of paying his debts; he informs Esther of the death of "Coavinses;" the party visi Bell Yard to find Neckett's children; how Charley takes care of her brother and sister; Mrs.. Blinder explains the situation of the family; Mr. Gridley's suit in Equity; Mr. Skimpole's commentary on this state of things. — XVI. Jo, sweeping his crossing, is accosted by a lady, to whom, at her request, he points out the places associated with the suicide, and is rewarded with a sovereign.-XVII. Richard becomes languid in the profession he has chosen; he argues to Esther that it is of little consequence, being only a kind of probation until their suit is decided; he thinks "the law is the boy for him; " Mr. Jarndyce tells Esther all he knows of her early history; Mr. Woodcourt comes to take leave before going to India; Caddy Jellyby brings the flowers left by Mr. Woodcourt for Esther. - XVIII. Richard shows his careless disposition in money-matters; Mr. Skimpole's idea of property; they visit Mr. Boythorn, and receive a characteristic welcome; Esther experiences peculiar emotions on seeing Lady Dedlock in church; the same feelings return on meeting her In a lodge where they take shelter from the rain; how the pride of Hortense was wounded, and how she revenged herself. - XIX. Mr. and Mrs. Chadband take tea with the Snagsbys; Mr. Chadband discourses; a constable brings Jo to Mr. Snagsby's, because he won't "move on; " Mr. Guppy appears on the scene; Jo tells the story of the lady and the sovereign; Mr. Chadband improves the occasion, and Jo "moves on."-XX. Mr. Guppy Invites his friends Smallweed and Jobling to dine with him; Mr. Guppy proposes to Job ling to apply for copying to Snagsby, and also to take the vacant lodgings at Krook's; Mr. Guppy presents his friend to Krook, under the name of Weevle, and he takes possession of the room.-XXI. The Smallweed family introduced; Mr. George calls to pay the interest money on a loan from Mr. Smallweed's “friend in the city;" their talk concerning Captain Hawdon; returning to his shooting-gallery, George is received by Phil Squod. XXII. Mr. Snagsby, repeating to Mr. Tulkinghorn Jo's story of the sovereign, is surprised to find Mr. Bucket in company; Mr. Bucket and Snagsby go to "Tom-all-Alone's" in search of Jo; they find Jenny and her friend; finding Jo, they return with him to Mr. Tulkinghorn's rooms, where Jo recognizes the dress of the lady who bestowed the sovereign, but not the lady herself, in the presence of Mademoiselle Hortense. - XXIII. Mr. Jarndyce and his wards return to Bleak House; Hortense offers herself to Esther as lady's maid; Richard is again unsettled, and now makes choice of the army; Caddy consults Esther on breaking the news of her engagement to Mr. Turvey drop and Mrs. Jellyby; Mr. Turveydrop is overcome, but soon recovers; Mrs. Jellyby is too much absorbed in Borrioboola-Gha to show any interest in her daughter; Esther returns home, and finds Charley engaged as her maid. - XXIV. Mr. Jarndyce desires Richard and Ada to cancel their engagement before Richard joins his regiment; Mr. George calls to teach Richard fencing, and thinks he has seen Esther before; Esther and Richard visit the Court of Chancery; Mr. Guppy introduces Mrs. Chadband, formerly Mrs. Rachael; Mr. George appears In search of Miss Flite, whom Gridley, who is hiding at George's to avoid arrest, wants to wee; Esther and Richard accompany them to George's; Mr. Bucket obtains admittance in disguise; death of Gridley.-XXV. Mrs. Snagsby becomes suspicious and jealous; Mr. Chadband "improves a tough subject;" Jo is fed by Guster, and dismissed by Snagsby with the gift of half a crown. XXVI. Mr. George and Phil Squod converse about the country; Phil's account of his early life; Mr. George is visited at his gallery by Grandfather Smallweed and Judy; Mr. Smallweed wants to obtain a specimen of Captain Hawdon's writing for a lawyer; Mr. George accompanies him to the lawyer's, who proves to be Mr. Tulkinghorn. — XXVII. Mr. Tulkinghorn offers him a reward for the writing he possesses; Mr. George declines, but proposes to take a friend's advice; the "old girl" gives George Mr. Bagnet's opinion, which confirms his own; Mr. George returns to Mr. Tulkinghorn's, who uses high words to him in the presence of a clerk. -XXVIII. Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock, after their visitors retire, give audience to Mrs. Rouncewell's or; he speaks of the attachment of his son for Rosa, and requests to be allowed to remove aer from Chesney Wold; Sir Leicester declines; Lady Dedlock invites Rosa's confidence and promises to make her happy if she can. - XXIX. The young man of the name o Guppy calls on Lady Dedlock; he mentions the remarkable resemblance of Esther Sumnerson to my lady, relates what he has discovered of her history, that her real name is Hawdon, and that he has found that the deceased law-writer's was the same; he promises to bring my lady Mr. Hawdon's papers, of which he will gain possession that night; Lady

Dedlock's secret agony for her child.-XXX. Mrs. Woodcourt visits Bleak House; Caddy Jellyby spends three weeks at Bleak House, preparing for her wedding; Caddy and Prince are married. XXXI. Charley informs Esther of the return of Jenny and Liz, and a sick boy with them; Esther and Charley go to Jenny's, and find Jo; he is terrifled at Esther's resemblance to the lady who gave him the sovereign; they take Jo home, where they find Mr. Skimpole, who advises turning him into the street; Jo disappears in the night; Esther nurves Charley through a dangerous illness. — XXXII. And is taken with the same disease herself; Mr. Snagsby, passing through Cook's Court at night, calls Mr. Weevle's attention to a peculiar smell about the place; Mr. Guppy and Mr. Weevle, waiting the appointed time for receiving the packet of Captain Hawdon's letters from Krook, are disgusted by the taint in the atmosphere; keeping his appointment, they find Krook dead by spontane ous combustion.-XXXIII. Mr. Snagsby is followed to the Sol's Arins by his wife, who takes him home again; Mr. Guppy recommends Weevle to remain in Krook's house, and keep possession of the property; unexpected appearance of heirs to the estate in the perBons of the Smallweed family; Mr. Guppy carries the news of Krook's death, and the probable destruction of the papers, to Lady Dedlock; retiring, he meets Mr. Tulkinghorn. -XXXIV. George receives due notice of the maturity of his loan from Grandfather Smallweed; Mr. Bagnet and his wife, coming in to renew his draft, find Mr. George in this dilemma; Mr. Bagnet gives his opinion, through the "old girl," that they had better see Mr. Smallweed at once; Mr. Smallweed refuses to renew the loan, and breaks the pipe of peace; they go to Mr. Tulkinghorn's, where they meet Mrs. Rouncewell coming out; to free himself from Smallweed's claims, Mr. George sells Mr. Tulkinghorn the specimen of Captain Hawdon's writing; George advises Woolwich to honor his mother.-XXXV. Esther's recovery; her first interview with Mr. Jarndyce; she receives a call from Miss Flite; Miss Flite's account of her case in Chancery, and her warning about Richard; the story of Mr. Woodcourt's heroic bravery.-XXXVI. Esther and Charley go to Mr. Boy“ thorn's; Esther first sees the reflection of her face scarred by the disease; Esther, resting In the wood, is met by Lady Dedlock, who owns her as her child, but tells her they must never meet again; Esther's first meeting with Ada since her recovery. — XXXVII. Richard sends for Esther to meet him at the Dedlock Arms; Mr. Skimpole appears as Richard's artless friend; Esther has an interview with Richard, who shows increasing dislike for Mr. Jarndyce, and increasing confidence in the early decision of the suit; Ada writes to Richard, praying him to relinquish his hope from the suit; Esther tries to give Mr. Skimpole an idea of responsibility; Mr. Vholes, Richard's new legal adviser, appears. Mr. Skimpol showing how he introduced him to Richard; Mr. Vholes informs Richard that his cause is coming on the next morning, and they return to town immediately. - XXXVIII. Esther goes to London; she calls on Caddy Jellyby, and dances with the apprentices; Esther and Caddy call on Mr. Guppy; Esther requests a private interview with Mr. Guppy, and cures that gentleman's passion by showing her face; she requests him to give up all idea of Berving her through any discovery relating to her parentage. — XXXIX. Mr. Vholes's respectability; interview between Vholes and Richard, in which Vholes appears with "his shoulder to the wheel; "Mr. Guppy and Mr. Weevle go to Krook's house to remove Mr. Weevle's effects; they find Mr. Tulkinghorn looking on as the Smallweeds examine Krook's papers; Mr. Guppy declines to explain to Mr. Tulkinghorn the business he had with Lady Dedlock. XL. Sir Leicester and his retinue return to Chesney Wold; Sir Leicester discusses with Volumnia the state of the pending election; Mr. Tulkinghorn arrives with the news of the defeat of Sir Leicester's party, and that Mr. Rouncewell and his son were very active in aiding that result; Mr. Tulkinghorn tells a story bearing on nosa's position as Lady Dedlock's maid. — XLI. Mr. Tulkinghorn, on retiring to his room, :s sought by Lady Dedlock; she asks how long he has known her secret, and how far it is tnown to others; she informs him of her design to leave Chesney Wold at once; he counsels her to remain just as before in all respects and promises to take no steps to expose her without warning. - XLII. Mr. Snagsby complains to Mr. Tulkinghorn of the persecutions of Mademoiselle Hortense; Mr. Tulkinghorn threatens to have Hortense put in conanement if she continues her importunities.-XLIII. Esthe. suggests to her guardia that Mr. Skimpole is not a safe ad-iser for Richard; they visit Mr. Skimpole at his home; Mr. Skimpole introduces his family; he returns with Mr. Jarndyce to Bleak House; they eceive a call from Sir Leicester Dedlock; Esther's agitation in his presence; Esther tells

her guardian of the relationship between herself and Lady Dedlock - XLIV. str. Jarndyce sends Esther a letter, with her permission, asking her to become the mistress of Bleak House; Esther destroys the flowers sent her by Mr. Woodcourt; she answers yes to Mr. Jarndyce's letter. - XLV. Mr. Vholes calls upon Mr. Jamiyse, and reports the sad state of Richard's affairs; Esther decides to go and see Richard at Deal, where he is stationed, and she sets out with Charley for her companion; she finds Rithard locking worn and haggard; Richard grows more and more angry with Mr. Jarndyce as the cause of his trials, and convinces Esther of the necessity of his withdrawing from the army; Esther recognizes Allan Woodcourt among some gentlemen landing from an Indiaman just arrived; she has an interview with him, and requests him to befriend Richard, which be promises to do.-XLVI. Going through Tom-all-Alone's, Mr. Woodcourt finis Jenny with a bruised head, which he dresses for her; they pursue and overtake Jo, and Ailan hears from Jenny the story of his having been taken in at Bleak House, and Esther catching his disease; Jo gives the reason of his escaping from Bleak House, and Allan takes charge of htm.-XLVII Jo tells Allan the story of the lady in the veil; Woodcourt consults Miss F.ite to find a place of refuge for Jo, and she recommends George; Mr. George takes him In; George expresses to Mr. Woodcourt his feelings toward Tulkinghorn; Jo sends a message to Mr. Snagsby, who calls to see him; Jo makes his last request, and dies.— XLVIII. Lady Dedlock dismisses Rosa; Mr. Rouncewell calls, by Lady Dedlock's appointment, and she relinquishes Rosa to his care; Mr. Talkinghorn, who is present at the Interview, warns Lady Dedlock that he considers her course a departure from her promise, and that he shall soon undeceive Sir Leicester; Mr. Tulkinghorn goes home to his rooms, and in the morning is found murdered, lying on the floor. 4 XLIX. Mr. Bagnet prepares a feast on his wife's birthday; George joins them in dull spirits, which he accounts for by Jo's death; Mr. Bucket adds himself to the party, and makes himself friendly; Bucket arrests George for the murder of Mr. Tulkinghorn. — L. Caddy Jellyby, who has an infant, and is ill, sends for Esther, and Mr. Jarndyce and Ada go with her to London; Caddy recovers under Mr. Woodcourt's medical care; Esther notices a change in Ada's manner towards her; Mr. Woodcourt applies to Vholes for Richard's address. —LI. He £nds him next door; Esther and Ada visit Richard at his rooms; Ada acknowledges her secret marriage to Richard, and Esther returns alone; Esther tells Mr. Jarndyce.-LII. Mr. Woodcourt telis Mr. Jarndyce and Esther of the murder of Mr. Tulkinghorn and the arrest of Mr. George; the three visit him in prison; George is determined to stand by the exact truth, and have no lawyer; Mr. and Mrs. Bagnet also coine to see George; George mentions the resemblance of Esther to a figure he saw on Mr. Tulkinghorn's stairs at the time of the murder.LIII. Mrs. Bagnet reasons that George's mother is alive, and sets off for Lincolnshire in search of her; Mr. Bucket watches his wife and their lodger; Bucket receiver anonymous letters containing Lady Dedlock's name; he informs Sir Leicester that he has the case nearly worked up.- LIV. Next morning, Mr. Bucket informs Sir Leicester that the case is complete; he proceeds to relate the conduct of Lady Dedlock, and her fear of Tulkinghorn, when they are interrupted by the arrival of Smallweed, the Chadbands, and Mrs. Snagsby, who demand to be bought off from the knowledge they have gained of Lady Dedlock's story; Bucket dismisses them, and admits Mademoiselle Hortense, whom be accuses of the murder, and shows how he has worked up the evidence. - LV. Mrs Bagnet brings Mrs. Rouncewell, Mr. George's mother, to London; the mother and son in prison; Mrs. Rouncewell informs Lady Dedlock that she has found her son, and appeals to her for pity; Mr. Guppy requests an interview with Lady Dedlock, and informs her that Mr. Smallweed and others, probably, know all she would have concealed; flight of Lady Dedlock. - LVI. Sir Leicester is struck with paralysis; Mr. Bucket interprets his signs and sets off in pursuit of Lady Dedlock; he goes to Mr. Jarndyce's house, and gets Esther To accompany him. LVII. Bucket tracks Lady Dedlock to the brickmaker's at St. Alban's; they are told she went north, while Jenny went to London, and they follow on northward in search of her; Bucket at fault. LVIII. He decides to follow the other one, and returns to London; what Rumor says of Lady Dedlock; Sir Leicester insists on seeing Mrs. Rouncewell's son George; they watch through the day and night for Lady Dedlock'■ eturn; Esther and Mr. Bucket reach London. - LIX. They trace the person they are fol lowing to Mr. Suagsby's, meeting Mr. Woodcourt by the way; they find a letter for Esther. written by Lady Dedlock; following Guster's directions, they find Lady Dedlock lying

dead at the gate of the burying-ground. —LX. Esther learns from her guardian that Mr. Woodcourt has decided to remain in England; Miss Flite makes Richard her executor; Mr. Vholes discusses Richard's interest with Esther; Ada confides her secret to Esther. - LXI. Esther requests Mr. Skimpole not to go to Richard's any more, and attempts to remonstrate with him for betraying Jo to Bucket; Mr. Skimpole drops from this history; Allan Woodcourt declares his love to Esther.-LXII. Esther fixes the day for becoming mistress of Bleak House; Mr. Bucket introduces Mr. Smallweed, with a newly-discovered will in Jarndyce. - LXIII. George makes the acquaintance of his brother and his family. - LXIV. Mr. Jarndyce goes to Yorkshire to look after Mr. Woodcourt's business, and sends for Esther to follow him; he shows her the house he has prepared for Allan, which he has named Bleak House, and relinquishes her to Woodcourt; Mr. Guppy, backel by his mother and Mr. Jobling, renews his proposal. - LXV. Jarndyce and Jarndyce is over for good; Richard is reconciled to Mr. Jarndyce, and "begins the world."— LXVI. Str Leicester's life at Chesney Wold. - LXVII. Esther closes her narrative.

Hard Times.

FOR THESE TIMES.

THIS tale was originally published in Household Words;" the first chapter making its appearance in No. 210, for April, 1854, and the last in No. 229, for Aug 12, 1854. In the same year it was brought out independently, in one octave volume of 352 pages, and was inscribed to Thomas Carlyle. In a letter to Mr Charles Knight (quoted in his " Passages of a Working Life"), Mr. Dickens thus explains his design in writing this story:

My satire is against those who see figures and averages, and nothing else, the repreBentatives of the wickedest and most enormous vice of this time; the men who, through long years to come, will do more to damage the really useful truths of political economy than I could do (if I tried) in my whole life; the addled heads who would take the average of cold in the Crimea during twelve months as a reason for clothing a soldier in nankeen on a night when he would be frozen to death in fur, and who would comfort the laborer in travelling twelve miles a day to and from his work by telling him that the average distance of one inhabited place from another on the whole area of England is not more than four miles.

"Let us not lose the use of Dickens's wit and insight," says Mr. Ruskin (* Unto this Last,' ch. i.), "because he chooses to speak in a circle of stage-fire. He is entirely right n his main drift and purpose in every book he has written; and all of them, but especially Hard Times,' should be studied with close and earnest care by persons interested in social questions. They will find much that is partial, and, because partial, apparently unjust; but if they examine all the evidence on the other side, which Dickens seems to overlook it will appear, after all their trouble, that his view was the finally right one, grossly and sharply told."

CHARACTERS INTRODUCED.

Bitzer. A light-haired and light-eyed pupil of Mr. M'Choakum child's, in Mr. Gradgrind's model school; crammed full of hard facts, 'but with all fancy, sentiment, and affection taken out of him.

His cold eyes would hardly have been eyes, but for the short ends of lashes which, by bringing them into immediate contrast with something paler than