‘My dear Bounderby,’ Mr. Gradgrind began in reply.

‘Now, you’ll excuse me,’ said Bounderby, ‘but I don’t want to be too dear.  That, to start with.  When I begin to be dear to a man, I generally find that his intention is to come over me.  I am not speaking to you politely; but, as you are aware, I am not polite. If you like politeness, you know where to get it.  You have your gentleman-friends, you know, and they’ll serve you with as much of the article as you want.  I don’t keep it myself.’