“Cecilia Jupe, by name,” said Mr. Gradgrind, with something of a stricken look at his friend.

“Now, stop a bit!” cried Bounderby again. “How did she come there?”

“Why, the fact is, I saw the girl myself, for the first time, only just now. She specially applied here at the house to be admitted, as not regularly belonging to our town, and⁠—yes, you are right, Bounderby, you are right.”

“Now, stop a bit!” cried Bounderby, once more. “Louisa saw her when she came?”

“Louisa certainly did see her, for she mentioned the application to me. But Louisa saw her, I have no doubt, in Mrs. Gradgrind’s presence.”