CHAPTERX-STEPHENBLACKPOOL
IENTERTAINaweakideathattheEnglishpeopleareashard-workedasanypeopleuponwhomthesunshines。Iacknowledgetothisridiculousidiosyncrasy，asareasonwhyIwouldgivethemalittlemoreplay。
InthehardestworkingpartofCoketown；intheinnermostfortificationsofthatuglycitadel，whereNaturewasasstronglybrickedoutaskillingairsandgaseswerebrickedin；attheheartofthelabyrinthofnarrowcourtsuponcourts，andclosestreetsuponstreets，whichhadcomeintoexistencepiecemeal，everypieceinaviolenthurryforsomeoneman\'spurpose，andthewholeanunnaturalfamily，shouldering，andtrampling，andpressingoneanothertodeath；inthelastclosenookofthisgreatexhaustedreceiver，wherethechimneys，forwantofairtomakeadraught，werebuiltinanimmensevarietyofstuntedandcrookedshapes，asthougheveryhouseputoutasignofthekindofpeoplewhomightbeexpectedtobeborninit；amongthemultitudeofCoketown，genericallycalled\'theHands，\'-aracewhowouldhavefoundmorefavourwithsomepeople，ifProvidencehadseenfittomakethemonlyhands，or，likethelowercreaturesoftheseashore，onlyhandsandstomachs-livedacertainStephenBlackpool，fortyyearsofage。
Stephenlookedolder，buthehadhadahardlife。Itissaidthateverylifehasitsrosesandthorns；thereseemed，however，tohavebeenamisadventureormistakeinStephen\'scase，wherebysomebodyelsehadbecomepossessedofhisroses，andhehadbecomepossessedofthesamesomebodyelse\'sthornsinadditiontohisown。Hehadknown，tousehiswords，apeckoftrouble。HewasusuallycalledOldStephen，inakindofroughhomagetothefact。
Aratherstoopingman，withaknittedbrow，aponderingexpressionofface，andahard-lookingheadsufficientlycapacious，onwhichhisiron-greyhairlaylongandthin，OldStephenmighthavepassedforaparticularlyintelligentmaninhiscondition。Yethewasnot。Hetooknoplaceamongthoseremarkable\'Hands，\'who，piecingtogethertheirbrokenintervalsofleisurethroughmanyyears，hadmastereddifficultsciences，andacquiredaknowledgeofmostunlikelythings。HeheldnostationamongtheHandswhocouldmakespeechesandcarryondebates。Thousandsofhiscompeerscouldtalkmuchbetterthanhe，atanytime。Hewasagoodpower-loomweaver，andamanofperfectintegrity。Whatmorehewas，orwhatelsehehadinhim，ifanything，lethimshowforhimself。
Thelightsinthegreatfactories，whichlooked，whentheywereilluminated，likeFairypalaces-orthetravellersbyexpress-
trainsaidso-wereallextinguished；andthebellshadrungforknockingoffforthenight，andhadceasedagain；andtheHands，menandwomen，boyandgirl，wereclatteringhome。OldStephenwasstandinginthestreet，withtheoldsensationuponhimwhichthestoppageofthemachineryalwaysproduced-thesensationofitshavingworkedandstoppedinhisownhead。
\'YetIdon\'tseeRachael，still！\'saidhe。
Itwasawetnight，andmanygroupsofyoungwomenpassedhim，withtheirshawlsdrawnovertheirbareheadsandheldcloseundertheirchinstokeeptherainout。HeknewRachaelwell，foraglanceatanyoneofthesegroupswassufficienttoshowhimthatshewasnotthere。Atlast，therewerenomoretocome；andthenheturnedaway，sayinginatoneofdisappointment，\'Why，then，ha\'missedher！\'
But，hehadnotgonethelengthofthreestreets，whenhesawanotheroftheshawledfiguresinadvanceofhim，atwhichhelookedsokeenlythatperhapsitsmereshadowindistinctlyreflectedonthewetpavement-ifhecouldhaveseenitwithoutthefigureitselfmovingalongfromlamptolamp，brighteningandfadingasitwent-wouldhavebeenenoughtotellhimwhowasthere。Makinghispaceatoncemuchquickerandmuchsofter，hedartedonuntilhewasverynearthisfigure，thenfellintohisformerwalk，andcalled\'Rachael！\'
Sheturned，beingtheninthebrightnessofalamp；andraisingherhoodalittle，showedaquietovalface，darkandratherdelicate，irradiatedbyapairofverygentleeyes，andfurthersetoffbytheperfectorderofhershiningblackhair。Itwasnotafaceinitsfirstbloom；shewasawomanfiveandthirtyyearsofage。
\'Ah，lad！\'Tisthou？\'Whenshehadsaidthis，withasmilewhichwouldhavebeenquiteexpressed，thoughnothingofherhadbeenseenbutherpleasanteyes，shereplacedherhoodagain，andtheywentontogether。
\'Ithoughtthouwastahindme，Rachael？\'
\'No。\'
\'Earlyt\'night，lass？\'
\'\'TimesI\'malittleearly，Stephen！\'timesalittlelate。I\'mnevertobecountedon，goinghome。\'
\'Norgoingt\'otherway，neither，\'tseemstome，Rachael？\'
\'No，Stephen。\'
Helookedatherwithsomedisappointmentinhisface，butwitharespectfulandpatientconvictionthatshemustberightinwhatevershedid。Theexpressionwasnotlostuponher；shelaidherhandlightlyonhisarmamomentasiftothankhimforit。
\'Wearesuchtruefriends，lad，andsucholdfriends，andgettingtobesucholdfolk，now。\'
\'No，Rachael，thou\'rtasyoungaseverthouwast。\'
\'Oneofuswouldbepuzzledhowtogetold，Stephen，without\'tothergettingsotoo，bothbeingalive，\'sheanswered，laughing；
\'but，anyways，we\'resucholdfriends，andt\'hideawordofhonesttruthfro\'oneanotherwouldbeasinandapity。\'Tisbetternottowalktoomuchtogether。\'Times，yes！\'Twouldbehard，indeed，if\'twasnottobeatall，\'shesaid，withacheerfulnessshesoughttocommunicatetohim。
\'\'Tishard，anyways，Rachael。\'
\'Trytothinknot；and\'twillseembetter。\'
\'I\'vetriedalongtime，and\'ta\'ntgotbetter。Butthou\'rtright；
\'tmightmakfoktalk，evenofthee。Thouhastbeenthattome，Rachael，throughsomanyyear:thouhastdonemesomuchgood，andheartenedofmeinthatcheeringway，thatthywordisalawtome。
Ah，lass，andabrightgoodlaw！Betterthansomerealones。\'
\'Neverfretaboutthem，Stephen，\'sheansweredquickly，andnotwithoutananxiousglanceathisface。\'Letthelawsbe。\'
\'Yes，\'hesaid，withaslownodortwo。\'Let\'embe。Leteverythingbe。Letallsortsalone。\'Tisamuddle，andthat\'saw。\'
\'Alwaysamuddle？\'saidRachael，withanothergentletouchuponhisarm，asiftorecallhimoutofthethoughtfulness，inwhichhewasbitingthelongendsofhislooseneckerchiefashewalkedalong。
Thetouchhaditsinstantaneouseffect。Heletthemfall，turnedasmilingfaceuponher，andsaid，ashebrokeintoagood-humouredlaugh，\'Ay，Rachael，lass，awlusamuddle。That\'swhereIstick。
Icometothemuddlemanytimesandagen，andInevergetbeyondit。\'
Theyhadwalkedsomedistance，andwereneartheirownhomes。Thewoman\'swasthefirstreached。Itwasinoneofthemanysmallstreetsforwhichthefavouriteundertakerwhoturnedahandsomesumoutoftheonepoorghastlypompoftheneighbourhoodkeptablackladder，inorderthatthosewhohaddonetheirdailygropingupanddownthenarrowstairsmightslideoutofthisworkingworldbythewindows。Shestoppedatthecorner，andputtingherhandinhis，wishedhimgoodnight。
\'Goodnight，dearlass；goodnight！\'
Shewent，withherneatfigureandhersoberwomanlystep，downthedarkstreet，andhestoodlookingafterheruntilsheturnedintooneofthesmallhouses。Therewasnotaflutterofhercoarseshawl，perhaps，buthaditsinterestinthisman\'seyes；notatoneofhervoicebuthaditsechoinhisinnermostheart。
Whenshewaslosttohisview，hepursuedhishomewardway，glancingupsometimesatthesky，wherethecloudsweresailingfastandwildly。But，theywerebrokennow，andtherainhadceased，andthemoonshone，-lookingdownthehighchimneysofCoketownonthedeepfurnacesbelow，andcastingTitanicshadowsofthesteam-enginesatrest，uponthewallswheretheywerelodged。
Themanseemedtohavebrightenedwiththenight，ashewenton。
Hishome，insuchanotherstreetasthefirst，savingthatitwasnarrower，wasoveralittleshop。Howitcametopassthatanypeoplefounditworththeirwhiletosellorbuythewretchedlittletoys，mixedupinitswindowwithcheapnewspapersandporktherewasalegtoberaffledforto-morrow-night，mattersnothere。Hetookhisendofcandlefromashelf，lighteditatanotherendofcandleonthecounter，withoutdisturbingthemistressoftheshopwhowasasleepinherlittleroom，andwentupstairsintohislodging。
Itwasaroom，notunacquaintedwiththeblackladderundervarioustenants；butasneat，atpresent，assucharoomcouldbe。Afewbooksandwritingswereonanoldbureauinacorner，thefurniturewasdecentandsufficient，and，thoughtheatmospherewastainted，theroomwasclean。
Goingtothehearthtosetthecandledownuponaroundthree-
leggedtablestandingthere，hestumbledagainstsomething。Asherecoiled，lookingdownatit，itraiseditselfupintotheformofawomaninasittingattitude。
\'Heaven\'smercy，woman！\'hecried，fallingfartherofffromthefigure。\'Hastthoucomebackagain！\'
Suchawoman！Adisabled，drunkencreature，barelyabletopreservehersittingposturebysteadyingherselfwithonebegrimedhandonthefloor，whiletheotherwassopurposelessintryingtopushawayhertangledhairfromherface，thatitonlyblindedherthemorewiththedirtuponit。Acreaturesofoultolookat，inhertatters，stainsandsplashes，butsomuchfoulerthanthatinhermoralinfamy，thatitwasashamefulthingeventoseeher。
Afteranimpatientoathortwo，andsomestupidclawingofherselfwiththehandnotnecessarytohersupport，shegotherhairawayfromhereyessufficientlytoobtainasightofhim。Thenshesatswayingherbodytoandfro，andmakinggestureswithherunnervedarm，whichseemedintendedastheaccompanimenttoafitoflaughter，thoughherfacewasstolidanddrowsy。
\'Eigh，lad？What，yo\'rthere？\'Somehoarsesoundsmeantforthis，camemockinglyoutofheratlast；andherheaddroppedforwardonherbreast。
\'Backagen？\'shescreeched，aftersomeminutes，asifhehadthatmomentsaidit。\'Yes！Andbackagen。Backageneverandeversooften。Back？Yes，back。Whynot？\'
Rousedbytheunmeaningviolencewithwhichshecrieditout，shescrambledup，andstoodsupportingherselfwithhershouldersagainstthewall；danglinginonehandbythestring，adunghill-
fragmentofabonnet，andtryingtolookscornfullyathim。
\'I\'llselltheeoffagain，andI\'llselltheeoffagain，andI\'llselltheeoffascoreoftimes！\'shecried，withsomethingbetweenafuriousmenaceandaneffortatadefiantdance。\'Comeawa\'fromth\'bed！\'Hewassittingonthesideofit，withhisfacehiddeninhishands。\'Comeawa！from\'t。\'Tismine，andI\'vearighttot\'！\'
Asshestaggeredtoit，heavoidedherwithashudder，andpassed-
hisfacestillhidden-totheoppositeendoftheroom。Shethrewherselfuponthebedheavily，andsoonwassnoringhard。Hesunkintoachair，andmovedbutonceallthatnight。Itwastothrowacoveringoverher；asifhishandswerenotenoughtohideher，eveninthedarkness。
CHAPTERXI-NOWAYOUT
THEFairypalacesburstintoillumination，beforepalemorningshowedthemonstrousserpentsofsmoketrailingthemselvesoverCoketown。Aclatteringofclogsuponthepavement；arapidringingofbells；andallthemelancholymadelephants，polishedandoiledupfortheday\'smonotony，wereattheirheavyexerciseagain。
Stephenbentoverhisloom，quiet，watchful，andsteady。Aspecialcontrast，aseverymanwasintheforestofloomswhereStephenworked，tothecrashing，smashing，tearingpieceofmechanismatwhichhelaboured。Neverfear，goodpeopleofananxiousturnofmind，thatArtwillconsignNaturetooblivion。Setanywhere，sidebyside，theworkofGODandtheworkofman；andtheformer，eventhoughitbeatroopofHandsofverysmallaccount，willgainindignityfromthecomparison。
SomanyhundredHandsinthisMill；somanyhundredhorseSteamPower。Itisknown，totheforceofasinglepoundweight，whattheenginewilldo；but，notallthecalculatorsoftheNationalDebtcantellmethecapacityforgoodorevil，forloveorhatred，forpatriotismordiscontent，forthedecompositionofvirtueintovice，orthereverse，atanysinglemomentinthesoulofoneoftheseitsquietservants，withthecomposedfacesandtheregulatedactions。Thereisnomysteryinit；thereisanunfathomablemysteryinthemeanestofthem，forever-Supposingweweretoreverseourarithmeticformaterialobjects，andtogoverntheseawfulunknownquantitiesbyothermeans！
Thedaygrewstrong，andshoweditselfoutside，evenagainsttheflaminglightswithin。Thelightswereturnedout，andtheworkwenton。Therainfell，andtheSmoke-serpents，submissivetothecurseofallthattribe，trailedthemselvesupontheearth。Inthewaste-yardoutside，thesteamfromtheescapepipe，thelitterofbarrelsandoldiron，theshiningheapsofcoals，theasheseverywhere，wereshroudedinaveilofmistandrain。
Theworkwenton，untilthenoon-bellrang。Moreclatteringuponthepavements。Thelooms，andwheels，andHandsalloutofgearforanhour。
Stephencameoutofthehotmillintothedampwindandcoldwetstreets，haggardandworn。Heturnedfromhisownclassandhisownquarter，takingnothingbutalittlebreadashewalkedalong，towardsthehillonwhichhisprincipalemployerlived，inaredhousewithblackoutsideshutters，greeninsideblinds，ablackstreetdoor，uptwowhitesteps，BOUNDERBYinlettersverylikehimselfuponabrazenplate，andaroundbrazendoor-handleunderneathit，likeabrazenfull-stop。
Mr。Bounderbywasathislunch。SoStephenhadexpected。WouldhisservantsaythatoneoftheHandsbeggedleavetospeaktohim？
Messageinreturn，requiringnameofsuchHand。StephenBlackpool。
TherewasnothingtroublesomeagainstStephenBlackpool；yes，hemightcomein。
StephenBlackpoolintheparlour。Mr。Bounderbywhomhejustknewbysight，atlunchonchopandsherry。Mrs。Sparsitnettingatthefireside，inaside-saddleattitude，withonefootinacottonstirrup。Itwasapart，atonceofMrs。Sparsit\'sdignityandservice，nottolunch。Shesupervisedthemealofficially，butimpliedthatinherownstatelypersonsheconsideredlunchaweakness。
\'Now，Stephen，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'what\'sthematterwithyou？\'
Stephenmadeabow。Notaservileone-theseHandswillneverdothat！Lordblessyou，sir，you\'llnevercatchthematthat，iftheyhavebeenwithyoutwentyyears！-and，asacomplimentarytoiletforMrs。Sparsit，tuckedhisneckerchiefendsintohiswaistcoat。
\'Now，youknow，\'saidMr。Bounderby，takingsomesherry，\'wehaveneverhadanydifficultywithyou，andyouhaveneverbeenoneoftheunreasonableones。Youdon\'texpecttobesetupinacoachandsix，andtobefedonturtlesoupandvenison，withagoldspoon，asagoodmanyof\'emdo！\'Mr。Bounderbyalwaysrepresentedthistobethesole，immediate，anddirectobjectofanyHandwhowasnotentirelysatisfied；\'andthereforeIknowalreadythatyouhavenotcomeheretomakeacomplaint。Now，youknow，Iamcertainofthat，beforehand。\'
\'No，sir，sureIha\'notcoomfornowto\'th\'kind。\'
Mr。Bounderbyseemedagreeablysurprised，notwithstandinghispreviousstrongconviction。\'Verywell，\'hereturned。\'You\'reasteadyHand，andIwasnotmistaken。Now，letmehearwhatit\'sallabout。Asit\'snotthat，letmehearwhatitis。Whathaveyougottosay？Outwithit，lad！\'
StephenhappenedtoglancetowardsMrs。Sparsit。\'Icango，Mr。
Bounderby，ifyouwishit，\'saidthatself-sacrificinglady，makingafeintoftakingherfootoutofthestirrup。
Mr。Bounderbystayedher，byholdingamouthfulofchopinsuspensionbeforeswallowingit，andputtingouthislefthand。
Then，withdrawinghishandandswallowinghismouthfulofchop，hesaidtoStephen:
\'Nowyouknow，thisgoodladyisabornlady，ahighlady。Youarenottosupposebecauseshekeepsmyhouseforme，thatshehasn\'tbeenveryhighupthetree-ah，upatthetopofthetree！Now，ifyouhavegotanythingtosaythatcan\'tbesaidbeforeabornlady，thisladywillleavetheroom。Ifwhatyouhavegottosaycanbesaidbeforeabornlady，thisladywillstaywheresheis。\'
\'Sir，IhopeIneverhadnowttosay，notfittenforabornladytoyear，sin\'Iwerebornmysen\'，\'wasthereply，accompaniedwithaslightflush。
\'Verywell，\'saidMr。Bounderby，pushingawayhisplate，andleaningback。\'Fireaway！\'
\'Iha\'coom，\'Stephenbegan，raisinghiseyesfromthefloor，afteramoment\'sconsideration，\'toaskyoyoradvice。Ineed\'tovermuch。IweremarriedonEas\'rMondaynineteenyearsin，longanddree。Shewereayounglass-prettyenow-wi\'goodaccountsofherseln。Well！Shewentbad-soon。Notalongofme。GonnowsIwerenotaunkindhusbandtoher。\'
\'Ihaveheardallthisbefore，\'saidMr。Bounderby。\'Shetooktodrinking，leftoffworking，soldthefurniture，pawnedtheclothes，andplayedoldGooseberry。\'
\'Iwerepatientwi\'her。\'
\'Themorefoolyou，Ithink，\'saidMr。Bounderby，inconfidencetohiswine-glass。
\'Iwereverypatientwi\'her。Itriedtoweanherfra\'towerandoweragen。Itriedthis，Itriedthat，Itriedt\'other。Iha\'
gonehome，many\'sthetime，andfoundallvanishedasIhadintheworld，andherwithoutasenselefttoblessherselnlyingonbareground。Iha\'dun\'tnotonce，nottwice-twentytime！\'
Everylineinhisfacedeepenedashesaidit，andputinitsaffectingevidenceofthesufferinghehadundergone。
\'Frombadtoworse，fromworsetoworsen。Sheleftme。Shedisgracedherselneveryways，bitterandbad。Shecoomback，shecoomback，shecoomback。WhatcouldIdot\'hinderher？Iha\'
walkedthestreetsnightslong，ereeverI\'dgohome。Iha\'gonet\'th\'brigg，mindedtoflingmyselnower，andha\'nomoreon\'t。I
ha\'borethatmuch，thatIwereowdwhenIwereyoung。\'
Mrs。Sparsit，easilyamblingalongwithhernetting-needles，raisedtheCoriolanianeyebrowsandshookherhead，asmuchastosay，\'Thegreatknowtroubleaswellasthesmall。PleasetoturnyourhumbleeyeinMydirection。\'
\'Iha\'paidhertokeepawa\'fra\'me。ThesefiveyearIha\'paidher。Iha\'gottendecentfewtrilsaboutmeagen。Iha\'livedhardandsad，butnotashamedandfearfo\'a\'theminnitso\'mylife。
Lastnight，Iwenthome。Thereshelayuponmyhar-stone！Theresheis！\'
Inthestrengthofhismisfortune，andtheenergyofhisdistress，hefiredforthemomentlikeaproudman。Inanothermoment，hestoodashehadstoodallthetime-hisusualstoopuponhim；hisponderingfaceaddressedtoMr。Bounderby，withacuriousexpressiononit，halfshrewd，halfperplexed，asifhismindweresetuponunravellingsomethingverydifficult；hishatheldtightinhislefthand，whichrestedonhiship；hisrightarm，witharuggedproprietyandforceofaction，veryearnestlyemphasizingwhathesaid:notleastsowhenitalwayspaused，alittlebent，butnotwithdrawn，ashepaused。
\'Iwasacquaintedwithallthis，youknow，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'exceptthelastclause，longago。It\'sabadjob；that\'swhatitis。Youhadbetterhavebeensatisfiedasyouwere，andnothavegotmarried。However，it\'stoolatetosaythat。\'
\'Wasitanunequalmarriage，sir，inpointofyears？\'askedMrs。
Sparsit。
\'Youhearwhatthisladyasks。Wasitanunequalmarriageinpointofyears，thisunluckyjobofyours？\'saidMr。Bounderby。
\'Note\'enso。Iwereone-and-twentymyseln；sheweretwentynighbut。\'
\'Indeed，sir？\'saidMrs。SparsittoherChief，withgreatplacidity。\'Iinferred，fromitsbeingsomiserableamarriage，thatitwasprobablyanunequaloneinpointofyears。\'
Mr。Bounderbylookedveryhardatthegoodladyinaside-longwaythathadanoddsheepishnessaboutit。Hefortifiedhimselfwithalittlemoresherry。
\'Well？Whydon\'tyougoon？\'hethenasked，turningratherirritablyonStephenBlackpool。
\'Iha\'coomtoaskyo，sir，howIamtoberiddedo\'thiswoman。\'
Stepheninfusedayetdeepergravityintothemixedexpressionofhisattentiveface。Mrs。Sparsitutteredagentleejaculation，ashavingreceivedamoralshock。
\'Whatdoyoumean？\'saidBounderby，gettinguptoleanhisbackagainstthechimney-piece。\'Whatareyoutalkingabout？Youtookherforbetterforworse。\'
\'Imun\'beriddeno\'her。Icannotbear\'tnommore。Iha\'livedunder\'tsolong，forthatIha\'had\'nthepityandcomfortingwordso\'th\'bestlasslivingordead。Haply，butforher，I
shouldha\'gonebatteringmad。\'
\'Hewishestobefree，tomarrythefemaleofwhomhespeaks，I
fear，sir，\'observedMrs。Sparsitinanundertone，andmuchdejectedbytheimmoralityofthepeople。
\'Ido。Theladysayswhat\'sright。Ido。Iwereacomingto\'t。
Iha\'readi\'th\'papersthatgreatfolkfairfaw\'ema\'！I
wishes\'emnohurt！arenotbondedtogetherforbetterforworstsofast，butthattheycanbesetfreefro\'theirmisfortnetmarriages，an\'marryoweragen。Whentheydunnotagree，forthattheirtempersisill-sorted，theyhasroomso\'onekindan\'anotherintheirhouses，aboveabit，andtheycanliveasunders。Wefokha\'onlyoneroom，andwecan\'t。Whenthatwon\'tdo，theyha\'gowdan\'othercash，an\'theycansay\"Thisforyo\'an\'thatforme，\"
an\'theycangotheirseparateways。Wecan\'t。Spiteo\'allthat，theycanbesetfreeforsmallerwrongsthanmine。So，Imunberiddeno\'thiswoman，andIwantt\'knowhow？\'
\'Nohow，\'returnedMr。Bounderby。
\'IfIdoheranyhurt，sir，there\'salawtopunishme？\'
\'Ofcoursethereis。\'
\'IfIfleefromher，there\'salawtopunishme？\'
\'Ofcoursethereis。\'
\'IfImarryt\'ootherdearlass，there\'salawtopunishme？\'
\'Ofcoursethereis。\'
\'IfIwastolivewi\'heran\'notmarryher-sayingsuchathingcouldbe，whichitnevercouldorwould，an\'hersogood-there\'salawtopunishme，ineveryinnocentchildbelongingtome？\'
\'Ofcoursethereis。\'
\'Now，a\'God\'sname，\'saidStephenBlackpool，\'showmethelawtohelpme！\'
\'Hem！There\'sasanctityinthisrelationoflife，\'saidMr。
Bounderby，\'and-and-itmustbekeptup。\'
\'Nono，dunnotsaythat，sir。\'Tan\'tkep\'upthatway。Notthatway。\'Tiskep\'downthatway。I\'maweaver，Iwereinafact\'rywhenachilt，butIha\'gotteneentoseewi\'andeerntoyearwi\'。
Ireadinth\'papersevery\'Sizes，everySessions-andyoureadtoo-Iknowit！-withdismay-howth\'supposedunpossibilityo\'
evergettingunchainedfromoneanother，atanyprice，onanyterms，bringsblooduponthisland，andbringsmanycommonmarriedfoktobattle，murder，andsuddendeath。Letusha\'this，rightunderstood。Mine\'sagrievouscase，an\'Iwant-ifyowillbesogood-t\'knowthelawthathelpsme。\'
\'Now，Itellyouwhat！\'saidMr。Bounderby，puttinghishandsinhispockets。\'Thereissuchalaw。\'
Stephen，subsidingintohisquietmanner，andneverwanderinginhisattention，gaveanod。
\'Butit\'snotforyouatall。Itcostsmoney。Itcostsamintofmoney。\'
\'Howmuchmightthatbe？\'Stephencalmlyasked。
\'Why，you\'dhavetogotoDoctors\'Commonswithasuit，andyou\'dhavetogotoacourtofCommonLawwithasuit，andyou\'dhavetogototheHouseofLordswithasuit，andyou\'dhavetogetanActofParliamenttoenableyoutomarryagain，anditwouldcostyouifitwasacaseofveryplainsailing，Isupposefromathousandtofifteenhundredpound，\'saidMr。Bounderby。\'Perhapstwicethemoney。\'
\'There\'snootherlaw？\'
\'Certainlynot。\'
\'Whythen，sir，\'saidStephen，turningwhite，andmotioningwiththatrighthandofhis，asifhegaveeverythingtothefourwinds，\'\'tisamuddle。\'Tisjustamuddlea\'toogether，an\'thesoonerI
amdead，thebetter。\'
Mrs。Sparsitagaindejectedbytheimpietyofthepeople。
\'Pooh，pooh！Don\'tyoutalknonsense，mygoodfellow，\'saidMr。
Bounderby，\'aboutthingsyoudon\'tunderstand；anddon\'tyoucalltheInstitutionsofyourcountryamuddle，oryou\'llgetyourselfintoarealmuddleoneofthesefinemornings。Theinstitutionsofyourcountryarenotyourpiece-work，andtheonlythingyouhavegottodo，is，tomindyourpiece-work。Youdidn\'ttakeyourwifeforfastandforloose；butforbetterforworse。Ifshehasturnedoutworse-why，allwehavegottosayis，shemighthaveturnedoutbetter。\'
\'\'Tisamuddle，\'saidStephen，shakinghisheadashemovedtothedoor。\'\'Tisa\'amuddle！\'
\'Now，I\'lltellyouwhat！\'Mr。Bounderbyresumed，asavaledictoryaddress。\'WithwhatIshallcallyourunhallowedopinions，youhavebeenquiteshockingthislady:who，asIhavealreadytoldyou，isabornlady，andwho，asIhavenotalreadytoldyou，hashadherownmarriagemisfortunestothetuneoftensofthousandsofpounds-tensofThousandsofPounds！\'herepeateditwithgreatrelish。\'Now，youhavealwaysbeenasteadyHandhitherto；
butmyopinionis，andsoItellyouplainly，thatyouareturningintothewrongroad。Youhavebeenlisteningtosomemischievousstrangerorother-they\'realwaysabout-andthebestthingyoucandois，tocomeoutofthat。Nowyouknow；\'herehiscountenanceexpressedmarvellousacuteness；\'Icanseeasfarintoagrindstoneasanotherman；fartherthanagoodmany，perhaps，becauseIhadmynosewellkepttoitwhenIwasyoung。Iseetracesoftheturtlesoup，andvenison，andgoldspooninthis。
Yes，Ido！\'criedMr。Bounderby，shakinghisheadwithobstinatecunning。\'BytheLordHarry，Ido！\'
Withaverydifferentshakeoftheheadanddeepsigh，Stephensaid，\'Thankyou，sir，Iwishyougoodday。\'SoheleftMr。
Bounderbyswellingathisownportraitonthewall，asifheweregoingtoexplodehimselfintoit；andMrs。Sparsitstillamblingonwithherfootinherstirrup，lookingquitecastdownbythepopularvices。
CHAPTERXII-THEOLDWOMAN
OLDSTEPHENdescendedthetwowhitesteps，shuttingtheblackdoorwiththebrazendoor-plate，bytheaidofthebrazenfull-stop，towhichhegaveapartingpolishwiththesleeveofhiscoat，observingthathishothandcloudedit。Hecrossedthestreetwithhiseyesbentupontheground，andthuswaswalkingsorrowfullyaway，whenhefeltatouchuponhisarm。
Itwasnotthetouchheneededmostatsuchamoment-thetouchthatcouldcalmthewildwatersofhissoul，astheupliftedhandofthesublimestloveandpatiencecouldabatetheragingofthesea-yetitwasawoman\'shandtoo。Itwasanoldwoman，tallandshapelystill，thoughwitheredbytime，onwhomhiseyesfellwhenhestoppedandturned。Shewasverycleanlyandplainlydressed，hadcountrymuduponhershoes，andwasnewlycomefromajourney。
Theflutterofhermanner，intheunwontednoiseofthestreets；
thespareshawl，carriedunfoldedonherarm；theheavyumbrella，andlittlebasket；thelooselong-fingeredgloves，towhichherhandswereunused；allbespokeanoldwomanfromthecountry，inherplainholidayclothes，comeintoCoketownonanexpeditionofrareoccurrence。Remarkingthisataglance，withthequickobservationofhisclass，StephenBlackpoolbenthisattentiveface-hisface，which，likethefacesofmanyofhisorder，bydintoflongworkingwitheyesandhandsinthemidstofaprodigiousnoise，hadacquiredtheconcentratedlookwithwhichwearefamiliarinthecountenancesofthedeaf-thebettertohearwhatsheaskedhim。
\'Pray，sir，\'saidtheoldwoman，\'didn\'tIseeyoucomeoutofthatgentleman\'shouse？\'pointingbacktoMr。Bounderby\'s。\'Ibelieveitwasyou，unlessIhavehadthebadlucktomistakethepersoninfollowing？\'
\'Yes，missus，\'returnedStephen，\'itwereme。\'
\'Haveyou-you\'llexcuseanoldwoman\'scuriosity-haveyouseenthegentleman？\'
\'Yes，missus。\'
\'Andhowdidhelook，sir？Washeportly，bold，outspoken，andhearty？\'Asshestraightenedherownfigure，andheldupherheadinadaptingheractiontoherwords，theideacrossedStephenthathehadseenthisoldwomanbefore，andhadnotquitelikedher。
\'Oyes，\'hereturned，observinghermoreattentively，\'hewereallthat。\'
\'Andhealthy，\'saidtheoldwoman，\'asthefreshwind？\'
\'Yes，\'returnedStephen。\'Hewereett\'nanddrinking-aslargeandasloudasaHummobee。\'
\'Thankyou！\'saidtheoldwoman，withinfinitecontent。\'Thankyou！\'
Hecertainlyneverhadseenthisoldwomanbefore。Yettherewasavagueremembranceinhismind，asifhehadmorethanoncedreamedofsomeoldwomanlikeher。
Shewalkedalongathisside，and，gentlyaccommodatinghimselftoherhumour，hesaidCoketownwasabusyplace，wasitnot？Towhichsheanswered\'Eighsure！Dreadfulbusy！\'Thenhesaid，shecamefromthecountry，hesaw？Towhichsheansweredintheaffirmative。
\'ByParliamentary，thismorning。IcamefortymilebyParliamentarythismorning，andI\'mgoingbackthesamefortymilethisafternoon。Iwalkedninemiletothestationthismorning，andifIfindnobodyontheroadtogivemealift，Ishallwalktheninemilebackto-night。That\'sprettywell，sir，atmyage！\'
saidthechattyoldwoman，hereyebrighteningwithexultation。
\'\'Deed\'tis。Don\'tdo\'ttoooften，missus。\'
\'No，no。Onceayear，\'sheanswered，shakingherhead。\'Ispendmysavingsso，onceeveryyear。Icomeregular，totrampaboutthestreets，andseethegentlemen。\'
\'Onlytosee\'em？\'returnedStephen。
\'That\'senoughforme，\'shereplied，withgreatearnestnessandinterestofmanner。\'Iasknomore！Ihavebeenstandingabout，onthissideoftheway，toseethatgentleman，\'turningherheadbacktowardsMr。Bounderby\'sagain，\'comeout。But，he\'slatethisyear，andIhavenotseenhim。Youcameoutinstead。Now，ifIamobligedtogobackwithoutaglimpseofhim-Ionlywantaglimpse-well！Ihaveseenyou，andyouhaveseenhim，andImustmakethatdo。\'Sayingthis，shelookedatStephenasiftofixhisfeaturesinhermind，andhereyewasnotsobrightasithadbeen。
Withalargeallowancefordifferenceoftastes，andwithallsubmissiontothepatriciansofCoketown，thisseemedsoextraordinaryasourceofinteresttotakesomuchtroubleabout，thatitperplexedhim。Buttheywerepassingthechurchnow，andashiseyecaughttheclock，hequickenedhispace。
Hewasgoingtohiswork？theoldwomansaid，quickeninghers，too，quiteeasily。Yes，timewasnearlyout。Onhistellingherwhereheworked，theoldwomanbecameamoresingularoldwomanthanbefore。
\'An\'tyouhappy？\'sheaskedhim。
\'Why-there\'sawmostnobbodybuthastheirtroubles，missus。\'Heansweredevasively，becausetheoldwomanappearedtotakeitforgrantedthathewouldbeveryhappyindeed，andhehadnotthehearttodisappointher。Heknewthattherewastroubleenoughintheworld；andiftheoldwomanhadlivedsolong，andcouldcountuponhishavingsolittle，whysomuchthebetterforher，andnonetheworseforhim。
\'Ay，ay！Youhaveyourtroublesathome，youmean？\'shesaid。
\'Times。Justnowandthen，\'heanswered，slightly。
\'But，workingundersuchagentleman，theydon\'tfollowyoutotheFactory？\'
No，no；theydidn\'tfollowhimthere，saidStephen。Allcorrectthere。Everythingaccordantthere。Hedidnotgosofarastosay，forherpleasure，thattherewasasortofDivineRightthere；
but，Ihaveheardclaimsalmostasmagnificentoflateyears。
Theywerenowintheblackby-roadneartheplace，andtheHandswerecrowdingin。Thebellwasringing，andtheSerpentwasaSerpentofmanycoils，andtheElephantwasgettingready。Thestrangeoldwomanwasdelightedwiththeverybell。Itwasthebeautifullestbellshehadeverheard，shesaid，andsoundedgrand！
Sheaskedhim，whenhestoppedgood-naturedlytoshakehandswithherbeforegoingin，howlonghehadworkedthere？
\'Adozenyear，\'hetoldher。
\'Imustkissthehand，\'saidshe，\'thathasworkedinthisfinefactoryforadozenyear！\'Andsheliftedit，thoughhewouldhavepreventedher，andputittoherlips。Whatharmony，besidesherageandhersimplicity，surroundedher，hedidnotknow，buteveninthisfantasticactiontherewasasomethingneitheroutoftimenorplace:asomethingwhichitseemedasifnobodyelsecouldhavemadeasserious，ordonewithsuchanaturalandtouchingair。
Hehadbeenathisloomfullhalfanhour，thinkingaboutthisoldwoman，when，havingoccasiontomoveroundtheloomforitsadjustment，heglancedthroughawindowwhichwasinhiscorner，andsawherstilllookingupatthepileofbuilding，lostinadmiration。Heedlessofthesmokeandmudandwet，andofhertwolongjourneys，shewasgazingatit，asiftheheavythrumthatissuedfromitsmanystorieswereproudmusictoher。
Shewasgonebyandby，andthedaywentafterher，andthelightssprungupagain，andtheExpresswhirledinfullsightoftheFairyPalaceoverthearchesnear:littlefeltamidthejarringofthemachinery，andscarcelyheardaboveitscrashandrattle。Longbeforethenhisthoughtshadgonebacktothedrearyroomabovethelittleshop，andtotheshamefulfigureheavyonthebed，butheavieronhisheart。
Machineryslackened；throbbingfeeblylikeafaintingpulse；
stopped。Thebellagain；theglareoflightandheatdispelled；
thefactories，loomingheavyintheblackwetnight-theirtallchimneysrisingupintotheairlikecompetingTowersofBabel。
HehadspokentoRachaelonlylastnight，itwastrue，andhadwalkedwithheralittleway；buthehadhisnewmisfortuneonhim，inwhichnooneelsecouldgivehimamoment\'srelief，and，forthesakeofit，andbecauseheknewhimselftowantthatsofteningofhisangerwhichnovoicebutherscouldeffect，hefelthemightsofardisregardwhatshehadsaidastowaitforheragain。Hewaited，butshehadeludedhim。Shewasgone。Onnoothernightintheyearcouldhesoillhavesparedherpatientface。
O！Bettertohavenohomeinwhichtolayhishead，thantohaveahomeanddreadtogotoit，throughsuchacause。Heateanddrank，forhewasexhausted-buthelittlekneworcaredwhat；andhewanderedaboutinthechillrain，thinkingandthinking，andbroodingandbrooding。
Nowordofanewmarriagehadeverpassedbetweenthem；butRachaelhadtakengreatpityonhimyearsago，andtoheralonehehadopenedhisclosedheartallthistime，onthesubjectofhismiseries；andheknewverywellthatifhewerefreetoaskher，shewouldtakehim。Hethoughtofthehomehemightatthatmomenthavebeenseekingwithpleasureandpride；ofthedifferentmanhemighthavebeenthatnight；ofthelightnesstheninhisnowheavy-
ladenbreast；ofthethenrestoredhonour，self-respect，andtranquillityalltorntopieces。Hethoughtofthewasteofthebestpartofhislife，ofthechangeitmadeinhischaracterfortheworseeveryday，ofthedreadfulnatureofhisexistence，boundhandandfoot，toadeadwoman，andtormentedbyademoninhershape。HethoughtofRachael，howyoungwhentheywerefirstbroughttogetherinthesecircumstances，howmaturenow，howsoontogrowold。Hethoughtofthenumberofgirlsandwomenshehadseenmarry，howmanyhomeswithchildreninthemshehadseengrowuparoundher，howshehadcontentedlypursuedherownlonequietpath-forhim-andhowhehadsometimesseenashadeofmelancholyonherblessedface，thatsmotehimwithremorseanddespair。Hesetthepictureofherup，besidetheinfamousimageoflastnight；andthought，Coulditbe，thatthewholeearthlycourseofonesogentle，good，andself-denying，wassubjugatetosuchawretchasthat！
Filledwiththesethoughts-sofilledthathehadanunwholesomesenseofgrowinglarger，ofbeingplacedinsomenewanddiseasedrelationtowardstheobjectsamongwhichhepassed，ofseeingtheirisroundeverymistylightturnred-hewenthomeforshelter。
CHAPTERXIII-RACHAEL
ACANDLEfaintlyburnedinthewindow，towhichtheblackladderhadoftenbeenraisedfortheslidingawayofallthatwasmostpreciousinthisworldtoastrivingwifeandabroodofhungrybabies；andStephenaddedtohisotherthoughtsthesternreflection，thatofallthecasualtiesofthisexistenceuponearth，notonewasdealtoutwithsounequalahandasDeath。TheinequalityofBirthwasnothingtoit。For，saythatthechildofaKingandthechildofaWeaverwerebornto-nightinthesamemoment，whatwasthatdisparity，tothedeathofanyhumancreaturewhowasserviceableto，orbelovedby，another，whilethisabandonedwomanlivedon！
Fromtheoutsideofhishomehegloomilypassedtotheinside，withsuspendedbreathandwithaslowfootstep。Hewentuptohisdoor，openedit，andsointotheroom。
Quietandpeacewerethere。Rachaelwasthere，sittingbythebed。
Sheturnedherhead，andthelightofherfaceshoneinuponthemidnightofhismind。Shesatbythebed，watchingandtendinghiswife。Thatistosay，hesawthatsomeonelaythere，andheknewtoowellitmustbeshe；butRachael\'shandshadputacurtainup，sothatshewasscreenedfromhiseyes。Herdisgracefulgarmentswereremoved，andsomeofRachael\'swereintheroom。Everythingwasinitsplaceandorderashehadalwayskeptit，thelittlefirewasnewlytrimmed，andthehearthwasfreshlyswept。ItappearedtohimthathesawallthisinRachael\'sface，andlookedatnothingbesides。Whilelookingatit，itwasshutoutfromhisviewbythesoftenedtearsthatfilledhiseyes；butnotbeforehehadseenhowearnestlyshelookedathim，andhowherowneyeswerefilledtoo。
Sheturnedagaintowardsthebed，andsatisfyingherselfthatallwasquietthere，spokeinalow，calm，cheerfulvoice。
\'Iamgladyouhavecomeatlast，Stephen。Youareverylate。\'
\'Iha\'beenwalkingupan\'down。\'
\'Ithoughtso。But\'tistoobadanightforthat。Therainfallsveryheavy，andthewindhasrisen。\'
Thewind？True。Itwasblowinghard。Harktothethunderinginthechimney，andthesurgingnoise！Tohavebeenoutinsuchawind，andnottohaveknownitwasblowing！
\'Ihavebeenhereoncebefore，to-day，Stephen。Landladycameroundformeatdinner-time。Therewassomeoneherethatneededlookingto，shesaid。And\'deedshewasright。Allwanderingandlost，Stephen。Woundedtoo，andbruised。\'
Heslowlymovedtoachairandsatdown，droopinghisheadbeforeher。
\'IcametodowhatlittleIcould，Stephen；first，forthatsheworkedwithmewhenweweregirlsboth，andforthatyoucourtedherandmarriedherwhenIwasherfriend-\'
Helaidhisfurrowedforeheadonhishand，withalowgroan。
\'Andnext，forthatIknowyourheart，andamrightsureandcertainthat\'tisfartoomercifultoletherdie，orevensomuchassuffer，forwantofaid。Thouknowestwhosaid，\"Lethimwhoiswithoutsinamongyoucastthefirststoneather！\"Therehavebeenplentytodothat。Thouartnotthemantocastthelaststone，Stephen，whensheisbroughtsolow。\'
\'ORachael，Rachael！\'
\'Thouhastbeenacruelsufferer，Heavenrewardthee！\'shesaid，incompassionateaccents。\'Iamthypoorfriend，withallmyheartandmind。\'
Thewoundsofwhichshehadspoken，seemedtobeabouttheneckoftheself-madeoutcast。Shedressedthemnow，stillwithoutshowingher。Shesteepedapieceoflineninabasin，intowhichshepouredsomeliquidfromabottle，andlaiditwithagentlehanduponthesore。Thethree-leggedtablehadbeendrawnclosetothebedside，andonitthereweretwobottles。Thiswasone。
Itwasnotsofaroff，butthatStephen，followingherhandswithhiseyes，couldreadwhatwasprintedonitinlargeletters。Heturnedofadeadlyhue，andasuddenhorrorseemedtofalluponhim。
\'Iwillstayhere，Stephen，\'saidRachael，quietlyresumingherseat，\'tillthebellsgoThree。\'Tistobedoneagainatthree，andthenshemaybelefttillmorning。\'
\'Butthyrestagento-morrow\'swork，mydear。\'
\'Isleptsoundlastnight。Icanwakemanynights，whenIamputtoit。\'Tisthouwhoartinneedofrest-sowhiteandtired。
Trytosleepinthechairthere，whileIwatch。Thouhadstnosleeplastnight，Icanwellbelieve。To-morrow\'sworkisfarharderfortheethanforme。\'
Heheardthethunderingandsurgingoutofdoors，anditseemedtohimasifhislateangrymoodweregoingabouttryingtogetathim。Shehadcastitout；shewouldkeepitout；hetrustedtohertodefendhimfromhimself。
\'Shedon\'tknowme，Stephen；shejustdrowsilymuttersandstares。
Ihavespokentohertimesandagain，butshedon\'tnotice！\'Tisaswellso。Whenshecomestoherrightmindoncemore，IshallhavedonewhatIcan，andsheneverthewiser。\'
\'Howlong，Rachael，is\'tlookedfor，thatshe\'llbeso？\'
\'Doctorsaidshewouldhaplycometohermindto-morrow。\'
Hiseyesfellagainonthebottle，andatremblepassedoverhim，causinghimtoshiverineverylimb。Shethoughthewaschilledwiththewet。\'No，\'hesaid，\'itwasnotthat。Hehadhadafright。\'
\'Afright？\'
\'Ay，ay！comingin。WhenIwerewalking。WhenIwerethinking。
WhenI-\'Itseizedhimagain；andhestoodup，holdingbythemantel-shelf，ashepressedhisdankcoldhairdownwithahandthatshookasifitwerepalsied。
\'Stephen！\'
Shewascomingtohim，buthestretchedouthisarmtostopher。
\'No！Don\'t，please；don\'t。Letmeseetheesettenbythebed。
Letmeseethee，a\'sogood，andsoforgiving。LetmeseetheeasIseetheewhenIcoomin。Icanneverseetheebetterthanso。
Never，never，never！\'
Hehadaviolentfitoftrembling，andthensunkintohischair。
Afteratimehecontrolledhimself，and，restingwithanelbowononeknee，andhisheaduponthathand，couldlooktowardsRachael。
Seenacrossthedimcandlewithhismoistenedeyes，shelookedasifshehadagloryshiningroundherhead。Hecouldhavebelievedshehad。Hedidbelieveit，asthenoisewithoutshookthewindow，rattledatthedoorbelow，andwentaboutthehouseclamouringandlamenting。
\'Whenshegetsbetter，Stephen，\'tistobehopedshe\'llleavetheetothyselfagain，anddotheenomorehurt。Anywayswewillhopesonow。AndnowIshallkeepsilence，forIwanttheetosleep。\'
Heclosedhiseyes，moretopleaseherthantoresthiswearyhead；
but，byslowdegreesashelistenedtothegreatnoiseofthewind，heceasedtohearit，oritchangedintotheworkingofhisloom，orevenintothevoicesofthedayhisownincludedsayingwhathadbeenreallysaid。Eventhisimperfectconsciousnessfadedawayatlast，andhedreamedalong，troubleddream。
Hethoughtthathe，andsomeoneonwhomhishearthadlongbeenset-butshewasnotRachael，andthatsurprisedhim，eveninthemidstofhisimaginaryhappiness-stoodinthechurchbeingmarried。Whiletheceremonywasperforming，andwhileherecognizedamongthewitnessessomewhomheknewtobeliving，andmanywhomheknewtobedead，darknesscameon，succeededbytheshiningofatremendouslight。Itbrokefromonelineinthetableofcommandmentsatthealtar，andilluminatedthebuildingwiththewords。Theyweresoundedthroughthechurch，too，asiftherewerevoicesinthefieryletters。Uponthis，thewholeappearancebeforehimandaroundhimchanged，andnothingwasleftasithadbeen，buthimselfandtheclergyman。Theystoodinthedaylightbeforeacrowdsovast，thatifallthepeopleintheworldcouldhavebeenbroughttogetherintoonespace，theycouldnothavelooked，hethought，morenumerous；andtheyallabhorredhim，andtherewasnotonepityingorfriendlyeyeamongthemillionsthatwerefastenedonhisface。Hestoodonaraisedstage，underhisownloom；and，lookingupattheshapetheloomtook，andhearingtheburialservicedistinctlyread，heknewthathewastheretosufferdeath。Inaninstantwhathestoodonfellbelowhim，andhewasgone-
Outofwhatmysteryhecamebacktohisusuallife，andtoplacesthatheknew，hewasunabletoconsider；buthewasbackinthoseplacesbysomemeans，andwiththiscondemnationuponhim，thathewasnever，inthisworldorthenext，throughalltheunimaginableagesofeternity，tolookonRachael\'sfaceorhearhervoice。
Wanderingtoandfro，unceasingly，withouthope，andinsearchofheknewnotwhatheonlyknewthathewasdoomedtoseekit，hewasthesubjectofanameless，horribledread，amortalfearofoneparticularshapewhicheverythingtook。Whatsoeverhelookedat，grewintothatformsoonerorlater。Theobjectofhismiserableexistencewastopreventitsrecognitionbyanyoneamongthevariouspeopleheencountered。Hopelesslabour！Ifheledthemoutofroomswhereitwas，ifheshutupdrawersandclosetswhereitstood，ifhedrewthecuriousfromplaceswhereheknewittobesecreted，andgotthemoutintothestreets，theverychimneysofthemillsassumedthatshape，androundthemwastheprintedword。
Thewindwasblowingagain，therainwasbeatingonthehouse-tops，andthelargerspacesthroughwhichhehadstrayedcontractedtothefourwallsofhisroom。Savingthatthefirehaddiedout，itwasashiseyeshadcloseduponit。Rachaelseemedtohavefallenintoadoze，inthechairbythebed。Shesatwrappedinhershawl，perfectlystill。Thetablestoodinthesameplace，closebythebedside，andonit，initsrealproportionsandappearance，wastheshapesooftenrepeated。
Hethoughthesawthecurtainmove。Helookedagain，andhewassureitmoved。Hesawahandcomeforthandgropeaboutalittle。
Thenthecurtainmovedmoreperceptibly，andthewomaninthebedputitback，andsatup。
Withherwofuleyes，sohaggardandwild，soheavyandlarge，shelookedallroundtheroom，andpassedthecornerwherehesleptinhischair。Hereyesreturnedtothatcorner，andsheputherhandoverthemasashade，whileshelookedintoit。Againtheywentallroundtheroom，scarcelyheedingRachaelifatall，andreturnedtothatcorner。Hethought，assheoncemoreshadedthem-notsomuchlookingathim，aslookingforhimwithabrutishinstinctthathewasthere-thatnosingletracewasleftinthosedebauchedfeatures，orinthemindthatwentalongwiththem，ofthewomanhehadmarriedeighteenyearsbefore。Butthathehadseenhercometothisbyinches，henevercouldhavebelievedhertobethesame。
Allthistime，asifaspellwereonhim，hewasmotionlessandpowerless，excepttowatchher。
Stupidlydozing，orcommuningwithherincapableselfaboutnothing，shesatforalittlewhilewithherhandsatherears，andherheadrestingonthem。Presently，sheresumedherstaringroundtheroom。Andnow，forthefirsttime，hereyesstoppedatthetablewiththebottlesonit。
Straightwaysheturnedhereyesbacktohiscorner，withthedefianceoflastnight，andmovingverycautiouslyandsoftly，stretchedouthergreedyhand。Shedrewamugintothebed，andsatforawhileconsideringwhichofthetwobottlessheshouldchoose。Finally，shelaidherinsensategraspuponthebottlethathadswiftandcertaindeathinit，and，beforehiseyes，pulledoutthecorkwithherteeth。
Dreamorreality，hehadnovoice，norhadhepowertostir。Ifthisbereal，andherallottedtimebenotyetcome，wake，Rachael，wake！
Shethoughtofthat，too。ShelookedatRachael，andveryslowly，verycautiously，pouredoutthecontents。Thedraughtwasatherlips。Amomentandshewouldbepastallhelp，letthewholeworldwakeandcomeaboutherwithitsutmostpower。ButinthatmomentRachaelstartedupwithasuppressedcry。Thecreaturestruggled，struckher，seizedherbythehair；butRachaelhadthecup。
Stephenbrokeoutofhischair。\'Rachael，amIwakin\'ordreamin\'
thisdreadfo\'night？\'
\'\'Tisallwell，Stephen。Ihavebeenasleep，myself。\'Tisnearthree。Hush！Ihearthebells。\'
Thewindbroughtthesoundsofthechurchclocktothewindow。
Theylistened，anditstruckthree。Stephenlookedather，sawhowpaleshewas，notedthedisorderofherhair，andtheredmarksoffingersonherforehead，andfeltassuredthathissensesofsightandhearinghadbeenawake。Sheheldthecupinherhandevennow。
\'Ithoughtitmustbenearthree，\'shesaid，calmlypouringfromthecupintothebasin，andsteepingthelinenasbefore。\'IamthankfulIstayed！\'Tisdonenow，whenIhaveputthison。There！
Andnowshe\'squietagain。ThefewdropsinthebasinI\'llpouraway，for\'tisbadstufftoleaveabout，thougheversolittleofit。\'Asshespoke，shedrainedthebasinintotheashesofthefire，andbrokethebottleonthehearth。
Shehadnothingtodo，then，buttocoverherselfwithhershawlbeforegoingoutintothewindandrain。
\'Thou\'ltletmewalkwi\'theeatthishour，Rachael？\'
\'No，Stephen。\'Tisbutaminute，andI\'mhome。\'
\'Thou\'rtnotfearfo\'；\'hesaiditinalowvoice，astheywentoutatthedoor；\'toleavemealonewi\'her！\'
Asshelookedathim，saying，\'Stephen？\'hewentdownonhiskneebeforeher，onthepoormeanstairs，andputanendofhershawltohislips。
\'ThouartanAngel。Blessthee，blessthee！\'
\'Iam，asIhavetoldthee，Stephen，thypoorfriend。Angelsarenotlikeme。Betweenthem，andaworkingwomanfu\'offaults，thereisadeepgulfset。Mylittlesisterisamongthem，butsheischanged。\'
Sheraisedhereyesforamomentasshesaidthewords；andthentheyfellagain，inalltheirgentlenessandmildness，onhisface。
\'Thouchangestmefrombadtogood。Thoumak\'stmehumblywishfo\'
tobemorelikethee，andfearfo\'tolosetheewhenthislifeisower，anda\'themuddleclearedawa\'。Thou\'rtanAngel；itmaybe，thouhastsavedmysoulalive！\'
Shelookedathim，onhiskneeatherfeet，withhershawlstillinhishand，andthereproofonherlipsdiedawaywhenshesawtheworkingofhisface。
\'Icoomhomedesp\'rate。Icoomhomewi\'outahope，andmadwi\'
thinkingthatwhenIsaidawordo\'complaintIwasreckonedaunreasonableHand。ItoldtheeIhadhadafright。ItwerethePoison-bottleontable。Ineverhurtalivin\'creetur；buthappenin\'sosuddenlyupon\'t，Ithowt，\"HowcanIsaywhatImightha\'donetomyseln，orher，orboth！\"\'
Sheputhertwohandsonhismouth，withafaceofterror，tostophimfromsayingmore。Hecaughttheminhisunoccupiedhand，andholdingthem，andstillclaspingtheborderofhershawl，saidhurriedly:
\'ButIseethee，Rachael，settenbythebed。Iha\'seenthee，awthisnight。InmytroubloussleepIha\'knowntheestilltobethere。EvermoreIwillseetheethere。Inevermorewillseeherorthinko\'her，butthoushaltbebesideher。Inevermorewillseeorthinko\'anythingthatangersme，butthou，somuchbetterthanme，shaltbebyth\'sideon\'t。AndsoIwilltryt\'lookt\'
th\'time，andsoIwilltryt\'trustt\'th\'time，whenthouandmeatlastshallwalktogetherfarawa\'，beyondthedeepgulf，inth\'
countrywherethylittlesisteris。\'
Hekissedtheborderofhershawlagain，andlethergo。Shebadehimgoodnightinabrokenvoice，andwentoutintothestreet。
Thewindblewfromthequarterwherethedaywouldsoonappear，andstillblewstrongly。Ithadclearedtheskybeforeit，andtherainhadspentitselfortravelledelsewhere，andthestarswerebright。Hestoodbare-headedintheroad，watchingherquickdisappearance。Astheshiningstarsweretotheheavycandleinthewindow，sowasRachael，intheruggedfancyofthisman，tothecommonexperiencesofhislife。
CHAPTERXIV-THEGREATMANUFACTURER
TIMEwentoninCoketownlikeitsownmachinery:somuchmaterialwroughtup，somuchfuelconsumed，somanypowerswornout，somuchmoneymade。But，lessinexorablethaniron，steal，andbrass，itbroughtitsvaryingseasonsevenintothatwildernessofsmokeandbrick，andmadetheonlystandthateverwasmadeintheplaceagainstitsdirefuluniformity。
\'Louisaisbecoming，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'almostayoungwoman。\'
Time，withhisinnumerablehorse-power，workedaway，notmindingwhatanybodysaid，andpresentlyturnedoutyoungThomasafoottallerthanwhenhisfatherhadlasttakenparticularnoticeofhim。
\'Thomasisbecoming，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'almostayoungman。\'
TimepassedThomasoninthemill，whilehisfatherwasthinkingaboutit，andtherehestoodinalong-tailedcoatandastiffshirt-collar。
\'Really，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'theperiodhasarrivedwhenThomasoughttogotoBounderby。\'
Time，stickingtohim，passedhimonintoBounderby\'sBank，madehimaninmateofBounderby\'shouse，necessitatedthepurchaseofhisfirstrazor，andexercisedhimdiligentlyinhiscalculationsrelativetonumberone。
Thesamegreatmanufacturer，alwayswithanimmensevarietyofworkonhand，ineverystageofdevelopment，passedSissyonwardinhismill，andworkedherupintoaveryprettyarticleindeed。
\'Ifear，Jupe，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'thatyourcontinuanceattheschoolanylongerwouldbeuseless。\'
\'Iamafraiditwould，sir，\'Sissyansweredwithacurtsey。
\'Icannotdisguisefromyou，Jupe，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，knittinghisbrow，\'thattheresultofyourprobationtherehasdisappointedme；hasgreatlydisappointedme。Youhavenotacquired，underMr。
andMrs。M\'Choakumchild，anythinglikethatamountofexactknowledgewhichIlookedfor。Youareextremelydeficientinyourfacts。Youracquaintancewithfiguresisverylimited。Youarealtogetherbackward，andbelowthemark。\'
\'Iamsorry，sir，\'shereturned；\'butIknowitisquitetrue。YetIhavetriedhard，sir。\'
\'Yes，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'yes，Ibelieveyouhavetriedhard；I
haveobservedyou，andIcanfindnofaultinthatrespect。\'
\'Thankyou，sir。Ihavethoughtsometimes；\'Sissyverytimidhere；
\'thatperhapsItriedtolearntoomuch，andthatifIhadaskedtobeallowedtotryalittleless，Imighthave-\'
\'No，Jupe，no，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，shakinghisheadinhisprofoundestandmosteminentlypracticalway。\'No。Thecourseyoupursued，youpursuedaccordingtothesystem-thesystem-andthereisnomoretobesaidaboutit。Icanonlysupposethatthecircumstancesofyourearlylifeweretoounfavourabletothedevelopmentofyourreasoningpowers，andthatwebegantoolate。
Still，asIhavesaidalready，Iamdisappointed。\'
\'IwishIcouldhavemadeabetteracknowledgment，sir，ofyourkindnesstoapoorforlorngirlwhohadnoclaimuponyou，andofyourprotectionofher。\'
\'Don\'tshedtears，\'saidMr。Gradgrind。\'Don\'tshedtears。I
don\'tcomplainofyou。Youareanaffectionate，earnest，goodyoungwoman-and-andwemustmakethatdo。\'
\'Thankyou，sir，verymuch，\'saidSissy，withagratefulcurtsey。
\'YouareusefultoMrs。Gradgrind，andinagenerallypervadingwayyouareserviceableinthefamilyalso；soIunderstandfromMissLouisa，and，indeed，soIhaveobservedmyself。Ithereforehope，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'thatyoucanmakeyourselfhappyinthoserelations。\'
\'Ishouldhavenothingtowish，sir，if-\'
\'Iunderstandyou，\'saidMr。Gradgrind；\'youstillrefertoyourfather。IhaveheardfromMissLouisathatyoustillpreservethatbottle。Well！Ifyourtraininginthescienceofarrivingatexactresultshadbeenmoresuccessful，youwouldhavebeenwiseronthesepoints。Iwillsaynomore。\'
HereallylikedSissytoowelltohaveacontemptforher；
otherwiseheheldhercalculatingpowersinsuchveryslightestimationthathemusthavefallenuponthatconclusion。Somehoworother，hehadbecomepossessedbyanideathattherewassomethinginthisgirlwhichcouldhardlybesetforthinatabularform。Hercapacityofdefinitionmightbeeasilystatedataverylowfigure，hermathematicalknowledgeatnothing；yethewasnotsurethatifhehadbeenrequired，forexample，totickheroffintocolumnsinaparliamentaryreturn，hewouldhavequiteknownhowtodivideher。
Insomestagesofhismanufactureofthehumanfabric，theprocessesofTimeareveryrapid。YoungThomasandSissybeingbothatsuchastageoftheirworkingup，thesechangeswereeffectedinayearortwo；whileMr。Gradgrindhimselfseemedstationaryinhiscourse，andunderwentnoalteration。
Exceptone，whichwasapartfromhisnecessaryprogressthroughthemill。Timehustledhimintoalittlenoisyandratherdirtymachinery，inaby-comer，andmadehimMemberofParliamentforCoketown:oneoftherespectedmembersforounceweightsandmeasures，oneoftherepresentativesofthemultiplicationtable，oneofthedeafhonourablegentlemen，dumbhonourablegentlemen，blindhonourablegentlemen，lamehonourablegentlemen，deadhonourablegentlemen，toeveryotherconsideration。ElsewhereforeliveweinaChristianland，eighteenhundredandoddyearsafterourMaster？
Allthiswhile，Louisahadbeenpassingon，soquietandreserved，andsomuchgiventowatchingthebrightashesattwilightastheyfellintothegrate，andbecameextinct，thatfromtheperiodwhenherfatherhadsaidshewasalmostayoungwoman-whichseemedbutyesterday-shehadscarcelyattractedhisnoticeagain，whenhefoundherquiteayoungwoman。
\'Quiteayoungwoman，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，musing。\'Dearme！\'
Soonafterthisdiscovery，hebecamemorethoughtfulthanusualforseveraldays，andseemedmuchengrossedbyonesubject。Onacertainnight，whenhewasgoingout，andLouisacametobidhimgood-byebeforehisdeparture-ashewasnottobehomeuntillateandshewouldnotseehimagainuntilthemorning-heheldherinhisarms，lookingatherinhiskindestmanner，andsaid:
\'MydearLouisa，youareawoman！\'
Sheansweredwiththeold，quick，searchinglookofthenightwhenshewasfoundattheCircus；thencastdownhereyes。\'Yes，father。\'
\'Mydear，\'saidMr。Gradgrind，\'Imustspeakwithyoualoneandseriously。Cometomeinmyroomafterbreakfastto-morrow，willyou？\'
\'Yes，father。\'
\'Yourhandsarerathercold，Louisa。Areyounotwell？\'
\'Quitewell，father。\'
\'Andcheerful？\'