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