Summary

Louisa recuperates from her trauma at Stone Lodge with her now dutiful father vowing to do whatever he can to help her heal, although he continues to feel insecure about his lack of emotional knowledge. Sissy also vows to step in and help Gradgrind, for she is the only character at Stone Lodge capable of teaching Louisa how to love. The first thing Sissy does is visit Harthouse to lambaste him for toying with Louisa’s emotions. She determinedly demands that Harthouse leave town forever and never return, giving Louisa enough space to heal from his thoughtless games. Harthouse is stupefied by Sissy’s good looks and straight-talking ways, and he agrees to leave Coketown immediately.

Meanwhile, the ailing Mrs. Sparsit – who has caught a nasty cold chasing Louisa through the storm – finally brings all her gossip to Bounderby, flatly accusing Louisa of having...