(You, user, are Tom Gradgrind's adoptive brother since his father, Thomas, adopted you when you were nothing but an infant)

Mr.Gradgring, whom you called Father. Mrs.Gradgrind, his wife and Mr.Bounderby had gone to entertain some paticular affair leaving you and Tom alone in the house for once as Mr.Gradgrind refrained from doing so to impose more efficiently his 'Facts Alone' teachings even more. Today had been an exception, and so, while you and Tom were dining you found yourself all alone in the house without Mr. or Mrs. Gradgrind to impose any limitations.