第8章

CHAPTERXII-DOWN

THEnationaldustmen，afterentertainingoneanotherwithagreatmanynoisylittlefightsamongthemselves，haddispersedforthepresent，andMr。Gradgrindwasathomeforthevacation。

Hesatwritingintheroomwiththedeadlystatisticalclock，provingsomethingnodoubt-probably，inthemain，thattheGoodSamaritanwasaBadEconomist。Thenoiseoftheraindidnotdisturbhimmuch；butitattractedhisattentionsufficientlytomakehimraisehisheadsometimes，asifhewereratherremonstratingwiththeelements。Whenitthunderedveryloudly，heglancedtowardsCoketown，havingitinhismindthatsomeofthetallchimneysmightbestruckbylightning。

Thethunderwasrollingintodistance，andtherainwaspouringdownlikeadeluge，whenthedoorofhisroomopened。Helookedroundthelampuponhistable，andsaw，withamazement，hiseldestdaughter。

\'Louisa！\'

\'Father，Iwanttospeaktoyou。\'

\'Whatisthematter？Howstrangeyoulook！AndgoodHeaven，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，wonderingmoreandmore，\'haveyoucomehereexposedtothisstorm？\'

Sheputherhandstoherdress，asifshehardlyknew。\'Yes。\'

Thensheuncoveredherhead，andlettinghercloakandhoodfallwheretheymight，stoodlookingathim:socolourless，sodishevelled，sodefiantanddespairing，thathewasafraidofher。

\'Whatisit？Iconjureyou，Louisa，tellmewhatisthematter。\'

Shedroppedintoachairbeforehim，andputhercoldhandonhisarm。

\'Father，youhavetrainedmefrommycradle？\'

\'Yes，Louisa。\'

\'IcursethehourinwhichIwasborntosuchadestiny。\'

Helookedatherindoubtanddread，vacantlyrepeating:\'Cursethehour？Cursethehour？\'

\'Howcouldyougivemelife，andtakefrommealltheinappreciablethingsthatraiseitfromthestateofconsciousdeath？Wherearethegracesofmysoul？Wherearethesentimentsofmyheart？Whathaveyoudone，Ofather，whathaveyoudone，withthegardenthatshouldhavebloomedonce，inthisgreatwildernesshere！\'

Shestruckherselfwithbothherhandsuponherbosom。

\'Ifithadeverbeenhere，itsashesalonewouldsavemefromthevoidinwhichmywholelifesinks。Ididnotmeantosaythis；

but，father，yourememberthelasttimeweconversedinthisroom？\'

Hehadbeensowhollyunpreparedforwhatheheardnow，thatitwaswithdifficultyheanswered，\'Yes，Louisa。\'

\'Whathasrisentomylipsnow，wouldhaverisentomylipsthen，ifyouhadgivenmeamoment\'shelp。Idon\'treproachyou，father。

Whatyouhavenevernurturedinme，youhavenevernurturedinyourself；butO！ifyouhadonlydonesolongago，orifyouhadonlyneglectedme，whatamuchbetterandmuchhappiercreatureI

shouldhavebeenthisday！\'

Onhearingthis，afterallhiscare，hebowedhisheaduponhishandandgroanedaloud。

\'Father，ifyouhadknown，whenwewerelasttogetherhere，whatevenIfearedwhileIstroveagainstit-asithasbeenmytaskfrominfancytostriveagainsteverynaturalpromptingthathasariseninmyheart；ifyouhadknownthattherelingeredinmybreast，sensibilities，affections，weaknessescapableofbeingcherishedintostrength，defyingallthecalculationsevermadebyman，andnomoreknowntohisarithmeticthanhisCreatoris，-

wouldyouhavegivenmetothehusbandwhomIamnowsurethatI

hate？\'

Hesaid，\'No。No，mypoorchild。\'

\'Wouldyouhavedoomedme，atanytime，tothefrostandblightthathavehardenedandspoiledme？Wouldyouhaverobbedme-fornoone\'senrichment-onlyforthegreaterdesolationofthisworld-oftheimmaterialpartofmylife，thespringandsummerofmybelief，myrefugefromwhatissordidandbadintherealthingsaroundme，myschoolinwhichIshouldhavelearnedtobemorehumbleandmoretrustingwiththem，andtohopeinmylittlespheretomakethembetter？\'

\'Ono，no。No，Louisa。\'

\'Yet，father，ifIhadbeenstoneblind；ifIhadgropedmywaybymysenseoftouch，andhadbeenfree，whileIknewtheshapesandsurfacesofthings，toexercisemyfancysomewhat，inregardtothem；Ishouldhavebeenamilliontimeswiser，happier，moreloving，morecontented，moreinnocentandhumaninallgoodrespects，thanIamwiththeeyesIhave。Now，hearwhatIhavecometosay。\'

Hemoved，tosupportherwithhisarm。Sherisingashedidso，theystoodclosetogether:she，withahanduponhisshoulder，lookingfixedlyinhisface。

\'Withahungerandthirstuponme，father，whichhaveneverbeenforamomentappeased；withanardentimpulsetowardssomeregionwhererules，andfigures，anddefinitionswerenotquiteabsolute；

Ihavegrownup，battlingeveryinchofmyway。\'

\'Ineverknewyouwereunhappy，mychild。\'

\'Father，Ialwaysknewit。InthisstrifeIhavealmostrepulsedandcrushedmybetterangelintoademon。WhatIhavelearnedhasleftmedoubting，misbelieving，despising，regretting，whatIhavenotlearned；andmydismalresourcehasbeentothinkthatlifewouldsoongoby，andthatnothinginitcouldbeworththepainandtroubleofacontest。\'

\'Andyousoyoung，Louisa！\'hesaidwithpity。

\'AndIsoyoung。Inthiscondition，father-forIshowyounow，withoutfearorfavour，theordinarydeadenedstateofmymindasI

knowit-youproposedmyhusbandtome。Itookhim。InevermadeapretencetohimoryouthatIlovedhim。Iknew，and，father，youknew，andheknew，thatIneverdid。Iwasnotwhollyindifferent，forIhadahopeofbeingpleasantandusefultoTom。

Imadethatwildescapeintosomethingvisionary，andhaveslowlyfoundouthowwilditwas。ButTomhadbeenthesubjectofallthelittletendernessofmylife；perhapshebecamesobecauseIknewsowellhowtopityhim。Itmatterslittlenow，exceptasitmaydisposeyoutothinkmorelenientlyofhiserrors。\'

Asherfatherheldherinhisarms，sheputherotherhanduponhisothershoulder，andstilllookingfixedlyinhisface，wenton。

\'WhenIwasirrevocablymarried，thereroseupintorebellionagainstthetie，theoldstrife，madefiercerbyallthosecausesofdisparitywhichariseoutofourtwoindividualnatures，andwhichnogenerallawsshalleverruleorstateforme，father，untiltheyshallbeabletodirecttheanatomistwheretostrikehisknifeintothesecretsofmysoul。\'

\'Louisa！\'hesaid，andsaidimploringly；forhewellrememberedwhathadpassedbetweenthemintheirformerinterview。

\'Idonotreproachyou，father，Imakenocomplaint。Iamherewithanotherobject。\'

\'WhatcanIdo，child？Askmewhatyouwill。\'

\'Iamcomingtoit。Father，chancethenthrewintomywayanewacquaintance；amansuchasIhadhadnoexperienceof；usedtotheworld；light，polished，easy；makingnopretences；avowingthelowestimateofeverything，thatIwashalfafraidtoforminsecret；

conveyingtomealmostimmediately，thoughIdon\'tknowhoworbywhatdegrees，thatheunderstoodme，andreadmythoughts。IcouldnotfindthathewasworsethanI。Thereseemedtobeanearaffinitybetweenus。Ionlywondereditshouldbeworthhiswhile，whocaredfornothingelse，tocaresomuchforme。\'

\'Foryou，Louisa！\'

Herfathermightinstinctivelyhaveloosenedhishold，butthathefeltherstrengthdepartingfromher，andsawawilddilatingfireintheeyessteadfastlyregardinghim。

\'Isaynothingofhispleaforclaimingmyconfidence。Itmattersverylittlehowhegainedit。Father，hedidgainit。Whatyouknowofthestoryofmymarriage，hesoonknew，justaswell。\'

Herfather\'sfacewasashywhite，andheheldherinbothhisarms。

\'Ihavedonenoworse，Ihavenotdisgracedyou。ButifyouaskmewhetherIhavelovedhim，ordolovehim，Itellyouplainly，father，thatitmaybeso。Idon\'tknow。\'

Shetookherhandssuddenlyfromhisshoulders，andpressedthembothuponherside；whileinherface，notlikeitself-andinherfigure，drawnup，resolutetofinishbyalasteffortwhatshehadtosay-thefeelingslongsuppressedbrokeloose。

\'Thisnight，myhusbandbeingaway，hehasbeenwithme，declaringhimselfmylover。Thisminuteheexpectsme，forIcouldreleasemyselfofhispresencebynoothermeans。IdonotknowthatIamsorry，IdonotknowthatIamashamed，IdonotknowthatIamdegradedinmyownesteem。AllthatIknowis，yourphilosophyandyourteachingwillnotsaveme。Now，father，youhavebroughtmetothis。Savemebysomeothermeans！\'

Hetightenedhisholdintimetopreventhersinkingonthefloor，butshecriedoutinaterriblevoice，\'Ishalldieifyouholdme！

Letmefallupontheground！\'Andhelaidherdownthere，andsawtheprideofhisheartandthetriumphofhissystem，lying，aninsensibleheap，athisfeet。

ENDOFTHESECONDBOOK

BOOKTHETHIRD-GARNERING

CHAPTERI-ANOTHERTHINGNEEDFUL

LOUISAawokefromatorpor，andhereyeslanguidlyopenedonheroldbedathome，andheroldroom。Itseemed，atfirst，asifallthathadhappenedsincethedayswhentheseobjectswerefamiliartoherweretheshadowsofadream，butgradually，astheobjectsbecamemorerealtohersight，theeventsbecamemorerealtohermind。

Shecouldscarcelymoveherheadforpainandheaviness，hereyeswerestrainedandsore，andshewasveryweak。Acuriouspassiveinattentionhadsuchpossessionofher，thatthepresenceofherlittlesisterintheroomdidnotattracthernoticeforsometime。

Evenwhentheireyeshadmet，andhersisterhadapproachedthebed，Louisalayforminuteslookingatherinsilence，andsufferinghertimidlytoholdherpassivehand，beforesheasked:

\'WhenwasIbroughttothisroom？\'

\'Lastnight，Louisa。\'

\'Whobroughtmehere？\'

\'Sissy，Ibelieve。\'

\'Whydoyoubelieveso？\'

\'BecauseIfoundherherethismorning。Shedidn\'tcometomybedsidetowakeme，asshealwaysdoes；andIwenttolookforher。

Shewasnotinherownroomeither；andIwentlookingforheralloverthehouse，untilIfoundherheretakingcareofyouandcoolingyourhead。Willyouseefather？SissysaidIwastotellhimwhenyouwoke。\'

\'Whatabeamingfaceyouhave，Jane！\'saidLouisa，asheryoungsister-timidlystill-bentdowntokissher。

\'HaveI？Iamverygladyouthinkso。IamsureitmustbeSissy\'sdoing。\'

ThearmLouisahadbeguntotwinearoundherneck，unbentitself。

\'Youcantellfatherifyouwill。\'Then，stayingherforamoment，shesaid，\'Itwasyouwhomademyroomsocheerful，andgaveitthislookofwelcome？\'

\'Ohno，Louisa，itwasdonebeforeIcame。Itwas-\'

Louisaturneduponherpillow，andheardnomore。Whenhersisterhadwithdrawn，sheturnedherheadbackagain，andlaywithherfacetowardsthedoor，untilitopenedandherfatherentered。

Hehadajadedanxiouslookuponhim，andhishand，usuallysteady，trembledinhers。Hesatdownatthesideofthebed，tenderlyaskinghowshewas，anddwellingonthenecessityofherkeepingveryquietafterheragitationandexposuretotheweatherlastnight。Hespokeinasubduedandtroubledvoice，verydifferentfromhisusualdictatorialmanner；andwasoftenatalossforwords。

\'MydearLouisa。Mypoordaughter。\'Hewassomuchatalossatthatplace，thathestoppedaltogether。Hetriedagain。

\'Myunfortunatechild。\'Theplacewassodifficulttogetover，thathetriedagain。

\'Itwouldbehopelessforme，Louisa，toendeavourtotellyouhowoverwhelmedIhavebeen，andstillam，bywhatbrokeuponmelastnight。ThegroundonwhichIstandhasceasedtobesolidundermyfeet。TheonlysupportonwhichIleaned，andthestrengthofwhichitseemed，andstilldoesseem，impossibletoquestion，hasgivenwayinaninstant。Iamstunnedbythesediscoveries。I

havenoselfishmeaninginwhatIsay；butIfindtheshockofwhatbrokeuponmelastnight，tobeveryheavyindeed。\'

Shecouldgivehimnocomfortherein。Shehadsufferedthewreckofherwholelifeupontherock。

\'Iwillnotsay，Louisa，thatifyouhadbyanyhappychanceundeceivedmesometimeago，itwouldhavebeenbetterforusboth；

betterforyourpeace，andbetterformine。ForIamsensiblethatitmaynothavebeenapartofmysystemtoinviteanyconfidenceofthatkind。Ihadprovedmy-mysystemtomyself，andIhaverigidlyadministeredit；andImustbeartheresponsibilityofitsfailures。Ionlyentreatyoutobelieve，myfavouritechild，thatIhavemeanttodoright。\'

Hesaiditearnestly，andtodohimjusticehehad。Ingaugingfathomlessdeepswithhislittlemeanexcise-rod，andinstaggeringovertheuniversewithhisrustystiff-leggedcompasses，hehadmeanttodogreatthings。Withinthelimitsofhisshorttetherhehadtumbledabout，annihilatingtheflowersofexistencewithgreatersinglenessofpurposethanmanyoftheblatantpersonageswhosecompanyhekept。

\'Iamwellassuredofwhatyousay，father。IknowIhavebeenyourfavouritechild。Iknowyouhaveintendedtomakemehappy。

Ihaveneverblamedyou，andInevershall。\'

Hetookheroutstretchedhand，andretaineditinhis。

\'Mydear，Ihaveremainedallnightatmytable，ponderingagainandagainonwhathassopainfullypassedbetweenus。WhenI

consideryourcharacter；whenIconsiderthatwhathasbeenknowntomeforhours，hasbeenconcealedbyyouforyears；whenI

considerunderwhatimmediatepressureithasbeenforcedfromyouatlast；IcometotheconclusionthatIcannotbutmistrustmyself。\'

Hemighthaveaddedmorethanall，whenhesawthefacenowlookingathim。Hedidadditineffect，perhaps，ashesoftlymovedherscatteredhairfromherforeheadwithhishand。Suchlittleactions，slightinanotherman，wereverynoticeableinhim；andhisdaughterreceivedthemasiftheyhadbeenwordsofcontrition。

\'But，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，slowly，andwithhesitation，aswellaswithawretchedsenseofhappiness，\'ifIseereasontomistrustmyselfforthepast，Louisa，Ishouldalsomistrustmyselfforthepresentandthefuture。Tospeakunreservedlytoyou，Ido。Iamfarfromfeelingconvincednow，howeverdifferentlyImighthavefeltonlythistimeyesterday，thatIamfitforthetrustyoureposeinme；thatIknowhowtorespondtotheappealyouhavecomehometomaketome；thatIhavetherightinstinct-supposingitforthemomenttobesomequalityofthatnature-howtohelpyou，andtosetyouright，mychild。\'

Shehadturneduponherpillow，andlaywithherfaceuponherarm，sothathecouldnotseeit。Allherwildnessandpassionhadsubsided；but，thoughsoftened，shewasnotintears。Herfatherwaschangedinnothingsomuchasintherespectthathewouldhavebeengladtoseeherintears。

\'Somepersonshold，\'hepursued，stillhesitating，\'thatthereisawisdomoftheHead，andthatthereisawisdomoftheHeart。I

havenotsupposedso；but，asIhavesaid，Imistrustmyselfnow。

Ihavesupposedtheheadtobeall-sufficient。Itmaynotbeall-

sufficient；howcanIventurethismorningtosayitis！IfthatotherkindofwisdomshouldbewhatIhaveneglected，andshouldbetheinstinctthatiswanted，Louisa-\'

Hesuggesteditverydoubtfully，asifhewerehalfunwillingtoadmititevennow。Shemadehimnoanswer，lyingbeforehimonherbed，stillhalf-dressed，muchashehadseenherlyingonthefloorofhisroomlastnight。

\'Louisa，\'andhishandrestedonherhairagain，\'Ihavebeenabsentfromhere，mydear，agooddealoflate；andthoughyoursister\'straininghasbeenpursuedaccordingto-thesystem，\'heappearedtocometothatwordwithgreatreluctancealways，\'ithasnecessarilybeenmodifiedbydailyassociationsbegun，inhercase，atanearlyage。Iaskyou-ignorantlyandhumbly，mydaughter-

forthebetter，doyouthink？\'

\'Father，\'shereplied，withoutstirring，\'ifanyharmonyhasbeenawakenedinheryoungbreastthatwasmuteinmineuntilitturnedtodiscord，letherthankHeavenforit，andgouponherhappierway，takingitashergreatestblessingthatshehasavoidedmyway。\'

\'Omychild，mychild！\'hesaid，inaforlornmanner，\'Iamanunhappymantoseeyouthus！Whatavailsittomethatyoudonotreproachme，ifIsobitterlyreproachmyself！\'Hebenthishead，andspokelowtoher。\'Louisa，Ihaveamisgivingthatsomechangemayhavebeenslowlyworkingaboutmeinthishouse，bymereloveandgratitude:thatwhattheHeadhadleftundoneandcouldnotdo，theHeartmayhavebeendoingsilently。Canitbeso？\'

Shemadehimnoreply。

\'Iamnottooproudtobelieveit，Louisa。HowcouldIbearrogant，andyoubeforeme！Canitbeso？Isitso，mydear？\'

Helookeduponheroncemore，lyingcastawaythere；andwithoutanotherwordwentoutoftheroom。Hehadnotbeenlonggone，whensheheardalighttreadnearthedoor，andknewthatsomeonestoodbesideher。

Shedidnotraiseherhead。Adullangerthatsheshouldbeseeninherdistress，andthattheinvoluntarylookshehadsoresentedshouldcometothisfulfilment，smoulderedwithinherlikeanunwholesomefire。Allcloselyimprisonedforcesrendanddestroy。

Theairthatwouldbehealthfultotheearth，thewaterthatwouldenrichit，theheatthatwouldripenit，tearitwhencagedup。Soinherbosomevennow；thestrongestqualitiesshepossessed，longturneduponthemselves，becameaheapofobduracy，thatroseagainstafriend。

Itwaswellthatsofttouchcameuponherneck，andthatsheunderstoodherselftobesupposedtohavefallenasleep。Thesympathetichanddidnotclaimherresentment。Letitliethere，letitlie。

Itlaythere，warmingintolifeacrowdofgentlerthoughts；andsherested。Asshesoftenedwiththequiet，andtheconsciousnessofbeingsowatched，sometearsmadetheirwayintohereyes。Thefacetouchedhers，andsheknewthatthereweretearsuponittoo，andshethecauseofthem。

AsLouisafeignedtorouseherself，andsatup，Sissyretired，sothatshestoodplacidlynearthebedside。

\'IhopeIhavenotdisturbedyou。Ihavecometoaskifyouwouldletmestaywithyou？\'

\'Whyshouldyoustaywithme？Mysisterwillmissyou。Youareeverythingtoher。\'

\'AmI？\'returnedSissy，shakingherhead。\'Iwouldbesomethingtoyou，ifImight。\'

\'What？\'saidLouisa，almoststernly。

\'Whateveryouwantmost，ifIcouldbethat。Atallevents，I

wouldliketotrytobeasnearitasIcan。Andhoweverfaroffthatmaybe，Iwillnevertireoftrying。Willyouletme？\'

\'Myfathersentyoutoaskme。\'

\'Noindeed，\'repliedSissy。\'HetoldmethatImightcomeinnow，buthesentmeawayfromtheroomthismorning-oratleast-\'

Shehesitatedandstopped。

\'Atleast，what？\'saidLouisa，withhersearchingeyesuponher。

\'IthoughtitbestmyselfthatIshouldbesentaway，forIfeltveryuncertainwhetheryouwouldliketofindmehere。\'

\'HaveIalwayshatedyousomuch？\'

\'Ihopenot，forIhavealwayslovedyou，andhavealwayswishedthatyoushouldknowit。Butyouchangedtomealittle，shortlybeforeyoulefthome。NotthatIwonderedatit。Youknewsomuch，andIknewsolittle，anditwassonaturalinmanyways，goingasyouwereamongotherfriends，thatIhadnothingtocomplainof，andwasnotatallhurt。\'

Hercolourroseasshesaiditmodestlyandhurriedly。Louisaunderstoodthelovingpretence，andherheartsmoteher。

\'MayItry？\'saidSissy，emboldenedtoraiseherhandtotheneckthatwasinsensiblydroopingtowardsher。

Louisa，takingdownthehandthatwouldhaveembracedherinanothermoment，helditinoneofhers，andanswered:

\'First，Sissy，doyouknowwhatIam？Iamsoproudandsohardened，soconfusedandtroubled，soresentfulandunjusttoeveryoneandtomyself，thateverythingisstormy，dark，andwickedtome。Doesnotthatrepelyou？\'

\'No！\'

\'Iamsounhappy，andallthatshouldhavemademeotherwiseissolaidwaste，thatifIhadbeenbereftofsensetothishour，andinsteadofbeingaslearnedasyouthinkme，hadtobegintoacquirethesimplesttruths，Icouldnotwantaguidetopeace，contentment，honour，allthegoodofwhichIamquitedevoid，moreabjectlythanIdo。Doesnotthatrepelyou？\'

\'No！\'

Intheinnocenceofherbraveaffection，andthebrimmingupofherolddevotedspirit，theoncedesertedgirlshonelikeabeautifullightuponthedarknessoftheother。

Louisaraisedthehandthatitmightclaspherneckandjoinitsfellowthere。Shefelluponherknees，andclingingtothisstroller\'schildlookedupatheralmostwithveneration。

\'Forgiveme，pityme，helpme！Havecompassiononmygreatneed，andletmelaythisheadofmineuponalovingheart！\'

\'Olayithere！\'criedSissy。\'Layithere，mydear。\'

CHAPTERII-VERYRIDICULOUS

MR。JAMESHARTHOUSEpassedawholenightandadayinastateofsomuchhurry，thattheWorld，withitsbestglassinhiseye，wouldscarcelyhaverecognizedhimduringthatinsaneinterval，asthebrotherJemofthehonourableandjocularmember。Hewaspositivelyagitated。Heseveraltimesspokewithanemphasis，similartothevulgarmanner。Hewentinandwentoutinanunaccountableway，likeamanwithoutanobject。Herodelikeahighwayman。Inaword，hewassohorriblyboredbyexistingcircumstances，thatheforgottogoinforboredominthemannerprescribedbytheauthorities。

AfterputtinghishorseatCoketownthroughthestorm，asifitwerealeap，hewaitedupallnight:fromtimetotimeringinghisbellwiththegreatestfury，chargingtheporterwhokeptwatchwithdelinquencyinwithholdinglettersormessagesthatcouldnotfailtohavebeenentrustedtohim，anddemandingrestitutiononthespot。Thedawncoming，themorningcoming，andthedaycoming，andneithermessagenorlettercomingwitheither，hewentdowntothecountryhouse。There，thereportwas，Mr。Bounderbyaway，andMrs。Bounderbyintown。Leftfortownsuddenlylastevening。Notevenknowntobegoneuntilreceiptofmessage，importingthatherreturnwasnottobeexpectedforthepresent。

Inthesecircumstanceshehadnothingforitbuttofollowhertotown。Hewenttothehouseintown。Mrs。Bounderbynotthere。HelookedinattheBank。Mr。BounderbyawayandMrs。Sparsitaway。

Mrs。Sparsitaway？Whocouldhavebeenreducedtosuddenextremityforthecompanyofthatgriffin！

\'Well！Idon\'tknow，\'saidTom，whohadhisownreasonsforbeinguneasyaboutit。\'Shewasoffsomewhereatdaybreakthismorning。

She\'salwaysfullofmystery；Ihateher。SoIdothatwhitechap；

he\'salwaysgothisblinkingeyesuponafellow。\'

\'Wherewereyoulastnight，Tom？\'

\'WherewasIlastnight！\'saidTom。\'Come！Ilikethat。Iwaswaitingforyou，Mr。Harthouse，tillitcamedownasIneversawitcomedownbefore。WherewasItoo！Wherewereyou，youmean。\'

\'Iwaspreventedfromcoming-detained。\'

\'Detained！\'murmuredTom。\'Twoofusweredetained。Iwasdetainedlookingforyou，tillIlosteverytrainbutthemail。Itwouldhavebeenapleasantjobtogodownbythatonsuchanight，andhavetowalkhomethroughapond。Iwasobligedtosleepintownafterall。\'

\'Where？\'

\'Where？Why，inmyownbedatBounderby\'s。\'

\'Didyouseeyoursister？\'

\'Howthedeuce，\'returnedTom，staring，\'couldIseemysisterwhenshewasfifteenmilesoff？\'

Cursingthesequickretortsoftheyounggentlemantowhomhewassotrueafriend，Mr。Harthousedisembarrassedhimselfofthatinterviewwiththesmallestconceivableamountofceremony，anddebatedforthehundredthtimewhatallthiscouldmean？Hemadeonlyonethingclear。Itwas，thatwhethershewasintownoroutoftown，whetherhehadbeenprematurewithherwhowassohardtocomprehend，orshehadlostcourage，ortheywerediscovered，orsomemischanceormistake，atpresentincomprehensible，hadoccurred，hemustremaintoconfronthisfortune，whateveritwas。

Thehotelwherehewasknowntolivewhencondemnedtothatregionofblackness，wasthestaketowhichhewastied。Astoalltherest-Whatwillbe，willbe。

\'So，whetherIamwaitingforahostilemessage，oranassignation，orapenitentremonstrance，oranimpromptuwrestlewithmyfriendBounderbyintheLancashiremanner-whichwouldseemaslikelyasanythingelseinthepresentstateofaffairs-I\'lldine，\'saidMr。JamesHarthouse。\'Bounderbyhastheadvantageinpointofweight；andifanythingofaBritishnatureistocomeoffbetweenus，itmaybeaswelltobeintraining。\'

Thereforeherangthebell，andtossinghimselfnegligentlyonasofa，ordered\'Somedinneratsix-withabeefsteakinit，\'andgotthroughtheinterveningtimeaswellashecould。Thatwasnotparticularlywell；forheremainedinthegreatestperplexity，and，asthehourswenton，andnokindofexplanationoffereditself，hisperplexityaugmentedatcompoundinterest。

However，hetookaffairsascoollyasitwasinhumannaturetodo，andentertainedhimselfwiththefacetiousideaofthetrainingmorethanonce。\'Itwouldn\'tbebad，\'heyawnedatonetime，\'togivethewaiterfiveshillings，andthrowhim。\'Atanothertimeitoccurredtohim，\'Orafellowofaboutthirteenorfourteenstonemightbehiredbythehour。\'Butthesejestsdidnottellmateriallyontheafternoon，orhissuspense；and，soothtosay，theybothlaggedfearfully。

Itwasimpossible，evenbeforedinner，toavoidoftenwalkingaboutinthepatternofthecarpet，lookingoutofthewindow，listeningatthedoorforfootsteps，andoccasionallybecomingratherhotwhenanystepsapproachedthatroom。But，afterdinner，whenthedayturnedtotwilight，andthetwilightturnedtonight，andstillnocommunicationwasmadetohim，itbegantobeasheexpressedit，\'liketheHolyOfficeandslowtorture。\'However，stilltruetohisconvictionthatindifferencewasthegenuinehigh-breeding(theonlyconvictionhehad)，heseizedthiscrisisastheopportunityfororderingcandlesandanewspaper。

Hehadbeentryinginvain，forhalfanhour，toreadthisnewspaper，whenthewaiterappearedandsaid，atoncemysteriouslyandapologetically:

\'Begyourpardon，sir。You\'rewanted，sir，ifyouplease。\'

AgeneralrecollectionthatthiswasthekindofthingthePolicesaidtotheswellmob，causedMr。Harthousetoaskthewaiterinreturn，withbristlingindignation，whattheDevilhemeantby\'wanted\'？

\'Begyourpardon，sir。Youngladyoutside，sir，wishestoseeyou。\'

\'Outside？Where？\'

\'Outsidethisdoor，sir。\'

Givingthewaitertothepersonagebeforementioned，asablock-

headdulyqualifiedforthatconsignment，Mr。Harthousehurriedintothegallery。Ayoungwomanwhomhehadneverseenstoodthere。Plainlydressed，veryquiet，verypretty。Asheconductedherintotheroomandplacedachairforher，heobserved，bythelightofthecandles，thatshewasevenprettierthanhehadatfirstbelieved。Herfacewasinnocentandyouthful，anditsexpressionremarkablypleasant。Shewasnotafraidofhim，orinanywaydisconcerted；sheseemedtohavehermindentirelypreoccupiedwiththeoccasionofhervisit，andtohavesubstitutedthatconsiderationforherself。

\'IspeaktoMr。Harthouse？\'shesaid，whentheywerealone。

\'ToMr。Harthouse。\'Headdedinhismind，\'AndyouspeaktohimwiththemostconfidingeyesIeversaw，andthemostearnestvoice(thoughsoquiet)Ieverheard。\'

\'IfIdonotunderstand-andIdonot，sir\'-saidSissy，\'whatyourhonourasagentlemanbindsyouto，inothermatters:\'thebloodreallyroseinhisfaceasshebeganinthesewords:\'IamsureImayrelyuponittokeepmyvisitsecret，andtokeepsecretwhatIamgoingtosay。Iwillrelyuponit，ifyouwilltellmeI

maysofartrust-\'

\'Youmay，Iassureyou。\'

\'Iamyoung，asyousee；Iamalone，asyousee。Incomingtoyou，sir，Ihavenoadviceorencouragementbeyondmyownhope。\'Hethought，\'Butthatisverystrong，\'ashefollowedthemomentaryupwardglanceofhereyes。Hethoughtbesides，\'Thisisaveryoddbeginning。Idon\'tseewherewearegoing。\'

\'Ithink，\'saidSissy，\'youhavealreadyguessedwhomIleftjustnow！\'

\'Ihavebeeninthegreatestconcernanduneasinessduringthelastfour-and-twentyhours(whichhaveappearedasmanyyears)，\'hereturned，\'onalady\'saccount。ThehopesIhavebeenencouragedtoformthatyoucomefromthatlady，donotdeceiveme，Itrust。\'

\'Ileftherwithinanhour。\'

\'At-！\'

\'Atherfather\'s。\'

Mr。Harthouse\'sfacelengthenedinspiteofhiscoolness，andhisperplexityincreased。\'ThenIcertainly，\'hethought，\'donotseewherewearegoing。\'

\'Shehurriedtherelastnight。Shearrivedthereingreatagitation，andwasinsensibleallthroughthenight。Iliveatherfather\'s，andwaswithher。Youmaybesure，sir，youwillneverseeheragainaslongasyoulive。\'

Mr。Harthousedrewalongbreath；and，ifevermanfoundhimselfinthepositionofnotknowingwhattosay，madethediscoverybeyondallquestionthathewassocircumstanced。Thechild-likeingenuousnesswithwhichhisvisitorspoke，hermodestfearlessness，hertruthfulnesswhichputallartificeaside，herentireforgetfulnessofherselfinherearnestquietholdingtotheobjectwithwhichshehadcome；allthis，togetherwithherrelianceonhiseasilygivenpromise-whichinitselfshamedhim-

presentedsomethinginwhichhewassoinexperienced，andagainstwhichheknewanyofhisusualweaponswouldfallsopowerless；

thatnotawordcouldherallytohisrelief。

Atlasthesaid:

\'Sostartlinganannouncement，soconfidentlymade，andbysuchlips，isreallydisconcertinginthelastdegree。MayIbepermittedtoinquire，ifyouarechargedtoconveythatinformationtomeinthosehopelesswords，bytheladyofwhomwespeak？\'

\'Ihavenochargefromher。\'

\'Thedrowningmancatchesatthestraw。Withnodisrespectforyourjudgment，andwithnodoubtofyoursincerity，excusemysayingthatIclingtothebeliefthatthereisyethopethatIamnotcondemnedtoperpetualexilefromthatlady\'spresence。\'

\'Thereisnottheleasthope。Thefirstobjectofmycominghere，sir，istoassureyouthatyoumustbelievethatthereisnomorehopeofyoureverspeakingwithheragain，thantherewouldbeifshehaddiedwhenshecamehomelastnight。\'

\'Mustbelieve？ButifIcan\'t-orifIshould，byinfirmityofnature，beobstinate-andwon\'t-\'

\'Itisstilltrue。Thereisnohope。\'

JamesHarthouselookedatherwithanincreduloussmileuponhislips；buthermindlookedoverandbeyondhim，andthesmilewasquitethrownaway。

Hebithislip，andtookalittletimeforconsideration。

\'Well！Ifitshouldunhappilyappear，\'hesaid，\'afterduepainsanddutyonmypart，thatIambroughttoapositionsodesolateasthisbanishment，Ishallnotbecomethelady\'spersecutor。Butyousaidyouhadnocommissionfromher？\'

\'Ihaveonlythecommissionofmyloveforher，andherloveforme。Ihavenoothertrust，thanthatIhavebeenwithhersinceshecamehome，andthatshehasgivenmeherconfidence。Ihavenofurthertrust，thanthatIknowsomethingofhercharacterandhermarriage。OMr。Harthouse，Ithinkyouhadthattrusttoo！\'

Hewastouchedinthecavitywherehisheartshouldhavebeen-inthatnestofaddledeggs，wherethebirdsofheavenwouldhavelivediftheyhadnotbeenwhistledaway-bythefervourofthisreproach。

\'Iamnotamoralsortoffellow，\'hesaid，\'andInevermakeanypretensionstothecharacterofamoralsortoffellow。Iamasimmoralasneedbe。Atthesametime，inbringinganydistressupontheladywhoisthesubjectofthepresentconversation，orinunfortunatelycompromisingherinanyway，orincommittingmyselfbyanyexpressionofsentimentstowardsher，notperfectlyreconcilablewith-infactwith-thedomestichearth；orintakinganyadvantageofherfather\'sbeingamachine，orofherbrother\'sbeingawhelp，orofherhusband\'sbeingabear；IbegtobeallowedtoassureyouthatIhavehadnoparticularlyevilintentions，buthaveglidedonfromonesteptoanotherwithasmoothnesssoperfectlydiabolical，thatIhadnottheslightestideathecataloguewashalfsolonguntilIbegantoturnitover。

WhereasIfind，\'saidMr。JamesHarthouse，inconclusion，\'thatitisreallyinseveralvolumes。\'

Thoughhesaidallthisinhisfrivolousway，thewayseemed，forthatonce，aconsciouspolishingofbutanuglysurface。Hewassilentforamoment；andthenproceededwithamoreself-possessedair，thoughwithtracesofvexationanddisappointmentthatwouldnotbepolishedout。

\'Afterwhathasbeenjustnowrepresentedtome，inamannerIfinditimpossibletodoubt-IknowofhardlyanyothersourcefromwhichIcouldhaveaccepteditsoreadily-Ifeelboundtosaytoyou，inwhomtheconfidenceyouhavementionedhasbeenreposed，thatIcannotrefusetocontemplatethepossibility(howeverunexpected)ofmyseeingtheladynomore。Iamsolelytoblameforthethinghavingcometothis-and-and，Icannotsay，\'headded，ratherhardupforageneralperoration，\'thatIhaveanysanguineexpectationofeverbecomingamoralsortoffellow，orthatIhaveanybeliefinanymoralsortoffellowwhatever。\'

Sissy\'sfacesufficientlyshowedthatherappealtohimwasnotfinished。

\'Youspoke，\'heresumed，assheraisedhereyestohimagain，\'ofyourfirstobject。Imayassumethatthereisasecondtobementioned？\'

\'Yes。\'

\'Willyouobligemebyconfidingit？\'

\'Mr。Harthouse，\'returnedSissy，withablendingofgentlenessandsteadinessthatquitedefeatedhim，andwithasimpleconfidenceinhisbeingboundtodowhatsherequired，thatheldhimatasingulardisadvantage，\'theonlyreparationthatremainswithyou，istoleavehereimmediatelyandfinally。Iamquitesurethatyoucanmitigateinnootherwaythewrongandharmyouhavedone。I

amquitesurethatitistheonlycompensationyouhaveleftitinyourpowertomake。Idonotsaythatitismuch，orthatitisenough；butitissomething，anditisnecessary。Therefore，thoughwithoutanyotherauthoritythanIhavegivenyou，andevenwithouttheknowledgeofanyotherpersonthanyourselfandmyself，Iaskyoutodepartfromthisplaceto-night，underanobligationnevertoreturntoit。\'

Ifshehadassertedanyinfluenceoverhimbeyondherplainfaithinthetruthandrightofwhatshesaid；ifshehadconcealedtheleastdoubtorirresolution，orhadharbouredforthebestpurposeanyreserveorpretence；ifshehadshown，orfelt，thelightesttraceofanysensitivenesstohisridiculeorhisastonishment，oranyremonstrancehemightoffer；hewouldhavecarrieditagainstheratthispoint。Buthecouldaseasilyhavechangedaclearskybylookingatitinsurprise，asaffecther。

\'Butdoyouknow，\'heasked，quiteataloss，\'theextentofwhatyouask？YouprobablyarenotawarethatIamhereonapublickindofbusiness，preposterousenoughinitself，butwhichIhavegoneinfor，andswornby，andamsupposedtobedevotedtoinquiteadesperatemanner？Youprobablyarenotawareofthat，butIassureyouit\'sthefact。\'

IthadnoeffectonSissy，factornofact。

\'Besideswhich，\'saidMr。Harthouse，takingaturnortwoacrosstheroom，dubiously，\'it\'ssoalarminglyabsurd。Itwouldmakeamansoridiculous，aftergoinginforthesefellows，tobackoutinsuchanincomprehensibleway。\'

\'Iamquitesure，\'repeatedSissy，\'thatitistheonlyreparationinyourpower，sir。Iamquitesure，orIwouldnothavecomehere。\'

Heglancedatherface，andwalkedaboutagain。\'Uponmysoul，I

don\'tknowwhattosay。Soimmenselyabsurd！\'

Itfelltohislot，now，tostipulateforsecrecy。

\'IfIweretodosuchaveryridiculousthing，\'hesaid，stoppingagainpresently，andleaningagainstthechimney-piece，\'itcouldonlybeinthemostinviolableconfidence。\'

\'Iwilltrusttoyou，sir，\'returnedSissy，\'andyouwilltrusttome。\'

Hisleaningagainstthechimney-pieceremindedhimofthenightwiththewhelp。Itwastheself-samechimney-piece，andsomehowhefeltasifhewerethewhelpto-night。Hecouldmakenowayatall。

\'Isupposeamanneverwasplacedinamoreridiculousposition，\'

hesaid，afterlookingdown，andlookingup，andlaughing，andfrowning，andwalkingoff，andwalkingbackagain。\'ButIseenowayoutofit。Whatwillbe，willbe。Thiswillbe，Isuppose。I

musttakeoffmyself，Iimagine-inshort，Iengagetodoit。\'

Sissyrose。Shewasnotsurprisedbytheresult，butshewashappyinit，andherfacebeamedbrightly。

\'Youwillpermitmetosay，\'continuedMr。JamesHarthouse，\'thatI

doubtifanyotherambassador，orambassadress，couldhaveaddressedmewiththesamesuccess。Imustnotonlyregardmyselfasbeinginaveryridiculousposition，butasbeingvanquishedatallpoints。Willyouallowmetheprivilegeofrememberingmyenemy\'sname？\'

\'Myname？\'saidtheambassadress。

\'TheonlynameIcouldpossiblycaretoknow，to-night。\'

\'SissyJupe。\'

\'Pardonmycuriosityatparting。Relatedtothefamily？\'

\'Iamonlyapoorgirl，\'returnedSissy。\'Iwasseparatedfrommyfather-hewasonlyastroller-andtakenpityonbyMr。

Gradgrind。Ihavelivedinthehouseeversince。\'

Shewasgone。

\'Itwantedthistocompletethedefeat，\'saidMr。JamesHarthouse，sinking，witharesignedair，onthesofa，afterstandingtransfixedalittlewhile。\'Thedefeatmaynowbeconsideredperfectlyaccomplished。Onlyapoorgirl-onlyastroller-onlyJamesHarthousemadenothingof-onlyJamesHarthouseaGreatPyramidoffailure。\'

TheGreatPyramidputitintohisheadtogouptheNile。Hetookapenupontheinstant，andwrotethefollowingnote(inappropriatehieroglyphics)tohisbrother:

DearJack，-AllupatCoketown。Boredoutoftheplace，andgoinginforcamels。Affectionately，JEM，Herangthebell。

\'Sendmyfellowhere。\'

\'Gonetobed，sir。\'

\'Tellhimtogetup，andpackup。\'

Hewrotetwomorenotes。One，toMr。Bounderby，announcinghisretirementfromthatpartofthecountry，andshowingwherehewouldbefoundforthenextfortnight。Theother，similarineffect，toMr。Gradgrind。Almostassoonastheinkwasdryupontheirsuperscriptions，hehadleftthetallchimneysofCoketownbehind，andwasinarailwaycarriage，tearingandglaringoverthedarklandscape。

ThemoralsortoffellowsmightsupposethatMr。JamesHarthousederivedsomecomfortablereflectionsafterwards，fromthispromptretreat，asoneofhisfewactionsthatmadeanyamendsforanything，andasatokentohimselfthathehadescapedtheclimaxofaverybadbusiness。Butitwasnotso，atall。Asecretsenseofhavingfailedandbeenridiculous-adreadofwhatotherfellowswhowentinforsimilarsortsofthings，wouldsayathisexpenseiftheyknewit-sooppressedhim，thatwhatwasabouttheverybestpassageinhislifewastheoneofallothershewouldnothaveownedtoonanyaccount，andtheonlyonethatmadehimashamedofhimself。

CHAPTERIII-VERYDECIDED

THEindefatigableMrs。Sparsit，withaviolentcolduponher，hervoicereducedtoawhisper，andherstatelyframesorackedbycontinualsneezesthatitseemedindangerofdismemberment，gavechasetoherpatronuntilshefoundhiminthemetropolis；andthere，majesticallysweepinginuponhimathishotelinSt。

James\'sStreet，explodedthecombustibleswithwhichshewascharged，andblewup。Havingexecutedhermissionwithinfiniterelish，thishigh-mindedwomanthenfaintedawayonMr。Bounderby\'scoat-collar。

Mr。Bounderby\'sfirstprocedurewastoshakeMrs。Sparsitoff，andleavehertoprogressasshemightthroughvariousstagesofsufferingonthefloor。Henexthadrecoursetotheadministrationofpotentrestoratives，suchasscrewingthepatient\'sthumbs，smitingherhands，abundantlywateringherface，andinsertingsaltinhermouth。Whentheseattentionshadrecoveredher(whichtheyspeedilydid)，hehustledherintoafasttrainwithoutofferinganyotherrefreshment，andcarriedherbacktoCoketownmoredeadthanalive。

Regardedasaclassicalruin，Mrs。Sparsitwasaninterestingspectacleonherarrivalatherjourney\'send；butconsideredinanyotherlight，theamountofdamageshehadbythattimesustainedwasexcessive，andimpairedherclaimstoadmiration。

Utterlyheedlessofthewearandtearofherclothesandconstitution，andadamanttoherpatheticsneezes，Mr。Bounderbyimmediatelycrammedherintoacoach，andboreherofftoStoneLodge。

\'Now，TomGradgrind，\'saidBounderby，burstingintohisfather-in-

law\'sroomlateatnight；\'here\'saladyhere-Mrs。Sparsit-youknowMrs。Sparsit-whohassomethingtosaytoyouthatwillstrikeyoudumb。\'

\'Youhavemissedmyletter！\'exclaimedMr。Gradgrind，surprisedbytheapparition。

\'Missedyourletter，sir！\'bawledBounderby。\'Thepresenttimeisnotimeforletters。NomanshalltalktoJosiahBounderbyofCoketownaboutletters，withhismindinthestateit\'sinnow。\'

\'Bounderby，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，inatoneoftemperateremonstrance，\'IspeakofaveryspecialletterIhavewrittentoyou，inreferencetoLouisa。\'

\'TomGradgrind，\'repliedBounderby，knockingtheflatofhishandseveraltimeswithgreatvehemenceonthetable，\'Ispeakofaveryspecialmessengerthathascometome，inreferencetoLouisa。

Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am，standforward！\'

Thatunfortunateladyhereuponessayingtooffertestimony，withoutanyvoiceandwithpainfulgesturesexpressiveofaninflamedthroat，becamesoaggravatingandunderwentsomanyfacialcontortions，thatMr。Bounderby，unabletobearit，seizedherbythearmandshookher。

\'Ifyoucan\'tgetitout，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，\'leavemetogetitout。Thisisnotatimeforalady，howeverhighlyconnected，tobetotallyinaudible，andseeminglyswallowingmarbles。TomGradgrind，Mrs。Sparsitlatterlyfoundherself，byaccident，inasituationtooverhearaconversationoutofdoorsbetweenyourdaughterandyourpreciousgentleman-friend，Mr。JamesHarthouse。\'

\'Indeed！\'saidMr。Gradgrind。

\'Ah！Indeed！\'criedBounderby。\'Andinthatconversation-\'

\'Itisnotnecessarytorepeatitstenor，Bounderby。Iknowwhatpassed。\'

\'Youdo？Perhaps，\'saidBounderby，staringwithallhismightathissoquietandassuasivefather-in-law，\'youknowwhereyourdaughterisatthepresenttime！\'

\'Undoubtedly。Sheishere。\'

\'Here？\'

\'MydearBounderby，letmebegyoutorestraintheseloudout-

breaks，onallaccounts。Louisaishere。Themomentshecoulddetachherselffromthatinterviewwiththepersonofwhomyouspeak，andwhomIdeeplyregrettohavebeenthemeansofintroducingtoyou，Louisahurriedhere，forprotection。Imyselfhadnotbeenathomemanyhours，whenIreceivedher-here，inthisroom。Shehurriedbythetraintotown，sheranfromtowntothishouse，througharagingstorm，andpresentedherselfbeforemeinastateofdistraction。Ofcourse，shehasremainedhereeversince。Letmeentreatyou，foryourownsakeandforhers，tobemorequiet。\'

Mr。Bounderbysilentlygazedabouthimforsomemoments，ineverydirectionexceptMrs。Sparsit\'sdirection；andthen，abruptlyturninguponthenieceofLadyScadgers，saidtothatwretchedwoman:

\'Now，ma\'am！Weshallbehappytohearanylittleapologyyoumaythinkpropertooffer，forgoingaboutthecountryatexpresspace，withnootherluggagethanaCock-and-a-Bull，ma\'am！\'

\'Sir，\'whisperedMrs。Sparsit，\'mynervesareatpresenttoomuchshaken，andmyhealthisatpresenttoomuchimpaired，inyourservice，toadmitofmydoingmorethantakingrefugeintears。\'

(Whichshedid。)

\'Well，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，\'withoutmakinganyobservationtoyouthatmaynotbemadewithproprietytoawomanofgoodfamily，whatIhavegottoaddtothat，isthatthereissomethingelseinwhichitappearstomeyoumaytakerefuge，namely，acoach。Andthecoachinwhichwecameherebeingatthedoor，you\'llallowmetohandyoudowntoit，andpackyouhometotheBank:wherethebestcourseforyoutopursue，willbetoputyourfeetintothehottestwateryoucanbear，andtakeaglassofscaldingrumandbutterafteryougetintobed。\'Withthesewords，Mr。Bounderbyextendedhisrighthandtotheweepinglady，andescortedhertotheconveyanceinquestion，sheddingmanyplaintivesneezesbytheway。Hesoonreturnedalone。

\'Now，asyoushowedmeinyourface，TomGradgrind，thatyouwantedtospeaktome，\'heresumed，\'hereIam。But，Iamnotinaveryagreeablestate，Itellyouplainly:notrelishingthisbusiness，evenasitis，andnotconsideringthatIamatanytimeasdutifullyandsubmissivelytreatedbyyourdaughter，asJosiahBounderbyofCoketownoughttobetreatedbyhiswife。Youhaveyouropinion，Idaresay；andIhavemine，Iknow。Ifyoumeantosayanythingtometo-night，thatgoesagainstthiscandidremark，youhadbetterletitalone。\'

Mr。Gradgrind，itwillbeobserved，beingmuchsoftened，Mr。

Bounderbytookparticularpainstohardenhimselfatallpoints。

Itwashisamiablenature。

\'MydearBounderby，\'Mr。Gradgrindbeganinreply。

\'Now，you\'llexcuseme，\'saidBounderby，\'butIdon\'twanttobetoodear。That，tostartwith。WhenIbegintobedeartoaman，Igenerallyfindthathisintentionistocomeoverme。Iamnotspeakingtoyoupolitely；but，asyouareaware，Iamnotpolite。

Ifyoulikepoliteness，youknowwheretogetit。Youhaveyourgentleman-friends，youknow，andthey\'llserveyouwithasmuchofthearticleasyouwant。Idon\'tkeepitmyself。\'

\'Bounderby，\'urgedMr。Gradgrind，\'weareallliabletomistakes-

\'

\'Ithoughtyoucouldn\'tmake\'em，\'interruptedBounderby。

\'PerhapsIthoughtso。But，IsayweareallliabletomistakesandIshouldfeelsensibleofyourdelicacy，andgratefulforit，ifyouwouldsparemethesereferencestoHarthouse。Ishallnotassociatehiminourconversationwithyourintimacyandencouragement；praydonotpersistinconnectinghimwithmine。\'

\'Inevermentionedhisname！\'saidBounderby。

\'Well，well！\'returnedMr。Gradgrind，withapatient，evenasubmissive，air。Andhesatforalittlewhilepondering。

\'Bounderby，IseereasontodoubtwhetherwehaveeverquiteunderstoodLouisa。\'

\'WhodoyoumeanbyWe？\'

\'LetmesayI，then，\'hereturned，inanswertothecoarselyblurtedquestion；\'IdoubtwhetherIhaveunderstoodLouisa。I

doubtwhetherIhavebeenquiterightinthemannerofhereducation。\'

\'Thereyouhitit，\'returnedBounderby。\'ThereIagreewithyou。

Youhavefounditoutatlast，haveyou？Education！I\'lltellyouwhateducationis-Tobetumbledoutofdoors，neckandcrop，andputupontheshortestallowanceofeverythingexceptblows。That\'swhatIcalleducation。\'

\'Ithinkyourgoodsensewillperceive，\'Mr。Gradgrindremonstratedinallhumility，\'thatwhateverthemeritsofsuchasystemmaybe，itwouldbedifficultofgeneralapplicationtogirls。\'

\'Idon\'tseeitatall，sir，\'returnedtheobstinateBounderby。

\'Well，\'sighedMr。Gradgrind，\'wewillnotenterintothequestion。

IassureyouIhavenodesiretobecontroversial。Iseektorepairwhatisamiss，ifIpossiblycan；andIhopeyouwillassistmeinagoodspirit，Bounderby，forIhavebeenverymuchdistressed。\'

\'Idon\'tunderstandyou，yet，\'saidBounderby，withdeterminedobstinacy，\'andthereforeIwon\'tmakeanypromises。\'

\'Inthecourseofafewhours，mydearBounderby，\'Mr。Gradgrindproceeded，inthesamedepressedandpropitiatorymanner，\'IappeartomyselftohavebecomebetterinformedastoLouisa\'scharacter，thaninpreviousyears。Theenlightenmenthasbeenpainfullyforceduponme，andthediscoveryisnotmine。Ithinkthereare-

Bounderby，youwillbesurprisedtohearmesaythis-IthinktherearequalitiesinLouisa，which-whichhavebeenharshlyneglected，and-andalittleperverted。And-andIwouldsuggesttoyou，that-thatifyouwouldkindlymeetmeinatimelyendeavourtoleavehertoherbetternatureforawhile-andtoencourageittodevelopitselfbytendernessandconsideration-it-itwouldbethebetterforthehappinessofallofus。Louisa，\'

saidMr。Gradgrind，shadinghisfacewithhishand，\'hasalwaysbeenmyfavouritechild。\'

TheblustrousBounderbycrimsonedandswelledtosuchanextentonhearingthesewords，thatheseemedtobe，andprobablywas，onthebrinkofafit。Withhisveryearsabrightpurpleshotwithcrimson，hepentuphisindignation，however，andsaid:

\'You\'dliketokeepherhereforatime？\'

\'I-Ihadintendedtorecommend，mydearBounderby，thatyoushouldallowLouisatoremainhereonavisit，andbeattendedbySissy(ImeanofcourseCeciliaJupe)，whounderstandsher，andinwhomshetrusts。\'

\'Igatherfromallthis，TomGradgrind，\'saidBounderby，standingupwithhishandsinhispockets，\'thatyouareofopinionthatthere\'swhatpeoplecallsomeincompatibilitybetweenLooBounderbyandmyself。\'

\'IfearthereisatpresentageneralincompatibilitybetweenLouisa，and-and-andalmostalltherelationsinwhichIhaveplacedher，\'washerfather\'ssorrowfulreply。

\'Now，lookyouhere，TomGradgrind，\'saidBounderbytheflushed，confrontinghimwithhislegswideapart，hishandsdeeperinhispockets，andhishairlikeahayfieldwhereinhiswindyangerwasboisterous。\'Youhavesaidyoursay；Iamgoingtosaymine。IamaCoketownman。IamJosiahBounderbyofCoketown。Iknowthebricksofthistown，andIknowtheworksofthistown，andIknowthechimneysofthistown，andIknowthesmokeofthistown，andI

knowtheHandsofthistown。Iknow\'emallprettywell。They\'rereal。Whenamantellsmeanythingaboutimaginativequalities，I

alwaystellthatman，whoeverheis，thatIknowwhathemeans。Hemeansturtlesoupandvenison，withagoldspoon，andthathewantstobesetupwithacoachandsix。That\'swhatyourdaughterwants。Sinceyouareofopinionthatsheoughttohavewhatshewants，Irecommendyoutoprovideitforher。Because，TomGradgrind，shewillneverhaveitfromme。\'

\'Bounderby，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'Ihoped，aftermyentreaty，youwouldhavetakenadifferenttone。\'

\'Justwaitabit，\'retortedBounderby；\'youhavesaidyoursay，I

believe。Iheardyouout；hearmeout，ifyouplease。Don\'tmakeyourselfaspectacleofunfairnessaswellasinconsistency，because，althoughIamsorrytoseeTomGradgrindreducedtohispresentposition，Ishouldbedoublysorrytoseehimbroughtsolowasthat。Now，there\'sanincompatibilityofsomesortoranother，Iamgiventounderstandbyyou，betweenyourdaughterandme。I\'llgiveyoutounderstand，inreplytothat，thatthereunquestionablyisanincompatibilityofthefirstmagnitude-tobesummedupinthis-thatyourdaughterdon\'tproperlyknowherhusband\'smerits，andisnotimpressedwithsuchasenseaswouldbecomeher，byGeorge！ofthehonourofhisalliance。That\'splainspeaking，Ihope。\'

\'Bounderby，\'urgedMr。Gradgrind，\'thisisunreasonable。\'

\'Isit？\'saidBounderby。\'Iamgladtohearyousayso。BecausewhenTomGradgrind，withhisnewlights，tellsmethatwhatIsayisunreasonable，Iamconvincedatonceitmustbedevilishsensible。WithyourpermissionIamgoingon。Youknowmyorigin；

andyouknowthatforagoodmanyyearsofmylifeIdidn\'twantashoeing-horn，inconsequenceofnothavingashoe。Yetyoumaybelieveornot，asyouthinkproper，thatthereareladies-bornladies-belongingtofamilies-Families！-whonexttoworshipthegroundIwalkon。\'

HedischargedthislikeaRocket，athisfather-in-law\'shead。

\'Whereasyourdaughter，\'proceededBounderby，\'isfarfrombeingabornlady。Thatyouknow，yourself。NotthatIcareapinchofcandle-snuffaboutsuchthings，foryouareverywellawareI

don\'t；butthatsuchisthefact，andyou，TomGradgrind，can\'tchangeit。WhydoIsaythis？\'

\'Not，Ifear，\'observedMr。Gradgrind，inalowvoice，\'tospareme。\'

\'Hearmeout，\'saidBounderby，\'andrefrainfromcuttingintillyourturncomesround。Isaythis，becausehighlyconnectedfemaleshavebeenastonishedtoseethewayinwhichyourdaughterhasconductedherself，andtowitnessherinsensibility。TheyhavewonderedhowIhavesufferedit。AndIwondermyselfnow，andI

won\'tsufferit。\'

\'Bounderby，\'returnedMr。Gradgrind，rising，\'thelesswesayto-

nightthebetter，Ithink。\'

\'Onthecontrary，TomGradgrind，themorewesayto-night，thebetter，Ithink。Thatis，\'theconsiderationcheckedhim，\'tillI

havesaidallImeantosay，andthenIdon\'tcarehowsoonwestop。Icometoaquestionthatmayshortenthebusiness。Whatdoyoumeanbytheproposalyoumadejustnow？\'

\'WhatdoImean，Bounderby？\'

\'Byyourvisitingproposition，\'saidBounderby，withaninflexiblejerkofthehayfield。

\'ImeanthatIhopeyoumaybeinducedtoarrangeinafriendlymanner，forallowingLouisaaperiodofreposeandreflectionhere，whichmaytendtoagradualalterationforthebetterinmanyrespects。\'

\'Toasofteningdownofyourideasoftheincompatibility？\'saidBounderby。

\'Ifyouputitinthoseterms。\'

\'Whatmadeyouthinkofthis？\'saidBounderby。

\'Ihavealreadysaid，IfearLouisahasnotbeenunderstood。Isitaskingtoomuch，Bounderby，thatyou，sofarherelder，shouldaidintryingtosetherright？Youhaveacceptedagreatchargeofher；forbetterforworse，for-\'

Mr。BounderbymayhavebeenannoyedbytherepetitionofhisownwordstoStephenBlackpool，buthecutthequotationshortwithanangrystart。

\'Come！\'saidhe，\'Idon\'twanttobetoldaboutthat。IknowwhatItookherfor，aswellasyoudo。NeveryoumindwhatItookherfor；that\'smylookout。\'

\'Iwasmerelygoingontoremark，Bounderby，thatwemayallbemoreorlessinthewrong，notevenexceptingyou；andthatsomeyieldingonyourpart，rememberingthetrustyouhaveaccepted，maynotonlybeanactoftruekindness，butperhapsadebtincurredtowardsLouisa。\'

\'Ithinkdifferently，\'blusteredBounderby。\'Iamgoingtofinishthisbusinessaccordingtomyownopinions。Now，Idon\'twanttomakeaquarrelofitwithyou，TomGradgrind。Totellyouthetruth，Idon\'tthinkitwouldbeworthyofmyreputationtoquarrelonsuchasubject。Astoyourgentleman-friend，hemaytakehimselfoff，whereverhelikesbest。Ifhefallsinmyway，I

shalltellhimmymind；ifhedon\'tfallinmyway，Ishan\'t，foritwon\'tbeworthmywhiletodoit。Astoyourdaughter，whomI

madeLooBounderby，andmighthavedonebetterbyleavingLooGradgrind，ifshedon\'tcomehometo-morrow，bytwelveo\'clockatnoon，Ishallunderstandthatshepreferstostayaway，andIshallsendherwearingapparelandsoforthoverhere，andyou\'lltakechargeofherforthefuture。WhatIshallsaytopeopleingeneral，oftheincompatibilitythatledtomysolayingdownthelaw，willbethis。IamJosiahBounderby，andIhadmybringing-

up；she\'sthedaughterofTomGradgrind，andshehadherbringing-

up；andthetwohorseswouldn\'tpulltogether。Iamprettywellknowntoberatheranuncommonman，Ibelieve；andmostpeoplewillunderstandfastenoughthatitmustbeawomanratheroutofthecommon，also，who，inthelongrun，wouldcomeuptomymark。\'

\'Letmeseriouslyentreatyoutoreconsiderthis，Bounderby，\'urgedMr。Gradgrind，\'beforeyoucommityourselftosuchadecision。\'

\'Ialwayscometoadecision，\'saidBounderby，tossinghishaton:

\'andwhateverIdo，Idoatonce。IshouldbesurprisedatTomGradgrind\'saddressingsucharemarktoJosiahBounderbyofCoketown，knowingwhatheknowsofhim，ifIcouldbesurprisedbyanythingTomGradgrinddid，afterhismakinghimselfapartytosentimentalhumbug。Ihavegivenyoumydecision，andIhavegotnomoretosay。Goodnight！\'

SoMr。Bounderbywenthometohistownhousetobed。Atfiveminutespasttwelveo\'clocknextday，hedirectedMrs。Bounderby\'spropertytobecarefullypackedupandsenttoTomGradgrind\'s；

advertisedhiscountryretreatforsalebyprivatecontract；andresumedabachelorlife。