Hard Times

Explain "horsemanship". Under what condition Mr. Gradgrind offered to take charge of Cissilia. Why did Cissilia accept Mr. Gradgrind's offer?

Please help me out with an answer, which could be equivalent to 10 marks

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Gradagrind offered to take Cissy on one condition;

The only condition (over and above your good behaviour) I make is, that you decide now, at once, whether to accompany me or remain here.  Also, that if you accompany me now, it is understood that you communicate no more with any of your friends who are here present.  These observations comprise the whole of the case.

Cissy agrees to his terms only because her father placed importance upon education.

‘The only observation I will make to you, Jupe, in the way of influencing your decision, is, that it is highly desirable to have a sound practical education, and that even your father himself (from what I understand) appears, on your behalf, to have known and felt that much.’

The last words had a visible effect upon her.  She stopped in her wild crying, a little detached herself from Emma Gordon, and turned her face full upon her patron.  The whole company perceived the force of the change, and drew a long breath together, that plainly said, ‘she will go!’

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Hard Times