhole。
\'Prettyfair，ma\'am。Withtheusualexception，ma\'am，\'repeatedBitzer。
\'Ah-h！\'saidMrs。Sparsit，shakingherheadoverhertea-cup，andtakingalonggulp。
\'Mr。Thomas，ma\'am，IdoubtMr。Thomasverymuch，ma\'am，Idon\'tlikehiswaysatall。\'
\'Bitzer，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，inaveryimpressivemanner，\'doyourecollectmyhavingsaidanythingtoyourespectingnames？\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，ma\'am。It\'squitetruethatyoudidobjecttonamesbeingused，andthey\'realwaysbestavoided。\'
\'PleasetorememberthatIhaveachargehere，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，withherairofstate。\'Iholdatrusthere，Bitzer，underMr。
Bounderby。HoweverimprobablebothMr。Bounderbyandmyselfmighthavedeemedityearsago，thathewouldeverbecomemypatron，makingmeanannualcompliment，Icannotbutregardhiminthatlight。FromMr。BounderbyIhavereceivedeveryacknowledgmentofmysocialstation，andeveryrecognitionofmyfamilydescent，thatIcouldpossiblyexpect。More，farmore。Therefore，tomypatronIwillbescrupulouslytrue。AndIdonotconsider，Iwillnotconsider，Icannotconsider，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，withamostextensivestockonhandofhonourandmorality，\'thatIshouldbescrupulouslytrue，ifIallowednamestobementionedunderthisroof，thatareunfortunately-mostunfortunately-nodoubtofthat-connectedwithhis。\'
Bitzerknuckledhisforeheadagain，andagainbeggedpardon。
\'No，Bitzer，\'continuedMrs。Sparsit，\'sayanindividual，andI
willhearyou；sayMr。Thomas，andyoumustexcuseme。\'
\'Withtheusualexception，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer，tryingback，\'ofanindividual。\'
\'Ah-h！\'Mrs。Sparsitrepeatedtheejaculation，theshakeoftheheadoverhertea-cup，andthelonggulp，astakinguptheconversationagainatthepointwhereithadbeeninterrupted。
\'Anindividual，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer，\'hasneverbeenwhatheoughttohavebeen，sincehefirstcameintotheplace。Heisadissipated，extravagantidler。Heisnotworthhissalt，ma\'am。
Hewouldn\'tgetiteither，ifhehadn\'tafriendandrelationatcourt，ma\'am！\'
\'Ah-h！\'saidMrs。Sparsit，withanothermelancholyshakeofherhead。
\'Ionlyhope，ma\'am，\'pursuedBitzer，\'thathisfriendandrelationmaynotsupplyhimwiththemeansofcarryingon。Otherwise，ma\'am，weknowoutofwhosepocketthatmoneycomes。\'
\'Ah-h！\'sighedMrs。Sparsitagain，withanothermelancholyshakeofherhead。
\'Heistobepitied，ma\'am。ThelastpartyIhavealludedto，istobepitied，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer。
\'Yes，Bitzer，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。\'Ihavealwayspitiedthedelusion，always。\'
\'Astoanindividual，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer，droppinghisvoiceanddrawingnearer，\'heisasimprovidentasanyofthepeopleinthistown。Andyouknowwhattheirimprovidenceis，ma\'am。Noonecouldwishtoknowitbetterthanaladyofyoureminencedoes。\'
\'Theywoulddowell，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'totakeexamplebyyou，Bitzer。\'
\'Thankyou，ma\'am。But，sinceyoudorefertome，nowlookatme，ma\'am。Ihaveputbyalittle，ma\'am，already。ThatgratuitywhichIreceiveatChristmas，ma\'am:Inevertouchit。Idon\'tevengothelengthofmywages，thoughthey\'renothigh，ma\'am。
Whycan\'ttheydoasIhavedone，ma\'am？Whatonepersoncando，anothercando。\'
This，again，wasamongthefictionsofCoketown。Anycapitalistthere，whohadmadesixtythousandpoundsoutofsixpence，alwaysprofessedtowonderwhythesixtythousandnearestHandsdidn\'teachmakesixtythousandpoundsoutofsixpence，andmoreorlessreproachedthemeveryonefornotaccomplishingthelittlefeat。
WhatIdidyoucando。Whydon\'tyougoanddoit？
\'Astotheirwantingrecreations，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer，\'it\'sstuffandnonsense。Idon\'twantrecreations。Ineverdid，andInevershall；Idon\'tlike\'em。Astotheircombiningtogether；therearemanyofthem，Ihavenodoubt，thatbywatchingandinformingupononeanothercouldearnatriflenowandthen，whetherinmoneyorgoodwill，andimprovetheirlivelihood。Then，whydon\'ttheyimproveit，ma\'am！It\'sthefirstconsiderationofarationalcreature，andit\'swhattheypretendtowant。\'
\'Pretendindeed！\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Iamsureweareconstantlyhearing，ma\'am，tillitbecomesquitenauseous，concerningtheirwivesandfamilies，\'saidBitzer。\'Whylookatme，ma\'am！Idon\'twantawifeandfamily。Whyshouldthey？\'
\'Becausetheyareimprovident，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Yes，ma\'am，\'returnedBitzer，\'that\'swhereitis。Iftheyweremoreprovidentandlessperverse，ma\'am，whatwouldtheydo？Theywouldsay，"Whilemyhatcoversmyfamily，"or"whilemybonnetcoversmyfamily，"-asthecasemightbe，ma\'am-"Ihaveonlyonetofeed，andthat\'sthepersonImostliketofeed。"\'
\'Tobesure，\'assentedMrs。Sparsit，eatingmuffin。
\'Thankyou，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer，knucklinghisforeheadagain，inreturnforthefavourofMrs。Sparsit\'simprovingconversation。
\'Wouldyouwishalittlemorehotwater，ma\'am，oristhereanythingelsethatIcouldfetchyou？\'
\'Nothingjustnow，Bitzer。\'
\'Thankyou，ma\'am。Ishouldn\'twishtodisturbyouatyourmeals，ma\'am，particularlytea，knowingyourpartialityforit，\'saidBitzer，craningalittletolookoverintothestreetfromwherehestood；\'butthere\'sagentlemanbeenlookinguphereforaminuteorso，ma\'am，andhehascomeacrossasifhewasgoingtoknock。
Thatishisknock，ma\'am，nodoubt。\'
Hesteppedtothewindow；andlookingout，anddrawinginhisheadagain，confirmedhimselfwith，\'Yes，ma\'am。Wouldyouwishthegentlemantobeshownin，ma\'am？\'
\'Idon\'tknowwhoitcanbe，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，wipinghermouthandarranginghermittens。
\'Astranger，ma\'am，evidently。\'
\'WhatastrangercanwantattheBankatthistimeoftheevening，unlesshecomesuponsomebusinessforwhichheistoolate，I
don\'tknow，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'butIholdachargeinthisestablishmentfromMr。Bounderby，andIwillnevershrinkfromit。
IftoseehimisanypartofthedutyIhaveaccepted，Iwillseehim。Useyourowndiscretion，Bitzer。\'
Herethevisitor，allunconsciousofMrs。Sparsit\'smagnanimouswords，repeatedhisknocksoloudlythatthelightporterhasteneddowntoopenthedoor；whileMrs。Sparsittooktheprecautionofconcealingherlittletable，withallitsappliancesuponit，inacupboard，andthendecampedup-stairs，thatshemightappear，ifneedful，withthegreaterdignity。
\'Ifyouplease，ma\'am，thegentlemanwouldwishtoseeyou，\'saidBitzer，withhislighteyeatMrs。Sparsit\'skeyhole。So，Mrs。
Sparsit，whohadimprovedtheintervalbytouchinguphercap，tookherclassicalfeaturesdown-stairsagain，andenteredtheboard-
roominthemannerofaRomanmatrongoingoutsidethecitywallstotreatwithaninvadinggeneral。
Thevisitorhavingstrolledtothewindow，andbeingthenengagedinlookingcarelesslyout，wasasunmovedbythisimpressiveentryasmancouldpossiblybe。Hestoodwhistlingtohimselfwithallimaginablecoolness，withhishatstillon，andacertainairofexhaustionuponhim，inpartarisingfromexcessivesummer，andinpartfromexcessivegentility。Foritwastobeseenwithhalfaneyethathewasathoroughgentleman，madetothemodelofthetime；wearyofeverything，andputtingnomorefaithinanythingthanLucifer。
\'Ibelieve，sir，\'quothMrs。Sparsit，\'youwishedtoseeme。\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，\'hesaid，turningandremovinghishat；\'prayexcuseme。\'
\'Humph！\'thoughtMrs。Sparsit，asshemadeastatelybend。\'Fiveandthirty，good-looking，goodfigure，goodteeth，goodvoice，goodbreeding，well-dressed，darkhair，boldeyes。\'AllwhichMrs。
Sparsitobservedinherwomanlyway-liketheSultanwhoputhisheadinthepailofwater-merelyindippingdownandcomingupagain。
\'Pleasetobeseated，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Thankyou。Allowme。\'Heplacedachairforher，butremainedhimselfcarelesslyloungingagainstthetable。\'Ileftmyservantattherailwaylookingaftertheluggage-veryheavytrainandvastquantityofitinthevan-andstrolledon，lookingaboutme。
Exceedinglyoddplace。Willyouallowmetoaskyouifit\'salwaysasblackasthis？\'
\'Ingeneralmuchblacker，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，inheruncompromisingway。
\'Isitpossible！Excuseme:youarenotanative，Ithink？\'
\'No，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit。\'Itwasoncemygoodorillfortune，asitmaybe-beforeIbecameawidow-tomoveinaverydifferentsphere。MyhusbandwasaPowler。\'
\'Begyourpardon，really！\'saidthestranger。\'Was-？\'
Mrs。Sparsitrepeated，\'APowler。\'
\'PowlerFamily，\'saidthestranger，afterreflectingafewmoments。
Mrs。Sparsitsignifiedassent。Thestrangerseemedalittlemorefatiguedthanbefore。
\'Youmustbeverymuchboredhere？\'wastheinferencehedrewfromthecommunication。
\'Iamtheservantofcircumstances，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'andI
havelongadaptedmyselftothegoverningpowerofmylife。\'
\'Veryphilosophical，\'returnedthestranger，\'andveryexemplaryandlaudable，and-\'Itseemedtobescarcelyworthhiswhiletofinishthesentence，soheplayedwithhiswatch-chainwearily。
\'MayIbepermittedtoask，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'towhatIamindebtedforthefavourof-\'
\'Assuredly，\'saidthestranger。\'Muchobligedtoyouforremindingme。IamthebearerofaletterofintroductiontoMr。Bounderby，thebanker。Walkingthroughthisextraordinarilyblacktown，whiletheyweregettingdinnerreadyatthehotel，IaskedafellowwhomImet；oneoftheworkingpeople；whoappearedtohavebeentakingashower-bathofsomethingfluffy，whichIassumetobetherawmaterial-\'
Mrs。Sparsitinclinedherhead。
\'-Rawmaterial-whereMr。Bounderby，thebanker，mightreside。
Uponwhich，mislednodoubtbythewordBanker，hedirectedmetotheBank。Factbeing，Ipresume，thatMr。BounderbytheBankerdoesnotresideintheedificeinwhichIhavethehonourofofferingthisexplanation？\'
\'No，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'hedoesnot。\'
\'Thankyou。Ihadnointentionofdeliveringmyletteratthepresentmoment，norhaveI。ButstrollingontotheBanktokilltime，andhavingthegoodfortunetoobserveatthewindow，\'
towardswhichhelanguidlywavedhishand，thenslightlybowed，\'aladyofaverysuperiorandagreeableappearance，IconsideredthatIcouldnotdobetterthantakethelibertyofaskingthatladywhereMr。BounderbytheBankerdoeslive。WhichIaccordinglyventure，withallsuitableapologies，todo。\'
Theinattentionandindolenceofhismannerweresufficientlyrelieved，toMrs。Sparsit\'sthinking，byacertaingallantryatease，whichofferedherhomagetoo。Herehewas，forinstance，atthismoment，allbutsittingonthetable，andyetlazilybendingoverher，asifheacknowledgedanattractioninherthatmadehercharming-inherway。
\'Banks，Iknow，arealwayssuspicious，andofficiallymustbe，\'
saidthestranger，whoselightnessandsmoothnessofspeechwerepleasantlikewise；suggestingmatterfarmoresensibleandhumorousthanitevercontained-whichwasperhapsashrewddeviceofthefounderofthisnumeroussect，whosoevermayhavebeenthatgreatman:\'thereforeImayobservethatmyletter-hereitis-isfromthememberforthisplace-Gradgrind-whomIhavehadthepleasureofknowinginLondon。\'
Mrs。Sparsitrecognizedthehand，intimatedthatsuchconfirmationwasquiteunnecessary，andgaveMr。Bounderby\'saddress，withallneedfulcluesanddirectionsinaid。
\'Thousandthanks，\'saidthestranger。\'OfcourseyouknowtheBankerwell？\'
\'Yes，sir，\'rejoinedMrs。Sparsit。\'Inmydependentrelationtowardshim，Ihaveknownhimtenyears。\'
\'Quiteaneternity！IthinkhemarriedGradgrind\'sdaughter？\'
\'Yes，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，suddenlycompressinghermouth，\'hehadthat-honour。\'
\'Theladyisquiteaphilosopher，Iamtold？\'
\'Indeed，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。\'Isshe？\'
\'Excusemyimpertinentcuriosity，\'pursuedthestranger，flutteringoverMrs。Sparsit\'seyebrows，withapropitiatoryair，\'butyouknowthefamily，andknowtheworld。Iamabouttoknowthefamily，andmayhavemuchtodowiththem。Istheladysoveryalarming？Herfathergiveshersuchaportentouslyhard-headedreputation，thatIhaveaburningdesiretoknow。Issheabsolutelyunapproachable？Repellentlyandstunninglyclever？I
see，byyourmeaningsmile，youthinknot。Youhavepouredbalmintomyanxioussoul。Astoage，now。Forty？Fiveandthirty？\'
Mrs。Sparsitlaughedoutright。\'Achit，\'saidshe。\'Nottwentywhenshewasmarried。\'
\'Igiveyoumyhonour，Mrs。Powler，\'returnedthestranger，detachinghimselffromthetable，\'thatIneverwassoastonishedinmylife！\'
Itreallydidseemtoimpresshim，totheutmostextentofhiscapacityofbeingimpressed。Helookedathisinformantforfullaquarterofaminute，andappearedtohavethesurpriseinhismindallthetime。\'Iassureyou，Mrs。Powler，\'hethensaid，muchexhausted，\'thatthefather\'smannerpreparedmeforagrimandstonymaturity。Iamobligedtoyou，ofallthings，forcorrectingsoabsurdamistake。Prayexcusemyintrusion。Manythanks。Goodday！\'
Hebowedhimselfout；andMrs。Sparsit，hidinginthewindowcurtain，sawhimlanguishingdownthestreetontheshadysideoftheway，observedofallthetown。
\'Whatdoyouthinkofthegentleman，Bitzer？\'sheaskedthelightporter，whenhecametotakeaway。
\'Spendsadealofmoneyonhisdress，ma\'am。\'
\'Itmustbeadmitted，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'thatit\'sverytasteful。\'
\'Yes，ma\'am，\'returnedBitzer，\'ifthat\'sworththemoney。\'
\'Besideswhich，ma\'am，\'resumedBitzer，whilehewaspolishingthetable，\'helookstomeasifhegamed。\'
\'It\'simmoraltogame，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'It\'sridiculous，ma\'am，\'saidBitzer，\'becausethechancesareagainsttheplayers。\'
WhetheritwasthattheheatpreventedMrs。Sparsitfromworking，orwhetheritwasthatherhandwasout，shedidnoworkthatnight。Shesatatthewindow，whenthesunbegantosinkbehindthesmoke；shesatthere，whenthesmokewasburningred，whenthecolourfadedfromit，whendarknessseemedtoriseslowlyoutoftheground，andcreepupward，upward，uptothehouse-tops，upthechurchsteeple，uptothesummitsofthefactorychimneys，uptothesky。Withoutacandleintheroom，Mrs。Sparsitsatatthewindow，withherhandsbeforeher，notthinkingmuchofthesoundsofevening；thewhoopingofboys，thebarkingofdogs，therumblingofwheels，thestepsandvoicesofpassengers，theshrillstreetcries，theclogsuponthepavementwhenitwastheirhourforgoingby，theshutting-upofshop-shutters。Notuntilthelightporterannouncedthathernocturnalsweetbreadwasready，didMrs。Sparsitarouseherselffromherreverie，andconveyherdenseblackeyebrows-bythattimecreasedwithmeditation，asiftheyneededironingout-up-stairs。
\'O，youFool！\'saidMrs。Sparsit，whenshewasaloneathersupper。
Whomshemeant，shedidnotsay；butshecouldscarcelyhavemeantthesweetbread。
