“When Sissy got into the school here,” he pursued, “her father was as pleased as Punch. I couldn’t altogether make out why, myself, as we were not stationary here, being but comers and goers anywhere. I suppose, however, he had this move in his mind⁠—he was always half-cracked⁠—and then considered her provided for. If you should happen to have looked in tonight, for the purpose of telling him that you were going to do her any little service,” said Mr. Childers, stroking his face again, and repeating his look, “it would be very fortunate and well-timed; very fortunate and well-timed.”

“On the contrary,” returned Mr. Gradgrind. “I came to tell him that her connections made her not an object for the school, and that she must not attend any more. Still, if her father really has left her, without any connivance on her part⁠—Bounderby, let me have a word with you.”