CHAPTERI-THEONETHINGNEEDFUL
　　'NOW，whatIwantis，Facts。TeachtheseboysandgirlsnothingbutFacts。Factsalonearewantedinlife。Plantnothingelse，androotouteverythingelse。YoucanonlyformthemindsofreasoninganimalsuponFacts:nothingelsewilleverbeofanyservicetothem。ThisistheprincipleonwhichIbringupmyownchildren，andthisistheprincipleonwhichIbringupthesechildren。SticktoFacts，sir！'
　　Thescenewasaplain，bare，monotonousvaultofaschool-room，andthespeaker'ssquareforefingeremphasizedhisobservationsbyunderscoringeverysentencewithalineontheschoolmaster'ssleeve。Theemphasiswashelpedbythespeaker'ssquarewallofaforehead，whichhadhiseyebrowsforitsbase，whilehiseyesfoundcommodiouscellarageintwodarkcaves，overshadowedbythewall。
　　Theemphasiswashelpedbythespeaker'smouth，whichwaswide，thin，andhardset。Theemphasiswashelpedbythespeaker'svoice，whichwasinflexible，dry，anddictatorial。Theemphasiswashelpedbythespeaker'shair，whichbristledontheskirtsofhisbaldhead，aplantationoffirstokeepthewindfromitsshiningsurface，allcoveredwithknobs，likethecrustofaplumpie，asiftheheadhadscarcelywarehouse-roomforthehardfactsstoredinside。Thespeaker'sobstinatecarriage，squarecoat，squarelegs，squareshoulders，-nay，hisveryneckcloth，trainedtotakehimbythethroatwithanunaccommodatinggrasp，likeastubbornfact，asitwas，-allhelpedtheemphasis。
　　'Inthislife，wewantnothingbutFacts，sir；nothingbutFacts！'
　　Thespeaker，andtheschoolmaster，andthethirdgrownpersonpresent，allbackedalittle，andsweptwiththeireyestheinclinedplaneoflittlevesselsthenandtherearrangedinorder，readytohaveimperialgallonsoffactspouredintothemuntiltheywerefulltothebrim。
　　CHAPTERII-MURDERINGTHEINNOCENTS
　　THOMASGRADGRIND，sir。Amanofrealities。Amanoffactsandcalculations。Amanwhoproceedsupontheprinciplethattwoandtwoarefour，andnothingover，andwhoisnottobetalkedintoallowingforanythingover。ThomasGradgrind，sir-peremptorilyThomas-ThomasGradgrind。Witharuleandapairofscales，andthemultiplicationtablealwaysinhispocket，sir，readytoweighandmeasureanyparcelofhumannature，andtellyouexactlywhatitcomesto。Itisamerequestionoffigures，acaseofsimplearithmetic。YoumighthopetogetsomeothernonsensicalbeliefintotheheadofGeorgeGradgrind，orAugustusGradgrind，orJohnGradgrind，orJosephGradgrindallsupposititious，non-existentpersons，butintotheheadofThomasGradgrind-no，sir！
　　InsuchtermsMr。Gradgrindalwaysmentallyintroducedhimself，whethertohisprivatecircleofacquaintance，ortothepublicingeneral。Insuchterms，nodoubt，substitutingthewords'boysandgirls，'for'sir，'ThomasGradgrindnowpresentedThomasGradgrindtothelittlepitchersbeforehim，whoweretobefilledsofulloffacts。
　　Indeed，asheeagerlysparkledatthemfromthecellaragebeforementioned，heseemedakindofcannonloadedtothemuzzlewithfacts，andpreparedtoblowthemcleanoutoftheregionsofchildhoodatonedischarge。Heseemedagalvanizingapparatus，too，chargedwithagrimmechanicalsubstituteforthetenderyoungimaginationsthatweretobestormedaway。
　　'Girlnumbertwenty，'saidMr。Gradgrind，squarelypointingwithhissquareforefinger，'Idon'tknowthatgirl。Whoisthatgirl？'
　　'SissyJupe，sir，'explainednumbertwenty，blushing，standingup，andcurtseying。
　　'Sissyisnotaname，'saidMr。Gradgrind。'Don'tcallyourselfSissy。CallyourselfCecilia。'
　　'It'sfatherascallsmeSissy，sir，'returnedtheyounggirlinatremblingvoice，andwithanothercurtsey。
　　'Thenhehasnobusinesstodoit，'saidMr。Gradgrind。'Tellhimhemustn't。CeciliaJupe。Letmesee。Whatisyourfather？'
　　'Hebelongstothehorse-riding，ifyouplease，sir。'
　　Mr。Gradgrindfrowned，andwavedofftheobjectionablecallingwithhishand。
　　'Wedon'twanttoknowanythingaboutthat，here。Youmustn'ttellusaboutthat，here。Yourfatherbreakshorses，don'the？'
　　'Ifyouplease，sir，whentheycangetanytobreak，theydobreakhorsesinthering，sir。'
　　'Youmustn'ttellusaboutthering，here。Verywell，then。
　　Describeyourfatherasahorsebreaker。Hedoctorssickhorses，I
　　daresay？'
　　'Ohyes，sir。'
　　'Verywell，then。Heisaveterinarysurgeon，afarrier，andhorsebreaker。Givemeyourdefinitionofahorse。'
　　SissyJupethrownintothegreatestalarmbythisdemand。
　　'Girlnumbertwentyunabletodefineahorse！'saidMr。Gradgrind，forthegeneralbehoofofallthelittlepitchers。'Girlnumbertwentypossessedofnofacts，inreferencetooneofthecommonestofanimals！Someboy'sdefinitionofahorse。Bitzer，yours。'
　　Thesquarefinger，movinghereandthere，lightedsuddenlyonBitzer，perhapsbecausehechancedtositinthesamerayofsunlightwhich，dartinginatoneofthebarewindowsoftheintenselywhite-washedroom，irradiatedSissy。For，theboysandgirlssatonthefaceoftheinclinedplaneintwocompactbodies，dividedupthecentrebyanarrowinterval；andSissy，beingatthecornerofarowonthesunnyside，cameinforthebeginningofasunbeam，ofwhichBitzer，beingatthecornerofarowontheotherside，afewrowsinadvance，caughttheend。But，whereasthegirlwassodark-eyedanddark-haired，thatsheseemedtoreceiveadeeperandmorelustrouscolourfromthesun，whenitshoneuponher，theboywassolight-eyedandlight-hairedthattheself-sameraysappearedtodrawoutofhimwhatlittlecolourheeverpossessed。Hiscoldeyeswouldhardlyhavebeeneyes，butfortheshortendsoflasheswhich，bybringingthemintoimmediatecontrastwithsomethingpalerthanthemselves，expressedtheirform。Hisshort-croppedhairmighthavebeenamerecontinuationofthesandyfrecklesonhisforeheadandface。Hisskinwassounwholesomelydeficientinthenaturaltinge，thathelookedasthough，ifhewerecut，hewouldbleedwhite。
　　'Bitzer，'saidThomasGradgrind。'Yourdefinitionofahorse。'
　　'Quadruped。Graminivorous。Fortyteeth，namelytwenty-fourgrinders，foureye-teeth，andtwelveincisive。Shedscoatinthespring；inmarshycountries，shedshoofs，too。Hoofshard，butrequiringtobeshodwithiron。Ageknownbymarksinmouth。'
　　ThusandmuchmoreBitzer。
　　'Nowgirlnumbertwenty，'saidMr。Gradgrind。'Youknowwhatahorseis。'
　　Shecurtseyedagain，andwouldhaveblusheddeeper，ifshecouldhaveblusheddeeperthanshehadblushedallthistime。Bitzer，afterrapidlyblinkingatThomasGradgrindwithbotheyesatonce，andsocatchingthelightuponhisquiveringendsoflashesthattheylookedliketheantennaeofbusyinsects，puthisknucklestohisfreckledforehead，andsatdownagain。
　　Thethirdgentlemannowsteppedforth。Amightymanatcuttinganddrying，hewas；agovernmentofficer；inhiswayandinmostotherpeople'stoo，aprofessedpugilist；alwaysintraining，alwayswithasystemtoforcedownthegeneralthroatlikeabolus，alwaystobeheardofatthebarofhislittlePublic-office，readytofightallEngland。Tocontinueinfisticphraseology，hehadageniusforcominguptothescratch，whereverandwhateveritwas，andprovinghimselfanuglycustomer。Hewouldgoinanddamageanysubjectwhateverwithhisright，followupwithhisleft，stop，exchange，counter，borehisopponenthealwaysfoughtAllEngland
　　totheropes，andfalluponhimneatly。Hewascertaintoknockthewindoutofcommonsense，andrenderthatunluckyadversarydeaftothecalloftime。Andhehaditinchargefromhighauthoritytobringaboutthegreatpublic-officeMillennium，whenCommissionersshouldreignuponearth。
　　'Verywell，'saidthisgentleman，brisklysmiling，andfoldinghisarms。'That'sahorse。Now，letmeaskyougirlsandboys，Wouldyoupaperaroomwithrepresentationsofhorses？'
　　Afterapause，onehalfofthechildrencriedinchorus，'Yes，sir！'Uponwhichtheotherhalf，seeinginthegentleman'sfacethatYeswaswrong，criedoutinchorus，'No，sir！'-asthecustomis，intheseexaminations。
　　'Ofcourse，No。Whywouldn'tyou？'
　　Apause。Onecorpulentslowboy，withawheezymannerofbreathing，venturedtheanswer，Becausehewouldn'tpaperaroomatall，butwouldpaintit。
　　'Youmustpaperit，'saidthegentleman，ratherwarmly。
　　'Youmustpaperit，'saidThomasGradgrind，'whetheryoulikeitornot。Don'ttellusyouwouldn'tpaperit。Whatdoyoumean，boy？'
　　'I'llexplaintoyou，then，'saidthegentleman，afteranotherandadismalpause，'whyyouwouldn'tpaperaroomwithrepresentationsofhorses。Doyoueverseehorseswalkingupanddownthesidesofroomsinreality-infact？Doyou？'
　　'Yes，sir！'fromonehalf。'No，sir！'fromtheother。
　　'Ofcourseno，'saidthegentleman，withanindignantlookatthewronghalf。'Why，then，youarenottoseeanywhere，whatyoudon'tseeinfact；youarenottohaveanywhere，whatyoudon'thaveinfact。WhatiscalledTaste，isonlyanothernameforFact。'ThomasGradgrindnoddedhisapprobation。
　　'Thisisanewprinciple，adiscovery，agreatdiscovery，'saidthegentleman。'Now，I'lltryyouagain。Supposeyouweregoingtocarpetaroom。Wouldyouuseacarpethavingarepresentationofflowersuponit？'
　　Therebeingageneralconvictionbythistimethat'No，sir！'wasalwaystherightanswertothisgentleman，thechorusofNOwasverystrong。OnlyafewfeeblestragglerssaidYes:amongthemSissyJupe。
　　'Girlnumbertwenty，'saidthegentleman，smilinginthecalmstrengthofknowledge。
　　Sissyblushed，andstoodup。
　　'Soyouwouldcarpetyourroom-oryourhusband'sroom，ifyouwereagrownwoman，andhadahusband-withrepresentationsofflowers，wouldyou？'saidthegentleman。'Whywouldyou？'
　　'Ifyouplease，sir，Iamveryfondofflowers，'returnedthegirl。
　　'Andisthatwhyyouwouldputtablesandchairsuponthem，andhavepeoplewalkingoverthemwithheavyboots？'
　　'Itwouldn'thurtthem，sir。Theywouldn'tcrushandwither，ifyouplease，sir。Theywouldbethepicturesofwhatwasveryprettyandpleasant，andIwouldfancy-'
　　'Ay，ay，ay！Butyoumustn'tfancy，'criedthegentleman，quiteelatedbycomingsohappilytohispoint。'That'sit！Youarenevertofancy。'
　　'Youarenot，CeciliaJupe，'ThomasGradgrindsolemnlyrepeated，'todoanythingofthatkind。'
　　'Fact，fact，fact！'saidthegentleman。And'Fact，fact，fact！'
　　repeatedThomasGradgrind。
　　'Youaretobeinallthingsregulatedandgoverned，'saidthegentleman，'byfact。Wehopetohave，beforelong，aboardoffact，composedofcommissionersoffact，whowillforcethepeopletobeapeopleoffact，andofnothingbutfact。YoumustdiscardthewordFancyaltogether。Youhavenothingtodowithit。Youarenottohave，inanyobjectofuseorornament，whatwouldbeacontradictioninfact。Youdon'twalkuponflowersinfact；youcannotbeallowedtowalkuponflowersincarpets。Youdon'tfindthatforeignbirdsandbutterfliescomeandperchuponyourcrockery；youcannotbepermittedtopaintforeignbirdsandbutterfliesuponyourcrockery。Younevermeetwithquadrupedsgoingupanddownwalls；youmustnothavequadrupedsrepresenteduponwalls。Youmustuse，'saidthegentleman，'forallthesepurposes，combinationsandmodificationsinprimarycoloursofmathematicalfigureswhicharesusceptibleofproofanddemonstration。Thisisthenewdiscovery。Thisisfact。Thisistaste。'
　　Thegirlcurtseyed，andsatdown。Shewasveryyoung，andshelookedasifshewerefrightenedbythematter-of-factprospecttheworldafforded。
　　'Now，ifMr。M'Choakumchild，'saidthegentleman，'willproceedtogivehisfirstlessonhere，Mr。Gradgrind，Ishallbehappy，atyourrequest，toobservehismodeofprocedure。'
　　Mr。Gradgrindwasmuchobliged。'Mr。M'Choakumchild，weonlywaitforyou。'
　　So，Mr。M'Choakumchildbeganinhisbestmanner。Heandsomeonehundredandfortyotherschoolmasters，hadbeenlatelyturnedatthesametime，inthesamefactory，onthesameprinciples，likesomanypianofortelegs。Hehadbeenputthroughanimmensevarietyofpaces，andhadansweredvolumesofhead-breakingquestions。
　　Orthography，etymology，syntax，andprosody，biography，astronomy，geography，andgeneralcosmography，thesciencesofcompoundproportion，algebra，land-surveyingandlevelling，vocalmusic，anddrawingfrommodels，wereallattheendsofhistenchilledfingers。HehadworkedhisstonywayintoHerMajesty'smostHonourablePrivyCouncil'sScheduleB，andhadtakenthebloomoffthehigherbranchesofmathematicsandphysicalscience，French，German，Latin，andGreek。HeknewallaboutalltheWaterShedsofalltheworldwhatevertheyare，andallthehistoriesofallthepeoples，andallthenamesofalltheriversandmountains，andalltheproductions，manners，andcustomsofallthecountries，andalltheirboundariesandbearingsonthetwoandthirtypointsofthecompass。Ah，ratheroverdone，M'Choakumchild。Ifhehadonlylearntalittleless，howinfinitelybetterhemighthavetaughtmuchmore！
　　Hewenttoworkinthispreparatorylesson，notunlikeMorgianaintheFortyThieves:lookingintoallthevesselsrangedbeforehim，oneafteranother，toseewhattheycontained。Say，goodM'Choakumchild。Whenfromthyboilingstore，thoushaltfilleachjarbrimfullby-and-by，dostthouthinkthatthouwiltalwayskilloutrighttherobberFancylurkingwithin-orsometimesonlymaimhimanddistorthim！
　　CHAPTERIII-ALOOPHOLE
　　MR。GRADGRINDwalkedhomewardfromtheschool，inastateofconsiderablesatisfaction。Itwashisschool，andheintendedittobeamodel。Heintendedeverychildinittobeamodel-justastheyoungGradgrindswereallmodels。
　　TherewerefiveyoungGradgrinds，andtheyweremodelseveryone。
　　Theyhadbeenlecturedat，fromtheirtenderestyears；coursed，likelittlehares。Almostassoonastheycouldrunalone，theyhadbeenmadetoruntothelecture-room。Thefirstobjectwithwhichtheyhadanassociation，orofwhichtheyhadaremembrance，wasalargeblackboardwithadryOgrechalkingghastlywhitefiguresonit。
　　Notthattheyknew，bynameornature，anythingaboutanOgreFactforbid！Ionlyusethewordtoexpressamonsterinalecturingcastle，withHeavenknowshowmanyheadsmanipulatedintoone，takingchildhoodcaptive，anddraggingitintogloomystatisticaldensbythehair。
　　NolittleGradgrindhadeverseenafaceinthemoon；itwasupinthemoonbeforeitcouldspeakdistinctly。NolittleGradgrindhadeverlearntthesillyjingle，Twinkle，twinkle，littlestar；howI
　　wonderwhatyouare！NolittleGradgrindhadeverknownwonderonthesubject，eachlittleGradgrindhavingatfiveyearsolddissectedtheGreatBearlikeaProfessorOwen，anddrivenCharles'sWainlikealocomotiveengine-driver。NolittleGradgrindhadeverassociatedacowinafieldwiththatfamouscowwiththecrumpledhornwhotossedthedogwhoworriedthecatwhokilledtheratwhoatethemalt，orwiththatyetmorefamouscowwhoswallowedTomThumb:ithadneverheardofthosecelebrities，andhadonlybeenintroducedtoacowasagraminivorousruminatingquadrupedwithseveralstomachs。
　　Tohismatter-of-facthome，whichwascalledStoneLodge，Mr。
　　Gradgrinddirectedhissteps。HehadvirtuallyretiredfromthewholesalehardwaretradebeforehebuiltStoneLodge，andwasnowlookingaboutforasuitableopportunityofmakinganarithmeticalfigureinParliament。StoneLodgewassituatedonamoorwithinamileortwoofagreattown-calledCoketowninthepresentfaithfulguide-book。
　　Averyregularfeatureonthefaceofthecountry，StoneLodgewas。
　　Nottheleastdisguisetoneddownorshadedoffthatuncompromisingfactinthelandscape。Agreatsquarehouse，withaheavyporticodarkeningtheprincipalwindows，asitsmaster'sheavybrowsovershadowedhiseyes。Acalculated，castup，balanced，andprovedhouse。Sixwindowsonthissideofthedoor，sixonthatside；atotaloftwelveinthiswing，atotaloftwelveintheotherwing；
　　four-and-twentycarriedovertothebackwings。Alawnandgardenandaninfantavenue，allruledstraightlikeabotanicalaccount-
　　book。Gasandventilation，drainageandwater-service，alloftheprimestquality。Ironclampsandgirders，fire-prooffromtoptobottom；mechanicalliftsforthehousemaids，withalltheirbrushesandbrooms；everythingthatheartcoulddesire。
　　Everything？Well，Isupposeso。ThelittleGradgrindshadcabinetsinvariousdepartmentsofsciencetoo。Theyhadalittleconchologicalcabinet，andalittlemetallurgicalcabinet，andalittlemineralogicalcabinet；andthespecimenswereallarrangedandlabelled，andthebitsofstoneandorelookedasthoughtheymighthavebeenbrokenfromtheparentsubstancesbythosetremendouslyhardinstrumentstheirownnames；and，toparaphrasetheidlelegendofPeterPiper，whohadneverfoundhiswayintotheirnursery，IfthegreedylittleGradgrindsgraspedatmorethanthis，whatwasitforgoodgraciousgoodness'sake，thatthegreedylittleGradgrindsgraspedit！
　　Theirfatherwalkedoninahopefulandsatisfiedframeofmind。
　　Hewasanaffectionatefather，afterhismanner；buthewouldprobablyhavedescribedhimselfifhehadbeenput，likeSissyJupe，uponadefinitionas'aneminentlypractical'father。Hehadaparticularprideinthephraseeminentlypractical，whichwasconsideredtohaveaspecialapplicationtohim。WhatsoeverthepublicmeetingheldinCoketown，andwhatsoeverthesubjectofsuchmeeting，someCoketownerwassuretoseizetheoccasionofalludingtohiseminentlypracticalfriendGradgrind。Thisalwayspleasedtheeminentlypracticalfriend。Heknewittobehisdue，buthisduewasacceptable。
　　Hehadreachedtheneutralgroundupontheoutskirtsofthetown，whichwasneithertownnorcountry，andyetwaseitherspoiled，whenhisearswereinvadedbythesoundofmusic。Theclashingandbangingbandattachedtothehorse-ridingestablishment，whichhadtheresetupitsrestinawoodenpavilion，wasinfullbray。A
　　flag，floatingfromthesummitofthetemple，proclaimedtomankindthatitwas'Sleary'sHorse-riding'whichclaimedtheirsuffrages。
　　Slearyhimself，astoutmodernstatuewithamoney-boxatitselbow，inanecclesiasticalnicheofearlyGothicarchitecture，tookthemoney。MissJosephineSleary，assomeverylongandverynarrowstripsofprintedbillannounced，wastheninauguratingtheentertainmentswithhergracefulequestrianTyroleanflower-act。
　　Amongtheotherpleasingbutalwaysstrictlymoralwonderswhichmustbeseentobebelieved，SignorJupewasthatafternoonto'elucidatethedivertingaccomplishmentsofhishighlytrainedperformingdogMerrylegs。'Hewasalsotoexhibit'hisastoundingfeatofthrowingseventy-fivehundred-weightinrapidsuccessionbackhandedoverhishead，thusformingafountainofsolidironinmid-air，afeatneverbeforeattemptedinthisoranyothercountry，andwhichhavingelicitedsuchrapturousplauditsfromenthusiasticthrongsitcannotbewithdrawn。'ThesameSignorJupewasto'enliventhevariedperformancesatfrequentintervalswithhischasteShakspereanquipsandretorts。'Lastly，hewastowindthemupbyappearinginhisfavouritecharacterofMr。WilliamButton，ofTooleyStreet，in'thehighlynovelandlaughablehippo-
　　comediettaofTheTailor'sJourneytoBrentford。'
　　ThomasGradgrindtooknoheedofthesetrivialitiesofcourse，butpassedonasapracticalmanoughttopasson，eitherbrushingthenoisyinsectsfromhisthoughts，orconsigningthemtotheHouseofCorrection。But，theturningoftheroadtookhimbythebackofthebooth，andatthebackoftheboothanumberofchildrenwerecongregatedinanumberofstealthyattitudes，strivingtopeepinatthehiddengloriesoftheplace。
　　Thisbroughthimtoastop。'Now，tothinkofthesevagabonds，'
　　saidhe，'attractingtheyoungrabblefromamodelschool。'
　　Aspaceofstuntedgrassanddryrubbishbeingbetweenhimandtheyoungrabble，hetookhiseyeglassoutofhiswaistcoattolookforanychildheknewbyname，andmightorderoff。Phenomenonalmostincrediblethoughdistinctlyseen，whatdidhethenbeholdbuthisownmetallurgicalLouisa，peepingwithallhermightthroughaholeinadealboard，andhisownmathematicalThomasabasinghimselfonthegroundtocatchbutahoofofthegracefulequestrianTyroleanflower-act！
　　Dumbwithamazement，Mr。Gradgrindcrossedtothespotwherehisfamilywasthusdisgraced，laidhishanduponeacherringchild，andsaid:
　　'Louisa！！Thomas！！'
　　Bothrose，redanddisconcerted。But，LouisalookedatherfatherwithmoreboldnessthanThomasdid。Indeed，Thomasdidnotlookathim，butgavehimselfuptobetakenhomelikeamachine。
　　'Inthenameofwonder，idleness，andfolly！'saidMr。Gradgrind，leadingeachawaybyahand；'whatdoyoudohere？'
　　'Wantedtoseewhatitwaslike，'returnedLouisa，shortly。
　　'Whatitwaslike？'
　　'Yes，father。'
　　Therewasanairofjadedsullennessinthemboth，andparticularlyinthegirl:yet，strugglingthroughthedissatisfactionofherface，therewasalightwithnothingtorestupon，afirewithnothingtoburn，astarvedimaginationkeepinglifeinitselfsomehow，whichbrighteneditsexpression。Notwiththebrightnessnaturaltocheerfulyouth，butwithuncertain，eager，doubtfulflashes，whichhadsomethingpainfulinthem，analogoustothechangesonablindfacegropingitsway。
　　Shewasachildnow，offifteenorsixteen；butatnodistantdaywouldseemtobecomeawomanallatonce。Herfatherthoughtsoashelookedather。Shewaspretty。Wouldhavebeenself-willedhethoughtinhiseminentlypracticalwaybutforherbringing-up。
　　'Thomas，thoughIhavethefactbeforeme，Ifinditdifficulttobelievethatyou，withyoureducationandresources，shouldhavebroughtyoursistertoascenelikethis。'
　　'Ibroughthim，father，'saidLouisa，quickly。'Iaskedhimtocome。'
　　'Iamsorrytohearit。Iamverysorryindeedtohearit。ItmakesThomasnobetter，anditmakesyouworse，Louisa。'
　　Shelookedatherfatheragain，butnotearfelldownhercheek。
　　'You！Thomasandyou，towhomthecircleofthesciencesisopen；
　　Thomasandyou，whomaybesaidtoberepletewithfacts；Thomasandyou，whohavebeentrainedtomathematicalexactness；Thomasandyou，here！'criedMr。Gradgrind。'Inthisdegradedposition！
　　Iamamazed。'
　　'Iwastired，father。Ihavebeentiredalongtime，'saidLouisa。
　　'Tired？Ofwhat？'askedtheastonishedfather。
　　'Idon'tknowofwhat-ofeverything，Ithink。'
　　'Saynotanotherword，'returnedMr。Gradgrind。'Youarechildish。
　　Iwillhearnomore。'Hedidnotspeakagainuntiltheyhadwalkedsomehalf-a-mileinsilence，whenhegravelybrokeoutwith:'Whatwouldyourbestfriendssay，Louisa？Doyouattachnovaluetotheirgoodopinion？WhatwouldMr。Bounderbysay？'Atthementionofthisname，hisdaughterstolealookathim，remarkableforitsintenseandsearchingcharacter。Hesawnothingofit，forbeforehelookedather，shehadagaincastdownhereyes！
　　'What，'herepeatedpresently，'wouldMr。Bounderbysay？'AllthewaytoStoneLodge，aswithgraveindignationheledthetwodelinquentshome，herepeatedatintervals'WhatwouldMr。
　　Bounderbysay？'-asifMr。BounderbyhadbeenMrs。Grundy。
　　CHAPTERIV-MR。BOUNDERBY
　　NOTbeingMrs。Grundy，whowasMr。Bounderby？
　　Why，Mr。BounderbywasasnearbeingMr。Gradgrind'sbosomfriend，asamanperfectlydevoidofsentimentcanapproachthatspiritualrelationshiptowardsanothermanperfectlydevoidofsentiment。SonearwasMr。Bounderby-or，ifthereadershouldpreferit，sofaroff。
　　Hewasarichman:banker，merchant，manufacturer，andwhatnot。
　　Abig，loudman，withastare，andametalliclaugh。Amanmadeoutofacoarsematerial，whichseemedtohavebeenstretchedtomakesomuchofhim。Amanwithagreatpuffedheadandforehead，swelledveinsinhistemples，andsuchastrainedskintohisfacethatitseemedtoholdhiseyesopen，andlifthiseyebrowsup。A
　　manwithapervadingappearanceonhimofbeinginflatedlikeaballoon，andreadytostart。Amanwhocouldneversufficientlyvaunthimselfaself-mademan。Amanwhowasalwaysproclaiming，throughthatbrassyspeaking-trumpetofavoiceofhis，hisoldignoranceandhisoldpoverty。AmanwhowastheBullyofhumility。
　　Ayearortwoyoungerthanhiseminentlypracticalfriend，Mr。
　　Bounderbylookedolder；hissevenoreightandfortymighthavehadthesevenoreightaddedtoitagain，withoutsurprisinganybody。
　　Hehadnotmuchhair。Onemighthavefanciedhehadtalkeditoff；
　　andthatwhatwasleft，allstandingupindisorder，wasinthatconditionfrombeingconstantlyblownaboutbyhiswindyboastfulness。
　　Intheformaldrawing-roomofStoneLodge，standingonthehearthrug，warminghimselfbeforethefire，Mr。BounderbydeliveredsomeobservationstoMrs。Gradgrindonthecircumstanceofitsbeinghisbirthday。Hestoodbeforethefire，partlybecauseitwasacoolspringafternoon，thoughthesunshone；partlybecausetheshadeofStoneLodgewasalwayshauntedbytheghostofdampmortar；partlybecausehethustookupacommandingposition，fromwhichtosubdueMrs。Gradgrind。
　　'Ihadn'tashoetomyfoot。Astoastocking，Ididn'tknowsuchathingbyname。Ipassedthedayinaditch，andthenightinapigsty。That'sthewayIspentmytenthbirthday。Notthataditchwasnewtome，forIwasborninaditch。'
　　Mrs。Gradgrind，alittle，thin，white，pink-eyedbundleofshawls，ofsurpassingfeebleness，mentalandbodily；whowasalwaystakingphysicwithoutanyeffect，andwho，wheneversheshowedasymptomofcomingtolife，wasinvariablystunnedbysomeweightypieceoffacttumblingonher；Mrs。Gradgrindhopeditwasadryditch？
　　'No！Aswetasasop。Afootofwaterinit，'saidMr。Bounderby。
　　'Enoughtogiveababycold，'Mrs。Gradgrindconsidered。
　　'Cold？Iwasbornwithinflammationofthelungs，andofeverythingelse，Ibelieve，thatwascapableofinflammation，'
　　returnedMr。Bounderby。'Foryears，ma'am，Iwasoneofthemostmiserablelittlewretcheseverseen。Iwassosickly，thatIwasalwaysmoaningandgroaning。Iwassoraggedanddirty，thatyouwouldn'thavetouchedmewithapairoftongs。'
　　Mrs。Gradgrindfaintlylookedatthetongs，asthemostappropriatethingherimbecilitycouldthinkofdoing。
　　'HowIfoughtthroughit，Idon'tknow，'saidBounderby。'Iwasdetermined，Isuppose。Ihavebeenadeterminedcharacterinlaterlife，andIsupposeIwasthen。HereIam，Mrs。Gradgrind，anyhow，andnobodytothankformybeinghere，butmyself。'
　　Mrs。Gradgrindmeeklyandweaklyhopedthathismother-
　　'Mymother？Bolted，ma'am！'saidBounderby。
　　Mrs。Gradgrind，stunnedasusual，collapsedandgaveitup。
　　'Mymotherleftmetomygrandmother，'saidBounderby；'and，accordingtothebestofmyremembrance，mygrandmotherwasthewickedestandtheworstoldwomanthateverlived。IfIgotalittlepairofshoesbyanychance，shewouldtake'emoffandsell'emfordrink。Why，Ihaveknownthatgrandmotherofminelieinherbedanddrinkherfour-teenglassesofliquorbeforebreakfast！'
　　Mrs。Gradgrind，weaklysmiling，andgivingnoothersignofvitality，lookedasshealwaysdidlikeanindifferentlyexecutedtransparencyofasmallfemalefigure，withoutenoughlightbehindit。
　　'Shekeptachandler'sshop，'pursuedBounderby，'andkeptmeinanegg-box。Thatwasthecotofmyinfancy；anoldegg-box。AssoonasIwasbigenoughtorunaway，ofcourseIranaway。ThenI
　　becameayoungvagabond；andinsteadofoneoldwomanknockingmeaboutandstarvingme，everybodyofallagesknockedmeaboutandstarvedme。Theywereright；theyhadnobusinesstodoanythingelse。Iwasanuisance，anincumbrance，andapest。Iknowthatverywell。'
　　Hisprideinhavingatanytimeofhislifeachievedsuchagreatsocialdistinctionastobeanuisance，anincumbrance，andapest，wasonlytobesatisfiedbythreesonorousrepetitionsoftheboast。
　　'Iwastopullthroughit，Isuppose，Mrs。Gradgrind。WhetherI
　　wastodoitornot，ma'am，Ididit。Ipulledthroughit，thoughnobodythrewmeoutarope。Vagabond，errand-boy，vagabond，labourer，porter，clerk，chiefmanager，smallpartner，JosiahBounderbyofCoketown。Thosearetheantecedents，andtheculmination。JosiahBounderbyofCoketownlearnthislettersfromtheoutsidesoftheshops，Mrs。Gradgrind，andwasfirstabletotellthetimeuponadial-plate，fromstudyingthesteepleclockofSt。Giles'sChurch，London，underthedirectionofadrunkencripple，whowasaconvictedthief，andanincorrigiblevagrant。
　　TellJosiahBounderbyofCoketown，ofyourdistrictschoolsandyourmodelschools，andyourtrainingschools，andyourwholekettle-of-fishofschools；andJosiahBounderbyofCoketown，tellsyouplainly，allright，allcorrect-hehadn'tsuchadvantages-
　　butletushavehard-headed，solid-fistedpeople-theeducationthatmadehimwon'tdoforeverybody，heknowswell-suchandsuchhiseducationwas，however，andyoumayforcehimtoswallowboilingfat，butyoushallneverforcehimtosuppressthefactsofhislife。'
　　Beingheatedwhenhearrivedatthisclimax，JosiahBounderbyofCoketownstopped。Hestoppedjustashiseminentlypracticalfriend，stillaccompaniedbythetwoyoungculprits，enteredtheroom。Hiseminentlypracticalfriend，onseeinghim，stoppedalso，andgaveLouisaareproachfullookthatplainlysaid，'BeholdyourBounderby！'
　　'Well！'blusteredMr。Bounderby，'what'sthematter？WhatisyoungThomasinthedumpsabout？'
　　HespokeofyoungThomas，buthelookedatLouisa。
　　'Wewerepeepingatthecircus，'mutteredLouisa，haughtily，withoutliftinguphereyes，'andfathercaughtus。'
　　'And，Mrs。Gradgrind，'saidherhusbandinaloftymanner，'I
　　shouldassoonhaveexpectedtofindmychildrenreadingpoetry。'
　　'Dearme，'whimperedMrs。Gradgrind。'Howcanyou，LouisaandThomas！Iwonderatyou。Ideclareyou'reenoughtomakeoneregreteverhavinghadafamilyatall。IhaveagreatmindtosayIwishIhadn't。Thenwhatwouldyouhavedone，Ishouldliketoknow？'
　　Mr。Gradgrinddidnotseemfavourablyimpressedbythesecogentremarks。Hefrownedimpatiently。
　　'Asif，withmyheadinitspresentthrobbingstate，youcouldn'tgoandlookattheshellsandmineralsandthingsprovidedforyou，insteadofcircuses！'saidMrs。Gradgrind。'Youknow，aswellasI
　　do，noyoungpeoplehavecircusmasters，orkeepcircusesincabinets，orattendlecturesaboutcircuses。Whatcanyoupossiblywanttoknowofcircusesthen？Iamsureyouhaveenoughtodo，ifthat'swhatyouwant。Withmyheadinitspresentstate，I
　　couldn'trememberthemerenamesofhalfthefactsyouhavegottoattendto。'
　　'That'sthereason！'poutedLouisa。
　　'Don'ttellmethat'sthereason，becauseitcan'tbenothingofthesort，'saidMrs。Gradgrind。'Goandbesomethingologicaldirectly。'Mrs。Gradgrindwasnotascientificcharacter，andusuallydismissedherchildrentotheirstudieswiththisgeneralinjunctiontochoosetheirpursuit。
　　Intruth，Mrs。Gradgrind'sstockoffactsingeneralwaswoefullydefective；butMr。Gradgrindinraisinghertoherhighmatrimonialposition，hadbeeninfluencedbytworeasons。Firstly，shewasmostsatisfactoryasaquestionoffigures；and，secondly，shehad'nononsense'abouther。Bynonsensehemeantfancy；andtrulyitisprobableshewasasfreefromanyalloyofthatnature，asanyhumanbeingnotarrivedattheperfectionofanabsoluteidiot，everwas。
　　ThesimplecircumstanceofbeingleftalonewithherhusbandandMr。Bounderby，wassufficienttostunthisadmirableladyagainwithoutcollisionbetweenherselfandanyotherfact。So，sheoncemorediedaway，andnobodymindedher。
　　'Bounderby，'saidMr。Gradgrind，drawingachairtothefireside，'youarealwayssointerestedinmyyoungpeople-particularlyinLouisa-thatImakenoapologyforsayingtoyou，Iamverymuchvexedbythisdiscovery。Ihavesystematicallydevotedmyselfasyouknowtotheeducationofthereasonofmyfamily。Thereasonisasyouknowtheonlyfacultytowhicheducationshouldbeaddressed。'Andyet，Bounderby，itwouldappearfromthisunexpectedcircumstanceofto-day，thoughinitselfatriflingone，asifsomethinghadcreptintoThomas'sandLouisa'smindswhichis-orrather，whichisnot-Idon'tknowthatIcanexpressmyselfbetterthanbysaying-whichhasneverbeenintendedtobedeveloped，andinwhichtheirreasonhasnopart。'
　　'Therecertainlyisnoreasoninlookingwithinterestataparcelofvagabonds，'returnedBounderby。'WhenIwasavagabondmyself，nobodylookedwithanyinterestatme；Iknowthat。'
　　'Thencomesthequestion；saidtheeminentlypracticalfather，withhiseyesonthefire，'inwhathasthisvulgarcuriosityitsrise？'
　　'I'lltellyouinwhat。Inidleimagination。'
　　'Ihopenot，'saidtheeminentlypractical；'Iconfess，however，thatthemisgivinghascrossedmeonmywayhome。'
　　'Inidleimagination，Gradgrind，'repeatedBounderby。'Averybadthingforanybody，butacursedbadthingforagirllikeLouisa。
　　IshouldaskMrs。Gradgrind'spardonforstrongexpressions，butthatsheknowsverywellIamnotarefinedcharacter。Whoeverexpectsrefinementinmewillbedisappointed。Ihadn'tarefinedbringingup。'
　　'Whether，'saidGradgrind，ponderingwithhishandsinhispockets，andhiscavernouseyesonthefire，'whetheranyinstructororservantcanhavesuggestedanything？WhetherLouisaorThomascanhavebeenreadinganything？Whether，inspiteofallprecautions，anyidlestory-bookcanhavegotintothehouse？Because，inmindsthathavebeenpracticallyformedbyruleandline，fromthecradleupwards，thisissocurious，soincomprehensible。'
　　'Stopabit！'criedBounderby，whoallthistimehadbeenstanding，asbefore，onthehearth，burstingattheveryfurnitureoftheroomwithexplosivehumility。'Youhaveoneofthosestrollers'
　　childrenintheschool。'
　　'CeciliaJupe，byname，'saidMr。Gradgrind，withsomethingofastrickenlookathisfriend。
　　'Now，stopabit！'criedBounderbyagain。'Howdidshecomethere？'
　　'Why，thefactis，Isawthegirlmyself，forthefirsttime，onlyjustnow。Shespeciallyappliedhereatthehousetobeadmitted，asnotregularlybelongingtoourtown，and-yes，youareright，Bounderby，youareright。'
　　'Now，stopabit！'criedBounderby，oncemore。'Louisasawherwhenshecame？'
　　'Louisacertainlydidseeher，forshementionedtheapplicationtome。ButLouisasawher，Ihavenodoubt，inMrs。Gradgrind'spresence。'
　　'Pray，Mrs。Gradgrind，'saidBounderby，'whatpassed？'
　　'Oh，mypoorhealth！'returnedMrs。Gradgrind。'Thegirlwantedtocometotheschool，andMr。Gradgrindwantedgirlstocometotheschool，andLouisaandThomasbothsaidthatthegirlwantedtocome，andthatMr。Gradgrindwantedgirlstocome，andhowwasitpossibletocontradictthemwhensuchwasthefact！'
　　'NowItellyouwhat，Gradgrind！'saidMr。Bounderby。'Turnthisgirltotherightabout，andthere'sanendofit。'
　　'Iammuchofyouropinion。'
　　'Doitatonce，'saidBounderby，'hasalwaysbeenmymottofromachild。WhenIthoughtIwouldrunawayfrommyegg-boxandmygrandmother，Ididitatonce。Doyouthesame。Dothisatonce！'
　　'Areyouwalking？'askedhisfriend。'Ihavethefather'saddress。
　　Perhapsyouwouldnotmindwalkingtotownwithme？'
　　'Nottheleastintheworld，'saidMr。Bounderby，'aslongasyoudoitatonce！'
　　So，Mr。Bounderbythrewonhishat-healwaysthrewiton，asexpressingamanwhohadbeenfartoobusilyemployedinmakinghimself，toacquireanyfashionofwearinghishat-andwithhishandsinhispockets，saunteredoutintothehall。'Ineverweargloves，'itwashiscustomtosay。'Ididn'tclimbuptheladderinthem-Shouldn'tbesohighup，ifIhad。'
　　BeinglefttosaunterinthehallaminuteortwowhileMr。
　　Gradgrindwentup-stairsfortheaddress，heopenedthedoorofthechildren'sstudyandlookedintothatserenefloor-clothedapartment，which，notwithstandingitsbook-casesanditscabinetsanditsvarietyoflearnedandphilosophicalappliances，hadmuchofthegenialaspectofaroomdevotedtohair-cutting。Louisalanguidlyleaneduponthewindowlookingout，withoutlookingatanything，whileyoungThomasstoodsniffingrevengefullyatthefire。AdamSmithandMalthus，twoyoungerGradgrinds，wereoutatlectureincustody；andlittleJane，aftermanufacturingagooddealofmoistpipe-clayonherfacewithslate-pencilandtears，hadfallenasleepovervulgarfractions。
　　'It'sallrightnow，Louisa:it'sallright，youngThomas，'saidMr。Bounderby；'youwon'tdosoanymore。I'llanswerforit'sbeingalloverwithfather。Well，Louisa，that'sworthakiss，isn'tit？'
　　'Youcantakeone，Mr。Bounderby，'returnedLouisa，whenshehadcoldlypaused，andslowlywalkedacrosstheroom，andungraciouslyraisedhercheektowardshim，withherfaceturnedaway。
　　'Alwaysmypet；ain'tyou，Louisa？'saidMr。Bounderby。'Good-bye，Louisa！'
　　Hewenthisway，butshestoodonthesamespot，rubbingthecheekhehadkissed，withherhandkerchief，untilitwasburningred。
　　Shewasstilldoingthis，fiveminutesafterwards。
　　'Whatareyouabout，Loo？'herbrothersulkilyremonstrated。
　　'You'llrubaholeinyourface。'
　　'Youmaycutthepieceoutwithyourpenknifeifyoulike，Tom。I
　　wouldn'tcry！'
　　CHAPTERV-THEKEYNOTE
　　COKETOWN，towhichMessrs。BounderbyandGradgrindnowwalked，wasatriumphoffact；ithadnogreatertaintoffancyinitthanMrs。
　　Gradgrindherself。Letusstrikethekey-note，Coketown，beforepursuingourtune。
　　Itwasatownofredbrick，orofbrickthatwouldhavebeenredifthesmokeandasheshadallowedit；butasmattersstood，itwasatownofunnaturalredandblacklikethepaintedfaceofasavage。
　　Itwasatownofmachineryandtallchimneys，outofwhichinterminableserpentsofsmoketrailedthemselvesforeverandever，andnevergotuncoiled。Ithadablackcanalinit，andariverthatranpurplewithill-smellingdye，andvastpilesofbuildingfullofwindowswheretherewasarattlingandatremblingalldaylong，andwherethepistonofthesteam-engineworkedmonotonouslyupanddown，liketheheadofanelephantinastateofmelancholymadness。Itcontainedseverallargestreetsallverylikeoneanother，andmanysmallstreetsstillmorelikeoneanother，inhabitedbypeopleequallylikeoneanother，whoallwentinandoutatthesamehours，withthesamesounduponthesamepavements，todothesamework，andtowhomeverydaywasthesameasyesterdayandto-morrow，andeveryyearthecounterpartofthelastandthenext。
　　TheseattributesofCoketownwereinthemaininseparablefromtheworkbywhichitwassustained；againstthemweretobesetoff，comfortsoflifewhichfoundtheirwayallovertheworld，andeleganciesoflifewhichmade，wewillnotaskhowmuchofthefinelady，whocouldscarcelybeartoheartheplacementioned。Therestofitsfeatureswerevoluntary，andtheywerethese。
　　YousawnothinginCoketownbutwhatwasseverelyworkful。Ifthemembersofareligiouspersuasionbuiltachapelthere-asthemembersofeighteenreligiouspersuasionshaddone-theymadeitapiouswarehouseofredbrick，withsometimesbutthisisonlyinhighlyornamentalexamplesabellinabirdcageonthetopofit。
　　ThesolitaryexceptionwastheNewChurch；astuccoededificewithasquaresteepleoverthedoor，terminatinginfourshortpinnacleslikefloridwoodenlegs。Allthepublicinscriptionsinthetownwerepaintedalike，inseverecharactersofblackandwhite。Thejailmighthavebeentheinfirmary，theinfirmarymighthavebeenthejail，thetown-hallmighthavebeeneither，orboth，oranythingelse，foranythingthatappearedtothecontraryinthegracesoftheirconstruction。Fact，fact，fact，everywhereinthematerialaspectofthetown；fact，fact，fact，everywhereintheimmaterial。TheM'Choakumchildschoolwasallfact，andtheschoolofdesignwasallfact，andtherelationsbetweenmasterandmanwereallfact，andeverythingwasfactbetweenthelying-inhospitalandthecemetery，andwhatyoucouldn'tstateinfigures，orshowtobepurchaseableinthecheapestmarketandsaleableinthedearest，wasnot，andnevershouldbe，worldwithoutend，Amen。
　　Atownsosacredtofact，andsotriumphantinitsassertion，ofcoursegotonwell？Whyno，notquitewell。No？Dearme！
　　No。Coketowndidnotcomeoutofitsownfurnaces，inallrespectslikegoldthathadstoodthefire。First，theperplexingmysteryoftheplacewas，Whobelongedtotheeighteendenominations？
　　Because，whoeverdid，thelabouringpeopledidnot。ItwasverystrangetowalkthroughthestreetsonaSundaymorning，andnotehowfewofthemthebarbarousjanglingofbellsthatwasdrivingthesickandnervousmad，calledawayfromtheirownquarter，fromtheirowncloserooms，fromthecornersoftheirownstreets，wheretheyloungedlistlessly，gazingatallthechurchandchapelgoing，asatathingwithwhichtheyhadnomannerofconcern。Norwasitmerelythestrangerwhonoticedthis，becausetherewasanativeorganizationinCoketownitself，whosemembersweretobeheardofintheHouseofCommonseverysession，indignantlypetitioningforactsofparliamentthatshouldmakethesepeoplereligiousbymainforce。ThencametheTeetotalSociety，whocomplainedthatthesesamepeoplewouldgetdrunk，andshowedintabularstatementsthattheydidgetdrunk，andprovedatteapartiesthatnoinducement，humanorDivineexceptamedal，wouldinducethemtoforegotheircustomofgettingdrunk。Thencamethechemistanddruggist，withothertabularstatements，showingthatwhentheydidn'tgetdrunk，theytookopium。Thencametheexperiencedchaplainofthejail，withmoretabularstatements，outdoingalltheprevioustabularstatements，andshowingthatthesamepeoplewouldresorttolowhaunts，hiddenfromthepubliceye，wheretheyheardlowsingingandsawlowdancing，andmayhapjoinedinit；andwhereA。B。，agedtwenty-fournextbirthday，andcommittedforeighteenmonths'
　　solitary，hadhimselfsaidnotthathehadevershownhimselfparticularlyworthyofbeliefhisruinbegan，ashewasperfectlysureandconfidentthatotherwisehewouldhavebeenatip-topmoralspecimen。ThencameMr。GradgrindandMr。Bounderby，thetwogentlemenatthispresentmomentwalkingthroughCoketown，andbotheminentlypractical，whocould，onoccasion，furnishmoretabularstatementsderivedfromtheirownpersonalexperience，andillustratedbycasestheyhadknownandseen，fromwhichitclearlyappeared-inshort，itwastheonlyclearthinginthecase-thatthesesamepeoplewereabadlotaltogether，gentlemen；thatdowhatyouwouldforthemtheywereneverthankfulforit，gentlemen；
　　thattheywererestless，gentlemen；thattheyneverknewwhattheywanted；thattheyliveduponthebest，andboughtfreshbutter；andinsistedonMochacoffee，andrejectedallbutprimepartsofmeat，andyetwereeternallydissatisfiedandunmanageable。Inshort，itwasthemoraloftheoldnurseryfable:
　　Therewasanoldwoman，andwhatdoyouthink？
　　Sheliveduponnothingbutvictualsanddrink；
　　Victualsanddrinkwerethewholeofherdiet，AndyetthisoldwomanwouldNEVERbequiet。
　　Isitpossible，Iwonder，thattherewasanyanalogybetweenthecaseoftheCoketownpopulationandthecaseofthelittleGradgrinds？Surely，noneofusinoursobersensesandacquaintedwithfigures，aretobetoldatthistimeofday，thatoneoftheforemostelementsintheexistenceoftheCoketownworking-peoplehadbeenforscoresofyears，deliberatelysetatnought？ThattherewasanyFancyinthemdemandingtobebroughtintohealthyexistenceinsteadofstrugglingoninconvulsions？Thatexactlyintheratioastheyworkedlongandmonotonously，thecravinggrewwithinthemforsomephysicalrelief-somerelaxation，encouraginggoodhumourandgoodspirits，andgivingthemavent-somerecognizedholiday，thoughitwerebutforanhonestdancetoastirringbandofmusic-someoccasionallightpieinwhichevenM'Choakumchildhadnofinger-whichcravingmustandwouldbesatisfiedaright，ormustandwouldinevitablygowrong，untilthelawsoftheCreationwererepealed？
　　'ThismanlivesatPod'sEnd，andIdon'tquiteknowPod'sEnd，'
　　saidMr。Gradgrind。'Whichisit，Bounderby？'
　　Mr。Bounderbyknewitwassomewheredowntown，butknewnomorerespectingit。Sotheystoppedforamoment，lookingabout。
　　Almostastheydidso，therecamerunningroundthecornerofthestreetataquickpaceandwithafrightenedlook，agirlwhomMr。
　　Gradgrindrecognized。'Halloa！'saidhe。'Stop！Whereareyougoing！Stop！'Girlnumbertwentystoppedthen，palpitating，andmadehimacurtsey。
　　'Whyareyoutearingaboutthestreets，'saidMr。Gradgrind，'inthisimpropermanner？'
　　'Iwas-Iwasrunafter，sir，'thegirlpanted，'andIwantedtogetaway。'
　　'Runafter？'repeatedMr。Gradgrind。'Whowouldrunafteryou？'
　　Thequestionwasunexpectedlyandsuddenlyansweredforher，bythecolourlessboy，Bitzer，whocameroundthecornerwithsuchblindspeedandsolittleanticipatingastoppageonthepavement，thathebroughthimselfupagainstMr。Gradgrind'swaistcoatandreboundedintotheroad。
　　'Whatdoyoumean，boy？'saidMr。Gradgrind。'Whatareyoudoing？
　　Howdareyoudashagainst-everybody-inthismanner？'Bitzerpickeduphiscap，whichtheconcussionhadknockedoff；andbacking，andknucklinghisforehead，pleadedthatitwasanaccident。
　　'Wasthisboyrunningafteryou，Jupe？'askedMr。Gradgrind。
　　'Yes，sir，'saidthegirlreluctantly。
　　'No，Iwasn't，sir！'criedBitzer。'Nottillsherunawayfromme。
　　Butthehorse-ridersnevermindwhattheysay，sir；they'refamousforit。Youknowthehorse-ridersarefamousfornevermindingwhattheysay，'addressingSissy。'It'saswellknowninthetownas-please，sir，asthemultiplicationtableisn'tknowntothehorse-riders。'BitzertriedMr。Bounderbywiththis。
　　'Hefrightenedmeso，'saidthegirl，'withhiscruelfaces！'
　　'Oh！'criedBitzer。'Oh！An'tyouoneoftherest！An'tyouahorse-rider！Ineverlookedather，sir。Iaskedherifshewouldknowhowtodefineahorseto-morrow，andofferedtotellheragain，andsheranaway，andIranafterher，sir，thatshemightknowhowtoanswerwhenshewasasked。Youwouldn'thavethoughtofsayingsuchmischiefifyouhadn'tbeenahorse-rider？'
　　'Hercallingseemstobeprettywellknownamong'em，'observedMr。
　　Bounderby。'You'dhavehadthewholeschoolpeepinginarow，inaweek。'
　　'Truly，Ithinkso，'returnedhisfriend。'Bitzer，turnyouaboutandtakeyourselfhome。Jupe，stayhereamoment。Letmehearofyourrunninginthismanneranymore，boy，andyouwillhearofmethroughthemasteroftheschool。YouunderstandwhatImean。Goalong。'
　　Theboystoppedinhisrapidblinking，knuckledhisforeheadagain，glancedatSissy，turnedabout，andretreated。
　　'Now，girl，'saidMr。Gradgrind，'takethisgentlemanandmetoyourfather's；wearegoingthere。Whathaveyougotinthatbottleyouarecarrying？'
　　'Gin，'saidMr。Bounderby。
　　'Dear，no，sir！It'sthenineoils。'
　　'Thewhat？'criedMr。Bounderby。
　　'Thenineoils，sir，torubfatherwith。'
　　'Then，'saidMr。Bounderby，withaloudshortlaugh，'whatthedevildoyourubyourfatherwithnineoilsfor？'
　　'It'swhatourpeopleawaysuse，sir，whentheygetanyhurtsinthering，'repliedthegirl，lookingoverhershoulder，toassureherselfthatherpursuerwasgone。'Theybruisethemselvesverybadsometimes。'
　　'Serve'emright，'saidMr。Bounderby，'forbeingidle。'Sheglancedupathisface，withmingledastonishmentanddread。
　　'ByGeorge！'saidMr。Bounderby，'whenIwasfourorfiveyearsyoungerthanyou，Ihadworsebruisesuponmethantenoils，twentyoils，fortyoils，wouldhaverubbedoff。Ididn'tget'embyposture-making，butbybeingbangedabout。Therewasnorope-
　　dancingforme；Idancedonthebaregroundandwaslarrupedwiththerope。'
　　Mr。Gradgrind，thoughhardenough，wasbynomeanssoroughamanasMr。Bounderby。Hischaracterwasnotunkind，allthingsconsidered；itmighthavebeenaverykindoneindeed，ifhehadonlymadesomeroundmistakeinthearithmeticthatbalancedit，yearsago。Hesaid，inwhathemeantforareassuringtone，astheyturneddownanarrowroad，'AndthisisPod'sEnd；isit，Jupe？'
　　'Thisisit，sir，and-ifyouwouldn'tmind，sir-thisisthehouse。'
　　Shestopped，attwilight，atthedoorofameanlittlepublic-
　　house，withdimredlightsinit。Ashaggardandasshabby，asif，forwantofcustom，ithaditselftakentodrinking，andhadgonethewayalldrunkardsgo，andwasveryneartheendofit。
　　'It'sonlycrossingthebar，sir，andupthestairs，ifyouwouldn'tmind，andwaitingthereforamomenttillIgetacandle。
　　Ifyoushouldhearadog，sir，it'sonlyMerrylegs，andheonlybarks。'
　　'Merrylegsandnineoils，eh！'saidMr。Bounderby，enteringlastwithhismetalliclaugh。'Prettywellthis，foraself-mademan！'
　　CHAPTERVI-SLEARY'SHORSEMANSHIP
　　THEnameofthepublic-housewasthePegasus'sArms。ThePegasus'slegsmighthavebeenmoretothepurpose；but，underneaththewingedhorseuponthesign-board，thePegasus'sArmswasinscribedinRomanletters。Beneaththatinscriptionagain，inaflowingscroll，thepainterhadtouchedoffthelines:
　　Goodmaltmakesgoodbeer，Walkin，andthey'lldrawithere；
　　Goodwinemakesgoodbrandy，Giveusacall，andyou'llfindithandy。
　　Framedandglazeduponthewallbehindthedingylittlebar，wasanotherPegasus-atheatricalone-withrealgauzeletinforhiswings，goldenstarsstuckonalloverhim，andhisetherealharnessmadeofredsilk。
　　Asithadgrowntooduskywithout，toseethesign，andasithadnotgrownlightenoughwithintoseethepicture，Mr。GradgrindandMr。Bounderbyreceivednooffencefromtheseidealities。Theyfollowedthegirlupsomesteepcorner-stairswithoutmeetinganyone，andstoppedinthedarkwhileshewentonforacandle。TheyexpectedeverymomenttohearMerrylegsgivetongue，butthehighlytrainedperformingdoghadnotbarkedwhenthegirlandthecandleappearedtogether。
　　'Fatherisnotinourroom，sir，'shesaid，withafaceofgreatsurprise。'Ifyouwouldn'tmindwalkingin，I'llfindhimdirectly。'Theywalkedin；andSissy，havingsettwochairsforthem，spedawaywithaquicklightstep。Itwasamean，shabbilyfurnishedroom，withabedinit。Thewhitenight-cap，embellishedwithtwopeacock'sfeathersandapigtailboltupright，inwhichSignorJupehadthatveryafternoonenlivenedthevariedperformanceswithhischasteShakspereanquipsandretorts，hunguponanail；butnootherportionofhiswardrobe，orothertokenofhimselforhispursuits，wastobeseenanywhere。AstoMerrylegs，thatrespectableancestorofthehighlytrainedanimalwhowentaboardtheark，mighthavebeenaccidentallyshutoutofit，foranysignofadogthatwasmanifesttoeyeorearinthePegasus'sArms。
　　Theyheardthedoorsofroomsabove，openingandshuttingasSissywentfromonetoanotherinquestofherfather；andpresentlytheyheardvoicesexpressingsurprise。Shecameboundingdownagaininagreathurry，openedabatteredandmangyoldhairtrunk，founditempty，andlookedroundwithherhandsclaspedandherfacefullofterror。
　　'FathermusthavegonedowntotheBooth，sir。Idon'tknowwhyheshouldgothere，buthemustbethere；I'llbringhiminaminute！'
　　Shewasgonedirectly，withoutherbonnet；withherlong，dark，childishhairstreamingbehindher。
　　'Whatdoesshemean！'saidMr。Gradgrind。'Backinaminute？It'smorethanamileoff。'
　　BeforeMr。Bounderbycouldreply，ayoungmanappearedatthedoor，andintroducinghimselfwiththewords，'Byyourleaves，gentlemen！'walkedinwithhishandsinhispockets。Hisface，close-shaven，thin，andsallow，wasshadedbyagreatquantityofdarkhair，brushedintoarollallroundhishead，andpartedupthecentre。Hislegswereveryrobust，butshorterthanlegsofgoodproportionsshouldhavebeen。Hischestandbackwereasmuchtoobroad，ashislegsweretooshort。HewasdressedinaNewmarketcoatandtight-fittingtrousers；woreashawlroundhisneck；smeltoflamp-oil，straw，orange-peel，horses'provender，andsawdust；andlookedamostremarkablesortofCentaur，compoundedofthestableandtheplay-house。Wheretheonebegan，andtheotherended，nobodycouldhavetoldwithanyprecision。ThisgentlemanwasmentionedinthebillsofthedayasMr。E。W。B。
　　Childers，sojustlycelebratedforhisdaringvaultingactastheWildHuntsmanoftheNorthAmericanPrairies；inwhichpopularperformance，adiminutiveboywithanoldface，whonowaccompaniedhim，assistedashisinfantson:beingcarriedupsidedownoverhisfather'sshoulder，byonefoot，andheldbythecrownofhishead，heelsupwards，inthepalmofhisfather'shand，accordingtotheviolentpaternalmannerinwhichwildhuntsmenmaybeobservedtofondletheiroffspring。Madeupwithcurls，wreaths，wings，whitebismuth，andcarmine，thishopefulyoungpersonsoaredintosopleasingaCupidastoconstitutethechiefdelightofthematernalpartofthespectators；butinprivate，wherehischaracteristicswereaprecociouscutawaycoatandanextremelygruffvoice，hebecameoftheTurf，turfy。
　　'Byyourleaves，gentlemen，'saidMr。E。W。B。Childers，glancingroundtheroom。'Itwasyou，Ibelieve，thatwerewishingtoseeJupe！'
　　'Itwas，'saidMr。Gradgrind。'Hisdaughterhasgonetofetchhim，butIcan'twait；therefore，ifyouplease，Iwillleaveamessageforhimwithyou。'
　　'Yousee，myfriend，'Mr。Bounderbyputin，'wearethekindofpeoplewhoknowthevalueoftime，andyouarethekindofpeoplewhodon'tknowthevalueoftime。'
　　'Ihavenot，'retortedMr。Childers，aftersurveyinghimfromheadtofoot，'thehonourofknowingyou，-butifyoumeanthatyoucanmakemoremoneyofyourtimethanIcanofmine，Ishouldjudgefromyourappearance，thatyouareaboutright。'
　　'Andwhenyouhavemadeit，youcankeepittoo，Ishouldthink，'
　　saidCupid。
　　'Kidderminster，stowthat！'saidMr。Childers。MasterKidderminsterwasCupid'smortalname。
　　'Whatdoeshecomeherecheekingusfor，then？'criedMasterKidderminster，showingaveryirascibletemperament。'Ifyouwanttocheekus，payyourochreatthedoorsandtakeitout。'
　　'Kidderminster，'saidMr。Childers，raisinghisvoice，'stowthat！-
　　Sir，'toMr。Gradgrind，'Iwasaddressingmyselftoyou。Youmayoryoumaynotbeawareforperhapsyouhavenotbeenmuchintheaudience，thatJupehasmissedhistipveryoften，lately。'
　　'Has-whathashemissed？'askedMr。Gradgrind，glancingatthepotentBounderbyforassistance。
　　'Missedhistip。'
　　'OfferedattheGartersfourtimeslastnight，andneverdone'emonce，'saidMasterKidderminster。'Missedhistipatthebanners，too，andwaslooseinhisponging。'
　　'Didn'tdowhatheoughttodo。Wasshortinhisleapsandbadinhistumbling，'Mr。Childersinterpreted。
　　'Oh！'saidMr。Gradgrind，'thatistip，isit？'
　　'Inageneralwaythat'smissinghistip，'Mr。E。W。B。Childersanswered。
　　'Nineoils，Merrylegs，missingtips，garters，banners，andPonging，eh！'ejaculatedBounderby，withhislaughoflaughs。'Queersortofcompany，too，foramanwhohasraisedhimself！'
　　'Loweryourself，then，'retortedCupid。'OhLord！ifyou'veraisedyourselfsohighasallthatcomesto，letyourselfdownabit。'
　　'Thisisaveryobtrusivelad！'saidMr。Gradgrind，turning，andknittinghisbrowsonhim。
　　'We'dhavehadayounggentlemantomeetyou，ifwehadknownyouwerecoming，'retortedMasterKidderminster，nothingabashed。
　　'It'sapityyoudon'thaveabespeak，beingsoparticular。You'reontheTight-Jeff，ain'tyou？'
　　'Whatdoesthisunmannerlyboymean，'askedMr。Gradgrind，eyeinghiminasortofdesperation，'byTight-Jeff？'
　　'There！Getout，getout！'saidMr。Childers，thrustinghisyoungfriendfromtheroom，ratherintheprairiemanner。'Tight-JefforSlack-Jeff，itdon'tmuchsignify:it'sonlytight-ropeandslack-
　　rope。YouweregoingtogivemeamessageforJupe？'
　　'Yes，Iwas。'
　　'Then，'continuedMr。Childers，quickly，'myopinionis，hewillneverreceiveit。Doyouknowmuchofhim？'
　　'Ineversawthemaninmylife。'
　　'Idoubtifyoueverwillseehimnow。It'sprettyplaintome，he'soff。'
　　'Doyoumeanthathehasdesertedhisdaughter？'
　　'Ay！Imean，'saidMr。Childers，withanod，'thathehascut。Hewasgoosedlastnight，hewasgoosedthenightbeforelast，hewasgoosedto-day。Hehaslatelygotinthewayofbeingalwaysgoosed，andhecan'tstandit。'
　　'Whyhashebeen-soverymuch-Goosed？'askedMr。Gradgrind，forcingthewordoutofhimself，withgreatsolemnityandreluctance。
　　'Hisjointsareturningstiff，andheisgettingusedup，'saidChilders。'HehashispointsasaCacklerstill，buthecan'tgetalivingoutofthem。'
　　'ACackler！'Bounderbyrepeated。'Herewegoagain！'
　　'Aspeaker，ifthegentlemanlikesitbetter，'saidMr。E。W。B。
　　Childers，superciliouslythrowingtheinterpretationoverhisshoulder，andaccompanyingitwithashakeofhislonghair-whichallshookatonce。'Now，it'saremarkablefact，sir，thatitcutthatmandeeper，toknowthathisdaughterknewofhisbeinggoosed，thantogothroughwithit。'
　　'Good！'interruptedMr。Bounderby。'Thisisgood，Gradgrind！A
　　mansofondofhisdaughter，thatherunsawayfromher！Thisisdevilishgood！Ha！ha！Now，I'lltellyouwhat，youngman。I
　　haven'talwaysoccupiedmypresentstationoflife。Iknowwhatthesethingsare。Youmaybeastonishedtohearit，butmymother-ranawayfromme。'
　　E。W。B。Childersrepliedpointedly，thathewasnotatallastonishedtohearit。