“It is creditable to you, who have never been apprenticed, to express that opinion,” returned Mr. Gradgrind, approvingly.

“Idleness,” Mr. Bounderby put in with a loud laugh. “No, by the Lord Harry! Nor I!”

Meanwhile, the various members of Sleary’s company gradually gathered together from the upper regions, where they were quartered, and, from standing about, talking in low voices to one another and to Mr.

“I shall have something to propose to her when she comes back,” said Mr. Gradgrind.