“That’s well,” said Mr. Gradgrind. So, he kissed her and went away; and Louisa returned to the serene apartment of the hair-cutting character, and leaning her elbow on her hand, looked again at the short-lived sparks that so soon subsided into ashes.

“Are you there, Loo?” said her brother, looking in at the door. He was quite a young gentleman of pleasure now, and not quite a prepossessing one.

“Dear Tom,” she answered, rising and embracing him, “how long it is since you have been to see me!”

“Why, I have been otherwise engaged, Loo, in the evenings; and in the daytime old Bounderby has been keeping me at it rather. But I touch him up with you when he comes it too strong, and so we preserve an understanding. I say! Has father said anything particular to you today or yesterday, Loo?”

“No, Tom. But he told me tonight that he wished to do so in the morning.”