Mrs. Sparsit recognized the hand, intimated that such confirmation was quite unnecessary, and gave Mr. Bounderby’s address, with all needful clues and directions in aid.

“Thousand thanks,” said the stranger. “Of course you know the Banker well?”

“Yes, sir,” rejoined Mrs. Sparsit. “In my dependent relation towards him, I have known him ten years.”

“Quite an eternity! I think he married Gradgrind’s daughter?”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Sparsit, suddenly compressing her mouth, “he had that⁠—honour.”

“The lady is quite a philosopher, I am told?”