Read Books Online, for Free |
Book The Second - Reaping | Charles Dickens | |
Chapter I - Effects In The Bank |
Page 8 of 9 |
The inattention and indolence of his manner were sufficiently relieved, to Mrs. Sparsit's thinking, by a certain gallantry at ease, which offered her homage too. Here he was, for instance, at this moment, all but sitting on the table, and yet lazily bending over her, as if he acknowledged an attraction in her that made her charming - in her way. 'Banks, I know, are always suspicious, and officially must be,' said the stranger, whose lightness and smoothness of speech were pleasant likewise; suggesting matter far more sensible and humorous than it ever contained - which was perhaps a shrewd device of the founder of this numerous sect, whosoever may have been that great man: 'therefore I may observe that my letter - here it is - is from the member for this place - Gradgrind - whom I have had the pleasure of knowing in London.' 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?' 'Indeed, sir,' said Mrs. Sparsit. 'Is she?' |
Who's On Your Reading List? Read Classic Books Online for Free at Page by Page Books.TM |
Hard Times Charles Dickens |
Home | More Books | About Us | Copyright 2004