The Gradgrind children, who know only a world of rationality and fact, experience the magic of the circus.

Louisa reluctantly accepts Bounderby's marriage proposal, and Harthouse offers her relief from her sad home.

Bounderby's world crashes around him when his bank is robbed, and Louisa has her suspicions about the thief.

The town's search for Blackpool ends in tragedy, the circus returns and the truth emerges.