CHAPTERIV-LOST
　　THErobberyattheBankhadnotlanguishedbefore，anddidnotceasetooccupyafrontplaceintheattentionoftheprincipalofthatestablishmentnow。Inboastfulproofofhispromptitudeandactivity，asaremarkableman，andaself-mademan，andacommercialwondermoreadmirablethanVenus，whohadrisenoutofthemudinsteadofthesea，helikedtoshowhowlittlehisdomesticaffairsabatedhisbusinessardour。Consequently，inthefirstfewweeksofhisresumedbachelorhood，heevenadvanceduponhisusualdisplayofbustle，andeverydaymadesucharoutinrenewinghisinvestigationsintotherobbery，thattheofficerswhohaditinhandalmostwishedithadneverbeencommitted。
　　Theywereatfaulttoo，andoffthescent。Althoughtheyhadbeensoquietsincethefirstoutbreakofthematter，thatmostpeoplereallydidsupposeittohavebeenabandonedashopeless，nothingnewoccurred。Noimplicatedmanorwomantookuntimelycourage，ormadeaself-betrayingstep。Moreremarkableyet，StephenBlackpoolcouldnotbeheardof，andthemysteriousoldwomanremainedamystery。
　　Thingshavingcometothispass，andshowingnolatentsignsofstirringbeyondit，theupshotofMr。Bounderby'sinvestigationswas，thatheresolvedtohazardaboldburst。Hedrewupaplacard，offeringTwentyPoundsrewardfortheapprehensionofStephenBlackpool，suspectedofcomplicityintherobberyofCoketownBankonsuchanight；hedescribedthesaidStephenBlackpoolbydress，complexion，estimatedheight，andmanner，asminutelyashecould；herecitedhowhehadleftthetown，andinwhatdirectionhehadbeenlastseengoing；hehadthewholeprintedingreatblacklettersonastaringbroadsheet；andhecausedthewallstobepostedwithitinthedeadofnight，sothatitshouldstrikeuponthesightofthewholepopulationatoneblow。
　　Thefactory-bellshadneedtoringtheirloudestthatmorningtodispersethegroupsofworkerswhostoodinthetardydaybreak，collectedroundtheplacards，devouringthemwitheagereyes。Nottheleasteageroftheeyesassembled，weretheeyesofthosewhocouldnotread。Thesepeople，astheylistenedtothefriendlyvoicethatreadaloud-therewasalwayssomesuchreadytohelpthem-staredatthecharacterswhichmeantsomuchwithavagueaweandrespectthatwouldhavebeenhalfludicrous，ifanyaspectofpublicignorancecouldeverbeotherwisethanthreateningandfullofevil。Manyearsandeyeswerebusywithavisionofthematteroftheseplacards，amongturningspindles，rattlinglooms，andwhirlingwheels，forhoursafterwards；andwhentheHandsclearedoutagainintothestreets，therewerestillasmanyreadersasbefore。
　　Slackbridge，thedelegate，hadtoaddresshisaudiencetoothatnight；andSlackbridgehadobtainedacleanbillfromtheprinter，andhadbroughtitinhispocket。Oh，myfriendsandfellow-
　　countrymen，thedown-troddenoperativesofCoketown，oh，myfellow-
　　brothersandfellow-workmenandfellow-citizensandfellowmen，whatato-dowasthere，whenSlackbridgeunfoldedwhathecalled'thatdamningdocument，'andheldituptothegaze，andfortheexecrationoftheworking-mancommunity！'Oh，myfellow-men，beholdofwhatatraitorinthecampofthosegreatspiritswhoareenrolledupontheholyscrollofJusticeandofUnion，isappropriatelycapable！Oh，myprostratefriends，withthegallingyokeoftyrantsonyournecksandtheironfootofdespotismtreadingdownyourfallenformsintothedustoftheearth，uponwhichrightgladwouldyouroppressorsbetoseeyoucreepingonyourbelliesallthedaysofyourlives，liketheserpentinthegarden-oh，mybrothers，andshallIasamannotadd，mysisterstoo，whatdoyousay，now，ofStephenBlackpool，withaslightstoopinhisshouldersandaboutfivefootseveninheight，assetforthinthisdegradinganddisgustingdocument，thisblightingbill，thisperniciousplacard，thisabominableadvertisement；andwithwhatmajestyofdenouncementwillyoucrushtheviper，whowouldbringthisstainandshameupontheGod-likeracethathappilyhascasthimoutforever！Yes，mycompatriots，happilycasthimoutandsenthimforth！Foryourememberhowhestoodherebeforeyouonthisplatform；yourememberhow，facetofaceandfoottofoot，Ipursuedhimthroughallhisintricatewindings；
　　yourememberhowhesneakedandslunk，andsidled，andsplittedofstraws，until，withnotaninchofgroundtowhichtocling，I
　　hurledhimoutfromamongstus:anobjectfortheundyingfingerofscorntopointat，andfortheavengingfireofeveryfreeandthinkingmindtoscorchandscar！Andnow，myfriends-mylabouringfriends，forIrejoiceandtriumphinthatstigma-myfriendswhosehardbuthonestbedsaremadeintoil，andwhosescantybutindependentpotsareboiledinhardship；andnow，Isay，myfriends，whatappellationhasthatdastardcraventakentohimself，when，withthemasktornfromhisfeatures，hestandsbeforeusinallhisnativedeformity，aWhat？Athief！A
　　plunderer！Aproscribedfugitive，withapriceuponhishead；afesterandawounduponthenoblecharacteroftheCoketownoperative！Therefore，mybandofbrothersinasacredbond，towhichyourchildrenandyourchildren'schildrenyetunbornhavesettheirinfanthandsandseals，IproposetoyouonthepartoftheUnitedAggregateTribunal，everwatchfulforyourwelfare，everzealousforyourbenefit，thatthismeetingdoesResolve:ThatStephenBlackpool，weaver，referredtointhisplacard，havingbeenalreadysolemnlydisownedbythecommunityofCoketownHands，thesamearefreefromtheshameofhismisdeeds，andcannotasaclassbereproachedwithhisdishonestactions！'
　　ThusSlackbridge；gnashingandperspiringafteraprodigioussort。
　　Afewsternvoicescalledout'No！'andascoreortwohailed，withassentingcriesof'Hear，hear！'thecautionfromoneman，'Slackbridge，y'oroverhetterin't；y'oragoentoofast！'Butthesewerepigmiesagainstanarmy；thegeneralassemblagesubscribedtothegospelaccordingtoSlackbridge，andgavethreecheersforhim，ashesatdemonstrativelypantingatthem。
　　Thesemenandwomenwereyetinthestreets，passingquietlytotheirhomes，whenSissy，whohadbeencalledawayfromLouisasomeminutesbefore，returned。
　　'Whoisit？'askedLouisa。
　　'ItisMr。Bounderby，'saidSissy，timidofthename，'andyourbrotherMr。Tom，andayoungwomanwhosayshernameisRachael，andthatyouknowher。'
　　'Whatdotheywant，Sissydear？'
　　'Theywanttoseeyou。Rachaelhasbeencrying，andseemsangry。'
　　'Father，'saidLouisa，forhewaspresent，'Icannotrefusetoseethem，forareasonthatwillexplainitself。Shalltheycomeinhere？'
　　Asheansweredintheaffirmative，Sissywentawaytobringthem。
　　Shereappearedwiththemdirectly。Tomwaslast；andremainedstandingintheobscurestpartoftheroom，nearthedoor。
　　'Mrs。Bounderby，'saidherhusband，enteringwithacoolnod，'I
　　don'tdisturbyou，Ihope。Thisisanunseasonablehour，buthereisayoungwomanwhohasbeenmakingstatementswhichrendermyvisitnecessary。TomGradgrind，asyourson，youngTom，refusesforsomeobstinatereasonorothertosayanythingatallaboutthosestatements，goodorbad，Iamobligedtoconfrontherwithyourdaughter。'
　　'Youhaveseenmeoncebefore，younglady，'saidRachael，standinginfrontofLouisa。
　　Tomcoughed。
　　'Youhaveseenme，younglady，'repeatedRachael，asshedidnotanswer，'oncebefore。'
　　Tomcoughedagain。
　　'Ihave。'
　　RachaelcasthereyesproudlytowardsMr。Bounderby，andsaid，'Willyoumakeitknown，younglady，where，andwhowasthere？'
　　'IwenttothehousewhereStephenBlackpoollodged，onthenightofhisdischargefromhiswork，andIsawyouthere。Hewastheretoo；andanoldwomanwhodidnotspeak，andwhomIcouldscarcelysee，stoodinadarkcorner。Mybrotherwaswithme。'
　　'Whycouldn'tyousayso，youngTom？'demandedBounderby。
　　'IpromisedmysisterIwouldn't。'WhichLouisahastilyconfirmed。
　　'Andbesides，'saidthewhelpbitterly，'shetellsherownstorysopreciouswell-andsofull-thatwhatbusinesshadItotakeitoutofhermouth！'
　　'Say，younglady，ifyouplease，'pursuedRachael，'why，inanevilhour，youevercametoStephen'sthatnight。'
　　'Ifeltcompassionforhim，'saidLouisa，hercolourdeepening，'andIwishedtoknowwhathewasgoingtodo，andwishedtoofferhimassistance。'
　　'Thankyou，ma'am，'saidBounderby。'Muchflatteredandobliged。'
　　'Didyouofferhim，'askedRachael，'abank-note？'
　　'Yes；butherefusedit，andwouldonlytaketwopoundsingold。'
　　RachaelcasthereyestowardsMr。Bounderbyagain。
　　'Oh，certainly！'saidBounderby。'Ifyouputthequestionwhetheryourridiculousandimprobableaccountwastrueornot，Iamboundtosayit'sconfirmed。'
　　'Younglady，'saidRachael，'StephenBlackpoolisnownamedasathiefinpublicprintalloverthistown，andwhereelse！Therehavebeenameetingto-nightwherehehavebeenspokenofinthesameshamefulway。Stephen！Thehonestestlad，thetruestlad，thebest！'Herindignationfailedher，andshebrokeoffsobbing。
　　'Iamvery，verysorry，'saidLouisa。
　　'Oh，younglady，younglady，'returnedRachael，'Ihopeyoumaybe，butIdon'tknow！Ican'tsaywhatyoumayha'done！Thelikeofyoudon'tknowus，don'tcareforus，don'tbelongtous。Iamnotsurewhyyoumayha'comethatnight。Ican'ttellbutwhatyoumayha'comewi'someaimofyourown，notmindintowhattroubleyoubroughtsuchasthepoorlad。Isaidthen，Blessyouforcoming；andIsaiditofmyheart，youseemedtotakesopitifullytohim；butIdon'tknownow，Idon'tknow！'
　　Louisacouldnotreproachherforherunjustsuspicions；shewassofaithfultoherideaoftheman，andsoafflicted。
　　'AndwhenIthink，'saidRachaelthroughhersobs，'thatthepoorladwassograteful，thinkinyousogoodtohim-whenImindthatheputhishandoverhishard-workenfacetohidethetearsthatyoubroughtupthere-Oh，Ihopeyoumaybesorry，andha'nobadcausetobeit；butIdon'tknow，Idon'tknow！'
　　'You'reaprettyarticle，'growledthewhelp，movinguneasilyinhisdarkcorner，'tocomeherewiththesepreciousimputations！
　　Yououghttobebundledoutfornotknowinghowtobehaveyourself，andyouwouldbebyrights。'
　　Shesaidnothinginreply；andherlowweepingwastheonlysoundthatwasheard，untilMr。Bounderbyspoke。
　　'Come！'saidhe，'youknowwhatyouhaveengagedtodo。Youhadbettergiveyourmindtothat；notthis。'
　　''Deed，Iamloath，'returnedRachael，dryinghereyes，'thatanyhereshouldseemelikethis；butIwon'tbeseensoagain。Younglady，whenIhadreadwhat'sputinprintofStephen-andwhathasjustasmuchtruthinitasifithadbeenputinprintofyou-I
　　wentstraighttotheBanktosayIknewwhereStephenwas，andtogiveasureandcertainpromisethatheshouldbehereintwodays。
　　Icouldn'tmeetwi'Mr。Bounderbythen，andyourbrothersentmeaway，andItriedtofindyou，butyouwasnottobefound，andI
　　wentbacktowork。SoonasIcomeoutoftheMillto-night，I
　　hastenedtohearwhatwassaidofStephen-forIknowwi'pridehewillcomebacktoshameit！-andthenIwentagaintoseekMr。
　　Bounderby，andIfoundhim，andItoldhimeverywordIknew；andhebelievednowordIsaid，andbroughtmehere。'
　　'Sofar，that'strueenough，'assentedMr。Bounderby，withhishandsinhispocketsandhishaton。'ButIhaveknownyoupeoplebeforeto-day，you'llobserve，andIknowyouneverdieforwantoftalking。Now，Irecommendyounotsomuchtomindtalkingjustnow，asdoing。Youhaveundertakentodosomething；allIremarkuponthatatpresentis，doit！'
　　'IhavewrittentoStephenbythepostthatwentoutthisafternoon，asIhavewrittentohimoncebeforesin'hewentaway，'
　　saidRachael；'andhewillbehere，atfurthest，intwodays。'
　　'Then，I'lltellyousomething。Youarenotawareperhaps，'
　　retortedMr。Bounderby，'thatyouyourselfhavebeenlookedafternowandthen，notbeingconsideredquitefreefromsuspicioninthisbusiness，onaccountofmostpeoplebeingjudgedaccordingtothecompanytheykeep。Thepost-officehasn'tbeenforgotteneither。WhatI'lltellyouis，thatnolettertoStephenBlackpoolhasevergotintoit。Therefore，whathasbecomeofyours，Ileaveyoutoguess。Perhapsyou'remistaken，andneverwroteany。'
　　'Hehadn'tbeengonefromhere，younglady，'saidRachael，turningappealinglytoLouisa，'asmuchasaweek，whenhesentmetheonlyletterIhavehadfromhim，sayingthathewasforcedtoseekworkinanothername。'
　　'Oh，byGeorge！'criedBounderby，shakinghishead，withawhistle，'hechangeshisname，doeshe！That'sratherunlucky，too，forsuchanimmaculatechap。It'sconsideredalittlesuspiciousinCourtsofJustice，Ibelieve，whenanInnocenthappenstohavemanynames。'
　　'What，'saidRachael，withthetearsinhereyesagain，'what，younglady，inthenameofMercy，wasleftthepoorladtodo！Themastersagainsthimononehand，themenagainsthimontheother，heonlywantintoworkhardinpeace，anddowhathefeltright。
　　Canamanhavenosoulofhisown，nomindofhisown？Musthegowrongallthroughwi'thisside，ormusthegowrongallthroughwi'that，orelsebehuntedlikeahare？'
　　'Indeed，indeed，Ipityhimfrommyheart，'returnedLouisa；'andI
　　hopethathewillclearhimself。'
　　'Youneedhavenofearofthat，younglady。Heissure！'
　　'Allthesurer，Isuppose，'saidMr。Bounderby，'foryourrefusingtotellwhereheis？Eh？'
　　'Heshallnot，throughanyactofmine，comebackwi'theunmeritedreproachofbeingbroughtback。Heshallcomebackofhisownaccordtoclearhimself，andputallthosethathaveinjuredhisgoodcharacter，andhenothereforitsdefence，toshame。Ihavetoldhimwhathasbeendoneagainsthim，'saidRachael，throwingoffalldistrustasarockthrowsofthesea，'andhewillbehere，atfurthest，intwodays。'
　　'Notwithstandingwhich，'addedMr。Bounderby，'ifhecanbelaidholdofanysooner，heshallhaveanearlieropportunityofclearinghimself。Astoyou，Ihavenothingagainstyou；whatyoucameandtoldmeturnsouttobetrue，andIhavegivenyouthemeansofprovingittobetrue，andthere'sanendofit。Iwishyougoodnightall！Imustbeofftolookalittlefurtherintothis。'
　　TomcameoutofhiscornerwhenMr。Bounderbymoved，movedwithhim，keptclosetohim，andwentawaywithhim。Theonlypartingsalutationofwhichhedeliveredhimselfwasasulky'Goodnight，father！'Withabriefspeech，andascowlathissister，heleftthehouse。
　　Sincehissheet-anchorhadcomehome，Mr。Gradgrindhadbeensparingofspeech。Hestillsatsilent，whenLouisamildlysaid:
　　'Rachael，youwillnotdistrustmeoneday，whenyouknowmebetter。'
　　'Itgoesagainstme，'Rachaelanswered，inagentlermanner，'tomistrustanyone；butwhenIamsomistrusted-whenweallare-I
　　cannotkeepsuchthingsquiteoutofmymind。Iaskyourpardonforhavingdoneyouaninjury。Idon'tthinkwhatIsaidnow。YetImightcometothinkitagain，wi'thepoorladsowronged。'
　　'Didyoutellhiminyourletter，'inquiredSissy，'thatsuspicionseemedtohavefallenuponhim，becausehehadbeenseenabouttheBankatnight？Hewouldthenknowwhathewouldhavetoexplainoncomingback，andwouldbeready。'
　　'Yes，dear，'shereturned；'butIcan'tguesswhatcanhaveevertakenhimthere。Heneverusedtogothere。Itwasneverinhisway。Hiswaywasthesameasmine，andnotnearit。'
　　Sissyhadalreadybeenathersideaskingherwhereshelived，andwhethershemightcometo-morrownight，toinquireiftherewerenewsofhim。
　　'Idoubt，'saidRachael，'ifhecanbeheretillnextday。'
　　'ThenIwillcomenextnighttoo，'saidSissy。
　　WhenRachael，assentingtothis，wasgone，Mr。Gradgrindlifteduphishead，andsaidtohisdaughter:
　　'Louisa，mydear，Ihavenever，thatIknowof，seenthisman。Doyoubelievehimtobeimplicated？'
　　'IthinkIhavebelievedit，father，thoughwithgreatdifficulty。
　　Idonotbelieveitnow。'
　　'Thatistosay，youoncepersuadedyourselftobelieveit，fromknowinghimtobesuspected。Hisappearanceandmanner；aretheysohonest？'
　　'Veryhonest。'
　　'Andherconfidencenottobeshaken！Iaskmyself，'saidMr。
　　Gradgrind，musing，'doestherealculpritknowoftheseaccusations？Whereishe？Whoishe？'
　　Hishairhadlatterlybegantochangeitscolour。Asheleaneduponhishandagain，lookinggrayandold，Louisa，withafaceoffearandpity，hurriedlywentovertohim，andsatcloseathisside。HereyesbyaccidentmetSissy'satthemoment。Sissyflushedandstarted，andLouisaputherfingeronherlip。
　　Nextnight，whenSissyreturnedhomeandtoldLouisathatStephenwasnotcome，shetolditinawhisper。Nextnightagain，whenshecamehomewiththesameaccount，andaddedthathehadnotbeenheardof，shespokeinthesamelowfrightenedtone。Fromthemomentofthatinterchangeoflooks，theyneverutteredhisname，oranyreferencetohim，aloud；noreverpursuedthesubjectoftherobbery，whenMr。Gradgrindspokeofit。
　　Thetwoappointeddaysranout，threedaysandnightsranout，andStephenBlackpoolwasnotcome，andremainedunheardof。Onthefourthday，Rachael，withunabatedconfidence，butconsideringherdespatchtohavemiscarried，wentuptotheBank，andshowedherletterfromhimwithhisaddress，ataworkingcolony，oneofmany，notuponthemainroad，sixtymilesaway。Messengersweresenttothatplace，andthewholetownlookedforStephentobebroughtinnextday。
　　DuringthiswholetimethewhelpmovedaboutwithMr。Bounderbylikehisshadow，assistinginalltheproceedings。Hewasgreatlyexcited，horriblyfevered，bithisnailsdowntothequick，spokeinahardrattlingvoice，andwithlipsthatwereblackandburntup。Atthehourwhenthesuspectedmanwaslookedfor，thewhelpwasatthestation；offeringtowagerthathehadmadeoffbeforethearrivalofthosewhoweresentinquestofhim，andthathewouldnotappear。
　　Thewhelpwasright。Themessengersreturnedalone。Rachael'sletterhadgone，Rachael'sletterhadbeendelivered。StephenBlackpoolhaddecampedinthatsamehour；andnosoulknewmoreofhim。TheonlydoubtinCoketownwas，whetherRachaelhadwritteningoodfaith，believingthathereallywouldcomeback，orwarninghimtofly。Onthispointopinionwasdivided。
　　Sixdays，sevendays，faronintoanotherweek。Thewretchedwhelppluckedupaghastlycourage，andbegantogrowdefiant。'Wasthesuspectedfellowthethief？Aprettyquestion！Ifnot，wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？'
　　Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？Inthedeadofnighttheechoesofhisownwords，whichhadrolledHeavenknowshowfarawayinthedaytime，camebackinstead，andabidedbyhimuntilmorning。
　　CHAPTERV-FOUND
　　DAYandnightagain，dayandnightagain。NoStephenBlackpool。
　　Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？
　　Everynight，SissywenttoRachael'slodging，andsatwithherinhersmallneatroom。Allday，Rachaeltoiledassuchpeoplemusttoil，whatevertheiranxieties。Thesmoke-serpentswereindifferentwhowaslostorfound，whoturnedoutbadorgood；themelancholymadelephants，liketheHardFactmen，abatednothingoftheirsetroutine，whateverhappened。Dayandnightagain，dayandnightagain。Themonotonywasunbroken。EvenStephenBlackpool'sdisappearancewasfallingintothegeneralway，andbecomingasmonotonousawonderasanypieceofmachineryinCoketown。
　　'Imisdoubt，'saidRachael，'ifthereisasmanyastwentyleftinallthisplace，whohaveanytrustinthepoordearladnow。'
　　ShesaidittoSissy，astheysatinherlodging，lightedonlybythelampatthestreetcorner。Sissyhadcometherewhenitwasalreadydark，toawaitherreturnfromwork；andtheyhadsincesatatthewindowwhereRachaelhadfoundher，wantingnobrighterlighttoshineontheirsorrowfultalk。
　　'Ifithadn'tbeenmercifullybroughtabout，thatIwastohaveyoutospeakto，'pursuedRachael，'timesare，whenIthinkmymindwouldnothavekeptright。ButIgethopeandstrengththroughyou；andyoubelievethatthoughappearancesmayriseagainsthim，hewillbeprovedclear？'
　　'Idobelieveso，'returnedSissy，'withmywholeheart。Ifeelsocertain，Rachael，thattheconfidenceyouholdinyoursagainstalldiscouragement，isnotliketobewrong，thatIhavenomoredoubtofhimthanifIhadknownhimthroughasmanyyearsoftrialasyouhave。'
　　'AndI，mydear，'saidRachel，withatrembleinhervoice，'haveknownhimthroughthemall，tobe，accordingtohisquietways，sofaithfultoeverythinghonestandgood，thatifhewasnevertobeheardofmore，andIwastolivetobeahundredyearsold，Icouldsaywithmylastbreath，Godknowsmyheart。IhaveneveroncelefttrustingStephenBlackpool！'
　　'Weallbelieve，upattheLodge，Rachael，thathewillbefreedfromsuspicion，soonerorlater。'
　　'ThebetterIknowittobesobelievedthere，mydear，'saidRachael，'andthekinderIfeelitthatyoucomeawayfromthere，purposelytocomfortme，andkeepmecompany，andbeseenwi'mewhenIamnotyetfreefromallsuspicionmyself，themoregrievedIamthatIshouldeverhavespokenthosemistrustingwordstotheyounglady。AndyetI-'
　　'Youdon'tmistrusthernow，Rachael？'
　　'Nowthatyouhavebroughtusmoretogether，no。ButIcan'tatalltimeskeepoutofmymind-'
　　Hervoicesosunkintoalowandslowcommuningwithherself，thatSissy，sittingbyherside，wasobligedtolistenwithattention。
　　'Ican'tatalltimeskeepoutofmymind，mistrustingsofsomeone。Ican'tthinkwho'tis，Ican'tthinkhoworwhyitmaybedone，butImistrustthatsomeonehasputStephenoutoftheway。
　　Imistrustthatbyhiscomingbackofhisownaccord，andshowinghimselfinnocentbeforethemall，someonewouldbeconfounded，who-topreventthat-hasstoppedhim，andputhimoutoftheway。'
　　'Thatisadreadfulthought，'saidSissy，turningpale。
　　'Itisadreadfulthoughttothinkhemaybemurdered。'
　　Sissyshuddered，andturnedpaleryet。
　　'Whenitmakesitswayintomymind，dear，'saidRachael，'anditwillcomesometimes，thoughIdoallIcantokeepitout，wi'
　　countingontohighnumbersasIwork，andsayingoverandoveragainpiecesthatIknewwhenIwereachild-Ifallintosuchawild，hothurry，that，howevertiredIam，Iwanttowalkfast，milesandmiles。Imustgetthebetterofthisbeforebed-time。
　　I'llwalkhomewi'you。'
　　'Hemightfallilluponthejourneyback，'saidSissy，faintlyofferingaworn-outscrapofhope；'andinsuchacase，therearemanyplacesontheroadwherehemightstop。'
　　'Butheisinnoneofthem。Hehasbeensoughtforinall，andhe'snotthere。'
　　'True，'wasSissy'sreluctantadmission。
　　'He'dwalkthejourneyintwodays。Ifhewasfootsoreandcouldn'twalk，Isenthim，intheletterhegot，themoneytoride，lestheshouldhavenoneofhisowntospare。'
　　'Letushopethatto-morrowwillbringsomethingbetter，Rachael。
　　Comeintotheair！'
　　HergentlehandadjustedRachael'sshawluponhershiningblackhairintheusualmannerofherwearingit，andtheywentout。Thenightbeingfine，littleknotsofHandswerehereandtherelingeringatstreetcorners；butitwassupper-timewiththegreaterpartofthem，andtherewerebutfewpeopleinthestreets。
　　'You'renotsohurriednow，Rachael，andyourhandiscooler。'
　　'Igetbetter，dear，ifIcanonlywalk，andbreathealittlefresh。'TimeswhenIcan't，Iturnweakandconfused。'
　　'Butyoumustnotbegintofail，Rachael，foryoumaybewantedatanytimetostandbyStephen。To-morrowisSaturday。Ifnonewscomesto-morrow，letuswalkinthecountryonSundaymorning，andstrengthenyouforanotherweek。Willyougo？'
　　'Yes，dear。'
　　TheywerebythistimeinthestreetwhereMr。Bounderby'shousestood。ThewaytoSissy'sdestinationledthempastthedoor，andtheyweregoingstraighttowardsit。SometrainhadnewlyarrivedinCoketown，whichhadputanumberofvehiclesinmotion，andscatteredaconsiderablebustleaboutthetown。SeveralcoacheswererattlingbeforethemandbehindthemastheyapproachedMr。
　　Bounderby's，andoneofthelatterdrewupwithsuchbrisknessastheywereintheactofpassingthehouse，thattheylookedroundinvoluntarily。ThebrightgaslightoverMr。Bounderby'sstepsshowedthemMrs。Sparsitinthecoach，inanecstasyofexcitement，strugglingtoopenthedoor；Mrs。Sparsitseeingthematthesamemoment，calledtothemtostop。
　　'It'sacoincidence，'exclaimedMrs。Sparsit，asshewasreleasedbythecoachman。'It'saProvidence！Comeout，ma'am！'thensaidMrs。Sparsit，tosomeoneinside，'comeout，orwe'llhaveyoudraggedout！'
　　Hereupon，nootherthanthemysteriousoldwomandescended。WhomMrs。Sparsitincontinentlycollared。
　　'Leaveheralone，everybody！'criedMrs。Sparsit，withgreatenergy。'Letnobodytouchher。Shebelongstome。Comein，ma'am！'thensaidMrs。Sparsit，reversingherformerwordofcommand。'Comein，ma'am，orwe'llhaveyoudraggedin！'
　　Thespectacleofamatronofclassicaldeportment，seizinganancientwomanbythethroat，andhaulingherintoadwelling-house，wouldhavebeenunderanycircumstances，sufficienttemptationtoalltrueEnglishstragglerssoblestastowitnessit，toforceawayintothatdwelling-houseandseethematterout。ButwhenthephenomenonwasenhancedbythenotorietyandmysterybythistimeassociatedalloverthetownwiththeBankrobbery，itwouldhaveluredthestragglersin，withanirresistibleattraction，thoughtheroofhadbeenexpectedtofallupontheirheads。Accordingly，thechancewitnessesontheground，consistingofthebusiestoftheneighbourstothenumberofsomefive-and-twenty，closedinafterSissyandRachael，astheyclosedinafterMrs。Sparsitandherprize；andthewholebodymadeadisorderlyirruptionintoMr。
　　Bounderby'sdining-room，wherethepeoplebehindlostnotamoment'stimeinmountingonthechairs，togetthebetterofthepeopleinfront。
　　'FetchMr。Bounderbydown！'criedMrs。Sparsit。'Rachael，youngwoman；youknowwhothisis？'
　　'It'sMrs。Pegler，'saidRachael。
　　'Ishouldthinkitis！'criedMrs。Sparsit，exulting。'FetchMr。
　　Bounderby。Standaway，everybody！'HereoldMrs。Pegler，mufflingherselfup，andshrinkingfromobservation，whisperedawordofentreaty。'Don'ttellme，'saidMrs。Sparsit，aloud。'Ihavetoldyoutwentytimes，comingalong，thatIwillnotleaveyoutillI
　　havehandedyouovertohimmyself。'
　　Mr。Bounderbynowappeared，accompaniedbyMr。Gradgrindandthewhelp，withwhomhehadbeenholdingconferenceup-stairs。Mr。
　　Bounderbylookedmoreastonishedthanhospitable，atsightofthisuninvitedpartyinhisdining-room。
　　'Why，what'sthematternow！'saidhe。'Mrs。Sparsit，ma'am？'
　　'Sir，'explainedthatworthywoman，'Itrustitismygoodfortunetoproduceapersonyouhavemuchdesiredtofind。Stimulatedbymywishtorelieveyourmind，sir，andconnectingtogethersuchimperfectcluestothepartofthecountryinwhichthatpersonmightbesupposedtoreside，ashavebeenaffordedbytheyoungwoman，Rachael，fortunatelynowpresenttoidentify，Ihavehadthehappinesstosucceed，andtobringthatpersonwithme-Ineednotsaymostunwillinglyonherpart。Ithasnotbeen，sir，withoutsometroublethatIhaveeffectedthis；buttroubleinyourserviceistomeapleasure，andhunger，thirst，andcoldarealgratification。'
　　HereMrs。Sparsitceased；forMr。Bounderby'svisageexhibitedanextraordinarycombinationofallpossiblecoloursandexpressionsofdiscomfiture，asoldMrs。Peglerwasdisclosedtohisview。
　　'Why，whatdoyoumeanbythis？'washishighlyunexpecteddemand，ingreatwarmth。'Iaskyou，whatdoyoumeanbythis，Mrs。
　　Sparsit，ma'am？'
　　'Sir！'exclaimedMrs。Sparsit，faintly。
　　'Whydon'tyoumindyourownbusiness，ma'am？'roaredBounderby。
　　'Howdareyougoandpokeyourofficiousnoseintomyfamilyaffairs？'
　　ThisallusiontoherfavouritefeatureoverpoweredMrs。Sparsit。
　　Shesatdownstifflyinachair，asifshewerefrozen；andwithafixedstareatMr。Bounderby，slowlygratedhermittensagainstoneanother，asiftheywerefrozentoo。
　　'MydearJosiah！'criedMrs。Pegler，trembling。'Mydarlingboy！
　　Iamnottoblame。It'snotmyfault，Josiah。Itoldthisladyoverandoveragain，thatIknewshewasdoingwhatwouldnotbeagreeabletoyou，butshewoulddoit。'
　　'Whatdidyouletherbringyoufor？Couldn'tyouknockhercapoff，orhertoothout，orscratchher，ordosomethingorothertoher？'askedBounderby。
　　'Myownboy！ShethreatenedmethatifIresistedher，Ishouldbebroughtbyconstables，anditwasbettertocomequietlythanmakethatstirinsucha'-Mrs。Peglerglancedtimidlybutproudlyroundthewalls-'suchafinehouseasthis。Indeed，indeed，itisnotmyfault！Mydear，noble，statelyboy！Ihavealwayslivedquiet，andsecret，Josiah，mydear。Ihaveneverbrokentheconditiononce。IhaveneversaidIwasyourmother。Ihaveadmiredyouatadistance；andifIhavecometotownsometimes，withlongtimesbetween，totakeaproudpeepatyou，Ihavedoneitunbeknown，mylove，andgoneawayagain。'
　　Mr。Bounderby，withhishandsinhispockets，walkedinimpatientmortificationupanddownatthesideofthelongdining-table，whilethespectatorsgreedilytookineverysyllableofMrs。
　　Pegler'sappeal，andateachsucceedingsyllablebecamemoreandmoreround-eyed。Mr。BounderbystillwalkingupanddownwhenMrs。
　　Peglerhaddone，Mr。Gradgrindaddressedthatmalignedoldlady:
　　'Iamsurprised，madam，'heobservedwithseverity，'thatinyouroldageyouhavethefacetoclaimMr。Bounderbyforyourson，afteryourunnaturalandinhumantreatmentofhim。'
　　'Meunnatural！'criedpooroldMrs。Pegler。'Meinhuman！Tomydearboy？'
　　'Dear！'repeatedMr。Gradgrind。'Yes；dearinhisself-madeprosperity，madam，Idaresay。Notverydear，however，whenyoudesertedhiminhisinfancy，andlefthimtothebrutalityofadrunkengrandmother。'
　　'IdesertedmyJosiah！'criedMrs。Pegler，claspingherhands。
　　'Now，Lordforgiveyou，sir，foryourwickedimaginations，andforyourscandalagainstthememoryofmypoormother，whodiedinmyarmsbeforeJosiahwasborn。Mayyourepentofit，sir，andlivetoknowbetter！'
　　Shewassoveryearnestandinjured，thatMr。Gradgrind，shockedbythepossibilitywhichdawneduponhim，saidinagentlertone:
　　'Doyoudeny，then，madam，thatyouleftyoursonto-tobebroughtupinthegutter？'
　　'Josiahinthegutter！'exclaimedMrs。Pegler。'Nosuchathing，sir。Never！Forshameonyou！Mydearboyknows，andwillgiveyoutoknow，thatthoughhecomeofhumbleparents，hecomeofparentsthatlovedhimasdearasthebestcould，andneverthoughtithardshiponthemselvestopinchabitthathemightwriteandcipherbeautiful，andI'vehisbooksathometoshowit！Aye，haveI！'saidMrs。Pegler，withindignantpride。'Andmydearboyknows，andwillgiveyoutoknow，sir，thatafterhisbelovedfatherdied，whenhewaseightyearsold，hismother，too，couldpinchabit，asitwasherdutyandherpleasureandherpridetodoit，tohelphimoutinlife，andputhim'prentice。Andasteadyladhewas，andakindmasterhehadtolendhimahand，andwellheworkedhisownwayforwardtoberichandthriving。AndI'llgiveyoutoknow，sir-forthismydearboywon't-thatthoughhismotherkeptbutalittlevillageshop，heneverforgother，butpensionedmeonthirtypoundayear-morethanIwant，forIputbyoutofit-onlymakingtheconditionthatIwastokeepdowninmyownpart，andmakenoboastsabouthim，andnottroublehim。AndIneverhave，exceptwithlookingathimonceayear，whenhehasneverknowedit。Andit'sright，'saidpooroldMrs。Pegler，inaffectionatechampionship，'thatIshouldkeepdowninmyownpart，andIhavenodoubtsthatifIwashereIshoulddoamanyunbefittingthings，andIamwellcontented，andIcankeepmyprideinmyJosiahtomyself，andIcanloveforlove'sownsake！AndIamashamedofyou，sir，'saidMrs。Pegler，lastly，'foryourslandersandsuspicions。AndIneverstoodherebefore，norneverwantedtostandherewhenmydearsonsaidno。AndI
　　shouldn'tbeherenow，ifithadn'tbeenforbeingbroughthere。
　　Andforshameuponyou，Oh，forshame，toaccusemeofbeingabadmothertomyson，withmysonstandingheretotellyousodifferent！'
　　Thebystanders，onandoffthedining-roomchairs，raisedamurmurofsympathywithMrs。Pegler，andMr。Gradgrindfelthimselfinnocentlyplacedinaverydistressingpredicament，whenMr。
　　Bounderby，whohadneverceasedwalkingupanddown，andhadeverymomentswelledlargerandlarger，andgrownredderandredder，stoppedshort。
　　'Idon'texactlyknow，'saidMr。Bounderby，'howIcometobefavouredwiththeattendanceofthepresentcompany，butIdon'tinquire。Whenthey'requitesatisfied，perhapsthey'llbesogoodastodisperse；whetherthey'resatisfiedornot，perhapsthey'llbesogoodastodisperse。I'mnotboundtodeliveralectureonmyfamilyaffairs，Ihavenotundertakentodoit，andI'mnotagoingtodoit。Thereforethosewhoexpectanyexplanationwhateveruponthatbranchofthesubject，willbedisappointed-
　　particularlyTomGradgrind，andhecan'tknowittoosoon。InreferencetotheBankrobbery，therehasbeenamistakemade，concerningmymother。Iftherehadn'tbeenover-officiousnessitwouldn'thavebeenmade，andIhateover-officiousnessatalltimes，whetherorno。Goodevening！'
　　AlthoughMr。Bounderbycarrieditoffintheseterms，holdingthedooropenforthecompanytodepart，therewasablusteringsheepishnessuponhim，atonceextremelycrestfallenandsuperlativelyabsurd。DetectedastheBullyofhumility，whohadbuilthiswindyreputationuponlies，andinhisboastfulnesshadputthehonesttruthasfarawayfromhimasifhehadadvancedthemeanclaimthereisnomeanertotackhimselfontoapedigree，hecutamostridiculousfigure。Withthepeoplefilingoffatthedoorheheld，whoheknewwouldcarrywhathadpassedtothewholetown，tobegiventothefourwinds，hecouldnothavelookedaBullymoreshornandforlorn，ifhehadhadhisearscropped。Eventhatunluckyfemale，Mrs。Sparsit，fallenfromherpinnacleofexultationintotheSloughofDespond，wasnotinsobadaplightasthatremarkablemanandself-madeHumbug，JosiahBounderbyofCoketown。
　　RachaelandSissy，leavingMrs。Peglertooccupyabedatherson'sforthatnight，walkedtogethertothegateofStoneLodgeandthereparted。Mr。Gradgrindjoinedthembeforetheyhadgoneveryfar，andspokewithmuchinterestofStephenBlackpool；forwhomhethoughtthissignalfailureofthesuspicionsagainstMrs。Peglerwaslikelytoworkwell。
　　Astothewhelp；throughoutthissceneasonallotherlateoccasions，hehadstuckclosetoBounderby。HeseemedtofeelthataslongasBounderbycouldmakenodiscoverywithouthisknowledge，hewassofarsafe。Henevervisitedhissister，andhadonlyseenheroncesinceshewenthome:thatistosayonthenightwhenhestillstuckclosetoBounderby，asalreadyrelated。
　　Therewasonedimunformedfearlingeringabouthissister'smind，towhichshenevergaveutterance，whichsurroundedthegracelessandungratefulboywithadreadfulmystery。Thesamedarkpossibilityhadpresenteditselfinthesameshapelessguise，thisveryday，toSissy，whenRachaelspokeofsomeonewhowouldbeconfoundedbyStephen'sreturn，havingputhimoutoftheway。
　　Louisahadneverspokenofharbouringanysuspicionofherbrotherinconnexionwiththerobbery，sheandSissyhadheldnoconfidenceonthesubject，saveinthatoneinterchangeoflookswhentheunconsciousfatherrestedhisgrayheadonhishand；butitwasunderstoodbetweenthem，andtheybothknewit。Thisotherfearwassoawful，thatithoveredabouteachofthemlikeaghostlyshadow；neitherdaringtothinkofitsbeingnearherself，farlessofitsbeingneartheother。
　　Andstilltheforcedspiritwhichthewhelphadpluckedup，throvewithhim。IfStephenBlackpoolwasnotthethief，lethimshowhimself。Whydidn'the？
　　Anothernight。Anotherdayandnight。NoStephenBlackpool。
　　Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？
　　CHAPTERVI-THESTARLIGHT
　　THESundaywasabrightSundayinautumn，clearandcool，whenearlyinthemorningSissyandRachaelmet，towalkinthecountry。
　　AsCoketowncastashesnotonlyonitsownheadbutontheneighbourhood'stoo-afterthemannerofthosepiouspersonswhodopenancefortheirownsinsbyputtingotherpeopleintosackcloth-itwascustomaryforthosewhonowandthenthirstedforadraughtofpureair，whichisnotabsolutelythemostwickedamongthevanitiesoflife，togetafewmilesawaybytherailroad，andthenbegintheirwalk，ortheirloungeinthefields。
　　SissyandRachaelhelpedthemselvesoutofthesmokebytheusualmeans，andwereputdownatastationaboutmidwaybetweenthetownandMr。Bounderby'sretreat。
　　Thoughthegreenlandscapewasblottedhereandtherewithheapsofcoal，itwasgreenelsewhere，andthereweretreestosee，andtherewerelarkssingingthoughitwasSunday，andtherewerepleasantscentsintheair，andallwasover-archedbyabrightbluesky。Inthedistanceoneway，Coketownshowedasablackmist；inanotherdistancehillsbegantorise；inathird，therewasafaintchangeinthelightofthehorizonwhereitshoneuponthefar-offsea。Undertheirfeet，thegrasswasfresh；beautifulshadowsofbranchesflickereduponit，andspeckledit；hedgerowswereluxuriant；everythingwasatpeace。Enginesatpits'mouths，andleanoldhorsesthathadwornthecircleoftheirdailylabourintotheground，werealikequiet；wheelshadceasedforashortspacetoturn；andthegreatwheelofearthseemedtorevolvewithouttheshocksandnoisesofanothertime。
　　Theywalkedonacrossthefieldsanddowntheshadylanes，sometimesgettingoverafragmentofafencesorottenthatitdroppedatatouchofthefoot，sometimespassingnearawreckofbricksandbeamsovergrownwithgrass，markingthesiteofdesertedworks。Theyfollowedpathsandtracks，howeverslight。Moundswherethegrasswasrankandhigh，andwherebrambles，dock-weed，andsuch-likevegetation，wereconfusedlyheapedtogether，theyalwaysavoided；fordismalstoriesweretoldinthatcountryoftheoldpitshiddenbeneathsuchindications。
　　Thesunwashighwhentheysatdowntorest。Theyhadseennoone，nearordistant，foralongtime；andthesolituderemainedunbroken。'Itissostillhere，Rachael，andthewayissountrodden，thatIthinkwemustbethefirstwhohavebeenhereallthesummer。'
　　AsSissysaidit，hereyeswereattractedbyanotherofthoserottenfragmentsoffenceupontheground。Shegotuptolookatit。'AndyetIdon'tknow。Thishasnotbeenbrokenverylong。
　　Thewoodisquitefreshwhereitgaveway。Herearefootstepstoo-
　　ORachael！'
　　Sheranback，andcaughtherroundtheneck。Rachaelhadalreadystartedup。
　　'Whatisthematter？'
　　'Idon'tknow。Thereisahatlyinginthegrass。'Theywentforwardtogether。Rachaeltookitup，shakingfromheadtofoot。
　　Shebrokeintoapassionoftearsandlamentations:StephenBlackpoolwaswritteninhisownhandontheinside。
　　'Othepoorlad，thepoorlad！Hehasbeenmadeawaywith。Heislyingmurderedhere！'
　　'Isthere-hasthehatanyblooduponit？'Sissyfaltered。
　　Theywereafraidtolook；buttheydidexamineit，andfoundnomarkofviolence，insideorout。Ithadbeenlyingtheresomedays，forrainanddewhadstainedit，andthemarkofitsshapewasonthegrasswhereithadfallen。Theylookedfearfullyaboutthem，withoutmoving，butcouldseenothingmore。'Rachael，'Sissywhispered，'Iwillgoonalittlebymyself。'
　　Shehadunclaspedherhand，andwasintheactofsteppingforward，whenRachaelcaughtherinbotharmswithascreamthatresoundedoverthewidelandscape。Beforethem，attheirveryfeet，wasthebrinkofablackraggedchasmhiddenbythethickgrass。Theysprangback，andfellupontheirknees，eachhidingherfaceupontheother'sneck。
　　'O，mygoodLord！He'sdownthere！Downthere！'Atfirstthis，andherterrificscreams，wereallthatcouldbegotfromRachael，byanytears，byanyprayers，byanyrepresentations，byanymeans。
　　Itwasimpossibletohushher；anditwasdeadlynecessarytoholdher，orshewouldhaveflungherselfdowntheshaft。
　　'Rachael，dearRachael，goodRachael，fortheloveofHeaven，notthesedreadfulcries！ThinkofStephen，thinkofStephen，thinkofStephen！'
　　Byanearnestrepetitionofthisentreaty，pouredoutinalltheagonyofsuchamoment，Sissyatlastbroughthertobesilent，andtolookatherwithatearlessfaceofstone。
　　'Rachael，Stephenmaybeliving。Youwouldn'tleavehimlyingmaimedatthebottomofthisdreadfulplace，amoment，ifyoucouldbringhelptohim？'
　　'No，no，no！'
　　'Don'tstirfromhere，forhissake！Letmegoandlisten。'
　　Sheshudderedtoapproachthepit；butshecrepttowardsitonherhandsandknees，andcalledtohimasloudasshecouldcall。Shelistened，butnosoundreplied。Shecalledagainandlistened；
　　stillnoansweringsound。Shedidthis，twenty，thirtytimes。Shetookalittleclodofearthfromthebrokengroundwherehehadstumbled，andthrewitin。Shecouldnothearitfall。
　　Thewideprospect，sobeautifulinitsstillnessbutafewminutesago，almostcarrieddespairtoherbraveheart，assheroseandlookedallroundher，seeingnohelp。'Rachael，wemustlosenotamoment。Wemustgoindifferentdirections，seekingaid。Youshallgobythewaywehavecome，andIwillgoforwardbythepath。Tellanyoneyousee，andeveryonewhathashappened。
　　ThinkofStephen，thinkofStephen！'
　　SheknewbyRachael'sfacethatshemighttrusthernow。Andafterstandingforamomenttoseeherrunning，wringingherhandsassheran，sheturnedandwentuponherownsearch；shestoppedatthehedgetotiehershawlthereasaguidetotheplace，thenthrewherbonnetaside，andranasshehadneverrunbefore。
　　Run，Sissy，run，inHeaven'sname！Don'tstopforbreath。Run，run！Quickeningherselfbycarryingsuchentreatiesinherthoughts，sheranfromfieldtofield，andlanetolane，andplacetoplace，asshehadneverrunbefore；untilshecametoashedbyanengine-house，wheretwomenlayintheshade，asleeponstraw。
　　Firsttowakethem，andnexttotellthem，allsowildandbreathlessasshewas，whathadbroughtherthere，weredifficulties；buttheynosoonerunderstoodherthantheirspiritswereonfirelikehers。Oneofthemenwasinadrunkenslumber，butonhiscomrade'sshoutingtohimthatamanhadfallendowntheOldHellShaft，hestartedouttoapoolofdirtywater，puthisheadinit，andcamebacksober。
　　Withthesetwomensherantoanotherhalf-a-milefurther，andwiththatonetoanother，whiletheyranelsewhere。Thenahorsewasfound；andshegotanothermantorideforlifeordeathtotherailroad，andsendamessagetoLouisa，whichshewroteandgavehim。Bythistimeawholevillagewasup:andwindlasses，ropes，poles，candles，lanterns，allthingsnecessary，werefastcollectingandbeingbroughtintooneplace，tobecarriedtotheOldHellShaft。
　　Itseemednowhoursandhourssinceshehadleftthelostmanlyinginthegravewherehehadbeenburiedalive。Shecouldnotbeartoremainawayfromitanylonger-itwaslikedesertinghim-andshehurriedswiftlyback，accompaniedbyhalf-a-dozenlabourers，includingthedrunkenmanwhomthenewshadsobered，andwhowasthebestmanofall。WhentheycametotheOldHellShaft，theyfounditaslonelyasshehadleftit。Themencalledandlistenedasshehaddone，andexaminedtheedgeofthechasm，andsettledhowithadhappened，andthensatdowntowaituntiltheimplementstheywantedshouldcomeup。
　　Everysoundofinsectsintheair，everystirringoftheleaves，everywhisperamongthesemen，madeSissytremble，forshethoughtitwasacryatthebottomofthepit。Butthewindblewidlyoverit，andnosoundarosetothesurface，andtheysatuponthegrass，waitingandwaiting。Aftertheyhadwaitedsometime，stragglingpeoplewhohadheardoftheaccidentbegantocomeup；thentherealhelpofimplementsbegantoarrive。Inthemidstofthis，Rachaelreturned；andwithherpartytherewasasurgeon，whobroughtsomewineandmedicines。But，theexpectationamongthepeoplethatthemanwouldbefoundalivewasveryslightindeed。
　　Therebeingnowpeopleenoughpresenttoimpedethework，thesoberedmanputhimselfattheheadoftherest，orwasputtherebythegeneralconsent，andmadealargeringroundtheOldHellShaft，andappointedmentokeepit。Besidessuchvolunteersaswereacceptedtowork，onlySissyandRachaelwereatfirstpermittedwithinthisring；but，laterintheday，whenthemessagebroughtanexpressfromCoketown，Mr。GradgrindandLouisa，andMr。
　　Bounderby，andthewhelp，werealsothere。
　　ThesunwasfourhourslowerthanwhenSissyandRachaelhadfirstsatdownuponthegrass，beforeameansofenablingtwomentodescendsecurelywasriggedwithpolesandropes。Difficultieshadarisenintheconstructionofthismachine，simpleasitwas；
　　requisiteshadbeenfoundwanting，andmessageshadhadtogoandreturn。Itwasfiveo'clockintheafternoonofthebrightautumnalSunday，beforeacandlewassentdowntotrytheair，whilethreeorfourroughfacesstoodcrowdedclosetogether，attentivelywatchingit:themanatthewindlassloweringastheyweretold。Thecandlewasbroughtupagain，feeblyburning，andthensomewaterwascastin。Thenthebucketwashookedon；andthesoberedmanandanothergotinwithlights，givingtheword'Loweraway！'
　　Astheropewentout，tightandstrained，andthewindlasscreaked，therewasnotabreathamongtheoneortwohundredmenandwomenlookingon，thatcameasitwaswonttocome。Thesignalwasgivenandthewindlassstopped，withabundantropetospare。Apparentlysolonganintervalensuedwiththemenatthewindlassstandingidle，thatsomewomenshriekedthatanotheraccidenthadhappened！
　　Butthesurgeonwhoheldthewatch，declaredfiveminutesnottohaveelapsedyet，andsternlyadmonishedthemtokeepsilence。Hehadnotwelldonespeaking，whenthewindlasswasreversedandworkedagain。Practisedeyesknewthatitdidnotgoasheavilyasitwouldifbothworkmenhadbeencomingup，andthatonlyonewasreturning。
　　Theropecameintightandstrained；andringafterringwascoileduponthebarrelofthewindlass，andalleyeswerefastenedonthepit。Thesoberedmanwasbroughtupandleapedoutbrisklyonthegrass。Therewasanuniversalcryof'Aliveordead？'andthenadeep，profoundhush。
　　Whenhesaid'Alive！'agreatshoutaroseandmanyeyeshadtearsinthem。
　　'Buthe'shurtverybad，'headded，assoonashecouldmakehimselfheardagain。'Where'sdoctor？He'shurtsoverybad，sir，thatwedonnohowtogethimup。'
　　Theyallconsultedtogether，andlookedanxiouslyatthesurgeon，asheaskedsomequestions，andshookhisheadonreceivingthereplies。Thesunwassettingnow；andtheredlightintheeveningskytouchedeveryfacethere，andcausedittobedistinctlyseeninallitsraptsuspense。
　　Theconsultationendedinthemenreturningtothewindlass，andthepitmangoingdownagain，carryingthewineandsomeothersmallmatterswithhim。Thentheothermancameup。Inthemeantime，underthesurgeon'sdirections，somemenbroughtahurdle，onwhichothersmadeathickbedofspareclothescoveredwithloosestraw，whilehehimselfcontrivedsomebandagesandslingsfromshawlsandhandkerchiefs。Astheseweremade，theywerehunguponanarmofthepitmanwhohadlastcomeup，withinstructionshowtousethem:
　　andashestood，shownbythelighthecarried，leaninghispowerfulloosehandupononeofthepoles，andsometimesglancingdownthepit，andsometimesglancingrounduponthepeople，hewasnottheleastconspicuousfigureinthescene。Itwasdarknow，andtorcheswerekindled。
　　Itappearedfromthelittlethismansaidtothoseabouthim，whichwasquicklyrepeatedalloverthecircle，thatthelostmanhadfallenuponamassofcrumbledrubbishwithwhichthepitwashalfchokedup，andthathisfallhadbeenfurtherbrokenbysomejaggedearthattheside。Helayuponhisbackwithonearmdoubledunderhim，andaccordingtohisownbeliefhadhardlystirredsincehefell，exceptthathehadmovedhisfreehandtoasidepocket，inwhichherememberedtohavesomebreadandmeatofwhichhehadswallowedcrumbs，andhadlikewisescoopedupalittlewaterinitnowandthen。Hehadcomestraightawayfromhiswork，onbeingwrittento，andhadwalkedthewholejourney；andwasonhiswaytoMr。Bounderby'scountryhouseafterdark，whenhefell。Hewascrossingthatdangerouscountryatsuchadangeroustime，becausehewasinnocentofwhatwaslaidtohischarge，andcouldn'trestfromcomingthenearestwaytodeliverhimselfup。TheOldHellShaft，thepitmansaid，withacurseuponit，wasworthyofitsbadnametothelast；forthoughStephencouldspeaknow，hebelieveditwouldsoonbefoundtohavemangledthelifeoutofhim。
　　Whenallwasready，thisman，stilltakinghislasthurriedchargesfromhiscomradesandthesurgeonafterthewindlasshadbeguntolowerhim，disappearedintothepit。Theropewentoutasbefore，thesignalwasmadeasbefore，andthewindlassstopped。Nomanremovedhishandfromitnow。Everyonewaitedwithhisgraspset，andhisbodybentdowntothework，readytoreverseandwindin。
　　Atlengththesignalwasgiven，andalltheringleanedforward。
　　For，now，theropecamein，tightenedandstrainedtoitsutmostasitappeared，andthementurnedheavily，andthewindlasscomplained。Itwasscarcelyendurabletolookattherope，andthinkofitsgivingway。But，ringafterringwascoileduponthebarrelofthewindlasssafely，andtheconnectingchainsappeared，andfinallythebucketwiththetwomenholdingonatthesides-asighttomaketheheadswim，andoppresstheheart-andtenderlysupportingbetweenthem，slungandtiedwithin，thefigureofapoor，crushed，humancreature。
　　Alowmurmurofpitywentroundthethrong，andthewomenweptaloud，asthisform，almostwithoutform，wasmovedveryslowlyfromitsirondeliverance，andlaiduponthebedofstraw。Atfirst，nonebutthesurgeonwentclosetoit。Hedidwhathecouldinitsadjustmentonthecouch，butthebestthathecoulddowastocoverit。Thatgentlydone，hecalledtohimRachaelandSissy。
　　Andatthattimethepale，worn，patientfacewasseenlookingupatthesky，withthebrokenrighthandlyingbareontheoutsideofthecoveringgarments，asifwaitingtobetakenbyanotherhand。
　　Theygavehimdrink，moistenedhisfacewithwater，andadministeredsomedropsofcordialandwine。Thoughhelayquitemotionlesslookingupatthesky，hesmiledandsaid，'Rachael。'
　　Shestoopeddownonthegrassathisside，andbentoverhimuntilhereyeswerebetweenhisandthesky，forhecouldnotsomuchasturnthemtolookather。
　　'Rachael，mydear。'
　　Shetookhishand。Hesmiledagainandsaid，'Don'tlet'tgo。'
　　'Thou'rtingreatpain，myowndearStephen？'
　　'Iha'been，butnotnow。Iha'been-dreadful，anddree，andlong，mydear-but'tisowernow。Ah，Rachael，awamuddle！Fro'
　　firsttolast，amuddle！'
　　Thespectreofhisoldlookseemedtopassashesaidtheword。
　　'Iha'fellintoth'pit，mydear，ashavecostwi'intheknowledgeo'oldfoknowlivin，hundredsandhundredso'men'slives-
　　fathers，sons，brothers，deartothousandsan'thousands，an'
　　keeping'emfro'wantandhunger。Iha'fellintoapitthatha'
　　beenwi'th'Firedampcruellerthanbattle。Iha'readon'tinthepublicpetition，asonnyonemayread，fro'thementhatworksinpits，inwhichtheyha'pray'nandpray'nthelawmakersforChrist'ssakenottolettheirworkbemurderto'em，buttospare'emforth'wivesandchildrenthattheylovesaswellasgentlefoklovestheirs。Whenitwereinwork，itkilledwi'outneed；when'tisletalone，itkillswi'outneed。Seehowwediean'noneed，onewayan'another-inamuddle-everyday！'
　　Hefaintlysaidit，withoutanyangeragainstanyone。Merelyasthetruth。
　　'Thylittlesister，Rachael，thouhastnotforgother。Thou'rtnotliketoforgethernow，andmesonighher。Thouknow'st-poor，patient，suff'rin，dear-howthoudidstworkforher，seet'nalldaylonginherlittlechairatthywinder，andhowshedied，youngandmisshapen，awlungo'sicklyairashad'nnoneedtobe，an'
　　awlungo'workingpeople'smiserablehomes。Amuddle！Awamuddle！'
　　Louisaapproachedhim；buthecouldnotseeher，lyingwithhisfaceturneduptothenightsky。
　　'Ifawth'thingsthattoochesus，mydear，wasnotsomuddled，I
　　should'nha'had'nneedtocoomheer。Ifwewasnotinamuddleamongourseln，Ishould'nha'been，bymyownfellowweaversandworkin'brothers，somistook。IfMr。Bounderbyhadeverknow'dmeright-ifhe'deverknow'dmeataw-hewould'nha'took'noffencewi'me。Hewould'nha'suspect'nme。Butlookupyonder，Rachael！Lookaboove！'
　　Followinghiseyes，shesawthathewasgazingatastar。
　　'Itha'shineduponme，'hesaidreverently，'inmypainandtroubledownbelow。Itha'shinedintomymind。Iha'look'nat'tandthowto'thee，Rachael，tillthemuddleinmymindhaveclearedawa，aboveabit，Ihope。Ifsoomha'beenwantin'inunnerstan'inmebetter，I，too，ha'beenwantin'inunnerstan'inthembetter。WhenIgotthyletter，Ieasilybelieventhatwhattheyoongledysenanddonetome，andwhatherbrothersenanddonetome，wasone，andthattherewereawickedplotbetwixt'em。
　　WhenIfell，Iwereinangerwi'her，an'hurryinont'beasonjustt'herasootherswast'me。Butinourjudgments，likeasinourdoins，wemunbearandforbear。Inmypainan'trouble，lookinupyonder，-wi'itshininonme-Iha'seenmoreclear，andha'madeitmydyinprayerthatawth'worldmayon'ycoomtoogethermore，an'getabetterunnerstan'ino'oneanother，thanwhenIwerein'tmyownweakseln。'
　　Louisahearingwhathesaid，bentoverhimontheoppositesidetoRachael，sothathecouldseeher。
　　'Youha'heard？'hesaid，afterafewmoments'silence。'Iha'notforgotyou，ledy。'
　　'Yes，Stephen，Ihaveheardyou。Andyourprayerismine。'
　　'Youha'afather。Willyotak'amessagetohim？'
　　'Heishere，'saidLouisa，withdread。'ShallIbringhimtoyou？'
　　'Ifyoplease。'
　　Louisareturnedwithherfather。Standinghand-in-hand，theybothlookeddownuponthesolemncountenance。
　　'Sir，yowillclearmean'makmynamegoodwi'awmen。ThisI
　　leavetoyo。'
　　Mr。Gradgrindwastroubledandaskedhow？
　　'Sir，'wasthereply:'yorsonwilltellyohow。Askhim。Imaknocharges:Ileavenoneahintme:notasingleword。Iha'seenan'spok'nwi'yorson，onenight。Iasknomoreo'yothanthatyoclearme-an'Itrusttoyotodo't。'
　　Thebearersbeingnowreadytocarryhimaway，andthesurgeonbeinganxiousforhisremoval，thosewhohadtorchesorlanterns，preparedtogoinfrontofthelitter。Beforeitwasraised，andwhiletheywerearranginghowtogo，hesaidtoRachael，lookingupwardatthestar:
　　'OftenasIcoomtomyseln，andfounditshinin'onmedownthereinmytrouble，IthowtitwerethestarasguidedtoOurSaviour'shome。Iawmustthinkitbetheverystar！'
　　Theyliftedhimup，andhewasoverjoyedtofindthattheywereabouttotakehiminthedirectionwhitherthestarseemedtohimtolead。
　　'Rachael，belovedlass！Don'tletgomyhand。Wemaywalktoogethert'night，mydear！'
　　'Iwillholdthyhand，andkeepbesidethee，Stephen，alltheway。'
　　'Blessthee！Willsoombodybepleasedtocoovermyface！'
　　Theycarriedhimverygentlyalongthefields，anddownthelanes，andoverthewidelandscape；Rachaelalwaysholdingthehandinhers。Veryfewwhispersbrokethemournfulsilence。Itwassoonafuneralprocession。ThestarhadshownhimwheretofindtheGodofthepoor；andthroughhumility，andsorrow，andforgiveness，hehadgonetohisRedeemer'srest。