下载辰思小说免费APP
CHAPTERVII-WHELP-HUNTING
BEFOREtheringformedroundtheOldHellShaftwasbroken，onefigurehaddisappearedfromwithinit。Mr。BounderbyandhisshadowhadnotstoodnearLouisa，whoheldherfather\'sarm，butinaretiredplacebythemselves。WhenMr。Gradgrindwassummonedtothecouch，Sissy，attentivetoallthathappened，slippedbehindthatwickedshadow-asightinthehorrorofhisface，iftherehadbeeneyesthereforanysightbutone-andwhisperedinhisear。Withoutturninghishead，heconferredwithherafewmoments，andvanished。Thusthewhelphadgoneoutofthecirclebeforethepeoplemoved。
Whenthefatherreachedhome，hesentamessagetoMr。Bounderby\'s，desiringhissontocometohimdirectly。Thereplywas，thatMr。
Bounderbyhavingmissedhiminthecrowd，andseeingnothingofhimsince，hadsupposedhimtobeatStoneLodge。
\'Ibelieve，father，\'saidLouisa，\'hewillnotcomebacktotownto-night。\'Mr。Gradgrindturnedaway，andsaidnomore。
Inthemorning，hewentdowntotheBankhimselfassoonasitwasopened，andseeinghisson\'splaceempty(hehadnotthecouragetolookinatfirst)wentbackalongthestreettomeetMr。Bounderbyonhiswaythere。Towhomhesaidthat，forreasonshewouldsoonexplain，butentreatednotthentobeaskedfor，hehadfounditnecessarytoemployhissonatadistanceforalittlewhile。
Also，thathewaschargedwiththedutyofvindicatingStephenBlackpool\'smemory，anddeclaringthethief。Mr。Bounderbyquiteconfounded，stoodstock-stillinthestreetafterhisfather-in-lawhadlefthim，swellinglikeanimmensesoap-bubble，withoutitsbeauty。
Mr。Gradgrindwenthome，lockedhimselfinhisroom，andkeptitallthatday。WhenSissyandLouisatappedathisdoor，hesaid，withoutopeningit，\'Notnow，mydears；intheevening。\'Ontheirreturnintheevening，hesaid，\'Iamnotableyet-to-morrow。\'
Heatenothingallday，andhadnocandleafterdark；andtheyheardhimwalkingtoandfrolateatnight。
But，inthemorningheappearedatbreakfastattheusualhour，andtookhisusualplaceatthetable。Agedandbenthelooked，andquiteboweddown；andyethelookedawiserman，andabetterman，thaninthedayswheninthislifehewantednothing-butFacts。
Beforehelefttheroom，heappointedatimeforthemtocometohim；andso，withhisgrayheaddrooping，wentaway。
\'Dearfather，\'saidLouisa，whentheykepttheirappointment，\'youhavethreeyoungchildrenleft。Theywillbedifferent，Iwillbedifferentyet，withHeaven\'shelp。\'
ShegaveherhandtoSissy，asifshemeantwithherhelptoo。
\'Yourwretchedbrother，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。\'Doyouthinkhehadplannedthisrobbery，whenhewentwithyoutothelodging？\'
\'Ifearso，father。Iknowhehadwantedmoneyverymuch，andhadspentagreatdeal。\'
\'Thepoormanbeingabouttoleavethetown，itcameintohisevilbraintocastsuspiciononhim？\'
\'Ithinkitmusthaveflasheduponhimwhilehesatthere，father。
ForIaskedhimtogotherewithme。Thevisitdidnotoriginatewithhim。\'
\'Hehadsomeconversationwiththepoorman。Didhetakehimaside？\'
\'Hetookhimoutoftheroom。Iaskedhimafterwards，whyhehaddoneso，andhemadeaplausibleexcuse；butsincelastnight，father，andwhenIrememberthecircumstancesbyitslight，IamafraidIcanimaginetootrulywhatpassedbetweenthem。\'
\'Letmeknow，\'saidherfather，\'ifyourthoughtspresentyourguiltybrotherinthesamedarkviewasmine。\'
\'Ifear，father，\'hesitatedLouisa，\'thathemusthavemadesomerepresentationtoStephenBlackpool-perhapsinmyname，perhapsinhisown-whichinducedhimtodoingoodfaithandhonesty，whathehadneverdonebefore，andtowaitabouttheBankthosetwoorthreenightsbeforeheleftthetown。\'
\'Tooplain！\'returnedthefather。\'Tooplain！\'
Heshadedhisface，andremainedsilentforsomemoments。
Recoveringhimself，hesaid:
\'Andnow，howishetobefound？Howishetobesavedfromjustice？InthefewhoursthatIcanpossiblyallowtoelapsebeforeIpublishthetruth，howishetobefoundbyus，andonlybyus？Tenthousandpoundscouldnoteffectit。\'
\'Sissyhaseffectedit，father。\'
Heraisedhiseyestowhereshestood，likeagoodfairyinhishouse，andsaidinatoneofsoftenedgratitudeandgratefulkindness，\'Itisalwaysyou，mychild！\'
\'Wehadourfears，\'Sissyexplained，glancingatLouisa，\'beforeyesterday；andwhenIsawyoubroughttothesideofthelitterlastnight，andheardwhatpassed(beingclosetoRachaelallthetime)，Iwenttohimwhennoonesaw，andsaidtohim，"Don\'tlookatme。Seewhereyourfatheris。Escapeatonce，forhissakeandyourown！"HewasinatremblebeforeIwhisperedtohim，andhestartedandtrembledmorethen，andsaid，"WherecanIgo？Ihaveverylittlemoney，andIdon\'tknowwhowillhideme！"Ithoughtoffather\'soldcircus。IhavenotforgottenwhereMr。Slearygoesatthistimeofyear，andIreadofhiminapaperonlytheotherday。Itoldhimtohurrythere，andtellhisname，andaskMr。
SlearytohidehimtillIcame。"I\'llgettohimbeforethemorning，"hesaid。AndIsawhimshrinkawayamongthepeople。\'
\'ThankHeaven！\'exclaimedhisfather。\'Hemaybegotabroadyet。\'
ItwasthemorehopefulasthetowntowhichSissyhaddirectedhimwaswithinthreehours\'journeyofLiverpool，whencehecouldbeswiftlydispatchedtoanypartoftheworld。But，cautionbeingnecessaryincommunicatingwithhim-fortherewasagreaterdangereverymomentofhisbeingsuspectednow，andnobodycouldbesureatheartbutthatMr。Bounderbyhimself，inabullyingveinofpubliczeal，mightplayaRomanpart-itwasconsentedthatSissyandLouisashouldrepairtotheplaceinquestion，byacircuitouscourse，alone；andthattheunhappyfather，settingforthinanoppositedirection，shouldgetroundtothesamebournebyanotherandwiderroute。ItwasfurtheragreedthatheshouldnotpresenthimselftoMr。Sleary，lesthisintentionsshouldbemistrusted，ortheintelligenceofhisarrivalshouldcausehissontotakeflightanew；but，thatthecommunicationshouldbelefttoSissyandLouisatoopen；andthattheyshouldinformthecauseofsomuchmiseryanddisgrace，ofhisfather\'sbeingathandandofthepurposeforwhichtheyhadcome。Whenthesearrangementshadbeenwellconsideredandwerefullyunderstoodbyallthree，itwastimetobegintocarrythemintoexecution。Earlyintheafternoon，Mr。
Gradgrindwalkeddirectfromhisownhouseintothecountry，tobetakenuponthelinebywhichhewastotravel；andatnighttheremainingtwosetforthupontheirdifferentcourse，encouragedbynotseeinganyfacetheyknew。
Thetwotravelledallnight，exceptwhentheywereleft，foroddnumbersofminutes，atbranch-places，upillimitableflightsofsteps，ordownwells-whichwastheonlyvarietyofthosebranches-and，earlyinthemorning，wereturnedoutonaswamp，amileortwofromthetowntheysought。Fromthisdismalspottheywererescuedbyasavageoldpostilion，whohappenedtobeupearly，kickingahorseinafly:andsoweresmuggledintothetownbyallthebacklaneswherethepigslived:which，althoughnotamagnificentorevensavouryapproach，was，asisusualinsuchcases，thelegitimatehighway。
ThefirstthingtheysawonenteringthetownwastheskeletonofSleary\'sCircus。Thecompanyhaddepartedforanothertownmorethantwentymilesoff，andhadopenedtherelastnight。Theconnectionbetweenthetwoplaceswasbyahillyturnpike-road，andthetravellingonthatroadwasveryslow。Thoughtheytookbutahastybreakfast，andnorest(whichitwouldhavebeeninvaintoseekundersuchanxiouscircumstances)，itwasnoonbeforetheybegantofindthebillsofSleary\'sHorse-ridingonbarnsandwalls，andoneo\'clockwhentheystoppedinthemarket-place。
AGrandMorningPerformancebytheRiders，commencingatthatveryhour，wasincourseofannouncementbythebellmanastheysettheirfeetuponthestonesofthestreet。Sissyrecommendedthat，toavoidmakinginquiriesandattractingattentioninthetown，theyshouldpresentthemselvestopayatthedoor。IfMr。Slearyweretakingthemoney，hewouldbesuretoknowher，andwouldproceedwithdiscretion。Ifhewerenot，hewouldbesuretoseetheminside；and，knowingwhathehaddonewiththefugitive，wouldproceedwithdiscretionstill。
Therefore，theyrepaired，withflutteringhearts，tothewell-
rememberedbooth。TheflagwiththeinscriptionSLEARY\'SHORSE-
RIDINGwasthere；andtheGothicnichewasthere；butMr。Slearywasnotthere。MasterKidderminster，growntoomaturelyturfytobereceivedbythewildestcredulityasCupidanymore，hadyieldedtotheinvincibleforceofcircumstances(andhisbeard)，and，inthecapacityofamanwhomadehimselfgenerallyuseful，presidedonthisoccasionovertheexchequer-havingalsoadruminreserve，onwhichtoexpendhisleisuremomentsandsuperfluousforces。Intheextremesharpnessofhislookoutforbasecoin，Mr。Kidderminster，asatpresentsituated，neversawanythingbutmoney；soSissypassedhimunrecognised，andtheywentin。
TheEmperorofJapan，onasteadyoldwhitehorsestencilledwithblackspots，wastwirlingfivewash-handbasinsatonce，asitisthefavouriterecreationofthatmonarchtodo。Sissy，thoughwellacquaintedwithhisRoyalline，hadnopersonalknowledgeofthepresentEmperor，andhisreignwaspeaceful。MissJosephineSleary，inhercelebratedgracefulEquestrianTyroleanFlowerAct，wasthenannouncedbyanewclown(whohumorouslysaidCauliflowerAct)，andMr。Slearyappeared，leadingherin。
Mr。SlearyhadonlymadeonecutattheClownwithhislongwhip-
lash，andtheClownhadonlysaid，\'Ifyoudoitagain，I\'llthrowthehorseatyou！\'whenSissywasrecognisedbothbyfatheranddaughter。ButtheygotthroughtheActwithgreatself-possession；
andMr。Sleary，savingforthefirstinstant，conveyednomoreexpressionintohislocomotiveeyethanintohisfixedone。TheperformanceseemedalittlelongtoSissyandLouisa，particularlywhenitstoppedtoaffordtheClownanopportunityoftellingMr。
Sleary(whosaid\'Indeed，sir！\'toallhisobservationsinthecalmestway，andwithhiseyeonthehouse)abouttwolegssittingonthreelegslookingatoneleg，whenincamefourlegs，andlaidholdofoneleg，andupgottwolegs，caughtholdofthreelegs，andthrew\'ematfourlegs，whoranawaywithoneleg。For，althoughaningeniousAllegoryrelatingtoabutcher，athree-
leggedstool，adog，andalegofmutton，thisnarrativeconsumedtime；andtheywereingreatsuspense。Atlast，however，littlefair-hairedJosephinemadehercurtseyamidgreatapplause；andtheClown，leftaloneinthering，hadjustwarmedhimself，andsaid，\'NowI\'llhaveaturn！\'whenSissywastouchedontheshoulder，andbeckonedout。
ShetookLouisawithher；andtheywerereceivedbyMr。Slearyinaverylittleprivateapartment，withcanvassides，agrassfloor，andawoodenceilingallaslant，onwhichtheboxcompanystampedtheirapprobation，asiftheywerecomingthrough。\'Thethilia，\'
saidMr。Sleary，whohadbrandyandwaterathand，\'itdothmegoodtotheeyou。Youwathalwaythafavouritewithuth，andyou\'vedoneuthcrediththinththeoldtimethI\'mthure。Youmuthttheeourpeople，mydear，aforewethpeakofbithnith，orthey\'llbreaktheirhearth-ethpethiallythewomen。Here\'thJothphinehathbeenandgotmarriedtoE。W。B。Childerth，andtheehathgotaboy，andthoughhe\'thonlythreeyearthold，hethtickthontoanyponyyoucanbringagainththim。He\'thnamedTheLittleWonderofThcolathticEquitation；andifyoudon\'thearofthatboyatAthley\'th，you\'llhearofhimatParith。AndyourecollectKidderminthter，thatwaththoughttoberatherthweetuponyourthelf？Well。He\'thmarriedtoo。Marriedawidder。Oldenoughtobehithmother。TheewathTightrope，theewath，andnowthee\'thnothing-onaccounthoffat。They\'vegottwochildren，thowe\'rethtrongintheFairybithnithandtheNurtherydodge。IfyouwathtotheeourChildrenintheWood，withtheirfatherandmotherbothadyin\'onahorthe-theirunclearetheivingof\'emathhithwardth，uponahorthe-themthelvthbothagoin\'ablack-
berryin\'onahorthe-andtheRobinthacomingintocover\'emwithleavth，uponahorthe-you\'dthayitwaththecompletethtthingatheveryouthetyoureyethon！AndyourememberEmmaGordon，mydear，athwatha\'mothtamothertoyou？Ofcourtheyoudo；Ineedn\'tathk。Well！Emma，theeloththerhuthband。Hewaththrow\'daheavyback-falloffaElephantinathortofaPagodathingaththeThultanoftheIndieth，andhenevergotthebetterofit；andtheemarriedathecondtime-marriedaCheethemongerathfellinlovewithherfromthefront-andhe\'thaOvertheerandmakin\'afortun。\'
Thesevariouschanges，Mr。Sleary，veryshortofbreathnow，relatedwithgreatheartiness，andwithawonderfulkindofinnocence，consideringwhatablearyandbrandy-and-wateryoldveteranhewas。AfterwardshebroughtinJosephine，andE。W。B。
Childers(ratherdeeplylinedinthejawsbydaylight)，andtheLittleWonderofScholasticEquitation，andinaword，allthecompany。AmazingcreaturestheywereinLouisa\'seyes，sowhiteandpinkofcomplexion，soscantofdress，andsodemonstrativeofleg；butitwasveryagreeabletoseethemcrowdingaboutSissy，andverynaturalinSissytobeunabletorefrainfromtears。
\'There！NowThethiliahathkithdallthechildren，andhuggedallthewomen，andthakenhandthallroundwithallthemen，clear，everyoneofyou，andringinthebandforthethecondpart！\'
Assoonastheyweregone，hecontinuedinalowtone。\'Now，Thethilia，Idon\'tathktoknowanythecreth，butIthuppotheImayconthiderthithtobeMithThquire。\'
\'Thisishissister。Yes。\'
\'Andt\'otheron\'thdaughter。That\'hwhatImean。HopeItheeyouwell，mith。AndIhopetheThquire\'thwell？\'
\'Myfatherwillbeheresoon，\'saidLouisa，anxioustobringhimtothepoint。\'Ismybrothersafe？\'
\'Thafeandthound！\'hereplied。\'IwantyoujuthttotakeapeepattheRing，mith，throughhere。Thethilia，youknowthedodgeth；
findathpy-holeforyourthelf。\'
Theyeachlookedthroughachinkintheboards。
\'That\'hJacktheGiantKiller-pietheofcomicinfantbithnith，\'
saidSleary。\'There\'thaproperty-houthe，youthee，forJacktohidein；there\'thmyClownwithathauthepan-lidandathpit，forJack\'ththervant；there\'thlittleJackhimthelfinathplendidthootofarmour；there\'thtwocomicblackthervanthtwitheathbigaththehouthe，tothtandbyitandtobringitinandclearit；
andtheGiant(averyecthpenthivebathketone)，hean\'tonyet。
Now，doyouthee\'emall？\'
\'Yes，\'theybothsaid。
\'Lookat\'emagain，\'saidSleary，\'lookat\'emwell。Youtheeemall？Verygood。Now，mith；\'heputaformforthemtositon；\'I
havemyopinionth，andtheThquireyourfatherhathhith。Idon\'twanttoknowwhatyourbrother\'thbeenupto；ithbetterformenottoknow。AllIthayith，theThquirehaththtoodbyThethilia，andI\'llthtandbytheThquire。Yourbrotherithonethemblackthervanth。\'
Louisautteredanexclamation，partlyofdistress，partlyofsatisfaction。
\'Ithafact，\'saidSleary，\'andevenknowin\'it，youcouldn\'tputyourfingeronhim。LettheThquirecome。Ithallkeepyourbrotherhereaftertheperformanth。Ithantundrethhim，noryetwathhithpaintoff。LettheThquirecomehereaftertheperformanth，orcomehereyourthelfaftertheperformanth，andyouthallfindyourbrother，andhavethewholeplathetotalktohimin。Nevermindthelookthofhim，athlongathhe\'thwellhid。\'
Louisa，withmanythanksandwithalightenedload，detainedMr。
Slearynolongerthen。Sheleftherloveforherbrother，withhereyesfulloftears；andsheandSissywentawayuntillaterintheafternoon。
Mr。Gradgrindarrivedwithinanhourafterwards。Hetoohadencounterednoonewhomheknew；andwasnowsanguinewithSleary\'sassistance，ofgettinghisdisgracedsontoLiverpoolinthenight。
Asneitherofthethreecouldbehiscompanionwithoutalmostidentifyinghimunderanydisguise，hepreparedalettertoacorrespondentwhomhecouldtrust，beseechinghimtoshipthebeareroffatanycost，toNorthorSouthAmerica，oranydistantpartoftheworldtowhichhecouldbethemostspeedilyandprivatelydispatched。
Thisdone，theywalkedabout，waitingfortheCircustobequitevacated；notonlybytheaudience，butbythecompanyandbythehorses。Afterwatchingitalongtime，theysawMr。Slearybringoutachairandsitdownbytheside-door，smoking；asifthatwerehissignalthattheymightapproach。
\'Yourthervant，Thquire，\'washiscautioussalutationastheypassedin。\'Ifyouwantmeyou\'llfindmehere。Youmuthn\'tmindyourthonhavingacomicliveryon。\'
Theyallthreewentin；andMr。Gradgrindsatdownforlorn，ontheClown\'sperformingchairinthemiddleofthering。Ononeofthebackbenches，remoteinthesubduedlightandthestrangenessoftheplace，satthevillainouswhelp，sulkytothelast，whomhehadthemiserytocallhisson。
Inapreposterouscoat，likeabeadle\'s，withcuffsandflapsexaggeratedtoanunspeakableextent；inanimmensewaistcoat，knee-breeches，buckledshoes，andamadcockedhat；withnothingfittinghim，andeverythingofcoarsematerial，moth-eatenandfullofholes；withseamsinhisblackface，wherefearandheathadstartedthroughthegreasycompositiondaubedalloverit；anythingsogrimly，detestably，ridiculouslyshamefulasthewhelpinhiscomiclivery，Mr。Gradgrindnevercouldbyanyothermeanshavebelievedin，weighableandmeasurablefactthoughitwas。Andoneofhismodelchildrenhadcometothis！
Atfirstthewhelpwouldnotdrawanynearer，butpersistedinremaininguptherebyhimself。Yieldingatlength，ifanyconcessionsosullenlymadecanbecalledyielding，totheentreatiesofSissy-forLouisahedisownedaltogether-hecamedown，benchbybench，untilhestoodinthesawdust，onthevergeofthecircle，asfaraspossible，withinitslimitsfromwherehisfathersat。
\'Howwasthisdone？\'askedthefather。
\'Howwaswhatdone？\'moodilyansweredtheson。
\'Thisrobbery，\'saidthefather，raisinghisvoiceupontheword。
\'Iforcedthesafemyselfovernight，andshutitupajarbeforeI
wentaway。Ihadhadthekeythatwasfound，madelongbefore。I
droppeditthatmorning，thatitmightbesupposedtohavebeenused。Ididn\'ttakethemoneyallatonce。Ipretendedtoputmybalanceawayeverynight，butIdidn\'t。Nowyouknowallaboutit。\'
\'Ifathunderbolthadfallenonme，\'saidthefather，\'itwouldhaveshockedmelessthanthis！\'
\'Idon\'tseewhy，\'grumbledtheson。\'Somanypeopleareemployedinsituationsoftrust；somanypeople，outofsomany，willbedishonest。Ihaveheardyoutalk，ahundredtimes，ofitsbeingalaw。HowcanIhelplaws？Youhavecomfortedotherswithsuchthings，father。Comfortyourself！\'
Thefatherburiedhisfaceinhishands，andthesonstoodinhisdisgracefulgrotesqueness，bitingstraw:hishands，withtheblackpartlywornawayinside，lookinglikethehandsofamonkey。Theeveningwasfastclosingin；andfromtimetotime，heturnedthewhitesofhiseyesrestlesslyandimpatientlytowardshisfather。
Theyweretheonlypartsofhisfacethatshowedanylifeorexpression，thepigmentuponitwassothick。
\'YoumustbegottoLiverpool，andsentabroad。\'
\'IsupposeImust。Ican\'tbemoremiserableanywhere，\'whimperedthewhelp，\'thanIhavebeenhere，eversinceIcanremember。
That\'sonething。\'
Mr。Gradgrindwenttothedoor，andreturnedwithSleary，towhomhesubmittedthequestion，Howtogetthisdeplorableobjectaway？
\'Why，I\'vebeenthinkingofit，Thquire。There\'thnotmuthtimetolothe，thoyoumuththayyethorno。Ithovertwentymilethtotherail。There\'thacoathinhalfanhour，thatgoethtotherail，\'purpothetocaththemailtrain。ThattrainwilltakehimrighttoLiverpool。\'
\'Butlookathim，\'groanedMr。Gradgrind。\'Willanycoach-\'
\'Idon\'tmeanthathethouldgointhecomiclivery，\'saidSleary。
\'Thaytheword，andI\'llmakeaJothkinofhim，outofthewardrobe，infiveminutes。\'
\'Idon\'tunderstand，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。
\'AJothkin-aCarter。Makeupyourmindquick，Thquire。There\'llbebeertofeth。I\'venevermetwithnothingbutbeerath\'llevercleanacomicblackamoor。\'
Mr。Gradgrindrapidlyassented；Mr。Slearyrapidlyturnedoutfromabox，asmockfrock，afelthat，andotheressentials；thewhelprapidlychangedclothesbehindascreenofbaize；Mr。Slearyrapidlybroughtbeer，andwashedhimwhiteagain。
\'Now，\'saidSleary，\'comealongtothecoath，andjumpupbehind；
I\'llgowithyouthere，andthey\'llthuppotheyouoneofmypeople。
Thayfarewelltoyourfamily，andtharp\'ththeword。\'Withwhichhedelicatelyretired。
\'Hereisyourletter，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。\'Allnecessarymeanswillbeprovidedforyou。Atone，byrepentanceandbetterconduct，fortheshockingactionyouhavecommitted，andthedreadfulconsequencestowhichithasled。Givemeyourhand，mypoorboy，andmayGodforgiveyouasIdo！\'
Theculpritwasmovedtoafewabjecttearsbythesewordsandtheirpathetictone。But，whenLouisaopenedherarms，herepulsedherafresh。
\'Notyou。Idon\'twanttohaveanythingtosaytoyou！\'
\'OTom，Tom，doweendso，afterallmylove！\'
\'Afterallyourlove！\'hereturned，obdurately。\'Prettylove！
LeavingoldBounderbytohimself，andpackingmybestfriendMr。
Harthouseoff，andgoinghomejustwhenIwasinthegreatestdanger。Prettylovethat！Comingoutwitheverywordaboutourhavinggonetothatplace，whenyousawthenetwasgatheringroundme。Prettylovethat！Youhaveregularlygivenmeup。Younevercaredforme。\'
\'Tharp\'ththeword！\'saidSleary，atthedoor。
Theyallconfusedlywentout:Louisacryingtohimthatsheforgavehim，andlovedhimstill，andthathewouldonedaybesorrytohaveleftherso，andgladtothinkoftheseherlastwords，faraway:whensomeoneranagainstthem。Mr。GradgrindandSissy，whowerebothbeforehimwhilehissisteryetclungtohisshoulder，stoppedandrecoiled。
For，therewasBitzer，outofbreath，histhinlipsparted，histhinnostrilsdistended，hiswhiteeyelashesquivering，hiscolourlessfacemorecolourlessthanever，asifheranhimselfintoawhiteheat，whenotherpeopleranthemselvesintoaglow。
Therehestood，pantingandheaving，asifhehadneverstoppedsincethenight，nowlongago，whenhehadrunthemdownbefore。
\'I\'msorrytointerferewithyourplans，\'saidBitzer，shakinghishead，\'butIcan\'tallowmyselftobedonebyhorse-riders。ImusthaveyoungMr。Tom；hemustn\'tbegotawaybyhorse-riders；hereheisinasmockfrock，andImusthavehim！\'
Bythecollar，too，itseemed。For，sohetookpossessionofhim。
CHAPTERVIII-PHILOSOPHICAL
THEYwentbackintothebooth，Slearyshuttingthedoortokeepintrudersout。Bitzer，stillholdingtheparalysedculpritbythecollar，stoodintheRing，blinkingathisoldpatronthroughthedarknessofthetwilight。
\'Bitzer，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，brokendown，andmiserablysubmissivetohim，\'haveyouaheart？\'
\'Thecirculation，sir，\'returnedBitzer，smilingattheoddityofthequestion，\'couldn\'tbecarriedonwithoutone。Noman，sir，acquaintedwiththefactsestablishedbyHarveyrelatingtothecirculationoftheblood，candoubtthatIhaveaheart。\'
\'Isitaccessible，\'criedMr。Gradgrind，\'toanycompassionateinfluence？\'
\'ItisaccessibletoReason，sir，\'returnedtheexcellentyoungman。\'Andtonothingelse。\'
Theystoodlookingateachother；Mr。Gradgrind\'sfaceaswhiteasthepursuer\'s。
\'Whatmotive-evenwhatmotiveinreason-canyouhaveforpreventingtheescapeofthiswretchedyouth，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'andcrushinghismiserablefather？Seehissisterhere。Pityus！\'
\'Sir，\'returnedBitzer，inaverybusiness-likeandlogicalmanner，\'sinceyouaskmewhatmotiveIhaveinreason，fortakingyoungMr。TombacktoCoketown，itisonlyreasonabletoletyouknow。I
havesuspectedyoungMr。Tomofthisbank-robberyfromthefirst。
Ihadhadmyeyeuponhimbeforethattime，forIknewhisways。I
havekeptmyobservationstomyself，butIhavemadethem；andI
havegotampleproofsagainsthimnow，besideshisrunningaway，andbesideshisownconfession，whichIwasjustintimetooverhear。Ihadthepleasureofwatchingyourhouseyesterdaymorning，andfollowingyouhere。IamgoingtotakeyoungMr。TombacktoCoketown，inordertodeliverhimovertoMr。Bounderby。
Sir，IhavenodoubtwhateverthatMr。BounderbywillthenpromotemetoyoungMr。Tom\'ssituation。AndIwishtohavehissituation，sir，foritwillbearisetome，andwilldomegood。\'
\'Ifthisissolelyaquestionofself-interestwithyou-\'Mr。
Gradgrindbegan。
\'Ibegyourpardonforinterruptingyou，sir，\'returnedBitzer；
\'butIamsureyouknowthatthewholesocialsystemisaquestionofself-interest。Whatyoumustalwaysappealto，isaperson\'sself-interest。It\'syouronlyhold。Wearesoconstituted。IwasbroughtupinthatcatechismwhenIwasveryyoung，sir，asyouareaware。\'
\'Whatsumofmoney，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'willyousetagainstyourexpectedpromotion？\'
\'Thankyou，sir，\'returnedBitzer，\'forhintingattheproposal；
butIwillnotsetanysumagainstit。Knowingthatyourclearheadwouldproposethatalternative，Ihavegoneoverthecalculationsinmymind；andIfindthattocompoundafelony，evenonveryhightermsindeed，wouldnotbeassafeandgoodformeasmyimprovedprospectsintheBank。\'
\'Bitzer，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，stretchingouthishandsasthoughhewouldhavesaid，SeehowmiserableIam！\'Bitzer，Ihavebutonechancelefttosoftenyou。Youweremanyyearsatmyschool。If，inremembranceofthepainsbestoweduponyouthere，youcanpersuadeyourselfinanydegreetodisregardyourpresentinterestandreleasemyson，Ientreatandprayyoutogivehimthebenefitofthatremembrance。\'
\'Ireallywonder，sir，\'rejoinedtheoldpupilinanargumentativemanner，\'tofindyoutakingapositionsountenable。Myschoolingwaspaidfor；itwasabargain；andwhenIcameaway，thebargainended。\'
ItwasafundamentalprincipleoftheGradgrindphilosophythateverythingwastobepaidfor。Nobodywaseveronanyaccounttogiveanybodyanything，orrenderanybodyhelpwithoutpurchase。
Gratitudewastobeabolished，andthevirtuesspringingfromitwerenottobe。Everyinchoftheexistenceofmankind，frombirthtodeath，wastobeabargainacrossacounter。Andifwedidn\'tgettoHeaventhatway，itwasnotapolitico-economicalplace，andwehadnobusinessthere。
\'Idon\'tdeny，\'addedBitzer，\'thatmyschoolingwascheap。Butthatcomesright，sir。Iwasmadeinthecheapestmarket，andhavetodisposeofmyselfinthedearest。\'
Hewasalittletroubledhere，byLouisaandSissycrying。
\'Praydon\'tdothat，\'saidhe，\'it\'sofnousedoingthat:itonlyworries。YouseemtothinkthatIhavesomeanimosityagainstyoungMr。Tom；whereasIhavenoneatall。Iamonlygoing，onthereasonablegroundsIhavementioned，totakehimbacktoCoketown。
Ifhewastoresist，IshouldsetupthecryofStopthief！But，hewon\'tresist，youmaydependuponit。\'
Mr。Sleary，whowithhismouthopenandhisrollingeyeasimmovablyjammedinhisheadashisfixedone，hadlistenedtothesedoctrineswithprofoundattention，heresteppedforward。
\'Thquire，youknowperfectlywell，andyourdaughterknowthperfectlywell(betterthanyou，becautheIthedittoher)，thatI
didn\'tknowwhatyourthonhaddone，andthatIdidn\'twanttoknow-Itheditwathbetternot，thoughIonlythought，then，itwaththomethkylarking。However，thithyoungmanhavingmadeitknowntobearobberyofabank，why，that\'hatheriouththing；muthtootheriouthathingformetocompound，aththithyoungmanhathveryproperlycalledit。Conthequently，Thquire，youmuthn\'tquarrelwithmeifItakethithyoungman\'ththide，andthayhe\'thrightandthere\'thnohelpforit。ButItellyouwhatI\'lldo，Thquire；
I\'lldriveyourthonandthithyoungmanovertotherail，andpreventexpothurehere。Ican\'tconthenttodomore，butI\'lldothat。\'
FreshlamentationsfromLouisa，anddeeperafflictiononMr。
Gradgrind\'spart，followedthisdesertionofthembytheirlastfriend。But，Sissyglancedathimwithgreatattention；nordidsheinherownbreastmisunderstandhim。Astheywereallgoingoutagain，hefavouredherwithoneslightrollofhismovableeye，desiringhertolingerbehind。Ashelockedthedoor，hesaidexcitedly:
\'TheThquirethtoodbyyou，Thethilia，andI\'llthtandbytheThquire。Morethanthat:thithithaprethiouthrathcal，andbelongthtothatbluthteringCovethatmypeoplenearlypithtouto\'winder。It\'llbeadarknight；I\'vegotahorthethat\'lldoanythingbutthpeak；I\'vegotaponythat\'llgofifteenmileanhourwithChilderthdrivingofhim；I\'vegotadogthat\'llkeepamantooneplathefour-and-twentyhourth。GetawordwiththeyoungThquire。Tellhim，whenhetheethourhorthebegintodanthe，nottobeafraidofbeingthpilt，buttolookoutforapony-gigcomingup。Tellhim，whenhetheeththatgigclotheby，tojumpdown，andit\'lltakehimoffatarattlingpathe。Ifmydogleththithyoungmanthtirapegonfoot，Igivehimleavetogo。Andifmyhortheeverthtirthfromthatthpotwherehebeginthadanthing，tillthemorning-Idon\'tknowhim？-Tharp\'ththeword！\'
Thewordwassosharp，thatintenminutesMr。Childers，saunteringaboutthemarket-placeinapairofslippers，hadhiscue，andMr。
Sleary\'sequipagewasready。Itwasafinesight，tobeholdthelearneddogbarkingroundit，andMr。Slearyinstructinghim，withhisonepracticableeye，thatBitzerwastheobjectofhisparticularattentions。Soonafterdarktheyallthreegotinandstarted；thelearneddog(aformidablecreature)alreadypinningBitzerwithhiseye，andstickingclosetothewheelonhisside，thathemightbereadyforhimintheeventofhisshowingtheslightestdispositiontoalight。
Theotherthreesatupattheinnallnightingreatsuspense。Ateighto\'clockinthemorningMr。Slearyandthedogreappeared:
bothinhighspirits。
\'Allright，Thquire！\'saidMr。Sleary，\'yourthonmaybeaboard-a-
thipbythithtime。Childerthtookhimoff，anhourandahalfafterwelefttherelathtnight。Thehorthedanthedthepolkatillhewathdeadbeat(hewouldhavewalthedifhehadn\'tbeeninharneth)，andthenIgavehimthewordandhewenttothleepcomfortable。WhenthatprethiouthyoungRathcalthedhe\'dgofor\'ardafoot，thedoghungontohithneck-hankercherwithallfourlegthintheairandpulledhimdownandrolledhimover。Thohecomebackintothedrag，andtherehethat，\'tillIturnedthehorthe\'thhead，athalf-pathtthixththithmorning。\'
Mr。Gradgrindoverwhelmedhimwiththanks，ofcourse；andhintedasdelicatelyashecould，atahandsomeremunerationinmoney。
\'Idon\'twantmoneymythelf，Thquire；butChilderthithafamilyman，andifyouwathtoliketoofferhimafive-poundnote，itmightn\'tbeunactheptable。Likewitheifyouwathtothtandacollarforthedog，orathetofbellthforthehorthe，Ithouldbeverygladtotake\'em。BrandyandwaterIalwaythtake。\'Hehadalreadycalledforaglass，andnowcalledforanother。\'Ifyouwouldn\'tthinkitgoingtoofar，Thquire，tomakealittlethpreadforthecompanyataboutthreeandthixthahead，notreckoningLuth，itwouldmake\'emhappy。\'
Alltheselittletokensofhisgratitude，Mr。Gradgrindverywillinglyundertooktorender。Thoughhethoughtthemfartooslight，hesaid，forsuchaservice。
\'Verywell，Thquire；then，ifyou\'llonlygiveaHorthe-riding，abethpeak，wheneveryoucan，you\'llmorethanbalanthetheaccount。
Now，Thquire，ifyourdaughterwillethcutheme，Ithouldlikeonepartingwordwithyou。\'
LouisaandSissywithdrewintoanadjoiningroom；Mr。Sleary，stirringanddrinkinghisbrandyandwaterashestood，wenton:
\'Thquire，-youdon\'tneedtobetoldthatdogthithwonderfulanimalth。\'
\'Theirinstinct，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'issurprising。\'
\'Whateveryoucallit-andI\'mblethtifIknowwhattocallit\'-
saidSleary，\'itithathtonithing。Thewayinwhithadog\'llfindyou-thedithtanthehe\'llcome！\'
\'Hisscent，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'beingsofine。\'
\'I\'mblethtifIknowwhattocallit，\'repeatedSleary，shakinghishead，\'butIhavehaddogthfindme，Thquire，inawaythatmademethinkwhetherthatdoghadn\'tgonetoanotherdog，andthed，"Youdon\'thappentoknowaperthonofthenameofThleary，doyou？PerthonofthenameofThleary，intheHorthe-Ridingway-
thtoutman-gameeye？"Andwhetherthatdogmightn\'thavethed，"Well，Ican\'tthayIknowhimmythelf，butIknowadogthatI
thinkwouldbelikelytobeacquaintedwithhim。"Andwhetherthatdogmightn\'thavethoughtitover，andthed，"Thleary，Thleary！O
yeth，tobethure！Afriendofminementhionedhimtomeatonetime。Icangetyouhithaddrethdirectly。"Inconthequenthofmybeingaforethepublic，andgoingaboutthomuth，youthee，theremuthtbeanumberofdogthacquaintedwithme，Thquire，thatI
don\'tknow！\'
Mr。Gradgrindseemedtobequiteconfoundedbythisspeculation。
\'Anyway，\'saidSleary，afterputtinghislipstohisbrandyandwater，\'ithfourteenmonthago，Thquire，thinthewewathatChethter。WewathgettingupourChildrenintheWoodonemorning，whentherecomethintoourRing，bythethtagedoor，adog。Hehadtravelledalongway，hewathinaverybadcondithon，hewathlame，andprettywellblind。Hewentroundtoourchildren，oneafteranother，asifhewathatheekingforachildheknow\'d；andthenhecometome，andthrowdhithelfupbehind，andthtoodonhithtwoforelegth，weakathhewath，andthenhewaggedhithtailanddied。Thquire，thatdogwathMerrylegth。\'
\'Sissy\'sfather\'sdog！\'
\'Thethilia\'thfather\'tholddog。Now，Thquire，Icantakemyoath，frommyknowledgeofthatdog，thatthatmanwathdead-andburied-aforethatdogcomebacktome。Joth\'phineandChilderthandmetalkeditoveralongtime，whetherIthouldwriteornot。Butweagreed，"No。There\'thnothingcomfortabletotell；whyunthettlehermind，andmakeherunhappy？"Tho，whetherherfatherbathelydethertedher；orwhetherhebrokehithownheartalone，ratherthanpullherdownalongwithhim；neverwillbeknown，now，Thquire，till-no，nottillweknowhowthedogthfindthuthout！\'
\'Shekeepsthebottlethathesentherfor，tothishour；andshewillbelieveinhisaffectiontothelastmomentofherlife，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。
\'Ittheemthtoprethenttwothingthtoaperthon，don\'tit，Thquire？\'saidMr。Sleary，musingashelookeddownintothedepthsofhisbrandyandwater:\'one，thatthereithaloveintheworld，notallThelf-interethtafterall，butthomethingverydifferent；
t\'other，thatitbathawayofithownofcalculatingornotcalculating，whiththomehoworanotherithatleathtathhardtogiveanameto，aththewaythofthedogthith！\'
Mr。Gradgrindlookedoutofwindow，andmadenoreply。Mr。Slearyemptiedhisglassandrecalledtheladies。
\'Thethiliamydear，kithmeandgood-bye！MithThquire，totheeyoutreatingofherlikeathithter，andathithterthatyoutruthtandhonourwithallyourheartandmore，ithaveryprettythighttome。Ihopeyourbrothermaylivetobebetterdethervingofyou，andagreatercomforttoyou。Thquire，thakehandth，firthtandlatht！Don\'tbecrothwithuthpoorvagabondth。Peoplemuthtbeamuthed。Theycan\'tbealwaythalearning，noryettheycan\'tbealwaythaworking，theyan\'tmadeforit。Youmuththaveuth，Thquire。Dothewithethingandthekindthingtoo，andmakethebethtofuth；notthewurtht！\'
\'AndIneverthoughtbefore，\'saidMr。Sleary，puttinghisheadinatthedooragaintosayit，\'thatIwaththomuthofaCackler！\'
CHAPTERIX-FINAL
ITisadangerousthingtoseeanythinginthesphereofavainblusterer，beforethevainblustererseesithimself。Mr。
BounderbyfeltthatMrs。Sparsithadaudaciouslyanticipatedhim，andpresumedtobewiserthanhe。InappeasablyindignantwithherforhertriumphantdiscoveryofMrs。Pegler，heturnedthispresumption，onthepartofawomaninherdependentposition，overandoverinhismind，untilitaccumulatedwithturninglikeagreatsnowball。Atlasthemadethediscoverythattodischargethishighlyconnectedfemale-tohaveitinhispowertosay，\'Shewasawomanoffamily，andwantedtosticktome，butIwouldn\'thaveit，andgotridofher\'-wouldbetogettheutmostpossibleamountofcrowninggloryoutoftheconnection，andatthesametimetopunishMrs。Sparsitaccordingtoherdeserts。
Filledfullerthanever，withthisgreatidea，Mr。Bounderbycameintolunch，andsathimselfdowninthedining-roomofformerdays，wherehisportraitwas。Mrs。Sparsitsatbythefire，withherfootinhercottonstirrup，littlethinkingwhithershewasposting。
SincethePegleraffair，thisgentlewomanhadcoveredherpityforMr。Bounderbywithaveilofquietmelancholyandcontrition。Invirtuethereof，ithadbecomeherhabittoassumeawofullook，whichwofullookshenowbestoweduponherpatron。
\'What\'sthematternow，ma\'am？\'saidMr。Bounderby，inaveryshort，roughway。
\'Pray，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'donotbitemynoseoff。\'
\'Biteyournoseoff，ma\'am？\'repeatedMr。Bounderby。\'Yournose！\'
meaning，asMrs。Sparsitconceived，thatitwastoodevelopedanoseforthepurpose。Afterwhichoffensiveimplication，hecuthimselfacrustofbread，andthrewtheknifedownwithanoise。
Mrs。Sparsittookherfootoutofherstirrup，andsaid，\'Mr。
Bounderby，sir！\'
\'Well，ma\'am？\'retortedMr。Bounderby。\'Whatareyoustaringat？\'
\'MayIask，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'haveyoubeenruffledthismorning？\'
\'Yes，ma\'am。\'
\'MayIinquire，sir，\'pursuedtheinjuredwoman，\'whetherIamtheunfortunatecauseofyourhavinglostyourtemper？\'
\'Now，I\'lltellyouwhat，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，\'Iamnotcomeheretobebullied。Afemalemaybehighlyconnected，butshecan\'tbepermittedtobotherandbadgeramaninmyposition，andI
amnotgoingtoputupwithit。\'(Mr。Bounderbyfeltitnecessarytogeton:foreseeingthatifheallowedofdetails，hewouldbebeaten。)
Mrs。Sparsitfirstelevated，thenknitted，herCoriolanianeyebrows；gatheredupherworkintoitsproperbasket；androse。
\'Sir，\'saidshe，majestically。\'ItisapparenttomethatIaminyourwayatpresent。Iwillretiretomyownapartment。\'
\'Allowmetoopenthedoor，ma\'am。\'
\'Thankyou，sir；Icandoitformyself。\'
\'Youhadbetterallowme，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，passingher，andgettinghishanduponthelock；\'becauseIcantaketheopportunityofsayingawordtoyou，beforeyougo。Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am，I
ratherthinkyouarecrampedhere，doyouknow？Itappearstome，that，undermyhumbleroof，there\'shardlyopeningenoughforaladyofyourgeniusinotherpeople\'saffairs。\'
Mrs。Sparsitgavehimalookofthedarkestscorn，andsaidwithgreatpoliteness，\'Really，sir？\'
\'Ihavebeenthinkingitover，yousee，sincethelateaffairshavehappened，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby；\'anditappearstomypoorjudgment-\'
\'Oh！Pray，sir，\'Mrs。Sparsitinterposed，withsprightlycheerfulness，\'don\'tdisparageyourjudgment。EverybodyknowshowunerringMr。Bounderby\'sjudgmentis。Everybodyhashadproofsofit。Itmustbethethemeofgeneralconversation。Disparageanythinginyourselfbutyourjudgment，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，laughing。
Mr。Bounderby，veryredanduncomfortable，resumed:
\'Itappearstome，ma\'am，Isay，thatadifferentsortofestablishmentaltogetherwouldbringoutaladyofyourpowers。
Suchanestablishmentasyourrelation，LadyScadgers\'s，now。
Don\'tyouthinkyoumightfindsomeaffairsthere，ma\'am，tointerferewith？\'
\'Itneveroccurredtomebefore，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit；\'butnowyoumentionit，shouldthinkithighlyprobable。\'
\'Thensupposeyoutry，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，layinganenvelopewithachequeinitinherlittlebasket。\'Youcantakeyourowntimeforgoing，ma\'am；butperhapsinthemeanwhile，itwillbemoreagreeabletoaladyofyourpowersofmind，toeathermealsbyherself，andnottobeintrudedupon。Ireallyoughttoapologisetoyou-beingonlyJosiahBounderbyofCoketown-forhavingstoodinyourlightsolong。\'
\'Praydon\'tnameit，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit。\'Ifthatportraitcouldspeak，sir-butithastheadvantageovertheoriginalofnotpossessingthepowerofcommittingitselfanddisgustingothers，-itwouldtestify，thatalongperiodhaselapsedsinceIfirsthabituallyaddresseditasthepictureofaNoodle。NothingthataNoodledoes，canawakensurpriseorindignation；theproceedingsofaNoodlecanonlyinspirecontempt。\'
Thussaying，Mrs。Sparsit，withherRomanfeatureslikeamedalstrucktocommemorateherscornofMr。Bounderby，surveyedhimfixedlyfromheadtofoot，sweptdisdainfullypasthim，andascendedthestaircase。Mr。Bounderbyclosedthedoor，andstoodbeforethefire；projectinghimselfafterhisoldexplosivemannerintohisportrait-andintofuturity。
Intohowmuchoffuturity？HesawMrs。Sparsitfightingoutadailyfightatthepointsofalltheweaponsinthefemalearmoury，withthegrudging，smarting，peevish，tormentingLadyScadgers，stilllaidupinbedwithhermysteriousleg，andgobblingherinsufficientincomedownbyaboutthemiddleofeveryquarter，inameanlittleairlesslodging，amereclosetforone，amerecribfortwo；butdidheseemore？DidhecatchanyglimpseofhimselfmakingashowofBitzertostrangers，astherisingyoungman，sodevotedtohismaster\'sgreatmerits，whohadwonyoungTom\'splace，andhadalmostcapturedyoungTomhimself，inthetimeswhenbyvariousrascalshewasspiritedaway？Didheseeanyfaintreflectionofhisownimagemakingavain-gloriouswill，wherebyfive-and-twentyHumbugs，pastfive-and-fiftyyearsofage，eachtakinguponhimselfthename，JosiahBounderbyofCoketown，shouldforeverdineinBounderbyHall，foreverlodgeinBounderbybuildings，foreverattendaBounderbychapel，forevergotosleepunderaBounderbychaplain，foreverbesupportedoutofaBounderbyestate，andforevernauseateallhealthystomachs，withavastamountofBounderbybalderdashandbluster？Hadheanyprescienceoftheday，fiveyearstocome，whenJosiahBounderbyofCoketownwastodieofafitintheCoketownstreet，andthissamepreciouswillwastobeginitslongcareerofquibble，plunder，falsepretences，vileexample，littleserviceandmuchlaw？
Probablynot。Yettheportraitwastoseeitallout。
HerewasMr。Gradgrindonthesameday，andinthesamehour，sittingthoughtfulinhisownroom。Howmuchoffuturitydidhesee？Didheseehimself，awhite-haireddecrepitman，bendinghishithertoinflexibletheoriestoappointedcircumstances；makinghisfactsandfiguressubservienttoFaith，Hope，andCharity；andnolongertryingtogrindthatHeavenlytrioinhisdustylittlemills？Didhecatchsightofhimself，thereforemuchdespisedbyhislatepoliticalassociates？Didheseethem，intheeraofitsbeingquitesettledthatthenationaldustmenhaveonlytodowithoneanother，andowenodutytoanabstractioncalledaPeople，\'tauntingthehonourablegentleman\'withthisandwiththatandwithwhatnot，fivenightsa-week，untilthesmallhoursofthemorning？Probablyhehadthatmuchforeknowledge，knowinghismen。
HerewasLouisaonthenightofthesameday，watchingthefireasindaysofyore，thoughwithagentlerandahumblerface。Howmuchofthefuturemightarisebeforehervision？Broadsidesinthestreets，signedwithherfather\'sname，exoneratingthelateStephenBlackpool，weaver，frommisplacedsuspicion，andpublishingtheguiltofhisownson，withsuchextenuationashisyearsandtemptation(hecouldnotbringhimselftoadd，hiseducation)mightbeseech；wereofthePresent。So，StephenBlackpool\'stombstone，withherfather\'srecordofhisdeath，wasalmostofthePresent，forsheknewitwastobe。Thesethingsshecouldplainlysee。
But，howmuchoftheFuture？
Aworkingwoman，christenedRachael，afteralongillnessonceagainappearingattheringingoftheFactorybell，andpassingtoandfroatthesethours，amongtheCoketownHands；awomanofpensivebeauty，alwaysdressedinblack，butsweet-temperedandserene，andevencheerful；who，ofallthepeopleintheplace，aloneappearedtohavecompassiononadegraded，drunkenwretchofherownsex，whowassometimesseeninthetownsecretlybeggingofher，andcryingtoher；awomanworking，everworking，butcontenttodoit，andpreferringtodoitashernaturallot，untilsheshouldbetoooldtolabouranymore？DidLouisaseethis？Suchathingwastobe。
Alonelybrother，manythousandsofmilesaway，writing，onpaperblottedwithtears，thatherwordshadtoosooncometrue，andthatallthetreasuresintheworldwouldbecheaplybarteredforasightofherdearface？Atlengththisbrothercomingnearerhome，withhopeofseeingher，andbeingdelayedbyillness；andthenaletter，inastrangehand，saying\'hediedinhospital，offever，suchaday，anddiedinpenitenceandloveofyou:hislastwordbeingyourname\'？DidLouisaseethesethings？Suchthingsweretobe。
Herselfagainawife-amother-lovinglywatchfulofherchildren，evercarefulthattheyshouldhaveachildhoodofthemindnolessthanachildhoodofthebody，asknowingittobeevenamorebeautifulthing，andapossession，anyhoardedscrapofwhich，isablessingandhappinesstothewisest？DidLouisaseethis？Suchathingwasnevertobe。
But，happySissy\'shappychildrenlovingher；allchildrenlovingher；she，grownlearnedinchildishlore；thinkingnoinnocentandprettyfancyevertobedespised；tryinghardtoknowherhumblerfellow-creatures，andtobeautifytheirlivesofmachineryandrealitywiththoseimaginativegracesanddelights，withoutwhichtheheartofinfancywillwitherup，thesturdiestphysicalmanhoodwillbemorallystarkdeath，andtheplainestnationalprosperityfigurescanshow，willbetheWritingontheWall，-sheholdingthiscourseaspartofnofantasticvow，orbond，orbrotherhood，orsisterhood，orpledge，orcovenant，orfancydress，orfancyfair；butsimplyasadutytobedone，-didLouisaseethesethingsofherself？Thesethingsweretobe。
Dearreader！Itrestswithyouandme，whether，inourtwofieldsofaction，similarthingsshallbeornot。Letthembe！Weshallsitwithlighterbosomsonthehearth，toseetheashesofourfiresturngrayandcold。
END
