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-breedingtheonlyconvictionhehad，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，andthemostearnestvoicethoughsoquietIeverheard。\'
\'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-twentyhourswhichhaveappearedasmanyyears，\'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，thatIcannotrefusetocontemplatethepossibilityhoweverunexpectedofmyseeingtheladynomore。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，andwrotethefollowingnoteinappropriatehieroglyphicstohisbrother:
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。Whentheseattentionshadrecoveredherwhichtheyspeedilydid，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，andbeattendedbySissyImeanofcourseCeciliaJupe，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。