“Don’t shed tears,” said Mr. Gradgrind. “Don’t shed tears. I don’t complain of you. You are an affectionate, earnest, good young woman⁠—and⁠—and we must make that do.”

“Thank you, sir, very much,” said Sissy, with a grateful curtsey.

“You are useful to Mrs. Gradgrind, and (in a generally pervading way) you are serviceable in the family also; so I understand from Miss Louisa, and, indeed, so I have observed myself. I therefore hope,” said Mr. Gradgrind, “that you can make yourself happy in those relations.”

“I should have nothing to wish, sir, if⁠—”