“Louisa, I have not considered it essential to ask you one question, because the possibility implied in it appeared to me to be too remote. But perhaps I ought to do so. You have never entertained in secret any other proposal?”

“Father,” she returned, almost scornfully, “what other proposal can have been made to me ? Whom have I seen? Where have I been? What are my heart’s experiences?”

“My dear Louisa,” returned Mr. Gradgrind, reassured and satisfied. “You correct me justly. I merely wished to discharge my duty.”