Onceagain，Stephenhadtoconqueraninstinctivepropensitytodislikethisoldwoman，thoughhermannerwasashonestandsimpleasamannerpossiblycouldbe。WithagentlenessthatwasasnaturaltohimasheknewittobetoRachael，hepursuedthesubjectthatinterestedherinheroldage。
　　'Well，missus，'saidhe，'Ihaseenthelady，andshewereyoungandhansom。Wi'finedarkthinkineyes，andastillway，Rachael，asIhaneverseenthelikeon。'
　　'Youngandhandsome。Yes！'criedtheoldwoman，quitedelighted。
　　'Asbonnyasarose！Andwhatahappywife！'
　　'Aye，missus，Isupposeshebe，'saidStephen。ButwithadoubtfulglanceatRachael。
　　'Supposeshebe？Shemustbe。She'syourmaster'swife，'returnedtheoldwoman。
　　Stephennoddedassent。'Thoughastomaster，'saidhe，glancingagainatRachael，'notmasteronnymore。That'sawenden'twixthimandme。'
　　'Haveyoulefthiswork，Stephen？'askedRachael，anxiouslyandquickly。
　　'Why，Rachael，'hereplied，'whetherIhalef'nhiswork，orwhetherhisworkhalef'nme，coomst'th'same。Hisworkandmeareparted。'Tisasweelso-better，Iwerethinkinwhenyocoomupwi'me。Itwouldhabrought'ntroubleupontroubleifIhadstayedtheer。Haply'tisakindnesstomonnythatIgo；haply'tisakindnesstomyseln；anywaysitmunbedone。ImunturnmyfacefroCoketownfurth'time，andseekafort'n，dear，bybeginninfresh。'
　　'Wherewillyougo，Stephen？'
　　'Idonnot'night，'saidhe，liftingoffhishat，andsmoothinghisthinhairwiththeflatofhishand。'ButI'mnotgoint'night，Rachael，noryett'morrow。'Tan'teasyovermucht'knowwheert'
　　turn，butagoodheartwillcoomtome。'
　　Herein，too，thesenseofeventhinkingunselfishlyaidedhim。
　　BeforehehadsomuchasclosedMr。Bounderby'sdoor，hehadreflectedthatatleasthisbeingobligedtogoawaywasgoodforher，asitwouldsaveherfromthechanceofbeingbroughtintoquestionfornotwithdrawingfromhim。Thoughitwouldcosthimahardpangtoleaveher，andthoughhecouldthinkofnosimilarplaceinwhichhiscondemnationwouldnotpursuehim，perhapsitwasalmostarelieftobeforcedawayfromtheenduranceofthelastfourdays，eventounknowndifficultiesanddistresses。
　　Sohesaid，withtruth，'I'mmoreleetsome，Rachael，under't，thanIcould'nhabelieved。'Itwasnotherparttomakehisburdenheavier。Sheansweredwithhercomfortingsmile，andthethreewalkedontogether。
　　Age，especiallywhenitstrivestobeself-reliantandcheerful，findsmuchconsiderationamongthepoor。Theoldwomanwassodecentandcontented，andmadesolightofherinfirmities，thoughtheyhadincreaseduponhersinceherformerinterviewwithStephen，thattheybothtookaninterestinher。Shewastoosprightlytoallowoftheirwalkingataslowpaceonheraccount，butshewasverygratefultobetalkedto，andverywillingtotalktoanyextent:so，whentheycametotheirpartofthetown，shewasmorebriskandvivaciousthanever。
　　'Cometomypoorplace，missus，'saidStephen，'andtakacoopo'
　　tea。Rachaelwillcoomthen；andarterwardsI'llseetheesafet'
　　thyTravellers'lodgin。'Tmaybelong，Rachael，ereeverIhath'
　　chanceo'thycoompanyagen。'
　　Theycomplied，andthethreewentontothehousewherehelodged。
　　Whentheyturnedintoanarrowstreet，Stephenglancedathiswindowwithadreadthatalwayshauntedhisdesolatehome；butitwasopen，ashehadleftit，andnoonewasthere。Theevilspiritofhislifehadflittedawayagain，monthsago，andhehadheardnomoreofhersince。Theonlyevidenceofherlastreturnnow，werethescantiermoveablesinhisroom，andthegrayerhairuponhishead。
　　Helightedacandle，setouthislittletea-board，gothotwaterfrombelow，andbroughtinsmallportionsofteaandsugar，aloaf，andsomebutterfromthenearestshop。Thebreadwasnewandcrusty，thebutterfresh，andthesugarlump，ofcourse-infulfilmentofthestandardtestimonyoftheCoketownmagnates，thatthesepeoplelivedlikeprinces，sir。Rachaelmadetheteasolargeapartynecessitatedtheborrowingofacup，andthevisitorenjoyeditmightily。Itwasthefirstglimpseofsocialitythehosthadhadformanydays。Hetoo，withtheworldawideheathbeforehim，enjoyedthemeal-againincorroborationofthemagnates，asexemplifyingtheutterwantofcalculationonthepartofthesepeople，sir。
　　'Ihaneverthowtyet，missus，'saidStephen，'o'askinthyname。'
　　Theoldladyannouncedherselfas'Mrs。Pegler。'
　　'Awidder，Ithink？'saidStephen。
　　'Oh，manylongyears！'Mrs。Pegler'shusbandoneofthebestonrecordwasalreadydead，byMrs。Pegler'scalculation，whenStephenwasborn。
　　''Twereabadjob，too，tolosesogoodaone，'saidStephen。
　　'Onnychildren？'
　　Mrs。Pegler'scup，rattlingagainsthersaucerassheheldit，denotedsomenervousnessonherpart。'No，'shesaid。'Notnow，notnow。'
　　'Dead，Stephen，'Rachaelsoftlyhinted。
　　'I'msooaryIhaspok'non't，'saidStephen，'Ioughtt'hadninmymindasImighttouchasoreplace。I-Iblamemyseln。'
　　Whileheexcusedhimself，theoldlady'scuprattledmoreandmore。
　　'Ihadason，'shesaid，curiouslydistressed，andnotbyanyoftheusualappearancesofsorrow；'andhedidwell，wonderfullywell。Butheisnottobespokenofifyouplease。Heis-'
　　Puttingdownhercup，shemovedherhandsasifshewouldhaveadded，byheraction，'dead！'Thenshesaidaloud，'Ihavelosthim。'
　　Stephenhadnotyetgotthebetterofhishavinggiventheoldladypain，whenhislandladycamestumblingupthenarrowstairs，andcallinghimtothedoor，whisperedinhisear。Mrs。Peglerwasbynomeansdeaf，forshecaughtawordasitwasuttered。
　　'Bounderby！'shecried，inasuppressedvoice，startingupfromthetable。'Ohhideme！Don'tletmebeseenfortheworld。Don'tlethimcomeuptillI'vegotaway。Pray，pray！'Shetrembled，andwasexcessivelyagitated；gettingbehindRachael，whenRachaeltriedtoreassureher；andnotseemingtoknowwhatshewasabout。
　　'Buthearken，missus，hearken，'saidStephen，astonished。"Tisn'tMr。Bounderby；'tishiswife。Yo'rnotfearfo'o'her。Yowashey-go-madabouther，butanhoursin。'
　　'Butareyousureit'sthelady，andnotthegentleman？'sheasked，stilltrembling。
　　'Certainsure！'
　　'Wellthen，praydon'tspeaktome，noryettakeanynoticeofme，'
　　saidtheoldwoman。'Letmebequitetomyselfinthiscorner。'
　　Stephennodded；lookingtoRachaelforanexplanation，whichshewasquiteunabletogivehim；tookthecandle，wentdownstairs，andinafewmomentsreturned，lightingLouisaintotheroom。Shewasfollowedbythewhelp。
　　Rachaelhadrisen，andstoodapartwithhershawlandbonnetinherhand，whenStephen，himselfprofoundlyastonishedbythisvisit，putthecandleonthetable。Thenhetoostood，withhisdoubledhanduponthetablenearit，waitingtobeaddressed。
　　ForthefirsttimeinherlifeLouisahadcomeintooneofthedwellingsoftheCoketownHands；forthefirsttimeinherlifeshewasfacetofacewithanythinglikeindividualityinconnectionwiththem。Sheknewoftheirexistencebyhundredsandbythousands。Sheknewwhatresultsinworkagivennumberofthemwouldproduceinagivenspaceoftime。Sheknewthemincrowdspassingtoandfromtheirnests，likeantsorbeetles。Butsheknewfromherreadinginfinitelymoreofthewaysoftoilinginsectsthanofthesetoilingmenandwomen。
　　Somethingtobeworkedsomuchandpaidsomuch，andthereended；
　　somethingtobeinfalliblysettledbylawsofsupplyanddemand；
　　somethingthatblunderedagainstthoselaws，andflounderedintodifficulty；somethingthatwasalittlepinchedwhenwheatwasdear，andover-ateitselfwhenwheatwascheap；somethingthatincreasedatsucharateofpercentage，andyieldedsuchanotherpercentageofcrime，andsuchanotherpercentageofpauperism；
　　somethingwholesale，ofwhichvastfortunesweremade；somethingthatoccasionallyroselikeasea，anddidsomeharmandwastechieflytoitself，andfellagain；thissheknewtheCoketownHandstobe。But，shehadscarcelythoughtmoreofseparatingthemintounits，thanofseparatingtheseaitselfintoitscomponentdrops。
　　Shestoodforsomemomentslookingroundtheroom。Fromthefewchairs，thefewbooks，thecommonprints，andthebed，sheglancedtothetwowomen，andtoStephen。
　　'Ihavecometospeaktoyou，inconsequenceofwhatpassedjustnow。Ishouldliketobeserviceabletoyou，ifyouwillletme。
　　Isthisyourwife？'
　　Rachaelraisedhereyes，andtheysufficientlyansweredno，anddroppedagain。
　　'Iremember，'saidLouisa，reddeningathermistake；'Irecollect，now，tohaveheardyourdomesticmisfortunesspokenof，thoughI
　　wasnotattendingtotheparticularsatthetime。Itwasnotmymeaningtoaskaquestionthatwouldgivepaintoanyonehere。IfIshouldaskanyotherquestionthatmayhappentohavethatresult，givemecredit，ifyouplease，forbeinginignorancehowtospeaktoyouasIought。'
　　AsStephenhadbutalittlewhileagoinstinctivelyaddressedhimselftoher，soshenowinstinctivelyaddressedherselftoRachael。Hermannerwasshortandabrupt，yetfalteringandtimid。
　　'Hehastoldyouwhathaspassedbetweenhimselfandmyhusband？
　　Youwouldbehisfirstresource，Ithink。'
　　'Ihaveheardtheendofit，younglady，'saidRachael。
　　'DidIunderstand，that，beingrejectedbyoneemployer，hewouldprobablyberejectedbyall？Ithoughthesaidasmuch？'
　　'Thechancesareverysmall，younglady-nexttonothing-foramanwhogetsabadnameamongthem。'
　　'WhatshallIunderstandthatyoumeanbyabadname？'
　　'Thenameofbeingtroublesome。'
　　'Then，bytheprejudicesofhisownclass，andbytheprejudicesoftheother，heissacrificedalike？Arethetwosodeeplyseparatedinthistown，thatthereisnoplacewhateverforanhonestworkmanbetweenthem？'
　　Rachaelshookherheadinsilence。
　　'Hefellintosuspicion，'saidLouisa，'withhisfellow-weavers，because-hehadmadeapromisenottobeoneofthem。Ithinkitmusthavebeentoyouthathemadethatpromise。MightIaskyouwhyhemadeit？'
　　Rachaelburstintotears。'Ididn'tseekitofhim，poorlad。I
　　prayedhimtoavoidtroubleforhisowngood，littlethinkinghe'dcometoitthroughme。ButIknowhe'ddieahundreddeaths，ereeverhe'dbreakhisword。Iknowthatofhimwell。'
　　Stephenhadremainedquietlyattentive，inhisusualthoughtfulattitude，withhishandathischin。Henowspokeinavoiceratherlesssteadythanusual。
　　'Noone，exceptingmyseln，caneverknowwhathonour，an'whatlove，an'respect，IbeartoRachael，orwi'whatcause。WhenI
　　passedthatpromess，Itowdhertrue，shewereth'Angelo'mylife。'Twereasolemnpromess。'Tisgonefro'me，forever。'
　　Louisaturnedherheadtohim，andbentitwithadeferencethatwasnewinher。ShelookedfromhimtoRachael，andherfeaturessoftened。'Whatwillyoudo？'sheaskedhim。Andhervoicehadsoftenedtoo。
　　'Weel，ma'am，'saidStephen，makingthebestofit，withasmile；
　　'whenIhafinishedoff，Imunquitthispart，andtryanother。
　　Fortnetormisfortnet，amancanbuttry；there'snowttobedonewi'outtryin'-ceptlayingdownanddying。'
　　'Howwillyoutravel？'
　　'Afoot，mykindledy，afoot。'
　　Louisacoloured，andapurseappearedinherhand。Therustlingofabank-notewasaudible，assheunfoldedoneandlaiditonthetable。
　　'Rachael，willyoutellhim-foryouknowhow，withoutoffence-
　　thatthisisfreelyhis，tohelphimonhisway？Willyouentreathimtotakeit？'
　　'Icannadothat，younglady，'sheanswered，turningherheadaside。'Blessyouforthinkingo'thepoorladwi'suchtenderness。But'tisforhimtoknowhisheart，andwhatisrightaccordingtoit。'
　　Louisalooked，inpartincredulous，inpartfrightened，inpartovercomewithquicksympathy，whenthismanofsomuchself-
　　command，whohadbeensoplainandsteadythroughthelateinterview，losthiscomposureinamoment，andnowstoodwithhishandbeforehisface。Shestretchedouthers，asifshewouldhavetouchedhim；thencheckedherself，andremainedstill。
　　'Note'enRachael，'saidStephen，whenhestoodagainwithhisfaceuncovered，'couldmaksitchakindofferin，byonnywords，kinder。
　　T'showthatI'mnotamanwi'outreasonandgratitude，I'lltaktwopound。I'llborrow'tfort'pay'tback。'TwillbethesweetestworkaseverIhadone，thatputsitinmypowert'
　　acknowledgeoncemoremylastinthankfulnessforthispresentaction。'
　　Shewasfaintotakeupthenoteagain，andtosubstitutethemuchsmallersumhehadnamed。Hewasneithercourtly，norhandsome，norpicturesque，inanyrespect；andyethismannerofacceptingit，andofexpressinghisthankswithoutmorewords，hadagraceinitthatLordChesterfieldcouldnothavetaughthissoninacentury。
　　Tomhadsatuponthebed，swingingonelegandsuckinghiswalking-
　　stickwithsufficientunconcern，untilthevisithadattainedthisstage。Seeinghissisterreadytodepart，hegotup，ratherhurriedly，andputinaword。
　　'Justwaitamoment，Loo！Beforewego，Ishouldliketospeaktohimamoment。Somethingcomesintomyhead。Ifyou'llstepoutonthestairs，Blackpool，I'llmentionit。Nevermindalight，man！'
　　Tomwasremarkablyimpatientofhismovingtowardsthecupboard，togetone。'Itdon'twantalight。'
　　Stephenfollowedhimout，andTomclosedtheroomdoor，andheldthelockinhishand。
　　'Isay！'hewhispered。'IthinkIcandoyouagoodturn。Don'taskmewhatitis，becauseitmaynotcometoanything。Butthere'snoharminmytrying。'
　　HisbreathfelllikeaflameoffireonStephen'sear，itwassohot。
　　'ThatwasourlightporterattheBank，'saidTom，'whobroughtyouthemessageto-night。Icallhimourlightporter，becauseI
　　belongtotheBanktoo。'
　　Stephenthought，'Whatahurryheisin！'Hespokesoconfusedly。
　　'Well！'saidTom。'Nowlookhere！Whenareyouoff？'
　　'T'day'sMonday，'repliedStephen，considering。'Why，sir，FridayorSaturday，nigh'bout。'
　　'FridayorSaturday，'saidTom。'Nowlookhere！IamnotsurethatIcandoyouthegoodturnIwanttodoyou-that'smysister，youknow，inyourroom-butImaybeableto，andifI
　　shouldnotbeableto，there'snoharmdone。SoItellyouwhat。
　　You'llknowourlightporteragain？'
　　'Yes，sure，'saidStephen。
　　'Verywell，'returnedTom。'Whenyouleaveworkofanight，betweenthisandyourgoingaway，justhangabouttheBankanhourorso，willyou？Don'ttakeon，asifyoumeantanything，ifheshouldseeyouhangingaboutthere；becauseIshan'tputhimuptospeaktoyou，unlessIfindIcandoyoutheserviceIwanttodoyou。Inthatcasehe'llhaveanoteoramessageforyou，butnotelse。Nowlookhere！Youaresureyouunderstand。'
　　Hehadwormedafinger，inthedarkness，throughabutton-holeofStephen'scoat，andwasscrewingthatcornerofthegarmenttightuproundandround，inanextraordinarymanner。
　　'Iunderstand，sir，'saidStephen。
　　'Nowlookhere！'repeatedTom。'Besureyoudon'tmakeanymistakethen，anddon'tforget。Ishalltellmysisteraswegohome，whatIhaveinview，andshe'llapprove，Iknow。Nowlookhere！You'reallright，areyou？Youunderstandallaboutit？Verywellthen。
　　Comealong，Loo！'
　　Hepushedthedooropenashecalledtoher，butdidnotreturnintotheroom，orwaittobelighteddownthenarrowstairs。Hewasatthebottomwhenshebegantodescend，andwasinthestreetbeforeshecouldtakehisarm。
　　Mrs。Peglerremainedinhercorneruntilthebrotherandsisterweregone，anduntilStephencamebackwiththecandleinhishand。
　　ShewasinastateofinexpressibleadmirationofMrs。Bounderby，and，likeanunaccountableoldwoman，wept，'becauseshewassuchaprettydear。'YetMrs。Peglerwassoflurriedlesttheobjectofheradmirationshouldreturnbychance，oranybodyelseshouldcome，thathercheerfulnesswasendedforthatnight。Itwaslatetoo，topeoplewhoroseearlyandworkedhard；thereforethepartybrokeup；andStephenandRachaelescortedtheirmysteriousacquaintancetothedooroftheTravellers'CoffeeHouse，wheretheypartedfromher。
　　TheywalkedbacktogethertothecornerofthestreetwhereRachaellived，andastheydrewnearerandnearertoit，silencecreptuponthem。Whentheycametothedarkcornerwheretheirunfrequentmeetingsalwaysended，theystopped，stillsilent，asifbothwereafraidtospeak。
　　'Ishallstrivet'seetheeagen，Rachael，aforeIgo，butifnot-
　　'
　　'Thouwiltnot，Stephen，Iknow。'Tisbetterthatwemakeupourmindstobeopenwi'oneanother。'
　　'Thou'rtawlusright。'Tisbolderandbetter。Ihabeenthinkinthen，Rachael，thatas'tisbutadayortwothatremains，'twerebetterforthee，mydear，nott'beseenwi'me。'Tmightbringtheeintotrouble，furnogood。'
　　''Tisnotforthat，Stephen，thatImind。Butthouknow'stouroldagreement。'Tisforthat。'
　　'Well，well，'saidhe。"Tisbetter，onnyways。'
　　'Thou'ltwritetome，andtellmeallthathappens，Stephen？'
　　'Yes。WhatcanIsaynow，butHeavenbewi'thee，Heavenblessthee，Heaventhanktheeandrewardthee！'
　　'Mayitblessthee，Stephen，too，inallthywanderings，andsendtheepeaceandrestatlast！'
　　'Itowdthee，mydear，'saidStephenBlackpool-'thatnight-thatIwouldneverseeorthinko'onnythingthatangeredme，butthou，somuchbetterthanme，should'stbebesideit。Thou'rtbesideitnow。Thoumak'stmeseeitwi'abettereye。Blessthee。Goodnight。Good-bye！'
　　Itwasbutahurriedpartinginacommonstreet，yetitwasasacredremembrancetothesetwocommonpeople。Utilitarianeconomists，skeletonsofschoolmasters，CommissionersofFact，genteelandused-upinfidels，gabblersofmanylittledog's-earedcreeds，thepooryouwillhavealwayswithyou。Cultivateinthem，whilethereisyettime，theutmostgracesofthefanciesandaffections，toadorntheirlivessomuchinneedofornament；or，inthedayofyourtriumph，whenromanceisutterlydrivenoutoftheirsouls，andtheyandabareexistencestandfacetoface，Realitywilltakeawolfishturn，andmakeanendofyou。
　　Stephenworkedthenextday，andthenext，uncheeredbyawordfromanyone，andshunnedinallhiscomingsandgoingsasbefore。Attheendofthesecondday，hesawland；attheendofthethird，hisloomstoodempty。
　　HehadoverstayedhishourinthestreetoutsidetheBank，oneachofthetwofirstevenings；andnothinghadhappenedthere，goodorbad。Thathemightnotberemissinhispartoftheengagement，heresolvedtowaitfulltwohours，onthisthirdandlastnight。
　　TherewastheladywhohadoncekeptMr。Bounderby'shouse，sittingatthefirst-floorwindowashehadseenherbefore；andtherewasthelightporter，sometimestalkingwithherthere，andsometimeslookingovertheblindbelowwhichhadBANKuponit，andsometimescomingtothedoorandstandingonthestepsforabreathofair。
　　Whenhefirstcameout，Stephenthoughthemightbelookingforhim，andpassednear；butthelightporteronlycasthiswinkingeyesuponhimslightly，andsaidnothing。
　　Twohourswerealongstretchofloungingabout，afteralongday'slabour。Stephensatuponthestepofadoor，leanedagainstawallunderanarchway，strolledupanddown，listenedforthechurchclock，stoppedandwatchedchildrenplayinginthestreet。Somepurposeorotherissonaturaltoeveryone，thatamereloitereralwayslooksandfeelsremarkable。Whenthefirsthourwasout，Stephenevenbegantohaveanuncomfortablesensationuponhimofbeingforthetimeadisreputablecharacter。
　　Thencamethelamplighter，andtwolengtheninglinesoflightalldownthelongperspectiveofthestreet，untiltheywereblendedandlostinthedistance。Mrs。Sparsitclosedthefirst-floorwindow，drewdowntheblind，andwentup-stairs。Presently，alightwentup-stairsafterher，passingfirstthefanlightofthedoor，andafterwardsthetwostaircasewindows，onitswayup。Byandby，onecornerofthesecond-floorblindwasdisturbed，asifMrs。Sparsit'seyewerethere；alsotheothercorner，asifthelightporter'seyewereonthatside。Still，nocommunicationwasmadetoStephen。Muchrelievedwhenthetwohourswereatlastaccomplished，hewentawayataquickpace，asarecompenseforsomuchloitering。
　　Hehadonlytotakeleaveofhislandlady，andliedownonhistemporarybeduponthefloor；forhisbundlewasmadeupforto-
　　morrow，andallwasarrangedforhisdeparture。Hemeanttobeclearofthetownveryearly；beforetheHandswereinthestreets。
　　Itwasbarelydaybreak，when，withapartinglookroundhisroom，mournfullywonderingwhetherheshouldeverseeitagain，hewentout。Thetownwasasentirelydesertedasiftheinhabitantshadabandonedit，ratherthanholdcommunicationwithhim。Everythinglookedwanatthathour。Eventhecomingsunmadebutapalewasteinthesky，likeasadsea。
　　BytheplacewhereRachaellived，thoughitwasnotinhisway；bytheredbrickstreets；bythegreatsilentfactories，nottremblingyet；bytherailway，wherethedanger-lightswerewaninginthestrengtheningday；bytherailway'scrazyneighbourhood，halfpulleddownandhalfbuiltup；byscatteredredbrickvillas，wherethebesmokedevergreensweresprinkledwithadirtypowder，likeuntidysnuff-takers；bycoal-dustpathsandmanyvarietiesofugliness；Stephengottothetopofthehill，andlookedback。
　　Daywasshiningradiantlyuponthetownthen，andthebellsweregoingforthemorningwork。Domesticfireswerenotyetlighted，andthehighchimneyshadtheskytothemselves。Puffingouttheirpoisonousvolumes，theywouldnotbelonginhidingit；but，forhalfanhour，someofthemanywindowsweregolden，whichshowedtheCoketownpeopleasuneternallyineclipse，throughamediumofsmokedglass。
　　Sostrangetoturnfromthechimneystothebirds。Sostrange，tohavetheroad-dustonhisfeetinsteadofthecoal-grit。Sostrangetohavelivedtohistimeoflife，andyettobebeginninglikeaboythissummermorning！Withthesemusingsinhismind，andhisbundleunderhisarm，Stephentookhisattentivefacealongthehighroad。Andthetreesarchedoverhim，whisperingthatheleftatrueandlovingheartbehind。
　　CHAPTERVII-GUNPOWDER
　　MR。JAMESHARTHOUSE，'goingin'forhisadoptedparty，soonbegantoscore。Withtheaidofalittlemorecoachingforthepoliticalsages，alittlemoregenteellistlessnessforthegeneralsociety，andatolerablemanagementoftheassumedhonestyindishonesty，mosteffectiveandmostpatronizedofthepolitedeadlysins，hespeedilycametobeconsideredofmuchpromise。Thenotbeingtroubledwithearnestnesswasagrandpointinhisfavour，enablinghimtotaketothehardFactfellowswithasgoodagraceasifhehadbeenbornoneofthetribe，andtothrowallothertribesoverboard，asconscioushypocrites。
　　'Whomnoneofusbelieve，mydearMrs。Bounderby，andwhodonotbelievethemselves。Theonlydifferencebetweenusandtheprofessorsofvirtueorbenevolence，orphilanthropy-nevermindthename-is，thatweknowitisallmeaningless，andsayso；
　　whiletheyknowitequallyandwillneversayso。'
　　Whyshouldshebeshockedorwarnedbythisreiteration？Itwasnotsounlikeherfather'sprinciples，andherearlytraining，thatitneedstartleher。Wherewasthegreatdifferencebetweenthetwoschools，wheneachchainedherdowntomaterialrealities，andinspiredherwithnofaithinanythingelse？WhatwasthereinhersoulforJamesHarthousetodestroy，whichThomasGradgrindhadnurturedthereinitsstateofinnocence！
　　Itwaseventheworseforheratthispass，thatinhermind-
　　implantedtherebeforehereminentlypracticalfatherbegantoformit-astrugglingdispositiontobelieveinawiderandnoblerhumanitythanshehadeverheardof，constantlystrovewithdoubtsandresentments。Withdoubts，becausetheaspirationhadbeensolaidwasteinheryouth。Withresentments，becauseofthewrongthathadbeendoneher，ifitwereindeedawhisperofthetruth。
　　Uponanaturelongaccustomedtoself-suppression，thustornanddivided，theHarthousephilosophycameasareliefandjustification。Everythingbeinghollowandworthless，shehadmissednothingandsacrificednothing。Whatdiditmatter，shehadsaidtoherfather，whenheproposedherhusband。Whatdiditmatter，shesaidstill。Withascornfulself-reliance，sheaskedherself，Whatdidanythingmatter-andwenton。
　　Towardswhat？Stepbystep，onwardanddownward，towardssomeend，yetsogradually，thatshebelievedherselftoremainmotionless。
　　AstoMr。Harthouse，whitherhetended，heneitherconsiderednorcared。Hehadnoparticulardesignorplanbeforehim:noenergeticwickednessruffledhislassitude。Hewasasmuchamusedandinterested，atpresent，asitbecamesofineagentlemantobe；
　　perhapsevenmorethanitwouldhavebeenconsistentwithhisreputationtoconfess。Soonafterhisarrivalhelanguidlywrotetohisbrother，thehonourableandjocularmember，thattheBounderbyswere'greatfun；'andfurther，thatthefemaleBounderby，insteadofbeingtheGorgonhehadexpected，wasyoung，andremarkablypretty。Afterthat，hewrotenomoreaboutthem，anddevotedhisleisurechieflytotheirhouse。Hewasveryoftenintheirhouse，inhisflittingsandvisitingsabouttheCoketowndistrict；andwasmuchencouragedbyMr。Bounderby。ItwasquiteinMr。Bounderby'sgustywaytoboasttoallhisworldthathedidn'tcareaboutyourhighlyconnectedpeople，butthatifhiswifeTomGradgrind'sdaughterdid，shewaswelcometotheircompany。
　　Mr。JamesHarthousebegantothinkitwouldbeanewsensation，ifthefacewhichchangedsobeautifullyforthewhelp，wouldchangeforhim。
　　Hewasquickenoughtoobserve；hehadagoodmemory，anddidnotforgetawordofthebrother'srevelations。Heinterwovethemwitheverythinghesawofthesister，andhebegantounderstandher。
　　Tobesure，thebetterandprofounderpartofhercharacterwasnotwithinhisscopeofperception；forinnatures，asinseas，depthanswersuntodepth；buthesoonbegantoreadtherestwithastudent'seye。
　　Mr。Bounderbyhadtakenpossessionofahouseandgrounds，aboutfifteenmilesfromthetown，andaccessiblewithinamileortwo，byarailwaystridingonmanyarchesoverawildcountry，underminedbydesertedcoal-shafts，andspottedatnightbyfiresandblackshapesofstationaryenginesatpits'mouths。Thiscountry，graduallysofteningtowardstheneighbourhoodofMr。
　　Bounderby'sretreat，theremellowedintoarusticlandscape，goldenwithheath，andsnowywithhawthorninthespringoftheyear，andtremulouswithleavesandtheirshadowsallthesummertime。Thebankhadforeclosedamortgageeffectedonthepropertythuspleasantlysituated，byoneoftheCoketownmagnates，who，inhisdeterminationtomakeashortercutthanusualtoanenormousfortune，overspeculatedhimselfbyabouttwohundredthousandpounds。TheseaccidentsdidsometimeshappeninthebestregulatedfamiliesofCoketown，butthebankruptshadnoconnexionwhateverwiththeimprovidentclasses。
　　ItaffordedMr。Bounderbysupremesatisfactiontoinstalhimselfinthissnuglittleestate，andwithdemonstrativehumilitytogrowcabbagesintheflower-garden。Hedelightedtolive，barrack-
　　fashion，amongtheelegantfurniture，andhebulliedtheverypictureswithhisorigin。'Why，sir，'hewouldsaytoavisitor，'IamtoldthatNickits，'thelateowner，'gavesevenhundredpoundforthatSeabeach。Now，tobeplainwithyou，ifIever，inthewholecourseofmylife，takesevenlooksatit，atahundredpoundalook，itwillbeasmuchasIshalldo。No，byGeorge！Idon'tforgetthatIamJosiahBounderbyofCoketown。Foryearsuponyears，theonlypicturesinmypossession，orthatIcouldhavegotintomypossession，byanymeans，unlessIstole'em，weretheengravingsofamanshavinghimselfinaboot，ontheblackingbottlesthatIwasoverjoyedtouseincleaningbootswith，andthatIsoldwhentheywereemptyforafarthinga-piece，andgladtogetit！'
　　ThenhewouldaddressMr。Harthouseinthesamestyle。
　　'Harthouse，youhaveacoupleofhorsesdownhere。Bringhalfadozenmoreifyoulike，andwe'llfindroomfor'em。There'sstablinginthisplaceforadozenhorses；andunlessNickitsisbelied，hekeptthefullnumber。Arounddozenof'em，sir。Whenthatmanwasaboy，hewenttoWestminsterSchool。WenttoWestminsterSchoolasaKing'sScholar，whenIwasprincipallylivingongarbage，andsleepinginmarketbaskets。Why，ifI
　　wantedtokeepadozenhorses-whichIdon't，forone'senoughforme-Icouldn'tbeartosee'emintheirstallshere，andthinkwhatmyownlodgingusedtobe。Icouldn'tlookat'em，sir，andnotorder'emout。Yetsothingscomeround。Youseethisplace；
　　youknowwhatsortofaplaceitis；youareawarethatthere'snotacompleterplaceofitssizeinthiskingdomorelsewhere-I
　　don'tcarewhere-andhere，gotintothemiddleofit，likeamaggotintoanut，isJosiahBounderby。WhileNickitsasamancameintomyoffice，andtoldmeyesterday，Nickits，whousedtoactinLatin，intheWestminsterSchoolplays，withthechief-
　　justicesandnobilityofthiscountryapplaudinghimtilltheywereblackintheface，isdrivellingatthisminute-drivelling，sir！-
　　inafifthfloor，upanarrowdarkbackstreetinAntwerp。'
　　Itwasamongtheleafyshadowsofthisretirement，inthelongsultrysummerdays，thatMr。Harthousebegantoprovethefacewhichhadsethimwonderingwhenhefirstsawit，andtotryifitwouldchangeforhim。
　　'Mrs。Bounderby，IesteemitamostfortunateaccidentthatIfindyoualonehere。Ihaveforsometimehadaparticularwishtospeaktoyou。'
　　Itwasnotbyanywonderfulaccidentthathefoundher，thetimeofdaybeingthatatwhichshewasalwaysalone，andtheplacebeingherfavouriteresort。Itwasanopeninginadarkwood，wheresomefelledtreeslay，andwhereshewouldsitwatchingthefallenleavesoflastyear，asshehadwatchedthefallingashesathome。
　　Hesatdownbesideher，withaglanceatherface。
　　'Yourbrother。MyyoungfriendTom-'
　　Hercolourbrightened，andsheturnedtohimwithalookofinterest。'Ineverinmylife，'hethought，'sawanythingsoremarkableandsocaptivatingasthelightingofthosefeatures！'
　　Hisfacebetrayedhisthoughts-perhapswithoutbetrayinghim，foritmighthavebeenaccordingtoitsinstructionssotodo。
　　'Pardonme。Theexpressionofyoursisterlyinterestissobeautiful-Tomshouldbesoproudofit-Iknowthisisinexcusable，butIamsocompelledtoadmire。'
　　'Beingsoimpulsive，'shesaidcomposedly。
　　'Mrs。Bounderby，no:youknowImakenopretencewithyou。YouknowIamasordidpieceofhumannature，readytosellmyselfatanytimeforanyreasonablesum，andaltogetherincapableofanyArcadianproceedingwhatever。'
　　'Iamwaiting，'shereturned，'foryourfurtherreferencetomybrother。'
　　'Youarerigidwithme，andIdeserveit。Iamasworthlessadogasyouwillfind，exceptthatIamnotfalse-notfalse。Butyousurprisedandstartedmefrommysubject，whichwasyourbrother。
　　Ihaveaninterestinhim。'
　　'Haveyouaninterestinanything，Mr。Harthouse？'sheasked，halfincredulouslyandhalfgratefully。
　　'IfyouhadaskedmewhenIfirstcamehere，Ishouldhavesaidno。
　　Imustsaynow-evenatthehazardofappearingtomakeapretence，andofjustlyawakeningyourincredulity-yes。'
　　Shemadeaslightmovement，asifsheweretryingtospeak，butcouldnotfindvoice；atlengthshesaid，'Mr。Harthouse，Igiveyoucreditforbeinginterestedinmybrother。'
　　'Thankyou。Iclaimtodeserveit。YouknowhowlittleIdoclaim，butIwillgothatlength。Youhavedonesomuchforhim，youaresofondofhim；yourwholelife，Mrs。Bounderby，expressessuchcharmingself-forgetfulnessonhisaccount-pardonmeagain-
　　Iamrunningwideofthesubject。Iaminterestedinhimforhisownsake。'
　　Shehadmadetheslightestactionpossible，asifshewouldhaveriseninahurryandgoneaway。Hehadturnedthecourseofwhathesaidatthatinstant，andsheremained。
　　'Mrs。Bounderby，'heresumed，inalightermanner，andyetwithashowofeffortinassumingit，whichwasevenmoreexpressivethanthemannerhedismissed；'itisnoirrevocableoffenceinayoungfellowofyourbrother'syears，ifheisheedless，inconsiderate，andexpensive-alittledissipated，inthecommonphrase。Ishe？'
　　'Yes。'
　　'Allowmetobefrank。Doyouthinkhegamesatall？'
　　'Ithinkhemakesbets。'Mr。Harthousewaiting，asifthatwerenotherwholeanswer，sheadded，'Iknowhedoes。'
　　'Ofcourseheloses？'
　　'Yes。'
　　'Everybodydoeslosewhobets。MayIhintattheprobabilityofyoursometimessupplyinghimwithmoneyforthesepurposes？'
　　Shesat，lookingdown；but，atthisquestion，raisedhereyessearchinglyandalittleresentfully。
　　'Acquitmeofimpertinentcuriosity，mydearMrs。Bounderby。I
　　thinkTommaybegraduallyfallingintotrouble，andIwishtostretchoutahelpinghandtohimfromthedepthsofmywickedexperience-ShallIsayagain，forhissake？Isthatnecessary？'
　　Sheseemedtotrytoanswer，butnothingcameofit。
　　'Candidlytoconfesseverythingthathasoccurredtome，'saidJamesHarthouse，againglidingwiththesameappearanceofeffortintohismoreairymanner；'Iwillconfidetoyoumydoubtwhetherhehashadmanyadvantages。Whether-forgivemyplainness-
　　whetheranygreatamountofconfidenceislikelytohavebeenestablishedbetweenhimselfandhismostworthyfather。'
　　'Idonot，'saidLouisa，flushingwithherowngreatremembranceinthatwise，'thinkitlikely。'
　　'Or，betweenhimself，and-Imaytrusttoyourperfectunderstandingofmymeaning，Iamsure-andhishighlyesteemedbrother-in-law。'
　　Sheflusheddeeperanddeeper，andwasburningredwhensherepliedinafaintervoice，'Idonotthinkthatlikely，either。'
　　'Mrs。Bounderby，'saidHarthouse，afterashortsilence，'maytherebeabetterconfidencebetweenyourselfandme？Tomhasborrowedaconsiderablesumofyou？'
　　'Youwillunderstand，Mr。Harthouse，'shereturned，aftersomeindecision:shehadbeenmoreorlessuncertain，andtroubledthroughouttheconversation，andyethadinthemainpreservedherself-containedmanner；'youwillunderstandthatifItellyouwhatyoupresstoknow，itisnotbywayofcomplaintorregret。I
　　wouldnevercomplainofanything，andwhatIhavedoneIdonotintheleastregret。'
　　'Sospirited，too！'thoughtJamesHarthouse。
　　'WhenImarried，Ifoundthatmybrotherwasevenatthattimeheavilyindebt。Heavilyforhim，Imean。Heavilyenoughtoobligemetosellsometrinkets。Theywerenosacrifice。Isoldthemverywillingly。Iattachednovaluetothem。They，werequiteworthlesstome。'
　　Eithershesawinhisfacethatheknew，orsheonlyfearedinherconsciencethatheknew，thatshespokeofsomeofherhusband'sgifts。Shestopped，andreddenedagain。Ifhehadnotknownitbefore，hewouldhaveknownitthen，thoughhehadbeenamuchdullermanthanhewas。
　　'Sincethen，Ihavegivenmybrother，atvarioustimes，whatmoneyIcouldspare:inshort，whatmoneyIhavehad。Confidinginyouatall，onthefaithoftheinterestyouprofessforhim，Iwillnotdosobyhalves。Sinceyouhavebeeninthehabitofvisitinghere，hehaswantedinonesumasmuchasahundredpounds。Ihavenotbeenabletogiveittohim。Ihavefeltuneasyfortheconsequencesofhisbeingsoinvolved，butIhavekeptthesesecretsuntilnow，whenItrustthemtoyourhonour。Ihaveheldnoconfidencewithanyone，because-youanticipatedmyreasonjustnow。'Sheabruptlybrokeoff。
　　Hewasareadyman，andhesaw，andseized，anopportunityhereofpresentingherownimagetoher，slightlydisguisedasherbrother。
　　'Mrs。Bounderby，thoughagracelessperson，oftheworldworldly，I
　　feeltheutmostinterest，Iassureyou，inwhatyoutellme。I
　　cannotpossiblybeharduponyourbrother。Iunderstandandsharethewiseconsiderationwithwhichyouregardhiserrors。WithallpossiblerespectbothforMr。GradgrindandforMr。Bounderby，I
　　thinkIperceivethathehasnotbeenfortunateinhistraining。
　　Bredatadisadvantagetowardsthesocietyinwhichhehashisparttoplay，herushesintotheseextremesforhimself，fromoppositeextremesthathavelongbeenforced-withtheverybestintentionswehavenodoubt-uponhim。Mr。Bounderby'sfinebluffEnglishindependence，thoughamostcharmingcharacteristic，doesnot-aswehaveagreed-inviteconfidence。IfImightventuretoremarkthatitistheleastintheworlddeficientinthatdelicacytowhichayouthmistaken，acharactermisconceived，andabilitiesmisdirected，wouldturnforreliefandguidance，Ishouldexpresswhatitpresentstomyownview。'
　　Asshesatlookingstraightbeforeher，acrossthechanginglightsuponthegrassintothedarknessofthewoodbeyond，hesawinherfaceherapplicationofhisverydistinctlyutteredwords。
　　'Allallowance，'hecontinued，'mustbemade。IhaveonegreatfaulttofindwithTom，however，whichIcannotforgive，andforwhichItakehimheavilytoaccount。'
　　Louisaturnedhereyestohisface，andaskedhimwhatfaultwasthat？
　　'Perhaps，'hereturned，'Ihavesaidenough。Perhapsitwouldhavebeenbetter，onthewhole，ifnoallusiontoithadescapedme。'
　　'Youalarmme，Mr。Harthouse。Prayletmeknowit。'
　　'Torelieveyoufromneedlessapprehension-andasthisconfidenceregardingyourbrother，whichIprizeIamsureaboveallpossiblethings，hasbeenestablishedbetweenus-Iobey。Icannotforgivehimfornotbeingmoresensibleineveryword，look，andactofhislife，oftheaffectionofhisbestfriend；ofthedevotionofhisbestfriend；ofherunselfishness；ofhersacrifice。Thereturnhemakesher，withinmyobservation，isaverypoorone。Whatshehasdoneforhimdemandshisconstantloveandgratitude，nothisill-
　　humourandcaprice。CarelessfellowasIam，Iamnotsoindifferent，Mrs。Bounderby，astoberegardlessofthisviceinyourbrother，orinclinedtoconsideritavenialoffence。'
　　Thewoodfloatedbeforeher，forhereyesweresuffusedwithtears。
　　Theyrosefromadeepwell，longconcealed，andherheartwasfilledwithacutepainthatfoundnoreliefinthem。
　　'Inaword，itistocorrectyourbrotherinthis，Mrs。Bounderby，thatImustaspire。Mybetterknowledgeofhiscircumstances，andmydirectionandadviceinextricatingthem-rathervaluable，I
　　hope，ascomingfromascapegraceonamuchlargerscale-willgivemesomeinfluenceoverhim，andallIgainIshallcertainlyusetowardsthisend。Ihavesaidenough，andmorethanenough。I
　　seemtobeprotestingthatIamasortofgoodfellow，when，uponmyhonour，Ihavenottheleastintentiontomakeanyprotestationtothateffect，andopenlyannouncethatIamnothingofthesort。
　　Yonder，amongthetrees，'headded，havinglifteduphiseyesandlookedabout；forhehadwatchedhercloselyuntilnow；'isyourbrotherhimself；nodoubt，justcomedown。Asheseemstobeloiteringinthisdirection，itmaybeaswell，perhaps，towalktowardshim，andthrowourselvesinhisway。Hehasbeenverysilentanddolefuloflate。Perhaps，hisbrotherlyconscienceistouched-iftherearesuchthingsasconsciences。Though，uponmyhonour，Ihearofthemmuchtoooftentobelieveinthem。'
　　Heassistedhertorise，andshetookhisarm，andtheyadvancedtomeetthewhelp。Hewasidlybeatingthebranchesasheloungedalong:orhestoopedviciouslytoripthemossfromthetreeswithhisstick。Hewasstartledwhentheycameuponhimwhilehewasengagedinthislatterpastime，andhiscolourchanged。
　　'Halloa！'hestammered；'Ididn'tknowyouwerehere。'
　　'Whosename，Tom，'saidMr。Harthouse，puttinghishanduponhisshoulderandturninghim，sothattheyallthreewalkedtowardsthehousetogether，'haveyoubeencarvingonthetrees？'
　　'Whosename？'returnedTom。'Oh！Youmeanwhatgirl'sname？'
　　'Youhaveasuspiciousappearanceofinscribingsomefaircreature'sonthebark，Tom。'
　　'Notmuchofthat，Mr。Harthouse，unlesssomefaircreaturewithaslashingfortuneatherowndisposalwouldtakeafancytome。Orshemightbeasuglyasshewasrich，withoutanyfearoflosingme。I'dcarvehernameasoftenassheliked。'
　　'Iamafraidyouaremercenary，Tom。'
　　'Mercenary，'repeatedTom。'Whoisnotmercenary？Askmysister。'
　　'Haveyousoprovedittobeafailingofmine，Tom？'saidLouisa，showingnoothersenseofhisdiscontentandill-nature。
　　'Youknowwhetherthecapfitsyou，Loo，'returnedherbrothersulkily。'Ifitdoes，youcanwearit。'
　　'Tomismisanthropicalto-day，asallboredpeoplearenowandthen，'saidMr。Harthouse。'Don'tbelievehim，Mrs。Bounderby。Heknowsmuchbetter。Ishalldisclosesomeofhisopinionsofyou，privatelyexpressedtome，unlessherelentsalittle。'
　　'Atallevents，Mr。Harthouse，'saidTom，softeninginhisadmirationofhispatron，butshakinghisheadsullenlytoo，'youcan'ttellherthatIeverpraisedherforbeingmercenary。Imayhavepraisedherforbeingthecontrary，andIshoulddoitagain，ifIhadasgoodreason。However，nevermindthisnow；it'snotveryinterestingtoyou，andIamsickofthesubject。'
　　Theywalkedontothehouse，whereLouisaquittedhervisitor'sarmandwentin。Hestoodlookingafterher，assheascendedthesteps，andpassedintotheshadowofthedoor；thenputhishanduponherbrother'sshoulderagain，andinvitedhimwithaconfidentialnodtoawalkinthegarden。
　　'Tom，myfinefellow，Iwanttohaveawordwithyou。'
　　Theyhadstoppedamongadisorderofroses-itwaspartofMr。
　　Bounderby'shumilitytokeepNickits'srosesonareducedscale-
　　andTomsatdownonaterrace-parapet，pluckingbudsandpickingthemtopieces；whilehispowerfulFamiliarstoodoverhim，withafootupontheparapet，andhisfigureeasilyrestingonthearmsupportedbythatknee。Theywerejustvisiblefromherwindow。
　　Perhapsshesawthem。
　　'Tom，what'sthematter？'
　　'Oh！Mr。Harthouse，'saidTomwithagroan，'Iamhardup，andbotheredoutofmylife。'
　　'Mygoodfellow，soamI。'
　　'You！'returnedTom。'Youarethepictureofindependence。Mr。
　　Harthouse，Iaminahorriblemess。YouhavenoideawhatastateIhavegotmyselfinto-whatastatemysistermighthavegotmeoutof，ifshewouldonlyhavedoneit。'
　　Hetooktobitingtherosebudsnow，andtearingthemawayfromhisteethwithahandthattrembledlikeaninfirmoldman's。Afteroneexceedinglyobservantlookathim，hiscompanionrelapsedintohislightestair。
　　'Tom，youareinconsiderate:youexpecttoomuchofyoursister。
　　Youhavehadmoneyofher，youdog，youknowyouhave。'
　　'Well，Mr。Harthouse，IknowIhave。HowelsewasItogetit？
　　Here'soldBounderbyalwaysboastingthatatmyagehelivedupontwopenceamonth，orsomethingofthatsort。Here'smyfatherdrawingwhathecallsaline，andtyingmedowntoitfromababy，neckandheels。Here'smymotherwhoneverhasanythingofherown，excepthercomplaints。Whatisafellowtodoformoney，andwhereamItolookforit，ifnottomysister？'
　　Hewasalmostcrying，andscatteredthebudsaboutbydozens。Mr。
　　Harthousetookhimpersuasivelybythecoat。
　　'But，mydearTom，ifyoursisterhasnotgotit-'
　　'Notgotit，Mr。Harthouse？Idon'tsayshehasgotit。Imayhavewantedmorethanshewaslikelytohavegot。Butthensheoughttogetit。Shecouldgetit。It'sofnousepretendingtomakeasecretofmattersnow，afterwhatIhavetoldyoualready；
　　youknowshedidn'tmarryoldBounderbyforherownsake，orforhissake，butformysake。Thenwhydoesn'tshegetwhatIwant，outofhim，formysake？Sheisnotobligedtosaywhatsheisgoingtodowithit；sheissharpenough；shecouldmanagetocoaxitoutofhim，ifshechose。Thenwhydoesn'tshechoose，whenI
　　tellherofwhatconsequenceitis？Butno。Thereshesitsinhiscompanylikeastone，insteadofmakingherselfagreeableandgettingiteasily。Idon'tknowwhatyoumaycallthis，butIcallitunnaturalconduct。'
　　Therewasapieceofornamentalwaterimmediatelybelowtheparapet，ontheotherside，intowhichMr。JamesHarthousehadaverystronginclinationtopitchMr。ThomasGradgrindjunior，astheinjuredmenofCoketownthreatenedtopitchtheirpropertyintotheAtlantic。Buthepreservedhiseasyattitude；andnothingmoresolidwentoverthestonebalustradesthantheaccumulatedrosebudsnowfloatingabout，alittlesurface-island。
　　'MydearTom，'saidHarthouse，'letmetrytobeyourbanker。'
　　'ForGod'ssake，'repliedTom，suddenly，'don'ttalkaboutbankers！'Andverywhitehelooked，incontrastwiththeroses。
　　Verywhite。
　　Mr。Harthouse，asathoroughlywell-bredman，accustomedtothebestsociety，wasnottobesurprised-hecouldassoonhavebeenaffected-butheraisedhiseyelidsalittlemore，asiftheywereliftedbyafeebletouchofwonder。Albeititwasasmuchagainstthepreceptsofhisschooltowonder，asitwasagainstthedoctrinesoftheGradgrindCollege。
　　'Whatisthepresentneed，Tom？Threefigures？Outwiththem。
　　Saywhattheyare。'
　　'Mr。Harthouse，'returnedTom，nowactuallycrying；andhistearswerebetterthanhisinjuries，howeverpitifulafigurehemade:
　　'it'stoolate；themoneyisofnousetomeatpresent。Ishouldhavehaditbeforetobeofusetome。ButIamverymuchobligedtoyou；you'reatruefriend。'
　　Atruefriend！'Whelp，whelp！'thoughtMr。Harthouse，lazily；
　　'whatanAssyouare！'
　　'AndItakeyourofferasagreatkindness，'saidTom，graspinghishand。'Asagreatkindness，Mr。Harthouse。'
　　'Well，'returnedtheother，'itmaybeofmoreusebyandby。And，mygoodfellow，ifyouwillopenyourbedevilmentstomewhentheycomethickuponyou，Imayshowyoubetterwaysoutofthemthanyoucanfindforyourself。'
　　'Thankyou，'saidTom，shakinghisheaddismally，andchewingrosebuds。'IwishIhadknownyousooner，Mr。Harthouse。'
　　'Now，yousee，Tom，'saidMr。Harthouseinconclusion，himselftossingoveraroseortwo，asacontributiontotheisland，whichwasalwaysdriftingtothewallasifitwantedtobecomeapartofthemainland:'everymanisselfishineverythinghedoes，andI
　　amexactlyliketherestofmyfellow-creatures。Iamdesperatelyintent；'thelanguorofhisdesperationbeingquitetropical；'onyoursofteningtowardsyoursister-whichyououghttodo；andonyourbeingamorelovingandagreeablesortofbrother-whichyououghttobe。'
　　'Iwillbe，Mr。Harthouse。'
　　'Notimelikethepresent，Tom。Beginatonce。'
　　'CertainlyIwill。AndmysisterLooshallsayso。'
　　'Havingmadewhichbargain，Tom，'saidHarthouse，clappinghimontheshoulderagain，withanairwhichlefthimatlibertytoinfer-ashedid，poorfool-thatthisconditionwasimposeduponhiminmerecarelessgoodnaturetolessenhissenseofobligation，'wewilltearourselvesasunderuntildinner-time。'
　　WhenTomappearedbeforedinner，thoughhismindseemedheavyenough，hisbodywasonthealert；andheappearedbeforeMr。
　　Bounderbycamein。'Ididn'tmeantobecross，Loo，'hesaid，givingherhishand，andkissingher。'Iknowyouarefondofme，andyouknowIamfondofyou。'
　　Afterthis，therewasasmileuponLouisa'sfacethatday，forsomeoneelse。Alas，forsomeoneelse！
　　'Somuchthelessisthewhelptheonlycreaturethatshecaresfor，'thoughtJamesHarthouse，reversingthereflectionofhisfirstday'sknowledgeofherprettyface。'Somuchtheless，somuchtheless。'
　　CHAPTERVIII-EXPLOSION
　　THEnextmorningwastoobrightamorningforsleep，andJamesHarthouseroseearly，andsatinthepleasantbaywindowofhisdressing-room，smokingtheraretobaccothathadhadsowholesomeaninfluenceonhisyoungfriend。Reposinginthesunlight，withthefragranceofhiseasternpipeabouthim，andthedreamysmokevanishingintotheair，sorichandsoftwithsummerodours，hereckoneduphisadvantagesasanidlewinnermightcounthisgains。
　　Hewasnotatallboredforthetime，andcouldgivehismindtoit。
　　Hehadestablishedaconfidencewithher，fromwhichherhusbandwasexcluded。Hehadestablishedaconfidencewithher，thatabsolutelyturneduponherindifferencetowardsherhusband，andtheabsence，nowandatalltimes，ofanycongenialitybetweenthem。Hehadartfully，butplainly，assuredherthatheknewherheartinitslastmostdelicaterecesses；hehadcomesoneartoherthroughitstenderestsentiment；hehadassociatedhimselfwiththatfeeling；andthebarrierbehindwhichshelived，hadmeltedaway。Allveryodd，andverysatisfactory！
　　Andyethehadnot，evennow，anyearnestwickednessofpurposeinhim。Publiclyandprivately，itweremuchbetterfortheageinwhichhelived，thatheandthelegionofwhomhewasoneweredesignedlybad，thanindifferentandpurposeless。Itisthedriftingicebergssettingwithanycurrentanywhere，thatwrecktheships。
　　WhentheDevilgoethaboutlikearoaringlion，hegoethaboutinashapebywhichfewbutsavagesandhuntersareattracted。But，whenheistrimmed，smoothed，andvarnished，accordingtothemode；
　　whenheisawearyofvice，andawearyofvirtue，usedupastobrimstone，andusedupastobliss；then，whetherhetaketotheservingoutofredtape，ortothekindlingofredfire，heistheveryDevil。
　　SoJamesHarthousereclinedinthewindow，indolentlysmoking，andreckoningupthestepshehadtakenontheroadbywhichhehappenedtobetravelling。Theendtowhichitledwasbeforehim，prettyplainly；buthetroubledhimselfwithnocalculationsaboutit。Whatwillbe，willbe。
　　Ashehadratheralongridetotakethatday-fortherewasapublicoccasion'todo'atsomedistance，whichaffordedatolerableopportunityofgoinginfortheGradgrindmen-hedressedearlyandwentdowntobreakfast。Hewasanxioustoseeifshehadrelapsedsincethepreviousevening。No。Heresumedwherehehadleftoff。Therewasalookofinterestforhimagain。
　　Hegotthroughthedayasmuchoraslittletohisownsatisfaction，aswastobeexpectedunderthefatiguingcircumstances；andcameridingbackatsixo'clock。Therewasasweepofsomehalf-milebetweenthelodgeandthehouse，andhewasridingalongatafootpaceoverthesmoothgravel，onceNickits's，whenMr。Bounderbyburstoutoftheshrubbery，withsuchviolenceastomakehishorseshyacrosstheroad。
　　'Harthouse！'criedMr。Bounderby。'Haveyouheard？'
　　'Heardwhat？'saidHarthouse，soothinghishorse，andinwardlyfavouringMr。Bounderbywithnogoodwishes。
　　'Thenyouhaven'theard！'
　　'Ihaveheardyou，andsohasthisbrute。Ihaveheardnothingelse。'
　　Mr。Bounderby，redandhot，plantedhimselfinthecentreofthepathbeforethehorse'shead，toexplodehisbombshellwithmoreeffect。
　　'TheBank'srobbed！'
　　'Youdon'tmeanit！'
　　'Robbedlastnight，sir。Robbedinanextraordinarymanner。
　　Robbedwithafalsekey。'
　　'Ofmuch？'
　　Mr。Bounderby，inhisdesiretomakethemostofit，reallyseemedmortifiedbybeingobligedtoreply，'Why，no；notofverymuch。
　　Butitmighthavebeen。'
　　'Ofhowmuch？'
　　'Oh！asasum-ifyousticktoasum-ofnotmorethanahundredandfiftypound，'saidBounderby，withimpatience。'Butit'snotthesum；it'sthefact。It'sthefactoftheBankbeingrobbed，that'stheimportantcircumstance。Iamsurprisedyoudon'tseeit。'
　　'MydearBounderby，'saidJames，dismounting，andgivinghisbridletohisservant，'Idoseeit；andamasovercomeasyoucanpossiblydesiremetobe，bythespectacleaffordedtomymentalview。Nevertheless，Imaybeallowed，Ihope，tocongratulateyou-whichIdowithallmysoul，Iassureyou-onyournothavingsustainedagreaterloss。'
　　'Thank'ee，'repliedBounderby，inashort，ungraciousmanner。'ButItellyouwhat。Itmighthavebeentwentythousandpound。'
　　'Isupposeitmight。'
　　'Supposeitmight！BytheLord，youmaysupposeso。ByGeorge！'
　　saidMr。Bounderby，withsundrymenacingnodsandshakesofhishead。'Itmighthavebeentwicetwenty。There'snoknowingwhatitwouldhavebeen，orwouldn'thavebeen，asitwas，butforthefellows'beingdisturbed。'
　　Louisahadcomeupnow，andMrs。Sparsit，andBitzer。
　　'Here'sTomGradgrind'sdaughterknowsprettywellwhatitmighthavebeen，ifyoudon't，'blusteredBounderby。'Dropped，sir，asifshewasshotwhenItoldher！Neverknewherdosuchathingbefore。Doeshercredit，underthecircumstances，inmyopinion！'
　　Shestilllookedfaintandpale。JamesHarthousebeggedhertotakehisarm；andastheymovedonveryslowly，askedherhowtherobberyhadbeencommitted。
　　'Why，Iamgoingtotellyou，'saidBounderby，irritablygivinghisarmtoMrs。Sparsit。'Ifyouhadn'tbeensomightyparticularaboutthesum，Ishouldhavebeguntotellyoubefore。Youknowthisladyforsheisalady，Mrs。Sparsit？'
　　'Ihavealreadyhadthehonour-'
　　'Verywell。Andthisyoungman，Bitzer，yousawhimtooonthesameoccasion？'Mr。Harthouseinclinedhisheadinassent，andBitzerknuckledhisforehead。
　　'Verywell。TheyliveattheBank。YouknowtheyliveattheBank，perhaps？Verywell。Yesterdayafternoon，atthecloseofbusinesshours，everythingwasputawayasusual。Intheironroomthatthisyoungfellowsleepsoutsideof，therewasnevermindhowmuch。InthelittlesafeinyoungTom'scloset，thesafeusedforpettypurposes，therewasahundredandfiftyoddpound。'
　　'Ahundredandfifty-four，seven，one，'saidBitzer。
　　'Come！'retortedBounderby，stoppingtowheelrounduponhim，'let'shavenoneofyourinterruptions。It'senoughtoberobbedwhileyou'resnoringbecauseyou'retoocomfortable，withoutbeingputrightwithyourfoursevenones。Ididn'tsnore，myself，whenIwasyourage，letmetellyou。Ihadn'tvictualsenoughtosnore。AndIdidn'tfoursevenone。NotifIknewit。'
　　Bitzerknuckledhisforeheadagain，inasneakingmanner，andseemedatonceparticularlyimpressedanddepressedbytheinstancelastgivenofMr。Bounderby'smoralabstinence。
　　'Ahundredandfiftyoddpound，'resumedMr。Bounderby。'Thatsumofmoney，youngTomlockedinhissafe，notaverystrongsafe，butthat'snomatternow。Everythingwasleft，allright。Sometimeinthenight，whilethisyoungfellowsnored-Mrs。Sparsit，ma'am，yousayyouhaveheardhimsnore？'
　　'Sir，'returnedMrs。Sparsit，'IcannotsaythatIhaveheardhimpreciselysnore，andthereforemustnotmakethatstatement。Butonwinterevenings，whenhehasfallenasleepathistable，Ihaveheardhim，whatIshouldprefertodescribeaspartiallychoke。I
　　haveheardhimonsuchoccasionsproducesoundsofanaturesimilartowhatmaybesometimesheardinDutchclocks。Not，'saidMrs。
　　Sparsit，withaloftysenseofgivingstrictevidence，'thatI
　　wouldconveyanyimputationonhismoralcharacter。Farfromit。
　　IhavealwaysconsideredBitzerayoungmanofthemostuprightprinciple；andtothatIbegtobearmytestimony。'
　　'Well！'saidtheexasperatedBounderby，'whilehewassnoring，orchoking，orDutch-clocking，orsomethingorother-beingasleep-
　　somefellows，somehow，whetherpreviouslyconcealedinthehouseornotremainstobeseen，gottoyoungTom'ssafe，forcedit，andabstractedthecontents。Beingthendisturbed，theymadeoff；
　　lettingthemselvesoutatthemaindoor，anddouble-lockingitagainitwasdouble-locked，andthekeyunderMrs。Sparsit'spillowwithafalsekey，whichwaspickedupinthestreetneartheBank，abouttwelveo'clockto-day。Noalarmtakesplace，tillthischap，Bitzer，turnsoutthismorning，andbeginstoopenandpreparetheofficesforbusiness。Then，lookingatTom'ssafe，heseesthedoorajar，andfindsthelockforced，andthemoneygone。'
　　'WhereisTom，bytheby？'askedHarthouse，glancinground。
　　'Hehasbeenhelpingthepolice，'saidBounderby，'andstaysbehindattheBank。IwishthesefellowshadtriedtorobmewhenIwasathistimeoflife。Theywouldhavebeenoutofpocketiftheyhadinvestedeighteenpenceinthejob；Icantell'emthat。'
　　'Isanybodysuspected？'
　　'Suspected？Ishouldthinktherewassomebodysuspected。Egod！'
　　saidBounderby，relinquishingMrs。Sparsit'sarmtowipehisheatedhead。'JosiahBounderbyofCoketownisnottobeplunderedandnobodysuspected。No，thankyou！'
　　MightMr。HarthouseinquireWhowassuspected？