\'Well，\'saidBounderby，stoppingandfacingabouttoconfrontthemall，\'I\'lltellyou。It\'snottobementionedeverywhere；it\'snottobementionedanywhere:inorderthatthescoundrelsconcernedthere\'sagangof\'emmaybethrownofftheirguard。Sotakethisinconfidence。Nowwaitabit。\'Mr。Bounderbywipedhisheadagain。\'Whatshouldyousayto；\'hereheviolentlyexploded:\'toaHandbeinginit？\'
\'Ihope，\'saidHarthouse，lazily，\'notourfriendBlackpot？\'
\'SayPoolinsteadofPot，sir，\'returnedBounderby，\'andthat\'stheman。\'
Louisafaintlyutteredsomewordofincredulityandsurprise。
\'Oyes！Iknow！\'saidBounderby，immediatelycatchingatthesound。\'Iknow！Iamusedtothat。Iknowallaboutit。Theyarethefinestpeopleintheworld，thesefellowsare。Theyhavegotthegiftofthegab，theyhave。Theyonlywanttohavetheirrightsexplainedtothem，theydo。ButItellyouwhat。ShowmeadissatisfiedHand，andI\'llshowyouamanthat\'sfitforanythingbad，Idon\'tcarewhatitis。\'
AnotherofthepopularfictionsofCoketown，whichsomepainshadbeentakentodisseminate-andwhichsomepeoplereallybelieved。
\'ButIamacquaintedwiththesechaps，\'saidBounderby。\'Icanread\'emoff，likebooks。Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am，Iappealtoyou。
WhatwarningdidIgivethatfellow，thefirsttimehesetfootinthehouse，whentheexpressobjectofhisvisitwastoknowhowhecouldknockReligionover，andfloortheEstablishedChurch？Mrs。
Sparsit，inpointofhighconnexions，youareonalevelwiththearistocracy，-didIsay，ordidInotsay，tothatfellow，\"youcan\'thidethetruthfromme:youarenotthekindoffellowI
like；you\'llcometonogood\"？\'
\'Assuredly，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'youdid，inahighlyimpressivemanner，givehimsuchanadmonition。\'
\'Whenheshockedyou，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby；\'whenheshockedyourfeelings？\'
\'Yes，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，withameekshakeofherhead，\'hecertainlydidso。ThoughIdonotmeantosaybutthatmyfeelingsmaybeweakeronsuchpoints-morefoolishifthetermispreferred-thantheymighthavebeen，ifIhadalwaysoccupiedmypresentposition。\'
Mr。BounderbystaredwithaburstingprideatMr。Harthouse，asmuchastosay，\'Iamtheproprietorofthisfemale，andshe\'sworthyourattention，Ithink。\'Then，resumedhisdiscourse。
\'Youcanrecallforyourself，Harthouse，whatIsaidtohimwhenyousawhim。Ididn\'tmincethematterwithhim。Iamnevermealywith\'em。IKNOW\'em。Verywell，sir。Threedaysafterthat，hebolted。Wentoff，nobodyknowswhere:asmymotherdidinmyinfancy-onlywiththisdifference，thatheisaworsesubjectthanmymother，ifpossible。Whatdidhedobeforehewent？Whatdoyousay；\'Mr。Bounderby，withhishatinhishand，gaveabeatuponthecrownateverylittledivisionofhissentences，asifitwereatambourine；\'tohisbeingseen-nightafternight-
watchingtheBank？-tohislurkingaboutthere-afterdark？-ToitsstrikingMrs。Sparsit-thathecouldbelurkingfornogood-
TohercallingBitzer\'sattentiontohim，andtheirbothtakingnoticeofhim-Andtoitsappearingoninquiryto-day-thathewasalsonoticedbytheneighbours？\'Havingcometotheclimax，Mr。Bounderby，likeanorientaldancer，puthistambourineonhishead。
\'Suspicious，\'saidJamesHarthouse，\'certainly。\'
\'Ithinkso，sir，\'saidBounderby，withadefiantnod。\'Ithinkso。Buttherearemoreof\'eminit。There\'sanoldwoman。Oneneverhearsofthesethingstillthemischief\'sdone；allsortsofdefectsarefoundoutinthestabledoorafterthehorseisstolen；
there\'sanoldwomanturnsupnow。Anoldwomanwhoseemstohavebeenflyingintotownonabroomstick，everynowandthen。Shewatchestheplaceawholedaybeforethisfellowbegins，andonthenightwhenyousawhim，shestealsawaywithhimandholdsacouncilwithhim-Isuppose，tomakeherreportongoingoffduty，andbedamnedtoher。\'
Therewassuchapersonintheroomthatnight，andsheshrunkfromobservation，thoughtLouisa。
\'Thisisnotallof\'em，evenaswealreadyknow\'em，\'saidBounderby，withmanynodsofhiddenmeaning。\'ButIhavesaidenoughforthepresent。You\'llhavethegoodnesstokeepitquiet，andmentionittonoone。Itmaytaketime，butweshallhave\'em。
It\'spolicytogive\'emlineenough，andthere\'snoobjectiontothat。\'
\'Ofcourse，theywillbepunishedwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw，asnotice-boardsobserve，\'repliedJamesHarthouse，\'andservethemright。FellowswhogoinforBanksmusttaketheconsequences。Iftherewerenoconsequences，weshouldallgoinforBanks。\'HehadgentlytakenLouisa\'sparasolfromherhand，andhadputitupforher；andshewalkedunderitsshade，thoughthesundidnotshinethere。
\'Forthepresent，LooBounderby，\'saidherhusband，\'here\'sMrs。
Sparsittolookafter。Mrs。Sparsit\'snerveshavebeenacteduponbythisbusiness，andshe\'llstayhereadayortwo。Somakehercomfortable。\'
\'Thankyouverymuch，sir，\'thatdiscreetladyobserved，\'butpraydonotletMycomfortbeaconsideration。AnythingwilldoforMe。\'
ItsoonappearedthatifMrs。Sparsithadafailinginherassociationwiththatdomesticestablishment，itwasthatshewassoexcessivelyregardlessofherselfandregardfulofothers，astobeanuisance。Onbeingshownherchamber，shewassodreadfullysensibleofitscomfortsastosuggesttheinferencethatshewouldhavepreferredtopassthenightonthemangleinthelaundry。
True，thePowlersandtheScadgerseswereaccustomedtosplendour，\'butitismydutytoremember，\'Mrs。Sparsitwasfondofobservingwithaloftygrace:particularlywhenanyofthedomesticswerepresent，\'thatwhatIwas，Iamnolonger。Indeed，\'saidshe，\'ifIcouldaltogethercanceltheremembrancethatMr。SparsitwasaPowler，orthatImyselfamrelatedtotheScadgersfamily；orifI
couldevenrevokethefact，andmakemyselfapersonofcommondescentandordinaryconnexions；Iwouldgladlydoso。Ishouldthinkit，underexistingcircumstances，righttodoso。\'ThesameHermiticalstateofmindledtoherrenunciationofmadedishesandwinesatdinner，untilfairlycommandedbyMr。Bounderbytotakethem；whenshesaid，\'Indeedyouareverygood，sir；\'anddepartedfromaresolutionofwhichshehadmaderatherformalandpublicannouncement，to\'waitforthesimplemutton。\'Shewaslikewisedeeplyapologeticforwantingthesalt；and，feelingamiablyboundtobearoutMr。Bounderbytothefullestextentinthetestimonyhehadbornetohernerves，occasionallysatbackinherchairandsilentlywept；atwhichperiodsatearoflargedimensions，likeacrystalear-ring，mightbeobservedorrather，mustbe，foritinsistedonpublicnoticeslidingdownherRomannose。
ButMrs。Sparsit\'sgreatestpoint，firstandlast，washerdeterminationtopityMr。Bounderby。Therewereoccasionswheninlookingathimshewasinvoluntarilymovedtoshakeherhead，aswhowouldsay，\'Alas，poorYorick！\'Afterallowingherselftobebetrayedintotheseevidencesofemotion，shewouldforcealambentbrightness，andwouldbefitfullycheerful，andwouldsay，\'Youhavestillgoodspirits，sir，Iamthankfultofind；\'andwouldappeartohailitasablesseddispensationthatMr。Bounderbyboreupashedid。Oneidiosyncrasyforwhichsheoftenapologized，shefounditexcessivelydifficulttoconquer。ShehadacuriouspropensitytocallMrs。Bounderby\'MissGradgrind，\'andyieldedtoitsomethreeorfourscoretimesinthecourseoftheevening。
HerrepetitionofthismistakecoveredMrs。Sparsitwithmodestconfusion；butindeed，shesaid，itseemedsonaturaltosayMissGradgrind:whereas，topersuadeherselfthattheyoungladywhomshehadhadthehappinessofknowingfromachildcouldbereallyandtrulyMrs。Bounderby，shefoundalmostimpossible。Itwasafurthersingularityofthisremarkablecase，thatthemoreshethoughtaboutit，themoreimpossibleitappeared；\'thedifferences，\'sheobserved，\'beingsuch。\'
Inthedrawing-roomafterdinner，Mr。Bounderbytriedthecaseoftherobbery，examinedthewitnesses，madenotesoftheevidence，foundthesuspectedpersonsguilty，andsentencedthemtotheextremepunishmentofthelaw。Thatdone，BitzerwasdismissedtotownwithinstructionstorecommendTomtocomehomebythemail-
train。
Whencandleswerebrought，Mrs。Sparsitmurmured，\'Don\'tbelow，sir。Prayletmeseeyoucheerful，sir，asIusedtodo。\'Mr。
Bounderby，uponwhomtheseconsolationshadbeguntoproducetheeffectofmakinghim，inabull-headedblunderingway，sentimental，sighedlikesomelargesea-animal。\'Icannotbeartoseeyouso，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。\'Tryahandatbackgammon，sir，asyouusedtodowhenIhadthehonouroflivingunderyourroof。\'\'I
haven\'tplayedbackgammon，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'sincethattime。\'\'No，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，soothingly，\'Iamawarethatyouhavenot。IrememberthatMissGradgrindtakesnointerestinthegame。ButIshallbehappy，sir，ifyouwillcondescend。\'
Theyplayednearawindow，openingonthegarden。Itwasafinenight:notmoonlight，butsultryandfragrant。LouisaandMr。
Harthousestrolledoutintothegarden，wheretheirvoicescouldbeheardinthestillness，thoughnotwhattheysaid。Mrs。Sparsit，fromherplaceatthebackgammonboard，wasconstantlystraininghereyestopiercetheshadowswithout。\'What\'sthematter，ma\'am？
\'saidMr。Bounderby；\'youdon\'tseeaFire，doyou？\'\'Ohdearno，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'Iwasthinkingofthedew。\'\'Whathaveyougottodowiththedew，ma\'am？\'saidMr。Bounderby。\'It\'snotmyself，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'IamfearfulofMissGradgrind\'stakingcold。\'\'Shenevertakescold，\'saidMr。
Bounderby。\'Really，sir？\'saidMrs。Sparsit。Andwasaffectedwithacoughinherthroat。
Whenthetimedrewnearforretiring，Mr。Bounderbytookaglassofwater。\'Oh，sir？\'saidMrs。Sparsit。\'Notyoursherrywarm，withlemon-peelandnutmeg？\'\'Why，Ihavegotoutofthehabitoftakingitnow，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bounderby。\'Themore\'sthepity，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit；\'youarelosingallyourgoodoldhabits。Cheerup，sir！IfMissGradgrindwillpermitme，Iwilloffertomakeitforyou，asIhaveoftendone。\'
MissGradgrindreadilypermittingMrs。Sparsittodoanythingshepleased，thatconsiderateladymadethebeverage，andhandedittoMr。Bounderby。\'Itwilldoyougood，sir。Itwillwarmyourheart。Itisthesortofthingyouwant，andoughttotake，sir。\'
AndwhenMr。Bounderbysaid，\'Yourhealth，ma\'am！\'sheansweredwithgreatfeeling，\'Thankyou，sir。Thesametoyou，andhappinessalso。\'Finally，shewishedhimgoodnight，withgreatpathos；andMr。Bounderbywenttobed，withamaudlinpersuasionthathehadbeencrossedinsomethingtender，thoughhecouldnot，forhislife，havementionedwhatitwas。
LongafterLouisahadundressedandlaindown，shewatchedandwaitedforherbrother\'scominghome。Thatcouldhardlybe，sheknew，untilanhourpastmidnight；butinthecountrysilence，whichdidanythingbutcalmthetroubleofherthoughts，timelaggedwearily。Atlast，whenthedarknessandstillnesshadseemedforhourstothickenoneanother，sheheardthebellatthegate。Shefeltasthoughshewouldhavebeengladthatitrangonuntildaylight；butitceased，andthecirclesofitslastsoundspreadoutfainterandwiderintheair，andallwasdeadagain。
Shewaitedyetsomequarterofanhour，asshejudged。Thenshearose，putonalooserobe，andwentoutofherroominthedark，andupthestaircasetoherbrother\'sroom。Hisdoorbeingshut，shesoftlyopeneditandspoketohim，approachinghisbedwithanoiselessstep。
Shekneeleddownbesideit，passedherarmoverhisneck，anddrewhisfacetohers。Sheknewthatheonlyfeignedtobeasleep，butshesaidnothingtohim。
Hestartedbyandbyasifhewerejustthenawakened，andaskedwhothatwas，andwhatwasthematter？
\'Tom，haveyouanythingtotellme？Ifeveryoulovedmeinyourlife，andhaveanythingconcealedfromeveryonebesides，tellittome。\'
\'Idon\'tknowwhatyoumean，Loo。Youhavebeendreaming。\'
\'Mydearbrother:\'shelaidherheaddownonhispillow，andherhairflowedoverhimasifshewouldhidehimfromeveryonebutherself:\'istherenothingthatyouhavetotellme？Istherenothingyoucantellmeifyouwill？Youcantellmenothingthatwillchangeme。OTom，tellmethetruth！\'
\'Idon\'tknowwhatyoumean，Loo！\'
\'Asyoulieherealone，mydear，inthemelancholynight，soyoumustliesomewhereonenight，whenevenI，ifIamlivingthen，shallhaveleftyou。AsIamherebesideyou，barefoot，unclothed，undistinguishableindarkness，somustIliethroughallthenightofmydecay，untilIamdust。Inthenameofthattime，Tom，tellmethetruthnow！\'
\'Whatisityouwanttoknow？\'
\'Youmaybecertain；\'intheenergyofherloveshetookhimtoherbosomasifhewereachild；\'thatIwillnotreproachyou。YoumaybecertainthatIwillbecompassionateandtruetoyou。YoumaybecertainthatIwillsaveyouatwhatevercost。OTom，haveyounothingtotellme？Whisperverysoftly。Sayonly\"yes，\"andIshallunderstandyou！\'
Sheturnedhereartohislips，butheremaineddoggedlysilent。
\'Notaword，Tom？\'
\'HowcanIsayYes，orhowcanIsayNo，whenIdon\'tknowwhatyoumean？Loo，youareabrave，kindgirl，worthyIbegintothinkofabetterbrotherthanIam。ButIhavenothingmoretosay。Gotobed，gotobed。\'
\'Youaretired，\'shewhisperedpresently，moreinherusualway。
\'Yes，Iamquitetiredout。\'
\'Youhavebeensohurriedanddisturbedto-day。Haveanyfreshdiscoveriesbeenmade？\'
\'Onlythoseyouhaveheardof，from-him。\'
\'Tom，haveyousaidtoanyonethatwemadeavisittothosepeople，andthatwesawthosethreetogether？\'
\'No。Didn\'tyouyourselfparticularlyaskmetokeepitquietwhenyouaskedmetogotherewithyou？\'
\'Yes。ButIdidnotknowthenwhatwasgoingtohappen。\'
\'NorIneither。HowcouldI？\'
Hewasveryquickuponherwiththisretort。
\'OughtItosay，afterwhathashappened，\'saidhissister，standingbythebed-shehadgraduallywithdrawnherselfandrisen，\'thatImadethatvisit？ShouldIsayso？MustIsayso？\'
\'GoodHeavens，Loo，\'returnedherbrother，\'youarenotinthehabitofaskingmyadvice。saywhatyoulike。Ifyoukeepittoyourself，Ishallkeepittomyself。Ifyoudiscloseit，there\'sanendofit。\'
Itwastoodarkforeithertoseetheother\'sface；buteachseemedveryattentive，andtoconsiderbeforespeaking。
\'Tom，doyoubelievethemanIgavethemoneyto，isreallyimplicatedinthiscrime？\'
\'Idon\'tknow。Idon\'tseewhyheshouldn\'tbe。\'
\'Heseemedtomeanhonestman。\'
\'Anotherpersonmayseemtoyoudishonest，andyetnotbeso。\'
Therewasapause，forhehadhesitatedandstopped。
\'Inshort，\'resumedTom，asifhehadmadeuphismind，\'ifyoucometothat，perhapsIwassofarfrombeingaltogetherinhisfavour，thatItookhimoutsidethedoortotellhimquietly，thatIthoughthemightconsiderhimselfverywellofftogetsuchawindfallashehadgotfrommysister，andthatIhopedhewouldmakegooduseofit。YourememberwhetherItookhimoutornot。
Isaynothingagainsttheman；hemaybeaverygoodfellow，foranythingIknow；Ihopeheis。\'
\'Washeoffendedbywhatyousaid？\'
\'No，hetookitprettywell；hewascivilenough。Whereareyou，Loo？\'Hesatupinbedandkissedher。\'Goodnight，mydear，goodnight。\'
\'Youhavenothingmoretotellme？\'
\'No。WhatshouldIhave？Youwouldn\'thavemetellyoualie！\'
\'Iwouldn\'thaveyoudothatto-night，Tom，ofallthenightsinyourlife；manyandmuchhappierasIhopetheywillbe。\'
\'Thankyou，mydearLoo。Iamsotired，thatIamsureIwonderI
don\'tsayanythingtogettosleep。Gotobed，gotobed。\'
Kissingheragain，heturnedround，drewthecoverletoverhishead，andlayasstillasifthattimehadcomebywhichshehadadjuredhim。Shestoodforsometimeatthebedsidebeforesheslowlymovedaway。Shestoppedatthedoor，lookedbackwhenshehadopenedit，andaskedhimifhehadcalledher？Buthelaystill，andshesoftlyclosedthedoorandreturnedtoherroom。
Thenthewretchedboylookedcautiouslyupandfoundhergone，creptoutofbed，fastenedhisdoor，andthrewhimselfuponhispillowagain:tearinghishair，moroselycrying，grudginglylovingher，hatefullybutimpenitentlyspurninghimself，andnolesshatefullyandunprofitablyspurningallthegoodintheworld。
CHAPTERIX-HEARINGTHELASTOFIT
MRS。SPARSIT，lyingbytorecoverthetoneofhernervesinMr。
Bounderby\'sretreat，keptsuchasharplook-out，nightandday，underherCoriolanianeyebrows，thathereyes，likeacoupleoflighthousesonaniron-boundcoast，mighthavewarnedallprudentmarinersfromthatboldrockherRomannoseandthedarkandcraggyregioninitsneighbourhood，butfortheplacidityofhermanner。
Althoughitwashardtobelievethatherretiringforthenightcouldbeanythingbutaform，soseverelywideawakewerethoseclassicaleyesofhers，andsoimpossiblediditseemthatherrigidnosecouldyieldtoanyrelaxinginfluence，yethermannerofsitting，smoothingheruncomfortable，nottosay，grittymittenstheywereconstructedofacoolfabriclikeameat-safe，orofamblingtounknownplacesofdestinationwithherfootinhercottonstirrup，wassoperfectlyserene，thatmostobserverswouldhavebeenconstrainedtosupposeheradove，embodiedbysomefreakofnature，intheearthlytabernacleofabirdofthehook-beakedorder。
Shewasamostwonderfulwomanforprowlingaboutthehouse。Howshegotfromstorytostorywasamysterybeyondsolution。Aladysodecorousinherself，andsohighlyconnected，wasnottobesuspectedofdroppingoverthebanistersorslidingdownthem，yetherextraordinaryfacilityoflocomotionsuggestedthewildidea。
AnothernoticeablecircumstanceinMrs。Sparsitwas，thatshewasneverhurried。Shewouldshootwithconsummatevelocityfromtherooftothehall，yetwouldbeinfullpossessionofherbreathanddignityonthemomentofherarrivalthere。Neitherwassheeverseenbyhumanvisiontogoatagreatpace。
ShetookverykindlytoMr。Harthouse，andhadsomepleasantconversationwithhimsoonafterherarrival。Shemadehimherstatelycurtseyinthegarden，onemorningbeforebreakfast。
\'Itappearsbutyesterday，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'thatIhadthehonourofreceivingyouattheBank，whenyouweresogoodastowishtobemadeacquaintedwithMr。Bounderby\'saddress。\'
\'Anoccasion，Iamsure，nottobeforgottenbymyselfinthecourseofAges，\'saidMr。Harthouse，inclininghisheadtoMrs。
Sparsitwiththemostindolentofallpossibleairs。
\'Weliveinasingularworld，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。
\'Ihavehadthehonour，byacoincidenceofwhichIamproud，tohavemadearemark，similarineffect，thoughnotsoepigrammaticallyexpressed。\'
\'Asingularworld，Iwouldsay，sir，\'pursuedMrs。Sparsit；afteracknowledgingthecomplimentwithadroopingofherdarkeyebrows，notaltogethersomildinitsexpressionashervoicewasinitsdulcettones；\'asregardstheintimaciesweformatonetime，withindividualswewerequiteignorantof，atanother。Irecall，sir，thatonthatoccasionyouwentsofarastosayyouwereactuallyapprehensiveofMissGradgrind。\'
\'Yourmemorydoesmemorehonourthanmyinsignificancedeserves。
Iavailedmyselfofyourobliginghintstocorrectmytimidity，anditisunnecessarytoaddthattheywereperfectlyaccurate。Mrs。
Sparsit\'stalentfor-infactforanythingrequiringaccuracy-
withacombinationofstrengthofmind-andFamily-istoohabituallydevelopedtoadmitofanyquestion。\'Hewasalmostfallingasleepoverthiscompliment；ittookhimsolongtogetthrough，andhismindwanderedsomuchinthecourseofitsexecution。
\'YoufoundMissGradgrind-IreallycannotcallherMrs。
Bounderby；it\'sveryabsurdofme-asyouthfulasIdescribedher？\'askedMrs。Sparsit，sweetly。
\'Youdrewherportraitperfectly，\'saidMr。Harthouse。\'Presentedherdeadimage。\'
\'Veryengaging，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，causinghermittensslowlytorevolveoveroneanother。
\'Highlyso。\'
\'Itusedtobeconsidered，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'thatMissGradgrindwaswantinginanimation，butIconfesssheappearstomeconsiderablyandstrikinglyimprovedinthatrespect。Ay，andindeedhereisMr。Bounderby！\'criedMrs。Sparsit，noddingherheadagreatmanytimes，asifshehadbeentalkingandthinkingofnooneelse。\'Howdoyoufindyourselfthismorning，sir？Prayletusseeyoucheerful，sir。\'
Now，thesepersistentassuagementsofhismisery，andlighteningsofhisload，hadbythistimebeguntohavetheeffectofmakingMr。BounderbysofterthanusualtowardsMrs。Sparsit，andharderthanusualtomostotherpeoplefromhiswifedownward。So，whenMrs。Sparsitsaidwithforcedlightnessofheart，\'Youwantyourbreakfast，sir，butIdaresayMissGradgrindwillsoonbeheretopresideatthetable，\'Mr。Bounderbyreplied，\'IfIwaitedtobetakencareofbymywife，ma\'am，IbelieveyouknowprettywellI
shouldwaittillDoomsday，soI\'lltroubleyoutotakechargeoftheteapot。\'Mrs。Sparsitcomplied，andassumedheroldpositionattable。
Thisagainmadetheexcellentwomanvastlysentimental。Shewassohumblewithal，thatwhenLouisaappeared，sherose，protestingshenevercouldthinkofsittinginthatplaceunderexistingcircumstances，oftenasshehadhadthehonourofmakingMr。
Bounderby\'sbreakfast，beforeMrs。Gradgrind-shebeggedpardon，shemeanttosayMissBounderby-shehopedtobeexcused，butshereallycouldnotgetitrightyet，thoughshetrustedtobecomefamiliarwithitbyandby-hadassumedherpresentposition。ItwasonlysheobservedbecauseMissGradgrindhappenedtobealittlelate，andMr。Bounderby\'stimewassoveryprecious，andsheknewitofoldtobesoessentialthatheshouldbreakfasttothemoment，thatshehadtakenthelibertyofcomplyingwithhisrequest；longashiswillhadbeenalawtoher。
\'There！Stopwhereyouare，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'stopwhereyouare！Mrs。Bounderbywillbeverygladtoberelievedofthetrouble，Ibelieve。\'
\'Don\'tsaythat，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，almostwithseverity，\'becausethatisveryunkindtoMrs。Bounderby。Andtobeunkindisnottobeyou，sir。\'
\'Youmaysetyourmindatrest，ma\'am-Youcantakeitveryquietly，can\'tyou，Loo？\'saidMr。Bounderby，inablusteringwaytohiswife。
\'Ofcourse。Itisofnomoment。Whyshoulditbeofanyimportancetome？\'
\'Whyshoulditbeofanyimportancetoanyone，Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am？\'saidMr。Bounderby，swellingwithasenseofslight。\'Youattachtoomuchimportancetothesethings，ma\'am。ByGeorge，you\'llbecorruptedinsomeofyournotionshere。Youareold-
fashioned，ma\'am。YouarebehindTomGradgrind\'schildren\'stime。\'
\'Whatisthematterwithyou？\'askedLouisa，coldlysurprised。
\'Whathasgivenyouoffence？\'
\'Offence！\'repeatedBounderby。\'Doyousupposeiftherewasanyoffencegivenme，Ishouldn\'tnameit，andrequesttohaveitcorrected？Iamastraightforwardman，Ibelieve。Idon\'tgobeatingaboutforside-winds。\'
\'Isupposenooneeverhadoccasiontothinkyoutoodiffident，ortoodelicate，\'Louisaansweredhimcomposedly:\'Ihavenevermadethatobjectiontoyou，eitherasachildorasawoman。Idon\'tunderstandwhatyouwouldhave。\'
\'Have？\'returnedMr。Bounderby。\'Nothing。Otherwise，don\'tyou，LooBounderby，knowthoroughlywellthatI，JosiahBounderbyofCoketown，wouldhaveit？\'
Shelookedathim，ashestruckthetableandmadetheteacupsring，withaproudcolourinherfacethatwasanewchange，Mr。
Harthousethought。\'Youareincomprehensiblethismorning，\'saidLouisa。\'Praytakenofurthertroubletoexplainyourself。Iamnotcurioustoknowyourmeaning。Whatdoesitmatter？\'
Nothingmorewassaidonthistheme，andMr。Harthousewassoonidlygayonindifferentsubjects。Butfromthisday，theSparsitactionuponMr。BounderbythrewLouisaandJamesHarthousemoretogether，andstrengthenedthedangerousalienationfromherhusbandandconfidenceagainsthimwithanother，intowhichshehadfallenbydegreessofinethatshecouldnotretracethemifshetried。Butwhethersheevertriedorno，layhiddeninherownclosedheart。
Mrs。Sparsitwassomuchaffectedonthisparticularoccasion，that，assistingMr。Bounderbytohishatafterbreakfast，andbeingthenalonewithhiminthehall，sheimprintedachastekissuponhishand，murmured\'Mybenefactor！\'andretired，overwhelmedwithgrief。Yetitisanindubitablefact，withinthecognizanceofthishistory，thatfiveminutesafterhehadleftthehouseintheself-samehat，thesamedescendantoftheScadgersesandconnexionbymatrimonyofthePowlers，shookherright-handmittenathisportrait，madeacontemptuousgrimaceatthatworkofart，andsaid\'Serveyouright，youNoodle，andIamgladofit。\'
Mr。Bounderbyhadnotbeenlonggone，whenBitzerappeared。Bitzerhadcomedownbytrain，shriekingandrattlingoverthelonglineofarchesthatbestrodethewildcountryofpastandpresentcoal-
pits，withanexpressfromStoneLodge。ItwasahastynotetoinformLouisathatMrs。Gradgrindlayveryill。Shehadneverbeenwellwithinherdaughter\'sknowledge；but，shehaddeclinedwithinthelastfewdays，hadcontinuedsinkingallthroughthenight，andwasnowasnearlydead，asherlimitedcapacityofbeinginanystatethatimpliedtheghostofanintentiontogetoutofit，allowed。
Accompaniedbythelightestofporters，fitcolourlessservitoratDeath\'sdoorwhenMrs。Gradgrindknocked，LouisarumbledtoCoketown，overthecoal-pitspastandpresent，andwaswhirledintoitssmokyjaws。Shedismissedthemessengertohisowndevices，androdeawaytoheroldhome。
Shehadseldombeentheresincehermarriage。Herfatherwasusuallysiftingandsiftingathisparliamentarycinder-heapinLondonwithoutbeingobservedtoturnupmanypreciousarticlesamongtherubbish，andwasstillhardatitinthenationaldust-
yard。Hermotherhadtakenitratherasadisturbancethanotherwise，tobevisited，asshereclineduponhersofa；youngpeople，Louisafeltherselfallunfitfor；Sissyshehadneversoftenedtoagain，sincethenightwhenthestroller\'schildhadraisedhereyestolookatMr。Bounderby\'sintendedwife。Shehadnoinducementstogoback，andhadrarelygone。
Neither，assheapproachedheroldhomenow，didanyofthebestinfluencesofoldhomedescenduponher。Thedreamsofchildhood-
itsairyfables；itsgraceful，beautiful，humane，impossibleadornmentsoftheworldbeyond:sogoodtobebelievedinonce，sogoodtoberememberedwhenoutgrown，forthentheleastamongthemrisestothestatureofagreatCharityintheheart，sufferinglittlechildrentocomeintothemidstofit，andtokeepwiththeirpurehandsagardeninthestonywaysofthisworld，whereinitwerebetterforallthechildrenofAdamthattheyshouldoftenersunthemselves，simpleandtrustful，andnotworldly-wise-
whathadshetodowiththese？Remembrancesofhowshehadjourneyedtothelittlethatsheknew，bytheenchantedroadsofwhatsheandmillionsofinnocentcreatureshadhopedandimagined；
ofhow，firstcominguponReasonthroughthetenderlightofFancy，shehadseenitabeneficentgod，deferringtogodsasgreatasitself；notagrimIdol，cruelandcold，withitsvictimsboundhandtofoot，anditsbigdumbshapesetupwithasightlessstare，nevertobemovedbyanythingbutsomanycalculatedtonsofleverage-whathadshetodowiththese？Herremembrancesofhomeandchildhoodwereremembrancesofthedryingupofeveryspringandfountaininheryoungheartasitgushedout。Thegoldenwaterswerenotthere。Theywereflowingforthefertilizationofthelandwheregrapesaregatheredfromthorns，andfigsfromthistles。
Shewent，withaheavy，hardenedkindofsorrowuponher，intothehouseandintohermother\'sroom。Sincethetimeofherleavinghome，Sissyhadlivedwiththerestofthefamilyonequalterms。
Sissywasathermother\'sside；andJane，hersister，nowtenortwelveyearsold，wasintheroom。
TherewasgreattroublebeforeitcouldbemadeknowntoMrs。
Gradgrindthathereldestchildwasthere。Shereclined，proppedup，frommerehabit，onacouch:asnearlyinheroldusualattitude，asanythingsohelplesscouldbekeptin。Shehadpositivelyrefusedtotaketoherbed；onthegroundthatifshedid，shewouldneverhearthelastofit。
Herfeeblevoicesoundedsofarawayinherbundleofshawls，andthesoundofanothervoiceaddressingherseemedtotakesuchalongtimeingettingdowntoherears，thatshemighthavebeenlyingatthebottomofawell。ThepoorladywasnearerTruththansheeverhadbeen:whichhadmuchtodowithit。
OnbeingtoldthatMrs。Bounderbywasthere，shereplied，atcross-
purposes，thatshehadnevercalledhimbythatnamesincehemarriedLouisa；thatpendingherchoiceofanobjectionablename，shehadcalledhimJ；andthatshecouldnotatpresentdepartfromthatregulation，notbeingyetprovidedwithapermanentsubstitute。Louisahadsatbyherforsomeminutes，andhadspokentoheroften，beforeshearrivedataclearunderstandingwhoitwas。Shethenseemedtocometoitallatonce。
\'Well，mydear，\'saidMrs。Gradgrind，\'andIhopeyouaregoingonsatisfactorilytoyourself。Itwasallyourfather\'sdoing。Hesethisheartuponit。Andheoughttoknow。\'
\'Iwanttohearofyou，mother；notofmyself。\'
\'Youwanttohearofme，mydear？That\'ssomethingnew，Iamsure，whenanybodywantstohearofme。Notatallwell，Louisa。Veryfaintandgiddy。\'
\'Areyouinpain，dearmother？\'
\'Ithinkthere\'sapainsomewhereintheroom，\'saidMrs。
Gradgrind，\'butIcouldn\'tpositivelysaythatIhavegotit。\'
Afterthisstrangespeech，shelaysilentforsometime。Louisa，holdingherhand，couldfeelnopulse；butkissingit，couldseeaslightthinthreadoflifeinflutteringmotion。
\'Youveryseldomseeyoursister，\'saidMrs。Gradgrind。\'Shegrowslikeyou。Iwishyouwouldlookather。Sissy，bringherhere。\'
Shewasbrought，andstoodwithherhandinhersister\'s。LouisahadobservedherwithherarmroundSissy\'sneck，andshefeltthedifferenceofthisapproach。
\'Doyouseethelikeness，Louisa？\'
\'Yes，mother。Ishouldthinkherlikeme。But-\'
\'Eh！Yes，Ialwayssayso，\'Mrs。Gradgrindcried，withunexpectedquickness。\'Andthatremindsme。I-Iwanttospeaktoyou，mydear。Sissy，mygoodgirl，leaveusaloneaminute。\'Louisahadrelinquishedthehand:hadthoughtthathersister\'swasabetterandbrighterfacethanhershadeverbeen:hadseeninit，notwithoutarisingfeelingofresentment，eveninthatplaceandatthattime，somethingofthegentlenessoftheotherfaceintheroom；thesweetfacewiththetrustingeyes，madepalerthanwatchingandsympathymadeit，bytherichdarkhair。
Leftalonewithhermother，Louisasawherlyingwithanawfullulluponherface，likeonewhowasfloatingawayuponsomegreatwater，allresistanceover，contenttobecarrieddownthestream。
Sheputtheshadowofahandtoherlipsagain，andrecalledher。
\'Youweregoingtospeaktome，mother。\'
\'Eh？Yes，tobesure，mydear。Youknowyourfatherisalmostalwaysawaynow，andthereforeImustwritetohimaboutit。\'
\'Aboutwhat，mother？Don\'tbetroubled。Aboutwhat？\'
\'Youmustremember，mydear，thatwheneverIhavesaidanything，onanysubject，Ihaveneverheardthelastofit:andconsequently，thatIhavelongleftoffsayinganything。\'
\'Icanhearyou，mother。\'But，itwasonlybydintofbendingdowntoherear，andatthesametimeattentivelywatchingthelipsastheymoved，thatshecouldlinksuchfaintandbrokensoundsintoanychainofconnexion。
\'Youlearntagreatdeal，Louisa，andsodidyourbrother。Ologiesofallkindsfrommorningtonight。IfthereisanyOlogyleft，ofanydescription，thathasnotbeenworntoragsinthishouse，allIcansayis，IhopeIshallneverhearitsname。\'
\'Icanhearyou，mother，whenyouhavestrengthtogoon。\'This，tokeepherfromfloatingaway。
\'Butthereissomething-notanOlogyatall-thatyourfatherhasmissed，orforgotten，Louisa。Idon\'tknowwhatitis。IhaveoftensatwithSissynearme，andthoughtaboutit。Ishallnevergetitsnamenow。Butyourfathermay。Itmakesmerestless。I
wanttowritetohim，tofindoutforGod\'ssake，whatitis。Givemeapen，givemeapen。\'
Eventhepowerofrestlessnesswasgone，exceptfromthepoorhead，whichcouldjustturnfromsidetoside。
Shefancied，however，thatherrequesthadbeencompliedwith，andthatthepenshecouldnothaveheldwasinherhand。Itmatterslittlewhatfiguresofwonderfulno-meaningshebegantotraceuponherwrappers。Thehandsoonstoppedinthemidstofthem；thelightthathadalwaysbeenfeebleanddimbehindtheweaktransparency，wentout；andevenMrs。Gradgrind，emergedfromtheshadowinwhichmanwalkethanddisquietethhimselfinvain，tookuponherthedreadsolemnityofthesagesandpatriarchs。
CHAPTERX-MRS。SPARSIT\'SSTAIRCASE
MRS。SPARSIT\'Snervesbeingslowtorecovertheirtone，theworthywomanmadeastayofsomeweeksindurationatMr。Bounderby\'sretreat，where，notwithstandingheranchoriteturnofmindbaseduponherbecomingconsciousnessofheralteredstation，sheresignedherselfwithnoblefortitudetolodging，asonemaysay，inclover，andfeedingonthefatoftheland。DuringthewholetermofthisrecessfromtheguardianshipoftheBank，Mrs。Sparsitwasapatternofconsistency；continuingtotakesuchpityonMr。
Bounderbytohisface，asisrarelytakenonman，andtocallhisportraitaNoodletoitsface，withthegreatestacrimonyandcontempt。
Mr。Bounderby，havinggotitintohisexplosivecompositionthatMrs。Sparsitwasahighlysuperiorwomantoperceivethathehadthatgeneralcrossuponhiminhisdesertsforhehadnotyetsettledwhatitwas，andfurtherthatLouisawouldhaveobjectedtoherasafrequentvisitorifithadcomportedwithhisgreatnessthatsheshouldobjecttoanythinghechosetodo，resolvednottolosesightofMrs。Sparsiteasily。Sowhenhernerveswerestrunguptothepitchofagainconsumingsweetbreadsinsolitude，hesaidtoheratthedinner-table，onthedaybeforeherdeparture，\'I
tellyouwhat，ma\'am；youshallcomedownhereofaSaturday，whilethefineweatherlasts，andstaytillMonday。\'TowhichMrs。
Sparsitreturned，ineffect，thoughnotoftheMahomedanpersuasion:\'Tohearistoobey。\'
Now，Mrs。Sparsitwasnotapoeticalwoman；butshetookanideainthenatureofanallegoricalfancy，intoherhead。MuchwatchingofLouisa，andmuchconsequentobservationofherimpenetrabledemeanour，whichkeenlywhettedandsharpenedMrs。Sparsit\'sedge，musthavegivenherasitwerealift，inthewayofinspiration。
SheerectedinhermindamightyStaircase，withadarkpitofshameandruinatthebottom；anddownthosestairs，fromdaytodayandhourtohour，shesawLouisacoming。
ItbecamethebusinessofMrs。Sparsit\'slife，tolookupatherstaircase，andtowatchLouisacomingdown。Sometimesslowly，sometimesquickly，sometimesseveralstepsatonebout，sometimesstopping，neverturningback。Ifshehadonceturnedback，itmighthavebeenthedeathofMrs。Sparsitinspleenandgrief。
Shehadbeendescendingsteadily，totheday，andontheday，whenMr。Bounderbyissuedtheweeklyinvitationrecordedabove。Mrs。
Sparsitwasingoodspirits，andinclinedtobeconversational。
\'Andpray，sir，\'saidshe，\'ifImayventuretoaskaquestionappertainingtoanysubjectonwhichyoushowreserve-whichisindeedhardyinme，forIwellknowyouhaveareasonforeverythingyoudo-haveyoureceivedintelligencerespectingtherobbery？\'
\'Why，ma\'am，no；notyet。Underthecircumstances，Ididn\'texpectityet。Romewasn\'tbuiltinaday，ma\'am。\'
\'Verytrue，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，shakingherhead。
\'Noryetinaweek，ma\'am。\'
\'No，indeed，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，withagentlemelancholyuponher。
\'Inasimilarmanner，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，\'Icanwait，youknow。IfRomulusandRemuscouldwait，JosiahBounderbycanwait。
TheywerebetteroffintheiryouththanIwas，however。Theyhadashe-wolfforanurse；Ihadonlyashe-wolfforagrandmother。
Shedidn\'tgiveanymilk，ma\'am；shegavebruises。ShewasaregularAlderneyatthat。\'
\'Ah！\'Mrs。Sparsitsighedandshuddered。
\'No，ma\'am，\'continuedBounderby，\'Ihavenotheardanythingmoreaboutit。It\'sinhand，though；andyoungTom，whoratherstickstobusinessatpresent-somethingnewforhim；hehadn\'ttheschoolingIhad-ishelping。Myinjunctionis，Keepitquiet，andletitseemtoblowover。Dowhatyoulikeundertherose，butdon\'tgiveasignofwhatyou\'reabout；orhalfahundredof\'emwillcombinetogetherandgetthisfellowwhohasbolted，outofreachforgood。Keepitquiet，andthethieveswillgrowinconfidencebylittleandlittle，andweshallhave\'em。\'
\'Verysagaciousindeed，sir，\'saidMrs。Sparsit。\'Veryinteresting。Theoldwomanyoumentioned，sir-\'
\'TheoldwomanImentioned，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，cuttingthemattershort，asitwasnothingtoboastabout，\'isnotlaidholdof；but，shemaytakeheroathshewillbe，ifthatisanysatisfactiontohervillainousoldmind。Inthemeantime，ma\'am，Iamofopinion，ifyouaskmemyopinion，thatthelesssheistalkedabout，thebetter。\'
Thesameevening，Mrs。Sparsit，inherchamberwindow，restingfromherpackingoperations，lookedtowardshergreatstaircaseandsawLouisastilldescending。
ShesatbyMr。Harthouse，inanalcoveinthegarden，talkingverylow；hestoodleaningoverher，astheywhisperedtogether，andhisfacealmosttouchedherhair。\'Ifnotquite！\'saidMrs。Sparsit，strainingherhawk\'seyestotheutmost。Mrs。Sparsitwastoodistanttohearawordoftheirdiscourse，oreventoknowthattheywerespeakingsoftly，otherwisethanfromtheexpressionoftheirfigures；butwhattheysaidwasthis:
\'Yourecollecttheman，Mr。Harthouse？\'
\'Oh，perfectly！\'
\'Hisface，andhismanner，andwhathesaid？\'
\'Perfectly。Andaninfinitelydrearypersonheappearedtometobe。Lengthyandprosyintheextreme。Itwasknowingtoholdforth，inthehumble-virtueschoolofeloquence；but，IassureyouIthoughtatthetime，\"Mygoodfellow，youareover-doingthis！\"\'
\'Ithasbeenverydifficulttometothinkillofthatman。\'
\'MydearLouisa-asTomsays。\'Whichheneverdidsay。\'Youknownogoodofthefellow？\'
\'No，certainly。\'
\'Norofanyothersuchperson？\'
\'HowcanI，\'shereturned，withmoreofherfirstmanneronherthanhehadlatelyseen，\'whenIknownothingofthem，menorwomen？\'
\'MydearLouisa，thenconsenttoreceivethesubmissiverepresentationofyourdevotedfriend，whoknowssomethingofseveralvarietiesofhisexcellentfellow-creatures-forexcellenttheyare，Iamquitereadytobelieve，inspiteofsuchlittlefoiblesasalwayshelpingthemselvestowhattheycangetholdof。
Thisfellowtalks。Well；everyfellowtalks。Heprofessesmorality。Well；allsortsofhumbugsprofessmorality。FromtheHouseofCommonstotheHouseofCorrection，thereisageneralprofessionofmorality，exceptamongourpeople；itreallyisthatexceptionwhichmakesourpeoplequitereviving。Yousawandheardthecase。HerewasoneofthefluffyclassespulledupextremelyshortbymyesteemedfriendMr。Bounderby-who，asweknow，isnotpossessedofthatdelicacywhichwouldsoftensotightahand。Thememberofthefluffyclasseswasinjured，exasperated，leftthehousegrumbling，metsomebodywhoproposedtohimtogoinforsomeshareinthisBankbusiness，wentin，putsomethinginhispocketwhichhadnothinginitbefore，andrelievedhismindextremely。
Reallyhewouldhavebeenanuncommon，insteadofacommon，fellow，ifhehadnotavailedhimselfofsuchanopportunity。Orhemayhaveoriginateditaltogether，ifhehadthecleverness。\'
\'Ialmostfeelasthoughitmustbebadinme，\'returnedLouisa，aftersittingthoughtfulawhile，\'tobesoreadytoagreewithyou，andtobesolightenedinmyheartbywhatyousay。\'
\'Ionlysaywhatisreasonable；nothingworse。IhavetalkeditoverwithmyfriendTommorethanonce-ofcourseIremainontermsofperfectconfidencewithTom-andheisquiteofmyopinion，andIamquiteofhis。Willyouwalk？\'
Theystrolledaway，amongthelanesbeginningtobeindistinctinthetwilight-sheleaningonhisarm-andshelittlethoughthowshewasgoingdown，down，down，Mrs。Sparsit\'sstaircase。
Nightandday，Mrs。Sparsitkeptitstanding。WhenLouisahadarrivedatthebottomanddisappearedinthegulf，itmightfallinuponherifitwould；but，untilthen，thereitwastobe，aBuilding，beforeMrs。Sparsit\'seyes。AndthereLouisaalwayswas，uponit。
Andalwaysglidingdown，down，down！
Mrs。SparsitsawJamesHarthousecomeandgo；sheheardofhimhereandthere；shesawthechangesofthefacehehadstudied；she，too，remarkedtoanicetyhowandwhenitclouded，howandwhenitcleared；shekeptherblackeyeswideopen，withnotouchofpity，withnotouchofcompunction，allabsorbedininterest。Intheinterestofseeingher，everdrawing，withnohandtostayher，nearerandnearertothebottomofthisnewGiant\'sStaircase。
WithallherdeferenceforMr。Bounderbyascontradistinguishedfromhisportrait，Mrs。Sparsithadnotthesmallestintentionofinterruptingthedescent。Eagertoseeitaccomplished，andyetpatient，shewaitedforthelastfall，asfortheripenessandfulnessoftheharvestofherhopes。Hushedinexpectancy，shekeptherwarygazeuponthestairs；andseldomsomuchasdarklyshookherrightmittenwithherfistinit，atthefigurecomingdown。
CHAPTERXI-LOWERANDLOWER
THEfiguredescendedthegreatstairs，steadily，steadily；alwaysverging，likeaweightindeepwater，totheblackgulfatthebottom。
Mr。Gradgrind，apprisedofhiswife\'sdecease，madeanexpeditionfromLondon，andburiedherinabusiness-likemanner。Hethenreturnedwithpromptitudetothenationalcinder-heap，andresumedhissiftingfortheoddsandendshewanted，andhisthrowingofthedustaboutintotheeyesofotherpeoplewhowantedotheroddsandends-infactresumedhisparliamentaryduties。
Inthemeantime，Mrs。Sparsitkeptunwinkingwatchandward。
Separatedfromherstaircase，alltheweek，bythelengthofironroaddividingCoketownfromthecountryhouse，sheyetmaintainedhercat-likeobservationofLouisa，throughherhusband，throughherbrother，throughJamesHarthouse，throughtheoutsidesoflettersandpackets，througheverythinganimateandinanimatethatatanytimewentnearthestairs。\'Yourfootonthelaststep，mylady，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，apostrophizingthedescendingfigure，withtheaidofherthreateningmitten，\'andallyourartshallneverblindme。\'
Artornaturethough，theoriginalstockofLouisa\'scharacterorthegraftofcircumstancesuponit，-hercuriousreservedidbaffle，whileitstimulated，oneassagaciousasMrs。Sparsit。
ThereweretimeswhenMr。JamesHarthousewasnotsureofher。
Thereweretimeswhenhecouldnotreadthefacehehadstudiedsolong；andwhenthislonelygirlwasagreatermysterytohim，thananywomanoftheworldwitharingofsatellitestohelpher。
Sothetimewenton；untilithappenedthatMr。Bounderbywascalledawayfromhomebybusinesswhichrequiredhispresenceelsewhere，forthreeorfourdays。ItwasonaFridaythatheintimatedthistoMrs。SparsitattheBank，adding:\'Butyou\'llgodownto-morrow，ma\'am，allthesame。You\'llgodownjustasifI
wasthere。Itwillmakenodifferencetoyou。\'
\'Pray，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，reproachfully，\'letmebegyounottosaythat。Yourabsencewillmakeavastdifferencetome，sir，asIthinkyouverywellknow。\'
\'Well，ma\'am，thenyoumustgetoninmyabsenceaswellasyoucan，\'saidMr。Bounderby，notdispleased。
\'Mr。Bounderby，\'retortedMrs。Sparsit，\'yourwillistomealaw，sir；otherwise，itmightbemyinclinationtodisputeyourkindcommands，notfeelingsurethatitwillbequitesoagreeabletoMissGradgrindtoreceiveme，asiteveristoyourownmunificenthospitality。Butyoushallsaynomore，sir。Iwillgo，uponyourinvitation。\'
\'Why，whenIinviteyoutomyhouse，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby，openinghiseyes，\'Ishouldhopeyouwantnootherinvitation。\'
\'No，indeed，sir，\'returnedMrs。Sparsit，\'Ishouldhopenot。Saynomore，sir。Iwould，sir，Icouldseeyougayagain。\'
\'Whatdoyoumean，ma\'am？\'blusteredBounderby。
\'Sir，\'rejoinedMrs。Sparsit，\'therewaswonttobeanelasticityinyouwhichIsadlymiss。Bebuoyant，sir！\'
Mr。Bounderby，undertheinfluenceofthisdifficultadjuration，backedupbyhercompassionateeye，couldonlyscratchhisheadinafeebleandridiculousmanner，andafterwardsasserthimselfatadistance，bybeingheardtobullythesmallfryofbusinessallthemorning。
\'Bitzer，\'saidMrs。Sparsitthatafternoon，whenherpatronwasgoneonhisjourney，andtheBankwasclosing，\'presentmycomplimentstoyoungMr。Thomas，andaskhimifhewouldstepupandpartakeofalambchopandwalnutketchup，withaglassofIndiaale？\'YoungMr。Thomasbeingusuallyreadyforanythinginthatway，returnedagraciousanswer，andfollowedonitsheels。
\'Mr。Thomas，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'theseplainviandsbeingontable，Ithoughtyoumightbetempted。\'
\'Thank\'ee，Mrs。Sparsit，\'saidthewhelp。Andgloomilyfellto。
\'HowisMr。Harthouse，Mr。Tom？\'askedMrs。Sparsit。
\'Oh，he\'sallright，\'saidTom。
\'Wheremayhebeatpresent？\'Mrs。Sparsitaskedinalightconversationalmanner，aftermentallydevotingthewhelptotheFuriesforbeingsouncommunicative。
\'HeisshootinginYorkshire，\'saidTom。\'SentLooabaskethalfasbigasachurch，yesterday。\'
\'Thekindofgentleman，now，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，sweetly，\'whomonemightwagertobeagoodshot！\'
\'Crack，\'saidTom。
Hehadlongbeenadown-lookingyoungfellow，butthischaracteristichadsoincreasedoflate，thatheneverraisedhiseyestoanyfaceforthreesecondstogether。Mrs。Sparsitconsequentlyhadamplemeansofwatchinghislooks，ifsheweresoinclined。
\'Mr。Harthouseisagreatfavouriteofmine，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'asindeedheisofmostpeople。Mayweexpecttoseehimagainshortly，Mr。Tom？\'
\'Why，Iexpecttoseehimto-morrow，\'returnedthewhelp。
\'Goodnews！\'criedMrs。Sparsit，blandly。
\'Ihavegotanappointmentwithhimtomeethimintheeveningatthestationhere，\'saidTom，\'andIamgoingtodinewithhimafterwards，Ibelieve。Heisnotcomingdowntothecountryhouseforaweekorso，beingduesomewhereelse。Atleast，hesaysso；
butIshouldn\'twonderifhewastostophereoverSunday，andstraythatway。\'
\'Whichremindsme！\'saidMrs。Sparsit。\'Wouldyourememberamessagetoyoursister，Mr。Tom，ifIwastochargeyouwithone？\'
\'Well？I\'lltry，\'returnedthereluctantwhelp，\'ifitisn\'talongun。\'
\'Itismerelymyrespectfulcompliments，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，\'andI
fearImaynottroubleherwithmysocietythisweek；beingstillalittlenervous，andbetterperhapsbymypoorself。\'
\'Oh！Ifthat\'sall，\'observedTom，\'itwouldn\'tmuchmatter，evenifIwastoforgetit，forLoo\'snotlikelytothinkofyouunlesssheseesyou。\'
Havingpaidforhisentertainmentwiththisagreeablecompliment，herelapsedintoahangdogsilenceuntiltherewasnomoreIndiaaleleft，whenhesaid，\'Well，Mrs。Sparsit，Imustbeoff！\'andwentoff。
Nextday，Saturday，Mrs。Sparsitsatatherwindowalldaylonglookingatthecustomerscominginandout，watchingthepostmen，keepinganeyeonthegeneraltrafficofthestreet，revolvingmanythingsinhermind，but，aboveall，keepingherattentiononherstaircase。Theeveningcome，sheputonherbonnetandshawl，andwentquietlyout:havingherreasonsforhoveringinafurtivewayaboutthestationbywhichapassengerwouldarrivefromYorkshire，andforpreferringtopeepintoitroundpillarsandcorners，andoutofladies\'waiting-roomwindows，toappearinginitsprecinctsopenly。
Tomwasinattendance，andloiteredaboutuntiltheexpectedtraincamein。ItbroughtnoMr。Harthouse。Tomwaiteduntilthecrowdhaddispersed，andthebustlewasover；andthenreferredtoapostedlistoftrains，andtookcounselwithporters。Thatdone，hestrolledawayidly，stoppinginthestreetandlookingupitanddownit，andliftinghishatoffandputtingitonagain，andyawningandstretchinghimself，andexhibitingallthesymptomsofmortalwearinesstobeexpectedinonewhohadstilltowaituntilthenexttrainshouldcomein，anhourandfortyminuteshence。
\'Thisisadevicetokeephimoutoftheway，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，startingfromthedullofficewindowwhenceshehadwatchedhimlast。\'Harthouseiswithhissisternow！\'
Itwastheconceptionofaninspiredmoment，andsheshotoffwithherutmostswiftnesstoworkitout。Thestationforthecountryhousewasattheoppositeendofthetown，thetimewasshort，theroadnoteasy；butshewassoquickinpouncingonadisengagedcoach，soquickindartingoutofit，producinghermoney，seizingherticket，anddivingintothetrain，thatshewasbornealongthearchesspanningthelandofcoal-pitspastandpresent，asifshehadbeencaughtupinacloudandwhirledaway。
Allthejourney，immovableintheairthoughneverleftbehind；
plaintothedarkeyesofhermind，astheelectricwireswhichruledacolossalstripofmusic-paperoutoftheeveningsky，wereplaintothedarkeyesofherbody；Mrs。Sparsitsawherstaircase，withthefigurecomingdown。Verynearthebottomnow。Uponthebrinkoftheabyss。
AnovercastSeptemberevening，justatnightfall，sawbeneathitsdroopingeyelidsMrs。Sparsitglideoutofhercarriage，passdownthewoodenstepsofthelittlestationintoastonyroad，crossitintoagreenlane，andbecomehiddeninasummer-growthofleavesandbranches。Oneortwolatebirdssleepilychirpingintheirnests，andabatheavilycrossingandrecrossingher，andthereekofherowntreadinthethickdustthatfeltlikevelvet，wereallMrs。Sparsitheardorsawuntilsheverysoftlyclosedagate。
Shewentuptothehouse，keepingwithintheshrubbery，andwentroundit，peepingbetweentheleavesatthelowerwindows。Mostofthemwereopen，astheyusuallywereinsuchwarmweather，buttherewerenolightsyet，andallwassilent。Shetriedthegardenwithnobettereffect。Shethoughtofthewood，andstoletowardsit，heedlessoflonggrassandbriers:ofworms，snails，andslugs，andallthecreepingthingsthatbe。Withherdarkeyesandherhooknosewarilyinadvanceofher，Mrs。Sparsitsoftlycrushedherwaythroughthethickundergrowth，sointentuponherobjectthatsheprobablywouldhavedonenoless，ifthewoodhadbeenawoodofadders。
Hark！
Thesmallerbirdsmighthavetumbledoutoftheirnests，fascinatedbytheglitteringofMrs。Sparsit\'seyesinthegloom，asshestoppedandlistened。
Lowvoicescloseathand。Hisvoiceandhers。Theappointmentwasadevicetokeepthebrotheraway！Theretheywereyonder，bythefelledtree。
Bendinglowamongthedewygrass，Mrs。Sparsitadvancedclosertothem。Shedrewherselfup，andstoodbehindatree，likeRobinsonCrusoeinhisambuscadeagainstthesavages；soneartothemthatataspring，andthatnogreatone，shecouldhavetouchedthemboth。Hewastheresecretly，andhadnotshownhimselfatthehouse。Hehadcomeonhorseback，andmusthavepassedthroughtheneighbouringfields；forhishorsewastiedtothemeadowsideofthefence，withinafewpaces。
\'Mydearestlove，\'saidhe，\'whatcouldIdo？Knowingyouwerealone，wasitpossiblethatIcouldstayaway？\'
\'Youmayhangyourhead，tomakeyourselfthemoreattractive；I
don\'tknowwhattheyseeinyouwhenyouholditup，\'thoughtMrs。
Sparsit；\'butyoulittlethink，mydearestlove，whoseeyesareonyou！\'
Thatshehungherhead，wascertain。Sheurgedhimtogoaway，shecommandedhimtogoaway；butsheneitherturnedherfacetohim，norraisedit。Yetitwasremarkablethatshesatasstillasevertheamiablewomaninambuscadehadseenhersit，atanyperiodinherlife。Herhandsrestedinoneanother，likethehandsofastatue；andevenhermannerofspeakingwasnothurried。
\'Mydearchild，\'saidHarthouse；Mrs。Sparsitsawwithdelightthathisarmembracedher；\'willyounotbearwithmysocietyforalittlewhile？\'
\'Nothere。\'
\'Where，Louisa？
\'Nothere。\'
\'Butwehavesolittletimetomakesomuchof，andIhavecomesofar，andamaltogethersodevoted，anddistracted。Thereneverwasaslaveatoncesodevotedandill-usedbyhismistress。Tolookforyoursunnywelcomethathaswarmedmeintolife，andtobereceivedinyourfrozenmanner，isheart-rending。\'
\'AmItosayagain，thatImustbelefttomyselfhere？\'
\'Butwemustmeet，mydearLouisa。Whereshallwemeet？\'
Theybothstarted。Thelistenerstarted，guiltily，too；forshethoughttherewasanotherlisteneramongthetrees。Itwasonlyrain，beginningtofallfast，inheavydrops。
\'ShallIrideuptothehouseafewminuteshence，innocentlysupposingthatitsmasterisathomeandwillbecharmedtoreceiveme？\'
\'No！\'
\'Yourcruelcommandsareimplicitlytobeobeyed；thoughIamthemostunfortunatefellowintheworld，Ibelieve，tohavebeeninsensibletoallotherwomen，andtohavefallenprostrateatlastunderthefootofthemostbeautiful，andthemostengaging，andthemostimperious。MydearestLouisa，Icannotgomyself，orletyougo，inthishardabuseofyourpower。\'
Mrs。Sparsitsawhimdetainherwithhisencirclingarm，andheardhimthenandthere，withinherMrs。Sparsit\'sgreedyhearing，tellherhowhelovedher，andhowshewasthestakeforwhichheardentlydesiredtoplayawayallthathehadinlife。Theobjectshehadlatelypursued，turnedworthlessbesideher；suchsuccessaswasalmostinhisgrasp，heflungawayfromhimlikethedirtitwas，comparedwithher。Itspursuit，nevertheless，ifitkepthimnearher，oritsrenunciationifittookhimfromher，orflightifshesharedit，orsecrecyifshecommandedit，oranyfate，oreveryfate，allwasaliketohim，sothatshewastruetohim，-
themanwhohadseenhowcastawayshewas，whomshehadinspiredattheirfirstmeetingwithanadmiration，aninterest，ofwhichhehadthoughthimselfincapable，whomshehadreceivedintoherconfidence，whowasdevotedtoherandadoredher。Allthis，andmore，inhishurry，andinhers，inthewhirlofherowngratifiedmalice，inthedreadofbeingdiscovered，intherapidlyincreasingnoiseofheavyrainamongtheleaves，andathunderstormrollingup-Mrs。Sparsitreceivedintohermind，setoffwithsuchanunavoidablehaloofconfusionandindistinctness，thatwhenatlengthheclimbedthefenceandledhishorseaway，shewasnotsurewheretheyweretomeet，orwhen，exceptthattheyhadsaiditwastobethatnight。
Butoneofthemyetremainedinthedarknessbeforeher；andwhileshetrackedthatoneshemustberight。\'Oh，mydearestlove，\'
thoughtMrs。Sparsit，\'youlittlethinkhowwellattendedyouare！\'
Mrs。Sparsitsawheroutofthewood，andsawherenterthehouse。
Whattodonext？Itrainednow，inasheetofwater。Mrs。
Sparsit\'swhitestockingswereofmanycolours，greenpredominating；pricklythingswereinhershoes；caterpillarsslungthemselves，inhammocksoftheirownmaking，fromvariouspartsofherdress；rillsranfromherbonnet，andherRomannose。Insuchcondition，Mrs。Sparsitstoodhiddeninthedensityoftheshrubbery，consideringwhatnext？
Lo，Louisacomingoutofthehouse！Hastilycloakedandmuffled，andstealingaway。Sheelopes！Shefallsfromthelowermoststair，andisswallowedupinthegulf。
Indifferenttotherain，andmovingwithaquickdeterminedstep，shestruckintoaside-pathparallelwiththeride。Mrs。Sparsitfollowedintheshadowofthetrees，atbutashortdistance；foritwasnoteasytokeepafigureinviewgoingquicklythroughtheumbrageousdarkness。
Whenshestoppedtoclosetheside-gatewithoutnoise，Mrs。Sparsitstopped。Whenshewenton，Mrs。Sparsitwenton。ShewentbythewayMrs。Sparsithadcome，emergedfromthegreenlane，crossedthestonyroad，andascendedthewoodenstepstotherailroad。AtrainforCoketownwouldcomethroughpresently，Mrs。Sparsitknew；sosheunderstoodCoketowntobeherfirstplaceofdestination。
InMrs。Sparsit\'slimpandstreamingstate，noextensiveprecautionswerenecessarytochangeherusualappearance；but，shestoppedundertheleeofthestationwall，tumbledhershawlintoanewshape，andputitonoverherbonnet。Sodisguisedshehadnofearofbeingrecognizedwhenshefolloweduptherailroadsteps，andpaidhermoneyinthesmalloffice。Louisasatwaitinginacorner。Mrs。Sparsitsatwaitinginanothercorner。Bothlistenedtothethunder，whichwasloud，andtotherain，asitwashedofftheroof，andpatteredontheparapetsofthearches。Twoorthreelampswererainedoutandblownout；so，bothsawthelightningtoadvantageasitquiveredandzigzaggedontheirontracks。
Theseizureofthestationwithafitoftrembling，graduallydeepeningtoacomplaintoftheheart，announcedthetrain。Fireandsteam，andsmoke，andredlight；ahiss，acrash，abell，andashriek；Louisaputintoonecarriage，Mrs。Sparsitputintoanother:thelittlestationadesertspeckinthethunderstorm。
Thoughherteethchatteredinherheadfromwetandcold，Mrs。
Sparsitexultedhugely。Thefigurehadplungeddowntheprecipice，andshefeltherself，asitwere，attendingonthebody。Couldshe，whohadbeensoactiveinthegettingupofthefuneraltriumph，dolessthanexult？\'ShewillbeatCoketownlongbeforehim，\'thoughtMrs。Sparsit，\'thoughhishorseisneversogood。
Wherewillshewaitforhim？Andwherewilltheygotogether？
Patience。Weshallsee。\'
Thetremendousrainoccasionedinfiniteconfusion，whenthetrainstoppedatitsdestination。Guttersandpipeshadburst，drainshadoverflowed，andstreetswereunderwater。Inthefirstinstantofalighting，Mrs。Sparsitturnedherdistractedeyestowardsthewaitingcoaches，whichwereingreatrequest。\'Shewillgetintoone，\'sheconsidered，\'andwillbeawaybeforeIcanfollowinanother。Atallrisksofbeingrunover，Imustseethenumber，andheartheordergiventothecoachman。\'
But，Mrs。Sparsitwaswronginhercalculation。Louisagotintonocoach，andwasalreadygone。Theblackeyeskeptupontherailroad-carriageinwhichshehadtravelled，settleduponitamomenttoolate。Thedoornotbeingopenedafterseveralminutes，Mrs。Sparsitpasseditandrepassedit，sawnothing，lookedin，andfounditempty。Wetthroughandthrough:withherfeetsquelchingandsquashinginhershoeswhenevershemoved；witharashofrainuponherclassicalvisage；withabonnetlikeanover-ripefig；
withallherclothesspoiled；withdampimpressionsofeverybutton，string，andhook-and-eyeshewore，printedoffuponherhighlyconnectedback；withastagnantverdureonhergeneralexterior，suchasaccumulatesonanoldparkfenceinamouldylane；Mrs。Sparsithadnoresourcebuttoburstintotearsofbitternessandsay，\'Ihavelosther！\'