Тяжёлые времена

           Then,whatamItocallhim!’

           Nobodypresenthavinganysuggestiontoofferintheremarkableemergency,Mrs.Gradgrinddepartedthislifeforthetimebeing,afterdeliveringthefollowingcodiciltoherremarksalreadyexecuted:

           ‘Astothewedding,allIask,Louisa,is,—andIaskitwithaflutteringinmychest,whichactuallyextendstothesolesofmyfeet,—thatitmaytakeplacesoon.Otherwise,IknowitisoneofthosesubjectsIshallneverhearthelastof.’

           WhenMr.GradgrindhadpresentedMrs.Bounderby,Sissyhadsuddenlyturnedherhead,andlooked,inwonder,inpity,insorrow,indoubt,inamultitudeofemotions,towardsLouisa.Louisahadknownit,andseenit,withoutlookingather.Fromthatmomentshewasimpassive,proudandcold—heldSissyatadistance—changedtoheraltogether.