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TAKING LEAVE OF JOE.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
BY CHARLES |DICKENS.
Ślitſ a frºntispittº,
LONDON :
CHAPMAN AND HALL, 193, PICCADILLY.
1867.
-º-º-º-º-º-º **
ge 2.2 a S ^* *
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
CHAPTER. I.
My father's family name being Pirrip, vivid and broad impression of the iden
and my christian name Philip, my tity of things, seems to me to have been
infant tongue could make of both names gained on a memorable raw afternoon
nothing longer or more explicit than towards evening. At such a time I
Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and came found out for certain, that this bleak
to be called Pip. place overgrown with nettles was the
I give Pirrip as my father's family churchyard; and that Philip Pirrip,
name, on the authority of his tomb late of this parish, and also Georgiana
stone and my sister—Mrs. Joe Gargery, wife of the above, were dead and
who married the blacksmith. As I buried ; and that Alexander, Bartholo
never saw my father or my mother, and mew, Abraham, Tobias, and Roger,
never saw any likeness of either of infant children of the aforesaid, were
them (for their days were long before also dead and buried; and that the
the days of photographs), my first dark flat wilderness beyond the church
fancies regarding what they were like, yard, intersected with dykes and
were unreasonably derived from their mounds and gates, with scattered cattle
tombstones. The shape of the letters feeding on it, was the marshes; and
on my father's, gave me an odd idea that the low leaden line beyond, was
that he was a square, stout, dark man, the river ; and that the distant
with curly black hair. From the cha savage lair from which the wind was
racter and turn of the inscription, rushing, was the sea ; and that the
“Also Georgiana Wife of the Above,” small bundle of shivers growing afraid
I drew a childish conclusion that my of it all and beginning to cry, was Pip.
mother was freckled and sickly. To “Hold your noise !” cried a terrible
five little stone lozenges, each about a voice, as a man started up from among
foot and a half long, which were ar the graves at the side of the church
ranged in a neat row beside their grave, porch. “Keep still, you little devil,
and were sacred to the memory of five or I'll cut your throat l”
little brothers of mine—who gave up A fearful man, all in coarse grey,
trying to get a living exceedingly; with a great iron on his leg. A man
early in that universal struggle—I am" with no hat, and with broken shoes,
indebted for a belief I religiously enter and with an old rag tied round his head.
tained that they had all been born on A man who had been soaked in water,
their backs with their hands in their and smothered in mud, and lamed by
trousers-pockets, and had never taken stones, and cut by flints, and stung by
them out in this state of existence. nettles, and torn by briars ; who
Ours was the marsh country, down limped, and shivered, and glared and
by the river, within, as the river wound, growled; and whose teeth chattered in
£wenty miles of the sea. My first most his head as he seized me by the chin,
- B
2 GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
. “O ! Don’t cut my throat, sir,” I you're kindly let to live, which I han’t
pleaded in terror.“Pray don’t do it, made up my mind about !”
sir.” “My sister, sir—Mrs. Joe Gargery
“Tell us your name !” said the man. -wiſe of Joe Gargery, the blacksmith,
“Quick 1" sir.”
“Pip, sir.” “Blacksmith, eh?” said he. And
“Once more,” said the man, staring looked down at his leg.
at me. “Give it mouth !” After darkly looking at his leg and
“Pip. Pip, sir.” at me several times, he came closer to
“Show us where you live,” said the my tombstone, took me by both arms,
man. “Pint out the place : * and tilted me back as far as he could
I pointed to where our village lay, on hold me ; so that his eyes looked most
the flat in-shore among the alder-trees powerfully down into mine, and mine
and pollards, a mile or more from the looked most helplessly up into his.
church. “Now lookee here,” he said, “the
The man, after looking at me for a question being whether you're to be
moment, turned me upside down, and let to live. You know what a file is #"
emptied my pockets. There was no “Yes, sir.”
thing in them but a piece of bread. “And you know what wittles is "
When the church came to itself—for he “Yes, sir.”
was so sudden and strong that he made After each question he tilted me over
it go head over heels before me, and I a little more, so as to give me a greater
saw the steeple under my feet—when sense of helplessness and danger.
the church came to itself, I say, I was “You get me a file.” He tilted me
seated on a high tombstone, trembling, again. “And you get me wittles.”
while he ate the bread ravenously. He tilted me again. “You bring 'em
“You young dog,” said the man, both to me.” He tilted me again.
licking his lips, “what fat cheeks you “Or I'll have your heart and liver out.”
ha’ got.” He tilted me again.
I believe they were fat, though I I was dreadfully frightened, and so
was at that time undersized for my giddy that I clung to him with both
years, and not strong. hands, and said, “If you would kindly
“Darn Me if I couldn’t eat 'em,” please to let me keep upright, sir,
said the man, with a threatening shake perhaps I shouldn't be sick, and perhaps
of his head, “and if I han’t half a I could attend more.”
mind to't l” He gave me a most tremendous dip
I earnestly expressed my hope that and roll, so that the church jumped
he wouldn’t, and held tighter to the over its own weather-cock. Then, he
tombstone on which he had put me; held me by the arms, in an upright
partly, to keep myself upon it; partly, position on the top of the stone, and
to keep myself from crying. went on in these fearful terms:
“Now lookee here !” said the man. “You bring me, to-morrow morning
“Where's your mother?” early, that file and them wittles.
You
“There, sir * said I. bring the lot to me, at that old Battery
He started, made a short run, and overyonder. You do it, and you never
stopped and looked over his shoulder. dare to say a word or dare to make a
“There, sir!” I timidly explained. sign concerning your having seen such a
“Also Georgiana. That's my mother.” person as me, or any person Sumever,
“Oh l’” said he, coming back. “And and you shall be let to live. You fail,
is that your father alonger your or you go from my words in any partick
mother ?” ler, no matter how small it is, and your
“Yes, sir,” said I; “him too ; late heart and your liver shall be tore out,
of this parish.” roasted and ate. Now, I ain’t alone,
“Ha !” he muttered then, consider as you may think I am. There’s a
ing. “Who d'ye live with—supposin' young man hid with me, in comparison
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. 3
with which young man I am a Angel. out of their graves, to get a twist upon
That young man hears the words I his ankle and pull him in.
speak. That young man has a secret When he came to the low church
way pecooliar to himself, of getting at a wall, he got over it, like a man whose
boy, and at his heart, and at his liver. legs were numbed and stiff, and then
It is in wain for a boy to attempt to turned round to look for me. When I
hide himself from that young man. A saw him turning, I set my face towards
boy may lock his door, may be warm in home, and made the best use of my
bed, may tuck himself up, may draw legs. But presently I looked over my
the clothes over his head, may think shoulder, and saw him going on again
himself comfortable and safe, but thattowards the river, still hugging himself
young man will softly creep and creep in both arms, and picking his way with
his way to him and tear him open. I his sore feet among the great stones
am a keeping that young man from dropped into the marshes here and there,
harming of you at the present moment, for stepping-places when the rains were
with great difficulty. I find it wery heavy, or the tide was in.
hard to hold that young man off of your The marshes were just a long black
inside. Now, what do you say?” horizontal line then, as I stopped to
I said that I would get him the file, look after him ; and the river was just
and I would get him what broken another horizontal line, not nearly so
bits of food I could, and I would come broad nor yet so black ; and the sky
to him at the Battery, early in the was just a row of long angry red lines
morning. and dense black lines intermixed. On
“Say, Lord strike you dead if you the edge of the river I could faintly
don’t l” said the man. make out the only two black things in
I said so, and he took me down. all the prospect that seemed to be
“Now,” he pursued, “you remem standing upright; one of these was the
ber what you’ve undertook, and you beacon by which the sailors steered—
remember that young man, and you get like an unhooped cask upon a pole—an
home f * ugly thing when you were near it ; the
“Goo-good night, sir,” I faltered. other a gibbet, with some chains hang
“Much of that l” said he, glancing ing to it which had once held a pirate.
about him over the cold wet flat. “I The man was limping on towards this
wish I was a frog. Or a eel !” latter, as if he were the pirate come to
At the same time, he hugged his life, and come down, and going back to
shuddering body in both his arms— hook himself up again. It gave me a
clasping himself, as if to hold himself terrible turn when I thought so ; and
together—and limped towards the low as I saw the cattle lifting their heads to
church wall. As I saw him go, picking gaze after him, I wondered whether they
his way among the nettles, and among thought so too. I looked all round for
the brambles that bound the green the horrible young man, and could see
mounds, he looked in my young eyes as no signs of him. But now I was
if he were eluding the hands of the frightened again, and ran home without
dead people, stretching up cautiously stopping.
CHAPTER II.
My sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, was more ing at that time to find out for myself
than twenty years older than I, and had what the expression meant, and know
established a great reputation with ing her to have a hard and heavy hand,
Herself and the neighbours because she and to be much in the habit of laying it
had brought me up “by hand ” Hav upon her husband as well as ºme, I.
B
supposed that Joe Gargery and I were sion at the fire. Tickler was a wax
both brought up by hand. ended piece of cane, worn smooth by
She was not a good-looking woman, collision with my tickled frame.
my sister; and I had a general impres “She sot down,” said Joe, “and
sion that she must have made Joe Gar she got up, and she made a grab at
gery marry her by hand. Joe was a Tickler, and she Ram-paged out.
fair man, with curls of flaxen hair on That's what she did,” said Joe, slowly
each side of his smooth face, and with clearing the fire between the lower bars
eyes of such a very undecided blue that with the poker, and looking at it:
they seemed to have somehow got mixed “she Ram-paged out, Pip.”
with their own whites. He was a mild, “Has she been gone long, Joe 7" I
good-natured, sweet-tempered, easy always treated him as a larger species
going, foolish, dear fellow—a sort of of child, and as no more than my
Hercules in strength, and also in weak equal.
IneSS. “Well,” said. Joe, glancing up at
My sister, Mrs. Joe, with black hair the Dutch clock, “she's been on the
and eyes, had such a prevailing redness Ram-page, this last spell, about five
of skin, that I sometimes used to wonder minutes, Pip. She's a-coming ! Get
whether it was possible she washed behind the door, old chap, and have
herself with a nutmeg-grater instead of the jack-towel betwixt you.”
soap. She was tall and bony, and I took the advice. My sister, Mrs.
almost always wore a coarse apron, Joe, throwing the door wide open, and
fastened over her figure behind with finding an obstruction behind it, im
two loops, and having a square impreg mediately divined the cause, and ap
nable bib in front, that was stuck full plied Tickler to its further investiga
of pins and needles. She made it a tion. She concluded by throwing me
powerful merit in herself, and a strong —I often served her as a connubial
reproach against Joe, that she wore this missile—at Joe, who, glad to get hold
apron so much. Though I really see no of me on any terms, passed me on into
reason why she should have worn it at the chimney and quietly fenced me up
all: or why, if she did wearitat all, she there with his great leg.
should not have taken it off every day “Where have you been, you young
of her life. monkey 7" said Mrs. Joe, stamping
Joe's forge adjoined our house, her foot. “Tell me directly what
which was a wooden house, as many of you've been doing to wear me away
the dwellings in our country were— with fret and fright and worrit, or I’d
most of them, at that time. When I have you out of that corner if you was
ran home from the churchyard, the fifty Pips, and he was five hundred
forge was shut up, and Joe was sitting Gargerys.”
alone in the kitchen. Joe and I being “I have only been to the church
fellow-sufferers, and having confidences yard,” said I, from my stool, crying
as such, Joe imparted a confidence to and rubbing myself.
me, the moment I raised the latch of “Churchyard I’’ repeated my sister.
the door and peeped in at him opposite “If it warn’t for me you'd have been
to it, sitting in the chimney corner. to the churchyard long ago, and stayed
“Mrs. Joe has been out a dozen there. Who brought you up by
times, looking for you, Pip. And hand 2’’
she's out now, making it a baker's “You did,” said I.
dozen.” “And why did I do it, I should
‘‘Is she 7” like to know 7" exclaimed my sister.
“Yes, Pip,” said Joe ; “and what's I whimpered, “I don't know.”
worse, she's got Tickler with her.” “I don't I" said my sister. “I’d
At this dismal intelligence, I twisted never do it again ' I know that. I
the only button on my waistcoat round may truly say I’ve never had this
and round, and looked in great depres apron of mine off, since born you were,
It's bad enough to be a blacksmith's reserve for my dreadful acquaintance,

wife (and him a Gargery), without being and his ally the still more dreadful
your mother.” young man. I knew Mrs. Joe's house
My thoughts strayed from that ques keeping to be of the strictest kind, and
tion as I looked disconsolately at the that my larcenous researches might
fire. For, the fugitive out on the find nothing available in the safe.
marshes with the ironed leg, the Therefore I resolved to put my hunk of
mysterious young man, the file, the bread-and-butter down the leg of my
food, and the dreadful pledge I was trousers.
under to commit a larceny on those The effort of resolution necessary to
sheltering premises, rose before me in the achievement of this purpose, I
the avenging coals. found to be quite awful. It was as if
“Hah l’” said Mrs. Joe, restoring I had to make up my mind to leap from
Tickler to his station. “Churchyard, the top of a high house, or plunge into
indeed You may well say church a great depth of water. And it was
yard, you two.” One of us, by-the made the more difficult by the uncon
by, had not said it at all. “You’ll scious Joe. In our already-mentioned
drive me to the churchyard betwixt freemasonry as fellow-sufferers, and in
you, one of these days, and oh, a his good-natured companionship with
pr-r-recious pair you’d be without me!” me, it was our evening habit to com
As she applied herself to set the pare the way we bit through our slices,
tea-things, Joe peeped down at me over by silently holding them up to each
his leg, as if he were mentally casting other's admiration now and then—
me and himself up, and calculating which stimulated us to new exertions.
what kind of pair we practically should To-night, Joe several times invited me,
make, under the grievous circum by the display of his fast-diminishing
stances foreshadowed. After that, he slice, to enter upon our usual friendly
sat feeling his right-side flaxen curls competition; but he found me, each
and whisker, and following Mrs. Joe time, with my yellow mug of tea on
about with his blue eyes, as his manner one knee, and my untouched bread
always was at squally times. and-butter on the other. At last, I
My sister had a trenchant way of desperately considered that the thing I
cutting our bread-and-butter for us, contemplated must be done, and that
that never varied. First, with her left it had best be done in the least im
hand she jammed the loaf hard and fast probable manner consistent with the
against her bib—where it sometimes circumstances. I took advantage of a
got a pin into it, and sometimes a moment when Joe had just looked at
needle, which we afterwards got into me, and got my bread-and-butter down
our mouths. Then she took some my leg.
butter (not too much) on a knife and Joe was evidently made uncomfort
spread it on the loaf, in an apothecary able by what he supposed to be my
kind of way as if she were making a loss of appetite, and took a thoughtful
plaister—using both sides of the knife bite out of his slice, which he didn’t
with a slapping dexterity, and trim seem to enjoy. He turned it about in
ming and moulding the butter off his mouth much longer than usual,
round the crust. Then, she gave the pondering over it a good deal, and
knife a final smart wipe on the edge of after all gulped it down like a pill.
the plaister, and then sawed a very He was about to take another bite, and
thick round off the loaf : which she had just got his head on one side for a
finally, before separating from the loaf, good purchase on it, when his eye fell
hewed into two halves, of which Joe on me, and he saw that my bread-and
got one, and I the other. butter was gone.
On the present occasion, though I The wonder and consternation with
was hungry, I dared not eat my slice. which Joe stopped on the threshold of
I felt that I must have something in his bite and stared at me, were too
evident to escape my sister's observa water in those days as a fine medicine,

tion. and Mrs. Joe always kept a supply of
“What's the matter now 7" said she, it in the cupboard ; having a belief in
smartly, as she put down her cup. its virtues correspondent to its nastiness.
“I say, you know !” muttered Joe, At the best of times, so much of this
shaking his head at me in a very serious elixir was administered to me as a
remonstrance. “Pip, old chap ! You'll choice restorative, that I was conscious
do yourself a mischief. It'll stick of going about, smelling like a new
somewhere. You can't have chawed it, fence. On this particular evening the
Pip.” urgency of my case demanded a pint of
“What's the matter now f" repeated this mixture, which was poured down
my sister, more sharply than before. my throat, for my greater comfort,
“If you can cough any trifle on it while Mrs. Joe held my head under her
up, Pip, I’d recommend you to do it,” arm, as a boot would be held in a boot
said Joe, all aghast. “Manners is jack. Joe got off with half a pint ; but
manners, but still your elth's your was made to swallow that (much to his
elth.” disturbance, as he sat slowly munching
By this time, my sister was quite and meditating before the fire), “be
desperate, so she pounced on Joe, and, cause he had had a turn.” Judging
taking him by the two whiskers, from myself, I should say he certainly
knocked his head for a little while had a turn afterwards, if he had had
against the wall behind him : while I none before.
sat in the corner, looking guiltily on. Conscience is a dreadful thing when
“Now, perhaps, you'll mention it accuses man or boy; but when, in
what's the matter,” said my sister, the case of a boy, that secret burden
out of breath, “you staring great stuck co-operates with another secret burden
pig.” down the leg of his trousers, it is (as I
Joe looked at her in a helpless way; can testify) a great punishment. The
then took a helpless bite, and looked at guilty knowledge that I was going to
me again. rob Mrs. Joe—I never thought I was
“You know, Pip,” said Joe, going to rob Joe, for I never thought of
solemnly, with his last bite in his any of the housekeeping property as his
cheek, and speaking in a confidential —united to the necessity of always
voice, as if we two were quite alone, keeping one hand on my bread-and
“you and me is always friends, and I’d butter as I sat, or when I was ordered
be the last to tell upon you, any time. about the kitchen on any small errand,
But such a-’’ he moved his chair, and almost drove me out of my mind.
looked about the floor between us, and Then, as the marsh winds made the fire
then again at me—“such a most on glow and flare, I thought I heard the
common bolt as that l” voice outside, of the man with the iron
“Been bolting his food, has he 7” on his leg who had sworn me to
cried my sister. secresy, declaring that he couldn't and
“You know, old chap,” said Joe, wouldn't starve until to-morrow, but
looking at me, and not at Mrs. Joe, must be fed now. At other times, I
with his bite still in his cheek, “I thought, What if the young man who
Bolted, myself, when I was your age— was with so much difficulty restrained
frequent—and as a boy I’ve been among from imbruing his hands in me, should
a many Bolters; but I never see your yield to a constitutional impatience, or
bolting equal yet, Pip, and it’s a mercy should mistake the time, and should
you ain't Bolted dead.” think himself accredited to my heart
My sister made a dive at me, and and liver to-night, instead of to
fished me up by the hair : saying morrow ! If ever anybody's hair stood
nothing more than the awful words, on end with terror, mine must have
“You come along and be dosed.” done so then. But, perhaps, nobody's
Some medical beast had revived Tar ever did :
It was Christmas Eve, and I had to that at all, and again opened his mouth
stir the pudding for next day, with a very wide, and shook the form of a most
copper-stick, from seven to eight by emphatic word out of it. But I could
the Dutch clock. I tried it with the make nothing of the word.
load upon my leg (and that made me “Mrs. Joe,” said I, as a last re
think afresh of the man with the load source, “I should like to know–if you
on his leg), and found the tendency of wouldn't much mind—where the firing
exercise to bring the bread-and-butter comes from ?”
out at my ankle, quite unmanageable. “Lord bless the boy l’” exclaimed
Happily I slipped away, and deposited my sister, as if she didn’t quite mean
that part of my conscience in my garret that, but rather the contrary.“From
bedrooom. the Hulks.”
“Hark!” said I, when I had done “Oh-h !” said I, looking at Joe.
my stirring, and was taking a final “Hulks l’’
warm in the chimney corner before Joe gave a reproachful cough, as much
being sent up to bed; “was that great as to say, “Well, I told you so.”
guns, Joe 7" “And please what's Hulks” said I.
“Ah !” said Joe. “There's another “That's the way, with this boy 1"
conwict off.” exclaimed my sister, pointing me out
“What does that mean, Joe?” said I. with her needle and thread, and shaking
Mrs. Joe, who always took explana her head at me. “Answer him one
tions upon herself, said snappishly, question, and he'll ask you a dozen
“Escaped. Escaped.” Administering directly. Hulks are prison-ships, right
the definition like Tar-water. 'cross th’ meshes.” We always used
While Mrs. Joe sat with her head that name for marshes in our country.
bending over her needlework, I put my “I wonder who's put into prison
mouth into the forms of saying to Joe, ships, and why they're put there?” said
“What's a convict 7” Joe put his I, in a general way, and with quiet
mouth into the forms of returning such desperation.
a highly elaborate answer, that I could It was too much for Mrs. Joe, who
make out nothing of it but the single immediately rose. “I tell you what,
word, “Pip.” young fellow,” said she, “I didn't bring
“There was a conwict off last night,” you up by hand to badger people's lives
said Joe, aloud, “after sunset-gun. out. It would be blame to me, and not
And they fired warning of him. And praise, if I had. People are put in the
now it appears they're firing warning of Hulks because they murder, and because
another.” they rob, and forge, and do all sorts of
“Who's firing 7" said I. bad; and they always begin by asking
“Drat that boy,” interposed my questions. Now, you get along to bed!”
sister, frowning at me over her work, I was never allowed a candle to
“what a questioner he is. Ask no light me to bed, and, as I went upstairs
questions, and you’ll be told no lies.” in the dark, with my head tingling—
It was not very polite to herself, I from Mrs. Joe's thimble having played
thought, to imply that I should be told the tambourine upon it, to accompany
lies by her, even if I did ask questions. her last words—I felt fearfully sensible
But she never was polite, unless there of the great convenience that the hulks
was company. were handy for me. I was clearly on
At this point, Joe greatly augmented my way there. I had begun by asking
my curiosity by taking the utmost pains questions, and I was going to rob Mrs.
to open his mouth very wide, and to Joe. -
put it into the form of a word that Since that time, which is far enough
looked to me like “sulks.” Therefore, away now, I have often thought that
I naturally pointed to Mrs. Joe, and few people know what secresy there is
put my mouth into the form of saying in the young, under terror. No matter
“her ?” But Joe wouldn't hear of how unreasonable the terror, so that it
be terror. I was in mortal terror of the owing to the season, I was very much
young man who wanted my heart and alarmed, by a hare hanging up by the
liver; I was in mortal terror of my in heels, whom I rather thought I caught,
terlocutor with the iron leg; I was in when my back was half turned, winking.
mortal terror of myself, from whom an I had no time for verification, no time
awful promise had been extracted; I for selection, no time for anything, for
had no hope of deliverance through my I had no time to spare. I stole some
all-powerful sister, who repulsed me at bread, some rind of cheese, about half a .
every turn; I am afraid to think of what jar of mincemeat (which I tied up in
I might have done on requirement, in my pocket-handkerchief with my last
the secresy of my terror. night's slice), some brandy from a stone
If I slept at all that night, it was only bottle (which I decanted into a glass
to imagine myself drifting down the bottle I had secretly used for making
river on a strong spring tide, to the that intoxicating-fluid, Spanish-liquo
Hulks; a ghostly pirate calling out to rice-water, up in my room; diluting the
me through a speaking-trumpet, as I stone bottle from a jug in the kitchen
passed the gibbet-station, that I had cupboard), a meat bone with very little
better come ashore and be hanged there on it, and a beautiful round compact
at once, and not put it off. I was afraid pork pie. I was nearly going away
to sleep, even if I had been inclined, for without the pie, but I was tempted to
I knew that at the first faint dawn of mount upon a shelf, to look what it was
morning I must rob the pantry. There that was put away so carefully in a
was no doing it in the night, for there covered earthenware dish in a corner,
was no getting a light by easy friction and I found it was the pie, and I took
then ; to have got one, I must have it, in the hope that it was not intended
struck it out of flint and steel, and have for early use, and would not be missed
made a noise like the very pirate himself for some time.
rattling his chains. There was a door in the kitchen com
municating with the forge ; I unlocked
As soon as the great black velvet pall
outside my little window was shot with and unbolted that door, and got a file
grey, I got up and went down stairs; from among Joe's tools. Then I put
every board upon the way, and every the fastenings as I had found them,
crack in every board, calling after me, opened the door at which I had entered
“Stop thief 1° and “Get up, Mrs. when I ran home last night, shut it,
Joe l’” In the pantry, which was far and ran for the misty marshes.
more abundantly supplied than usual,
CHAPTER III.
It was a rimy morning, and very people to our village—a direction which
damp. I had seen the damp lying on they never accepted, for they never came
the outside of my little window, as if there—was invisible to me until I was
some goblin had been crying there all, quite close under it. Then, as I looked
night, and using the window for a up at it, while it dripped, it seemed to
pocket-handkerchief. Now I saw the my oppressed conscience like a phantom
damp lying on the bare hedges and devoting me to the Hulks.
spare grass, like a coarser sort of spi The mist was heavier yet when I got
ders' webs; hanging itself from twig to out upon the marshes, so that instead
twig and blade to blade. On every rail of my running at everything, every
and gate, wet lay clammy, and the thing seemed to run at me. This was
marsh-mist was so thick, that the very disagreeable to a guilty mind.
wooden finger on the post directing The gates and dykes and banks came
bursting at me through the mist, as if leg, and was lame, and hoarse, and cold,
they cried as plainly as could be, “A and was everything that the other man
boy with Somebody-else's pork pie was; except that he had not the same
Stop him l’” The cattle came upon me face, and had a flat, broad-brimmed,
with like suddenness, staring out of low-crowned felt hat on. All this I saw
their eyes, and steaming out of their in a moment, for I had only a moment
to see it in : he swore an oath at me,
nostrils, “Holloa, young thief l’” One
black ox, with a white cravat on—who made a hit at me—it was a round,
even had to my awakened conscience weak blow that missed me and almost
something of a clerical air—fixed me so knocked himself down, for it made him
obstinately with his eyes, and moved stumble—and then he ran into the mist,
his blunt head round in such an accu stumbling twice as he went, and I lost
Satory manner as I moved round, that him.
I blubbered out to him, “I couldn't “It's the young man l’” I thought,
help it, sir! It wasn't for myself I feeling my heart shoot as I identified
took it !” Upon which he put down him. I dare say I should have felt a
his head, blew a cloud of smoke out of pain in my liver, too, if I had known
his nose, and vanished with a kick-up where it was.
of º hind-legs and a flourish of his I was soon at the Battery, after that,
tai and there was the right man—hugging
All this time, I was getting on towards himself and limping to and fro, as if
the river; but however fast I went, I he had never all night left off hugging
couldn't warm my feet, to which the and limping—waiting for me. He was
damp cold seemed riveted, as the iron awfully cold, to be sure. I half ex
was riveted to the leg of the man I was pected to see him drop down before my
running to meet. I knew my way to face and die of deadly cold. His eyes
the Battery, pretty straight, for I had looked so awfully hungry, too, that
been down there on a Sunday with Joe, when I handed him the file and he laid
and Joe, sitting on an old gun, had told it down on the grass, it occurred to me
me that when I was 'prentice to him, he would have tried to eat it, if he had
regularly bound, we would have such not seen my bundle. He did not turn ->
Larks there ! However, in the confu me upside down, this time, to get at
sion of the mist, I found myself at last what I had, but left me right side
too far to the right, and consequently upwards while I opened the bundle and
had to try back along the river-side, on emptied my pockets.
the bank of loose stones above the mud “What's in the bottle, boy 7" said he.
and the stakes that staked the tide out. “Brandy,” said I.
Making my way along here with all He was already handing mincemeat
despatch, I had just crossed a ditch down his throat in the most curious
which I knew to be very near the Bat manner—more like a man who was put
tery, and had just scrambled up the ting it away somewhere in a violent
mound beyond the ditch, when I saw hurry, than a man who was eating it—
the man sitting before me. His back but he left off to take some of the liquor.
was towards me, and he had his arms He shivered all the while so violently,
folded, and was nodding forward, heavy that it was quite as much as he could
with sleep. do to keep the neck of the bottle between
I thought he would be more glad if I his teeth, without biting it off.
came upon him with his breakfast, in “I think you have got the ague,”
that unexpected manner, so I went said I.
forward softly and touched him on the “I’m much of your opinion, boy,”
shoulder. He instantly jumped up, and said he.
it was not the same man, but another “It's bad about here,” I told him.
man | “You’ve been lying out on the meshes,
And yet this man was dressed incoarse and they’re dreadful aguish. Rheu
grey, too, and had a great iron on his matic too.”
10. GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
“I’ll eat my breakfast afore they're which particulars he was very like the
the death of me,” said he. “I’d do dog.
that if I was going to be strung up to “I am afraid you won't leave any of
that there gallows as there is over there, it for him,” said I, timidly; after a
directly arterwards. I’ll beat the shivers silence during which I had hesitated as
so far, I'll bet you. to the politeness of making the remark.
He was gobbling mincemeat, meat “There's no more to be got where that
bone, bread, cheese, and pork pie, all at came from.” It was the certainty of
once : staring distrustfully while he did *.
int.
fact that impelled me to offer the
so at the mist all round us, and often
stopping—even stopping his jaws—to “Leave any for him Who's him *
isten. Some real or fancied sound, said my friend, stopping in his crunch
some clink upon the river or breathing ing of pie-crust.
of beast upon the marsh, now gave him “The young man. That you spoke
a start, and he said, suddenly : of That was hid with you.”
“You’re not a deceiving imp 2 You “Oh ah ' " he returned, with some
brought no one with you ?” thing like a gruff laugh. “Him? Yes,
“No, sir! No 1" yes | He don’t want no wittles.”
“Nor giv'no one the office to follow “I thought he looked as if he did,”
you?” said I.
No !
& 4 3)
The man stopped eating, and regarded
“Well,” said he, “I believe you. me with the keenest scrutiny and the
You’d be but a fierce young hound greatest surprise. -
indeed, if at your time of life you “Looked # When º’”

could help to hunt a wretched warmint, **Just now.” "
hunted as near death and dunghill as “Where 2°
this poor wretched warmint is l’” “Yonder,” said I, pointing; “over
Something clicked in his throat as there, where I found him nodding
if he had works in him like a clock, asleep, and thought it was you.”
and was going to strike. And he He held me by the collar and stared
smeared his ragged rough sleeve over at me so, that I began to think his first
his eyes. idea about cutting my throat had re
Pitying his desolation, and watching vived.
him as he gradually settled down upon “Dressed like you, you know, only
the pie, I made bold to say, “I am with a hat,” I explained, trembling;
glad you enjoy it.” “and—and”—I was very anxious to
“Did you speak #" put this delicately—‘‘and with—the
“I said, I was glad you enjoyed it.” same reason for wanting to borrow a
“Thankee, my boy. I do.” file. Didn't you hear the cannon last
I had often watched a large dog of night?”
ours eating his food; and I now noticed “Then, there was firing !” he said
a decided similarity between the dog's to himself.
way of eating, and the man's. The man “I wonder you shouldn't have been
took strong sharp sudden bites, just like sure of that,” I returned, “for we
the dog. He swallowed, or rather snap heard it up at home, and that's further
ped up, every mouthful, too soon and away, and we were shut in besides.”
too fast; and he looked sideways here “Why, see now !” said he, “When
and there while he ate, as if he thought a man's alone on these flats, with a light
there was danger in every direction of head and a light stomach, perishing of
somebody's coming to take the pie away. cold and want, he hears nothin’ all
He was altogether too unsettled in his night, but guns firing, and voices call
mind over it, to appreciate it comfort ing. Hears ? He sees the soldiers,
ably, I thought, or to have anybody to with their red coats lighted up by the
dine with him, without making a chop torches carried afore, closing in round
with his jaws at the visitor. In all of him. Hears his number called, hears
himself challenged, hears the rattle of sore leg 1 Give us hold of the file,
the muskets, hears the orders ‘Make boy.”
ready | Present | Cover him steady, I indicated in what direction the mist
men l’” and is laid hands on—and had shrouded the other man, and he
there's nothin'! Why, if I see one pur looked up at it for an instant. But he
suing party last night—coming up in was down on the rank wet grass, filing
order, Damn 'em, with their tramp, at his iron like a madman, and not
tramp—I see a hundred. And as to minding me or minding his own leg,
firing ! Why, I see the mist shake with which had an old chafe upon it and was
the cannon, arter it was broad day.— bloody, but which he handled as roughly
But this man; ” he had said all the rest as if it had no more feeling in it than
as if he had forgotten my being there ; the file. I was very much afraid of
“did you notice anything in him º' him again, now that he had worked
“He had a badly bruised face,” said himself into this fierce hurry, and I was
I, recalling what I hardly knew I likewise very much afraid of keeping
knew. away from home any longer. I told
“Not here 7” exclaimed the man, him I must go, but he took no notice,
striking his left cheek mercilessly, with so I thought the best thing I could do
the flat of his hand. was to slip off. The last I saw of him,
“Yes, there !” his head was bent over his knee and he
“Where is he?” He crammed what was working hard at his fetter, mutter
little food was left, into the breast of ing impatient imprecations at it and his
his grey jacket. “Show me the way leg. The last I heard of him, I stopped
he went. I’ll pull him down, like a in the mist to listen, and the file was
bloodhound. Curse this iron on my still going.
CELAPTER IV.
I FULLY expected to find a Constable have been to hear the Carols,” said Mrs.
in the kitchen, waiting to take me up. Joe. “I’m rather partial to Carols
But not only was there no Constable myself, and that's the best of reasons
there, but no discovery had yet been for my never hearing any.”
made of the robbery. Mrs. Joe was Joe, who had ventured into the
prodigiously busy in getting the house kitchen after me as the dust-pan had
ready for the festivities of the day, and retired before us, drew the back of his
Joe had been put upon the kitchen hand across his nose with a conciliatory
door-step to keep him out of the dust air, when Mrs. Joe darted a look at him,
pan—an article into which his destiny and, when her eyes were withdrawn,
always led him, sooner or later, when secretly crossed his two forefingers, and
my sister was vigorously reaping the exhibited them to me, as our token that
floors of her establishment. Mrs. Joe was in a cross temper. This
“And where the deuce ha' you been?” was so much her normal state, that Joe
was Mrs. Joe's Christmas salutation, and I would often, for weeks together,
when I and my conscience showed our be, as to our fingers, like monumental
selves. Crusaders as to their legs.
I said I had been down to hear the We were to have a superb dinner,
Carols. “Ah ! well !” observed Mrs. consisting of a leg of pickled pork and
Joe. . . “You might ha' done worse.” greens, and a pair of roast stuffed fowls.
Not a doubt of that I thought. A handsome mince-pie had been made
“Perhaps if I warn’t a blacksmith's yesterday morning (which accounted for
wife, and (what's the same thing) a the mincemeat not being missed), and
slave with her apron never off, I should the pudding was already on the boil.
These extensive arrangements occasioned against the dissuading arguments of

us to be cut off unceremoniously in re my best friends. Even when I was
spect of breakfast; “for I ain’t,” said taken to have a new suit of clothes, the
Mrs. Joe, “I ain’t a going to have no tailor had orders to make them like a
formal cramming and busting and wash kind of Reformatory, and on no account
ing up now, with what I’ve got before to let me have the free use of my limbs.
me, I promise you !” Joe and I going to church, therefore,
So, we had our slices served out, as must have been a moving spectacle for
if we were two thousand troops on a compassionate minds. Yet, what I
suffered outside, was nothing to what I
forced march instead of a man and boy
at home; and we took gulps of milk underwent within. The terrors that
and water, with apologetic countenances, had assailed me whenever Mrs. Joe had
from a jug on the dresser. In the mean gone near the pantry, or out of the
time, Mrs. Joe put clean white curtainsroom, were only to be equalled by the
up, and tacked a new flowered-flounce remorse with which my mind dwelt on
across the wide chimney to replace the what my hands had done. Under the
old one, and uncovered the little stateweight of my wicked secret, I pondered
parlour across the passage, which was whether the Church would be powerful
never uncovered at any other time, but enough to shield me from the vengeance
passed the rest of the year in a cool of the terrible young man, if I divulged
haze of silver paper, which even ex to that establishment. I conceived the
tended to the four little white crockery idea that the time when the banns were
poodles on the mantelshelf, each with a read and when the clergyman said,
black nose and a basket of flowers in “Ye are now to declare it !” would be
his mouth, and each the counterpart of the time for me to rise and propose a
the other. Mrs. Joe was a very clean private conference in the vestry. I am
housekeeper, but had an exquisite art far from being sure that I might not
of making her cleanliness more uncom have astonished our small congregation
fortable and unacceptablethan dirtitself. by resorting to this extreme measure,
Cleanlinessis next to Godliness, and some but for its being Christmas Day and no
people do the same by their religion. Sunday.
My sister having so much to do, was Mr. Wopsle, the clerk at church, was
going to church vicariously ; that is to to dine with us; and Mr. Hubble, the
say, Joe and I were going. In his work wheelwright, and Mrs. Hubble; and
ing clothes, Joe was a well-knit cha Uncle Pumblechook (Joe's uncle, but
racteristic-looking blacksmith; in his Mrs. Joe appropriated him), who was a
holiday clothes, he was more like a well-to-do cornchandler in the nearest
scarecrow in good, circumstances, than town, and drove his own chaise-cart.
anything else. Nothing that he wore The dinner hour was half-past one.
then, fitted him or seemed to belong to When Joe and I got home, we found the
him ; and everything that he wore table laid, and Mrs. Joe dressed, and
then, grazed him. On the present fes the dinner dressing, and the front door
tive occasion he emerged from his room, unlocked (it never was at any other
when the blithe bells were going, the time) for the company to enter by, and
picture of misery, in a full suit of Sun everything most splendid. And still,
day penitentials. As to me, I think not a word of the robbery.
my sister must have had some general The time came, without bringing
idea that I was a young offender whom with it any relief to my feelings, and
an Accoucheur Policeman had taken up the company came. Mr. Wopsle, united
(on my birthday) and delivered over to to a Roman nose and a large shining
her, to be dealt with according to the bald forehead, had a deep voice which
outraged majesty of the law. I was he was uncommonly proud of; indeed
always treated as if I had insisted on it was understood among his acquaint
being born in opposition to the dictates ance that if you could only give him his
of reason, religion, and morality, and head, he would read the clergyman into
fits; he himself confessed that if the Hubble as a little curly sharp-edged

Church was “thrown open,” meaning person in sky-blue, who held a conven
to competition, he would not despair of tionally juvenile position, because she
making his mark in it. The Church had married Mr. Hubble—I don’t know
not being “thrown open,” he was, as I at what remote period—when she was
have said, our clerk. But he punished much younger than he. I remember
the Amens tremendously ; and when he Mr. Hubble as a tough high-shouldered
gave out the psalm—always giving the stooping old man, of a sawdusty fra
whole verse—he looked all round the grance, with his legs extraordinarily
congregation first, as much as to say, wide apart : so that in my short days I
“You have heard our friend overhead ; always saw some miles of open country
oblige me with your opinion of this between them when I met him coming
style Î" up the lane.
I opened the door to the company— Among this good company I should
making believe that it was a habit of have felt myself, even if I hadn’t robbed
ours to open that door—and I opened the pantry, in a false position. Not
it first to Mr. Wopsle, next to Mr. and because I was squeezed in at an acute
Mrs. Hubble, and last of all to Uncle angle of the table-cloth, with the table
Pumblechook. N.B. I was not allowed in my chest, and the Pumblechookian
to call him uncle, under the severest elbow in my eye, nor because I was
penalties. not allowed to speak (I didn't want to
“Mrs. Joe,” said Uncle • Pumble speak), nor because I was regaled with
chook; a large hard-breathing middle the scaly tips of the drumsticks of the
aged slow man, with a mouth like a fish, fowls, and with those obscure corners
dull staring eyes, and sandy hair stand of pork of which the pig, when living,
ing upright on his head, so that he had had the least reason to be vain.
looked as if he had just been all but No ; I should not have minded that,
choked, and had that moment come to ; if they would only have left me alone.
“I have brought you as the compli But they wouldn’t leave me alone.
ments of the season—I have brought They seemed to think the opportunity
you, Mum, a bottle of sherry wine— lost, if they failed to point the conver
and I have brought you, Mum, a bottle sation at me, every now and then, and
of port wine.” stick the point into me. I might have
Every Christmas Day he presented been an unfortunate little bull in a
himself, as a profound novelty, with Spanish arena, I got so smartingly
exactly the same words, and carrying touched up by these moral goads.
the two bottles like dumb-bells. Every It began the moment we sat down to
Christmas Day, Mrs. Joe replied, as she dinner. Mr. Wopsle said grace with
now replied, “Oh, Un-cle Pum—ble— theatrical declamation—as it now ap
chook This is kind I’’ Every Christ pears to me, something like a religious
mas Day, he retorted, as he now re cross of the Ghost in Hamlet with
torted, “It’s no more than your merits. Richard the Third—and ended with
And now are you all bobbish, and how’s the very proper aspiration that we
Sixpennorth of halfpence 7" meaning might be truly grateful. Upon which
Ine. my sister fixed me with her eye, and
We dined on these occasions in the said, in a low reproachful voice, “Do
kitchen, and adjourned, for the nuts you hear that ? Begrateful.”
and oranges and apples, to the parlour; “Especially,” said Mr. Pumblechook,
which was a change very like Joe's “be grateful, boy, to them which
change from his working clothes to his brought you up by hand.”
Sunday dress. My sister was uncom Mrs. Hubble shook her head, and
monly lively on the present occasion, contemplating me with a mournful pre
and indeed was generally more gracious sentiment that I should come to no
in the society of Mrs. Hubble than good, asked, “Why is it that the young
in other company. I remember Mrs. are never grateful ?” This moral mys,
tery seemed too much for the company praising up the pork for being so plump !
until Mr. Hubble tersely solved it by and juicy.) “What is detestable in a
saying, “Naterally wicious.” Every pig, is more detestable in a boy.”
body then murmured “True !” and “Or girl,” suggested Mr. Hubble.
looked at me in a particularly unpleasant “Of course, or girl, Mr. Hubble,”
and personal manner. assented Mr. Wopsle, rather irritably,
Joe's station and influence were “but there is no girl present.”
something feebler (if possible) when “Besides,” said Mr. Pumblechook,
there was company, than when there turning sharp on me, “think what
was none. But he always aided and you've got to be grateful for. If you'd
comforted me when he could, in some been born a Squeaker »
way of his own, and he always did so “He was, if ever a child was,” said
at dinner-time by giving me gravy, if my sister, most emphatically.
there were any. There being plenty of Joe gave me some more gravy.
gravy to-day, Joe spooned into my plate, “Well, but I mean a four-footed
at this point, about half a pint. Squeaker,” said Mr. Pumblechook.
A little later on in the dinner, Mr. “If you had been born such, would
Wopsle reviewed the sermon with some you have been here now Not you
severity, and intimated—in the usual
hypothetical case of the Church being “ Unless in that form,” said Mr.
“thrown open”—what kind of sermon Wopsle, nodding towards the dish.
he would have given them. After “But I don't mean in that form,
favouring them with some heads of sir,” returned Mr. Pumblechook, who
that discourse, he remarked that he had an objection to being interrupted ;
considered the subject of the day's “I mean, enjoying himself with his
homily, ill chosen ; which was the less elders and betters, and improving him
excusable, he added, when there were self with their conversation, and rolling
so many subjects “going about.” in the lap of luxury. Would he have
“True again,” said Uncle Pumble been doing that ? No, he wouldn't.
chook. “You’ve hit it, sir! Plenty And what would have been your desti
of subjects going about, for them that nation ?” turning on me again. “You
know how to put salt upon their tails. would have been disposed of for so
That's what's wanted. A man needn’t many shillings according to the market
go far to find a subject, if he's ready price of the article, and Dunstable the
with his salt-box.” Mr. Pumblechook butcher would have come up to you as
added, after a short interval of reflec you lay in your straw, and he would
tion, “Look at Pork alone. There’s a have whipped you under his left arm,
subject ' If you want a subject, look and with his right he would have
at Pork l’” -
tucked up his frock to get a penknife
“True, sir. Many a moral for the from out of his waistcoat-pocket, and
young,” returned Mr. Wopsle; and I he would have shed your blood and had
knew he was going to lug me in, before your life. No bringing up by hand then.
he said it; “might be deduced from Not a bit of it, ''”
that text.” Joe offered me more gravy, which I
(“You listen to this,” said my sister was afraid to take.
to me, in a severe parenthesis.) “He was a world of trouble to you,
Joe gave me some more gravy. ma'am,” said Mrs. Hubble, commisera
“Swine,” pursued Mr. Wopsle, in ting my sister.
his deepest voice, and pointing his fork “Trouble 7" echoed my sister,
at my blushes, as if he were mentioning “trouble %" And then entered on a
my christian name; “Swine were the fearful catalogue of all the illnesses I
companions of the prodigal. The glut had been guilty of, and all the acts
tony of Swine is put before us, as an of sleeplessness I had committed, and
example to the young.” (I thought all the high places I had tumbled from,
this pretty well in him who had been and all the low places I had tumbled
into, and all the injuries I had done my- became visible through the window,
self, and all the times she had wished violently plunging and expectorating,
me in my grave, and I had contuma making the most hideous faces, and
ciously refused to go there. apparently out of his mind.
I think the Romans must have aggra I held on tight, while Mrs. Joe and
vated one another very much, with Joe ran to him. I didn't know how I
their noses. Perhaps, they became the had done it, but I had no doubt I
restless people they were, in conse had murdered him somehow. In my
quence. Anyhow, Mr. Wopsle's Roman dreadful situation, it was a relief when
nose so aggravated me, during the re he was brought back, and, surveying
cital of my misdemeanours, that I the company all round as if they had
should have liked to pull it until he disagreed with him, sank down into
howled. But, all I had endured up to his chair with the one significant gasp,
this time, was nothing in comparison & Tar !”
with the awful feelings that took pos I had filled up the bottle from the
session of me when the pause was tar-water jug. I knew he would be
broken which ensued upon my sister's worse by-and-by. I moved the table,
recital, and in which pause everybody like a Medium of the present day, by
had looked at me (as I felt painfully the vigour of my unseen hold upon it.
conscious) with indignation and abhor “Tar !” cried my sister, in amaze
rence. ment. “Why, how ever could Tar
“Yet,” said Mr. Pumblechook, lead come there !”
ing the company gently back to the But, Uncle Pumblechook, who was
theme from which they had strayed, omnipotent in that kitchen, wouldn’t
“Pork—regarded as biled—is rich, too; hear the word, wouldn't hear of the
ain't it !” subject, imperiously waved it all away
“Have a little brandy, uncle,” said with his hand, and asked for hot gin
my sister. and-water. My sister, who had begun -
O Heavens, it had come at last ! He to be alarmingly meditative, had to
would find it was weak, he would say employ herself actively in getting the
it was weak, and I was lost I held gin, the hot water, the sugar, and the
tight to the leg of the table under the lemon-peel, and mixing them. For
cloth, with both hands, and awaited my the time at least, I was saved. I
fate. -
still held on the leg of the table, but
My sister went for the stone bottle, clutched it now with the fervour of
came back with the stone bottle, and gratitude.
poured his brandy out : no one else By degrees, I became calm enough to
taking any. The wretched man trifled release my grasp, and partake of pud
with his glass—took it up, looked at it ding. Mr. Pumblechook partook of
through the light, put it down—pro pudding. All partook of pudding.
longed my misery. All this time, Mrs. The course terminated, and Mr. Pum
Joe and Joe were briskly clearing the blechook had begun to beam under the
table for the pie and pudding. genial influence of gin-and-water. I
I couldn't keep my eyes off him. began to think I should get over the
Always holding tight by the leg of the day, when my sister said to Joe “Clean
table, with my hands and feet, I saw plates—cold.”
the miserable, creature finger his glass I clutched the leg of the table again
playfully, take it up, smile, throw his immediately, and pressed it to my
head back, and drink the brandy off. bosom as if it had been the companion
Instantly afterwards, the company were of my youth and friend of my soul. I
seized with unspeakable consternation, foresaw what was coming, and I felt
owing to his springing to his feet, turn that this time I really was gone.
ing round several times in an appal “You must taste,” said my sister,
ling spasmodic whooping-cough dance, addressing the guests with her best
and rushing out at the door; he then grace, “You must taste, to finish with,
such a delightful and delicious present the Roman nostrils of Mr. Wopsle. I
of Uncle Pumblechook's ſ” heard Mr. Hubble remark that “a bit
Must they ! Let them not hope to of savoury pork pie would lay atop of
taste it ! anything you could mention, and do no
“You must know,” said my sister, harm,” and I heard Joe say, “You
rising, “it’s a pie; a savoury pork shall have some, Pip.” I have never
pie.” -
been absolutely certain whether Iuttered
The company murmured their com a shrill yell of terror, merely in spirit,
pliments. Uncle Pumblechook, sensible or in the bodily hearing of the company.
of having deserved well of his fellow I felt that I could bear no more, and
creatures, said—quite vivaciously, all that I must run away. I released the
things considered—“Well, Mrs. Joe, leg of the table, and ran for my life,
we'll do our best endeavours; let us But I ran no further than the house
have a cut at this same pie.” door, for there I ran head foremost into
My sister went out to get it. I a party of soldiers with their muskets:
heard her steps proceed to the pantry. one of whom held out a pair of hand
I saw Mr. Pumblechook balance his cuffs to me, saying, “Here you are,
knife. I saw re-awakening appetite in look sharp, come on 1”
CHAPTER W.
THE apparition of a file of soldiers fine wife's acquaintance; speaking for

ringing down the butt-ends of their the king, I answer, a little job done.”
loaded muskets on our door-step, caused This was received as rather neat
the dinner-party to rise from table in in the sergeant ; insomuch that Mr.
confusion, and caused Mrs. Joe, re Pumblechook cried audibly, “Good
entering the kitchen empty-handed, to again l’”
stop short and stare, in her wondering “You see, blacksmith,” said the
lament of “Gracious goodness gracious sergeant, who had by this time picked
me, what's gone—with the-pie l’ out Joe with his eye, “we have had
The sergeant and I were in the kitchen an accident with these, and I find the
when Mrs. Joe stood staring; at which lock of one of 'em goes wrong, and the
crisis I partially recovered the use of my coupling don’t act pretty. As they are
senses. It was the sergeant who had wanted for immediate service, will you
spoken to me, and he was now looking throw your eye over them * *
round at the company, with his hand Joe threw his eye over them, and
cuffs invitingly extended towards them pronounced that the job would necessi
in his right hand, and his left on my tate the lighting of his forge fire, and
shoulder. would take nearer two hours than one.
“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen,” “Will it ! Then will you set about it
said the sergeant, “but as I have men at once, blacksmith?” said the off-hand
tioned at the door to this smart young sergeant, “as it's on his Majesty's
shaver” (which he hadn’t), “I am on service. And if my men can bear a
a chase in the name of the king, and I hand anywhere, they'll make them
want the blacksmith.” selves useful.” With that, he called
“And pray, what might you want to his men, who came trooping into the
with him " retorted my sister, quick kitchen one after another, and piled
to resent his being wanted at all. their arms in a corner. And then
“Missis,” returned the gallant ser they stood about, as soldiers do ; now,
geant, “speaking for myself, I should with their hands loosely clasped before
reply, the honour and pleasure of his them ; now, resting a knee or a shouls
der ; now, easing a belt or a pouch ; but even made my sister liberal. She
now, opening the door to spit stiffly drew a pitcher of beer from the cask,
over their high stocks, out into the for the soldiers, and invited the ser
ard. ' geant to take a glass of brandy. But
All these things I saw without then Mr. Pumblechook said sharply, “Give
knowing that I saw them, for I was him wine, Mum. I’ll engage there's no
in an agony of apprehension. But, Tar in that:” so, the sergeant thanked
beginning to perceive that the hand him and said that, as he preferred his
cuffs were not for me, and that the drink without tar, he would take wine,
military had so far got the better of if it was equally convenient. When it
the pie as to put it in the background, was given him, he drank his Majesty's
I collected a little more of my scattered health and compliments of the season,
wits. and took it all at a mouthful and
“Would you give me the Time !” smacked his lips.
said the sergeant, addressing himself “Good stuff, eh, sergeant 7" said
to Mr. Pumblechook, as to a man Mr. Pumblechook.
whose appreciative powers justified the “I’ll tell you something,” returned
inference that he was equal to the time. the sergeant ; “I suspect that stuff's
“It's just gone half-past two.” of your providing.”
“That's not so bad,” said the ser Mr. Pumblechook, with a fat sort of
geant, reflecting ; “even if I was laugh, said, “Ay, ay ? Why?”
forced to halt here nigh two hours, “Because,” returned the sergeant,
that’ll do. How far might you call clapping him on the shoulder, “you’re
yourselves from the marshes, here a man that knows what's what.”
abouts? Not above a mile, I reckon?” “D'ye think so?” said Mr. Pumble
“Just a mile,” said Mrs. Joe. chook, with his former laugh. “Have
“That'll do. We begin to close in another glass 1'.' -
upon 'em about dusk. A little before “With you. Hob and nob,” re
dusk, my orders are. That'll do.” turned the sergeant. “The top of
“Convicts, sergeant }” asked Mr. mine to the foot of yours—the foot of
Wopsle, in a matter-of-course way. yours to the top of mine—Ring once,
“Ay!” returned the sergeant, “two. ring twice—the best tune on the
They're pretty well known to be out on Musical Glasses 1 Your health. May
the marshes still, and they won’t try to you live a thousand years, and never
get clear of 'em before dusk. Anybody be a worse judge of the right sort than
here seen anything of any such game * you are at the present moment of your
Everybody, myself excepted, said life l’”
no, with confidence. Nobody thought The sergeant tossed off his glass
of me. again and seemed quite ready for
“Well!” said the sergeant, “they'll another glass. I noticed that Mr.
find themselves trapped in a circle, I Pumblechook in his hospitality ap
expect, sooner than they count on. peared to forget that he had made a
Now, blacksmith ! If you're ready, present of the wine, but took the bottle
His Majesty the King is.” from Mrs. Joe and had all the credit of
Joe had got his coat and waistcoat handing it about in a gush of joviality.
and cravat off, and his leather apron Even I got some. And he was so very
on, and passed into the forge. One of free of the wine that he even called for
the soldiers opened its wooden windows, the other bottle, and handed that about
another lighted the fire, another turned with the same liberality, when the first
to at the bellows, the rest stood round was gone.
the blaze, which was soon roaring. As I watched them while they all stood
Then Joe began to hammer and clink, clustering about the forge, enjoying
hammer and clink, and we all looked on. themselves so much, I thought what
The interest of the impending pursuit terrible good sauce for a dinner my
not only absorbed the general attention, fugitive friend on the marshes was.
C
They had not enjoyed themselves a cold and threatening, the way dreary,
quarter so much, before the entertain the footing bad, darkness coming on,
ment was brightened with the excite and the people had good fires in-doors
ment he furnished. And now, when and were keeping the day. A few
they were all in lively anticipation of faces hurried to glowing windows and
“the two villains” being taken, and looked after us, but none came out.
when the bellows seemed to roar for We passed the finger-post, and held
the fugitives, the fire to flare for them, straight on to the churchyard. There,
the smoke to hurry away in pursuit of we were stopped a few minutes by a
them, Joe to hammer and clink for signal from the sergeant's hand, while
them, and all the murky shadows on two or three of his men dispersed them
the wall to shake at them in menace as selves among the graves, and also
the blaze rose and sank and the red examined the porch. They came in
hot sparks dropped and died, the pale again without finding anything, and
afternoon outside almost seemed in my then we struck out on the open
pitying young fancy to have turned pale marshes, through the gate at the side
on their account, poor wretches. of the churchyard. A bitter sleet
At last, Joe's job was done, and the came rattling against us here on the
ringing and roaring stopped. As Joe east wind, and Joe took me on his
got on his coat, he mustered courage to back. º
propose that some of us should go Now that we were out upon the
down with the soldiers and see what dismal wilderness where they little
came of the hunt. Mr. Pumblechook thought I had been within eight or
and Mr. Hubble declined, on the plea nine hours, and had seen both men
of a pipe and ladies' society ; but Mr. hiding, I considered for the first time,
Wopsle said he would go, if Joe would. with great dread, if we should come
Joe said he was agreeable, and would upon them, would my particular con
take me, if Mrs. Joe approved. We vict suppose that it was I who had
never should have got leave to go, I brought the soldiers there ! He had
am sure, but for Mrs. Joe's curiosity asked me if I was a deceiving imp,
to know all about it and how it ended. and he had said I should be a fierce
As it was, she merely stipulated, “If young hound if I joined the hunt
you bring the boy back with his head against him. Would he believe that I
blown to bits by a musket, don’t look was both imp and hound in treacherous
to me to put it together again.” earnest, and had betrayed him :
The sergeant took a polite leave of It was of no use asking myself this
the ladies, and parted from Mr. question now. There I was, on Joe's
Pumblechook as from a comrade; back, and there was Joe beneath me,
though I doubt if he were quite as charging at the ditches like a hunter,
fully sensible of that gentleman's merits and stimulating Mr. Wopsle not to tum
under arid conditions, as when some ble on his Roman nose, and to keep
thing moist was going. His men re up with us. The soldiers were in front
sumed their muskets and fell in. Mr. of us, extending into a pretty wide line
Wopsle, Joe, and I, received strict with an interval between man and
charge to keep in the rear, and to man. We were taking the course I
speak no word after we reached the had begun with, and from which I had
Imarshes. When we were all out in diverged in the mist. Either the mist
the raw air and were steadily moving was not out again yet, or the wind had
towards our business, I treasonably dispelled it. Under the low red glare
whispered to Joe, “I hope, Joe, we of sunset, the beacon, and the gibbet,
shan’t find them.” . And Joe whispered and the mound of the Battery, and the
to me, “I’d give a shilling if they had opposite shore of the river, were plain,
cut and run, Pip.” though all of a watery lead colour.
We were joined by no stragglers With my heart thumping like a
from the village, for the weather was blacksmith at Joe's broad shoulder, I
looked all about for any sign of the more than one voice. Soietimes, it
convicts. I could see none, I could seemed to stop altogether, and then
hear none. Mr. Wopsle had greatly the soldiers stopped. When it broke
alarmed me more than once, by his out again, the soldiers made for it at a
blowing and hard breathing ; but I greater rate than ever, and we after
knew the sounds by this time, and them. After a while, we had so run
could dissociate them from the object it down, that we could hear one voice
of pursuit. I got a dreadful start, calling “Murder l’” and another voice,
when I thought I heard the file still “Convicts : Runaways : Guard . This
going ; but it was only a sheep bell. way for the runaway convicts " Then
The sheep stopped in their eating and both voices would seem to be stifled in
looked timidly at us; and the cattle, a struggle, and then would break out
their heads turned from the wind and again. And when it had come to this,
sleet, stared angrily as if they held us the soldiers ran like deer, and Joe too.
responsible for both annoyances; but, The sergeant ran in first, when we
except these things, and the shudder of had run the noise quite down, and two
the dying day in every blade of grass, of his men ran in close upon him.
there was no break in the bleak still Their pieces were cocked and levelled
ness of the marshes. when we all ran in.
The soldiers were moving on in the “Here are both men l’’ panted the
direction of the old Battery, and we sergeant, struggling at the bottom of a
were moving on a little way behind ditch. “Surrender, you two and
them, when, all of a sudden, we all confound you for two wild beasts
stopped. For, there had reached us, Come asunder l’’
on the wings of the wind and rain, a Water was splashing, and mud was
long shout. It was repeated. It was flying, and oaths were being sworn,
at a distance towards the east, but it and blows were being struck, when
was long and loud. Nay, there seemed some more men went down into the
to be two or more shouts raised together ditch to help the Sergeant, and dragged
—if one might judge from a confusion out, separately, my convict and the
in the sound. other one. Both were bleeding and
To this effect the sergeant and the panting and execrating and strug
nearest men were speaking under their gling; but of course I knew them
breath, when Joe and I came up. both directly.
After another moment’s listening, Joe “Mind ''” said my convict, wiping
(who was a good judge) agreed, and blood from his face with his ragged
Mr. Wopsle (who was a bad judge) sleeves, and shaking torn hair from his
agreed. The sergeant, a decisive man, fingers; “I took him I give him
ordered that the sound should not be up to you ! Mind that l”
answered, but that the course should “It’s not much to be particular
be changed, and that his men should about,” said the sergeant ; “it’ll do
make towards it “at the double.” So you Small good, my man, being in
we started to the right (where the East the same plight yourself. Handcuffs
was), and Joe pounded away so wonder there !”
fully, that I had to hold on tight to “I don't expect it to do me any
keep my seat. good. I don't want it to do me more
It was a run indeed now, and what good than it does now,” said my con
Joe called, in the only two words he vict, with a greedy laugh. “I took
spoke all the time, “a Winder.” Down him. He knows it. That's enough for
banks and up banks, and over gates, me.”
and splashing into dykes, and breaking The other convict was livid to lookat,
among coarse rushes: no man cared and, in addition to the old bruised left
where he went. As we came nearer side of his face, seemed to be bruised
to the shouting, it became more and and torn all over. He could not so
more apparent that it was made by much as get his breath to speak, until
G 2
they were both separately handcuffed, “Do you see him #" pursued my
but leaned upon a soldier to keep him convict. “Do you see what a villain
self from falling. - he is Do you see those grovelling and
“Take notice, guard—he tried to wandering eyes } That's how he looked
murder me,” were his first words. when we were tried together. He never
“Tried to murder him " said my looked at me.”
convict, disdainfully. “Try, and not The other, always working and
do it? I took him, and giv' him up ; working his dry lips and turning his
that's what I done. I not only pre eyes restlessly about him far and near,
vented him getting off the marshes, but did at last turn them for a moment on
I dragged him here—dragged him this the speaker, with the words, “You are
far on his way back. He's a gentleman, not much to look at,” and with a half
if you please, this villain. Now, the taunting glance at the bound hands.
Hulks has got its gentleman again, At that point, my convict became so
through me. Murder him : Worth frantically exasperated, that he would
my while, too, to murder him, when I have rushed upon him but for the
could do worse and drag him back l’” interposition of the soldiers. “Didn't
The other one still gasped, “He tried I tell you,” said the other convict then,
—he tried—to—murder me. Bear— “that he would murder me, if he
bear witness.” could 7" And any one could see that
“Lookee here !” said my convict to he shook with fear, and that there
the sergeant. “Single-handed I got broke out upon his lips curious white
clear of the prison-ship ; I made a dash flakes, like thin snow. -
and I done it. I could ha’ got clear of “Enough of this parley,” said the
these death-cold flats likewise—look at sergeant. “Light those torches.”
my leg: you won't find much iron on it As one of the soldiers, who carried a
—if I hadn’t made discovery that he basket in lieu of a gun, went down on
was here. Let him go free ? Let him his kee to open it, my convict looked
profit by the means as I found out ! round him for the first time, and saw
Let him make a tool of me afresh and me. I had alighted from Joe's back on
again Once more ? No, no, no. If the brink of the ditch when we came
I had died at the bottom there;” and up, and had not moved since. I looked
he made an emphatic swing at the at him eagerly when he looked at me,
ditch with his manacled hands; “I’d and slightly moved my hands and shook
have held to him with that grip, that my head. I had been waiting for him
you should have been safe to find him to see me, that I might try to assure
in my hold.” him of my innocence. It was not at
The other fugitive, who was evidently all expressed to me that he even com
in extreme horror of his companion, prehended my intention, for he gave me
repeated, “He tried to murder me. I a look that I did not understand, and
should have been a dead man if you had it all passed in a moment. But if he
not come up.” * had looked at me for an hour or for a
“He lies!” said my convict, with day, I could not have remembered his •
fierce energy. “He’s a liar born, and face ever afterwards, as having been
he'll die a liar. Look at his face; more attentive.
ain’t it written there ? Let him turn The soldier with the basket soon got
those eyes of his on me. I defy him to a light, and lighted three or four
do it.” torches, and took one himself and dis
The other, with an effort at a scornful tributed the others. It had been
smile — which could not, however, almost dark before, but now it seemed
collect the nervous working of his quite dark, and soon afterwards very
mouth into any set expression, looked dark. Before we departed from that
at the soldiers, and looked about at the spot, four soldiers standing in a ring,
marshes and at the sky, but certainly fired twice into the air. Presently we
did not look at the speaker. saw other torches kindled at some
distance behind us, and others on the geant made some kind of report, and
marshes on the opposite bank of the Solne entry in a book, and then the
river. “All right,” said the sergeant. convict whom I call the other convict
“March.” was drafted off with his guard, to go on
We had not gone far when three board first.
cannon were fired ahead of us with a My convict never looked at me, except
sound that seemed to burst something that once. While we stood in the hut,
inside my ear. “You are expected on he stood before the fire looking thought
board,” said the sergeant to my con fully at it, or putting up his feet by
vict; “they know you are coming. turns upon the hob, and looking
Don't straggle, my man. Close up thoughtfully at them as if he pitied
here.” them for their recent adventures.
The two were kept apart, and each Suddenly, he turned to the sergeant,
walked surrounded by a separate guard. and remarked :
I had hold of Joe's hand now, and Joe “I wish to say something respecting
carried one of the torches. Mr. Wopsle this escape. It may prevent some per
had been for going back, but Joe was sons laying under suspicion alonger
resolved to see it out, so we went on me.”
with the party. There was a reason “You can say what you like,” re
ably good path now, mostly on the turned the sergeant, standing coolly
edge of the river, with a divergence looking at him with his arms folded,
here and there where a dyke came, “but you have no call to say it here.
with a miniature windmill on it and a You'll have opportunity enough to say
muddy sluice-gate. When I looked about it, and hear about it, before it's
round, I could see the other lights done with, you know.”
coming in after us. The torches we “I know, but this is another pint, a
carried, dropped great blotches of fire separate matter. A man can’t starve;
upon the track, and I could see those, at least I can’t. I took some wittles,
too, lying smoking and flaring. I up at the willage over yonder—where
could see nothing else but black dark the church stands a'most out on the
ness. Our lights warmed the air about marshes.”
us with their pitchy blaze, and the two “You mean stole,” said the sergeant.
prisoners seemed rather to like that, as “And I’ll tell you where from. From
they limped along in the midst of the the blacksmith’s.”
muskets. We could not go fast, be “Halloa l’” said the sergeant, staring
cause of their lameness; and they were at Joe.
so spent, that two or three times we “Halloa, Pip !” said Joe, staringat
had to halt while they rested. Ine.
After an hour or so of this travelling, “It was some broken wittles—that's

we came to a rough wooden hut and a what it was—and a dram of liquor,
landing-place. There was a guard in and a pie.” -
the hut, and they challenged, and the “Have you happened to miss such
sergeant answered. Then, we went an article as a pie, blacksmith ?” asked
into the hut, where there was a smell the sergeant, confidentially.
of tobacco and whitewash, and a bright “My wife did, at the very moment
fire, and a lamp, and a stand of when you came in. Don't you know,
muskets, and a drum, and a low Pip " -
wooden bedstead, like an overgrown “So,” said my convict, turning his

mangle without the machinery, capable eyes on Joe in a moody manner, and
of holding about a dozen soldiers all at without the least glance at me ; “so
once. Three or four soldiers who lay you're the blacksmith, are you? Then
upon it in their great-coats, were not I'm sorry to say, I've eat your pie.”
much interested in us, but just lifted “God knows you're welcome to it—
their heads and took a sleepy stare, so far as it was ever mine,” returned
and then lay down again. The ser Joe, with a saving remembrance of
Mrs. Joe. “We don't know what you in the boat growled as if to dogs, “Give
have done, but we wouldn’t have you way, you !” which was the signal for
starved to death for it, poor miserable the dip of the oars. By the light of the
fellow-creatur.—Would us, Pip?” torches, we saw the black Hulk lying
The something that I had noticed out a little way from the mud of the
before, clicked in the man's throat shore, like a wicked Noah's ark.
again, and he turned his back. The Cribbed and barred and moored by
boat had returned, and his guard were massive rusty chains, the prison-ship
ready, so we followed him to the land seemed in my young eyes to be ironed
ing-place made of rough stakes and like the prisoners. We saw the boat
stones, and saw him put into the boat, go alongside, and we saw him taken up
which was rowed by a crew of convicts the side and disappear. Then, the
like himself. No one seemed surprised ends of the torches were flung hissing
to see him, or interested in seeing him, into the water, and went out, as if it
or glad to see him, or sorry to see him, were all over with him.
or spoke a word, except that somebody
CEIAPTER WI
My state of mind regarding the was debating whether I had been in the
pilfering from which I had been so pantry. That, if Joe knew it, and at
unexpectedly exonerated, did not impel any subsequent period of our joint
me to frank disclosure; but I hope it had domestic life remarked that his beer
some dregs of good at the bottom of it. was flat or thick, the conviction that he
I do not recal that I felt any tender suspected Tar in it, would bring a rush
ness of conscience in reference to Mrs.
of blood to my face. In a word, I was
Joe, when the fear of being found out too cowardly to do what I knew to be
was lifted off me. But I loved Joe— right, as I had been too cowardly to
perhaps for no better reason in those avoid doing what I knew to be wrong.
early days than because the dear fellow I had had no intercourse with the
let me love him—and, as to him, my world at that time, and I imitated
inner self was not so easily composed. none of its many inhabitants who act
It was much upon my mind (particu in this manner. Quite an untaught
larly when I first saw him looking genius, I made the discovery of the line
about for his file) that I ought to tell of action for myself.
Joe the whole truth. Yet I did not, As I was sleepy before we were far
and for the reason that I mistrusted away from the prison-ship, Joe took me
that if I did, he would think me worse on his back again and carried me home.
than I was. The fear of losing Joe's He must have had a tiresome journey
confidence, and of thenceforth sitting in of it, for Mr. Wopsle, being knocked
the chimney-corner at night staring up, was in such a very bad temper that
drearily at my for ever lost companion if the Church had been thrown open,
and friend, tied up my tongue. I he would probably have excommuni
morbidly represented to myself that if cated the whole expedition, beginning
Joe knew it, I never afterwards could with Joe and myself. In his lay capa
see him at the fireside feeling his fair city, he persisted in sitting down in the
whisker, without thinking that he was damp to such an insane extent, that
meditating on it. That, if Joe knew when his coatwas taken off to be dried at
it, . I never afterwards could see him the kitchen fire, the circumstantial evi
glance, however casually, at yesterday's dence on his trousers would have hanged
meat or pudding when it came on to him if it had been a capital offence.
day's table, without thinking that he By that time, I was staggering on the
kitchen floor like a little drunkard, body—it was agreed that it must be so.
through having been newly set upon my Mr. Wopsle, indeed, wildly cried out
feet, and through having been fast “No 1" with the feeble malice of a
asleep, and through waking in the heat tired man ; but, as he had no theory,
and lights and noise of tongues. As I and no coat on, he was unanimously
came to myself (with the aid of a heavy set at naught—not to mention his
thump between the shoulders, and the smoking hard behind, as he stood with
restorative exclamation ‘‘ Yah Was his back to the kitchen fire to draw the
there ever such a boy as this l’ from damp out : which was not calculated to
my sister), I found Joe telling them inspire confidence.
about the convict's confession, and all This was all I heard that night before
the visitors suggesting different ways by my sister clutched me, as a slumberous
which he had got into the pantry. Mr. offence to the company’s eyesight, and
Pumblechook made out, after carefully assisted me up to bed with such a strong
surveying the premises, that he had hand that I seemed to have fifty boots
first got upon the roof of the forge, and on, and to be dangling them all against
had then got upon the roof of the the edges of the stairs. My state of
house, and had then let himself down mind, as I have described it, began
the kitchen chimney by a rope made of before I was up in the morning, and
his bedding cut into strips; and as Mr. lasted long after the subject had died
Pumblechook was very positive and out, and had ceased to be mentioned
drove his own chaise-cart—over every saving on exceptional occasions.
CHAPTER WIT.
AT the time when I stood in the what Mrs. Joe called “Pompeyed,” or
churchyard, reading the family tomb (as I render it) pampered. Therefore,
stones, I had just enough learning to I was not only odd-boy about the forge,
be able to spell them out. My con but if any neighbour happened to want
struction even of their simple meaning an extra boy to frighten birds, or pick
was not very correct, for I read “wife up stones, or do any such job, I was
of the Above” as a complimentary favoured with the employment. In
reference to my father's exaltation to a order, however, that our superior posi
better world; and if any one of my tion might not be compromised thereby,
deceased relations had been referred a money-box was kept on the kitchen
to as “Below,” I have no doubt I should mantel-shelf, into which it was publicly
have formed the worst opinions of that made known that all my earnings were
member of the family. Neither were dropped. I have an impression that
my notions of the theological positions they were to be contributed eventually
to which my Catechism bound me, at towards the liquidation of the National
all accurate; for, I have a lively Debt, but I know I had no hope of any
remembrance that I supposed my decla personal participation in the treasure.
ration that I was to “walk in the same Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt kept an
all the days of my life,” laid me under evening school in the village; that is to
an obligation always to go through the say, she was a ridiculous old woman of
village from our house in one particular limited means and unlimited infirmity,
direction, and never to vary it by turn
who used to go to sleep from six to
ing down by the wheelwright's or up byseven every evening, in the society of
the mill. youth who paid twopence per week
When I was old enough, I was to be each, for the improving opportunity of
apprenticed to Joe, and until I could seeing her do it. She rented a small
assume that dignity I was not to be cottage, and Mr. Wopsle had the room
up-stairs, where we students used to selves and baffle recognition. But, at

overhear him reading aloud in a most at last I began, in a purblind groping
dignified and terrific manner, and occa way, to read, write, and cipher, on the
sionally bumping on the ceiling. There very smallest scale.
was a fiction that Mr. Wopsle “exa One night, I was sitting in the chim
mined ” the scholars, once a quarter. ney-corner with my slate, expending
What he did on those occasions was to great efforts on the production of a
turn up his cuffs, stick up his hair, letter to Joe. I think it must have been
and give us Mark Antony's oration a full year after our hunt upon the
over the body of Caesar. This was marshes, for it was a long time after,
always followed by Collins's Ode on and it was winter and a hard frost.
the Passions, wherein I particularly With an alphabet on the hearth at my
venerated Mr. Wopsle as Revenge, feet for reference, I contrived in an
throwing his blood-stained sword in hour or two to print and smear this
thunder down, and taking the War epistle:
denouncing trumpet with a withering “MI DEER JO i opF U R KRWITE
look. It was not with me then, as it well i opB i SHAL soM BHABELL 4.2
was in later life, when I fell into the TEEDGE U JO AN THEN WE SHORL B
society of the Passions, and compared SO GLODD AN WEN i M. PRENGTD 2 U.
them with Collins and Wopsle, rather JO woT LARX AN BLEVE ME INF xN
to the disadvantage of both gentlemen. PIP.”
Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt, besides There was no indispensable necessity
keeping this Educational Institution, for my communicating with Joe by letter,
kept in the same room—a little general inasmuch as he sat beside me and we
shop. She had no idea what stock she were alone. But, I delivered this
had, or what the price of anything in written communication (slate and all)
it was ; but there was a little greasy with my own hand, and Joe received it,
memorandum-book kept in a drawer, as a miracle of erudition.
which served as a Catalogue of Prices, “I say, Pip, old chap !” cried Joe,
, and by this oracle Biddy arranged all opening his blue eyes wide, “what a
the shop transactions. Biddy was Mr. scholar you are Ain't you?”
Wopsle's great-aunt's granddaughter; I “I should like to be,” said I, glancing
confess myself quite unequal to the at the slate as he held it : with a mis
working out of the problem, what rela giving that the writing was rather
tion she was to Mr. Wopsle. She was hilly.
an orphan like myself; like me, too, “Why, here's a J,” said Joe, “and
had been brought up by hand. She a O equal to anythink Here’s a J and
was most noticeable, I thought, in a O, Pip, and a J-0, Joe.”
respect of her extremities; for, her hair I had never heard Joe read aloud to
always wanted brushing, her hands ..any greater extent than this monosyl
always wanted washing, and her shoes lable, and I had observed at church last
always wanted mending and pulling up Sunday, when I accidentally held our
at heel. This description must be Prayer-Book upside down, that it
received with a week-day limitation. seemed to suit his convenience quite as
On Sundays she went to church elabo well as if it had been all right. Wish
rated. -
ing to embrace the present occasion of
Much of my unassisted self, and finding out whether in teaching Joe, I
more by the help of Biddy than of Mr. should have to begin quite at the begin
Wopsle's great-aunt, I struggled through ning, I said, “Ah ! But read the rest,
the alphabet as if it had been a bram Joe.”
ble-bush ; getting considerably worried “The rest, eh, Pip !” said Joe, look
and scratched by every letter. After ing at it with a slowly searching eye,
that, I fell among those thieves, the “One, two, three. Why, here's three
nine figures, who seemed every evening Js, and three Os, and three J-0, Joes,
to do something new to disguise them in it, Pip !”
I leaned over Joe, and, with the aid a most tremenjous crowd and make such
of my forefinger, read him the whole a row at the doors of the houses where
letter. -
we was, that they used to be obligated
“Astonishing !” said Joe, when I to have no more to do with us and to
had finished. “You ARE a scholar.” give us up to him. And then he took
“How do you spell Gargery, Joe #" us home and hammered us. Which,
I asked him, with a modest patronage. you see, Pip,” said Joe, pausing in his
“I don't spell it at all,” said Joe. meditative raking of the fire, and look
“But supposing you did " ing at me, “were a drawback on my
“It can't be supposed,” said Joe. learning.”
“Tho’ I’m oncommon fond of reading, “Certainly, poor Joe l’’
too.” “Though mind you, Pip,” said Joe,
“Are you, Joe 7" with a judicial touch or two of the
“On-common. Give me,” said Joe, poker on the top bar, “rendering unto
“a good book, or a good newspaper, all their doo, and maintaining equal
and sit me down afore a good fire, and I justice betwixt man and man, my father
ask no better. Lord!” he continued, were that good in his hart, don’t you
after rubbing his knees a little, “when See ?”
you do come to a J and a 0, and says I didn't see; but I didn't say so.
you, ‘Here, at last, is a J-0, Joe,’ how “Well !” Joe pursued, “somebody
interesting reading is t” must keep the pot abiling, Pip, or the
I derived from this, that Joe's educa pot won’t bile, don't you know "
tion, like Steam, was yet in its infancy. I saw that, and said so.
Pursuing the subject, I inquired : “’Consequence, my father didn't
“Didn't you ever go to school, Joe, make objections to my going to work ;
when you were as little as me !” so I wentto work at my present calling,
“No, Pip.” which were his too, if he would have
“Why didn't you ever go to school, followed it, and I worked tolerable
Joe, when you were as little as hard, I assure you, Pip In time I
me 2'' were able to keep him, and I kep him
“Well, Pip,” said Joe, taking up the till he went off in a purple leptic fit.
poker, and settling himself to his usual And it were my intentions to have had
occupation when he was thoughtful, of put upon his tombstone that What
slowly raking the fire between the lower sume'er the failings on his part, Re
bars: “I’ll tell you. My father, Pip, member reader he were that good in his
he were given to drink, and when he hart.”
were overtook with drink, he hammered Joe recited this couplet with such
away at my mother most on merciful. manifest pride and careful perspicuity,
It were a'most the only hammering he that I asked him if he had made it
did, indeed, 'xcepting at myself. And himself
he hammered at me with a wigour only “I made it,” said Joe, “my own
to be equalled by the wigour with which self. I made it in a moment. It was
he didn’t hammer at his anvil. like striking out a horseshoe complete,
You're a-listening and understanding, in a single blow. I never was so much
Pip?” surprised in all my life—couldn’t credit
“Yes, Joe.” my own ed—to tell you the truth,
“’Consequence, my mother and me hardly believed it were my own ed. As
we ran away from my father several I was saying, Pip, it were my inten
times; and then my mother she'd go tions to have had it cut over him ; but
out to work, and she'd say, “Joe,” she'd poetry costs money, cut it how you will,
say, ‘now, please God, you shall have small or large, and it were not done.
some schooling, child,’ and she’d put Not to mention bearers, all the money
me to school. But my father were that that could be spared were wanted for
good in his hart that he couldn’t abear my mother. She were in poor elth, and
to be without us. So, he'd come with quite broke, She waren't long of fol
lowing, poor soul, and her share of your sister, “there's room for him at
peace come round at last.” the forge l’”
Joe's blue eyes turned a little watery; I broke out crying and begging par
he rubbed, first one of them, and then don, and hugged Joe round the neck :
the other, in a most uncongenial and who dropped the poker to hug me, and
uncomfortable manner, with the round to say, “Ever the best of friends;
knob on the top of the poker. ain't us, Pip ! Don't cry, old chap !”
“It were but lonesome then,” said | When this little interruption was
Joe, “living here alone, and I got over, Joe resumed:
acquainted with your sister. “Now, “Well, you see, Pip, and here we
Pip;” Joe looked firmly at me, as if are That's about where it lights;
he knew I was not going to agree with here we are Now, when you take
him; “your sister is a fine figure of a me in hand in my learning, Pip (and I
woman.” tell you beforehand I am awful dull,
I could not help looking at the fire, most awful dull), Mrs. Joe mustn't see
in an obvious state of doubt. too much of what we're up to. It
“Whatever family opinions, or what must be done, as I may say, on the
ever the world’s opinions, on that sub sly. And why on the sly I’ll tell
ject may be, Pip, your sister is,” Joe you why, Pip.” -
tapped the top bar with the poker He had taken up the poker again;
after every word following, “a-fine— without which, I doubt if he could
figure—of-a-woman l’” have, proceeded in his demonstration.
I could think of nothing better to “Your sister is given to govern
say than “I am glad you think so, ment.”
Joe.” “Given to government, Joe 7" I
“So am I,” returned Joe, catching was startled, for I had some shadowy
me up. “I am glad I think so, Pip. idea (and I am afraid I must add, hope)
A little redness, or a little matter of that Joe had divorced her in favour of
Bone, here or there, what does it signify the Lords of the Admiralty, or Trea
to Me 3’” Sury.
I sagaciously observed, if it didn't “Given to government,” said Joe.
signify to him, to whom did it signify? “Which I meantersay the government
“Certainly 1” assented Joe. “That's of you and myself.”
it. You're right, old chap . When I “Oh ſ*
got acquainted with your sister, it were “And she ain't over partial to
the talk how she was bringing you up having scholars on the premises,” Joe
by hand. Wery kind of her too, all the continued, “and in partickler would
folks said, and I said, along with all not be over partial to my being a
the folks. As to you,” Joe pursued, scholar, for fear as I might rise. Like
with a countenance expressive of seeing a sort of rebel, don't you see ?”
something very nasty indeed : “if you I was going to retort with an inquiry,
could have been aware how small and and had got as far as “Why ” when
flabby and mean you was, dear me, Joe stopped me.
you’d have formed the most contemp “Stay a bit. I know what you're
tible opinions of yourself l’” a-going to say, Pip ; stay a bit ! I
Not exactly relishing this, I said, don't deny that your sister comes the
“Never mind me, Joe.” Mo-gul over us, now and again. I don’t
“But I did mind you, Pip,” he re- deny that she do throw us back-falls,
turned, with tender simplicity. “When and that she do drop down upon us
I offered to your sister to keep com- heavy. At such times as when your
pany, and to be asked in church, at sister is on the Ram-page, Pip,” Joe
such times as she was willing and ready sank his voice to a whisper and glanced
to come to the forge, I said to her, at the door, “candour compels fur to
“And bring the poor little child. God admit that she is a Buster.”
bless the poor little child,' I said to Joe pronounced this word, as if it
hegan with at least twelve capital Mrs. Joe made occasional trips with
Bs. Uncle Pumblechool: on market-days, to
“Why don't I rise ? That were assist him in buying such household
your observation when I broke it off, stuffs and goods as required a woman's
Pip " judgment ; Uncle Pumblechook being a
“Yes, Joe.” . bachelor and reposing no confidences in
“Well,” said Joe, passing the poker his domestic servant. This was market
into his left hand, that he might feel day, and Mrs. Joe was out on one of
his whisker; and I had no hope of him these expeditions.
whenever he took to that placid occu Joe made the fire and swept the
pation; “your sister's a master-mind. hearth, and then we went to the door
A master-mind.” to listen for the chaise-cart. It was a
“What's that ?” I asked, in some dry cold night, and the wind blew
hope of bringing him to a stand. But, keenly, and the frost was white and
Joe was readier with his definition than hard. A man would die to-night of
I had expected, and completely stopped lying out on the marshes, I thought.
me by arguing circularly, and answering And then I looked at the stars, and
with a fixed look, “Her.” considered how awful it would be for a
“And I ain't a master-mind,” Joe re man to turn his face up to them as he
sumed, when he had unfixed his look, froze to death, and see no help or pity
and got back to his whisker. “And in all the glittering multitude.
last of all, Pip—and this I want to say “Here comes the mare,” said Joe,
very serous to you old chap—I see so “ringing like a peal of bells I’”
much in my poor mother, of a woman The sound of her iron shoes upon the
drudging and slaving and breaking her hard road was quite musical, as she
honest hart and never getting no peace came along at a much brisker trot than
in her mortal days, that I’m dead afeerd usual. We got a chair out, ready for
of going wrong in the way of not doing Mrs. Joe's alighting, and stirred up the
what's right by a woman, and I’d fur fire that they might see a bright win
rather of the two go wrong the t'otherdow, and took a final survey of the
way, and be a little ill-conwenienced kitchen that nothing might be out of
myself. I wish it was only me that its place. When we had completed
got put out, Pip; I wish there warn’t these preparations, they drove up,
no Tickler for you, old chap ; I wish I wrapped to the eyes. Mrs. Joe was
could take it all on myself; but this soon landed, and Uncle Pumblechook
is the up-and-down-and-straight on it, was soon down too, covering the mare
Pip, and I hope you'll overlook short with a cloth, and we were soon all in
comings.” the kitchen, carrying so much cold air
Young as I was, I believe that I with us that it seemed to drive all the
dated a new admiration of Joe from heat out of the fire.
that night. We were equals after “Now,” said Mrs. Joe, unwrapping
wards, as we had been before ; but, herself with haste and excitement, and
afterwards at quiet times when I sat throwing her bonnet back on her shoul
looking at Joe and thinking about ders where it hung by the strings : “if
him, I had a new sensation of feeling this boy ain't grateful this night, he
conscious that I was looking up to Joe never will be l’”
in my heart. 32
I looked as grateful as any boy pos
“However,” said Joe, rising to re sibly could, who was wholly uninformed
plenish the fire; “here's the Dutch why he ought to assume that expression.
clock a-working himself up to being “It’s only to be hoped,” said my
equal to strike Eight of 'em, and she's sister, “that he won’t be Pompeyed.
not come home yet ! I hope Uncle But I have my fears.”
Pumblechook's mare mayn't have set “She ain't in that line, Mum,”
a fore-foot on a piece o' ice, and gone said Mr. Pumblechook, “She knows
down,” better,”
She I looked at Joe, making the always considerate and thoughtful for
motion with my lips and eyebrows, us—though you may not think it,
“She #" Joe looked at me, making Joseph,” in a tone of the deepest re
the motion with his lips and eyebrows, proach, as if he were the most callous
“She #" My sister catching him in of nephews, “then mention this boy,
the act, he drew the back of his hand standing Prancing here”—which I
across his nose with his usual concilia solemnly declare I was not doing—
tory air on such occasions, and looked “that I have for ever been a willing
at her. slave to ?”
“Well ?” said my sister, in her “Good again ſ” cried Uncle Pumble
snappish way. “What are you staring chook. “Well put | Prettily pointed
at # Is the house a-fire ?” Good indeed! Now, Joseph, you know
“—Which some individual,” Joe the case.”
politely hinted, “mentioned she.” “No, Joseph,” said my sister, still
“And she is a she, I suppose ?” in a reproachful manner, while Joe
said my sister. “Unless you call Miss apologetically drew the back of his
Havisham a he. And I doubt if even hand across and across his nose, “you
you’ll go so far as that.” do not yet—though you may not think
“Miss Havisham up town º’’ said it—know the case. You may consider
Joe. that you do, but you do not, Joseph.
“Is there any Miss Havisham down For you do not know that Uncle Pum
town º’ returned my sister. “She blechook, being sensible that for any
wants this boy to go and play there. thing we can tell, this boy's fortune
And of course he's going. And he had may be made by his going to Miss
better play there,” said my sister, Havisham's, has offered to take him
shaking her head at me as an en into town to-night in his own chaise
couragement to be extremely light and cart, and to keep him to-night, and
sportive, “ or I’ll work him.” to take him with his own hands to
I had heard of Miss Havisham up Miss Havisham's to-morrow morning.
town—everybody for miles round, had And Lor-a-mussy me !” cried my sister,
heard of Miss Havisham up town—as casting off her bonnet in sudden des
an immensely rich and grim lady who peration, “here I stand talking to
lived in a large and dismal house bar mere Mooncalfs, with Uncle Pumble
ricaded against robbers, and who led chook waiting, and the mare catch
a life of seclusion. ing cold at the door, and the boy
“Well to be sure ſ” said Joe, as grimed with crock and dirt from the
tounded. “I wonder how she comes hair of his head to the sole of his
to know Pip !” foot ''
“Noodle !” cried my sister. “Who With that, she pounced on me, like
said she knew him 7” an eagle on a lamb, and my face was
“— Which some individual,” Joe squeezed into wooden bowls in sinks,
again politely hinted, “mentioned that and my head was put under taps of
she wanted him to go and play there.” water-butts, and I was soaped, and
“And couldn’t she ask Uncle Pum kneaded, and towelled, and thumped,
blechook if he knew of a boy to go and and harrowed, and rasped, until I
play there? Isn't it just barely pos really was quite beside myself. (I may
sible that Uncle Pumblechook may be here remark that I suppose myself to
a tenant of hers, and that he may be better acquainted than any living
sometimes—we won't say quarterly or authority, with the ridgy effect of a
half-yearly, for that would be requiring wedding-ring, passing unsympatheti.
too much of you—but sometimes—go cally over the human countenance.)
there to pay his rent And couldn’t When my ablutions were completed,
she then ask Uncle Pumblechook if he I was put into clean linen of the stifiest
knew of a boy to go and play there character, like a young penitent into
And couldn't Uncle Pumblechook, being sackcloth, and was trussed up in my
tightest and fearfullest suit. I was “God bless you, Pip, old chap *
then delivered over to Mr. Pumble I had never parted from him before,
chook, who formally received me as if and what with my feelings and what
he were the Sheriff, and who let off with soap-suds, I could at first see no
upon me the speech that I knew he stars from the chaise-cart. But they
had been dying to make all along : twinkled out one by one, without throw
“Boy, be for ever grateful to all ing any light on the questions why on
friends, but especially unto them which earth I was going to play at Miss Havi
brought you up by hand ''' sham's, and what on earth I was ex
“Good-bye, Joe l’” pected to play at.
CHAPTER VIII.
Mr. PUMBLECHook's premises in the plating the baker, who in his turn folded
High-street of the market town, were of his arms and stared at the grocer, who
a peppercorny and farinaceous character, stood at his door and yawned at the
as the premises of a corn-chandler and chemist. The watchmaker, always por
seedsman should be. It appeared to ing over a little desk with a magnifying
me that he must be a very happy man glass at his eye, and always inspected
indeed, to have so many little drawers by a group in smock-frocks poring over
in his shop : and I wondered when I him through the glass of his shop-win
peeped into one or two on the lower dow, seemed to be about the only per
tiers, and saw the tied-up brown paper son in the High-street whose trade
packets inside, whether the flower engaged his attention.
seeds and bulbs ever wanted of a fine Mr. Pumblechook and I breakfasted
day to break out of those jails, and at eight o'clock in the parlour behind
bloom. the shop, while the shopman took his
It was in the early morning after my mug of tea and hunch of bread-and
arrival that I entertained this specula butter on a sack of peas in the front
tion. On the previous night, I had premises. I considered Mr. Pumble
been sent straight to bed in an attic chook wretched company. Besides being
with a sloping roof, which was so low in possessed by my sister's idea that a
the corner where the bedstead was, that mortifying and penitential character
I calculated the tiles as being within a ought to be imparted to my diet—
foot of my eyebrows. In the same early besides giving me as much crumb as
morning, I discovered a singular affinity possible in combination with as little
between seeds and corduroys. Mr. butter, and putting such a quantity of
Pumblechook wore corduroys, and so warm water into my milk that it would
did his shopman; and somehow, there have been more candid to have left the
was a general air and flavour about the milk out altogether—his conversation
corduroys, so much in the nature of consisted of nothing but arithmetic.
seeds, and a general air and flavour On my politely bidding him Good morn
about the seeds, so much in the nature ing, he said, pompously, “Seven times
of corduroys, that I hardly knew which nine, boy #" And how should I be
was which. The same opportunity served able to answer, dodged in that way, in
me for noticing that Mr. Pumblechook a strange place, on an empty stomach
appeared to conduct his business by I was hungry, but before I had swal
looking across the street at the saddler, lowed a morsel, he began a running
who appeared to transact his business sum that lasted all through the break
by keeping his eye on the coachmaker, fast. “Seven 2° “And four !” “And
who appeared to get on in life by putting eight º’” “And six 7” “And two 7"
his hands in his pockets and contem “And ten ?” And so on. And after
cach figure was disposed of, it was as me severely—as if I had done anything
much as I could do to get a bite or a to him —and departed with the words
sup, before the next came; while he sat reproachfully delivered : “Boy | Let
at his ease guessing nothing, and eating your behaviour here be a credit unto
bacon and hot roll, in (if I may be them which brought you up by hand l’”
allowed the expression) a gorging and I was not free from apprehension that
gormandising manner. he would come back to propound through
For such reasons, I was very glad the gate, “And sixteen º’ But he
when ten o’clock came and we started didn’t.
for Miss Havisham's ; though I was not My young conductress locked the
at all at my ease regarding the manner gate, and we went across the court-yard.
in which I should acquit myself under It was paved and clean, but grass was
that lady's roof. Within a quarter of growing in every crevice. The brewery
an hour we came to Miss Havisham's buildings had a little lane of communi
house, which was of old brick, and cation with it ; and the wooden gates
dismal, and had a great many iron bars of that lane stood open, and all the
to it. Some of the windows had been brewery beyond stood open, away to
walled up ; of those that remained, all the high enclosing wall ; and all was
the lower were rustily barred. There empty and disused. The cold wind
was a court-yard in front, and that was seemed to blow colder there, than out
barred ; so, we had to wait, after ring side the gate ; and it made a shrill
ing the bell, until some one should come noise in howling in and out at the open
to open it. While we waited at the sides of the brewery, like the noise of
gate, I peeped in (even then Mr. Pum wind in the rigging of a ship at sea.
blechook said, “And fourteen 2° but I She saw me looking at it, and she
pretended not to hear him), and saw said, “You could drink without hurt
that at the side of the house there was all the strong beer that's brewed there
a large brewery. No brewing was going now, boy.”
on in it, and none seemed to have gone “I should think I could, miss,” said
on for a long time. I, in a shy way.
A window was raised, and a clear “Better not try to brew beer there
voice demanded “What name 3’ To now, or it would turn out sour, boy;
which my conductor replied, “Pumble don’t you think so 2°
chook.” The voice returned, “Quite “It looks like it, miss.”
right,” and the window was shut again, “Not that anybody means to try,”
and a young lady came across the court she added, “for that's all done with,
yard, with keys in her hand. and the place will stand as idle as it is,
“This,” said Mr. Pumblechook, “is till it falls. As to strong beer, there's
Pip.” enough of it in the cellars already, to
“This is Pip, is it !” returned the drown the Manor House.”
young lady, who was very pretty and “Is that the name of this house,
seemed very proud ; “come in, Pip.” miss 2'
Mr. Pumblechook was coming in also, “One of its names, boy.”
when she stopped him with the gate. “It has more than one, then, miss?”
“Oh 1” she said. “Did you wish “One more. Its other name was
to see Miss Havisham ''' Satis; which is Greek, or Latin, or
“If Miss Havisham wished to see Hebrew, or all three—or all one to me
me,” returned Mr. Pumblechook, dis —for enough.”
comfited. “Enough House,” said I : “that's
“Ah!” said the girl; “but you see a curious name, miss.”
she don't.” “Yes,” she replied; “but it meant
She said it so finally, and in such an more than it said. It meant, when it
undiscussible way, that Mr. Pumble was given, that whoever had this house,
chook, though in a condition of ruffled could want nothing else. They must
dignity, could not protest. But he eyed have been easily satisfied in those days,
I should think. But don’t loiter, but her hair was white. Some bright
boy.” jewels sparkled on her neck and on her
Though she called me “boy” so hands, and some other jewels lay spark
often, and with a carelessness that was ling on the table. Dresses, less splendid
far from complimentary, she was of than the dress she wore, and half-packed
about my own age. She seemed much trunks, were scattered about. She had
older than I, of course, being a girl, not quite finished dressing, for she had
and beautiful and self-possessed; and but one shoe on—the other was on the
she was as scornful of me as if she had table near her hand—her veil was but
been one-and-twenty, and a queen. half arranged, her watch and chain were
We went into the house by a side not put on, and some lace for her bosom
door—the great front entrance had two lay with those trinkets, and with her
chains across it outside—and the first handkerchief, and gloves, and some
thing I noticed was, that the passages flowers, and a Prayer-book, all con
were all dark, and that she had left a fusedly heaped about the looking-glass.
candle burning there. She took it up, It was not in the first few moments
and we went through more passages and that I saw all these things, though I
up a staircase, and still it was all dark, saw more of them in the first moments
and only the candle lighted us. than might be supposed.But, I saw
At last we came to the door of a room, that everything within my view which
and she said, “Go in.” ought to be white, had been white long
I answered, more in shyness than ago, and had lost its lustre, and was
politeness, “After you, miss.” faded and yellow. I saw that the bride
To this, she returned : “Don’t be within the bridal dress had withered
ridiculous, boy; I am not going in.” like the dress, and like the flowers, and
And scornfully walked away, and— had no brightness left but the bright
what was worse—took the candle with mess of her sunken eyes. I saw that
her. -
the dress had been put upon the rounded
This was very uncomfortable, and I figure of a young woman, and that the
was half afraid. However, the only figure upon which it now hung loose,
thing to be done being to knock at the had shrunk to skin and bone. Once, I
door, I knocked, and was told from had been taken to see some ghastly wax
within to enter. I entered, therefore, work at the Fair, representing I know
and found myself in a pretty large room, not what impossible personage lying in
well lighted with wax candles. No state. Once, I had been taken to one
glimpse of daylight was to be seen in it. of our old marsh churches to see a skele
It was a dressing-room, as I supposed ton in the ashes of a rich dress, that
from the furniture, though much of it had been dug out of a vault under the
was of forms and uses then quite un church pavement. Now, wax-work and
known to me. But prominent in it was skeleton seemed to have dark eyes that
a draped table with a gilded looking moved and looked at me, I should
glass, and that I made out at first sight have cried out, if I could.
to be a fine lady’s dressing-table. “Who is it !” said the lady at the
Whether I should have made out this table.
object so soon, if there had been no fine “Pip, ma'am.”
lady sitting at it, I cannot say. In an “Pip?”
arm-chair, with an elbow resting on the “Mr. Pumblechook's boy, ma'am.
table and her head leaning on that hand, Come—to play.”
sat the strangest lady I have ever seen, “Come nearer; let me look at you.
or shall ever see. Come close.”
She was dressed in rich materials— It was when I stood before her,
satins, and lace, and silks—all of white. avoiding her eyes, that I took note of
Her shoes were white. And she had a the surrounding objects in detail, and
long white veil dependent from her hair, saw that her watch had stopped at
and she had bridal flowers in her hair, twenty minutes to nine, and that a
clock in the room had stopped at twenty here, and so strange, and so fine—and
minutes to nine, melancholy ” I stopped, fearing
“Look at me,” said Miss Havisham. I might say too much, or had already
“You are not afraid of a woman who said it, and we took another look at
has never seen the sun since you were each other. -
born ?” Before she spoke again, she turned

I regret to state that I was not afraid her eyes from me, and looked at the
of telling the enormous lie comprehended dress she wore, and at the dressing
in the answer “No.” table, and finally at herself in the look
“Do you know what I touch here f * ing-glass.
she said, laying her hands, one upon the “So new to him,” she muttered,
other, on her left side. “so old to me ; so strange to him, so
“Yes, ma'am.” (It made me think familiar to me; so melancholy to both
of the young man.) of us ! Call Estella.”
“What do I touch?’” As she was still looking at the re
“Your heart.” flection of herself, I thought she was
“Broken | * still talking to herself, and kept quiet.
She uttered the word with an eager “Call Estella,” she repeated, flash
look, and with strong emphasis, and ing a look at me. “You can do that.
with a weird smile that had a kind of Call Estella. At the door.”
boast in it. Afterwards, she kept her To stand in the dark in a mysterious
hands there for a little while, and slowly passage of an unknown house, bawling
took them away as if they were heavy. Estella to a scornful young lady neither
, “I am tired,” said Miss Havisham. visible nor responsive, and feeling it a
“I want diversion, and I have done dreadful liberty so to roar out her
with men and women. Play.” name, was almost as bad as playing to
I think it will be conceded by my order. But, she answered at last, and
most disputatious reader, that she her light came along the dark passage
could hardly have directed an unfor like a star.
tunate boy to do anything in the wide Miss Havisham
beckoned her to
world more difficult to be done under come close, and took up a jewel from
the circumstances. the table, and tried its effect, upon
“I sometimes have sick fancies,” her fair young bosom and against her
she went on, “and I have a sick fancy pretty brown hair. “Your own, one
that I want to see some play. There, day, my dear, and you will use it well.
there !” with an impatient movement Let me see you play cards with this
of the fingers of her right hand; “play, boy.”
play, play !” “With this boy Why, he is a
For a moment, with the fear of my common labouring-boy 172
sister's working me before my eyes, I I thought I overheard Miss Havis
had a desperate idea of starting round ham answer—only it seemed so un
the room in the assumed character of likely—“Well? You can break his
Mr. Pumblechook’s chaise-cart. But, heart.”
I felt myself so unequal to the perform “What do you play, boy 7" asked
ance that I gave it up, and stood look Estella of myself, with the greatest
ing at Miss Havisham in what I suppose disdain.
she took for a dogged manner, inasmuch “Nothing but beggar my neighbour,
as she said, when we had taken a good Miss.”
look at each other: “Beggar him,” said Miss Havisham
“Are you sullen and obstinate 2* to Estella. So we sat down to cards.
“No, ma'am, I am very sorry for It was then I began to understand
you, and very sorry I can't play just that everything in the room had stopped,
now. If you complain of me I shall like the watch and the clock, a long
get into trouble with my sister, so I time ago. I noticed that Miss Havis
would do it if I could ; but it's so new ham put down the jewel exactly on
the spot from which she had taken it “Anything else ?”

up. As Estella dealt the cards, I “I think she is very insulting.”
glanced at the dressing-table again, (She was looking at me then with a
and saw that the shoe upon it, once look of supreme aversion.)
white, now yellow, had never been “Anything else . "
worn. I glanced down at the foot “I think I should like to go home.”
from which the shoe was absent, and “And never see her again, though
saw that the silk stocking on it, once she is so pretty?”
white, now yellow, had been trodden “I am not sure that I shouldn’t like
ragged. Without this arrest of every to see her again, but I should like to
thing, this standing still of all the pale go home now.”
decayed objects, not even the withered “You shall go soon,” said Miss
bridal dress on the collapsed form Havisham aloud. “Play the game
could have looked so like grave-clothes, out.”
or the long veil so like a shroud. Saving for the one weird smile at
So she sat, corpse-like, as we played first, I should have felt almost sure
at cards; the frillings and trimmings that Miss Havisham's face could not
on her bridal dress, looking like earthy smile. It had dropped into a watchful
paper. I knew nothing then of the and brooding expression— most likely
discoveries that are occasionally made when all the things about her had be
of bodies buried in ancient times, which come transfixed—and it looked as if
fall to powder in the moment of being nothing could ever lift it up again.
distinctly seen ; but, I have often Her chest had dropped, so that she
thought since, that she must have stooped ; and her voice had dropped,
looked as if the admission of the so that she spoke low, and with a dead
natural light of day would have struck lull upon her ; altogether, she had the
her to dust. appearance of having dropped, body
“He calls the knaves, Jacks, this and soul, within and without, under
boy l’” said Estella with disdain, before the weight of a crushing blow.
our first game was out. “And what I played the game to an end with
coarse hands he has And what thick Estella, and she beggared me. She
boots ''' threw the cards down on the table
I had never thought of being ashamed when she had won them all, as if she
of my hands before ; but I began to despised them for having been won of
consider them a very indifferent pair. Ine. -
Her contempt for me was so strong, “When shall I have you here
that it became infectious, and I caught again?” said Miss Havisham. “Let
it. me think.”
She won the game, and I dealt. I I was beginning to remind her that
misdealt, as was only natural, when I to-day was Wednesday, when she
knew she was lying in wait for me to checked me with her former im
do wrong; and she denounced me for patient movement of the fingers of her
a stupid, clumsy labouring-boy. right hand.
“You say nothing of her,” remarked “There, there ! I know nothing of
Miss Havisham to me, as she looked days of the week; I know nothing of
on. “She says many hard things of weeks of the year. Come again after
you, but you say nothing of her. six days. You hear?”
What do you think of her ?” “Yes, ma'am.”
“I don’t like to say,” I stammered. “Estella, take him down. Let him
“Tell me in my ear,” said Miss have something to eat, and let him
Havisham, bending down. roam and look about him while he eats,
“I think she is very proud,” I re Go, Pip.”
plied, in a whisper. I followed the candle down, as I had
“Anything else?” followed the candle up, and she stood
“I think she is very pretty,” it in the place where we had found it,
D
Until she opened the side entrance, I whosoever brings them up, there is
had fancied, without thinking about it, nothing so finely perceived and so finely
that it must necessarily be night-time. felt, as injustice. It may be only small
The rush of the daylight quite con injustice that the child can be exposed
founded me, and made me feel as if I to ; but the child is small, and its
had been in the candlelight of the world is small, and its rocking-horse
strange room many hours. stands as many hands high, according
“You are to wait here, you boy,” to scale, as a big-boned Irish hunter.
said Estella ; and disappeared and Within myself, I had sustained, from
closed the door. my babyhood, a perpetual conflict with
I took the opportunity of being alone injustice. I had known, from the time
in the court-yard, to look at my coarse when I could speak, that my sister, in
hands and my common boots. My her capricious and violent coercion, was
opinion of those accessories was not unjust to me. I had cherished a pro
favourable. They had never troubled found conviction that her bringing me
up by hand, gave her no right to bring :
me before, but they troubled me now,
as vulgar appendages. me up by jerks. Through all my
I determined
to ask Joe why he had ever taught punishments, disgraces, fasts and vigils,
me to call those picture-cards, Jacks, and other penitential performances, I
which ought to be called knaves. I had nursed this assurance ; and to my
wished Joe had been rather more gen communing so much with it, in a soli
teelly brought up, and then I should tary and unprotected way, I in great
have been so too. part refer the fact that I was morally
She came back, with some bread and timid and very sensitive.
meat and a little mug of beer. She I got rid of my injured feelings for
put the mug down on the stones of the the time, by kicking them into the
yard, and gave me the bread and meat brewery wall, and twisting them out of
without looking at me, as insolently as my hair, and then I smoothed my face
if I were a dog in disgrace. I was so with my sleeve, and came from behind
humiliated, hurt, spurned, offended, the gate. The bread and meat were
angry, sorry—I cannot hit upon the acceptable, and the beer was warming
right name for the smart—God knows and tingling, and I was soon in spirits
what its name was—that tears started to look about me.
to my eyes. The moment they sprang To be sure, it was a deserted place,
there, the girl looked at me with a down to the pigeon-house in the brewery
quick delight in having been the cause yard, which had been blown crooked on
of them. This gave me power to keep its pole by some high wind, and would
them back and to look at her : so, she have made the pigeons think themselves
gave a contemptuous toss—but with a at sea, if there had been any pigeons
sense, I thought, of having made too there to be rocked by it. But, there
sure that I was so wounded—and left were no pigeons in the dove-cot, no
Ine. horses in the stable, no pigs in the sty,
But, when she was gone, I looked no malt in the store-house, no smells of
about me for a place to hide my face grains and beer in the copper or the
in, and got behind one of the gates in vat. All the uses and scents of the
the brewery-lane, and leaned my sleeve brewery might have evaporated with
against the wall there, and leaned my its last reek of smoke. In a by-yard,
forehead on it and cried. As I cried, I there was a wilderness of empty casks,
kicked the wall, and took a hard twist which had a certain sour remembrance
at my hair; so bitter were my feelings, of better days lingering about them ;
and so sharp was the smart without a but it was too sour to be accepted as
name, that needed counteraction. a sample of the beer that was gone—
-
My sister's bringing up had made and in this respect I remember those

* me sensitive. In the little world in recluses as being like most others.
which children have their existence, Behind the furthest end of the
brewery, was a rank garden with an terror of seeing the figure, and in the
old wall : not so high but that I could terror of being certain that it had not
struggle up and hold on long enough to been there a moment before, I at first
look over it, and see that the rank ran from it, and then ran towards it.
garden was the garden of the house, And my terror was greatest of all when
and that it was overgrown with tangled I found no figure there.
weeds, but that there was a track upon Nothing less than the frosty light of
the green and yellow paths, as if some the cheerful sky, the sight of people
one sometimes walked there, and that passing beyond the bars of the court
Estella was walking away from me yard gate, and the reviving influence of
even then. But she seemed to be the rest of the bread and meat and
everywhere. For, when I yielded to beer, could have brought me round.
the temptation presented by the casks, Even with those aids, I might not have
and began to walk on them, I saw her come to myself as soon as I did, but
walking on them at the end of the yard that I saw Estella approaching with the
of casks. She had her back towards keys, to let me out. She would have
me, and held her pretty brown hair some fair reason for looking down upon
spread out in her two hands, and never me, I thought, if she saw me frightened;
looked round, and passed out of my and she should have no fair reason.
view directly. . So, in the brewery She gave me a triumphant glance in
itself—by which I mean the large passing me, as if she rejoiced that my
paved lofty place in which they used to hands were so coarse and my boots were
make the beer, and where the brewing so thick, and she opened the gate, and
utensils still were. When I first went stood holding it. I was passing out
into it, and, rather oppressed by its without looking at her, when she
gloom, stood near the door looking touched me with a taunting hand.
about me, I saw her pass among the “Why don't you cry?”
extinguished fires, and ascend some “Because I don’t want to.”
light iron stairs, and go out by a gal “You do,” said she, “You have
lery high overhead, as if she were going been crying till you are half blind, and
out into the sky. you are near crying again now.”
It was in this place, and at this She laughed contemptuously, pushed
moment, that a strange thing happened me out, and locked the gate upon me.
to my fancy. I thought it a strange I went straight to Mr. Pumblechook's,
thing then, and I thought it a stranger and was immensely relieved to find him
thing long afterwards. I turned my not at home. So, leaving word with
eyes—a little dimmed by looking up the shopman on what day I was wanted
at the frosty light—towards a great at Miss Havisham's again, I set off on
wooden beam in a low nook of the the four-mile walk to our forge ; pon
building near me on my right hand, dering, as I went along, on all I had
and I saw a figure hanging there by seen, and deeply revolving that I was a
the neck. A figure all in yellow white, common labouring-boy; that my hands
with but one shoe to the feet ; and it were coarse; that my boots were thick;
hung so, that I could see that the that I had fallen into a despicable habit
faded trimmings of the dress were like of calling knaves Jacks; that I was
earthy paper, and that the face was much more ignorant than I had con
Miss Havisham's, with a movement sidered myself last night, and generally
going over the whole countenance as if that I was in a low-lived bad way.
she were trying to call to me. In the
b 2
36 GREAT EXPECTATIONS,
CHAPTER Ix.
WHEN I reached home, my sister repeated. “Pretty well is no answer.
was very curious to know all about Tell us what you mean by pretty well,
Miss Havisham's, and asked a number boy 7"
of questions. And I soon found myself Whitewash on the forehead hardens
getting heavily bumped from behind in the brain into a state of obstinacy per
the nape of the neck and the small of haps. Anyhow, with whitewash from
the back, and having my face ignomi the wall on my forehead, my obstinacy
miously shoved against the kitchen wall, was adamantine. I reflected for some
because I did not answer those ques time, and then answered as if I had
tions at sufficient length. discovered a new idea, “I mean pretty
If a dread of not being understood be well.”
hidden in the breasts of other young My sister with an exclamation of im
people to anything like the extent to patience was going to fly at me—I had
which it used to be hidden in mine— no shadow of defence, for Joe was busy
which I consider probable, as I have no in the forge—when Mr. Pumblechook
particular reason to suspect myself of interposed with “No! Don't lose your
having been a monstrosity—it is the temper. Leave this lad to me, ma'am ;
key to many reservations. I felt con leave this lad to me.” Mr. Pumble
vinced that if I described Miss Havi chook then turned me towards him, as
sham's as my eyes had seen it, I should if he were going to cut my hair, and
not be understood. Not only that, but said :
I felt convinced that Miss Havisham too “First (to get our thoughts in order):
would not be understood; and although Forty-three pence?”
she was perfectly incomprehensible to I calculated the consequences of re
me, I entertained an impression that plying “Four Hundred Pound,” and
there would be something coarse and finding them against me, went as near
treacherous in my dragging her as she the answer as I could—which was some
really was (to say nothing of Miss where about eightpence off. Mr. Pum
Estella) before the contemplation of Mrs. blechook then put me through my pence
Joe. Consequently, I said as little as table from “twelve pence make one
I could, and had my face shoved against shilling,” up to “forty pence make
the kitchen wall. three and fourpence,” and then trium
The worst of it was that that bullying phantly demanded, as if he had done
old Pumblechook, preyed upon by a for me, “Now / How much is forty
devouring curiosity to be informed of three pence : " To which I replied,
all I had seen and heard, came gaping after a long interval of reflection, “I
over in his chaise-cart at tea time, to don’t know.” And I was so aggravated
have the details divulged to him. And that I almost doubt if I did know.
the mere sight of the torment, with his Mr. Pumblechook worked his head
fishy eyes and mouth open, his sandy like a screw to screw it out of me, and
hair inquisitively on end, and his waist said, “Is forty-three pence seven and
coat heaving with windy arithmetic, sixpence three fardens, for instance 2"
made me vicious in my reticence. “Yes | " said I. And although my
“Well, boy,” Uncle Pumblechook sister instantly boxed my ears, it was
began, as soon as he was seated in the highly gratifying to me to see that the
chair of honour by the fire. “How answer spoilt his joke, and brought him
did you get on up town " to a dead stop.
I answered, “Pretty well, sir,” and “Boy . What like is Miss Havi
my sister shook her fist at me. sham : " Mr. Pumblechook began again
“Pretty well ?” Mr. Pumblechock when he had recovered ; folding his
arms tight on his chest and applying the blechook. “My opinion is, it's a sedan
Screw. chair. She's flighty, you know—very
“Wery tall and dark,” I told him. flighty—quite flighty enough to pass
“Is she, uncle?” asked my sister. her days in a sedan-chair.”
Mr. Pumblechook winked assent ; “Did you ever see her in it, uncle 7"
from which I at once inferred that he asked Mrs. Joe.
had never seen Miss Havisham, for she “How could I ?” he returned, forced
was nothing of the kind. to the admission, “when I never see
“Good | * said Mr. Pumblechook, her in my life : Never clapped eyes
conceitedly. (“This is the way to have upon her l’”
him " We are beginning to hold our “Goodness, uncle ! And yet you
own, I think, Mum ?”) have spoken to her ?”
“I am sure, uncle,” returned Mrs. “Why, don't you know,” said Mr.
Joe, “I wish you had him always: Pumblechook, testily, “that when I
you know so well how to deal with have been there, I have been took up
him.” to the outside of her door, and the door
“Now, boy | What was she a doing has stood ajar, and she has spoke to me
of, when you went in to-day ?” asked that way. Don’t say you don't know
Mr. Pumblechook. that, Mum. Howsever, the boy went
“She was sitting,” I answered, “in there to play. What did you play at,
a black velvet coach.” boy 7"
Mr. Pumblechook and Mrs. Joe stared “We played with flags,” I said. (I
at one another—as they well might— beg to observe that I think of myself
and both repeated, “In a black velvet with amazement, when I recal the lies I
coach #" told on this occasion.)
“Yes,” said I. “And Miss Estella “Flags " echoed my sister.
—that's her niece, I think—handed her || “Yes,” said I. “Estella waved a
in cake and wine at the coach-window, blue flag, and I waved a red one, and
on a gold plate. And we all had cake Miss Havisham waved one sprinkled all
and wine on gold plates. And I got up over with little gold stars, out at the
behind the coach to eat mine, because coach-window. And then we all waved
she told me to.” our swords and hurrahed.”
“Was anybody else there ?” asked “Swords !” repeated my sister.
Mr. Pumblechook. “Where did you get swords from ?”
“Four dogs,” said I. “Out of a cupboard,” said I. “And
“Large or small ?” I saw pistols in it—and jam—and pills.
“Immense,” said I. “And they And there was no daylight in the room,
fought for veal cutlets out of a silver but it was all lighted up with candles.”
basket.” “That's true, Mum,” said Mr. Pum
Mr. Pumblechook and Mrs. Joe stared blechook, with a grave nod. “That's
at one another again, in utter amaze the state of the case, for that much I’ve
ment. I was perfectly frantic—a reck seen myself.” And then they both
less witness under the torture—and stared at me, and I, with an obtrusive
would have told them anything. show of artlessness on my countenance,
“Where was this coach, in the name stared at them, and plaited the right
of gracious?” asked my sister. leg of my trousers with my right hand.
“In Miss Havisham's room.” They If they had asked me any more ques
stared again. “But there weren't any tions I should undoubtedly have be
horses to it.” I added this saving trayed myself, for I was, even then on
clause, in the moment of rejecting four the point of mentioning that there was
richly caparisoned coursers which I had a balloon in the yard, and should have
had wild thoughts of harnessing. hazarded the statement but for my in
“Can this be possible, uncle?” asked vention being divided between that phe
Mrs. Joe. “What can the boy mean 2" nomenon and a bear in the brewery.
“I’ll tell you, Mum,” said Mr. Pum | They were so much occupied, however,
3S GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
in discussing the marvels I had already cried Joe, falling back in the greatest
presented for their consideration, that I amazement. “You don't mean to say
escaped. The subject still held them it's—”
when Joe came in from his work to have “Yes, I do ; it's lies, Joe.”
a cup of tea. To whom my sister, more “But not all of it ! Why sure you
for the relief of her own mind than for don't mean to say, Pip, that there was
the gratification of his, related my pre no black welwet co–ch 7" For, I
tended experiences. stood shaking my head. “But at least
Now, when I saw Joe open his blue there was dogs, Pip ! Come, Pip,” said
eyes and roll them all round the kitchen Joe, persuasively, “if there warn’t no
in helpless amazement, I was overtaken weal-cutlets, at least there was dogs ’’
by penitence; but only as regarded him “No, Joe.”
—not in the least as regarded the other “A dog?” said Joe. “A puppy :
two. Towards Joe, and Joe only, I Come 1”
considered myself a young monster, “No, Joe, there was nothing at all
while they sat debating what results of the kind.”
would come to me from Miss Havi As I fixed my eyes hopelessly on Joe,
Tsham's acquaintance and favour.They Joe contemplated me in dismay. “Pip,
had no doubt that Miss Havisham would old chap ! This won't do, old fellow !
“do something” for me ; their doubts I say ! Where do you expect to go to ?”
related to the form that something “It's terrible, Joe ; ain't it !”
would take. My sister stood out for “Terrible 7" cried Joe. “Awful I
“property.” Mr. Pumblechook was What possessed you ?”
in favour of a handsome premium for “I don't know what possessed me,
binding me apprentice to some genteel Joe,” I replied, letting his shirt sleeve
trade—say, the corn and seed trade, for go, and sitting down in the ashes at his
instance. Joe fell into the deepest dis feet, hanging my head ; “but I wish
grace with both, for offering the bright you hadn’t taught me to call Knaves at
suggestion that I might only be pre cards, Jacks; and I wish my boots
sented with one of the dogs who had weren't so thick nor my hands so
fought for the veal-cutlets. “If a fool's coarse.”
head can’t express better opinions than And then I told Joe that I felt very
that,” said my sister, “and you have miserable, and that I hadn't been able
got any work to do, you had better go to explain myself to Mrs. Joe and Pum
and do it.” So he went. blechook, who were so rude to me, and
After Mr. Pumblechook had driven that there had been a beautiful young
off, and when my sister was washing up, lady at Miss Havisham's who was
I stole into the forge to Joe, and re dreadfully proud, and that she had said
mained by him until he had done for I was common, and that I knew I was
the night. Then I said, “Before the common, and that I wished I was not
fire goes out, Joe, I should like to tell common, and that the lies had come of
you something.” it somehow, though I didn’t know how.
“Should you, Pip !” said Joe, draw This was a case of metaphysics, at
ing his shoeing-stool near the forge. least as difficult for Joe to deal with,
“Then tell us. What is it, Pip " as for me. But Joe took the case alto
“Joe,” said I, taking hold of his gether out of the region of metaphysics,
rolled-up shirt sleeve, and twisting it and by that means vanquished it.
between my finger and thumb, “you “There's one thing you may be sure
remember all that about Miss Havi of, Pip,” said Joe, after some rumina
sham's #" tion, “namely, that lies is lies. Howsever
“Remember 2’” said Joe. “I believe they come, they didn't ought to come,
you ! Wonderful 1" and they come from the father of lies,
“It's a terrible thing, Joe ; it ain't and work round to the same. Don’t you
true.” tell no more of 'em, Pip. That ain't
“What are you telling of, Pip !” the way to get out of being common, old
chap. And as to being common, I can’t get to be oncommon through going

don’t make it out at all clear. You arestraight, you’ll never get to do it
oncommon in some things. You’re through going crooked. So don’t tell
oncommon small. Likewiseyou're a no more on ’em, Pip, and live well and
oncommon scholar.” die happy.”
“No, I am ignorant and backward, “You are not angry with me, Joe?”
Joe.” “No, old chap. But bearing in mind
“Why, see what a letter you wrote that them were which I meantersay of a
last night. Wrote in print even l I’ve stunning and outdacious sort—alluding
seen letters—Ah ! and from gentlefolks! to them which bordered on weal-cutlets
—that I’ll swear weren't wroteinprint,” and dog-fighting—a sincere well-wisher
said Joe. would adwise, Pip, their being dropped
“I have learnt next to nothing, Joe. into your meditations, when you go up
You think much of me. It’s only that.” stairs to bed. That's all, old chap, and
“Well, Pip,” said Joe, “be it so or don’t never do it no more.”
be it son’t, you must be a common scholar When I got up to my little room and
afore you can be a oncommon one, I said my prayers, I did not forget Joe's
should hope 1 The king upon his throne, recommendation, and yet my young
with his crown upon his 'ed, can't sit mind was in that disturbed and un
and write his acts of Parliament in print,thankful state, that I thought long
without having begun, when he were a after I laid me down, how common
unpromoted Prince, with the alphabet Estella would consider Joe, a mere
—Ah !” added Joe, with a shake of the blacksmith : how thick his boots, and
head that was full of meaning, “and how coarse his hands. I thought how
begun at A too, and worked his way to Joe and my sister were then sitting in
Z. And I know what that is to do, the kitchen, and how I had come up to
though I can’t say I’ve exactly done it.” bed from the kitchen, and how Miss
There was some hope in this piece of Havisham and Estella never sat in a
wisdom, and it rather encouraged me. kitchen, but were far above the level of
“Whether common ones as to call such common doings. I fell asleep re
ings and earnings,” pursued Joe, reflec calling what I “used to do” when I
tively, “mightn't be the better of con was at Miss Havisham's ; as though I
tinuing for to keep company with com had been there weeks or months, instead
mon ones, instead of going out to play of hours: and as though it were quite
with oncommon ones—which reminds an old subject of remembrance, instead
me to hope that there were a flag, of one that had risen only that day.
perhaps ?” That was a memorable day to me,
“No, Joe.” for it made great changes in me. But,
it is the same with any life. Imagine
“ (I’m sorry there weren't a flag,
Pip). Whether that might be or one selected day struck out of it, and
mightn't be, is a thing as can’t be looked think how different its course would have
into now, without putting your sister been. Pause you who read this, and
on the Rampage; and that's a thing not think for a moment of the long chain of
to be thought of, as being done inten iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that
tional. Lookee here, Pip, at what is would never have bound you, but for
said to you by a true friend. Which the formation of the first link on one
this to you the true friend say. If you memorable day.
CBAPTER X.
THE felicitous idea occurred to me a by several single combats between Biddy

morning or two later when I woke, that and refractory students. When the
the best step I could take towards fights were over, Biddy gave out the
making myself uncommon was to get out number of a page, and then we all read
of Biddy everything she knew. In pur aloud what we could—or what we
suance of this luminous conception, I couldn't—in a frightful chorus; Biddy
mentioned to Biddy when I went to Mr. leading with a high shrill monotonous
Wopsle's great-aunt's at night, that I voice, and none of us having the least
had a particular reason for wishing to notion of, or reverence for, what we
get on in life, and that I should feel were reading about. When this hor
very much obliged to her if she would rible din had lasted a certain time, it
impart all her learning to me. Biddy, mechanically awoke Mr. Wopsle's great
who was the most obliging of girls, im aunt, who staggered at a boy fortui
mediately said she would, and indeed tously, and pulled his ears. This was
began to carry out her promise within understood to terminate the Course for
five minutes. the evening, and we emerged into the
The Educational scheme or Course air with shrieks of intellectual victory.
established by Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt It is fair to remark that there was no
may be resolved into the following prohibition against any pupil's enter
synopsis. The pupils ate apples and taining himself with a slate or even with
put straws down one another's backs, the ink (when there was any), but that
until Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt collected it was not easy to pursue that branch
ber energies, and made an indiscrimi of study in the winter season, on ac
nate totter at them with a birch-rod. count of the little general shopin which
After receiving the charge with every the classes were holden—and which
mark of derision, the pupils formed in was also Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt's sit
line and buzzingly passed a ragged book ting-room and bed-chamber—being but
from hand to hand. The book had an faintly illuminated through the agency
alphabet in it, some figures and tables, of one low-spirited dip-candle and no
and a little spelling—that is to say, it snuffers.
had had once. As soon as this volume It appeared to me that it would take
began to circulate, Mr. Wopsle's great time, to become uncommon under these
aunt fell into a state of coma; arising circumstances : nevertheless, I resolved
either from sleep or a rheumatic parox to try it, and that very evening Biddy
ysm. The pupils then entered among entered on our special agreement, by
themselves upon a competitive exami imparting some information from her
nation on the subject of Boots, with the little catalogue of Prices, under the head
view of ascertaining who could tread of moist sugar, and lending me, to copy
the hardest upon whose toes. This at home, a large old English D which
mental exerciselasted until Biddy made she had imitated from the heading of
a rush at them and distributed three some newspaper, and which I supposed,
defaced Bibles (shaped as if they had until she told me what it was, to be a
been unskilfully cut off the chump design for a buckle.
end of something), more illegibly printed Of course there was a public-house
at the best than any curiosities of litera in the village, and of course Joe liked
ture I have since met with, speckled sometimes to smoke his pipe there. I
all over with ironmould, and having had received strict orders from my
various specimens of the insect world sister to call for him at the Three Jolly
smashed between their leaves. This Bargemen, that evening, on my way
part of the Course was usually lightened from school, and bring him home at my
peril. To the Three Jolly Bargemen, Joe mentioned it now, and the strange
therefore, I directed my steps. man called him by it. -
There was a bar at the Jolly Barge “What'll you drink, Mr. Gargery :
men, with some alarmingly long chalk At my expense ? To top up with ?”
scores in it on the wall at the side of “Well,” said Joe, “to tell you the
the door, which seemed to me to be truth, I ain’t much in the habit of
never paid off. They had been there drinking at anybody's expense but my
ever since I could remember, and had OWn 22
grown more than I had. But there was “Habit? No,” returned the stranger,
a quantity of chalk about our country, “but once and away, and on a Saturday
and perhaps the people neglected no night too. Come ! Put a name to it,
opportunity of turning it to account. Mr. Gargery.”
It being Saturday night, I found the “I wouldn't wish to be stiff com
landlord looking rather grimly at these pany,” said Joe. “Rum.”
records, but as my business was with “Rum,” repeated the stranger.
Joe and not with him, I merely wished “And will the other gentleman origi
him good evening, and passed into the nate a sentiment 2"
common room at the end of the passage, “Rum,” said Mr. Wopsle.
where there was a bright large kitchen “Three Rums 1” cried the stranger,
fire, and where Joe was smoking his calling to the landlord. “ Glasses
pipe in company with Mr. Wopsle and round !”
a stranger. Joe greeted me as usual “This other gentleman,” observed
with “Halloa, Pip, old chap !” and Joe, by way of introducing Mr. Wopsle,
the moment he said that, the stranger “is a gentleman that you would like
turned his head and looked at me. to hear give it out. Our clerk at
He was a secret-looking man whom I church.”
had never seen before. His head was “Aha I’” said the stranger, quickly,
all on one side, and one of his eyes was and cocking his eye at me. “The
half shut up, as if he were taking aim lonely church, right out on the marshes,
at something with an invisible gun. He with the graves round it !”
had a pipe in his mouth, and he took it “That's it,” said Joe.
out, and, after slowly blowing all his The stranger, with a comfortable kind
smoke away and looking hard at me all of grunt over his pipe, put his legs up
the time, nodded. So, I nodded, and on the settle that he had to himself.
then he nodded again, and made room He wore a flapping broad-brimmed
on the settle beside him that I might sit traveller's hat, and under it a handker
down there. chief tied over his head in the manner
But, as I was used to sit beside Joe of a cap : so that he showed no hair.
whenever I entered that place of resort, As he looked at the fire, I thought I
I said “No, thank you, sir,” and fell saw a cunning expression, followed by a
into the space Joe made for me on the half-laugh, come into his face.
opposite settle. The strange man, after “I am not acquainted with this
glancing at Joe, and seeing that his country, gentlemen, but it seems a soli
attention was otherwise engaged, nodded tary country towards the river.”
to me again when I had taken my seat, “Most marshes is solitary,” said Joe.
and then rubbed his leg—in a very odd “No doubt, no doubt. Do you find
way, as it struck me. any gipsies, now, or tramps, or va
“You was saying,” said the strange grants of any sort, out there?”
man, turning to Joe, “that you was a “No,” said Joe ; “none but a run
blacksmith.” away convict now and then. And we
“Yes. I said it, you know,” said don’t find them, easy, Eh, Mr.
Joe. Wopsle?”
“What'll you drink, Mr. — ? Mr. Wopsle, with a majestic remem
You didn't mention your name, by the brance of old discomfiture, assented ;
bye.” but not warmly.
“Seems you have been out after everybody of his standing who visited
such #" asked the stranger. at our house should always have put me
“Once,” returned Joe. “Not that through the same inflammatory process
we wanted to take them, you under under similar circumstances. Yet I dº
stand ; we went out as lookers on ; me not call to mind that I was ever in my
and Mr. Wopsle, and Pip. Didn't us, earlier youth the subject of remark in
Pip " our social family circle, but some large
“Yes, Joe.” handed person took some such ophthal
The stranger looked at me again— mic steps to patronise me.
still cocking his eye, as if he were ex All this while, the strange man looked
pressly taking aim at me with his invi at nobody but me, and looked at me as
sible gun—and said, “He’s a likely if he were determined to have a shot at
young parcel of bones that. What is it me at last, and bring me down. But
you call him #" he said nothing after offering his Blue
“Pip,” said Joe. Blazes observation, until the glasses of
“Christened Pip?” rum-and-water were brought : and then
“No, not christened Pip.” he made his shot, and a most extraor
“Surname Pip " dinary shot it was.
“No,” said Joe ; “it’s a kind of a It was not a verbal remark, but a
family name what he gave himself when proceeding in dumb-show, and was
a infant, and is called by.” pointedly addressed to me. He stirred
“Son of yours ?” his rum-and-water pointedly at me, and
“Well,” said Joe, meditatively—not, he tasted his rum-and-water pointedly
of course, that it could be in anywisene at me. And he stirred it and he tasted
cessary to consider about it, but because it : not with a spoon that was brought
it was the way at the Jolly Bargemen to him, but with a file.
to seem to consider deeply about every He did this so that nobody but I saw
thing that was discussed over pipes; the file; and when he had done it, he
“well—no. No, he ain't.” wiped the file and put it in a breast
“Nevvy " said the strange man. pocket. I knew it to be Joe's file, and
“Well,” said Joe, with the same I knew that he knew my convict, the
appearance of profound cogitation, “he moment I saw the instrument. I sat
is not—no, not to deceive you, he is gazing at him, spell-bound. But he
not—my nevvy.” now reclined on his settle, taking very
** What the Blue Blazes is he 3’” little notice of me, and talking princi
asked the stranger. Which appeared pally about turnips.
to me to be an inquiry of unnecessary There was a delicious sense of clean
strength. ing-up and making a quiet pause before
Mr. Wopsle struck in upon that ; as going on in life afresh, in our village on
one who knew all about relationships, Saturday nights, which stimulated Joe
having professional occasion to bear in to dare to stay out half an hour longer
mind what female relations a man on Saturdays than at other times. The
might not marry; and expounded the half-hour and the rum-and-water run
ties between me and Joe. Having his ning out together, Joe got up to go, and
hand in, Mr. Wopsle finished off with a took me by the hand.
most terrifically snarling passage from “Stop half a moment, Mr. Gargery,”
Richard the Third, and seemed to think said the strange man. “I think I’ve
he had done quite enough to account got a bright new shilling somewhere in
for it when he added,—“as the poet my pocket, and if I have, the boy shall
says.” | have it.” -
And here I may remark that when He looked it out from a handful of
Mr. Wopsle referred to me, he consi-. small change, folded it in some
dered it a necessary part of such refer crumpled paper, and gave it to me.
ence to rumple my hair and poke it “Yours : " said he, “Mind Your
into my eyes. I cannot conceive why own.”
I thanked him, staring at him far been on terms of the warmestintimacy

beyond the bounds of good manners, with all the cattle markets in the
and holding tight to Joe. He gave Joe county. Joe caught up his hat again,
good-night, and he gave Mr. Wopsle and ran with them to the Jolly Barge
good-night (who went out with us), and men to restore them to their owner.
he gave me only a look with his aiming While he was gone, I sat down on my
eye—no, not a look, for he shut it up, usual stool and looked vacantly at my
but wonders may be done with an eye sister, feeling pretty sure that the man
by hiding it. would not be there. -
On the way home, if I had been in a Presently, Joe came back, saying that
humour for talking, the talk must have the man was gone, but that he, Joe, had
been all on my side, for Mr. Wopsle left word at the Three Jolly Bargemen
parted from us at the door of the Jolly concerning the notes. Then my sister
Bargemen, and Joe went all the way sealed them up in a piece of paper, and
home with his mouth wide open, to put them under some dried rose-leaves
rinse the rum out with as much air as in an ornamental teapot on the top of
possible. But I was in a manner stupi a press in the state parlour. There
fied by this turning up of my old mis they remained, a nightmare to me,
deed and old acquaintance, and could many and many a night and day.
think of nothing else. I had sadly broken sleep when I got
My sister was not in a very bad to bed, through thinking of the strange
temper when we presented ourselves in man taking aim at me with his invisi
the kitchen, and Joe was encouraged by ble gun, and of the guiltily coarse and
that unusual circumstance to tell her common thing it was, to be on secret
about the bright shilling. “A bad un, terms of conspiracy with convicts—a
I’ll be bound,” said Mrs. Joe, trium feature in my low career that I had
phantly, “ or he wouldn't have given it previously forgotten. I was haunted
to the boy | Let's look at it.” by the file too. A dread possessed me
I took it out of the paper, and it that when I least expected it, the file
proved to be a good one. “But what's would reappear. I coaxed myself to
this?” said Mrs. Joe, throwing down sleep by thinking of Miss Havisham's
the shilling and catching up the paper. next Wednesday ; and in my sleep I
“Two One-Pound notes ?” saw the file coming at me out of a door,
Nothing less than two fat sweltering without seeing who held it, and I
one-pound notes that seemed to have screamed myself awake.
CHAPTER XI.
AT the appointed time I returned to basement of the Manor House. We

Miss Havisham's, and my hesitating traversed but one side of the square,
ring at the gate brought out Estella. however, and at the end of it she
She locked it after admitting me, as she stopped, and put her candle down and
had done before, and again preceded me opened a door. Here, the day-light
into the dark passage where her candle reappeared, and I found myself in a
stood. She took no notice of me until small paved court-yard, the opposite
she had the candle in her hand, when side of which was formed by a detached
she looked over her shoulder, super dwelling-house, that looked as if it had
ciliously saying, “You are to come this once belonged to the manager or head.
way to-day,” and took me to quite clerk of the extinct brewery. There
another part of the house. was a clock in the outer wall of this
The passage was a long one, and house. Like the clock in Miss Havi
seemed to pervade the whole square sham's room, and like Miss Havisham's
watch, it had stopped at twenty minutes much reminded me of my sister, with

to nine. the difference that she was older, and
We went in at the door, which stood (as I found when I caught sight of her)
open, and into a gloomy room with a of a blunter cast of features. Indeed,
low ceiling, on the ground floor at the when I knew her better I began to
back. There was some company in the think it was a Mercy she had any
room, and Estella said to me as she features at all, so very blank and high
joined it, “You are to go and stand was the dead wall of her face.
there, boy, till you are wanted.” “Poor dear soul (" said this lady,
“There,” being the window, I crossed with an abruptness of manner quite
to it, and stood “there,” in a very un my sister’s. “Nobody's enemy but his
comfortable state of mind, looking out. own l’”
It opened to the ground, and looked “It would be much more commend
into a most miserable corner of the able to be somebody else's enemy,”
neglected garden, upon a rank ruin of said the gentleman ; “far more na
cabbage-stalks, and one box-tree that tural.”
had been clipped round long ago, like “Cousin Raymond,” observed an
a pudding, and had a new growth at other lady, “we are to love our
the top of it, out of shape and of a neighbour.”
different colour, as if that part of the “Sarah Pocket,” returned Cousin
pudding had stuck to the saucepan and Raymond, “if a man is not his own
got burnt. This was my homely neighbour, who is ?”
thought, as I contemplated the box Miss Pocket laughed, and Camilla
tree. There had been some light snow, laughed and said (checking a yawn),
overnight, and it lay nowhere else to “The idea 1" But I thought they
my knowledge ; but, it had not quite seemed to think it rather a good idea
melted from the cold shadow of this bit too. The other lady, who had not
of garden, and the wind caught it up spoken yet, said gravely and emphati
in little eddies and threw it at the cally, “Very true !”
window, as if it pelted me for coming “Poor soul l’’ Camilla presently
there. went on (I knew they had all been
I divined that my coming had stopped looking at me in the mean time), “he
conversation in the room, and that its is so very strange Would any one
other occupants were looking at me. believe that when Tom's wife died, he
I could see nothing of the room except actually could not be induced to see the
the shining of the fire in the window importance of the children's having the
glass, but I stiffened in all my joints deepest of trimmings to their mourning 3
with the consciousness that I was under ‘Good Lord!’ says he, “Camilla, what
close inspection. can it signify so long as the poor
There were three ladies in the room bereaved little things are in black º'
and one gentleman. Before I had been So like Matthew The idea l’”
standing at the window five minutes, “Good points in him, good points in
they somehow conveyed to me that they him,” said Cousin Raymond ; “Heaven
were all toadies and humbugs, but that forbid I should deny good points in
each of them pretended not to know him ; but he never had, and he never
that the others were toadies and hum will have, any sense of the proprieties.”
bugs: because the admission that he “You know I was obliged,” said
or she did know it, would have made Camilla, “I was obliged to be firm.
him or her out to be a toady and hum I said, “It will, NoT Do, for the credit
ug. of the family. I told him that, with
They all had a listless and dreary air out deep trimmings, the family was
of waiting somebody's pleasure, and the disgraced. I cried about it from break
most talkative of the ladies had to speak fast till dinner. I injured my diges
quite rigidly to repress a yawn. This tion. And at last he flung out in his
lady, whose name was Camilla, very violent way, and said, with a D, ‘Then
do as you like.” Thank Goodness it as false a declaration as ever was made;

will always be a consolation to me to for I was inwardly crying for her then,
know that I instantly went out in a and I know what I know of the pain
pouring rain and bought the things.” she cost me afterwards.
“He paid for them, did he not ?” We went on our way up-stairs after
asked Estella. this episode ; and, as we were going up,
“It's not the question, my dear we met a gentleman groping his way
child, who paid for them,” returned down.
Camilla, “I bought them. And I “Whom have we here ?” asked the
shall often think of that with peace, gentleman, stopping and looking at me.
when I wake up in the night.” “A boy,” said Estella.
The ringing of a distant bell, com He was a burly man of an exceedingly
bined with the echoing of some cry or dark complexion, with an exceedingly
call along the passage by which I had large head and a corresponding large
come, interrupted the conversation and hand. He took my chin in his large
caused Estella to say to me, “Now, hand and turned up my face to have a
bóy 1” On my turning round, they all look at me by the light of the candle.
looked at me with the utmost contempt, He was prematurely bald on the top of
and, as I went out, I heard Sarah his head, and had bushy black eyebrows
Pocket say, “Well I am sure | What that wouldn’t lie down, but stood up
bristling. His eyes were set very deep
next l” and Camilla add, with indigna
in his head, and were disagreeably
tion, “Was there ever such a fancy 1
The i-de-a l’” sharp and suspicious. He had a large
As we were going with our candle watch-chain, and strong black dots
along the dark passage, Estella stopped where his beard and whiskers would
all of a sudden, and, facing round, said have been if he had let them. He was
in her taunting manner, with her face nothing to me, and I could have had no
quite close to mine : foresight then, that he ever would be
“Well ?” anything to me, but it happened that I
“Well, miss?” I answered, almost had this opportunity of observing him
falling over her and checking myself. well.
She stood looking at me, and, of “Boy of the neighbourhood Hey?"
course, I stood looking at her. said he.
“Am I pretty #" “Yes, sir,” said I.
“Yes; I think you are very pretty.” “How do you come here?”
“Am I insulting " “Miss Havisham sent for me, sir,”
“Not so much so as you were last I explained.
time,” said I. “Well ! Behave yourself. I have
** Not so much so 2° a pretty large experience of boys, and
“No.” you're a bad set of fellows. Now
She fired when she asked the last | mind l’” said he, biting the side of his
question, and she slapped my face great forefinger as he frowned at me,
with such force as she had, when I an “you behave yourself ſ”
swered it. With those words, he released me—
“Now 7" said she. “You little which I was glad of, for his hand smelt
coarse monster, what do you think of of scented soap—and went his way
me now " down-stairs. I wondered whether he
“I shall not tell you.” could be a doctor ; but no, I thought ;
“Because you are going to tell, up he couldn't be a doctor, or he would
stairs. Is that it !” have a quieter and more persuasive
“No,” said I, “that's not it.” manner. There was not much time to
“Why don't you cry again, you little consider the subject, for we were soon
wretch?” in Miss Havisham's room, where she
“Because I'll never cry for you and everything else were just as I had
again,” said I. Which was, I suppose, left them. Estella left me standing
near the door, and I stood there until cobwebs that its form was quite undis.
Miss Havisham cast her eyes upon me |tinguishable; and, as I looked along
from the dressing-table. the yellow expanse out of which I
“So l’” she said, without being remember its seeming to grow, like a
startled or surprised; “the days have black fungus, I saw speckled-legged
worn away, have they #" 3.
spiders with blotchy bodies running
“Yes, ma'am. To-day is— home to it, and running out from it, as
“There, there, there!” with the if some circumstance of the greatest
impatient movement of her fingers. public importance had just transpired
“I don't want to know. Are you in the spider community.
ready to play ?” I heard the mice too, rattling behind
I was obliged to answer in some con the panels, as if the same occurrence
fusion, “I don’t think I am, ma'am.” were important to their interests. But,
“Not at cards again?” she demanded the blackbeetles took no notice of the
with a searching look. agitation, and groped about the hearth
“Yes, ma'am ; I could do that, if I in a ponderous elderly way, as if they
was wanted.” were short-sighted and hard of hearing,
“Since this house strikes you old and not on terms with one another.
and grave, boy,” said Miss Havisham, These crawling things had fascinated
impatiently, “and you are unwilling to my attention, and I was watching them
play, are you willing to work?” from a distance, when Miss Havisham
I could answer this inquiry with a laid a hand upon my shoulder. In her
better heart than I had been able to other hand she had a crutch-headed
find for the other question, and I said I stick on which she leaned, and she
was quite willing. . looked like the Witch of the place.
“Then go into that opposite room,” , “This,” said she, pointing to the
said she, pointing at the door behind long table with her stick, “is where I
me with her withered hand, “and will be laid when I am dead. They
wait there till I come.” shall come and look at me here.”
I crossed the staircase landing, and With some vague misgiving that she
entered the room she indicated. From might get upon the table then and there
that room, too, the daylight was com and die at once, the complete realisation
pletely excluded, and it had an airless of the ghastly waxwork at the Fair, I
smell that was oppressive. A fire had shrank under her touch.
been lately kindled in the damp old “What do you think that is " she
fashioned grate, and it was more dis asked me, again pointing with her
posed to go out than to burn up, and stick; “that, where those cobwebs
the reluctant smoke which hung in the are 2°
room seemed colder than the clearer air “I can’t guess what it is, ma'am.”
—like our own marsh mist. Certain “It's a great cake. A bride-cake.
wintry branches of candles on the Miner!”
high chimneypiece faintly lighted the She looked all round the room in a
chamber : or, it would be more expres glaring manner, and then said, leaning
sive to say, faintly troubled its dark on me while her hand twitched my
ness. It was spacious, and I dare say shoulder, “Come, come, come ! Walk
had once been handsome, but every me, walk me !”
discernible thing in it was covered with I made out from this, that the work
dust and mould, and dropping to pieces. I had to do, was to walk Miss Havisham
The most prominent object was a long round and round the room. Accord
table with a tablecloth spread on it, as ingly, I started at once, and she leaned
if a feast had been in preparation when upon my shoulder, and we went away
the house and the clocks all stopped at a pace that might have been an imi
together. An épergne or centre-piece tation (founded on my first impulse
of some kind was in the middle of this under that roof) of Mr. Pumblechook's
cloth ; it was so heavily overhung with chaise-cart,
She was not physically strong, and “Then don't think of me,” retorted
after a little time said, “Slower l’” Miss Havisham.
Still, we went at an impatient fitful “Wery easily said " remarked Ca
speed, and as we went, she twitched milla, amiably repressing a sob, while
the hand upon my shoulder, and worked a hitch came into her upper lip, and
her mouth, and led me to believe that her tears overflowed. “Raymond is a
we were going fast because her thoughts witness what ginger and sal volatile I
went fast. After a while she said, am obliged to take in the night. Ray
“Call Estella ('' so I went out on the mond is a witness what nervous jerk
landing and roared that name as I had ings I have in my legs. Chokings and
done on the previous occasion. When nervous jerkings, however, are nothing
her light appeared, I returned to Miss new to me when I think with anxiety
Havisham, and we started away again of those I love. If I could be less
round and round the room. affectionate and sensitive, I should have
If only Estella had come to be a a better digestion and an iron set of
spectator of our proceedings, I should nerves. I am sure I wish it could be
have felt sufficiently discontented ; but, so. But as to not thinking of you in
as she brought with her the three ladies the night—the idea l’” Here, a burst
and the gentleman whom I had seen of tears.
below, I didn't know what to do. In The Raymond referred to, I under
my politeness, I would have stopped ; stood to be the gentleman present, and
but, Miss Havisham twitched my him I understood to be Mr. Camilla.
shoulder, and we posted on—with a He came to the rescue at this point,
shame-faced consciousness on my part and said in a consolatory and compli
that they would think it was all my mentary voice, “Camilla, my dear, it
doing. is well known that your family feelings
“Dear Miss Havisham,” said Miss are gradually undermining you to the
Sarah Pocket. “How well you look I’” extent of making one ofyour legs shorter
“I do not,” returned Miss Havi than the other.”
sham. “I am yellow skin and “I am not aware,” observed the
bone.” grave lady whose voice I had heard but
Camilla brightened when Miss Pocket once, “that to think of any person is
met with this rebuff; and she mur to make a great claim upon that person,
mured, as she plaintively contemplated my dear.”
Miss Havisham, “Poor dear soul | Miss Sarah Pocket, whom I now saw
Certainly not to be expected to look to be a little dry brown corrugated old
well, poor thing. The idea 1" woman, with a small face that might
“And how are you ?” said Miss have been made of walnut shells, and a
Havisham to Camilla. As we were large mouth like a cat's without the
close to Camilla then, I would have whiskers, supported this position by say
stopped as a matter of course, only ing, “No, indeed, my dear. Hem ’’
Miss Havisham wouldn't stop. We “Thinking is easy enough,” said
swept on, and I felt that I was highly the grave lady.
obnoxious to Camilla. “What is easier, you know 7" as
“Thank you, Miss Havisham,” she sented Miss Sarah Pocket.
returned, “I am as well as can be “Oh yes, yes 1’’ cried Camilla, whose
expected.” fermenting feelings appeared to rise
“Why, what's the matter with you?” from her legs to her bosom. “It’s all
asked Miss Havisham, with exceeding very true ! It's a weakness to be so
sharpness. affectionate, but I can't help it. No
“Nothing worth mentioning,” re doubt my health would be much better
plied Camilia. “I don't wish to make if it was otherwise, still I wouldn't
a display of my feelings, but I have change my disposition if I could. . It's
habitually thought of you more in the the cause of much suffering, but it's a
night than I am quite equal to.” consolation to know I possess it, when
Iwake up in the night.” Here another table with her stick, “at my head Î
burst of feeling. And yours will be there ! And your
Miss Havisham and I had never husband's there ! And Sarah Pocket's
stopped all this time, but kept going there ! And Georgiana's there ! Now
round and round the room : now, brush you all know where to take your sta
ing against the skirts of the visitors: tions when you come to feast upon me.
now, giving them the whole length of And now go '''
the dismal chamber. At the mention of each name, she
“There's Matthew " said Camilla. had struck the table with her stick in
“Never mixing with any natural ties, a new place. She now said, “Walk
never coming here to see how Miss me, walk me !” and we went on again.
Havisham is I have taken to the “I suppose there's nothing to be
sofa with my staylace cut, and have done,” exclaimed Camilla, “but com
lain there hours, insensible, with ply and depart. It's something to have
my head over the side, and my hair seen the object of one's love and duty,
all down, and my feet I don’t know even for so short a time, I shall think
where 32
of it with a melancholy satisfaction
(“Much higher than your head, my when I wake up in the night. I wish
love,” said Mr. Camilla.) Matthew could have that comfort, but
“I have gone off into that state, he sets it at defiance. I am determined
hours and hours, on account of Mat not to make a display of my feelings,
thew's strange and inexplicable conduct, but it's very hard to be told one wants
and nobody has thanked me.” to feast on one's relations—as if one
“Really I must say I should think was a Giant—and to be told to go.
not ſ” interposed the grave lady. The bare idea 1"
“You see, my dear,” added Miss Mr. Camilla interposing, as Mrs.
Sarah Pocket (a blandly vicious person Camilla laid her hand upon her heaving
age), “the question to put to yourself bosom, that lady assumed an unnatural
is, who did you expect to thank you, fortitude of manner which I supposed
my love 7" to be expressive of an intention to drop
“Without expecting any thanks, or and choke when out of view, and kiss
anything of the sort,” resumed Camilla, ing her hand to Miss Havisham, was
“I have remained in that state hours escorted forth. Sarah Pocket and Georgi
and hours, and Raymond is a witness ana contended who should remain last;
of the extent to which I have choked, but, Sarah was too knowing to be out
and what the total inefficacy of ginger done, and ambled round Georgiana with
has been, and I have been heard at that artful slipperiness, that the latter
the pianoforte-tuner's across the street, was obliged to take precedence. Sarah
where the poor mistaken children have Pocket then made her separate effect of
even supposed it to be pigeons cooing departing with “Bless you, Miss Havis
at a distance—and now to be told
23 ham dear !” and with a smile of for
Here Camilla put her hand to her giving pity on her walnut-shell coun
throat, and began to be quite chemical tenance for the weaknesses of the rest.
as to the formation of new combinations While Estella was away lighting
there. them down, Miss Havisham still walked
When this same Matthew was men with her hand on my shoulder, but more
tioned, Miss Havisham stopped me and and more slowly. At last she stopped
herself, and stood looking at the speaker, before the fire, and said, after muttering
This change had a great influence in and looking at it some seconds :
bringing Camilla's chemistry to a sudden “This is my birthday, Pip.”
end. I was going to wish her many happy
“Matthew will come and see me at returns, when she lifted her stick.
last,” said Miss Havisham, sternly, “I don't suffer it to be spoken of
“when I am laid on that table. That I don't suffer those who were here just
will be his pplace—there,” striking the now, or any one, to speak of it. They
come here on the day, but they dare taken down into the yard to be fed in
not refer to it.” the former dog-like manner. There,
Of course I made no further effort too, I was again left to wander about s
to refer to it. I liked.
“On this day of the year, long before It is not much to the purpose whether
you were born, this heap of decay,” a gate in that garden wall which I had
stabbing with her crutched stick at the scrambled up to peep over on the last
pile of cobwebs on the table but not occasion was, on that last occasion, open
touching it, “was brought here. It or shut. Enough that I saw no gate
and I have worn away together. The then, and that I saw one now. As it
mice have gnawed at it, and sharper stood open, and as I knew that Estella
teeth than teeth of mice have gnawed had let the visitors out—for, she had
at me.” returned with the keys in her hand–I
She held the head of her stick against strolled into the garden, and strolled.
her heart as she stood looking at the all over it. It was quite a wilderness,
table; she in her once white dress, all and there were old melon-frames and
yellow and withered ; the once white cucumber-frames in it, which seemed
cloth all yellow and withered ; every in their decline to have produced a
thing around, in a state to crumble spontaneous growth of weak attempts
under a touch. at pieces of old hats and boots, with
“When the ruin is complete,” said now and then a weedy offshoot into the
she, with a ghastly look, “and when likeness of a battered saucepan.
they lay me dead, in my bride's dress When I had exhausted the garden
on the bride's table—which shall be and a greenhouse with nothing in it
done, and which will be the finished but a fallen-down grape-vine and some
curse upon him—so much the better if bottles, I found myself in the dismal
it is done on this day !” corner upon which I had looked out of
She stood looking at the table as if
window. Never questioning for a mo
she stood looking at her own figure ment that the house was now empty,
lying there. I remained quiet. Es I looked in at another window, and
tella returned, and she too remained found myself, to my great surprise,
quiet. It seemed to me that we con exchanging a broad stare with a pale
tinued thus a long time. In the heavy young gentleman with red eyelids and
air of the room, and the heavy dark light hair.
ness that brooded in its remoter corners, This pale young gentleman quickly
I even had an alarming fancy that Es disappeared, and re-appeared beside
tella and I might presently begin to me. He had been at his books when
decay. I had found myself staring at him, and
At length not coming out of her dis I now saw that he was inky.
traught state by degrees, but in an “Halloa P" said he, “young fellow ſ”
instant, Miss Havisham said, “Let me Halloa being a general observation
see you two play cards ; why have you which I had usually observed to be best
not begun ?” With that, we returned answered by itself, I said “Halloa 1"
to her room, and sat down as before ; I politely omitting young fellow.
was beggared, as before ; and again, as “Who let you in " said he.
before, Miss Havisham watched us all “Miss Estella.”
the time, directed my attention to “Who gave you leave to prowl
Estella's beauty, and made me notice about !”
it the more by trying her jewels on “Miss Estella.”
Estella's breast and hair. “Come and fight,” said the pale
Estella, for her part, likewise treated young gentleman.
me as before ; except that she did not What could I do but follow him
condescend to speak. When we had I have often asked myself the question
played some half-dozen games, a day since : but, what else could I do His
was appointed for my return, and I was manner was so final and I was so
E
astonished, that I followed where he —having pimples on his face, and a

led, as if I had been under a spell. breaking out at his mouth—these dread
“Stop a minute, though,” he said, ful preparations quite appalled me. I
wheeling round before we had gone judged him to be about my own age,
many paces. “I Ought to give you a but he was much taller, and he had a
reason for fighting, too. There it is l’” way of spinning himself about that was
In a most irritating manner he instantly full of appearance. For the rest, he
slapped his hands against one another, was a young gentleman in a grey suit
daintily flung one of his legs up behind (when not denuded for battle), with his
him, pulled my hair, slapped his hands elbows, knees, wrists, and heels con
again, dipped his head, and butted it siderably in advance of the rest of him
into my stomach. as to development.
The bull-like proceeding last men My heart failed me when I saw him
tioned, besides that it was unquestion squaring at me with every demonstra
ably to be regarded in the light of a tion of mechanical nicety, and eyeing
liberty, was particularly disagreeable my anatomy as if he were minutely
just after bread and meat. I therefore choosing his bone. I never have been
so surprised in my life, as I was when
hit out at him, and was going to hit
out again, when he said, “Aha I let out the first blow, and saw him
Would you?” and began dancing back lying on his back, looking up at me
wards and forwards in a manner quite with a bloody nose and his face exceed
unparalleled within my limited expe ingly fore-shortened.
rience. But, he was on his feet directly, and
“Laws of the game !” said he. Here, after sponging himself with a great show
he skipped from his left leg on to his of dexterity began squaring again. The
right. “Regular rules " " Here, he second greatest surprise I have ever
skipped from his right leg on to his left. had in my life was seeing him on his
“Come to the ground, and go through back again, looking up at me out of a
the preliminaries 1’’ Here, he dodged black eye.
backwards and forwards, and did all His spirit inspired me with great
sorts of things while I looked helplessly respect. He seemed to have no strength,
at him. and he never once hit me hard, and he
I was secretly afraid of him when I was always knocked down; but, he
saw him so dexterous; but, I felt morally would be up again in a moment, spong
and physically convinced that his light ing himself or drinking out of the
head of hair could have had no business water-bottle, with the greatest satisfac
in the pit of my stomach, and that I tion in seconding himself according to
had a right to consider it irrelevant form, and then came at me with an air
when so obtruded on my attention. and a show that made me believe he
Therefore, I followed him without a really was going to do for me at last.
word, to a retired nook of the garden, He got heavily bruised, for I am sorry
formed by the junction of two walls and to record that the more I hit him, the
screened by some rubbish. On his ask harder I hit him ; but, he came up
ing me if I was satisfied with the ground, again and again and again, until at last
and on my replying Yes, he begged my he got a bad fall with the back of his
leave to absent himself for a moment, head against the wall. Even after that
and quickly returned with a bottle of crisis in our affairs, he got up and
water and a sponge dipped in vinegar. turned round and round confusedly a
“Available for both,” he said, placing few times, not knowing where I was ;
these against the wall. And then fell but finally went on his knees to his
to pulling off, not only his jacket and sponge and threw it up : at the same
waistcoat, but his shirt too, in a manner time panting out, “That means you
at once light-hearted, business-like, and have won.”
bloodthirsty. He seemed so brave and innocent,
Although he did not look very healthy that although I had not proposed the
contest, I felt but a gloomy satisfaction “Come here ! You may kiss me if
in my victory. Indeed, I go so far as you like.”
to hope that I regarded myself while I kissed her cheek as she turned it
dressing, as a species of Savage young to me. I think I would have gone
wolf, or other wild beast. However, I through a great deal to kiss her cheek.
got dressed, darkly wiping my san But, I felt that the kiss was given to
guinary face at intervals, and I said, the coarse common boy as a piece of
“Can I help you ?” and he said, “No money might have been, and that it was
thankee,” and I said, “Good after worth nothing.
noon,” and he said, “Same to you.” What with the birthday visitors, and
When I got into the court-yard, I what with the cards, and what with the
found Estella waiting with the keys. fight, my stay had lasted so long, that
But, she neither asked me where I had when I neared home the light on the
been, nor why I had kept her waiting; spit of sand off the point on the marshes
and there was a bright flush upon her was gleaming against a black night-sky,
face, as though something had happened and Joe's furnace was flinging a path of
to delight her. Instead of going straight fire across the road.
to the gate, too, she stepped back into
the passage, and beckoned me.
CHAPTER, XII.
My mind grew very uneasy on the incredible ways of accounting for that
subject of the pale young gentleman. damnatory circumstance when I should
The more I thought of the fight, and be haled before the Judges.
recalled the pale young gentleman on When the day came round for my re
his back in various stages of puffy and turn to the scene of the deed of violence,
incrimsoned countenance, the more cer. my terrors reached their height. . Whe
tain it appeared that something would ther myrmidons of Justice, specially
be done to me. I felt that the pale sent down from London, would be lying
young gentleman's blood was en my in ambush behind the gate # Whether
head, and that the Law would avenge Miss Havisham, preferring to take per
it. Without having any definite idea of sonal vengeance for an outrage done to
the penalties I had incurred, it was her house, might rise in those grave
clear to me that village boys could clothes of hers, draw a pistol, and shoot
not go stalking about the country, me dead Î Whether suborned boys—a
ravaging the houses of gentlefolks and numerous band of mercenaries—might
pitching into the studious youth of be engaged to fall upon me in the
England, without laying themselves brewery, and cuff me until I was no
open to severe punishment. For some more ? It was high testimony to my
days, I even kept close at home, and confidence in the spirit of the pale young
looked out at the kitchen door with the gentleman, that I never imagined him
greatest caution and trepidation before accessary to these retaliations ; they
going on an errand, lest the officers of always came into my mind as the acts
the County Jail should pounce upon me. of injudicious relatives of his, goaded on
The pale young gentleman's nose had by the state of his visage and an indig
stained my trousers, and I tried to wash nant sympathy with the family features.
out that evidence of my guilt in the However, go to Miss Havisham's I
dead of night. I had cut my knuckles must, and go I did. And behold !
against the pale young gentleman's nothing came of the late struggle. It
teeth, and I twisted my imagination was not alluded to in any way, and no
into a thousand tangles, as I devised pale young gentleman was *.*dis
Jº
covered on the premises. I found the she would be quite familiar with me,
same gate open, and I explored the sometimes, she would tell me energeti
garden, and even, looked in at the cally that she hated me. Miss Havi
windows of the detached house ; but, sham would often ask me in a whisper,
my view was suddenly stopped by the or when we were alone, “Does she grow
closed shutters within, and all was life prettier and prettier, Pip !” And when
less. Only in the corner where the I said Yes (for indeed she did), would
combat had taken place, could I detect seem to enjoy it greedily. Also, when
any evidence of the young gentleman's we played at cards Miss Havisham
existence. There were traces of his would look on, with a miserly relish of
gore in that spot, and I covered them Estella's moods, whatever they were.
with garden-mould from the eye of man. And sometimes, when her moods were
On the broad landing between Miss so many and so contradictory of one
Havisham's own room and that other another that I was puzzled what to say
room in which the long table was laid or do, Miss Havisham would embrace
out, I saw a garden-chair—a light chair her with lavish fondness, murmuring
on wheels, that you pushed from behind. something in her ear that sounded like
It had been placed there since my last “Break their hearts, my pride and hope,
visit, and I entered, that same day, on break their hearts and have no mercy l’”
a regular occupation of pushing Miss There was a song Joe used to hum
Havisham in this chair (when she was fragments of at the forge, of which the
tired of walking with her hand upon burden was Old Clem. This was not a
my shoulder) round her own room, and very ceremonious way of rendering
across the landing, and round the other homage to a patron saint; but I believe
room. Over and over and over again, Old Clem stood in that relation towards
we would make these journeys, and smiths. It was a song that imitated
sometimes they would last as long as the measure of beating upon iron, and
three hours at a stretch. I insensibly was a mere lyrical excuse for the intro
fall into a general mention of these duction of Old Clem's respected name.
journeys as numerous, because it was Thus, you were to hammer boys round
at once settled that I should return —Old Clem With a thump and a
every alternate day at noon for these sound—Old Clem Beat it out, beat
purposes, and because I am now going it out—Old Clem With a clink for
to sum up a period of at least eight or the stout—Old Clem I Blow the fire,
ten months. -
blow the fire—Old Clem Roaring
As we began to be more used to one dryer, soaring higher—Old Clem One
another, Miss Havisham talked more day soon after the appearance of the
to me, and asked me such questions as chair, Miss Havisham suddenly saying
what had I learnt and what was I going to me, with the impatient movement of
to be I told her I was going to be her fingers, “There, there, there !
apprenticed to Joe, I believed; and I Sing !” I was surprised into crooning
enlarged upon my knowing nothing and this ditty as I pushed her over the floor.
wanting to know everything, in the hope It happened so to catch her fancy that,
that she might offer some help towards she took it up in a low brooding voice
that desirable end. But, she did not ; as if she were singing in her sleep.
on the contrary, she seemed to prefer After that, it became customary with
my being ignorant. Neither did she us to have it as we moved about, and
ever give me any money—or anything Estella would often join in ; though the
but my daily dinner—nor even stipulate whole strain was so subdued, even when
that I should be paid for my services, there were three of us, that it made
Estella was always about, and always less noise in the grim old house than
let me in and out, but never told me I the lightest oreath of wind.
might kiss her again. Sometimes, she What could I become with these sur
would coldly tolerate me; sometimes, roundings? How could my character
she would condescend to me; sometimes, fail to be influenced by them : Is it to
be wondered at if my thoughts were by the sleeve : a spectacle of imbecility

dazed, as my eyes were, when I came only to be equalled by himself.
out into the natural light from the misty Then, he and my sister would pair off
yellow rooms? in such nonsensical speculations about
Perhaps I might have told Joe about Miss Havisham, and about what she
the pale young gentleman, if I had not would do with me and for me, that I
previously been betrayed into those used to want—quite painfully—to burst
enormous inventions to which I had into spiteful tears, fly at Pumblechook,
confessed. Under the circumstances, I and pummel him all over. In these
felt that Joe could hardly fail to discern dialogues, my sister spoke to me as if
in the pale young gentleman, an appro she were morally wrenching one of my
priate passenger to be put into the black teeth out at every reference ; while
velvet coach ; therefore, I said nothing Pumblechook himself, self-constituted
of him. Besides : that shrinking from my patron, would sit supervising me
having Miss Havisham and Estella dis with a depreciatory eye, like the archi
cussed, which had come upon me in the tect of my fortunes who thought himself
beginning, grew much more potent as engaged in a very unremunerative job.
time went on. I reposed complete con In these discussions, Joe bore no part.
fidence in no one but Biddy; but, I told But he was often talked at, while they
poor Biddy everything. Why it came were in progress, by reason of Mrs. Joe's
natural for me to do so, and why Biddy perceiving that he was not favourable
had a deep concern in everything I told to my being taken from the forge. I
her, I did not know then, though I was fully old enough now, to be appren
think I know now. ticed to Joe ; and when Joe sat with
Meanwhile, councils went on in the the poker on his knees thoughtfully
kitchen at home, fraught with almost raking out the ashes between the lower
insupportable aggravation to my exas bars, my sister would so distinctly con
perated spirit. That ass, Pumblechook, strue that innocent action into oppo
used often to come over of a night for sition on his part, that she would dive
the purpose of discussing my prospects at him, take the poker out of his hands,
with my sister; and I really do believe shake him, and put it away. There
(to this hour with less penitence than I was a most irritating end to every one
ought to feel), that if these hands could of these debates. All in a moment,
have taken a linchpin out of his chaise with nothing to lead up to it, my sister
cart, they would have done it. The would stop herself - in a yawn, and
miserable man was a man of that con catching sight of me as it were inci
fined stolidity of mind, that he could dentally, would swoop upon me with,
not discuss my prospects without having “Come? there's enough of you / You
me before him—as it were, to operate get along to bed; you've given trouble
upon—and he would drag me up from enough for one night, I hope l’” As if
my stool (usually by the collar) where I had besought them as a favour to
I was quiet in a corner, and, putting bother my life out.
me before the fire as if I were going to We went on in this way for a long
be cooked, would begin by saying, time, and it seemed likely that we
“Now, Mum, here is this boy Here should continue to go on in this way
is this boy which you brought up by for a long time, when, one day, Miss
hand. Hold up your head, boy, and Havisham stopped short as she and I
be for ever grateful unto them which so were walking, she leaning on my shoul
did do. Now, Mum, with respections der; and said with some displeasure :
to this boy " And then he would “You are growing tall, Pip !”
rumple my hair the wrong way—which I thought it best to hint, through the
from my earliest remembrance, as medium of a meditative look, that this
already hinted, I have in my soul might be occasioned by circumstances
denied the right of any fellow-creature over which I had no control.
to do—and would hold me before him She said no more at the time; but,
she presently stopped and looked at me livered this message for Joe, my sister
again ; and presently again ; and after‘‘went on the Rampage,” in a more
that, looked frowning and moody. On alarming degree than at any previous
the next day of my attendance, when period. She asked me and Joe whether
our usual exercise was over, and I had we supposed she was door-mats under
landed her at her dressing-table, she our feet, and how we dared to use her
stayed me with a movement of her so, and what company we graciously
impatient fingers: thought she was fit for? When she had
“Tell me the name again of that exhausted a torrent of such inquiries,
blacksmith of yours.” she threw a candlestick at Joe, burst
“Joe Gargery, ma'am.” into a loud sobbing, got out the dustpan
“Meaning the master you were to be —which was always a very bad sign—
apprenticed to ?” put on her coarse apron, and began
“Yes, Miss Havisham.” cleaning up to a terrible extent. Not
“You had better be apprenticed at satisfied with a dry cleaning, she took
once. Would Gargery come here with to a pail and scrubbing-brush, and
you, and bring your indentures, do you cleaned us out of house and home, so
think 22° that we stood shivering in the back
I signified that I had no doubt he yard. It was ten o'clock at night before
would take it as an honour to be asked. we ventured to creepin again, and then
“Then let him come.” she asked Joe why he hadn't married a
“At any particular time, Miss Ha Negress Slave at once Joe offered no
visham : * -
answer, poor fellow, but stood feeling
“There, there ! I know nothing his whiskers and looking dejectedly at
about times. Let him come soon, and me, as if he thought it really might
come alone with you.” have been a better speculation.
When I got home at night, and de
CHAPTER, XIII.
IT was a trial to my feelings, on the chalk upon the door (as it was his
next day but one, to see Joe arraying custom to do on the very rare occasions
himself in his Sunday clothes to accom when he was not at work) the mono
pany me to Miss Havisham's. How syllable HouT, accompanied by a sketch
ever, as he thought his court-suit neces of an arrow supposed to be flying in the
sary to the occasion, it was not for me direction he had taken.
to tell him that he looked far better in We walked to town, my sister leading
his working dress ; the rather, because the way in a very large beaver bonnet,
I knew he made himself so dreadfully and carrying a basket like the Great
uncomfortable, entirely on my account, Seal of England in plaited straw, a pair
and that it was for me he pulled up his of pattens, a spare shawl, and an um
shirt-collar so very high behind, that it brella, though it was a fine bright day.
made the hair on the crown of his head I am not quite clear whether these
stand up like a tuft of feathers. articles were carried penitentially or
At breakfast-time my sister declared ostentatiously; but, I rather think they
her intention of going to town with us, were displayed as articles of property—
and being left at Uncle Pumblechook's, much as Cleopatra or any other sove
and called for “when we had done with reign lady on the Rampage might exhibit
our fine ladies”—a way of putting the her wealth in a pageant or procession.
case, from which Joe appeared inclined When we came to Pumblechook's,
to augur the worst. The forge was shut my sister bounced in and left us. As
up for the day, and Joe inscribed in it was almost noon, Joe and I held
straight on to Miss Havisham's house. Bike—not but what they would have
Estella opened the gate as usual, and, been attended to, don't you see . "
the moment she appeared, Joe took his “Has the boy,” said Miss Havisham,
hat off and stood weighing it by the “ever made any objection ? Does he
brim in both his hands: as if he had like the trade 2°
some urgent reason in his mind for “Which it is well beknown to your
being particular to half a quarter of an self, Pip,” returned Joe, strengthening
ounce. his former mixture of argumentation,
Estella took no notice of either of us, confidence, and politeness, “that it
but led us the way that I knew so well, were the wish of your own hart.” (I
I followed next to her, and Joe came saw the idea suddenly break upon him
last. When I looked back at Joe in that he would adapt his epitaph to the
the long passage, he was still weighing occasion, before he went on to say)
his hat with the greatest care, and was “And there weren't no objection on
coming after us in long strides on the your part, and Pip it were the great
tips of his toes. wish of your hart l”
Estella told me we were both to go It was quite in vain for me to endea
in, so I took Joe by the coat-cuff and vour to make him sensible that he ought
conducted him into Miss Havisham's to speak to Miss Havisham. The more
presence. She was seated at her dress I made faces and gestures to him to do
ing-table, and looked round at us im it the more confidential, argumentative,
mediately. - and polite, he persisted in being to Me.
“Oh !” said she to Joe. “You are “Have you brought his indentures
the husband of the sister of this boy #" with you !” asked Miss Havisham.
I could hardly have imagined dear “Well, Pip, you know,” replied Joe,
old Joe looking so unlike himself or so as if that were a little unreasonable,
like some extraordinary bird; standing, “you yourself see me put 'em in my 'at,
as he did, speechless, with his tuft of and therefore you know as they are
feathers ruffled, and his mouth open as here.” With which he took them out,
if he wanted a worm. and gave them, not to Miss Havisham,
“You are the husband,” repeated but to me. I am afraid I was ashamed
Miss Havisham, “of the sister of this of the dear good fellow—I know I was
boy ?” ashamed of him—when I saw that
It wasvery aggravating; but, through Estella stood at the back of Miss Havi
out the interview, Joe persisted in ad sham's chair, and that her eyes laughed
dressing Me instead of Miss Havisham. mischievously. I took the indentures
“Which Imeantersay, Pip,” Joe now out of his hand and gave them to Miss
observed, in a manner that was at once Havisham.
expressive of forcible argumentation, “You expected,” said Miss Havisham,
strict confidence, and great politeness, as she looked them over, “no premium
“as I hup and married your sister, and with the boy?”
I were at the time what you might call “Joe” I remonstrated; for he made
(if you was any ways inclined) a single no reply at all. “Why don't you
man.” anSWer 29
‘‘Well!” said Miss Havisham. “And “Pip,” returned Joe, cutting me

you have reared the boy, with the inten short as if he were hurt, “which I
tion of taking him for your apprentice ; meantersay that were not a question
is that so, Mr. Gargery " requiring a answer betwixt yourself and
“You know, Pip,” replied Joe, “as me, and which you know the answer to
you and me were ever friends, and it be full well No. You know it to be
were looked for’ard to betwixt us, as No, Pip, and wherefore should I say
being calc’lated to lead to larks. Not it * *
but what, Pip, if you had ever made Miss Havisham glanced at him as if
objections to the business—such as its she understood what he really was,
being open to black and sut, or such better than I had thought possible,
seeing what he was there ; and took up to me, “Astonishing : " And there he
a little bag from the table beside her. remained so long, saying, “Astonish
“Pip has earned a premium here,” ing !” at intervals, so often, that I
she said, “and here it is. There are began to think his senses were never
five-and-twenty guineas in this bag. coming back. At length he prolonged
Give it to your master, Pip !” his remark into “Pip, I do assure you
As if he were absolutely out of his this is as-Ton-ishing !” and so, by de
mind with the wonder awakened in him grees, became conversational and able
by her strange figure and the strange to walk away.
room, Joe, even at this pass, persisted I have reason to think that Joe's in
in addressing me. tellects were brightened by the encounter
“This is wery liberal on your part, they had passed through, and that on
Pip,” said Joe, “and it is as such re our way to Pumblechook’s, he invented
ceived andgrateful welcome, though never a subtle and deep design. My reason
looked for, far nor near nor nowheres. is to be found in what took place in
And now, old chap,” said Joe, conveying Mr. Pumblechook's parlour: where, on
to me a sensation, first of burning and our presenting ourselves, my sister sat in
then of freezing, for I felt as if that conference with that detested seedsman.
familiar expression were applied to Miss “Well 1" cried my sister, addressing
Havisham ; “and now, old chap, may us both at once. “And what's hap
we do our duty 1 May you and me do pened to you ? I wonder you conde
our duty, both on us by one and scend to come back to such poor society
another, and by them which your liberal as this, I am sure I do !” -
present—have—conweyed—to be—for “Miss Havisham,” said Joe, with a

the satisfaction of mind—of-them as fixed look at me, like an effort of re
never—” here Joe showed that he felt membrance, “made it wery partick’ler
he had fallen into frightful difficulties, that we should give her—were it com
until he triumphantly rescued himself pliments or respects, Pip !”
with the words, “and from myself far “Compliments,” I said.
be it !” These words had such around “Which that were my own belief,”
and convincing sound for him that he answered Joe—“her compliments to
said them twice. Mrs. J. Gargery 22
“Good-by, Pip !” said Miss Ha “Much good they'll do me !” ob

visham. “Let them out, Estella.” served my sister: but rather gratified
“Am I to come again, Miss Ha too.
visham : " I asked. “And wishing,” pursued Joe, with
“No. Gargery is your master now. another fixed look at me, like another
Gargery / One word l’” effort of remembrance, “that the state
Thus calling him back as I went out of Miss Havisham's elth were sitch as
of the door, I heard her say to Joe, in would have—allowed, were it, Pip !”
a distinct emphatic voice, “The boy “Of her having the pleasure,” I
has been a good boy here, and that is his added.
reward. Of course, as an honest man, “Of ladies' company,” said Joe, And
you will expect no other and no more,” drew a long breath.
How Joe got out of the room, I have “Well !” cried my sister, with a
never been able to determine; but, I mollified glance at Mr. Pumblechook.
know that when he did get out he was “She might have had the politeness to
steadily proceeding up-stairs instead of send that message at first, but it's better
coming down, and was deaf to all re late than never. And what did she
monstrances until I went after him and give young Rantipole here !”
laid hold of him. In another minute “She giv' him,” said Joe, “nothing.”
we were outside the gate, and it was Mrs. Joe was going to break out, but
locked, and Estella was gone. When Joe went on.
we stood in the daylight alone again, “What she giv',” said Joe, “she
Joe backed up against a wall, and said | giv' tº his friends. “And by his friends,’
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
57
were her explanation, ‘I mean into the “Now you see, Joseph and wife,” said
hands of his sister, Mrs. J. Gargery.” Pumblechook, as he took me by the
Them were her words ; “Mrs. J. Gar arm above the elbow, “I am one of
gery.” She mayn't have know’d,” added them that always go right through with
Joe, with an appearance of reflection, what they've begun. This boy must be
“whether it were Joe or Jorge.” bound, out of hand. That's my way.
My sister looked at Pumblechook : Bound out of hand.”
who smoothed the elbows of his wooden “Goodness knows, Uncle Pumble
armchair, and nodded at her and at the chook,” said my sister (grasping the
fire, as if he had known all about it money), “we’re deeply beholden to
beforehand. you.”
“And how much have you got ?” “Never mind me, Mum,” returned
asked my sister, laughing. Positively, that diabolical cornchandler. “A plea
laughing ! sure's a pleasure all the world over. '
“What would present company say But this boy, you know ; we must have
to ten pound !” demanded Joe. him bound. I said I’d see to it—to
“They'd say,” returned my sister tell you the truth.”
curtly, “pretty well. Not too much, The Justices were sitting in the Town
but pretty well.” Hall near at hand, and we at once went
J “It's more than that, then,” said over to have me bound apprentice to
Oe. Joe in the Magisterial presence. I say,
That fearful impostor, Pumblechook, we went over, but I was pushed over by
immediately nodded, and said, as he Pumblechook, exactly as if I had that
rubbed the arms of his chair : “It’s moment picked a pocket or fired a rick;
more than that, Mum.” indeed, it was the general impression in
“Why, you don't mean to say—” Court that I had been taken red-handed;
began my sister. for, as Pumblechook shoved me before
“Yes I do, Mum,” said Pumble him through the crowd, I heard some
chook; “but wait a bit, Go on, people say, “What's he done ** and
Joseph. Good in you ! Go on 1’’ others, “He’s a young 'un, too, but
“What would present company say,” looks bad, don’t he " One person of
proceeded Joe, “to twenty pound !” mild and benevolent aspect even gave
“Handsome would be the word,” me a tract ornamented with a woodcut
returned my sister. of a malevolent young man fitted up
“Well, then,” said Joe, “It’s more with a perfect sausage-shop of fetters,
than twenty pound.” -
and entitled, To BE READ IN MY CELL.
That abject hypocrite, Pumblechook, The Hall was a queer place, I thought,
nodded again, and said, with a patron with higher pews in it than a church—
ising laugh, “It’smore than that, Mum. and with people hanging over the pews
Good again Follow her up, Joseph !” looking on—and with mighty Justices
“Then, to make an end of it,” said (one with a powdered head) leaning back
Joe, delightedly handing the bag to my in chairs, with folded arms, or taking
sister; “it’s five-and-twenty pound.” snuff, or going to sleep, or writing, or
“It's five-and-twenty pound, Mum,” reading the newspapers—and with some
echoed that basest of swindlers, Pumble shining black portraits on the walls,
chook, rising to shake hands with her ; which my unartistic eye regarded as a
“and it’s no more than your merits (as composition of hardbake and sticking
I said when my opinion was asked), and plaister. Here, in a corner, my inden
I wish you joy of the money !” tures were duly signed and attested,
If the villain had stopped here, his and I was “bound;” Mr. Pumble
case would have been sufficiently awful, chook holding me all the while as if we
but he blackened his guilt by proceed had looked in on our way to the scaffold,
ing to take me into custody, with a to have those little preliminaries dis
right of patronage that left all his posed of.
former criminality far behind. When we had come out again, and
had got rid of the boys who had been kept late hours or bad company, or in
put into great spirits by the expectation dulged in other vagaries which the form
of seeing me publicly tortured, and who of my indentures appeared to contem
were much disappointed to find that plate as next to inevitable, he placed me
my friends were merely rallying round standing on a chair beside him to illus
me, we went back to Pumblechook’s. trate his remarks.
And there my sister became so excited by My only other remembrances of the
the twenty-five guineas, that nothing great festival are, That they wouldn't
would serve her but we must have a let me go to sleep, but whenever they
dinner out of that windfall, at the Blue saw me dropping off, woke me up and
Boar, and that Pumblechook must go told me to enjoy myself. That, rather
over in his chaise-cart, and bring the late in the evening Mr. Wopsle gave us
Hubbles and Mr. Wopsle. Collins's ode, and threw his blood
It was agreed to be done ; and a most stain'd sword in thunder down? with
melancholy day I passed. For, it in such effect that a waiter came in and
scrutably appeared to stand to reason, said, “The Commercials underneath
in the minds of the whole company, sent up their compliments, and it wasn’t
that I was an excrescence on the enter the Tumbler's Arms.” That, they were
tainment. And to make it worse, they all in excellent spirits on the road home,
all asked me from time to time—in and sang O Lady Fair Mr. Wopsle
short, whenever they had nothing else taking the bass, and asserting with a
to do—why I didn’t enjoy myself? And tremendously strong voice (in reply to
what could I possibly do then, but say the inquisitive bore who leads that
that I was enjoying myself—when I piece of music in a most imperti
wasn't | nent manner, by wanting to know all
However, they were grown up and about everybody's private affairs) that
had their own way, and made the most he was the man with his white locks
of it. That swindling Pumblechook, flowing, and that he was upon the whole
exalted into the beneficent contriver of the weakest pilgrim going.
the whole occasion, actually took the Finally, I remember that when I got
top of the table; and, when headdressed into my little bedroom, I was truly
them on the subject of my being bound, wretched, and had a strong conviction
and had fiendishly congratulated them on me that I should never like Joe's
on my being liable to imprisonment if I trade. I had liked it once, but once
played at cards, drank strong liquors, was not now.
CHAPTER XIV.
-
IT is a most miserable thing to feel a sacrifice of roast fowls; I had believed

ashamed of home. There may be black in the kitchen as a chaste though not
ingratitude in the thing, and the punish magnificent apartment; I had believed
ment may be retributive and well de in the forge as the glowing road to man
served ; but, that it is a miserable hood and independence. Within a single
thing, I can testify. year all this was changed. Now, t was
Home had never been a very pleasant all coarse and common, and I would not
place to me, because of my sister's have had Miss Havisham and Estella
temper. But, Joe had sanctified it, and see it on any account.
I believed in it. I had believed in the How much of my ungracious condi
best parlour as a most elegant saloon; I tion of mind may have been my own
had believed in the front door, as a mys fault, how much Miss Havisham's, how
terious portal of the Temple of State much my sister's, is now of no moment
whose solemn opening was attended with to me or to any one. The change was
made in me; the thing was done. Well virtue of industry, but because Joe had
or ill done, excusably or inexcusably, it a strong sense of the virtue of industry,
was done. that I worked with tolerable zeal against
Once, it had seemed to me that when the grain. It is not possible to know
I should at last roll up my shirt-sleeves how far the influence of any amiable
and go into the forge, Joe's 'prentice, I honest-hearted duty-doing man flies out
should be distinguished and happy. into the world ; but it is very possible
Now the reality was in my hold, I only to know how it has touched one's self
felt that I was dusty with the dust of in going by, and I know right well that
small coal, and that I had a weight upon any good that intermixed itself with my
my daily remembrance to which the apprenticeship came of plain contented
anvil was a feather. There have been Joe, and not of restless aspiring dis
occasions in my later life (I suppose as contented me.
il, most lives) when I have felt for a What I wanted, who can say? How
time as if a thick curtain had fallen on can I say, when I never knew? What
all its interest and romance, to shut me I dreaded was, that in some unlucky
out from anything save dull endurance hour I, being at my grimiest and com
any more. Never has that curtain monest, should lift up my eyes and see
dropped so heavy and blank, as when Estella looking in at one of the wooden
my way in life lay stretched out straight windows of the forge. I was haunted
before me through the newly-entered by the fear that she would, sooner or
road of apprenticeship to Joe. later, find me out, with a black face and
I remember that at a later period of hands, doing the coarsest part of my
my “time,” I used to stand about the work, and would exuit over me and
churchyard on Sunday evenings, when despise me. Often after dark, when I
night was falling, comparing my own was pulling the bellows for Joe, and we
perspective with the windy marsh view, were singing Old Clem, and when the
and making out some likeness between thought how we used to sing it at Miss
them by thinking how flat and low both Havisham’s would seem to show me
were, and how on both there came an Estella's face in the fire, with her pretty
unknown way and a dark mist and then hair fluttering in the wind and her eyes
the sea. I was quite as dejected on the scorning me, often at such a time I
first working-day of my apprenticeship would look towards those panels of
as in that after-time; but I am glad to black night in the wall which the
know that I never breathed a murmur wooden windows then were, and would
to Joe while my indentures lasted. It fancy that I saw her just drawing her
is about the only thing I am glad to face away, and would believe that she
know of myself in that connection. had come at last.
For, though it includes what I pro After that, when we went in to sup
ceed to add, all the merit of what I pro per, the place and the meal would have
ceed to add was Joe's. It was not be a more homely look than ever, and I
cause I was faithful, but because Joe would feel more ashamed of home
was faithful, that I never ran away and than ever, in my own ungracious
went for a soldier or a sailor. It was breast.
not because I had a strong sense of the
CHAPTER XV.
As I was getting too big for Mr. tobacco. I never knew Joe to remem
Wopsle's great-aunt's room, my educa ber anything from one Sunday to
tion under that preposterous female ter another, or to acquire, under my
minated. Not, however, until Biddy tuition, any piece of information what
had imparted to me everything she ever. Yet he would smoke his pipe at
knew, from the little catalogueof prices, the Battery with a far more sagacious
to a comic song she had once bought for air than anywhere else—even with a
a halfpenny. Although the only cohe learned air—as if he considered himself
rent part of the latter piece of litera to be advancing immensely. Dear fel
ture were the opening lines, low, I hope he did.
It was pleasant and quiet, out there
When I went to Lunnon town sirs, with the sails on the river passing
Too rul loorul beyond the earthwork, and sometimes,
Too rul loorul when the tide was low, looking as if
Wasn't I done very brown sirs? they belonged to sunken ships that
Too rul loorul
Too rul loorul were still sailing on at the bottom of
the water. Whenever I watched the
vessels standing out to sea with their
—still, in my desire to be wiser, I got white sails spread, I somehow thought
this composition by heart with the of Miss Havisham and Estella ; and
utmost gravity; nor do I recollect that whenever the light struck aslant, afar
I questioned its merit, except that I off, upon a cloud or sail or green hill
thought (as I still do) the amount of side or water-line, it was just the
Too rul somewhat in excess of the same.—Miss Havisham and Estella and
poetry. In my hunger for information, the strange house and the strange life
I made proposals to Mr. Wopsle to appeared to have something to do with
bestow some intellectual crumbs upon everything that was picturesque.
me ; with which he kindly complied. One Sunday when Joe, greatly enjoy
As it turned out, however, that he only ing his pipe, had so plumed himself on
wanted me for a dramatic lay-figure, to being “most awful dull,” that I had
be contradicted and embraced and wept given him up for the day, I lay on the
over and bullied and clutched and earthwork for some time with my chin
stabbed and knocked about in a variety on my hand, descrying traces of Miss
of ways, I soon declined that course of Havisham and Estella all over the pro
instruction; though not until Mr. spect, in the sky and in the water,
Wopsle until at last I resolved to mention a
mauled in
me.his poetic fury had severely
t
thought concerning them that had been

Whatever I acquired, I tried to im much in my head.
part to Joe. This statement sounds so “Joe,” said I; “don’t you . think
well, that I cannot in my conscience let I ought to make Miss Havisham a
it pass unexplained. I wanted to make visit, ’’
Joe less ignorant and common, that he “Well, Pip,” returned Joe, slowly
might be worthier of my society and less considering. “What for "
open to Estella's reproach. “What for, Joe? What is any visit
The old Battery out on the marshes made for 7 °
was our place of study, and a broken “There is some wisits p'r'aps,” said
slate and a short piece of slate pencil Joe, “as for ever remains open to the
were our educational implements: to question, Pip. But in regard of wisit
which Joe always added a pipe of ing Miss Havisham. She might think
you wanted something—expected some —or a gridiron when she took a sprator
thing of her.” such like 77
“Don’t you think I might say that I “I don't mean any present at all,
did not, Joe?” Joe,” I interposed.
“You might, old chap,” said Joe. “Well,” said Joe, still harping on it
“And she might credit it. Similarly as though I had particularly pressed it,
she mightn't.” “if I was yourself, Pip, I wouldn't.
Joe felt, as I did, that he had made a No, I would not. For what's a door
point there, and he pulled hard at his chain when she's got one always up ;
pipe to keep himself from weakening it And shark-headers is open to misrepre
by repetition. sentations. And if it was a toasting
“You see, Pip,” Joe pursued, as fork, you'd go into brass and do yourself
Soon as he was past that danger, “Miss no credit. And the oncommonest work
Havisham done the handsome thing by man can’t show himself oncommon in a
you. When Miss Havisham done the gridiron—for a gridiron Is a gridiron,”
handsome thing by you, she called me said Joe, steadfastly impressing it upon
back to say to me as that were all.” me, as if he were endeavouring to rouse
“Yes, Joe. I heard her.” me from a fixed delusion, “and you may
“ALL,” Joe repeated, very emphati haim at what you like, but a gridiron it
cally. will come out, either by your leave or
“Yes, Joe. I tell you, I heard again your leave, and you can't help
her.” yourself »
“Which I meantersay, Pip, it might “My dear Joe,” I cried, in despera

be that her meaning were—Make a end tion, taking hold of his coat, “don’t
on it !—As you was ſ—Me to the North, go on in that way. I never thought
and you to the South !—Keep in sun of making Miss Havisham any pre
ders l’” - sent.”
I had thought of that too, and it was “No, Pip,” Joe assented, as if he
very far from comforting to me to find had been contending for that all along;
that he had thought of it; for it seemed “and what I say to you is, you are
to render it more probable. right, Pip.”
“But, Joe.” “Yes, Joe ; but what I wanted to
“Yes, old chap.” say, was, that as we are rather slack
“Here am I, getting on in the first just now, if you would give me a half
year of my time, and, since the day of holiday to-morrow, I think I would go
my being bound, I have never thanked up-town and make a call on Miss Est—
Miss Havisham, or asked after her, or Havisham.”
shown that I remember her.” “Which her name,” said Joe, gravely,
“That's true, Pip; and unless you “ain't Estavisham, Pip, unless she
was to turn her out a set of shoes all have been rechris'ened.”
four round—and which I meantersay as “I know, Joe, I know. It was a
even a set of shoes all four round might slip of mine. What do you think of it,
not act acceptable as a present in a total Joe #"
wacancy of hoofs—” In brief, Joe thought that if I
“I don’t mean that sort of re thought well of it, he thought well of
membrance, Joe ; I don't mean a it. But, he was particular in stipula
present.” ting that if I were not received with
But Joe had got the idea of a present cordiality, or if I were not encouraged
in his head and must harp upon it. to repeat my visit as a visit which had
“Or even,” said he, “if you was no ulterior object but was simply one of
helped to knocking her up a new chain gratitude for a favour received, then this
for the front door—or say a gross or two experimental trip should have no suc
of shark-headed screws for general use cessor. By these conditions I promised
—or some light fancy article, such as a to abide. -
toasting-fork when she took her muffins Now, Joe kept a journeyman at
weekly wages whose name was Orlick. sent, next day, when I reminded Joe of
He pretended that his christian name my half-holiday. He said nothing at
was Dolge—a clear impossibility—but the moment, for he and Joe had just
he was a fellow of that obstinate dispo got a piece of hot iron between them,
sition that I believe him to have been and I was at the bellows; but by
the prey of no delusion in this particu and-by he said, leaning on his hammer:
lar, but wilfully to have imposed that “Now, master | Sure you're not
name upon the village as an affront to a going to favour only one of us. If
its understanding. He was a broad Young Pip has a half-holiday, do as
shouldered loose-limbed swarthy fellow much for Old Orlick.” I suppose he
of great strength, never in a hurry, and was about five-and-twenty, but he usu
*
always slouching. He never even ally spoke of himself as an ancient
seemed to come to his work on purpose, person.
but would slouch in as if by mere acci “Why, what'll you do with a half
dent ; and when he went to the Jolly holiday, if you get it !” said Joe.
Bargemen to eat his dinner, or went “What’ll I do with it ! What’ll
away at night, he would slouch out, like he do with it? I’ll do as much with it
Cain or the Wandering Jew, as if he as him,” said Orlick.
had no idea where he was going, and no “As to Pip, he's going up-town,”
intention of ever coming back. He said Joe.
lodged at a sluice-keeper's out on the “Well then, as to Old Orlick, he's a
marshes, and on working days would going up-town,” retorted that worthy.
come slouching from his hermitage, with “Two can go up-town. Tain't only one
his hands in his pockets and his dinner wot can go up-town.”
loosely tied in a bundle round his neck “Don’t lose your temper,” said Joe.
and dangling on his back. On Sundays “Shall if I like,” growled Orlick.
he mostly lay all day on sluice-gates, or “Some and their up-towning ! Now,
stood against ricks and barns. He Master | Come. No favouring in this
always slouched, locomotively, with his shop. Be a man l’”
eyes on the ground; and, when accosted The master refusing to entertain the
or otherwise required to raise them, he subject until the journeyman was in a
looked up in a half resentful, half better temper, Orlick plunged at the
puzzled way, as though the only thought furnace, drew out a red-hot bar, made
he ever had, was, that it was rather an at me with it as if he were going to run
odd and injurious fact that he should it through my body, whisked it round
never be thinking. my head, laid it on the anvil, hammered
This morose journeyman had no liking it out—as if it were I, I thought, and
for me. When I was very small and the sparks were my spirting blood–
timid, he gave me to understand that and finally said, when he had ham
the Devil lived in a black corner of the mered himself hot and the iron cold,
forge, and that he knew the fiend very and he again leaned on his hammer :
well ; also that it was necessary to make “Now, master l’”
up the fire, once in seven years, with a J “Are you all right now !” demanded
live boy, and that I might consider Oe.
myself fuel. When I became Joe's Old“Ah ! I am all right,” said gruff
Orlick. r
'prentice, Orlick was perhaps confirmed

in some suspicion that I should displace “Then, as in general you stick to
him ; howbeit, he liked me still less. your work as well as most men,” said
Not that he ever said anything, or did Joe, “let it be a half-holiday for all.”
anything, openly importing hostility ; I My sister had been standing silent in
only noticed that he always beat his the yard, within hearing—she was a
sparks in my direction, and that when most unscrupulous spy and listener—
ever I sang Old Clem, he came in out of and she instantly looked in at one of the
time., windows. -
Dolge Orlick was at work and pre “Like you, you fool l’” said she tº
Joe, “giving holidays to great idle husband standing by O ! O !” Here

hulkers like that.You are a rich man, my sister, after a fit of clappings and
upon my life, to waste wages in that screamings, beat her hands upon her
way. I wish I was his master l’’ bosom and upon her knees, and threw
“You’d be everybody's master, if you her cap off, and pulled her hair down—
durst,” retorted Orlick, with an ill which were the last stages on her road
favoured grin. to frenzy. Being by this time a perfect
(“Let her alone,” said Joe.) Fury and a complete success, she made
“I’d be a match for all noodles and a dash at the door, which I had fortu
all rogues,” returned my sister, begin nately locked.
ning to work herself into a mighty rage. What could the wretched Joe do now,
“And I couldn’t be a match for the after his disregarded parenthetical in
noodles, without being a match for terruptions, but stand up to his jour
your master, who's the dunder-headed neyman, and ask him what he meant
king of the noodles. And I couldn't be by interfering betwixt himself and Mrs.
a match for the rogues, without being Joe ; and further whether he was man
a match for you, who are the blackest enough to come on ? Old Orlick felt
looking and the worst rogue between that the situation admitted of nothing
this and France. Now !” less than coming on, and was on his
“You’re a foul shrew, Mother defence straightway; so, without so
Gargery,” growled the journeyman. much as pulling off their singed and
“If that makes a judge of rogues, you burnt aprons, they went at one another,
ought to be a good'un.” like two giants. But, if any man in
(“Let her alone, will you?” said that neighbourhood could stand up long
Joe.) against Joe, I never saw the man.
“What did you say?” cried my Orlick, as if he had been of no more ac
sister, beginning to scream. “What count than the pale young gentleman,
did you say ? What did that fellow was very soon among the coal-dust,
Orlick say to me, Pip ! What did he and in no hurry to come out of it.
call me, with my husband standing by ? Then, Joe unlocked the door and
O ! O ! O !” Each of these exclama picked up my sister, who had dropped
tions was a shriek; and I must remark insensible at the window (but who had
of my sister, what is equally true of all seen the fight first I think), and who
the violent women I have ever seen, was carried into the house and laid
that passion was no excuse for her, be down, and who was recommended to
cause it is undeniable that instead of revive, and would do nothing but
lapsing into passion, she consciously struggle and clench her hands in Joe's
and deliberately took extraordinary hair. Then came that singular calm
pains to force herself into it, and and silence which succeed all uproars;
became blindly furious by regular and then with the vague sensation
stages; “what was the name that he which I have always connected with
gave me before the base man who swore such a lull—namely, that it was Sun
to defend me? O! Hold me ! O !” day, and somebody was dead—I went
“Ah-h-h !” growled the journeyman, up-stairs to dress myself.
between his teeth, “I’d hold you, if When I came down again, I found
you was my wife. I’d hold you under Joe and Orlick sweeping up, without
the pump, and choke it out of you.” any other traces of discomposure than
(“I tell you, let her alone,” said a slit in one of Orlick's nostrils, which
oe.) was neither expressive nor ornamental.
“Oh To hear him 1" cried my A pot of beer had appeared from the
sister, with a clap of her hands and a Jolly Bargemen, and they were sharing
scream together—which was her next it by turns in a peaceable manner.
stage. “To hear the names he's giving The lull had a sedative and philoso
me ! That Orlick In my own house ! phical influence on Joe, who followed
Me, a married woman With my me out into the road to say, as a part
ing observation that might do me good, She spared me the trouble of consider
“On the Rampage, Pip, and off the ing, by dismissing me. When the gate
Rampage, Pip;—such is Life I’’ was closed upon me by Sarah of the
With what absurd emotions (for, we walnut-shell countenance, I felt more
think the feelings that are very serious than ever dissatisfied with my home and
in a man quite comical in a boy) I with my trade and with everything;
found myself again going to Miss and that was all I took by that motion.
Havisham's, matters little here. Nor, As I was loitering along the High
how I passed and repassed the gate street looking in disconsolately at the
many times before I could make up shop windows, and thinking what I
my mind to ring. Nor, how I debated would buy if I were a gentleman, who
whether I should go away without should come out of the bookshop but
ringing ; nor, how I should undoubtedly Mr. Wopsle. Mr. Wopsle had in his
have gone, if my time had been my hand the affecting tragedy of George
own, to come back. Barnwell, in which he had that moment
Miss Sarah Pocket came to the gate. invested sixpence, with the view of
No Estella. heaping every word of it on the head of
“How, then You here again?” Pumblechook, with whom he was going
said Miss Pocket. “What do you to drink tea. No sooner did he see me,
want }” than he appeared to consider that a
When I said that I only came to see special Providence had put a 'prentice
how Miss Havisham was, Sarah evi in his way to be read at ; and he laid
dently deliberated whether or no she hold of me, and insisted on my accom
should send me about my business. panying him to the Pumblechookian
But, unwilling to hazard the responsi parlour. As I knew it would be
bility, she let me in, and presently miserable at home, and as the nights
brought the sharp message that I was were dark and the way was dreary, and
to “come up.” almost any companionship on the road
Everything was unchanged, and Miss was better than none, I made no great
Havisham was alone. “Well ?” said resistance ; consequently, we turned
she, fixing her eyes upon me. “I into Pumblechook's just as the street
hope you want nothing You'll get and the shops were lighting up.
nothing.” As I never assisted at any other re
“No indeed, Miss Havisham. I presentation of George Barnwell, I
only wanted you to know that I am don't know how long it may usually
doing very well in my apprenticeship, take ; but I know very well that it
and am always much obliged to you.” took until half-past nine o'clock that
“There, there !” with the old rest night, and that when Mr. Wopsle got
less fingers. “Come now and then; into Newgate, I thought he never would
come on your birthday-–Ay!” she go to the scaffold, he became so much
cried suddenly, turning herself and her slower than at any former period of his
chair towards me, “You are looking disgraceful career. I thought it a little
round for Estella º Hey!” too much that he should complain of
I had been looking round—in fact, being cut short in his flower after all,
for Estella—and I stammered that I as if he had not been running to seed,
hoped she was well. leaf after leaf, ever since his course
“Abroad,” said Miss Havisham ; began. This, however, was a mere
“educating for a lady; far out of question of length and wearisomeness.
reach ; prettier than ever; admired What stung me, was the identification
by all who see her. Do you feel that of the whole affair with my unoffending
you have lost her " self. When Barnwell began to go
There was such a malignant enjoy wrong, I declare I felt positively apolo
ment in her utterance of the last words, getic, Pumblechook's indignant stare so
and she broke into such a disagreeable taxed me with it. Wopsle, too, took
laugh, that I was at a loss what to say. pains to present me in the worst light.
At once ferocious and maudlin, I was behind you. By-the-by, the guns is
made to murder my uncle with no going again.”
extenuating circumstances whatever; “At the Hulks 7" said I.
Millwood put me down in argument, on “Ay There's some of the birds
every occasion; it became sheer mono flown from the cages. The guns have
mania in my master's daughter to care been going since dark, about. You'll
a button for me ; and all I can say for hear one presently.”
my gasping and procrastinating conduct In effect, we had not walked many
on the fatal morning, is, that it was yards further, when the well-rement.
worthy of the general feebleness of my bered boom came towards us, deadened.
character. Even after I was happily by the mist, and heavily rolled away
hanged and Wopsle had closed the along the low grounds by the river, as
book, Pumblechook sat staring at me, if it were pursuing and threatening the
and shaking his head, and saying, fugitives.
“Take warning, boy, take warning !” “A good night for cutting off in,”
as if it were a well-known fact that I said Orlick. “We’d be puzzled how
contemplated murdering a near relation, to bring down a jail-bird on the wing,
provided I could only induce one to to-night.”
have the weakness to become my bene The subject was a suggestive one to
factor. me, and I thought about it in silence.
It was a very darknight when it was Mr. Wopsle, as the ill-requited uncle of
all over, and when I set out with Mr. the evening's tragedy, fell to meditating
Wopsle on the walk home. Beyond aloud in his garden at Camberwell.
town, we found a heavy mist out, and Orlick, with his hands in his pockets,
it fell wet and thick. The turnpike slouched heavily at my side. It was
lamp was a blur, quite out of the very dark, very wet, very muddy, and
lamp's usual place apparently, and its so we splashed along. Now and then,
rays looked solid substance on the fog. the sound of the signal cannon broke
We were noticing this, and saying how upon us again, and again rolled sulkily
that the mist rose with a change of along the course of the river. I kept
wind from a certain quarter of our myself to myself and my thoughts.
marshes, when we came upon a man, Mr. Wopsle died amiably at Camber
slouching under the lee of the turnpike well, and exceedingly game on Bosworth
house. Field, and in the greatest agonies
** Halloa, ſº we said, stopping. at Glastonbury. Orlick sometimes
** Orlick there 2” growled, “Beat it out, beat it out—
“Ah !” he answered, slouching out. old Clem With a clink for the stout
“I was standing by, a minute, on the —old Clem l’” I thought he had been
chance of company.” drinking, but he was not drunk.
“You are late,” I remarked. Thus, we came to the village. The
Orlick not unnaturally answered, way by which we approached it, took us
“Well? And you're late.” past the Three Jolly Bargemen, which
“We have been,” said Mr. Wopsle, we were surprised to find—it being
exalted with his late performance, “we eleven o'clock—in a state of commotion,
have been indulging, Mr. Orlick, in an with the door wide open, and unwonted
intellectual evening.” lights that had been hastily caught up
Old Orlick growled, as if he had and put down, scattered about. Mr.
nothing to say about that, and we Wopsle dropped in to ask what was the
all went on together. I asked him matter (surmising that a convict had
presently whether he had been spend been taken), but came running out in a
ing his half-holiday up and down great hurry.
town 2 “There's something wrong,” said
“Yes,” said he, “all of it. I come he, without stopping, “ up at your
in behind yourself. I didn't see you, place, Pip. Run all !”
but I must have been pretty close “What is it !” I asked, keeping up
- - - - r
with him. So did Orlick, at my there was a group of women, all on

side. the floor in the midst of the kitchen.
“I can’t quite understand. The The unemployed bystanders drew back
house seems to have been violently when they saw me, and so I became
entered when Joe Gargery was out. aware of my sister—lying without sense
Supposed by convicts. Somebody has or movement on the bare boards where
been attacked and hurt.” she had been knocked down by a tre
We were running too fast to admit mendous blow on the back of the head,
of more being said, and we made no dealt by some unknown hand when her
stop until we got into our kitchen. It face was turned towards the fire—
was full of people; the whole village destined never to be on the Rampage
was there, or in the yard; and there again, while she was the wife of Joe.
was a surgeon, and there was Joe, and
CHAPTER, XVI.
WITH my headfullof George Barnwell, when she stood facing the fire and was
I was at first disposed to believe that I struck—was there any disarrangement
must have had some hand in the attack of the kitchen, excepting such as she
upon my sister, or at all events that as herself had made, in falling and bleed
her near relation, popularly known to ing. But, there was one remarkable
be under obligations to her, I was a piece of evidence on the spot. She had
more legitimate object of suspicion than been struck with something blunt and
any one else. But when, in the clearer heavy, on the head and spine ; after
light of next morning, I began to re the blows were dealt, something heavy
consider the matter and to hear it dis had been thrown down at her with con
cussed around me on all sides, I took siderable violence, as she lay on her
another view of the case, which was face. And on the ground beside her,
more reasonable. when Joe picked her up, was a con
Joe had been at the Three Jolly vict’s leg-iron which had been filed
Bargemen, smoking his pipe, from a asunder.
quarter after eight o'clock to a quarter Now, Joe, examining this iron with
before ten. While he was there, my a smith's eye, declared it to have been
sister had been seen standing at the filed asunder some time ago. The hue
kitchen door and had exchanged Good and cry going off to the Hulks, and
Night with a farm-labourer going home. people coming thence to examine the
The man could not be more particular iron, Joe's opinion was corroborated.
as to the time at which he saw her (he They did not undertake to say when
got into dense confusion when he tried it had left the prison-ships to which it
to be), than that it must have been undoubtedly had once belonged; but
before nine. When Joe went home at they claimed to know for certain that
five minutes before ten, he found her that particular manacle had not been
struck down on the floor, and promptly worn by either of two convicts who had
called in assistance. The fire had not escaped last night. Further, one of
then burnt unusually low, nor was the those two was already re-taken, and
snuff of the candle very long ; the had not freed himself of his iron.
candle, however, had been blown out. Knowing what I knew, I set up an
Nothing had been taken away from inference of my own here. I believed
any part of the house. Neither, be the iron to be my convict’s iron—the
yond the blowing out of the candle— iron I had seen and heard him filing
which stood on a table between the at, on the marshes—but my mind did
door and my sister, and was behind her not accuse him of having put it to its
latest use. For, I believed one of two occasion as a new chance of helping in
other persons to have become possessed the discovery of the assailant.
of it, and to have turned it to this The Constables, and the Bow Street
cruel account. Either Orlick, or the men from London—for, this happened
strange man who had shown me the in the days of the extinct red waist
file. coated police—were about the house
Now, as to Orlick; he had gone to for a week or two, and did pretty much
town exactly as he told us when we what I have heard and read of like
picked him up at the turnpike, he had authorities doing in other such cases.
been seen about town all the evening, They took up several obviously wrong
he had been in divers companies in people, and they ran their heads very
several public-houses, and he had come hard against wrong ideas, and persisted
back with myself and Mr. Wopsle. in trying to fit the circumstances to the
There was nothing against him, save ideas, instead of trying to extract ideas
the quarrel; and my sister had quar from the circumstances. Also, they
relled with him, and with everybody stood about the door of the Jolly
else about her, ten thousand times. Bargemen, with knowing and reserved
As to the strange man ; if he had come looks that filled the whole neighbour
back for his two bank-notes there could hood with admiration ; and they had a
have been no dispute about them, be mysterious manner of taking their
cause my sister was fully prepared to drink, that was almost as good as
restore them. Besides, there had been taking the culprit. But not quite, for
no altercation; the assailant had come they never did it.
in so silently and suddenly, that she Long after these constitutional powers
had been felled before she could look had dispersed, my sister lay very ill in
round. bed. Her sight was disturbed, so that
It was horrible to think that I had she saw objects multiplied, and grasped
provided the weapon, however un at visionary teacups and wine-glasses
designedly, but I could hardly think instead of the realities; her hearing
otherwise. I suffered unspeakable was greatly impaired ; her memory
trouble while I considered and recon also ; and her speech was unintelligible.
sidered whether I should at last dis When, at last, she came round so far
solve that spell of my childhood and as to be helped down-stairs, it was still
tell Joe all the story. For months necessary to keep my slate always by
afterwards, I every day settled the her, that she might indicate in writing
question finally in the negative, and what she could not indicate in speech.
reopened and reargued it next morn As she was (very bad handwriting
ing. The contention came, after all, apart) a more than indifferent speller,
to this ;-the secret was such an old and as Joe was a more than indif
one now, had so grown into me and ferent reader, extraordinary complica- .
become a part of myself, that I could tions arose between them, which I was
not tear it away. In addition to the always called in to solve. The admini
dread that, having led up to so much stration of mutton instead of medicine,
mischief, it would be now more likely the substitution of Tea for Joe, and
than ever to alienate Joe from me if the baker for bacon, were among the
he believed it, I had the further re mildest of my own mistakes. º
straining dread that he would not However, her temper was greatly
believe it, but would assert it with the improved, and she was patient. A
fabulous dogs and weal-cutlets as a tremulous uncertainty of the action of
monstrous invention. However, I tem all her limbs soon became a part of her
porized with myself, of course—for, regular state, and afterwards, at inter
was I not wavering between right and vals of two or three months, she would
wrong, when the thing is always done often put her hands to her head, and
—and resolved to make a full dis would then remain for about a week
closure if I should see any such new at a time in some gloomy aberration of
F 2
mind. We were at a loss to find a mers, one after another, but without
suitable attendant for her, until a avail. Then I bethought me of a
circumstance happened conveniently to crutch, the shape being much the
relieve us. Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt same, and I borrowed one in the vil
conquered a confirmed habit of living lage, and displayed it to my sister with
into which she had fallen, and Biddy considerable confidence. But she shook
became a part of our establishment. her head to that extent when she was
It may have been about a month shown it, that we were terrified lest
after my sister's reappearance in the in her weak and shattered state she
kitchen, when Biddy came to us with should dislocate her neck.
a small speckled box containing the When my sister found that Biddy
whole of her worldly effects, and be was very quick to understand her, this
came a blessing to the household. mysterious sign reappeared on the slate.
Above all, she was a blessing to Joe, Biddy looked thoughtfully at it, heard
for the dear old fellow was sadly cut my explanation, looked thoughtfully at
up by the constant contemplation of my sister, looked thoughtfully at Joe
the wreck of his wife, and had been (who was always represented on the
accustomed, while attending on her of slate by his initial letter), and ran into
an evening, to turn to me every now the forge, followed by Joe and me.
and then and say, with his blue eyes “Why, of course !” cried Biddy,
moistened, “Such a fine figure of a with an exultant face. “Don’t you
woman as she once were, Pip !” Biddy see ? It's him /’”
instantly taking the cleverest charge of Orlick, without a doubt She had
her as though she had studied her lost his name, and could only signify
from infancy, Joe became able in some him by his hammer. We told him
sort to appreciate the greater quiet of why we wanted him to come into the
his life, and to get down to the Jolly kitchen, and he slowly laid down his
Bargemen now and then for a change hammer, wiped his brow with his arm,
that did him good. It was charactook another wipe at it with his apron,
and came slouching out, with a curious
teristic of the police people that they
loose vagabond bend in the knees that .
had all more or less suspected poor Joe
(though he never knew it), and that strongly distinguished him.
they had to a man concurred in regard I confess that I expected to see my
ing him as one of the deepest spirits sister denounce him, and that I was
they had ever encountered. disappointed by the different result.
Biddy's first triumph in her new She manifested the greatest anxiety to
office, was to solve a difficulty that had be on good terms with him, was evi
completely vanquished me. I had dently much pleased by his being at
tried hard at it, but had made nothing length produced, and motioned that
of it. Thus it was : she would have him given something to
Again and again and again, my drink. She watched his countenance
sister had traced upon the slate, a as if she were particularly wishful to
character that looked like a curious T, be assured that he took kindly to his
and then with the utmost eagerness reception, she showed every possible
had called our attention to it as some desire to conciliate him, and there was
thing she particularly wanted. I had an air of humble propitiation in all she
in vain tried everything producible that did, such as I have seen pervade the
began with a T, from tar to toast and bearing of a child towards a hard
tub. At length it had come into my master. After that day, a day rarely
head that the sign looked like a passed without her drawing the hammer
hammer, and on my lustily calling on her slate, and without Orlick's
that word in my sister's ear, she had slouching in and standing doggedly
begun to hammer on the table and had before her, as if he knew no more than
expressed a qualified assent. There I did what to make of it.
upon, I had brought in all our ham
CHAPTER, XVII.
I Now fell into a regular routine of attentive eyes; eyes that were very
apprenticeship-life, which was varied, pretty and very good.
beyond the limits of the village and the It came of my lifting up my own
marshes, by no more remarkable cir eyes from a task I was poring at
cumstance than the arrival of my writing some passages from a book, to
birthday and my paying another visit improve myself in two ways at once by
to Miss Havisham. I found Miss a sort of stratagem—and seeing Biddy
Sarah Pocket still on duty at the gate, observant of what I was about. I laid
I found Miss Havisham just as I had down my pen, and Biddy stopped in
left her, and she spoke of Estella in her needlework without laying it
the very same way, if not in the very down.
same words. The interview lasted but “Biddy,” said I, “how do you
a few minutes, and she gave me a manage it? Either I am very stupid,
guinea when I was going, and told me or you are very clever.”
to come again on my next birthday. I “What is it that I manage : I don't
may mention at once that this became know,” returned Biddy, smiling.
an annual custom. I tried to decline She managed our whole domestic life,
taking the guinea on the first occasion, and wonderfully too; but I did not
but with no better effect than causing mean that, though that made what I
her to ask me very angrily, if I ex did mean, more surprising.
pected more ? Then, and after that, I “How do you manage, Biddy,” said
took it. -
I, “to learn everything that I learn,
So unchanging was the dull old house, and always to keep up with me?” I
the yellow light in the darkened room, was beginning to be rather vain of my
the faded spectre in the chair by the knowledge, for I spent my birthday
dressing-table glass, that I felt as if guineas on it, and set aside the greater
the stopping of the clocks had stopped part of my pocket-money for similar
Time in that mysterious place, and, investment; though I have no doubt,
while I and everything else outside it
now, that the little I knew was ex
grew older, it stood still. Daylight tremely dear at the price.
never entered the house, as to my ‘‘I might as well ask you,” said
thoughts and remembrances of it, any Biddy, “how you manage 2"
more than as to the actual fact. It “No ; because when I come in from
bewildered me, and under its influence the forge of a night, any one can see
I continued at heart to hate my trade me turning to at it. Dut you never
and to be ashamed of home. turn to at it, Biddy.”
Imperceptibly I became conscious of “I suppose I must catch it—like a
a change in Biddy, however. Her shoes cough,” said Biddy, quietly ; and went
came up at the heel, her hair grew on with her sewing.
bright and neat, her hands were always Pursuing my idea as I leaned back
clean. She was not beautiful—she
in my wooden chair and looked at
was common, and could not be like Biddy sewing away with her head on
Estella—but she was pleasant and gºne side, I began to think her rather
wholesome and sweet-tempered. She an extraordinary girl. For, I called to
had not been with us more than a year mind now, that she was equally accom
(I remember her being newly out of plished in the terms of our trade, and
mourning at the time it struck me), the , names of our different sorts of
when I observed to myself one evening work, and our various tools. In short,
that she had curiously thoughtful and whatever I knew, Biddy knew. Theo
70. GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
retically, she was already as good a “Well,” said I, “we must talk
blacksmith as I, or better. together a little more, as we used to
“You are one of those, Biddy,” said do. And I must consult you a little
I, “who make the most of every more, as I used to do. Let us have a
chance. You never had a chance quiet walk on the marshes next Sun
before you came here, and see how day, Biddy, and a long chat.”
improved you are l’” My sister was never left alone now ;
Biddy looked at me for an instant, but Joe more than readily undertook
and went on with her sewing, “I the care of her on that Sunday after
was your first teacher though ; wasn’t noon, and Biddy and I went out to
I?” said she, as she sewed. gether. It was summer-time and lovely
“Biddy l’” I exclaimed, in amaze weather. When we had passed the
ment. “Why, you are crying !” village and the church and the church
“No I am not,” said Biddy, looking yard, and were out on the marshes and
up and laughing. “What put that in began to see the sails of the ships as
your head " they sailed on, I began to combine Miss
What could have put it in my head, Havisham and Estella with the pro
but the glistening of a tear as it spect, in my usual way. When we
dropped on her work I sat silent, came to the river-side and sat down on
recalling what a drudge she had been the bank, with the water rippling at
until Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt success our feet, making it all more quiet than
fully overcame that bad habit of living, it would have been without that sound,
so highly desirable to be got rid of by I resolved that it was a good time and
some people. I recalled the hopeless place for the admission of Biddy into
circumstances by which she had been my inner confidence.
surrounded in the miserable little shop “Biddy,” said I, after binding her
and the miserable little noisy evening to secrecy, “I want to be a gentleman.”
school, with that miserable old bundle “Oh, . I wouldn't, if I was you !”
of incompetence always to be dragged she returned. “I don't think it would
and shouldered. I reflected that even answer.”
in those untoward times there must “Biddy,” said I, with some severity,
have been latent in Biddy what was “I have particular reasons for wanting
now developing, for, in my first uneasi to be a gentleman.”
ness and discontent I had turned to “You know best, Pip; but don't
her for help, as a matter of course. you think you are happier as you
Biddy sat quietly sewing, shedding no are 7°
more tears, and while I looked at her “Biddy,” I exclaimed, impatiently,
and thought about it all, it occurred to “I am not at all happy as I am.
me that perhaps I had not been suffi am disgusted with my calling and with
ciently grateful to Biddy. I might my life. I have never taken to either,
have been too reserved, and should since I was bound. Don’t be absurd.”
have patronized her more (though I did “Was I absurd?” said Biddy, quietly
not use that precise word in my medi raising her eyebrows; “I am sorry for
tations), with my confidence. that ; I didn’t mean to be. I only want
“Yes, Biddy,” I observed, when I you to do well, and be comfortable.”
had done turning it over, “you were “Well, then, understand once for all
my first teacher, and that at a time that I never shall or can be comfortable
when we little thought of ever being —or anything but miserable—there,
together like this, in this kitchen.” Biddy —unless I can lead a very diffe
“Ah, poor thing !” replied Biddy. rent sort of life from the life I lead
It was like her self-forgetfulness, to now.”
transfer the remark to my sister, and “That's a pity!” said Biddy, shaking
to get up and be busy about her, her head with a sorrowful air.
making her more comfortable “that's Now, I too had so often thought it
Radly true !” a pity, that, in the singular kind of
quarrel with myself which I was always my torn-up grass into the river, as if I
carrying on, I was half inclined to shed had some thoughts of following it.
tears of vexation and distress when “Do you want to be a gentleman, to
Biddy gave utterance to her sentiment spite her or to gain her over ?” Biddy
and my own. I told her she was right, quietly asked me, after a pause.
and I knew it was much to be regretted, “I don’t know,” I moodily answered.
but still it was not to be helped. “Because, if it is to spite her,”
“If I could have settled down,” I Biddy pursued, “I should think—but
said to Biddy, plucking up the short you know best—that might be better
grass within reach, much as I had once and more independently done by caring
upon a time pulled my feelings out of nothing for her words. And if it is to
my hair and kicked them into the gain her over, I should think—but you
brewery well : “if I could have settled know best—she was not worth gaining
down and been but half as fond of the over.”
forge as I was when I was little, I know Exactly what I myself had thought,
it would have been much better for me. many times. Exactly what was per
You and I and Joe would have wanted fectly manifest to me at the moment.
nothing then, and Joe and I would But how could I, a poor dazed village
perhaps have gone partners when I was lad, avoid that wonderful inconsistency
out of my time, and I might even have into which the best and wisest of men
grown up to keep company with you, fall every day ?
and we might have sat on this very “It may be all quite true,” said I to
bank on a fine Sunday, quite different Biddy, “but I admire her dreadfully.”
people. I should have been good enough In short, I turned over on my face
for you; shouldn't I, Biddy ?” when I came to that, and got a good
Biddy sighed as she looked at the grasp on the hair on each side of my
ships sailing on, and returned for head, and wrenched it well. All the
answer, “Yes; I am not over-particu while knowing the madness of my heart
lar.” It scarcely sounded flattering, to be so very mad and misplaced, that
but I knew she meant well. I was quite conscious it would have
“Instead of that,” said I, plucking served my face right, if I had lifted it
up more grass and chewing a blade or up by my hair, and knocked it against
two, “see how I am going on. Dis the pebbles as a punishment for belong
satisfied, and uncomfortable, and— ing to such an idiot.
what would it signify to me, being Biddy was the wisest of girls, and
coarse and common, if nobody had told she tried to reason no more with me.
me so l’’ She put her hand, which was a com
Biddy turned her face suddenly fortable hand though roughened by
towards mine, and looked far more work, upon my hands, one after an
attentively at me than she had looked other, and gently took them out of my
at the sailing ships. hair. Then she softly patted my
“It was neither a very true nor a shoulder in a soothing way, while with
very polite thing to say,” she remarked, my face upon my sleeve I cried a little
directing her eyes to the ships again. —exactly as I had done in the brewery
“Who said it !” yard—and felt vaguely convinced that
I was disconcerted, for I had broken I was very much ill-used by somebody,
away without quite seeing where I was or by everybody; I can't say which.
going to. It was not to be shuffled off “I am glad of one thing,” said
now, however, and I answered, “The Biddy, “and that is, that you have
beautiful young lady at Miss Havis felt you could give me your confidence,
ham's, and she's more beautiful than Pip. And I am glad of another thing,
anybody ever was, and I admire her and that is, that of course you know
dreadfully, and I want to be a gentle you may depend upon my keeping it
man on her account.” Having made and always so far deserving it. If your
this lunatic confession, I began to throw first teacher (dear! such a poor one,
and so much in need of being taught morrow; she would have derived only
herself ) had been your teacher at the pain, and no pleasure, from giving me
present time, she thinks she knows pain; she would far ratherhave wounded
what lesson she would set. But it her own breast than mine. How could
would be a hard one to learn, and you it be, then, that I did not like her
have got beyond her, and it's of no use much the better of the two 7
now.” So, with a quiet sigh for me, “Biddy,” said I, when we were
Biddy rose from the bank, and said, walking homeward, “I wish you could
with a fresh and pleasant change of put me right.”
voice, “Shall we walk a little further, “I wish I could !” said Biddy.
or go home '’ “If I could only get myself to fall in
“Biddy,” I cried, getting up, putting love with you—you don't mind my
my arm around her neck, and giving speaking so openly to such an old ac
her a kiss, “I shall always tell you quaintance 2''
everything.” “Oh dear, not at all !” said Biddy.
‘‘Till you're a gentleman,” said “Don’t mind me.”
Biddy. - “If I could only get myself to do it,
“You know I never shall be, so that would be the thing for me.”
that's always. Not that I have any “But you never will, you see,” said
occasion to tell you anything, for you Biddy.
know everything I know—as I told It did not appear quite so unlikely to
you at home the other night.” me that evening, as it would have done
“Ah l’” said Biddy, quite in a if we had discussed it a few hours
whisper, as she looked away at the before. I therefore observed I was not
ships. And then repeated, with her quite sure of that. But Biddy said she
former pleasant change ; “shall we was, and she said it decisively. In my
walk a little further, or go home?” heart I believed her to be right ; and yet
I said to Biddy we would walk a I took it rather ill, too, that she should
little further, and we did so, and the be so positive on the point.
summer afternoon toned down into the When we came near the churchyard,
summer evening, and it was very beauti we had to cross an embankment, and
ful. I began to consider whether I was get over a stile near a sluice gate. There
not more naturally and wholesomely started up, from the gate, or from the
situated, after all, in these circum rushes, or from the ooze (which was
stances, than playing beggar my neigh quite in his stagnant way), Old Orlick.
bour by candlelight in the room with “Halloa 1" he growled, “where are
the stopped clocks, and being despised you two going 2*
by Estella. I thought it would be very “Where should we be going, but
good for me if I could get her out of home 2"
my head, with all the rest of those “Well, then,” said he, “I’m jiggered
remembrances and fancies, and could if I don't see you home !”
go to work determined to relish what I This penalty of being jiggered was a
had to do, and stick to it, and make favourite supposititious case of his. He
the best of it. I asked myself the attached no definite meaning to the
Question whether I did not surely know word that I am aware of, but used
that if Estella were beside me at that it, like his own pretended Christian
moment instead of Biddy, she would name, to affront mankind, and convey
make me miserable 7 I was obliged to an idea of something savagely damag
admit that I did know it for a certainty,
ing. When I was younger, I had had
and I said to myself, “Pip, what a a general belief that if he had jiggered
fool you are l’” me personally, he would have done it
We talked a good deal as we walked, with a sharp and twisted hook.
and all that Biddy said seemed right. Biddy was much against his going
Biddy was never insulting, or capricious, with us, and said to me in a whisper,
or Biddy to-day and somebody else to “Don’t let him come; I don't like
-
him.” As I did not like him either, I favourable to his dancing at Biddy, got
took the liberty of saying that we before him, to obscure that demonstra
thanked him, but we didn't want seeing tion. He had struck root in Joe's
home. He received that piece of in establishment, by reason of my sister's
formation with a yell of laughter, and sudden fancy for him, or I should have
dropped back, but came slouching after
tried to get him dismissed. He quite
us at a little distance. understood and reciprocated my good
Curious to know whether Biddy sus intentions, as I had reason to know
pected him of having had a hand in that thereafter.
murderous attack of which my sister And now, because my mind was not
had never been able to give any account, confused enough before, I complicated
I asked her why she did not like him ; its confusion fifty thousand-fold, by
“Oh l’” she replied, glancing over having states and seasons when I was
her shoulder as he slouched after us, clear that Biddy was immeasurably
“because I—I am afraid he likes me.” better than Estella, and that the plain
“Did he ever tell you he liked you?” honest working life to which I was born,
I asked, indignantly. had nothing in it to be ashamed of, but
“No,” said Biddy, glancing over her offered me sufficient means of self-respect
shoulder again, “he never told me so; and happiness. At those times, I would
but he dances at me, whenever he can decide conclusively that my disaffection
catch my eye.” to dear old Joe and the forge, was gone,
However novel and peculiar this tes and that I was growing up in a fair
timony of attachment, I did not doubt way to be partners with Joe and to
the accuracy of the interpretation. I keep company with Biddy—when all in
was very hot indeed upon Old Orlick's a moment some confounding remem
daring to admire her ; as hot as if it brance of the Havisham days would fall
were an outrage on myself. upon me, like a destructive missile, and
“But it makes no difference to you, scatter my wits again. Scattered wits
you know,” said Biddy, calmly. take a long time picking up ; and often,
“No, Biddy, it makes no difference before I had got them well together,
to me ; only I don't like it; I don't they would be dispersed in all direc
approve of it.” tions by one stray thought, that perhaps
“Nor I neither,” said Biddy. after all Miss Havisham was going to
&4 Thºugh that makes no difference to make my fortune when my time was
ou.” Out.
“Exactly,” said I; “but I must tell If my time had run out, it would
you I should have no opinion of you, have left me still at the height of my
Biddy, if he danced at you with your perplexities, I dare say. It never did
own consent.” run out, however, but was brought
I kept an eye on Orlick after that to a premature end, as I proceed to
night, and, whenever circumstances were relate.
CHAPTER, XVIII.
IT was in the fourth year of my committed, and Mr. Wopsle was im

apprenticeship to Joe, and it was a brued in blood to the eyebrows. He
Saturday night. There was a group gloated over every abhorrent adjective
assembled round the fire at the Three in the description, and identified himself
Jolly Bargemen, attentive to Mr. Wopsle with every witness at the Inquest. He
as he read the newspaper aloud. Of faintly moaned, “I am done for,” as
that group I was one. the victim, and he barbarouslybellowed,
A highly popular murder had been “I’ll serve you out,” as the murderer,
He gave the medical testimony, in “Certainly I know it,” replied Mr.

pointed imitation of our local practi Wopsle. -
tioner; and he piped and shook, as the “Certainly you know it. Then why
aged turnpike-keeper who had heard didn't you say so at first Now, I'll
blows, to an extent so very paralytic as ask you another question;” taking pos
to suggest a doubt regarding the mental session of Mr. Wopsle, as if he had a
competency of that witness. The coro right to him. “Do you know that
ner, in Mr. Wopsle's hands, became none of these witnesses have yet been
Timon of Athens; the beadle, Corio cross-examined ?”
lanus. He enjoyed himself thoroughly, Mr. Wopsle was beginning, “I can
and we all enjoyed ourselves, and were only say—” when the strangerstopped
delightfully comfortable. In this cozy him.
state of mind we came to the verdict “What ? You won’t answer the
Wilful Murder. question, yes or no? Now, I'll try you
Then, and not sooner, I became aware again.” Throwing his finger at him
of a strange gentleman leaning over the again. “Attend to me. Are you
back of the settle opposite me, looking aware, or are you not aware, that none
on. There was an expression of con of these witnesses have yet been cross
tempt on his face, and he bit the side of examined ? Come, I only want one
a great forefinger as he watched the word from you. Yes, or no 7"
group of faces. Mr. Wopsle hesitated, and we all
“Well !” said the stranger to Mr. began to conceive rather a poor opinion
Wopsle, when the reading was done, of him.
“you have settled it all to your own “Come 1” said the stranger, “I’ll
satisfaction, I have no doubt 7” help you. You don’t deserve help, but
Everybody started and looked up, as I’ll help you. Look at that paper you
if it were the murderer. He looked at hold in your hand. What is it?”
everybody coldly and sarcastically. “What is it?” repeated Mr. Wopsle,
“Guilty, of course?” said he, “Out eyeing it, much at a loss.
with it. Come !” “Is it,” pursued the stranger in his
“Sir,” returned Mr. Wopsle, “with most sarcastic and suspicious manner,
out having the honour of your acquaint “the printed paper you have just been
ance, I do say Guilty.” Upon this we reading from ?”
all took courage to unite in a confirma “Undoubtedly.”
tory murmur. “Undoubtedly. Now, turn to that
“I know you do,” said the stranger; paper, and tell me whether it distinctly
“I knew you would. I told you so. states that the prisoner expressly said
But now I'll ask you a question. Do that his legal advisers instructed him
you know, or do you not know, that altogether to reserve his defence 2''
the law of England supposes every man “I read that just now,” Mr. Wopsle
to be innocent, until he is proved— pleaded.
proved—to be guilty?” “Never mind what you read just
“Sir,” Mr. Wopsle began to reply, now, sir; I don’t ask you what you
“as an Englishman myself, I–” read just now. You may read the
“Come !” said the stranger, biting Lord's Prayer backwards, if you like—
his forefinger at him. “Don’t evade and, perhaps, have done it before to-day.
the question. Either you know it, or Turn to the paper. No, no, no, my
you don't know it. Which is it to be?” friend; not to the top of the column;
He stood with his head on one side you know better than that; to the
and himself on one side, in a bullying bottom, to the bottom.” (We all
interrogative manner, and he threw his began to think Mr. Wopsle full of sub
forefinger at Mr. Wopsle—as it were to terfuge.) “Well? Have you found it?”
mark him out—before biting it again. “Here it is,” said Mr. Wopsle.
“Now !” said he. “Do you know “Now, follow that passage with your
it, or don't you know it?” eye, and tell me whether it distinctly
states that the prisoner expressly said believe there is a blacksmith among
that he was instructed by his legal you, by name Joseph—or Joe—Gargery.
advisers wholly to reserve his defence Which is the man º'
Come ! Do you make that of it 7” “Here is the man,” said Joe.
Mr. Wopsle answered, “Those are The strange gentleman beckoned him
not the exact words.” out of his place, and Joe went.
“Not the exact words !” repeated “You have an apprentice,” pursued
the gentleman, bitterly. “Is that the the stranger, “commonly known as
exact substance 2'' Pip ! Is he here 7°
“Yes,” said Mr. Wopsle. “I am here l’” I cried.
“Yes,” repeated the stranger, look The stranger did not recognise me,
ing round at the rest of the company but I recognised him as the gentleman I
with his right hand extended towards had met on the stairs, on the occasion
the witness, Wopsle. “And now I ask of my second visit to Miss Havisham.
you what you say to the conscience of I had known him the moment I saw
that man who, with that passage before him looking over the settle, and now
his eyes, can lay his head upon his that I stood confronting him with his
pillow after having pronounced a fellow hand upon my shoulder, I checked off
creature guilty, unheard 7" again in detail, his large head, his dark
We all began to suspect that Mr. complexion, his deep-set eyes, his bushy
Wopsle was not the man we had thought black eyebrows, his large watch-chain,
him, and that he was beginning to be his strong black dots of beard and
found out. whisker, and even the smell of scented
“And that same man, remember,” soap on his great hand.
pursued the gentleman, throwing his “I wish to have a private conference
finger at Mr. Wopsle heavily; “that with you two,” said he, when he had
same man might be summoned as a surveyed me at his leisure. “It will
juryman upon this very trial, and take a little time. Perhaps we had
having thus deeply committed himself, better go to your place of residence. I
might return to the bosom of his family prefer not to anticipate my communica
and lay his head upon his pillow, after tion here ; you will impart as much or
deliberately swearing that he would well
as little of it as you please to your
and truly try the issue joined between friends afterwards; I have nothing to
Our Sovereign Lord the King and the do with that.”
prisoner at the bar, and would a true Amidst a wondering silence, we three
verdict give according to the evidence, walked out of the Jolly Bargemen, and
so help him God!” in a wondering silence walked home.
We were all deeply persuaded that While going along, the strange gentle
the unfortunate Wopsle had gone too man occasionally looked at me, and
far, and had better stop in his reckless occasionally bit the side of his finger.
career while there was yet time. As we neared home, Joe vaguely ac
The strange gentleman, with an air knowledging the occasion as an impres
of authority not to be disputed, and sive and ceremonious one, went on
with a manner expressive of knowing ahead to open the front door. Our
something secret about every one of us conference was held in the state par
that would effectually do for each indi lour, which was feebly lighted by one
vidual if he chose to disclose it, left the candle.
back of the settle, and came into the It began with the strangegentleman's
space between the two settles, in front sitting down at the table, drawing the
of the fire, where he remained standing : candle to him, and looking over some
his left hand in his pocket, and he entries in his pocket-book. He then
biting the forefinger of his right. put up the pocket-book and set the
“From information I have received,” candle a little aside : after peering
said he, looking round at us as we all round it into the darkness at Joe
quailed before him, “I have reason to and me, to ascertain which was which.
“My name,” he said, “is Jaggers, Joe and I gasped, and looked at one
and I am a lawyer in London. I am another.
pretty well known. I have unusual “I am instructed to communicate to
business to transact with you, and I him,” said Mr. Jaggers, throwing his
commence by explaining that it is not finger at me, sideways, “that he will
of my originating. If my advice had come into a handsome property. Fur
been asked, I should not have been here. ther, that it is the desire of the present
It was not asked, and you see me here. possessor of that property, that he be
What I have to do as the confidential immediately removed from his present
agent of another, I do. No less, no sphere of life and from this place, and
more.” be brought up as a gentleman—in a
Finding that he could not see us very word, as a young fellow of great expec
well from where he sat, he got up, and tations.”
threw one leg over the back of a chair My dream was out; my wild fancy was
and leaned upon it; thus having one surpassed by sober reality; Miss Havis
foot on the seat of the chair, and one ham was going to make my fortune on a
foot on the ground. grand scale.
“Now, Joseph Gargery, I am the “Now, Mr. Pip,” pursued the
bearer of an offer to relieve you of this lawyer, “I address the rest of what I
young fellow, your apprentice. You have to say, to you. You are to under
would not object to cancel his inden stand, first, that it is the request of
tures at his request and for his good the person from whom I take my
You would not want anything for so instructions, that you always bear the
doing 2" name of Pip. You will have no objec
“Lord forbid that I should want tion, I dare say, to your great expecta
anything for not standing in Pip's way,” tions being encumbered with that easy
said Joe, staring. condition. But if you have any
“Lord forbidding is pious, but not objection, this is the time to mention
to the purpose,” returned Mr. Jaggers. it.”
“The question is, Would you want My heart was beating so fast, and
anything : Do you want anything 2" there was such a singing in my ears,
“The answer is,” returned Joe, that I could scarcely stammer I had no
sternly, “No.” objection.
I thought Mr. Jaggers glanced at Joe, “I should think not l Now you are
as if he considered him a fool for his to understand, secondly, Mr. Pip, that
disinterestedness. But I was too much the name of the person who is your
bewildered between breathless curiosity liberal benefactor remains a profound
and surprise, to be sure of it. secret, until the person chooses to
“Wery well,” said Mr. Jaggers. reveal it. I am empowered to mention
“Recollect the admission you have that it is the intention of the person to
made, and don't try to go from it pre reveal it at first hand by word of mouth
sently.” to yourself. When or where that inten
“Who's a-going to try?” retorted Joe. tion may be carried out, I cannot say;
“I don't say anybody is. Do you no one can say. It may be years hence.
keep a dog #" Now, you are distinctly to understand
“Yes, I do keep a dog.” that you are most positively prohibited
“Bear in mind then, that Brag is a from making any inquiry on this head,
good dog, but Holdfast is a better. or any allusion or reference, however
Bear that in mind, will you?” repeated distant, to any individual whomsoever
Mr. Jaggers, shutting his eyes and as the individual, in all the communica
nodding his head at Joe, as if he were tions you may have with me. If you
forgiving him something. “Now, I have a suspicion in your own breast,
return to this young fellow. And the keep that suspicion in your own breast.
communication I have got to make is, It is not the least to the purpose what
that he has Great Expectations.” the reasons of this prohibition are
they may be the strongest and gravest I stammered yes, that was it.
reasons, or they may be mere whim. “Good. Now, your inclinations are
This is not for you to inquire into. The to be consulted. I don’t think that
condition is laid down. Your accep wise, mind, but it's my trust. Have
tance of it, and your observance of it you ever heard of any tutor whom you
as binding, is the only remaining condi would prefer to another ?”
tion that I am charged with, by the I had never heard of any tutor but
person from whom I take my instruc Biddy, and Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt;
tions, and for whom I am not otherwise so, I replied in the negative.
responsible. That person is the person “There is a certain tutor, of whom
from whom you derive your expecta I have some knowledge, who I think
tions, and the secret is solely held by might suit the purpose,” said Mr.
that person and by me. Again, not a Jaggers. “I don't recommend him,
very difficult condition with which to observe ; because I never recommend
encumber such a rise in fortune ; but if anybody. The gentleman I speak of is
you have any objection to it, this is the one Mr. Matthew Pocket.”
time to mention it. Speak out.” Ah I caught at the name directly.
Once more, I stammered with diffi Miss Havisham's relation. The Mat
culty that I had no objection. thew whom Mr. and Mrs. Camilla had
“I should think not Now, Mr. spoken of. The Matthew whose place
Pip, I have done with stipulations.” was to be at Miss Havisham's head,
Though he called me Mr. Pip, and when she lay dead, in her bride's dress
began rather to make up to me, he still on the bride's table.
could not get rid of a certain air of bul “You know the name 7” said Mr.
lying, suspicion ; and even now he Jaggers, looking shrewdly at me, and
occasionally shut his eyes and threw his then shutting up his eyes while he
finger at me while he spoke, as much as waited for my answer.
to express that he knew all kinds of My answer was, that I had heard of
things to my disparagement, if he onlythe name.
chose to mention them. “We come “Oh ” said he. “You have heard
next, to mere details of arrangement. of the name. But the question is, what
You must know that although I use the do you say of it !”
term ‘expectations’ more than once, I said, or tried to say, that I was
you are not endowed with expectations much obliged to him for his recommen
only. There is already lodged in my dation —
hands, a sum of money amply suffi “No, my young friend l’’ he inter
cient for your suitable education and rupted, shaking his great head very
maintenance. You will please consider slowly. “Recollect yourself l’”
me your guardian. Oh ſ* for I was Not recollecting myself, I began again
going to thank him, “I tell you at that I was much obliged to him for his
once, I am paid for my services, or I recommendation—
shouldn’t render them. It is considered “No, my young friend,” he inter
that you must be better educated, in rupted, shaking his head and frowning
accordance with your altered position, and smiling both at once ; “no, no,
and that you will be alive to the impor no ; it's very well done, but it won’t
tance and necessity of at once entering do; you are too young to fix me with
on that advantage.” it. Recommendation is not the word,
I said I had always longed for it. Mr. Pip. Try another.”
“Never mind what you have always Correcting myself, I said that I was
longed for, Mr. Pip,” he retorted ; much obliged to him for his mention of
“keep to the record. If you long for Mr. Matthew Pocket—
it now, that's enough. Am I answered “That’s more like it !” cried Mr.
that you are ready to be placed at Jaggers.
once, under some proper tutor Is —And (I added) I would gladly try
that it 2" that gentleman.
“Good. You had better try him in your broad chest heaving, and your
his own house. The way shall be pre voice dying away. O dear good faithful
pared for you, and you can see his son tender Joe, I feel the loving tremble of
first, who is in London. When will your hand upon my arm, as solemnly
you come to London º’’ this day as if it had been the rustle of
I said (glancing at Joe, who stood an angel's wing !
looking on, motionless), that I sup But I encouraged Joe at the time.
posed I could come directly. I was lost in the mazes of my future
“First,” said Mr. Jaggers, “you fortunes, and could not retrace the by
should have some new clothes to come paths we had trodden together. I
in, and they should not be working begged Joe to be comforted, for (as he
clothes. Say this day week. You'll said) we had ever been the best of
want some money. Shall I leave you friends, and (as I said) we ever would
twenty guineas $’” be so. Joe scooped his eyes with his
He produced a long purse, with the disengaged wrist, as if he were bent on
greatest coolness, and counted them out gouging himself, but said not another
on the table and pushed them over to word.
me. This was the first time he had Mr. Jaggers had looked on at this,
taken his leg from the chair. He sat as one who recognised in Joe the vil
astride of the chair when he had pushed lage idiot, and in me his keeper.
the money over, and sat swinging his When it was over, he said, weighing
purse and eyeing Joe. in his hand the purse he had ceased to
“Well, Joseph Gargery : You look swing:
dumbfoundered 2* “Now, Joseph Gargery, I warn you
“I am!'” said Joe, in a very decided this is your last chance. No half
lmanner. measures with me. If you mean to
“It was understood that you wanted take a present that I have it in charge
nothing for yourself, remember 7 ° to make you, speak out, and you shall
“It were understood,” said Joe. have it. If on the contrary you mean
“And it are understood. And it ever to say ” Here, to his great
will be similar according.” amazement, he was stopped by Joe's
“But what,” said Mr. Jaggers, suddenly working round him with
swinging his purse, “what if it was every demonstration of a fell pugilistic
in my instructions to make you a pre purpose.
sent, as compensation ?” “Which I meantersay,” cried Joe,
“As compensation what for " Joe “that if you come into my place bull
demanded. baiting and badgering me, come out !
“For the loss of his services.” Which I meantersay as sech if you're
Joe laid his hand upon my shoulder a man, come on | Which I meantersay
with the touch of a woman. I have that what I say, I meantersay and
often thought him since, like the steam stand or fall by 1”
hammer, that can crush a man or pat I drew Joe away, and he immediately
an eggshell, in his combination of became placable : merely stating to me,
strength with gentleness. “Pip is that in an obliging manner and as a polite
hearty welcome,” said Joe, “to go free expostulatory notice to any one whom
with his services, to honour and fortun', it might happen to concern, that he
as no words can tell him. But if you were not a-going to be bull-baited and
think as Money can make compensation badgered in his own place. Mr. Jag
to me for the loss of the little child— gers had risen when Joe demonstrated,
what come to the forge—and ever the and had backed near the door. With
best of friends !—” out evincing any inclination to come in
O dear good Joe, whom I was so again, he there delivered his valedic
ready to leave and so unthankful to, I tory remarks. They were these:
see you again, with your muscular “Well, Mr. Pip, I think the sooner
blacksmith's arm before your eyes, and you leave here—as you are to be a
gentleman—the better. Let it stand tight, as if he had private information

for this day week, and you shall re that they intended to make off some
ceive my printed address in the mean where,
23.-
“which I left it to yourself,
time. You can take a hackney-coach Pip.
at the stage-coach office in London, and “I would rather you told, Joe.”
come straight to me. Understand, that “Pip's a gentleman of fortun' then,”
I express no opinion, one way or other, said Joe, “and God bless him in it !”
on the trust. I undertake. I am paid Biddy dropped her work, and looked
for undertaking it, and I do so. Now, at me. Joe held his knees and looked
understand that finally. Understand at me. I looked at both of them.
that l” After a pause, they both heartily con
He was throwing his finger at both gratulated me; but their was a certain
of us, and I think would have gone touch of sadness in their congratula
on, but for his seeming to think Joe tions that I rather resented.
dangerous, and going off. I took it upon myself to impress
Something came into my head which Biddy (and through Biddy, Joe) with
induced me to run after him as he was the grave obligation I considered my
going down to the Jolly Bargemen, friends under, to know nothing and
where he had left a hired carriage. say nothing about the maker of my
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Jaggers.” fortune. It would all come out in
“Halloa ” said he, facing round, good time, I observed, and in the
“what's the matter 7” meanwhile nothing was to be said,
“I wish to be quite right, Mr. save that I had come into great ex
Jaggers, and to keep to your direc pectations from a mysterious patron.
tions; so I thought I had better ask. Biddy nodded her head thoughtfully at
Would there be any objection to my the fire as she took up her work again,
taking leave of any one I know, about and said she would be very particular ;
here, before I go away ?” - and Joe, still detaining his knees, said,
“No,” said he, looking as if he “Ay, ay, I'll be ekervally partickler,
hardly understood me. Pip ;” and then they congratulated me
“I don't mean in the village only, again, and went on to express so much
but up town º' wonder at the notion of my being a
“No,” said he. “No objection.” gentleman, that I didn't half like it.
I thanked him and ran home again, Infinite pains were then taken by
and there I found that Joe had already Biddy to convey to my sister some idea
locked the front door and vacated the of what had happened. To the best of
state parlour, and was seated by the my belief, those efforts entirely failed.
kitchen fire with a hand on each knee, She laughed and nodded her head a
gazing intently at the burning coals. great many times, and even repeated
I too sat down before the fire and after Biddy, the words “Pip” and
gazed at the coals, and nothing was “Property.” But I doubt if they had
said for a long time. more meaning in them than an election
My sister was in her cushioned chair cry, and I cannot suggest a darker pic
in her corner, and Biddy sat at her ture of her state of mind.
needlework before the fire, and Joe sat I never could have believed it with
next Biddy, and I sat next Joe in the out experience, but as Joe and Biddy
corner opposite my sister. The more became more at their cheerful ease
I looked into the glowing coals, the again, I became quite gloomy. Dis
more incapable I became of looking at satisfied with my fortune, of course I
Joe ; the longer the silence lasted, the could not be; but it is possible that I
more unable I felt to speak. may have been, without quite knowing
At length I got out, “Joe, have you it, dissatisfied with myself. .
told Biddy?” Anyhow, I sat with my elbow on my
“No, Pip,” returned Joe, still look knee and my face upon my hand, look
ing at the fire, and holding his knees ing into the fire, as those two talked
about my going away, and about what and me ! You will show yourself to
they should do without me, and all us; won’t you ?”
that. And whenever I caught one of “Biddy,” I returned with some re
them looking at me, though never so sentment, “you are so exceedingly
pleasantly (and they often looked at quick that it's difficult to keep up
me—particularly Biddy), I felt of with you.”
fended : as if they were expressing (“She always were quick,” observed
some mistrust of me. Though Heaven Joe
knows they never did by word or sign. “If you had waited another moment,
At those times I would get up and Biddy, you would have heard me say
look out at the door; for our kitchen that I shall bring my clothes here in a
door opened at once upon the night, bundle one evening—most likely on the
and stood open on summer evenings to evening before I go away.”
air the room. The very stars to which Biddy said no more. Handsomely
I then raised my eyes, I am afraid I forgiving her, I soon exchanged an
took to be but poor and humble stars affectionate good night with her and
for glittering on the rustic objects among Joe, and went up to bed. When I got
which I had passed my life. into my little room, I sat down and
“Saturday night,” said I, when we took a long look at it, as a mean little
sat at our supper of bread-and-cheese room that I should soon be parted from
and beer. “Five more days, and then and raised above, for ever. It was
the day before the day ! They'll soon furnished with fresh young remem
O 33 brances too, and even at the same
“Yes, Pip,” observed Joe, whose moment I fell into much the same
voice sounded hollow in his beer mug. confused division of mind between it
“They'll soon go.” and the better rooms to which I was
“Soon, soon go,” said Biddy. going, as I had been in so often be
“I have been thinking, Joe, that when tween the forge and Miss Havisham's,
I go down town on Monday, and order and Biddy and Estella.
my new clothes, I shall tell the tailor The sun had been shining brightly
that I’ll come and put them on there, all day on the roof of my attic, and
or that I’ll have them sent to Mr. the room was warm. As I put the
Pumblechook's. It would be very window open and stood looking out, I
disagreeable to be stared at by all the saw Joe come slowly forth at the dark
people here.” door below, and take a turn or two in
“Mr. and Mrs. Hubble might like the air ; and then I saw Biddy come,
to see you in your new gen-teel figure and bring him a pipe and light it for
too, Pip,” said Joe, industriously cut him. He never smoked so late, and
ting his bread with his cheese on it, it seemed to hint to me that he wanted
in the palm of his left hand, and comforting, for some reason or other.
glancing at my untasted supper as if He presently stood at the door im
he thought of the time when we used mediately beneath me, smoking his
to compare slices. “So might Wopsle. pipe, and Biddy stood there too,
And the Jolly Bargemen might take it quietly talking to him, and I knew
as a compliment.” that they talked of me, for I heard my
“That's just what I don't want, name mentioned in an endearing tone
Joe. They would make such a busi by both of them more than once. I
ness of it—such a coarse and common would not have listened for more, if I
business—that I couldn’t bear myself.” could have heard more : so, I drew
“Ah, that indeed, Pip !” said Joe. away from the window, and sat down
“If you couldn’t abear yourself 2? in my one chair by the bedside, feel
Biddy asked me here, as she sat ing it very sorrowful and strange that
holding my sister's plate, “Have you this first night of my bright for
thought about when you'll show your tunes should be the loneliest I had
self to Mr. Gargery, and your sister, ever known. -
Looking towards the open window, vading the air we shared together. I
I saw ligth wreaths from Joe's pipe put my light out, and crept into bed;
floating there, and I fancied it was and it was an uneasy bed now, and I
like a blessing from Joe—not obtruded never slept the old sound sleep in it
on me or paraded before me, but per any more.
CELAPTER XIX.
MoRNING made a considerable dif something allied to shame, of my com

ference in my general prospect of Life, panionship with the fugitive whom I
and brightened it so much that it had once seen limping among those
scarcely seemed the same. What lay graves, what were my thoughts on this
heaviest on my mind, was, the consi Sunday, when the place recalled the
deration that six days intervened be wretch, ragged and shivering, with his
tween me and the day of departure ; felon iron and badge | My comfort
for, I could not divest myself of a was, that it happened a long time ago,
misgiving that something might happen and that he had doubtless been trans
to London in the meanwhile, and that, ported a long way off, and that he was
when I got there, it might be either dead to me, and might be veritably
greatly deteriorated or clean gone. dead into the bargain.
Joe and Biddy were very sympathetic No more low wet grounds, no more
and pleasant when I spoke of our ap dykes and sluices, no more of these
proaching separation; but they only grazing cattle—though they seemed, in
referred to it when I did. After their dull manner, to wear a more re
breakfast, Joe brought out my inden spectful air now, and to face round, in
tures from the press in the best par order that they might stare as long as
lour, and we put them in the fire, and possible at the possessor of such great
I felt that I was free. With all the expectations — farewell, monotonous
novelty of my emancipation on me, I acquaintances of my childhood, hence
went to church with Joe, and thought, forth I was for London and greatness:
perhaps the clergyman wouldn't have not for smith's work in general and for
read that about the rich man and the you ! I made my exultant way to the
kingdom of Heaven, if he had know old Battery, and, lying down there to
all. -
consider the question whether Miss
After our early dinner, I strolled out Havisham intended me for Estella, fell
alone, proposing to finish off the marshes asleep.
at once, and get them done with. As When I awoke, I was much surprised
I passed the church, I felt (as I had to find Joe sitting beside me, smoking
felt during service in the morning) a his pipe. He greeted me with a cheer
sublime compassion for the poor crea ful smile on my opening my eyes, and
tures who were destined to go there, said:
Sunday after Sunday, all their lives “As being the last time, Pip, I
through, and to lie obscurely at last thought I'd foller.”
among the low green mounds. I pro And Joe, I am very glad you did
mised myself that I would do some- so
thing for them one of these days, and “Thankee, Pip.”
formed a plan in outline for bestowing “You may be sure, dear Joe,” I
a dinner of roast beef and plum-pud went on, after we had shaken hands,
ding, a pint of ale, and a gallon of “that I shall never forget you.”
condescension, upon everybody in the “No, no, Pip !” said Joe, in a com:
village. fortable tone, “I’m sure of that. Ay;
If I had often thought before, with ay, old chap Bless you, it were on!
G
necessary to get it well round in a Although I was looking at Biddy as

man's mind, to be certain on it. But I spoke, and although she opened her
it took a bit of time to get it well round, eyes very wide when I had spoken, she
the change come so oncommon plump; did not look at me. -
didn’t it; ?” “Oh, his manners won't his man

Somehow, I was not best pleased with ners do, then º’’ asked Biddy, plucking
Joe's being so mightily secure of me. a black currant leaf.
I should have liked him to have be “My dear Biddy, they do very well
trayed emotion, or to have said, “It here 72
does you credit, Pip,” or something of “Oh they do very well here ?” in
that sort. Therefore, I made no re terrupted Biddy, looking closely at the
mark on Joe's first head : merely say leaf in her hand.
ing as to his second, that the tidings “Hear me out—but if I were to re
had indeed come suddenly, but that I move Joe into a higher sphere, as I
had always wanted to be a gentleman, shall hopel to remove him when I fully
and had often and often speculated on come into my property, they would
what I would do, if I were one. hardly do him justice.”
“Have you though #" said Joe. “And don’t you think he knows
“Astonishing !” that ?” asked Biddy.
“It's a pity now, Joe,” said I, “that It was such a very provoking ques
you did not get on a little more, when tion (for it had never in the most
we had our lessons here ; isn’t it !” distant manner occurred to me), that
“Well, I don't know,” returned Joe. I said, snappishly, “Biddy, what do
“I’m so awful dull. I'm only master you mean **
of my own trade. It were always a Biddy having rubbed the leaf to
pity as I was so awful dull; but it's pieces between her hands — and the
no more of a pity now, than it was— smell of a black currant bush has ever
this day twelvemonth—don't you see l’” since recalled to me that evening in the
What I had meant was, that when I little garden by the side of the lane—
came into my property and was able to said, “Have you never considered that
do something for Joe, it would have he may be proud ''
been much more agreeable if he had “Proud "I repeated, with disdain
been better qualified for a rise in sta
ful emphasis. .
tion. He was so perfectly innocent of “Oh there are many kinds of
my meaning, however, that I thought pride,” said Biddy, looking full at me
I would mention it to Biddy in prefer and shaking her head; “pride is not
ence. all of one kind—”
So, when we had walked home and “Well ? What are you stopping
had had tea, I took Biddy into our for 2’” said I.
little garden by the side of the lane, “Not all of one kind,” resumed
and, after throwing out in a general Biddy. “He may be too proud to let
way for the elevation of her spirits, any one take him out of a place that he
that I should never forget her, said I is competent to fill, and fills well and
had a favour to ask of her. with respect. To tell you the truth,
“And it is, Biddy,” said I, “that I think he is: though it sounds bold in
you will not omit any opportunity of me to say so, for you must know him
helping Joe on, a little.” far better than I do.” -
“How helping him on ?” asked “Now, Biddy,” said I, “I am very

Biddy, with a steady sort of glance. sorry to see this in you. I did not
“Well! Joe is a dear good fellow— expect to see this in you. You are
in fact, I think he is the dearest fellow envious, Biddy, and grudging. You
that ever lived — but he is rather are dissatisfied on account of my rise in
backward in some things. For in fortune, and you can't help showing it.”
stance, Biddy, in his learning and his “If you have the heart to think so,”
manners.” returned Biddy, “say so. Say so over
and over again, if you have the heart to old bachelor, and his open window
think so.” looked into a prosperous little garden
“If you have the heart to be so, you and orchard, and there was a prosper
mean, Biddy,” said I, in a virtuous and ous iron safe let into the wall at the
superior tone; “don’t put it off upon side of his fireplace, and I did not
me. I am very sorry to see it, and it's doubt that heaps of his prosperity were
a—it's a bad side of human nature. I put away in it in bags.
did intend to ask you to use any little “Mr. Trabb,” said I, “it’s an un
opportunities you might have after I pleasant thing to have to mention,
was gone, of improving dear Joe. But because it looks like boasting; but I
after this, I ask you nothing. I am have come into a handsome property.”
extremely sorry to see this in you, A change passed over Mr. Trabb.
Biddy,” I repeated. “It's a–it's a He forgot the butter in bed, got up
bad side of human nature.” from the bedside, and wiped his fingers
“Whether you scold me or approve on the table-cloth, exclaiming, “Lord
of me,” returned poor Biddy, “you bless my soul!”
may equally depend upon my trying to “I am going up to my guardian in
do all that lies in my power, here, at London,” said I, casually drawing some
all times. And whatever opinion you guineas out of my pocket and looking
take away of me, shall make no differ at them ; “and I want a fashionable
ence in my remembrance of you. Yet suit of clothes to go in. I wish to pay
a gentleman should not be unjust for them,” I added — otherwise I
neither,” said Biddy, turning away her thought he might only pretend to make
head. • them, “with ready money.”
I again warmly repeated that it was “My dear sir,” said Mr. Trabb, as
a bad side of human nature (in which he respectfully bent his body, opened
sentiment, waiving its application, I his arms, and took the liberty of
have since seen reason to think I was touching me on the outside of each
right), and I walked down the little elbow, “don’t hurt me by mentioning
path away from Biddy, and Biddy went that. May I venture to congratulate
into the house, and I went out at the you ? Would you do me the favour of
garden gate and took a dejected stroll stepping into the shop º'
until supper-time; again feeling it very Mr. Trabb's boy was the most au
sorrowful and strange that this, the dacious boy in all that country-side.
second might of my bright fortunes, When I had entered he was sweeping
-should be as lonely and unsatisfactory the shop, and he had sweetened his
as the first. labours by sweeping over me. He was
But, morning once more brightened still sweeping when I came out into the
my view, and I extended my clemency shop with Mr. Trabb, and he knocked
to Biddy, and we dropped the subject. the broom against all possible corners
Putting on the best clothes I had, I and obstacles, to express (as I under
went into town as early as I could hope stood it) equality with any blacksmith,
to find the shops open, and presented alive or dead.
myself before Mr. Trabb, the tailor: “Hold that noise,” said Mr. Trabb,
who was having his breakfast in the with the greatest sternness, “ or I'll
parlour behind his shop, and who did knock your head off Do me the
not think it worth his while to come favour to be seated, sir. Now, this,”
out to me, but called me in to him. said Mr. Trabb, taking down a roll of
“Well l’” said Mr. Trabb, in a hail cloth, and tiding it out in a flowing
fellow-well-met kind of way. “How manner over the counter, preparatory
are you, and what can I do for you?” to getting his hand under it to show
Mr. Trabb had sliced his hot roll into the gloss, “is a very sweet article. . I
three feather beds, and was slipping can recommend it for your purpose, sir,
butter in between the blankets, and because it really is extra super. But
covering it up. He was a..prosperous you shall see some others. gº Iale
G
Number Four, you !” (To the boy, The last word was flung at the boy,
and with a dreadfully severe stare ; who had not the least notion what it
foreseeing the danger of that miscreant's
meant. But I saw him collapse as his
brushing me with it, or making some master rubbed me out with his hands,
other sign of familiarity.) and my first decided experience of the
Mr. Trabb never removed his stern stupendous power of money, was, that
eye from the boy until he had deposited it had morally laid upon his back,
number four on the counter and was at Trabb's boy.
a safe distance again. Then, he com After this memorable event, I went
manded him to bring number five, and to the hatter's, and the bootmaker's,
number eight. “And let me have and the hosier's, and felt rather like
none of your tricks here,” said Mr. Mother Hubbard's dog whose outfit
Trabb, “or you shall repent it, you required the services of so many trades.
young scoundrel, the longest day you I lso went to the coach-office and took
have to live.” my place for seven o'clock on Saturday
Mr. Trabb then bent over number morning. It was not necessary to
four, and in a sort of deferential con explain everywhere that I had come
fidence recommended it to me as a light into a handsome property; but when
article for summer wear, an article ever I said anything to that effect, it
much in vogue among the nobility and followed that the officiating tradesman
gentry, an article that it would ever be ceased to have his attention diverted
an honour to him to reflect upon a dis through the window by the High-street,
tinguished fellow-townsman's (if he and concentrated his mind upon me.
might claim me for a fellow-townsman) When I had ordered everything I
having worn. “Are you bringing wanted, I directed my steps towards
numbers five and eight, you vaga Pumblechook's, and, as I approached
bond,” said Mr. Trabb to the boy after that gentleman's place of business, I
that, “ or shall I kick you out of the saw him standing at his door.
shop and bring them myself?” He was waiting for me with great
I selected the materials for a suit, impatience. He had been out early
with the assistance of Mr. Trabb's with the chaise-cart, and had called at
judgment, and re-entered the parlour the forge and heard the news. He had
to be measured. For, although Mr. prepared a collation for me in the Barn
Trabb had my measure already, and well parlour, and he too ordered his
had previously been quite contented shopman to “come out of the gang
with it, he said apologetically that it way” as my sacred person passed.
“wouldn’t do under existing circum “My dear friend,” said Mr. Pumble
stances, sir—wouldn't do at all.” So, chook, taking me by both hands, when
Mr. Trabb measured and calculated he and I and the collation were alone,
me, in the parlour, as if I were an “I give you joy of your good fortune.
estate and he the finest species of sur Well deserved, well deserved l’”
veyor, and gave himself such a world This was coming to the point, and I
of trouble that I felt that no suit of thought it a sensible way of expressing
clothes could possibly remunerate him himself.
for his pains. When he had at last “To think,” said Mr. Pumblechook,
done and had appointed to send the after snorting admiration at me for
articles to Mr. Pumblechook's on the some moments, “that I should have
Thursday evening, he said, with his been the humble instrument of leading
hand upon the parlour lock, “I know, up to this, is a proud reward.”
sir, that London gentlemen cannot be I begged Mr. Pumblechook to remem
expected to patronise local work, as a ber that nothing was to be ever said or
rule; but if you would give me a turn hinted, on that point.
now and then in the quality of a towns “My dear young friend,” said Mr.
man, I should greatly esteem it. Good Pumblechook; “if you will allow me
morning, sir, much obliged.—Door l’” to call you’so—”
GREAT EXPECTATIONS, 85
I murmured “Certainly,” and Mr. young fledgling, what was in store for
Pumblechook took me by both hands you. You little thought you was to be
again, and communicated a movement refreshment beneath this humble roof
to his waistcoat, which had an emotional for one as—Call it a weakness, if you
appearance, though it was rather low will,” said Mr. Pumblechook, getting
down, “My dear young friend, rely up again, “but may I ? may I ?”
upon my doing my little all in your It began to be unnecessary to repeat
absence, by keeping the fact before the the form of saying he might, so he did
mind of Joseph.—Joseph I’” said Mr. it at once. How he ever did it so
Pumblechook, in the way of a com often without wounding himself with
passionate adjuration. “Joseph ! ! my knife, I don’t know.
Joseph " ' " Thereupon he shook his “And your sister,” he resumed,
head and tapped it, expressing his after a little steady eating, “which
sense of deficiency in Joseph. had the honour of bringing you up by
“But my dear young friend,” said hand It’s a sad picter, to reflect
Mr. Pumblechook, “you must be that she's no longer equal to fully
hungry, you must be exhausted. Be understanding the honour. May —”
seated. Here is a chicken had round I saw he was about to come at me
from the Boar, here is a tongue had again, and I stopped him.
round from the Boar, here's one or two “We'll drink her health,” said I.
little things had round from the Boar, “Ah !” cried Mr. Pumblechook,
that I hope you may not despise. But leaning back in his chair, quite flaccid
do I,” said Mr. Pumblechook, getting with admiration, “that's the way you
up again the moment after he had sat know 'em, sir!” (I don't know who
down, “see afore me, him as I ever Sir was, but he certainly was not I,
sported with in his times of happy and there was no third person present);
infancy And may I–may I gº “that's the way you know the noble
This May I, meant might he shake minded, sir! Ever forgiving and ever
hands ! I consented, and he was fer affable. It might,” said the servile
vent, and then sat down again. Pumblechook, putting down his un
“Here is wine,” said Mr. Pumble tasted glass in a hurry and getting up
chook. “Let us drink, Thanks to again, “to a common person, have the
Fortune, and may she ever pick out *º
- 7%
of repeating—but may
her favourites with equal judgment
And yet I cannot,” said Mr. Pumble When he had done it, he resumed
chook, getting up again, “see afore his seat and drank to my sister. “Let
me One—and likewise drink to One— us never be blind,” said Mr. Pumble
without again expressing—May I– chook, “to her faults of temper, but
tnay I-?” it is to be hoped she meant well.”
I said he might, and he shook hands At about this time, I began to observe
with me again, and emptied his glass that he was getting flushed in the face ;
and turned it upside down. I did the as to myself, I felt all face, steeped in
same ; and if I had turned myself wine and smarting.
upside down before drinking, the wine I mentioned to Mr. Pumblechook
could not have gone more direct to my that I wished to have my new clothes
head. sent to his house, and he was ecstatic
Mr. Pumblechook helped me to the on my so distinguishing him. I men
liver wing, and to the best slice of tioned my reason for desiring to avoid
tongue (none of those out-of-the-way observation in the village, and he
No Thoroughfares of Pork now), and lauded it to the skies. There was
took, comparatively speaking, no care nobody but himself, he intimated,
of himself at all. “Ah 1 poultry, worthy of my confidence, and—in
poultry ! You little thought,” said short, might he Then he asked me
Mr. Pumblechook, apostrophising the tenderly if I remembered our boyish
fowl in the dish, “when you was a games at sums, and how we had gone
together to have me bound apprentice, having kept his secret wonderfully

and, in effect, how he had ever been well, that he had always said of me,
my favourite fancy and my chosen “That boy is no common boy, and
friend ?If I had taken ten times as mark me, his fortun' will be no common
fortun’.” He said with a tearful smile
many glasses of wine as I had, I should
have known that he never had stood in that it was a singular thing to think of
that relation towards me, and should now, and I said so too. Finally, I
in my heart of hearts have repudiated went out into the air, with a dim per
the idea. Yet for all that, Iremember ception that there was something un
feeling convinced that I had been much wonted in the conduct of the sunshine,
mistaken in him, and that he was a and found that I had slumberously got
sensible practical good-hearted prime to the turnpike without having taken
fellow. any account of the road.
By degrees he fell to reposing such There, I was roused by Mr. Pumble
great confidence in me, as to ask my chook's hailing me. He was a long
advice in reference to his own affairs.
way down the sunny street, and was
He mentioned that there was an oppor making expressive gestures for me to
tunity for a great amalgamation and stop. I stopped, and he came up
monopoly of the corn and seed trade on breathless.
those premises, if enlarged, such as “No, my dear friend,” said he,
had never occurred before in that, or when he had recovered wind for speech.
any other neighbourhood. What alone “Not if I can help it. This occasion
was wanting to the realisation of a vast shall not entirely pass without that
fortune, he considered to be More affability on your part.—May I, as an
Capital. Those were the two little old friend and well-wisher ? May I ?”
words, more capital. Now it appeared We shook hands for the hundredth
to him (Pumblechook) that if that time at least, and he ordered a young
capital were got into the business, carter out of my way with the greatest
through a sleeping partner, sir—which indignation. Then, he blessed me,
sleeping partner would have nothing to and stood waving his hand to me until
do but walk in, by self or deputy, I had passed the crook in the road ;
whenever he pleased, and examine the and then I turned into a field and had
books—and walk in twice a year and a long nap under a hedge before I
take his profits away in his pocket, to pursued my way home.
the tune of fifty per cent.—it appeared I had scant luggage to take with me
to him that that might be an opening to London, for little of the little I pos
for a young gentleman of spirit com sessed was adapted to my new station.
bined with property, which would be But, I began packing that same after
worthy of his attention. But what did noon, and wildly packed up things that
I think He had great confidence in I knew I should want next morning, in
my opinion, and what did I think I a fiction that there was not a moment
gave it as my opinion. “Wait a bit !” to be lost.
The united vastness and distinctness of So, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thurs
this view so struck him, that he no day, passed; and on Friday morning I
longer asked if he might shake hands went to Mr. Pumblechook's, to put on
.101.
me, but said he really must—and my new clothes and pay my visit to
Miss Havisham. Mr. Pumblechook's
We drank all the wine, and Mr. own room was given up to me to dress
Pumblechook pledged himself over and in, and was decorated with clean towels
over again to keep Joseph up to the expressly for the event. My clothes
mark (I don't know what mark), and were rather a disappointment, of course.
to render me efficient and constant Probably every new and eagerly ex
service (I don't know what service). pected garment ever put on since clothes
He also made known to me for the first came in, fell a trifle short of the wearer's
time in my life, and certainly after expectation. But after I had had my
new suit on, some half an hour, and had changed me, were bestowing the
had gone through an immensity of finishing gift.
posturing with Mr. Pumblechook's very “I have come into such good fortune
limited dressing-glass, in the futile since I saw you last, Miss Havisham,”
endeavour to see my legs, it seemed to I murmured. “And I am so grateful
fit me better. It being market morn for it, Miss Havisham l’”
ing at a neighbouring town some ten “Ay, ay!” said she, looking at the
miles off, Mr. Pumblechook was not at discomfited and envious Sarah, with
home. I had not told him exactly delight. “I have seen Mr. Jaggers.
when I meant to leave, and was not I have heard about it, Pip. So you go
likely to shake hands with him again to-morrow 2°
before departing. This was all as it “Yes, Miss Havisham.”
should be, and I went out in my new “And you are adopted by a rich
array : fearfully ashamed of having to person º’”
pass the shopman, and suspicious after “Yes, Miss Havisham.”
all that I was at a personal disadvant “Not named ; *
age, something like Joe's in his Sunday “No, Miss Havisham.”
suit. “And Mr. Jaggers is made your
I went circuitously to Miss Havi guardian **
sham's by all the back ways, and rang “Yes, Miss Havisham.”
at the bell constrainedly, on account of She quite gloated on these questions
the stiff long fingers of my gloves. and answers, so keen was her enjoy
Sarah Pocket came to the gate, and ment of Sarah Pocket's jealous dismay.
positively reeled back when she saw “Well !” she went on ; “you have a
me so changed ; her walnut-shell coun promising career before you. Be good
tenance likewise, turned from brown to —deserve it—and abide by Mr. Jag
green and yellow. gers's instructions.” She looked at
“You ?” said she. “You ? Good me, and looked at Sarah, and Sarah's
gracious ! What do you want }” countenance wrung out of her watchful
“I am going to London, Miss Pocket,” face a cruel smile. “Good-by, Pip !—
you will always keep the name of Pip,
said I, “and want to say good-by to you
Miss Havisham.” know.” e
I was not expected, for she left me “Yes, Miss Havisham.”

locked in the yard, while she went to “Good-by, Pip !” .
ask if I were to be admitted. After a She stretched out her hand, and I
very short delay, she returned and went down on my knee and put it to
took me up, staring at me all the my lips. I had not considered how I
way. - should take leave of her ; it came
Miss Havisham was taking exercise naturally to me at the moment, to do
in the room with the long spread table, this. She looked at Sarah Pocket with
leaning on her crutch stick. The room triumph in her weird eyes, and so I
was lighted as of yore, and at the sound left my fairy godmother, with both her
of her entrance, she stopped and turned. hands on her crutch stick, standing in
She was then just abreast of the rotted the midst of the dimly lighted room
bride-cake. beside the rotten bride-cake that was
“Don’t go, Sarah,” she said. “Well, hidden in cobwebs.
Pip 2" Sarah Pocket conducted me down, as
“I start for London, Miss Havisham, if I were a ghost who must be seen out.
to-morrow,” I was exceedingly careful She could not get over my appearance,
what I said, “and I thought you would and was in the last degree confounded.
kindly not mind my taking leave of I said “Good-by, Miss Pocket;” but
you.” she merely stared, and did not seem
“This is a gay figure, Pip,” said collected enough to know that I had
she, making her crutch stick play round spoken. Clear of the house, I made
me, as if she, the fairy godmother who the best of my way back to Pumble
chook's, took off my new clothes, made late in the afternoon. But long after
them into a bundle, and went back that, and long after I heard the clink
home in my older dress, carrying it—to ing of the teacups and was quite ready,
speak the truth,–much more at my I wanted the resolution to go down
ease too, though I had the bundle to stairs. After all, I remained up there,
carry. repeatedly unlocking and unstrapping
And now, those six days which were my small portmanteau and locking and
to have run out so slowly, had run out strapping it up again, until Biddy called
fast and were gone, and to-morrow to me that I was late.
looked mein the face more steadily than It was a hurried breakfast with no
I could look at it. As the six evenings taste in it. I got up from the meal,
had dwindled away, to five, to four, to saying with a sort of briskness, as if it
three, to two, I had become more and had only just occurred to me, “Well !
more appreciative of the society of Joe I suppose I must be off l’” and then I
and Biddy. On this last evening, I kissed my sister who was laughing and
dressed myself out in my new clothes, nodding and shaking in her usual chair,
for their delight, and sat in my splen and kissed Biddy, and threw my arms
dour until bedtime. We had a hot around Joe's neck. Then I took up my
supper on the occasion, graced by the little portmanteau and walked out. The
inevitable roast fowl, and we had some last I saw of them was, when I pre
flip to finish with. We were all very sently heard a scuffle behind me, and
low, and none the higher for pretending looking back, saw Joe throwing an old
to be in spirits. shoe after me and Biddy throwing
I was to leave our village at five in another old shoe. I stopped then, to
the morning, carrying my little hand wave my hat, and dear old Joe waved
portmanteau, and I had told Joe that I his strong right arm above his head,
wished to walk away all alone. I am crying huskily, “Hooroar !” and Biddy
afraid—sore afraid—that this purpose put her apron to her face.
originated in my sense of the contrast I walked away at a good pace, think
there would be between me and Joe, if ing it was easier to go than I had sup
we went to the coach together. I had posed it would be, and reflecting that
pretended with myself that there was it would never have done to have an old
nothing of this taint in the arrange shoe thrown after the coach, in sight of
ment; but when I went up to my little all the High-street. I whistled and
room on this last night, I felt compelled made nothing of going. But the village
to admit that it might be done so, and was very peaceful and quiet, and the
had an impulse upon me to go down light mists were solemnly rising, as if
again and entreat Joe to walk with me to show me the world, and I had been
in the morning. I did not. so innocent and little there, and all
All night there were coaches in my beyond was so unknown and great, that
broken sleep, going to wrong places in a moment with a strong heave and
instead of to London, and having in the sob I broke into tears. It was by the
traces, now dogs, now cats, now pigs, finger-post at the end of the village, and
now men—never horses. Fantastic I laid my hand upon it, and said,
failures of journeys occupied me until “Good-by O my dear, dear friend "
the day dawned and the birds were Heaven knows we need never be
singing. Then, I got up and partly ashamed of our tears, for they are rain
dressed, and sat at the window to take upon the blinding dust of earth, over
a last look out, and in taking it fell lying our hard hearts. I was better
asleep. after I had cried, than before—more
Biddy was astir so early to get my sorry, more aware of my own ingrati
breakfast, that, although I did not sleep tude, more gentle. If I had cried
at the window an hour, I smelt the before, I should have had Joe with me
smoke of the kitchen fire when I started then.
up with a terrible idea that it must be So subdued I was by those tears, and
by their breaking out again in the course when we changed again. And while I
of the quiet walk, that when I was on was occupied with those deliberations,
the coach, and it was clear of the town, I would fancy an exact resemblance to
I deliberated with an aching heart Joe in some man coming along the road
whether I would not get down when we towards us, and my heart would beat
changed horses and walk back, and have high.-Asif he could possibly be there !
another evening at home, and a better We changed again, and yet again, and
parting. We changed, and I had not it was now too late and too far to go
made up my mind, and still reflected back, and I went on. And the mists
for my comfort that it would be quite had all solemnly risen now, and the
practicable to get down and walk back, world lay spread before me.
THIS IS THE END OF THE FIRST STAGE OF PIP's ExPECTATIONS.
CHAPTER XX.
The journey from our town to the footmen from yielding to the tempta
metropolis, was a journey of about five tion.
hours. It was a little past mid-day I had scarcely had time to enjoy the
when the four-horse stage-coach by coach and to think how like a straw
which I was a passenger, got into the yard it was, and yet how like a rag
ravel of traffic frayed out about the shop, and to wonder why the horses'
Cross-Keys, Wood-street, Cheapside, nose-bags were kept inside, when I ob
London. served the coachman beginning to get
We Britons had at that time particu down, as if we were going to stop pre
larly settled that it was treasonable to sently. And stop we presently did, in
doubt our having and our being the best a gloomy street, at certain offices with
of everything : otherwise, while I was an open door, whereon was painted
Scared by the immensity of London, I MR. JAGGERs.
think I might have had some faint “How much " I asked the coach
doubts whether it was not rather ugly, IIlan.
crooked, narrow, and dirty. The coachman answered, “A shilling
Mr. Jaggers had duly sent me his —unless you wish to make it more.
address; it was, Little Britain, and he Inaturally said I had no wish to make
had written after it on his card, “just it more.
out of Smithfield, and close by the coach “Then it must be a shilling,” ob
office.” Nevertheless, a hackney-coach served the coachman. “I don’t want
man, who seemed to have as many capes to get into trouble. I know him /* He
to his greasy great-coat as he was years darkly closed an eye at Mr. Jaggers's
old, packed me up in his coach and name, and shook his head.
hemmed me in with a folding and jing When he had got his shilling, and
ling barrier of steps, as if he were had in course of time completed the
going to take me fifty miles. His ascent to his box, and had got away
getting on his box, which I remember (which appeared to relieve his mind), I
to have been decorated with an old went into the front office with my little
weather-stained pea-green hammercloth portmanteau in my hand and asked,
motheaten into rags, was quite a work Was Mr. Jaggers at home?
of time. It was a wonderful equipage, “He is not,” returned the clerk.
with six great coronets outside, and “He is in Court at present. Am I
ragged things behind for I don't know addressing Mr. Pip !”
how many footmen to hold on by, and a Isignified that he was addressing Mr.
harrow below them, to prevent amateur Pip,
“Mr. Jaggers left word would you advantage, as his master had. I won
wait in his room. He couldn’t say dered how many other clerks there
how long he might be, having a case on. were up-stairs, and whether they all
But it stands to reason, his time being claimed to have the same detrimental
valuable, that he won't be longer than mastery of their fellow-creatures. I
he can help.” wondered what was the history of all
With those words, the clerk opened a the odd litter about the room, and how
door, and ushered me into an inner it came there. I wondered whether the
chamber at the back. Here, we found two swollen faces were of Mr. Jaggers's
a gentleman with one eye, in a velveteen family, and, if he were so unfortunate as
suit and knee-breeches who wiped his to have had a pair of such ill-looking
nose with his sleeve on being interrupted relations, why he stuck them on that
in the perusal of the newspaper. dusty perch for the blacks and flies to
“Go and wait outside, Mike,” said settle on, instead of giving them a place
the clerk. at home. Of course I had no expe
I began to say that I hoped I was not rience of a London summer day, and
interrupting—when the clerk shoved my spirits may have been oppressed by
this gentleman out with as little cere the hot exhausted air, and by the dust
mony as I ever saw used, and tossing and grit that lay thick on everything.
his fur cap out after him, left me alone. But I sat wondering and waiting in Mr.
Mr. Jaggers's room was lighted by Jaggers's close room, until Ireally could
a skylight only, and was a most dis not bear the two casts on the shelf above
mal place ; the skylight, eccentrically Mr. Jaggers's chair, and got up and went
patched like a broken head, and the dis out.
torted adjoining houses looking as if When I told the clerk that I would
they had twisted themselves to peep take a turn in the air while I waited, he
down at me through it. There were advised me to go round the corner and
not so many papers about, as I should I should come into Smithfield. So, I
have expected to see ; and there were came into Smithfield; and the shameful
some odd objects about, that I should place, being all asnear with filth and
not have expected to see—such as an fat and blood and foam, seemed to stick
old rusty pistol, a sword in a scabbard, to me. So, I rubbed it off with all pos
several strange-looking boxes and pack sible speed by turning into a street
ages, and two dreadful casts on a shelf, where I saw the great black dome of
of faces peculiarly swollen, and twitchy Saint Paul's bulging at me from behind
about the nose. Mr. Jaggers's own high a grim stone building which a bystander
backed chair was of deadly black horse said was Newgate Prison. Following
hair, with rows of brass nails round it, the wall of the jail, I found the road
like a coffin ; and I fancied I could see way covered with straw to deaden the
how he leaned back in it, and bit his noise of passing vehicles; and from this,
forefinger at the clients. The room wasand from the quantity of people stand
but small, and the clients seemed to ing about, smelling strongly of spirits
have had a habit of backing up against and beer, I inferred that the trials
the wall : the wall, especially opposite Were On.
to Mr. Jaggers's chair, being greasy with While I looked about me here, an
shoulders. I recalled, too, that the exceedingly dirty and partially drunk
one-eyed gentleman had shuffled forth minister of justice asked me if I would
against the wall when I was the inno like to step in and hear a trial or so:
cent cause of his being turned out. informing me that he could give me a
Isat down in the cliental chair placed front place for half-a-crown, whence I
over against Mr. Jaggers's chair, and should command a full view of the Lord
became fascinated by the dismal atmo Chief Justice in his wig and robes—
sphere of the place. I called to mind mentioning that awful personage like
that the clerk had the same air of know
waxwork, and presently offering him at
ing something to everybody else's dis the reduced price of eighteenpence. As
I declined the proposal on the plea of gerth ! all otherth ith Cag-Maggerth,
an appointment, he was so good as to give me Jaggerth !” These testimo
take me into a yard and show me where nies to the popularity of my guar
the gallows was kept, and also where dian made a deep impression on me,
people were publicly whipped, and then and I admired and wondered more than
he showed me the Debtors' Door, out of ever.
which culprits came to be hanged; height- || At length, as I was looking out at
ening the interest of that dreadful portal the iron gate of Bartholomew Close into
by giving me to understand that “four Little Britain, I saw Mr. Jaggers coming
on 'em" would come out at that door across the road towards me. All the
the day after to-morrow at eight in the others who were waiting, saw him at
morning to be killed in a row. This the same time, and there was quite a
was horrible, and gave me a sickening rush at him. Mr. Jaggers, putting a
idea of London : the more so as the hand on my shoulder and walking me
Lord Chief Justice’s proprietor wore on at his side without saying anything
(from his hat down to his boots and up to me, addressed himself to his fol
again to his pocket-handkerchief inclu lowers. -
sive) mildewed clothes, which had evi First, he took the two secret men.
dently not belonged to him originally, “Now, I have nothing to say to
and which, I took it into my head, he Ayou,” said Mr. Jaggers, throwing his
had bought cheap of the executioner. finger at them. “I want to know no
Under these circumstances I thought more than I know. As to the result,
myself well rid of him for a shilling. it's a toss-up. I told you from the
I dropped into the office to ask if Mr. first it was a toss-up. Have you paid
Jaggers had come in yet, and I found Wemmick 2"
he had not, and I strolled out again. “We made the money up this morn
This time, I made the tour of Little ing, sir,” said one of the men, submis
Britain, and turned into Bartholomew sively, while the other perused Mr.
Close ; and now I became aware that Jaggers's face.
other people were waiting about for Mr. “I don't ask you when you made it
Jaggers, as well as I. There were two up, or where, or whether you made it
men of secret appearance lounging in up at all. Has Wemmick got it !”
Bartholomew Close, and thoughtfully “Yes, sir,” said both the men to
fitting their feet into the cracks of the gether.
pavement as they talked together, one “Wery well; then you may go. Now,
of whom said to the other when they I won't have it !” said Mr. Jaggers,
first passed me, that “Jaggers would waving his hand at them to put them
do it if it was to be done.” There was behind him. “If you say a word to
a knot of three men and two women me, I'll throw up the case.”
standing at a corner," and one of the “We thought, Mr. Jaggers ” one
women was crying on her dirty shawl, of the men began, pulling off his hat.
and the other comforted her by saying, “That's what I told you not to do,”
as she pulled her own shawl over her said Mr. Jaggers. “You thought ! I
shoulders, “Jaggers is for him, 'Melia, think for you; that's enough for you.
and what more could you have?” There If I want you, I know where to find
was a red-eyed little Jew who came into you ; I don’t want you to find me.
the Close while I was loitering there, in Now I won't have it. I won't hear a
company with a second little Jew whom word.”
he sent upon an errand ; and while the The two men looked at one another
messenger was gone, I remarked this as Mr. Jaggers waved them behind again,
Jew, who was of a highly excitable tem and humbly fell back and were heard no
perament, performing a jig of anxiety naore,
under a lamp-post, and accompanying “And now you /" said Mr. Jaggers,
himself, in a kind of frenzy, with the suddenly stopping, and turning on the
words, “Oh Jaggerth, Jaggerth, Jag two women with the shawls, from whom
the three men had meekly separated— minute to hoffer him hany termth.
“Oh Amelia, is it?” Mithter Jaggerth ! Half a quarter of
“Yes, Mr. Jaggers.” a moment | If you'd have the conde
“And do you remember,” retorted thenthun to be bought off from the
Mr. Jaggers, “that but for me you t'other thide—at any thuperior prithe l
wouldn’t be here and couldn’t be here 7° —money no object l—Mithter Jaggerth
“Oh yes, sir!” exclaimed both —Mithter— l”
women together. “Lord bless you, sir, My guardian threw his supplicant off
well we knows that '' with supreme indifference, and left him
“Then why,” said Mr. Jaggers, “do dancing on the pavement as if it were
you come here 2" red-hot. Without further interruption,
“My Bill, sir!” the crying woman we reached the front office, where we
pleaded. found the clerk and the man in velveteen
“Now, I tell you what 1” said Mr. with the fur cap.
Jaggers. “Once for all. If you don't “Here’s Mike,” said the clerk, get
know that your Bill's in good hands, I ting down from his stool, and approach
know it. And if you come here, bother ing Mr. Jaggers confidentially.
ing about your Bill, I'll make an example “Oh ſ* said Mr. Jaggers, turning
of both your Bill and you, and let him to the man who was pulling a lock of
slip through my fingers. Have you hair in the middle of his forehead, like
paid Wemmick?” the Bull in Cock Robin pulling at the
“Oh yes, sir! Every farden.” bell-rope; “your man comes on this
“Very well. Then you have done afternoon. Well ?”
all you have got to do. Say another “Well, Mas'r Jaggers,” returned
word—one single word—and Wemmick Mike, in the voice of a sufferer from a
shall give you your money back.” constitutional cold; “arter a deal o'
This terrible threat caused the two trouble, I've found one, sir, as might
women to fall off immediately. No one do.”
remained now but the excitable Jew, “What is he prepared to swear?”
who had already raised the skirts of “Well, Mas'r Jaggers,” said Mike,
Mr. Jaggers's coat to his lips several wiping his nose on his fur cap this
times. time; “in a general way, anythink.”
‘‘I don’t know this man 2" said Mr. Jaggers suddenly became most
Mr. Jaggers, in the same devastating irate. “Now, I warned you before,”
strain. “What, does this fellow want } '' said he, throwing his forefinger at the
“Mathear Mithter Jaggerth. Hown terrified client, “that if ever you pre
brother to Habraham Latharuth 2'' sumed to talk in that way here, I'd
“Who's he 7" said Mr. Jaggers. make an example of you. You in
“Let go of my coat.” fernal scoundrel, how dare you tell ME
The suitor, kissing the hem of the that ?”
garment again before relinquishing it, The client looked scared, but bewil
replied, “Habraham Latharuth, on dered too, as if he were unconscious
thuthpithion of plate.” what he had done.
“You’re too late,” said Mr. Jaggers. “Spooney !” said the clerk, in a low
“I am over the way.” voice, giving him a stir with his elbow.
“Holy father, Mithter Jaggerth !” “Soft Head Need you say it face to
cried my excitable acquaintance, turning face 3’”
white, “don’t thay you're again Ha “Now, I ask you, you blundering
braham Latharuth !” booby,” said my guardian, very sternly,
“I am,” said Mr. Jaggers, “and “once more and for the last time, what
there's an end of it. Get out of the the man you have brought here is pre
way.” pared to swear?”
“Mithter Jaggerth ! Half a mo Mike looked hard at my guardian,
ment My hown cuthen'th gone to as if he were trying to learn a lesson
Mithter Wemmick at thith prethenth from his face, and slowly replied,
“Ayther to character, or to having me what arrangements he had made for

been in his company and never left him me. I was to go to “Barnard's Inn,”
all the night in question.” to-young Mr. Pocket's rooms, where a
“Now, be careful. In what station bed had been sent in for my accommo
of life is this man 7 ° dation; I was to remain with young
Mike looked at his cap, and looked Mr. Pocket until Monday; on Monday
at the floor, and looked at the ceiling, I was to go with him to his father's
and looked at the clerk, and even looked house on a visit, that I might try how
at me, before beginning to reply in a I liked it. Also, I was told what my
nervous manner, “We’ve dressed him allowance was to be—it was a very
up like—” when my guardian blus liberal one—and had handed to me
tered out : from one of my guardian's drawers, the
“What ? You will, will you?” cards of certain tradesmen with whom
(“Spooney !” added the clerk again, I was to deal for all kinds of clothes,
with another stir.) and such other things as I could in
After some helpless casting about, reason want. “You will find your cre
Mike brightened and began again : dit good, Mr. Pip,” said my guardian,
“He is dressed like a 'spectable whose flask of sherry smelt like a whole
pieman. A sort of a pastry-cook.” cask-full, as he hastily refreshed him
“Is he here ?” asked my guardian. self, “but I shall by this means be able
“I left him,” said Mike, “a setting to check your bills, and to pull you up
on some doorsteps round the corner.” if I find you outrunning the constable.
“Take him past that window, and Of course you'll go wrong somehow, but
let me see him.” that's no fault of mine.”
The window indicated, was the office After I had pondered a little over this
window. We all three went to it, encouraging sentiment, I asked Mr.
behind the wire blind, and presently Jaggers if I could send for a coach
saw the client go by in an accidental He said it was not worth while, I was
manner, with a murderous-looking tall so near my destination; Wemmick
individual, in a short suit of white linen should walk round with me, if I
and a paper cap. This guileless con pleased.
fectioner was not by any means sober, I then found that Wemmick was the
and had a black eye in the green stage clerk in the next room. Another clerk
of recovery, which was painted over. was rung down from up-stairs to take
“Tell him to take his witness away his place while he was out, and I
directly,” said my guardian to the clerk, accompanied him into the street, after
in extreme disgust, “ and ask him what shaking hands with my guardian. We
he means by bringing such a fellow as found a new set of people lingering
that.” outside, but Wemmick made a way
My guardian then took me into his among them by saying coolly yet deci
own room, and while he lunched, stand sively, “I tell you it's no use; he
ing, from a sandwich-box and a pocket won't have a word to say to one of
flask of sherry (he seemed to bully his you ;” and we soon got clear of them,
very sandwich as he ate it), informed and went on side by side,
CEIAPTER, XXI.
CASTING my eyes on Mr. Wemmick pression seemed to have been imper

as we went along, to see what he was fectly chipped out with a dull-edged
like in the light of day, I found him to chisel. There were some marks in it
be a dry man, rather short in stature, that might have been dimples, if the
with a square wooden face, whose ex material had been softer and the instru
ment finer, but which, as it was, were We had got to the top of Holborn Hill
only dints. The chisel had made three before I knew that it was merely a me
or four of these attempts at embellish chanical appearance, and that he was
ment over his nose, but had given them not smiling at all.
up without an effort to smooth them “Do you know where Mr. Matthew
off. I judged him to be a bachelor Pocket lives 7" I asked Mr. Wemmick.
from the frayed condition of his linen, “Yes,” said he, nodding in the
and he appeared to have sustained a direction. “At Hammersmith, west
good many bereavements; for he wore of London.” -
at least four mourning rings, besides a “Is that far ”

brooch representing a lady and a weep- | “Well! Say five miles.”
ing willow at a tomb with an urn on it. “Do you know him #"
I noticed, too, that several rings and “Why, you are a regular cross-ex
seals hung at his watch chain, as if he aminer l’” said Mr. Wemmick, looking
were quite laden with remembrances at me with an approving air. “Yes, I
of departed friends. He had glittering know him. I know him l’”
eyes—small, keen, and black—and thin There was an air of toleration or de
wide mottled lips. He had had them, preciation about his utterance of these
to the best of my belief, from forty to words, that rather depressed me ; and
fifty years. I was still looking sideways at his
“So you were never in London be block of a face in search of any en
fore ?” said Mr. Wemmick to me. couraging note to the text, when he
“No,” said I. said here we were at Barnard’s Inn.
“I was new here once,” said Mr. My depression was not alleviated by
Wemmick. “Rum to think of now !” the announcement, for, I had supposed
“You are well acquainted with it that establishment to be an hotel kept
now 2° by Mr. Barnard, to which the Blue
“Why, yes,” said Mr. Wemmick. Boar in our town was a mere public
“I know the moves of it.” house. Whereas I now found Barnard
“Is it a very wicked place " ...I to be a disembodied spirit, or a fiction,
asked, more for the sake of saying some and his inn the dingiest collection of
thing than for information. shabby buildings ever squeezed together
“You may get cheated, robbed, and in a rank corner as a club for Tom
murdered, in London. But there are cats.
plenty of people anywhere, who'll do We entered this haven through a
that for you.” wicket-gate, and were disgorged by an
“If there is bad blood between you introductory passage into a melancholy
and them,” said I, to soften it off a little square that looked to me like a
little. -
flat burying-ground. I thought it had
“Oh I don’t know about bad the most dismal trees in it, and the
blood,” returned Mr. Wemmick. most dismal sparrows, and the most
“There's not much bad blood about. dismal cats, and the most dismal houses
They'll do it, if there's anything to be (in number half a dozen or so), that I
got by it.” had ever seen. I thought the windows
“That makes it worse,” of the sets of chambers into which those
“You think so 2° returned Mr. houses were divided, were in every stage
Wemmick. “Much about the same, I of dilapidated blind and curtain, crippled
should say.” - flower-pot, cracked glass, dusty decay,
He wore his hat on the back of his and miserable makeshift ; while To Let
head, and looked straight before him: To Let To Let, glared at me from empty
walking in a self-contained way as if rooms, as if no new wretches ever came
there were nothing in the streets to there, and the vengeance of the soul of
claim his attention. His mouth was Barnard were being slowly appeased by
such a post-office of a mouth that he the gradual suicide of the present occu
had a mechanical appearance of smiling, pants and their unholy interment under
the gravel. A frouzy mourning of soot the lines had rotted away, and it came
and smoke attired this forlorn creation down like the guillotine. Happily it
of Barnard, and it had strewed ashes was so quick that I had not put my
on its head, and was undergoing pe head out. After this escape, I was
nance and humiliation as a mere dust content to take a foggy view of the Inn
hole. Thus far my sense of sight; through the window's encrusting dirt,
while dry rot and wet rot and all the and to stand dolefully looking out, say
silent rots that rot in neglected roof and ing to myself that London was decidedly
cellar—rot of rat and mouse and bug overrated. -
and coaching-stables near at hand be Mr. Pocket, Junior's, idea of Shortly

sides—addressed themselves faintly to was not mine, for I had nearly mad
my sense of smell, and moaned, “Try dened myself with looking out for half
Barnard's Mixture.” an hour, and had written my name
So imperfect was this realisation of with my finger several times in the dirt
the first of my great expectations, that of every pane in the window, before I
I looked in dismay at Mr. Wemmick. heard footsteps on the stairs. Gradu
“Ah !” said he, mistaking me ; “the ally there arose beforeme the hat, head,
retirement reminds you of the country. neckcloth, waistcoat, trousers, boots, of
So it does me.” a member of society of about my own
He led me into a corner and con standing. He had a paper-bag under
ducted me up a flight of stairs—which each arm and a pottle of strawberries
appeared to me to be slowly collapsing in one hand, and was out of breath.
into sawdust, so that one of those days “Mr. Pip?” said he,
the upper lodgers would look out at “Mr. Pocket, 2’” said I.
their doors and find themselves without “Dear me !” he exclaimed. “I am
the means of coming down—to a set of extremely sorry; but I knew there was
chambers on the top floor. M.R. PoCKET, a coach from your part of the country
JUN., was painted on the door, and there at midday, and I thought you would
was a label on the letter-box, “Return come by that one. The fact is, I have
shortly.” been out on your account—not that
“He hardly thought you’d come so that is any excuse—for I thought,
soon,” Mr. Wemmick explained. “You coming from the country, you might
don’t want me any more ?” like a little fruit after dinner, and I
“No, thank you,” said I. went to Covent Garden Market to get
“As I keep the cash,” Mr. Wem it good.”
mick observed, “we shall most likely For a reason that I had, I felt as if
meet pretty often. Good day.” my eyes would start out of my head.
“Good day.” I acknowledged his attention incohe
I put out my hand, and Mr. Wem rently, and began to think this was a
mick at first looked at it as if he dream.
thought I wanted something. Then “Dear me !” said Mr. Pocket, Junior.
he looked at me, and said, correcting ** This door sticks so I’”
himself, As he was fast making jam of his
“To be sure | Yes. You're in the fruit by wrestling with the door while
habit of shaking hands !” the paper-bags were under his arms, I
I was rather confused, thinking it begged him to allow me to hold them.
must be out of the London fashion, but He relinquished them with an agree
said yes. able Smile, and combated with the door
“I have got so out of it !” said Mr. as if it were a wild beast. It yielded
Wemmick—“except at last. Wery glad, so suddenly at last, that he staggered
I'm sure, to make your acquaintance. back upon me, and I staggered back
Good day !” upon the opposite door, and we both
When we had shaken hands and he laughed. But still I felt as if my eyes
was gone, I opened the staircase window must start out of my head, and as if
and had nearly beheaded myself, for, this must be a dream.
96 GREAT EXPECTATIONS. *
“Pray come in,” said Mr. Pocket, castors, because they come for you from
Junior. Allow me to lead the way. the coffee-house. This is my little bed
I am rather bare here, but I hope you'll room; rather musty, but Barnard's is
be able to make out tolerably well till musty. This is your bedroom; the
Monday. My father thought you would furniture's hired for the occasion, but
get on more agreeablythrough to-morrow I trust it will answer the purpose; if
with me than with him, and might like you should want anything, I’ll go and
to take a walk about London. I am fetch it. The chambers are retired,
sure I shall be very happy to show and we shall be alone together, but
London to you. As to our table, you we shan’t fight, I daresay. But, dear
won’t find that bad, I hope, for it will me, I beg your pardon, you're holding
be supplied from our coffee-house here, the fruit all this time. Pray let me
and (it is only right I should add) at take these bags from you. I am quite
your expense, such being Mr. Jaggers's ashamed.”
directions. As to our lodging, it's not As I stood opposite to Mr. Pocket,
by any means splendid, because I have Junior, delivering him the bags, One,
my own bread to earn, and my father Two, I saw the starting appearance
hasn’t anything to give me, and I come into his own eyes that I knew
shouldn’t be willing to take it, if he to be in mine, and he said, falling
had. This is our sitting-room—just back:
such chairs and tables and carpet and “Lord bless me, you're the prowling
so forth, you see, as they could spare boyſ'
from home. You mustn't give me “And you,” said I, “are the pale
credit for the tablecloth and spoons and young gentleman l’”
CHAPTER XXII.
THE pale young gentleman and I had happened very lately. I was rather
stood contemplating one another in on the look-out for good fortune
Barnard's Inn, until we both burst then.”
out laughing. “The idea of its being “Indeed 2* -
you !” said he. “ The idea of its being “Yes. Miss Havisham had sent for
you /’” said I. And then we contem me, to see if she could take a fancy to
plated one another afresh, and laughed me. But she couldn’t —at all events,
again. “Well !” said the pale young she didn't.”
gentleman, reaching out his hand good I thought it polite to remark that I
humouredly, “it’s all over now, I hope, was surprised to hear that,
and it will be magnanimous in you if “Bad taste,” said Herbert, laugh
you'll forgive me for having knocked ing, “but a fact. Yes, she had sent
you about so.” for me on a trial visit, and if I had
I derived from this speech that come out of it successfully, I suppose I
Mr. Herbert Pocket (for Herbert should have been provided for ; per
was the pale young gentleman's name) haps I should have been what-you-may
still rather confounded his intention called it to Estella.”
with his execution. But I made a “What's that ?” I asked, with sudden
modest reply, and we shook hands gravity.
warmly. He was arranging his fruit in plates
“You hadn’t come into your good while we talked, which divided his
fortune at that time !” said Herbert attention, and was the cause of his
Pocket. having made this lapse of a word.
“No,” said I. “Affianced,” he explained, still busy
“No” he acquiesced: “I heard it with the fruit. “Betrothed. En
gaged. What's-his-named.Any word between them, for he is a bad courtier

of upat sort.” and will not propitiate her.”
“How did you bear your disappoint Herbert Pocket had a frank and easy
ment " I asked. way with him that was very taking. I
“Pooh 1” said he, “I didn't care had never seen any one then, and I have
much for it. She's a Tartar.” never seen any one since, who more
** Miss Havisham : ” strongly expressed to me, in every look
“I don't say no to that, but I meant and tone, a natural incapacity to do
Estella. That girl’s hard and haughty anything secret and mean. There was
and capricious to the last degree, andsomething wonderfully hopeful about
has been brought up by Miss Havi his general air, and something that at
sham to wreak revenge on all the male the same time whispered to me he
sex.” would never be very successful or rich.
“What relation is she to Miss Havi I don't know how this was. I became
sham " imbued with the notion on that first
“None,” said he. “Only adopted.” occasion before we sat down to din
“Why should she wreak revenge ner, but I cannot define by what
on all the male sex What revenge?” Imeans.
“Lord, Mr. Pip !” said he. “Don’t He was still a pale young gentleman,
you know 7" and had a certain conquered languor
“No,” said I. about him in the midst of his spirits
“Dear me ! It's quite a story, and and briskness, that did not seem indi
shall be saved till dinner-time. And cative of natural strength. He had not
now let me take the liberty of asking a handsome face, but it was better than
you a question. How did you come handsome : being extremely amiable
there, that day ?” and cheerful. His figure was a little
I told him, and he was attentive until ungainly, as in the days when my
I had finished, and then burst out knuckles had taken such liberties with
laughing again, and asked me if I was it, but it looked as if it would always
sore afterwards : I didn’t ask him if be light and young. Whether Mr.
he was, for my conviction on that point Trabb's local work would have sat more
was perfectly established, gracefully on him than on me, may be a
“Mr. Jaggers is your guardian, I question ; but I am conscious that he
understand 7" he went on. carried off his rather old clothes,
“Yes.” much better than I carried off my new
“You know he is Miss Havisham’s suit.
man of business and solicitor, and has As he was so communicative, I felt
her confidence when nobody else that reserve on my part would be a bad
has }” return unsuited to our years. I there
This was bringing me (I felt) towards fore told him my small story, and laid
dangerous ground. I answered with a stress on my being forbidden to inquire
constraint I made no attempt to disguise, who my benefactor was. I further
that I had seen Mr. Jaggers in Miss mentioned that as I had been brought
Havisham's house on the very day of up a blacksmith in a country place, and
our combat, but never at any other knew very little of the ways of polite
time, and that I believed he had no ness, I would take it as a great kind
recollection of having ever seen me ness in him if he would give me a hint
there. whenever he saw me at a loss or going
“He was so obliging as to suggest wrong.
my father for your tutor, and he called “With pleasure,” said he, “though
on my father to propose it. Of course I venture to prophesy that you'll want
he knew about my father from his con very few hints. I dare say we shall be
nexion with Miss Havisham. My often together, and I should like to
father is Miss Havisham's cousin ; not banish any needless restraint between
that that implies familiar intercourse us. Will you do me the favour to begin
H
- -
98 - GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
at once to call me by my christian when I retired for the night. Aji ºnis
name, Herbert " made the feast delightful, and when the
I thanked him, and said I would. I waiter was not there to watch me, my
informed him in exchange that my chris pleasure was without alloy.
tian name was Philip. We had made some progress in the
“I don’t take to Philip,” said he, dinner, when I reminded Herbert of
smiling, “for it sounds like a moral his promise to tell me about Miss Havi
boy out of the spelling-book, who was sham.
so lazy that he fell into a pond, or so “True,” he replied. “I’ll redeem
fat that he couldn't see out of his eyes, it at once. Let me introduce the topic,
or so avaricious that he locked up his Handel, by mentioning that in London
cake till the mice ate it, or so deter it is not the custom to put the knife in
mined to go a bird's-nesting that he got the mouth—for fear of accidents—and
himself eaten by bears who lived handy that while the fork is reserved for that
in the neighbourhood. I tell you what use, it is not put further in than neces
I should like. We are so harmonious, sary. It is scarcely worth mentioning,
and you have been a blacksmith—would only it's as well to do as other people
you mind it !” do. Also, the spoon is not generally
“I shouldn't mind anything that you
used over-hand, but under. This has
propose,” I answered, “but I don’t two advantages. You get at your
understand you.” mouth better (which after all is the
“Would you mind Handel for a object), and you save a good deal of the
familiar name? There's a charming attitude of opening oysters, on the part
piece of music by Handel, called the of the right elbow.”
Harmonious Blacksmith.” He offered these friendly suggestions
“I should like it very much.” in such a lively way, that we both
“Then, my dear Handel,” said he, laughed and I scarcely blushed.
turning round as the door opened, “Now,” he pursued, “concerning
“here is the dinner, and I must beg of Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham,
you to take the top of the table, because you must know, was a spoilt child.
the dinner is of your providing.” Her mother died when she was a
This I would not hear of, so he took baby, and her father denied her no
the top, and I faced him. It was a nice thing. Her father was a country gen
little dinner—seemed to me then, a very tleman down in your part of the world,
Lord Mayor's Feast—and it acquired and was a brewer. I don’t know why
additional relish from being eaten under it should be a crack thing to be a
those independent circumstancee, with brewer ; but it is indisputable that
no old people by, and with London all while you cannot possibly be genteel
around us. This again was heightened and bake, you may be as genteel as never
by a certain gipsy character that set was and brew. You see it every day.”
f
the banquet off; for, while the table “Yet a gentleman may not keep a
was, as Mr. Pumblechook might have public-house; may he 7" said I.
said, the lap of luxury—being entirely “Not on any account,” returned
furnished forth from the coffee-house— Herbert; “but a public-house may
the circumjacent region of sitting-room keep a gentleman. Well ! Mr. Havi
was of a comparatively pastureless and sham was very rich and very proud. So
shifty character : imposing on the was his daughter.”
waiter the wandering habits of putting “Miss Havisham was an only child?”
the covers on the floor (where he fell I hazarded.
over them), the melted butter in the “Stop a moment, I am coming to
armchair, the bread on the bookshelves, that. No, she was not an only child ;
the cheese in the coalscuttle, and the she had a half-brother. Her father
boiled fowl into my bed in the next privately married again—his cook, I.
room—where I found much of its pars rather think.” - •
ley and butter in a state of congelation “I thought he was proud,” said ...
“My good Handel, so he was. He twenty years ago, before you and I were,
married his second wife privately, Handel), but I have heard my father
because he was proud, and in course of mention that he was a showy man, and
time she died. When she was dead, I the kind of man for the purpose. But
apprehend he first told his daughter that he was not to be, without igno
what he had done, and then the son rance or prejudice, mistaken for a gen
became a part of the family, residing in tleman, my father most strongly asse
the house you are acquainted with. verates; because it is a principle of his
As the son grew a young man, he turned that no man who was not a true gen
out riotous, extravagant, undutiful— tleman at heart, ever was, since the
altogether bad. At last his father dis world began, a true gentleman in
inherited him ; but he softened when männer. He says, no varnish can hide
he was dying, and left him well off, the grain of the wood; and that the
though not nearly so well off as Miss more varnish you put on, the more the
Havisham. — Take another glass of grain will express itself. Well This
wine, and excuse my mentioning that man pursued Miss Havisham closely,
society as a body does not expect one to and professed to be devoted to her. I
be so strictly conscientious in emptying believe she had not shown much sus
one's glass, as to turn it bottom up ceptibility up to that time ; but all the
wards with the rim on one's nose.” susceptibility she possessed, certainly
I had been doing this, in an excess came out then, and she passionately
of attention to his recital. I thanked loved him. There is no doubt that she
him, and apologised. He said, “Not perfectly idolized him. He practised
at all,” and resumed. on her affection in that systematic way,
“Miss Havisham was now an heiress, that he got great sums of money from
and you may suppose was looked after her, and he induced her to buy her
as a great match. Her half-brother brother out of a share in the brewery
had now ample means again, but what (which had been weakly left him by his
with debts and what with new madness father) at an immense price, on the plea
wasted them most fearfully again. that when he was her husband he must
There were stronger differences between hold and manage it all. Your guardian
him and her, than there had been be was not at that time in Miss Havi
tween him and his father, and it is sham’s councils, and she was too
suspected that he cherished a deep and haughty and too much in love, to be
mortal grudge against her as having advised by any one. Her relations
influenced the father's anger. Now, I were poor and scheming, with the ex
come to the cruel part of the story— ception of my father; he was poor
merely breaking off, my dear Handel, enough, but not time-serving or jealous.
to remark that a dinner-napkin will The only independent one among them,
not go into a tumbler.” he warned her that she was doing too
Why I was trying to pack mine into much for this man, and was placing
my tumbler, I am wholly unable to herself too unreservedly in his power.
say. I only know that I found myself, She took the first opportunity of an
with a perseverance worthy of a much grily ordering my father out of the
better cause, making the most stre house, in his presence, and my father
nuous exertions to compress it within has never seen her since.”
those limits. Again I thanked him I thought of her having said, “Mat
and apologised, and again he said in the thew will come and see me at last
cheerfullest manner, “Not at all, I am when I am laid dead upon that table;”
sure l’” and resumed. and I asked Herbert whether his father
“There appeared upon the scene— was so inveterate against her? .
say at the races, or the public balls, or “It’s not that,” said he, “but she
anywhere else you like—a certain man, charged him, in the presence of her
who made love to Miss Havisham. I intended husband, with being disap
neversaw him (for thishappenedfive-and pointed in the hope of
-
* upon
H
her for his own advancement, and, if “You said just now that Estella
he were to go to her now, it would look was not related to Miss Havisham, but
true—even to him—and even to her. adopted. When adopted ?”
To return to the man and make an end Herbert shrugged his shoulders,
of him. The marriage day was fixed, “There has always been an Estella,
the wedding dresses were bought, the since I have heard of a Miss Havisham.
wedding tour was planned out, the I know no more. And now, Handel,”
wedding guests were invited. The day said he, finally throwing off the story
came, but not the bridegroom. He as it were, “there is a perfectly open
wrote her a letter—” understanding between us. All I know
“Which she received,” I struck in, about Miss Havisham, you know.”
“when she was dressing for her mar “And all I know,” Iretorted, “you
riage At twenty minutes to nine !” know.”
“At the hour and minute,” said “I fully believe it. So there can be
Herbert, nodding, “at which she after no competition or perplexity between
wards stopped all the clocks. What you and me. And as to the condition
was in it, further than that it most on which you hold your advancement
heartlessly broke the marriage off, I in life—namely, that you are not to
can’t tell you, because I don't know. inquire or discuss to whom you owe it
When she recovered from a bad illness —you may be very sure that it will
that she had, she laid the whole place never be encroached upon, or even
waste, as you have seen it, and she approached, by me, or by any one be
has never since looked upon the light longing to me.”
of day.” In truth, he said this with so much
“Is that all the story !” I asked, delicacy, that I felt the subject done
after considering it. with, even though I should be under
“All I know of it; and indeed I his father's roof for years and years to
only know so much, through piecing it come. Yet he said it with so much
out for myself; for my father always meaning, too, that I felt he as perfectly
avoids it, and, even when Miss Havi understood Miss Havisham to be my
sham invited me to go there, told me benefactress, as I understood the fact
no more of it than it was absolutely myself.
requisite I should understand. But I It had not occurred to me before,
have forgotten one thing. It has been that he had led up to the theme for the
supposed that the man to whom she purpose of clearing it out of our way ;
gave her misplaced confidence, acted but we were so much the lighter and
throughout in concert with her half easier for having broached it, that I
brother; that it was a conspiracy be now perceived this to be the case. We
tween them; and that they shared the were very gay and sociable, and I asked
profits.” him, in the course of conversation,
“I wonder he didn't marry her and what he was He replied, “A capi
get all the property,’” said I. talist—an Insurer of Ships.” I sup
“He may have been married already, pose he saw me glancing about the room
and her cruel mortification may have in search of some tokens of Shipping,
been a part of her half-brother’s or capital, for he added, “In the City.”
scheme,” said Herbert. “Mind I I had grand ideas of the wealth and
don't know that.” importance of Insurers of Ships in the
“What became of the two men?” City, and I began to think with awe,
I asked, after again considering the of having laid a young Insurer on his
subject. back, blackened his enterprising eye,
“They fell into deeper shame and and cut his responsible head open.
degradation—if there can be deeper— But, again, there came upon me, for
and ruin.” my relief, that odd impression that
“Are they alive now " Herbert Pocket would never be very
“I don't know.” successful or rich.
“I shall not rest satisfied with That's the grand thing. You are in a
merely employing my capital in insuring counting-house, you know, and you
ships. I shall buy up some good Life look about you.”
Assurance shares, and cut into the It struck me as a singular implica
Direction. I shall also do a little in tion that you couldn’t be out of a
the mining way. None of these things counting-house, you know, and look
will interfere with my chartering a few about you ; but I silently deferred to
thousand tons on my own account. I his experience.
think I shall trade,” said he, leaning “Then the time comes,” said Her
back in his chair, “to the East Indies, bert, “when you see your opening.
for silks, shawls, spices, dyes, drugs, And you go in, and you swoop upon it
and precious woods. It's an interesting and you make your capital, and then
trade.” there you are When you have once
“And the profits are large 7" said I. "made your capital, you have nothing to
“Tremendous !” said he. do but employ it.”
I wavered again, and began to think This was very like his way of con
here were greater expectations than my ducting that encounter in the garden ;
OWn. very like. His manner of bearing his
“I think I shall trade, also,” said poverty, too, exactly corresponded to
he, putting his thumbs in his waist his manner of bearing that defeat. It
coat pockets, “to the West Indies, seemed to me that he took all blows
for sugar, tobacco, and rum. Also to and buffets now, with just the same
Ceylon, especially for elephants' tusks.” air as he had taken mine then. It was
“You will want a good many ships,” evident that he had nothing around him
said I. but the simplest necessaries, for every
“A perfect fleet,” said he. thing that I remarked upon turned out
Quite overpowered by the magnifi to have been sent in on my account
cence of these transactions, I asked him from the coffee-house or somewhere
where the ships he insured mostly else.
traded to at present Yet, having already made his fortune
“I haven't begun insuring yet,” he in his own mind, he was so unassuming
replied. “I am looking about me.” with it that I felt quite grateful to him
Somehow, that pursuit seemed more for not being puffed up. It was a
in keeping with Barnard's Inn. I said pleasant addition to his naturally
(in a tone of conviction), “Ah-h 1” pleasant ways, and we got on famously.
“Yes. I am in a counting-house, In the evening we went out for a walk
and looking about me.” in the streets, and went half-price to
“Is a counting-house profitable 7" I the Theatre ; and next day we went to
asked. church at Westminster Abbey, and in
“To-—do you mean to the young the afternoon we walked in the Parks;
fellow who's in it !” he asked, in reply. and I wondered who shod all the horses
“Yes; to you.” there, and wished Joe did.
“Why, n-no ; not to me.” He said On a moderate computation, it was
this with the air of one carefully reckon many months, that Sunday, since I
ing up and striking a balance. “Not had left Joe and Biddy. The space
directly profitable. That is, it doesn't interposed between myself and them,
pay me anything, and I have to partook of that expansion, and our
keep myself.” marshes were any distance off. That I
This certainly had not a profitable could have been at our old church in
appearance, and I shook my head as if my old church-going clothes, on the
I would imply that it would be difficult very last Sunday that ever was, seemed
to lay by much accumulative capital a combination of impossibilities, geo
from such a source of income. graphical and social, solar and lunar.
“But the thing is,” said Herbert Yet in the London streets so crowded
Pocket, “that you look about you, with people and so brilliantly lighted
in the dusk of evening, there were de unless I deceive myself on a point

pressing hints of reproaches for that I where my interests or prepossessions are
had put the poor old kitchen at home certainly not concerned, I saw that Mr.
so far away; and in the dead of night, and Mrs. Pocket's children were not
the footsteps of some incapable impostor growing up or being brought up, but
of a porter mooning about Barnard's Inn, were tumbling up.
under pretence of watching it, fell hollow Mrs. Pocket was sitting on a garden
on my heart. chair under a tree, reading, with her
On the Monday morning at a quarter legs upon another garden chair; and
before nine, Herbert went to the count Mrs. Pocket's two nursemaids were
ing-house to report himself—to look looking about them while the children
about him, too, I suppose—and I bore played. “Mamma,” said Herbert,
him company. He was to come away “this is young Mr. Pip.” Upon
in an hour or two to attend me to which Mrs. Pocket received me with
Hammersmith, and I was to wait about an appearance of amiable dignity.
for him. It appeared to me that the “Master Alick and Miss Jane,” cried
eggs from which young Insurers were one of the nurses to two of the chil
hatched, were incubated in dust and dren, “if you go a-bouncing up against
heat, like the eggs of ostriches, judging them bushes you'll fall over into the
from the places to which those incipient river and be drownded, and what'll
giants repaired on a Monday morning. your pa say then l’’
Nor did the counting-house where Her At the same time this nurse picked
bert assisted, show in my eyes as at all up Mrs. Pocket's handkerchief, and
a good Observatory; being a back second said, “If that don't make six times
floor up a yard, of a grimy presence in you’ve dropped it, Mum !” Upon
all particulars, and with a look into which Mrs. Pocket laughed and said,
another back second floor, rather than “Thank you, Flopson,” and settling
a look out. herself in one chair only, resumed her
I waited about until it was noon, book. Her countenance immediately
and I went upon 'Change, and I saw assumed a knitted and intent expres
fluey men sitting there under the bills sion as if she had been reading for a
about shipping, whom I took to be week, but before she could have read
great merchants, though I couldn’t half a dozen lines, she fixed her eyes
understand why they should all be out upon me, and said, “I hope your
of spirits. When Herbert came, we mamma is quite well ?” This unex
went and had lunch at a celebrated pected inquiry put me into such a diffi
house which I then quite venerated, culty that I began saying in the
but now believe to have been the most absurdest way that if there had been
abject superstition in Europe, and where any such person I had no doubt she
I could not help noticing, even then, would have been quite well and would
that there was much more gravy on the have been very much obliged and would
tablecloths and knives and waiters' have sent her compliments, when the
clothes, than in the steaks. This col nurse came to my rescue.
lation disposed of at a moderate price “Well !” she cried, picking up the
(considering the grease, which was not pocket handkerchief, “if that don’t
charged for), we went back to Barnard's make seven times | What ARE you
Inn and got my little portmanteau, and a-doing of this afternoon, Mum !” Mrs.
then took coach for Hammersmith. Pocket received her property, at first
We arrived there at two or three with a look of unutterable surprise as if
o'clock in the afternoon, and had very she had never seen it before, and then
little way to walk to Mr. Pocket's with a laugh of recognition, and said,
house. Lifting the latch of a gate, we “Thank you, Flopson,” and forgot me,
passed direct into a little garden over and went on reading.
looking the river, where Mr. Pocket's I found, now I had leisure to count
children were playing about. And, them, that there were no fewer than
six little Pockets present, in various “Gracious me, Flopson " " said Mrs.
stages of tumbling up. I had scarcely Pocket, looking off her book for a
arrived at the total when a seventh was moment, “everybody's tumbling !”
heard, as in the region of air, wailing “Gracious you, indeed, Mum !”
dolefully. returned Flopson, very red in the face;
“If there ain't Baby!” said Flopson, “what have you got there !”
appearing to think it most surprising. “I got here, Flopson 7" asked Mrs.
“Make haste up, Millers.” Pocket.
Millers, who was the other nurse, “Why, if it ain't your footstocl l’”
retired into the house, and by degrees cried Flopson. “And if you keep it
the child's wailing was hushed and under your skirts like that, who's to
stopped, as if it were a young ventrilo help tumbling ! Here ! Take the
quist with something in its mouth. baby, Mum, and give me your
Mrs. Pocket read all the time, and I book.”
was curious to know what the book Mrs. Pocket acted on the advice, and
could be. inexpertly danced the infant a little in
We were waiting, I suppose, for Mr. her lap, while the other children played
Pocket to come out to us; at any rate about it. This had lasted but a very
we waited there, and so I had an short time, when Mrs. Pocket issued
opportunity of observing the remark summary orders that they were all to
able family phenomenon that whenever be taken into the house for a nap.
any of the children strayed near Mrs. Thus I made the second discovery on
Pocket in their play, they always that first occasion, that the nurture
tripped themselves up and tumbled of the little Pockets consisted of
over her—always very much to her alternately tumbling up and lying
momentary astonishment, and their down.
own more enduring lamentation. I Under these circumstances, when
was at a loss to account for this sur Flopson and Millers had got the chil
prising circumstance, and could not dren into the house, like a little flock
help giving my mind to speculations of sheep, and Mr. Pocket came out of
about it, until by-and-by Millers came it to make my acquaintance, I was not
down with the baby, which baby was much surprised to find that Mr. Pocket
handed to Flopson, which Flopson was was a gentleman with a rather per
handing it to Mrs. Pocket, when she plexed expression of face, and with his
too went fairly head foremost over Mrs. very grey hair disordered on his head,
Pocket, baby and all, and was caught as if he didn’t quite see his way to
by Herbert and myself. putting anything straight.
CHAPTER, XXIII.
MR. PoCKET said he was glad to see but for his own perception that it was
me, and he hoped I was not sorry to see very near being so. When he had
him. “For, I really am not,” he talked with me a little, he said to Mrs.
added, with his son's smile, “an alarm Pocket, with a rather anxious contrac
ing personage.” He was a young tion of his eyebrows, which were black
looking man, in spite of his perplexi and handsome, “Belinda, I hope you
ties and his very grey hair, and his have welcomed Mr. Pip !” And she
manner seemed quite natural. I use looked up from her book, and said,
the word natural, in the sense of its “Yes.” She then smiled upon me in
being unaffected; there was something an absent state of mind, and asked me
comic in his distraught way, as though if I liked the taste of orange-flower
it would have been downright ludicrous water? As the question had no bearing,
near or remote, on any foregone or sub Mr. Pocket that his wife was “a trea.
sequent transaction, I considered it to sure for a Prince.” Mr. Pocket had
have been thrown out, like her previous invested the Prince's treasure in the
approaches, in general conversational ways of the world ever since, and it was
condescension. supposed to have brought him in but
I found out within a few hours, and indifferent interest. Still, Mrs. Pocket
may mention at once, that Mrs. Pocket was in general the object of a queer sort
was the only daughter of a certain quite of respectful pity, because she had not
accidental deceased Knight, who had in married a title; while Mr. Pocket was
vented for himself a conviction that his the object of a queer sort of forgiving
deceased father would have been made reproach, because he had never got one.
a Baronet but for somebody's determined Mr. Pocket took me into the house
opposition arising out of entirely per and showed me my room; which was a
sonal motives—I forget whose, if I ever pleasant one, and so furnished as that
knew—the Sovereign's, the Prime Mi I could use it with comfort for my own
nister's, the Lord Chancellor's, the private sitting-room. He then knocked
at the doors of two other similar
Archbishop of Canterbury's, anybody's
—and had tacked himself on to the rooms, and introduced me to their
nobles of the earth in right of this quite occupants, by name Drummle and Star
supposititious fact. I believe he had top. Drummle, an old-looking young
been knighted himself for storming the man of a heavy order of architecture,
English grammar at the point of the was whistling. Startop, younger in
pen, in a desperate address engrossed years and appearance, was reading and
on vellum, on the occasion of the laying holding his head, as if he thought
of the first stone of some building or himself in danger of exploding it with
other, and for handing some Royal Per too strong a charge of knowledge.
sonage either the trowel or the mortar. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pocket had such
Be that as it may, he had directed a noticeable air of being in somebody
Mrs. Pocket to be brought up from her else's hands, that I wondered who really
cradle as one who in the nature of was in possession of the house and let
things must marry a title, and who was them live there, until I found this
to be guarded from the acquisition of unknown power to be the servants. It
plebeian domestic knowledge. was a smooth way of going on, perhaps,
So successful a watch and ward had in respect of saving trouble; but it had
been established over the young lady the appearance of being expensive, for
by this judicious parent, that she had the servants felt it a duty they owed to
grown up highly ornamental, but per themselves to be nice in their eating.
fectly helpless and useless. With her and drinking, and to keep a deal of
character thus happily formed, in the company down stairs. They allowed
first bloom of her youth she had en a very liberal table to Mr. and Mrs.
countered Mr. Pocket : who was also in Pocket, yet it always appeared to
the first bloom of youth, and not quite me that by far the best part of the
decided whether to mount to the Wool house to have boarded in, would have
sack, or to roof himself in with a been the kitchen—always supposing
mitre. As his doing the one or the the boarder capable of self-defence, for,
other was a mere question of time, he before I had been there a week, a neigh
and Mrs. Pocket had taken Time by the bouring lady with whom the family were
forelock (when, to judge from its length, personally unacquainted, wrote in to say
it would seem to have wanted cutting), that she had seen Millers slapping the
and had married without the knowledge baby. This greatly distressed Mrs.
of the judicious parent. The judicious Pocket, who burst into tears on receiv
parent, having nothing to bestow or ing the note, and said that it was an
withhold but his blessing, had hand extraordinary thing that the neighbours
somely settled that dower upon them couldn't mind their own business.
after a short struggle, and had informed By degrees I learnt, and chiefly from
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. - 105
Herbert, that Mr. Pocket had been “to have dear Mr. Pocket's time and
educated at Harrow and at Cambridge, attention diverted from dear Mrs.
where he had distinguished himself; but Pocket.” -
that when he had had the happiness I could not help thinking that it
of marrying Mrs. Pocket very early in might be harder if the butcher's time
life, he had impaired his prospects and and attention were diverted from dear
taken up the calling of a Grinder. Mrs. Pocket; but I said nothing, and
After grinding a number of dull blades indeed had enough to do in keeping a
—of whom it was remarkable that their bashful watch upon my company-man
fathers, when influential, were always ners.
going to help him to preferment, but It came to my knowledge, through
always forgot to do it when the blades what passed between Mrs. Pocket and
had left the Grindstone—he had wearied Drummle, while I was attentive to my
of that poor work and had come to knife and fork, spoon, glasses, and other
London. Here, after gradually failing instruments of self-destruction, that
in loftier hopes, he had “read” with Drummle, whose christian name was
divers who had lacked, opportunities or || Bentley, was actually the next heir but
neglected them, and had refurbished one to a baronetcy. It further appeared
divers others for special occasions, and that the book I had seen Mrs. Pocket
had turned his acquirements to the reading in the garden, was all about
account of literary compilation and cor- titles, and that she knew the exact
rection, and on such means, added to date at which her grandpapa would
some very moderate private resources, have come into the book, if he ever had
still maintained the house I saw. come at all. Drummle didn't say much,
Mr. and Mrs. Pocket had a toady but in his limited way (he struck me
neighbour; a widow lady of that highly as a sulky kind of fellow) he spoke as
sympathetic nature that she agreed with one of the elect, and recognised Mrs.
everybody, blessed everybody, and shed Pocket as a woman and a sister. No
smiles and tears on everybody, accord- one but themselves and Mrs. Coiler the
ing to circumstances. This lady's name toady neighbour showed any interest in
was Mrs. Coiler, and I had the honour this part of the conversation, and it
of taking her down to dinner on the appeared to me that it was painful to
day of my installation. . She gave me | Herbert; but it promised to last a long
to understand on the stairs, that it was time, when the page came in with the
a blow to dear Mrs. Pocket that dear announcement of a domestic affliction.
Mr. Pocket should be under the neces- It was, in effect, that the cook had
sity of receiving gentlemen to read with mislaid the beef. To my unutterable
him. That did not extend to me, she amazement, I now, for the first time,
told me in a gush of love and confidence saw Mr. Pocket relieve his mind by
(at that time, I had known her some- going through a performance that struck
thing less than five minutes); if they me as very extraordinary, but which
were all like Me, it would be quite made no impression on anybody else,
another thing. and with which I soon became as fami
“But dear Mrs. Pocket,” said Mrs. liar as the rest. He laid down the
Coiler, “after her early disappointment carving-knife and fork—being engaged
(not that dear Mr. Pocket was to blame in carving at the moment—put his two
in that), requires so much luxury and hands into his disturbed hair, and ap
elegance—” peared to make an extraordinary effort
“Yes, ma'am,” I said, to stop her, to lift himself up by it. When he had
for I was afraid she was going to cry. done this, and had not lifted himself
“And she is of so aristocratic a dis- up at all, he quietly went on with what
position—” he was about. -
“Yes, ma'am,” I said again, with Mrs. Coiler then changed the subject
the same object as before. and began to flatter me. I liked it for
“—that it is hard,” said Mrs. Coiler, a few moments, but she flattered me so
very grossly that the pleasure was soon | Pocket to take notice that the handles of
over. She had a serpentine way of that instrument were not likely to agree
coming close at me when she pretended with its eyes, and sharply charging Miss
to be vitally interested in the friends Jane to look after the same. Then, the
and localities I had left, which was two nurses left the room, and had a
altogether snaky and fork-tongued; and lively scuffle on the staircase with a dis
when she made an occasional bounce sipated page who had waited at dinner,
upon Startop (who said very little to and who had clearly lost half his buttons
her), or upon Drummle (who said less), at the gaming-table.
I rather envied them for being on the I was made very uneasy in my mind
opposite side of the table. by Mrs. Pocket's falling into a discus
After dinner the children were intro sion with Drummle respecting two
duced, and Mrs. Coiler made admiring baronetcies while she ate a sliced orange
comments on their eyes, noses, and legs steeped in sugar and wine, and forgetting
—a sagacious way of improving their all about the baby on her lap : who did
minds. There were four little girls, most appalling things with the nut
and two little boys, besides the baby crackers. At length little Jane per
who might have been either, and the ceived its young brains to be imperilled,
baby's next successor who was as yet softly left her place, and with many
neither. They were brought in by small artifices coaxed the dangerous
Flopson and Millers, much as though weapon away. Mrs. Pocket finishing
those two non-commissioned officers had her orange at about the same time, and
been recruiting somewhere for children not approving of this, said to Jane :
and had enlisted these : while Mrs. “You naughty child, how dare you?
Pocket looked at the young Nobles that Go and sit down this instant l”
ought to have been, as if she rather “Mamma, dear,” lisped the little
thought she had had the pleasure of girl, “baby ood have put hith eyeth out.”
inspecting them before, but didn't quite “How dare you tell meso I’’ retorted
know what to make of them. Mrs. Pocket. “Go and sit down in
“Here ! Give me your fork, Mum, your chair this moment l”
and take the baby,” said Flopson. Mrs. Pocket's dignity was so crush
“Don’t take it that way, or you'll get ing, that I felt quite abashed : as if I
its head under the table.” myself had done something to rouse it.
Thus advised, Mrs. Pocket took it the “Belinda,” remonstrated Mr. Pocket,
other way, and got its head upon the from the other end of the table, “how
table; which was announced to all pre can you be so unreasonable? Jane
sent by a prodigious concussion. only interfered for the protection of
“Dear, dear ! give it me back, baby.” -
Mum,” said Flopson; “and Miss Jane, “I will notallowanybodytointerfere,”

come and dance the baby, do l’” said Mrs. Pocket. “I am surprised,
One of the little girls, a mere mite Matthew, that you should expose me to
who seemed to have prematurely taken the affront of interference.”
upon herself some charge of the others, “Good God " cried Mr. Pocket, in
stepped out of her place by me, and an outbreak of desolate desperation.
danced to and from the baby until it left “Are infants to be nutcrackered into
off crying, and laughed. Then all the theirtombs, and is nobody to savethem?”
children laughed, and Mr. Pocket (who “I will not be interfered with by
in the mean time had twice endeavoured Jane,” said Mrs. Pocket, with a majestic
to lift himself up by the hair) laughed, glance at that innocent little offender.
and we all laughed and were glad. “I hope I know my poor grandpapa's
Flopson, by dint of doubling the baby position. Jane, indeed ”
at the joints like a Dutch doll, then got Mr. Pocket got his hands in his hair
it safely into Mrs. Pocket's lap, and again, and this time really did lift him
gave it the nutcrackers to play with : at self some inches out of his chair. “Hear
the same time recommending Mrs. this 1” he helplessly exclaimed to the
4.
elements. “Babies are to be nut In the evening there was rowing on

crackered dead, for people's poor grand the river. As Drummle and Startop
papa's positions !” Then he let him had each a boat, I resolved to set up
self down again, and became silent. mine, and to cut them both out. I was
We all looked awkwardly at the table pretty good at most exercises in which
cloth while this was going on. A pause country-boys are adepts, but, as I was
succeeded, during which the honest and conscious of wanting elegance of style
irrepressible baby made a series of leaps for the Thames—not to say for other
and crows at little Jane, who appeared waters—I at once engaged to place my
to me to be the only member of the family self under the tuition of the winner of a
(irrespective of servants) with whom it prize-wherry who plied at our stairs,
had any decided acquaintance. and to whom I was introduced by my
“Mr. Drummle,” said Mrs. Pocket, new allies. This practical authority
“will you ring for Flopson 2 Jane, you confused me very much, by saying I had
undutiful little thing, go and lie down. the arm of a blacksmith. If he could
Now, baby darling, come with mal” have known how nearly the compliment
The baby was the soul of honour, and lost him his pupil, I doubt if he would
protested with all its might. It doubled have paid it. -
itself up the wrong way over Mrs. There was a supper-tray after we got
Pocket's arm, exhibited a pair of knitted home at night, and I think we should
shoes and dimpled ankles to the company all have enjoyed ourselves, but for a
in lieu of its soft face, and was carried rather disagreeable domestic occur
out in the highest state of mutiny. And rence. Mr. Pocket was in good spirits,
it gained its point after all, for I saw it when a housemaid came in, and said,
through the window within a few “If you please, sir, I should wish to
minutes, being nursed by little Jane. speak to you.”
It happened that the other five children “Speak to your master ?” said Mrs.
were left behind at the dinner-table, Pocket, whose dignity was roused again.
through Flopson's having some private “How can you think of such a thing?
engagement, and their not being anybody Go and speak to Flopson. Or speak to
else’s business. I thus became aware me—at some other time.”
of the mutual relations between them “Begging your pardon, ma'am,” re
and Mr. Pocket, which were exempli turned the housemaid, “I should wish
fied in the following manner. Mr. to speak at once, and to speak to
Pocket, with the normal perplexity of master.” -
his face heightened, and his hair rum Hereupon Mr. Pocket went out of the
pled, looked at them for some minutes, room, and we made the best of ourselves
as if he couldn’t make out how they came until he came back.
to be boarding and lodging in that esta “This is a pretty thing, Belinda l’”
blishment, and why they hadn't been said Mr. Pocket, returning with a coun
billeted by Nature on somebody else. tenance expressive of grief and despair.
Then, in a distant, Missionary way he “Here's the cook lying insensibly drunk
asked them certain questions—as why on the kitchen floor, with a large bundle
little Joe had that hole in his frill : of fresh butter made up in the cupboard
who said, Pa, Flopson was going to ready to sell for grease l’”
mend it when she had time—and how Mrs. Pocket instantly showed much
little Fanny came by that whitlow : who amiable emotion, and said, “This is
said, Pa, Millers was going to poultice that odious Sophia's doing !”
it when she didn’t forget. Then he “What do you mean, Belinda 7" de
melted into parental tenderness, and manded Mr. Pocket.
gave them a shilling apiece and told “Sophia has told you,” said Mrs.
them to go and play ; and then as they Pocket. “Did I not see her, with my
went out, with one very strong effort to own eyes, and hear her with my own ears,
lift himself up by the hair he dismissed come into the room just now and ask to
the hopeless subject, speak to you?”
“But has she not taken me down been a very nice respectful woman, and
stairs, Belinda,” returned Mr. Pocket, said in the most natural manner when
“and shown me the woman, and the she came to look after the situation,
bundle too !” that she felt I was born to be a Duchess.”
“And do you defend her, Matthew,” There was a sofa where Mr. Pocket
said Mrs. Pocket, “for making mis stood, and he dropped upon it in the
chief ?” attitude of a Dying Gladiator. Still in
Mr. Pocket uttered a dismal groan. that attitude he said, with a hollow
“Am I, grandpapa's granddaughter, voice, “Good night, Mr. Pip,” when I
to be nothing in the house?” said Mrs. deemed it advisable to go to bed and
Pocket. “Besides, the cook has always leave him.
CHAPTER XXIV.
AFTER two or three days, when I had him—or anything but what was serious,
established myself in my room and had honest, and good—in his tutor commu
gone backwards and forwards to London nication with me.
several times, and had ordered all I When these points were settled, and
wanted of my tradesmen, Mr. Pocket so far carried out as that I had begun
and I had a long talk together. He to work in earnest, it occurred to me
knew more of my intended career than that if I could retain my bedroom in
I knew myself, for he referred to his Barnard's Inn, my life would be agree
having been told by Mr. Jaggers that I ably varied, while my manners would
was not designed for any profession, and be none the worse for Herbert's society.
that I should be well enough educated Mr. Pocket did not object to this ar
for my destiny if I could “hold my own” rangement, but urged that before any
with the average of young men in pros step could possibly be taken in it, it
perous circumstances. Iacquiesced, of must be submitted to my guardian. I
course, knowing nothing to the contrary. felt that his delicacy arose out of the
He advised my attending certain consideration that the plan would save
places in London, for the acquisition of Herbert some expense, so I went off to
such mere rudiments as I wanted, and Little Britain and imparted my wish to
my investing him with the functions of Mr. Jaggers.
explainer and director of all my studies. “If I could buy the furniture now
He hoped that with intelligent assist hired for me,” said I, “and one or two
ance I should meet with little to dis other little things, I should be quite at
courage me, and should soon be able to home there.”
dispense with any aid but his. Through “Go it !” said Mr. Jaggers, with a
his way of saying this, and much more short laugh. “I told you you'd get on.
to similar purpose, he placed himself on Well How much do you want #"
confidential terms with me in an admir I said I didn’t know how much.
able manner : and I may state at once “Come !” retorted Mr. Jaggers.
that he was always so zealous and “How much Fifty pounds !”
honourable in fulfilling his compact “Oh, not nearly so much.”
with me, that he made me zealous and “Five pounds !” said Mr. Jaggers.
honourable in fulfilling mine with him. This was such a great fall, that I said
If he had shown indifference as a master, in discomfiture, “Oh more than that.”
I have no doubt I should have returned “More than that, eh?” retorted Mr.
the compliment as a pupil; he gave me Jaggers, lying in wait for me, with his
no such excuse, and each of us did the hands in his pockets, his head on one
other justice, Nor, did I ever regard side, and his eyes on the wall behind
him as having anything ludicrous about
*
me; “how much more?”
“It is so difficult to fix a sum,” said and was watching it. Suddenly—
I, hesitating. click—you're caught !”
“Come !” said Mr. Jaggers. “Let’s Without remarking that man-traps
get at it. Twice five; will that do were not among the amenities of life, I
Three times five ; will that do Four said I supposed he was very skilful ?
times five ; will that do 2° “Deep,” said Wemmick, “as Aus
I said I thought that would do hand tralia.” Pointing with his pen at the
somely. office floor, to express that Australia
“Four times five will do handsomely, was understood, for the purposes of the
will it 7” said Mr. Jaggers, knitting figure, to be symmetrically on the oppo
his brows. “Now, what do you make site spot of the globe. “If there was
of four times five 2" anything deeper,” added Wemmick,
“What do I make of it !” bringing his pen to paper, “he’d be it.”
“Ah !” said Mr. Jaggers; “how Then, I said I supposed he had a
much º' fine business, and Wemmick said,
“I suppose you make it twenty “Ca-pi-tall” Then I asked if there
pounds,” said I, smiling. were many clerks? to which he replied:
“Never mind what I make it, my “We don't run much into clerks,
friend,” observed Mr. Jaggers, with a because there's only one Jaggers, and
knowing and contradictory toss of his people won’t have him at second hand.
head. “I want to know what you There are only four of us. Would you
make it !” like to see 'em 2 You are one of us, as
“Twenty pounds, of course.” I may say.”
“Wemmick l’” said Mr. Jaggers, I accepted the offer. When Mr. .
opening his office door. “Take Mr. Wemmick had put all the biscuit into
Pip's written order, and pay him twenty the post, and had paid me my money
pounds.” from a cash-box in a safe, the key of
This strongly marked way of doing which safe he kept somewhere down
business made a strongly marked im his back and produced from his coat
pression on me, and that not of an collar like an iron pigtail, we went up
agreeable kind. Mr. Jaggers never stairs. The house was dark and shabby,
laughed ; but he wore great bright and the greasy shoulders that had left
creaking boots; and, in poising himself their mark in Mr. Jaggers's room,
on those boots, with his large head bent seemed to have been shuffling up and
down and his eyebrows joined together, down the staircase for years. In the
awaiting an answer, he sometimes front first floor, a clerk who looked
caused the boots to creak, as if they something between a publican 8,
laughed in a dry and suspicious way. rat-catcher—a large pale puffed swºllen
As he happened to go out now, and as man—was attentively engaged ºith
Wemmick was brisk and talkative, I three or four people of shabby air
said to Wemmick that I hardly knew ance, whom he treated as unceremo

what to make of Mr. Jaggers's manner. niously as everybody seemed to be
“Tell him that, and he'll take it as treated who contributed to Mr. Jag
a compliment,” answered Wemmick; gers's coffers. “Getting evidence to
“he don’t mean that you should know gether,” said Mr. Wemmick, as we
what to make of it.—Oh !” for Ilooked came out, “for the Bailey.” In the
surprised, “it’s not personal ; it's pro room over that, a little flabby terrier of
fessional : only professional.” a clerk with dangling hair (his cropping
Wemmick was at his desk, lunching seemed to have been forgotten when he
—and crunching—on a dry hard biscuit; was a puppy) was similarly engaged
pieces of which he threw from time to with a man with weak eyes, whom Mr.
time into his slit of a mouth, as if he Wemmick presented to me as a smelter
were posting them. who kept his pot always boiling, and
“Always seems to me,” said Wem who would melt me anything I pleased
mick, “as if he had set a man-trap —and who was in an excessive white
z
110 GREAT EXPEOTATIONS,
perspiration, as if he had been trying 'mick's attention being thus directed to

his art on himself. In a back room, a his brooch, he put down the cast, and
high-shouldered man with a face-ache polished the brooch with his pocket
tied up in dirty flannel, who was handkerchief.
dressed in old black clothes that bore “Did that other creature come to
the appearance of having been waxed, the same end ?” I asked. “He has
was stooping over his work of making the same look.”
fair copies of the notes of the other “You’re right,” said Wemmick;
two gentlemen, for Mr. Jaggers's own “it’s the genuine look. Much as if
tise. one nostril was caught up with a horse
This was all the establishment. hair and a little fish-hook. Yes, he
When we went down stairs again, came to the same end; quite the
Wemmick led me into my guardian's natural end here, I assure you. He
room, and said, “This you've seen forged wills, this blade did, if he didn't
already.” also put the supposed testators to sleep
“Pray,” said I, as the two odious too. You were a gentlemanly Cove,
casts with the twitchy leer upon them though” (Mr. Wemmick was again
caught my sight again, “whose like apostrophising), “and you said you
nesses are those ?” could write Greek. Yah, Bounceable !
“These ?” said Wemmick, getting What a liar you were. I never met
upon a chair, and blowing the dust off such a liar as you !” Before putting
, the horrible heads before bringing them his late friend on his shelf again, Wem
down. “These are two celebrated mick touched the largest of his mourn
ones. Famous clients of ours that got ing rings, and said, “Sent out to buy
us a world of credit.This chap (why it for me, only the day before.”
you must have come down in the night While he was putting up the other
and been peeping into the inkstand, to cast and coming down from the chair,
get this blot upon your eyebrow, you the thought crossed my mind that all
old rascal () murdered his master, and, his personal jewellery was derived from
considering that he wasn't brought up like sources. As he had shown no dif
to evidence, didn't plan it badly.” fidence on the subject, I ventured on
“Is it like him " I asked, recoiling the liberty of asking him the question,
from the brute, as Wemmick spat upon when he stood before me, dusting his
his eyebrow and gave it a rub with his hands.
sleeve. “Oh yes,” he returned, “these are
“Like him : It's himself, you all gifts of that kind. One brings
know. The cast was made in New another, you see; that's the way of it.
gate, directly after he was taken down. I always take 'em. They’re curiosi
You had a particular fancy for me, ties. And they’re property. They
hadn't you, Old Artful ?” said Wem may not be worth much, but, after all,
mick. He then explained this affec they're property and portable. It
tionate apostrophe, by touching his don't signify to you with your brilliant
brooch representing the lady and the look-out, but as to myself, my guiding
weeping willow at the tomb with the star always is, Get hold of portable
urn upon it, and saying, “Had it made property.”
for me express l’” When I had rendered homage to this
“Is the lady anybody ?” said I. light, he went on to say in a friendly
“No,” returned Wemmick. “Only manner :
his game. (You liked your bit of game, “If at any odd time when you have
didn't you?) No ; deuce a bit of a lady nothing better to do, you wouldn’t
in the case, Mr. Pip, except one—and mind coming over to see me at Wal
she wasn't of this slender ladylike sort, worth, I could offer you a bed, and I
and you wouldn't have caught her should consider it an honour. I have
looking after this urn—unless there not much to show you ; but such two
was something to drink in it.” Wem or three curiosities as I have got, you
might like to look over ; and I am fond Jaggers would be found to be “at,” I
of a bit of garden and a summer replied in the affirmative. We dived
house.” into the City, and came up in a crowded
I said I should be delighted to accept police-court, where a blood-relation (in
his hospitality. the murderous sense) of the deceased
“Thankee,” said he “then we'll with the fanciful taste in brooches, was
consider that it's to come off, when standing at the bar, uncomfortably
convenient to you. Have you dined chewing something ; while my guardian
with Mr. Jaggers yet?” had a woman under examination or
“Not yet.” cross-examination—I don’t know which
“Well,” said Wemmick, “he'll give —and was striking her, and the bench,
you wine, and good wine. I'll give and everybody with awe. If anybody,
you punch, and not bad punch. And of whatsoever degree, said a word that
now I’ll tell you something. When he didn’t approve of, he instantly re
you go to dine with Mr. Jaggers, look quired to have it “taken down.” If
at his housekeeper.” anybody wouldn't make an admission,
“Shall I see something very uncom he said, “I’ll have it out of you !” and
mon ?” if anybody made an admission, he said,
“Well,” said Wemmick, “you'll see “Now I have got you !” The magis
a wild beast tamed. Not so very un trates shivered under a single bite of
common, you'll tell me. I reply, that his finger. Thieves and thieftakers
depends on the original wildness of the hung in dread rapture on his words,
beast, and the amount of taming. It and shrank when a hair of his eyebrows
won't lower your opinion of Mr. Jag turned in their direction. Which side
gers's powers. Keep your eye on he was on, I couldn’t make out, for he
it.” seemed to me to be grinding the whole
I told him I would do so, with all place in a mill ; I only know that when
the interest and curiosity that his pre I stole out on tiptoe, he was not on the
paration awakened. As I was taking side of the bench ; for, he was making
my departure, he asked me if I would the legs of the old gentleman who pre
like to devote five minutes to seeing sided, quite convulsive under the table,
Mr. Jaggers “at it !” by his denunciations of his conduct as
For several reasons, and not least the representative of British law and
because I didn't clearly know what Mr. justice in that chair that day.
CHAPTER XXV.
BENTIEY DRUMMILE, who was so sulky age and a blockhead. Thus, Bentley
a fellow that he even took up a book as Drummle had come to Mr. Pocket
if its writer had done him an injury, when he was a head taller than that
did not take up an acquaintance in a gentleman, and half a dozen heads
more agreeable spirit. Heavy in figure, thicker than most gentlemen.
movement, and comprehension—in the Startop had been spoilt by a weak
sluggish complexion of his face, and in mother and kept at home when he
the large awkward tongue that seemed ought to have been at school, but he
to loll about in his mouth as he himself was devotedly attached to her, and
lolled about in a room—he was idle, admired her beyond measure. He had
proud, niggardly, reserved, and sus a woman's delicacy of feature, and was
picious. He came of rich people down —“as you may see, though you never
in Somersetshire, who had nursed this saw her,” said Herbert to me—“exactly
combination of qualities until they like his mother.” It was but natural
made the discovery that it was just of that I should take to him much more
kindly than to Drummle, and that, even almost fabulous; but through good and
in the earliest evenings of our boating, evil I stuck to my books. There was
he and I should pull homeward abreast no other merit in this, than my having
of one another, conversing from boat to sense enough to feel my deficiencies.
boat, while Bentley Drummle came up Between Mr. Pocket and Herbert I got
in our wake alone, under the overhang on fast; and, with one or the other
ing banks and among the rushes. He always at my elbow to give me the
would always creep in-shore like some start I wanted, and clear obstructions
uncomfortable amphibious creature, out of my road, I must have been as
even when the tide would have sent great a dolt as Drummle if I had done
him fast upon his way; and I always less.
think of him as coming after us in the I had not seen Mr. Wemmick for
dark or by the back-water, when our some weeks, when I thought I would
own two boats were breaking the sunset write him a note and propose to go
or the moonlight in mid-stream. home with him on a certain evening.
Herbert was my intimate companion He replied that it would give him
and friend. I presented him with a much pleasure, and that he would ex
half-share in my boat, which was the pect me at the office at six o'clock.
occasion of his often coming down to Thither I went, and there I found him,
Hammersmith ; and my possession of a putting the key of his safe down his
half-share in his chambers often took back as the clock struck.
me up to London. We used to walk “Did you think of walking down to
between the two places at all hours. Walworth 2" said he.
I have an affection for the road yet “Certainly,” said I, “if you ap
(though it is not so pleasant a road as prove.”
it was then), formed in the impressi “Wery much,” wasWemmick’s reply,
bility of untried youth and hope. “for I have had my legs under the
When I had been in Mr. Pocket's desk all day, and shall be glad to
family a month or two, Mr. and Mrs. stretch them. Now I'll tell you what
Camilla turned up. Camilla was Mr. I have got for supper, Mr. Pip. I
Pocket's sister. Georgiana, whom I have got a stewed steak—which is of
had seen at Miss Havisham's on the home preparation—and a cold roast
same occasion, also turned up. She fowl—which is from the cook's-shop.
was a cousin—an indigestive single I think it's tender, because the master
woman, who called her rigidity reli of the shop was a Juryman in some
gion, and her liver love. These people cases of ours the other day, and we let
hated me with the hatred of cupidity him down easy. I reminded him of it
and disappointment. As a matter of when I bought the fowl, and I said,
course, they fawned upon me in my “Pick us out a good one, old Briton,
prosperity with the basest meanness. because if we had chosen to keep you
Towards Mr. Pocket, as a grown-up in the box another day or two, we
infant with no notion of his own inte could have done it.’ He said to that,
rests, they showed the complacent for ‘Let me make you a present of the best
bearance I had heard them express. fowl in the shop.” I let him of course.
Mrs. Pocket they held in contempt ; As far as it goes, it's property and
but they allowed the poor soul to have portable. You don't object to an aged
been heavily disappointed in life, be parent, I hope }.”
cause that shed a feeble reflected light I really thought he was still speaking
upon themselves. of the fowl, until he added, “Because
These were the surroundings among I have got an aged parent at my
which I settled down, and applied my place.” I then said what politeness
self to my education. I soon contracted required.
expensive habits, and began to spend “So you haven’t dined with Mr.
an amount of money that within a few Jaggers yet?” he pursued as we walked
short months I should have thought along. -
“Not yet.” natural depth. Look at his watch

“He told me so this afternoon when chain. That's real enough.”
he heard you were coming. I expect “It’s very massive,” said I.
you'll have an invitation to-morrow. “Massive º’’ repeated Wemmick.
He's going to ask your pals, too. Three “I think so. And his watch is a gold
of 'em ; ain’t there 7° repeater, and worth a hundred pound
Although I was not in the habit of if it's worth a penny. Mr. Pip, there
counting Drummle as one of my inti are about seven hundred thieves in this
mate associates, I answered, “Yes.” town who know all about that watch ;
“Well, he's going to ask the whole there's not a man, a woman, or a child,
gang;” I hardly felt complimented by among them, who wouldn't identify the
the word; “and whatever he gives smallest link in that chain, and drop it
you, he'll give you good. Don't look as if it was red-hot, if inveigled into
forward to variety, but you’ll have ex touching it.”
cellence. And there's another rum At first with such discourse, and
thing in his house,” proceeded Wem afterwards with conversation of a more
mick after a moment's pause, as if the general nature, did Mr. Wemmick and
remark followed on the housekeeper I beguile the time and the road, until
understood;” he never lets a door or he gave me to understand that we had
window be fastened at night.” arrived in the district of Walworth.
“Is he never robbed ?” It appeared to be a collection of black
“That's it !” returned Wemmick. lanes, ditches, and little gardens, and
“He says, and gives it out publicly, to present the aspect of a rather dull
“I want to see the man who'll rob me.” retirement. Wemmick's house was a
Lord bless you, I have heard him, a little wooden cottage in the midst of
hundred times if I have heard him plots of garden, and the top of it was
once, say to regular cracksmen in our cut out and painted like a battery
front office, ‘You know where I live ; mounted with guns.
now no bolt is ever drawn there; why “My own doing,” said Wemmick.
don't you do a stroke of business with “Looks pretty ; don’t it !”
me? Come ; can't I tempt you ?” I highly commended it. I think it
Not a man of them, sir, would be was the smallest house I ever saw ;
bold enough to try it on, for love or with the queerest gothic windows (by
money.” far the greater part of them sham),
“They dread him so much " said I. and a gothic door, almost too small to
“Dread him,” said Wemmick. “I get in at.
believe you they dread him. Not but “That's a real flagstaff, you see,”
what he's artful, even in his defiance said Wemmick, “and on Sundays I
of them. No silver, sir. Britannia run up a real flag. Then look here.
metal, every spoon.” After I have crossed this bridge, I
“So they wouldn't have much,” I hoist it up—so—and cut off the com
observed, “even if they——” munication.”
“Ah ! But he would have much,” The bridge was a plank, and it
said Wemmick, cutting me short, “and crossed a chasm about four feet wide
they know it. He'd have their lives, and two deep. But it was very plea
and the lives of scores of 'em. He'd sant to see the pride with which he
have all he could get. And it’s im hoisted it up, and made it fast; smiling
possible to say what he couldn't get, as he did so, with a relish and not
if he gave his mind to it.” merely mechanically.
I was falling into meditation on my “At nine o'clock every night, Green
guardian's greatness, when Wemmick wich time,” said Wemmick, “the gun
remarked: fires. There he is, you see And
“As to the absence of plate, that's when you hear him go, I think you'll
only his natural depth, you know. A say he's a Stinger.”
river's its natural depth, and he's his The piece of ordnance referred to,
' I
was mounted in a separate fortress, comfortable, and well cared for, but
constructed of lattice-work. It was intensely deaf.
protected from the weather by an in “Well, aged parent,” said Wem
genious little tarpaulin contrivance in mick, shaking hands with him in a
the nature of an umbrella. cordial and jocose way, “how am you ?”
“Then, at the back,” said Wem “All right, John ; all right !” re
mick, “out of sight, so as not to im plied the old man.
pede the idea of fortifications—for it’s “Here's Mr. Pip, aged parent,” said
a principle with me, if you have an Wemmick, “and I wish you could
idea, carry it out and keep it up— hear his name. Nod away at him,
don’t know whether that's your Mr. Pip ; that's what he likes. Nod
pinion——” away at him, if you please, like wink
I said, decidedly. in ! 25
“—At the back, there's a pig, and “This is a fine place of my son's,
there are fowls and rabbits; then I knock sir,” cried the old man, while I nodded
together my own little frame, you see, as hard as I possibly could. “This is
and grow cucumbers; and you'll judge a pretty pleasure-ground, sir. This
at supper what sort of a salad I can spot and these beautiful works upon it
raise. So, sir,” said Wemmick, smiling ought to be kept together by the
again, but seriously too, as he shook Nation, after my son's time, for the
his head, “if you can suppose the little people's enjoyment.”
place besieged, it would hold out a “You’re as proud of it as Punch ;
devil of a time in point of provisions.” ain't you, Aged #" said Wemmick,
Then, he conducted me to a bower contemplating the old man, with his
about a dozen yards off, but which was hard face really softened ; “there's a
approached by such ingenious twists of nod for you ;” giving him a tremendous
path that it took quite a long time to one ; “there's another for you;” giving
get at ; and in this retreat our glasses him a still more tremendous one; “you
were already set forth. Our punch like that, don't you? If you're not
was cooling in an ornamental lake, on tired, Mr. Pip—though I know it's
whose margin the bower was raised. tiring to strangers—will you tip him
This piece of water (with an island in one more ? You can’t think how it
the middle which might have been the pleases him.”
salad for supper) was of a circular form, I tipped him several more, and he
and he had constructed a fountain in was in great spirits. We left him be
it, which, when you set a little mill stirring himself to feed the fowls, and
going and took a cork out of a pipe, we sat down to our punch in the arbour;
played to that powerful extent that where Wemmick told me as he smoked
it made the back of your hand quite a pipe, that it had taken him a good
wet. many years to bring the property up to
“I am my own engineer, and my its present pitch of perfection.
own carpenter, and my own plumber, “Is it your own, Mr. Wemmick 7"
and my own gardener, and my own “O yes,” said Wemmick, “I have
Jack of all Trades,” said Wemmick, got hold of it, a bit at a time. It's a
in acknowledging my compliments. freehold, by George '"
“Well, it's a good thing, you know. “Is it, indeed? I hope Mr. Jaggers
It brushes the Newgate cobwebs away, admires it !”
and pleases the Aged. You wouldn't “Never seen it,” said Wemmick.
mind being at once introduced to the “Neverheard of it. Never seen the Aged.
Aged, would you? It wouldn't put Never heard of him. No ; the office is
you out !” one thing, and private life is another.
I expressed the readiness I felt, and When I go into the office, I leave the
we went into the Castle. There, we Castle behind me, and when I come
found, sitting by a fire, a very old into the Castle, I leave the office behind
map in a flannel coat ; clean, cheerful, me. If it's not in any way disagree
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. - 115
able to you, you'll oblige me by doing bacco-stoppers carved by the Aged.

the same. I don't wish it profession They were all displayed in that chamber
ally spoken about.” of the Castle into which I had been
Of course I felt my good faith in first inducted, and which served, not
volved in the observance of his request. only as the general sitting-room but
The punch being very nice, we sat as the kitchen too, if I might judge
there drinking it and talking, until it from a saucepan on the hob, and a
was almost nine o'clock. “Getting brazen bijou over the fireplace designed
mear gun-fire,” said Wemmick then, as for the suspension of a roasting-jack.
he laid down his pipe; “it’s the Aged's There was a neat little girl in atten
treat.” dance, who looked after the Aged in
Proceeding into the Castle again, we the day. When she had laid the sup
found the Aged heating the poker, with per-cloth, the bridge was lowered to give
expectant eyes, as a preliminary to the her the means of egress, and she with
performance of this great nightly cere drew for the night. The supper was
mony. Wemmick stood with his watch excellent; and though the Castle was
in his hand until the moment was come rather subject to dry-rot, insomuch
for him to take the red-hot poker from that it tasted like a bad nut, and
the Aged, and repair to the battery. though the pig might have been farther
He took it, and went out, and pre off, I was heartily pleased with my
sently the Stinger went off with a Bang whole entertainment. Nor was there
that shook the crazy little box of a any drawback on my little turret bed
cottage as if it must fall to pieces, and room, beyond there being such a very
made every glass and teacup in it ring. thin ceiling between me and the flagstaff,
Upon this the Aged—who I believe that when I lay down on my back in
would have been blown out of his arm bed, it seemed as if I had to balance
chair but for holding on by the elbows that pole on my forehead all night.
—cried out exultingly, “He’s fired Wemmick was up early in the morn
I heerd him 1" and I nodded at the ing, and I am afraid I heard him
old gentleman until it is no figure of cleaning my boots. After that, he fell
speech to declare that I absolutely to gardening, and I saw him from my
could not see him. ' gothic window pretending to employ
The interval between that time and the Aged, and nodding at him in a
supper, Wemmick devoted to showing most devoted manner. ‘ Our breakfast
me his collection of curiosities. Theywas as good as the supper, and at half
were mostly of a felonious character; past eight precisely we started for Little
comprising the pen with which a cele Britain. By degrees, Wemmick got
brated forgery had been committed, dryer and harder as we went along,
a distinguished razor or two, some and his mouth tightened into a post
locks of hair, and several manuscript office again. At last, when we got to
confessions written under condemnation his place of business and he pulled out
—upon which Mr. Wemmick set par his key from his coat-collar, he looked
ticular value as being, to use his own as unconscious of his Walworth property
words, “every one of 'em Lies, sir.” as if the Castle and the drawbridge and
These were agreeably dispersed among the arbour and the lake and the foun
small specimens of china and glass, tain and the Aged, had all been blown
various neat trifles made by the pro into space together by the last discharge
prietor of the museum, and some to of the Stinger.
12
. . . . CHAPTER XXVI.
IT fell out as Wemmick had told me nised ever and again by some face in
it would, that I had an early oppor the crowd of the streets, and whenever
tunity of comparing my guardian's esta that happened he talked louder to me;
blishment with that of his cashier and but he never otherwise recognised any
clerk. My guardian was in his room, body, or took notice that anybody re
washing his hands with his scented soap, cognised him.
when I went into the office from Wal He conducted us to Gerrard-street,
worth ; and he called me to him, and Soho, to a house on the south side of
gave me the invitation for myself and that street. Rather a stately house of
friends which Wemmick had prepared its kind, but dolefully in want of paint
me to receive. “No ceremony,” he ing, and with dirty windows. He took
stipulated, “and no dinner dress, and out his key and opened the door, and
say to-morrow.” I asked him where we all went into a stone hall, bare,
we should come to (for I had no idea gloomy, and little used. So, up a dark
where he'lived), and I believe it was in brown staircase into a series of three
his general objection to make anything dark brown rooms on the first floor.
like an admission, that he replied, There were carved garlands on the pa
“Come here, and I’ll take you home nelled walls, and as he stood among
with me.” . I embrace this opportunity them giving us welcome, I know what
of remarking that he washed his clients kind of loops I thought they looked
off, as if it were a surgeon or a dentist. like.
He had a closet in his room, fitted up Dinner was laid in the best of these
for the purpose, which smelt of the rooms; the second was his dressing
scented soap like a perfumer's shop. It room; the third, his bedroom. He told
had an unusually large jack-towel on a us that he held the whole house, but
roller inside the door, and he would rarely used more of it than we saw.
wash his hands, and wipe them and dry The table was comfortably laid—no
them all over this towel, whenever he silver in the service, of course—and at
came in from a police-court or dismissed the side of his chair was a capacious
a client from his room. When I and dumb-waiter, with a variety of bottles
my friends repaired to him at six o'clock and decanters on it, and four dishes of
next day, he seemed to have been en fruit for dessert. Inoticed throughout,
gaged on a case of a darker complexion that he kept everything under his own
than usual, for, we found him with his hand, and distributed everything him
head butted into this closet, not only self. - .
washing his hands, but laving his face There was a bookcase in the room;
and gargling his throat. And even when I saw from the backs of the books, that
he had done all that, and had gone all they were about evidence, criminal law,
round the jack towel, he took out his criminal biography, trials, acts of par
penknife and scraped the case out of liament, and such things. The furni
his nails before he put his coat on. ture was all very solid and good, like
There were some people slinking about his watch-chain. It had an official look,
as usual when we passed out into the however, and there was nothing merely
street, who were evidently anxious to ornamental to be seen. In a corner,
speak with him ; but there was some was a little table of papers with a shaded
thing so conclusive in the halo of scented lamp ; so that he seemed to bring the
soap which encircled his presence, that office home with him in that respect too,
they gave it up for that day. As we and to wheel it out of an evening and
walked along westward, he was recog fall to work. -
As he had scarcely, seen my three had put on taole, and we had a joint
companions until now—for, he and I of equally choice mutton afterwards,
had walked together—he stood on the and then an equally choice bird.
hearth-rug, after ringing the bell, and Sauces, wines, all the accessories we
took a searching look at them. To wanted, and all of the best, were given
my surprise, he seemed at once to be out by our host from his dumb-waiter;
principally, if not solely, interested in and when they had made the circuit of
Drummle. the table, he always put them back
“Pip,” said he, putting his large again. Similarly, he dealt us clean
hand on my shoulder and moving me plates and knives and forks, for each
to the window, “I don't know one course, and dropped those just disused
from the other. Who's the Spider º’” into two baskets on the ground by his
“The spider ?” said I. chair. No other attendant than the
“The blotchy, sprawly, sulky fel housekeeper appeared. She set on every
low.” -
dish ; and I always saw in her face, a
“That's Bentley Drummle,” I re face rising out of the caldron. Years
plied ; “the one with the delicate face afterwards, I made a dreadful likeness
is Startop.” of that woman, by causing a face that
Not making the least account of had no other natural resemblance to it
“the one with the delicate face,” he than it derived from flowing hair, to
returned. “Bentley Drummle is his pass behind a bowl of flaming spirits in
name, is it ! I like the look of that a dark room.
fellow.” Induced to take particular notice of
He immediately began to talk to the housekeeper, both by her own
Drummle: not at all deterred by his striking appearance and by Wemmick’s
replying in his heavy reticent way, but preparation, I observed that whenever
apparently led on by it to screw dis she was in the room, she kept her eyes
course out of him. I was looking at attentively on my guardian, and that
the two, when there came between me she would remove her hands from any
and them, the housekeeper, with the dish she put before him, hesitatingly,
first dish for the table. as if she dreaded his calling her back,
She was a woman of about forty, I and wanted him to speak when she was
supposed—but I may have thought her nigh, if he had anything to say. I
younger than she was. Rather tall, of fancied that I could detect in his manner
a lithe nimble figure, extremely pale, a consciousness of this, and a purpose
with large faded eyes, and a quantity of always holding her in suspense.
of streaming hair. I cannot say whether Dinner went off gaily, and, although
any diseased affection of the heart caused my guardian seemed to follow rather
her lips to be parted as if she were than originate subjects, I knew that he
panting, and her face to bear a curious wrenched the weakest part of our dis
expression of suddenness and flutter; positions out of us. For myself, I
but I know that I had been to see found that I was expressing my ten
Macbeth at the theatre, a night or two dency to lavish expenditure, and to
before, and that her face looked to me patronise Herbert, and to boast of my
as if it were all disturbed by fiery air, great prospects, before I quite knew
like the faces I had seen rise out of the that I had opened my lips. It was so
Witches' caldron. with all of us, but with no one more
She set the dish on, touched my than Drummle: the development of
guardian quietly on the arm with a whose inclination to gird in a grudging
finger to notify that dinner was ready, and suspicious way at the rest, was
and vanished. We took our seats at screwed out of him before the fish was
the round table, and my guardian kept taken off.
Drummle on one side of him, while It was not then, but when we had
Startop sat on the other. It was a got to the cheese, that our conversation
noble dish of fish that the housekeeper turned upon our rowing feats, and that
Drummle was rallied for coming up she took her eyes from Mr. Jaggers,
behind of a night in that slow amphi and turned them watchfully on every
bious way of his. Drummle upon this, one of the rest of us in succession.
informed our host that he much pre “There's power here,” said Mr.
ferred our room to our company, and Jaggers, coolly tracing out the sinews
that as to skill he was more than our with his forefinger. “Wery few men
master, and that as to strength he have the power of wrist that this woman
could scatter us like chaff. By some has. It's remarkable what mere force
invisible agency, my guardian wound of grip there is in these hands. I have
him up to a pitch little short of ferocity had occasion to notice many hands; but
about this trifle; and he fell to baring I never saw stronger in that respect,
and spanning his arm to show how mus man's or woman's, than these.”
cular it was, and we all fell to baring While he said these words in a
and spanning our arms in a ridiculous leisurely critical style, she continued to
Inanner. look at every one of us in regular suc
Now, the housekeeper was at that cession as we sat. The moment he
time clearing the table; my guardian, ceased, she looked at him again.
taking no heed of her, but with the side “That'll do, Molly,” said Mr. Jaggers,
of his face turned from her, was leaning giving her a slight nod ; “you have
back in his chair biting the side of his been admired, and can go.” She with
forefinger and showing an interest in drew her hands and went out of the
Drummle, that, to me, was quite inex room, and Mr. Jaggers, putting the
plicable. Suddenly, he clapped his decanters on from his dumb-waiter,
large hand on the housekeeper's, like a filled his glass and passed round the
trap, as she stretched it across the wine. #
table. So suddenly and smartly did “At half-past nine, gentlemen,”
he do this, that we all stopped in our said he, “we must break up. Pray
foolish contention. make the best use of your time. I am
“If you talk of strength,” said Mr. glad to see you all. Mr. Drummle, I
Jaggers, “I’ll show you a wrist. drink to you.”
Molly, let them see your wrist.” If his object in singling out Drummle
Her entrapped hand was on the table, were to bring him out still more, it per
but she had already put her other hand fectly succeeded. In a sulky triumph,
behind her waist. “Master,” she said, Drummle showed his morose deprecia
in a low voice, with her eyes atten tion of the rest of us, in a more and
tively and entreatingly fixed upon him, more offensive degree until he became
“Don’t.” downright intolerable. Through all his
“I’ll show you a wrist,” repeated stages, Mr. Jaggers followed him with
Mr. Jaggers, with an immovable deter the same strange interest. He actually
mination to show it. “Molly, let them seemed to serve as a zest to Mr. Jag
see your wrist.” gers' wine. -
“Master,” she again murmured. In our boyish want of discretion I

“Please 1" dare say we took too much to drink,
“Molly,” said Mr. Jaggers, not and I know we talked too much. We
looking at her, but obstinately looking became particularly hot upon some
at the opposite side of the room, “let boorish sneer of Drummle's, to the effect
them see both your wrists. Show them. that we were too free with our money.
Come !” It led to my remarking, with more zeal
He took his hand from hers, and than discretion, that it came with a bad
turned that wrist up on the table. She grace from him, to whom Startop had
brought her other hand from behind lent money in my presence but a week
her, and held the two out side by side. or so before.
The last wrist was much disfigured— “Well,” retorted Drummle, “he’ll
deeply scarred and scarred across and be paid.”
across. When she held her hands out, “I don't mean to imply that he
won’t,” said I, “bºw it might make you pockets, dropped his round shoulders,
hold your tongue about us and our swore, took up a large glass, and would
money, I should think.” have flung it at his adversary's head,
“You should think | * retorted but for our entertainer's dexterously
Drummle. “Oh Lord ’’ seizing it at the instant when it was
“I dare say,” I went on, meaning to raised for that purpose.
be very severe, ‘‘that you wouldn’t lend “Gentlemen,” said Mr. Jaggers, de
money to any of us if we wanted it.” liberately putting down the glass, and
“You are right,” said Drummle. “I hauling out his gold repeater by its
wouldn’t lend one of you a sixpence. I massive chain, “I am exceedingly sorry
wouldn’t lend anybody a sixpence.” to announce that it's half-past nine.”
“Rather mean to borrow under those On this hint we all rose to depart.
circumstances, I should say.” Before we got to the street door, Startop
“You should say,” repeated Drum was cheerily calling Drummle “old
mle. “Oh Lord l’” boy,” as if nothing had happened. But
This was so very aggravating—the the old boy was so far from responding,
more especially as I found myself making that he would not even walk to Ham
no way against his surly obtuseness— mersmith on the same side of the way;
that I said, disregarding Herbert's so, Herbert and I, who remained in
efforts to check me : town, saw them going down the street
“Come, Mr. Drummle, since we are on opposite sides; Startop leading, and
on the subject, I’ll tell you what passed Drummle lagging behind in the shadow
between Herbert here and me, when you of the houses, much as he was wont to
borrowed that money.” follow in his boat.
“I don't want to know what passed As the door was not yet shut, I
between Herbert thereand you,” growled thought I would leave Herbert there for
Drummle. And I think he added in a a moment, and run up-stairs again to
lower growl, that we might both go to say a word to my guardian. I found
the devil and shake ourselves. him in his dressing-room surrounded by
“I’ll tell you, however,” said I, his stock of boots, already hard at it,
“whether you want to know or not. washing his hands of us.
We said that as you put it into your I told him I had come up again to
pocket very glad to get it, you seemed say how sorry I was that anything dis
to be immensely amused at his being so agreeable should have occurred, and
weak as to lend it.” that I hoped he would not blame me
Drummle laughed outright, and sat much.
laughing in our faces, with his hands “Pooh!” said he, sluicing his face,
in his pockets and his round shoulders and speaking through the water-drops;
raised ; plainly signifying that it was “it’s nothing, Pip. I like that Spider
quite true, and that he despised us, as though.”
asses all. -
He had turned towards me now, and
Hereupon Startop took him in hand, was shaking his head, and blowing, and
though with a much better grace than I towelling himself. -
had shown, and exhorted him to be a “I am glad you like him, sir,” said
little more agreeable. Startop, being a I—‘‘ but I don't.”
lively bright young fellow, and Drummle “No, no,” my guardian assented ;
being the exact opposite, the latter was “don’t have too much to do with him.
always disposed to resent him as a direct Keep as clear of him as you can. But
personal affront. He now retorted in a I like the fellow, Pip; he is one of the
coarse lumpish way, and Startop tried true sort. Why, if I was a fortune
to turm the discussion aside with some teller 3)
small pleasantry that made us all laugh. Looking out of the towel, he caught
Resenting this little success more than my eye. -
anything, Drummle, without any threat “But I am not a fortune-teller,” he

or warning, pulled his hands out of his said, letting his head drop into a fes
I20 GREAT EXPECTATIONS,
toon of towel, and towelling away at his Spider's time with Mr. Pocket was up
two ears. “You know what I am, for good, and, to the great relief of all
don't you ? Good night, Pip.” the house but Mrs. Pocket, he went
“Good night, sir.” home to the family hole.
In about a month after that, the
CEIAPTER, XXVII.
“My DeAR MR. PIP, worst weaknesses and meannesses are

“I write this by request of Mr.
Gargery, for to let you know that he is usually committed for the sake of the
going to London in company with Mr. people whom we most despise.
Wopsle and would be glad if agreeable to I had begun to be always decorating
be allowed to see you. He would call at the chambers in some quite unneces
Barnard's Hotel Tuesday morning at nine
o'clock, when if not agreeable please leave sary and inappropriate way or other,
word. Your poor sister is much the same and very expensive those wrestles with
as when you left. We talk of you in the Barnard proved to be. By this time,
kitchen every night, and wonder what you the rooms were vastly different from
are saying and §. If now considered
in the light of a liberty, excuse it for the what I had found them, and I enjoyed
love of poor old days. No more, dear Mr. the honour of occupying a few promi
Pip, from
“Your ever obliged, and affectionate
ment pages in the books of a neighbour
“Servant, ing upholsterer. I had got on so fast
** BIDDY. of late, that I had even started a boy
in boots—top boots—in bondage and
“P.S. He wishes me most particular to slavery to whom I might be said to pass
write what larks. He says you will under
stand. I hope and do not doubt it will be my days. For, after I had made this
agreeable to see him even though a gentle monster (out of the refuse of my washer
man, for you had ever a good heart, and he woman's family) and had clothed him
is a worthy worthy man. I have read him
all, excepting only the last little sentence, with a blue coat, canary waistcoat, white
and he wishes me most particular to write cravat, creamy breeches, and the boots
again what larks.” already mentioned, I had to find him a
little to do and a great deal to eat; and
I received this letter by post on Mon with both of these horrible requirements
day morning, and therefore its appoint he haunted my existence.
ment was for next day. Let me confess This avenging phantom was ordered
exactly, with what feelings I looked to be on duty at eight on Tuesday morn
forward to Joe's coming. ing in the hall (it was two feet square,
Not with pleasure, though I was as charged for floor.cloth), and Herbert
bound to him by so many ties; no ; suggested certain things for breakfast
with considerable disturbance, some that he thought Joe would like. While
mortification, and a keen sense of incon I felt sincerely obliged to him for being
gruity. If I could have kept him away so interested and considerate, I had an
by paying money, I certainly would have odd half-provoked sense of suspicion
paid money. My greatest reassurance upon me, that if Joe had been coming to
was, that he was coming to Barnard's see him, he wouldn’t have been quite so
Inn, not to Hammersmith, and conse brisk about it.
quently would not fall in Bentley Drum
However, I came into town on the
mle's way. I had little objection to his
Monday night to be ready for Joe, and
being seen by Herbert or his father, for I got up early in the morning, and caused
both of whom I had a respect; but I the sitting-room and breakfast-table to
had the sharpest sensitiveness as to his assume their most splendid appearance.
being seen hy Drummle, whom I held in Unfortunately the morning was drizzly,
contempt. So, throughout life, our and an angel could not have concealed
the fact that Barnard was shedding taking great care of the bird's-nest),
sooty tears outside the window, like Joe was rolling his eyes round and round
some weak giant of a Sweep. the room, and round and round the
As the time approached I should flowered pattern of my dressing-gown.
have liked to run away, but the Avenger “Had a drop, Joe #"
pursuant to orders was in the hall, and “Why yes,” said Joe, lowering his
presently I heard Joe, on the staircase. voice, “he’s left the Church and went
I knewit was Joe, by his clumsy manner into the playacting. Which the play
of coming up-stairs—his state boots acting have likeways brought him to
being always too big for him—and by London along with me. And his wish
the time it took him to read the names were,” said Joe, getting the bird's-nest
on the other floors in the course of his under his left arm for the moment, and
ascent. When at last he stopped out groping in it for an egg with his right ;
side our door, I could hear his finger “if no offence, as I would, and you that.”
tracing over the painted letters of my I took what Joe gave me, and found
name, and I afterwards distinctly heard it to be the crumpled playbill of a small
him breathingin at the keyhole. Finally metropolitan theatre, announcing the
he gave a faint single rap, and Pepper— first appearance, in that very week, of
such was the compromising name of the “the celebrated Provincial Amateur of
avenging boy—announced “Mr. Gar Roscian renown, whose unique perform
gery !” I thought he never would have ance in the highest tragic walk of our
done wiping his feet, and that I must National Bard has lately occasioned so
have gone out to lift him off the mat, great a sensation in local dramatic
but at last he came in. circles.”
“Joe, how are you, Joe 7" “Were you at his performance, Joe?”
“Pip, how AIR you, Pip !” I inquired.
With his good honest face all glowing “I were,” said Joe, with emphasis
and shining, and his hat put down on and solemnity.
the floor between us, he caught both “Was there a great sensation?”
my hands and worked them straight “Why,” said Joe, “yes, there certain
up and down, as if I had been the last ly were a peck of orange-peel. Partickler
patented Pump. when he see the ghost. Though I put it
“I am glad to see you, Joe. Give me to yourself, sir, whether it were calc
your hat.” 'lated to keep a man up to his work with
But Joe, taking it up carefully with a good hart, to be continiwally cutting
both hands, like a bird's-nest with eggs in betwixt him and the Ghost with
in it, wouldn't hear of parting with that “Amen l’ A man may have had a mis
piece of property, and persisted in stand fortun' and been in the Church,” said
ing talking over it in a most uncomfort Joe, lowering his voice to an argumen
able way. tative and feeling tone, “but that is
“Which you have that growed,” said no reason why you should put him out
Joe, ‘‘ and that swelled, and that gen at such a time. Which I meantersay,
tlefolked ;” Joe considered a little before if the ghost of a man's own father can
he discovered this word; “as to besure not be allowed to claim his attention,
you are a honour to your king and what can, Sir Still more, when his
country.” mourning 'at is unfortunately made so
“And you, Joe, look wonderfully small as that the weight of the black
well.” feathers brings it off, try to keep it on
“Thank God,” said Joe, “I’m how you may.”
ekerval to most. And your sister, she's A ghost-seeing effect in Joe's own
no worse than she were. And Biddy, countenance informed me that Herbert
she's ever right and ready. And all had entered the room. So, I pre
friends is no backerder, if not no forar sented Joe to Herbert, who held out his
der. 'Ceptin' Wopsle: he's had a drop.” hand; but Joe backed from it, and
All this time (still with both hands held on by the bird's-nest.
“Your servant, Sir,” said Joe, ing-cough since he came. “No it were
“which I hope as you and Pip”—here not. Yes it were. Yes. It were yester
his eye fell on the Avenger, who was day afternoon" (with an appearance of
putting some toast on table, and so mingled wisdom, relief, and strict im
plainly denoted an intention to make partiality).
that young gentleman one of the family, “Have you seen anything of London,
that I frowned it down and confused yet {"
him more—“I meantersay, you two “Why, yes, Sir,” said Joe, “me and
gentlemen—which I hope as you gets Wopsle went off straight to look at the
your elths in this close spot ? For the Blacking Ware’us. But we didn’t find
present may be a wery good inn, ac that it come up to its likeness in the red
cording to London opinions,” said Joe, bills at the shop doors: which I mean
confidentially, “and I believe its cha tersay,” added Joe, in an explanatory
racter do stand i ; but I wouldn’t keep manner, “as it is there drawd too
a pig in it myself—not in the case that architectooralooral.” -
I wished him to fatten wholesome and I really believe Joe would have pro
to eat with a meller flavour on him.” longed this word (mightily expressive
Having borne this flattering testimony to my mind of some architecture that I
to the merits of our dwelling-place, and know) into a perfect Chorus, but for his
having incidentally shown this tendency attention being providentially attracted
to call me “sir,” Joe, being invited to by his hat, which was toppling. In
sit down to table, looked all round the deed, it demanded from him a constant
room for a suitable spot on which to attention, and a quickness of eye and
deposit his hat—as if it were only on hand, very like that exacted by wicket
some few very rare substances in nature keeping. He made extraordinary play
that it could find a resting-place—and with it, and showed the greatest skill ;
ultimately stood it on an extreme corner now, rushing at it and catching it neatly
of the chimney-piece, from which it ever as it dropped; now, merely stopping it
afterwards fell off at intervals. midway, beating it up, and humouring
“Do you take tea, or coffee, Mr. it in various parts of the room and
Gargery : " asked Herbert, who always against a good deal of the pattern of
presided of a morning. the paper on the wall, before he felt it
“Thankee, Sir,” said Joe, stiff from safe to close with it; finally splashing
head to foot, “I’ll take whichever is it into the slop-basin, where I took the
most agreeable to yourself.” liberty of laying hands upon it.
“What do you say to coffee ?” As to his shirt-collar, and his coat
“Thankee, Sir,” returned Joe, evi collar, they were perplexing to reflect
dently dispirited by the proposal, “since upon—insoluble mysteries both. Why
you are so kind as make chice of coffee, should a man scrape himself to that ex
I will not run contrairy to your own tent, before he could consider himself
opinions. But don’t you never find it a full dressed ? Why should he suppose
little 'eating '' it necessary to be purified by suffering
“Say tea, then,” said Herbert, pour for his holiday clothes : Then he fell
ing it out. into such unaccountable fits of medita
Here Joe's hat tumbled off the man tion, with his fork midway between his
telpiece, and he started out of his chair plate and his mouth ; had his eyes
and picked it up, and fitted it to the same attracted in such strange directions;
exact spot. As if it were an absolute was afflicted with such remarkable
point of good breeding that it should coughs; sat so far from the table, and
tumble off again soon. dropped so much more than he ate, and
“When did you come to town, Mr. pretended that he hadn’t dropped it;
Gargery : " . that I was heartily glad when Herbert
“Were it yesterday afternoon?” said left us for the city.
Joe, after coughing behind his hand, as I had neither the good sense nor the
if he had had time to catch the whoop good feeling to know that this was all
my fault, and that if I had been easier “Miss Havisham, Joe #"
with Joe, Joe would have been easier “‘She wished,” were Pumblechook's
with me. I felt impatient of him and word, “to speak to you.’” Joe sat and
out of temper with him ; in which con rolled his eyes at the ceiling.
dition he heaped coals of fire on my “Yes, Joe Go on, please.”
head, -
“Next day, Sir,” said Joe, looking
“Us two being now alone, Sir,”— at me as if I were a long way off,
began Joe. “having cleaned myself, I go and I see
“Joe,” I interrupted, pettishly, Miss A.”
“how can you call me, Sir 7” “Miss A., Joe? Miss Havisham #"
Joe looked at me for a single instant “Which I say, Sir,” replied Joe,
with something faintly like reproach. with an air of legal formality, as if he
Utterly preposterous as his cravat was, were making his will, “Miss A., or
and as his collars were, I was conscious otherways Havisham. Her expression
of a sort of dignity in the look. air then as follering : ‘Mr. Gargery.
“ Us two being now alone,” resumed You air in correspondence with Mr.
Joe, “and me having the intentions and Pip !” Having had a letter from you,
abilities to stay not many minutes more, I were able to say “I am.” (When I
I will now conclude—leastways begin— married your sister, Sir, I said “I will;’
to mention what have led to my having and when I answered your friend, Pip,
had the present honour. For was it not,” I said, ‘I am.’) ‘Would you tell him,
said Joe, with his old air of lucid ex them,” said she, “that which Estella has
position, “that my only wish were to come home, and would be glad to see
be useful to you, I should not have had him.’”
the honour of breaking wittles in the I felt my face fire up as I looked at
company and abode of gentlemen.” Joe. I hope one remote cause of its
I was so unwilling to see the look firing, may have been my conscious
again, that I made no remonstrance ness that if I had known his errand, I
against this tone. should have given him more encourage
“Well, Sir,” pursued Joe, “this is ment.
how it were. I were at the Bargemen “Biddy,” pursued Joe, “When I
t’other night, Pip ; ” whenever he sub got home and asked her fur to write the
sided into affection, he called me Pip, message to you, a little hung back.
and whenever he relapsed into polite Biddy says, “I know he will be very
ness he called me Sir ; “when there glad to have it by word of mouth, it is
come up in his shay-cart Pumblechook. holiday-time, you want to see him, go!’
Which that same identical,” said Joe, I have now concluded, Sir,” said Joe,
going down a new track, “do comb my rising from his chair, “and, Pip, I
'air the wrong way sometimes, awful, wish you ever well and ever prospering
by giving out up and down town as it to a greater and greater height.” -
were him which ever had your infant “But you are not going now, Joe l’’
companionation and were looked upon as “Yes I am,” said Joe.
a playfellow by yourself.” “But you are coming back to dinner,
“Nonsense. It was you, Joe.” Joe . " .
“Which I fully believed it were, “No I am not,” said Joe.
Pip,” said Joe, slightly tossing his head, Our eyes met, and all the “Sir”
“though it signify little now, Sir. melted out of that manly heart as he
Well, Pip ; this same identical, which gave me his hand.
his manners is given to blusterous, come “Pip, dear old chap, life is made of
to me at the Bargemen (wot a pipe and ever so many partings welded together,
a pint of beer do give refreshment to as I may say, and one man's a black
the working-man, Sir, and do not over smith, and one's a whitesmith, and
stimulate), and his word were, “Joseph, one’s a goldsmith, and one's a copper
Miss Havisham she wish to speak to Smith. Diwisions among such must
you.’22 come, and must be met as they come.
If there's been any fault at all to-day, smith, there, at the old anvil, in the
it's mine. You and me is not two old burnt apron, sticking to the old
figures: to be together in London; nor work. I’m awful dull, but I hope I've
yet anywheres else but what is private, beat out something nigh the rights of
and beknown, and understood among this at last. And so GoD bless you,
friends. It ain't that I am proud, but dear old Pip, old chap, God bless you!”
that I want to be right, as you shall I had not been mistaken in my fancy
never see me no more in these clothes. that there was a simple dignity in him.
I’m wrong in these clothes. I'm wrong The fashion of his dress could no more
out of the forge, the kitchen, or off th’ come in its way when he spoke these
meshes. You won't find half so much words, than it could come in its way in
fault in me if you think of me in my Heaven. He touched me gently on the
forge dress, with my hammer in my forehead, and went out. As soon as
hand, or even my pipe. You won’t I could recover myself sufficiently, I
find half so much fault in me if, sup hurried out after him and looked for
posing as you should ever wish to see him in the neighbouring streets; but
me, you come and put your head in at he was gone.
the forge window and see Joe the black
CHAPTER XXVIII.
IT was clear that I must repair to Blue Boar, my mind was much dis
our town next day, and in the first turbed by indecision whether or no to
flow of my repentance it was equally take the Avenger. It was tempting to
clear that I must stay at Joe's. . But, think of that expensive Mercenary pub
when I had secured my box-place by licly airing his boots in the archway of
to-morrow's coach, and had been down the Blue Boar's posting-yard : it was
to Mr. Pocket's and back, I was not by almost solemn to imagine him casually
any means convinced on the last point, produced in the tailor's shop and con
and began to invent reasons and make founding the disrespectful senses of
excuses for putting up at the Blue Boar. Trabb's boy. On the other hand,
I should be an inconvenience at Joe's ; Trabb's boy might worm himself into
I was not expected, and my bed would his intimacy and tell him things ; or,
not be ready; I should be too far from reckless and desperate wretch as I knew
Miss Havisham's, and she was exacting he could be, might hoot him in the High
and mightn't like it. All other swindlers street. My patroness, too, might hear
upon earth are nothing to the self of him, and not approve. On the whole,
swindlers, and with such pretences did I resolved to leave the Avenger behind.
I cheat myself. Surely a curious thing. It was the afternoon coach by which
That I should innocently take a bad I had taken my place, and, as winter
half-crown of somebody else's manufac had now come round, I should not arrive
ture, is reasonable enough; but that I at my destination until two or three
should knowingly reckon the spurious hours after dark. Our time of starting
coin of my own make, as good money ! from the Cross Keys was two o'clock.
An obliging stranger, under pretence of I arrived on the ground with a quarter
compactly folding up my bank-notes for of an hour to spare, attended by the
security’s sake, abstracts the notes and Avenger—if I may connect that expres
gives me nutshells ; but what is his sion with one who never attended on me
sleight of hand to mine, when I fold up if he could possibly help it.
my own nutshell and pass them on At that time it was customary to
myself as notes - carry Convicts down to the dockyards
Having settled that I must go to the by stage-coach. As I had often heard
of them in the capacity of outside pas he knew me no more than if he had

sengers, and had more than once seen never seen me in his life. He looked
them on the high road dangling their across at me, and his eye appraised
ironed legs over the coach roof, I had my watch-chain, and then he incident
no cause to be surprised when Herbert, ally spat and said something to the
meeting me in the yard, came up and other convict, and they laughed and
slued themselves round with a clink of
told me there were two convicts going
down with me... But I had a reason their coupling manacle, and looked at
that was an old reason now, for consti something else. The great numbers
tutionally faltering whenever I heard on their backs, as if they were street
the word convict. doors; their coarse mangy, ungainly
“You don't mind them, Handel ?” outer surface, as if they were lower
said Herbert. animals; their ironed legs, apologeti
“Oh no l’” cally garlanded with pocket-handker
“I thought you seemed as if you chiefs; and the way in which all
didn’t like them : * present looked at them and kept from
“I can’t pretend that I do like them ; made them (as Herbert had
them, and I suppose you don’t parti said) a most disagreeable and degraded
cularly. But I don’t mind them.” spectacle.
“See There they are,” said Her But this was not the worst of it.
bert, “coming out of the Tap. What It came out that the whole of the back
a degraded and vile sight it is ” of the coach had been taken by a family
They had been treating their guard, removing from London, and that there
I suppose, for they had a gaoler with were no places for the two prisoners
them, and all three came out wiping but on the seat in front, behind the
their mouths on their hands. The two coachman. Hereupon, a choleric gentle
convicts were handcuffed together, and man, who had taken the fourth place
had irons, on their legs—irons of a on that seat, flew into a most violent
pattern that I knew well. They wore passion, and said that it was a breach
the dress that I likewise knew well. of contract to mix him up with such
Their keeper had a brace of pistols, villanous company, and that it was
and carried a thick-knobbed bludgeon poisonous and pernicious and infamous
under his arm ; but he was on terms and shameful, and I don’t know what
of good understanding with them, and else. At this time the coach was ready
stood, with them beside him, looking and the coachman impatient, and we
on at the putting-to of the horses, were all preparing to get up, and the
rather with an air as if the convicts prisoners had come over with their
were an interesting Exhibition not keeper — bringing with them that
formally open at the moment, and he curious flavour of bread-poultice, baize,
the Curator. One was a taller and rope-yarn, and hearthstone, which at
stouter man than the other, and ap tends the convict presence.
peared as a matter of course, according “Don’t take it so much amiss, sir,”
to the mysterious ways of the world pleaded the keeper to the angry pas
both convict and free, to have had senger; “I’ll sit next you myself.
allotted to him the smaller suit of I’ll put 'em on the outside of the row.
clothes. His arms and legs were like They won't interfere with you, sir.
great pincushions of those shapes, and You needn't know they're there.”
his attire disguised him absurdly; but “And don’t blame me,” growled
I knew his half-closed eye at one glance. the convict I had recognised. “I
There stood the man whom I had seen don’t want to go. I am quite ready to
on the settle at the Three Jolly Barge stay behind. As fur as I am con
men on a Saturday night, and who had cerned any one's welcome to my place.”
brought me down with his invisible “Or mine,” said the other, gruffly.
gun “I wouldn't have incommoded none of
It was easy to make sure that as yet you, if I’d a had my way.” Then,
they both laughed, and began cracking the convicts were closer to me than
nuts, and spitting the shells about.— before. The very first words I heard
As I really think I should have liked them interchange as I became conscious,
to do myself, if I had been in their were the words of my own thought,
place and so despised. “Two One Pound notes.”
At length, it was voted that there “How did he get ’em 7” said the
was no help for the angry gentleman, convict I had never seen.
and that he must either go in his “How should I know 2° returned
chance company or remain behind. the other. “He had 'em stowed away
So, he got into his place, still making somehows. Giv him by friends, I
complaints, and the keeper got into expect.”
the place next him, and the convicts “I wish,” said the other, with a
hauled themselves up as well as they bitter curse upon the cold, “that I had
could, and the convict I had recognised 'em here.”
sat behind me with his breath on the “Two one pound notes, or friends?”
hair of my head. “Two one pound notes. I’d sell all
“Good-by, Handel !” Hérbert called the friends I ever had, for one, and
out as we started. I thought what a think it a blessed good bargain. Well?
blessed fortune it was, that he had So he says— ?”
found another name for me than Pip. “So he says,” resumed the convict I
It is impossible to express with what had recognised—“it was all said and
acuteness I felt the convict's breathing, done in half a minute, behind a pile of
not only on the back of my head, but timber in the Dockyard—‘You’re a
all along my spine. The sensation was going to be discharged ' Yes, I was.
like being touched in the marrow with Would I find out that boy that had fed
some pungent and searching acid, and him and kep his secret, and give him
it set my very teeth on edge. He them two one pound notes ? Yes, I
seemed to have more breathing business would. And I did.”
to do than another man, and to make “More fool you,” growled the other. ,
more noise in doing it; and I was con “I’d have spent ’em on a Man, in
scious of growing high-shouldered on wittles and drink. He must have been
one side, in my shrinking endeavours a green one. Mean to say he knowed
to fend him off. nothing of you?”
The weather was miserably raw, and “Not a ha'porth. Different gangs
the two cursed the cold. It made us and different ships. He was tried
all lethargic before we had gone far, again for prison breaking, and got made
and when we had left the Half-way a Lifer.”
House behind, we habitually dozed and “And was that—Honour !—the only
shivered and were silent. I dozed off, time you worked out, in this part of
myself, in considering the question the country "
whether I ought to restore a couple of “The only time.”
pounds sterling to this creature before “What might have been your opinion
losing sight of him, and how it could of the place 2"
best be done. In the act of dipping “A most beastly place. Mudbank,
forward as if I were going to bathe mist, swamp, and work; work, swamp,
among the horses, I woke in a fright mist, and mudbank.”
and took the question up again. They both execrated the place in
But I must have lost it longer than I very strong language, and gradually
had thought, since, although I could growled themselves out, and had no
recognise nothing in the darkness and thing left to say.
the fitful lights and shadows of our After overhearing this dialogue, I
lamps, I traced marsh country in the should assuredly have got down and
cold damp wind that blew at us. been left in the solitude and darkness
Cowering forward for warmth and to of the highway, but for feeling certain
make me a screen against the wind, that the man had no suspicion of my
identity. Indeed, I was not only so if he should send Boots for Mr. Pumble
changed in the course of nature, but so chook 2
differently dressed and so differently “No,” said I, “certainly not.”
circumstanced, that it was not at all The waiter (it was he who had
likely he could have known me without brought up the Great Remonstrance
accidental help. Still, the coincidence from the Commercials, on the day
of our being together on the coach, was when I was bound) appeared surprised,
sufficiently strange to fill me with a and took the earliest opportunity of
dread that some other coincidence might putting a dirty old copy of a local
at any moment connect me, in his newspaper so directly in my way, that
hearing, with my name. For this I took it up and read this paragraph :
reason, I resolved to alight as soon as
we touched the town, and put myself “Our readers will learn, not alto
out of his hearing. This device I gether without interest, in reference to
executed successfully. My little port the recent romantic rise in fortune of a
manteau was in the boot under my young artificer in iron of this neigh
feet ; I had but to turn a hinge to get bourhood (what a theme, by the way,
it out; I threw it down before me, got for the magic pen of our as yet not
down after it, and was left at the first universally acknowledged townsman
lamp on the first stones of the town TooBY, the poet of our columns !) that
pavement. As to the convicts, they the youth's earliest patron, companion,
went their way with the coach, and I and friend, was a highly-respected
knew at what point they would be individual not entirely unconnected
spirited off to the river. In my fancy, with the corn and seed trade, and
I saw the boat with its convict crew whose eminently convenient and com
waiting for them at the slime-washed modious business premises are situate
stairs, again heard the gruff “Give within a hundred miles of the High
way, you !” like an order to dogs— street. It is not wholly irrespective of
again saw the wicked Noah's Ark lying our personal feelings that we record
out on the black water. HIM as the Mentor of our young Tele- .
I could not have said what I was machus, for it is good to know that
afraid of, for my fear was altogether our town produced the founder of the
undefined and vague, but there was latter's fortunes. Does the thought
great fear upon me. As I walked on contracted brow of the local Sage or the
to the hotel, I felt that a dread, much lustrous eye of local Beauty inquire
exceeding the mere apprehension of a whose fortunes : We believe that
painful or disagreeable recognition, Quintin Matsys was the BLACKSMITH
made me tremble. I am confident that of Antwerp. WERB. SAP.”
it took no distinctness of shape, and
that it was the revival for a few I entertain a conviction, based upon
minutes of the terror of childhood. large experience, that if in the days of
The coffee-room, at the Blue Boar my prosperity I had gone to the North
was empty, and I had not only ordered Pole, I should have met somebody
my dinner there, but had sat down to there, wandering Esquimaux or civi
it, before the waiter knew me. As lised man, who would have told me
soon as he had apologised for the that Pumblechook was my earliest
remissness of his memory, he asked me patron and the founder of my fortunes.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
CHAPTER XXIX.
BETIMEs in the morning I was up that could be. Once for all; I loved
and out. It was too early yet to go to her none the less because I knew
Miss Havisham's, so I loitered into the it, and it had no more influence in
country on Miss Havisham's side of restraining me, than if I had de
town—which was not Joe's side ; I voutly believed her to be human per
could go there to-morrow—thinking fection.
about my patroness, and painting bril I so shaped out my walk as to arrive
liant pictures of her plans for me. at the gate at my old time. When I
She had adopted Estella, she had as had rung at the bell with an unsteady
good as adopted me, and it could not hand, I turned my back upon the gate,
fail to be her intention to bring us while I tried to get my breath and keep
together. She reserved it. for me to the beating of my heart moderately
restore the desolate house, admit the quiet. I heard the side door open, and
sunshine into the dark rooms, set the steps come across the court-yard; but
clocks a going and the cold hearths a I pretended not to hear, even when the
blazing, tear down the cobwebs, destroy gate swung on its rusty hinges. -
the vermin—in short, do all the shining Being at last touched on the shoulder,
deeds of the young Knight of romance, I started and turned. I started much
and marry the Princess. I had stopped more naturally then, to find myself
to look at the house as I passed; and confronted by a man in a sober grey
its seared red brick walls, blocked dress. The last man I should have ex
windows, and strong green ivy clasping pected to see in that place of porter at
even the stacks of chimneys with its Miss Havisham's door.
twigs and tendons, as if with sinewy “ Orlick | * -
old arms, had made up a rich attractive “Ah, young master, there's more
mystery, of which I was the hero. changes than yours. But come in, come
Estella was the inspiration of it, and in. It's opposed to my orders to hold
the heart of it, of course. But, though the gate open.”
she had taken such strong possession of I entered and he swung it, and locked
me, though my fancy and my hope it, and took the key out. “Yes |” said
were so set upon her, though her influ he, facing round, after doggedly preced
ence on my boyish life and character ing me a few steps towards the house.
had been all-powerful, I did not, even “Here I am I ?”
that romantic morning, invest her with “How did you come here ?”
any attributes save those she possessed. “I come here,” he retorted, “on my
I mention this in this place, of a fixed legs. I had my box brought alongside
purpose, because it is the clue by which me in a barrow.”
I am to be followed into my poor laby “Are you here for good 7”
rinth. According to my experience, “I ain’t here for harm, young master,
the conventional notion of a lover can I suppose.”
not be always true. The unqualified I was not so sure of that. I had
truth is, that when I loved Estella with leisure to entertain the retort in my
the love of a man, I loved her simply mind, while he slowly lifted his heavy
because I found her irresistible. Once glance from the pavement, up my legs
for all; I knew to my sorrow, often and arms, to my face. -
and often, if not always, that I loved “Then you have left the forge 2" I
her against reason, against promise, said.
against peace, against hope, against “Do this look like a forge 2" replied
happiness, against all discouragement Orlick, sending his glance all round
him with an air of injury. “Now, do “I am expected, I believe?”

it look like it 2" - *
“Burn me twice over, if I can say !”
I asked him how long he had left said he.
Gargery's forge Upon that I turned down the long
“One day is so like another here,” passage which I had first trodden in my
he replied, “that I don’t know with thick boots, and he made his bell sound.
out casting it up. However, I come At the end of the passage, while the bell
here some time since you left.” was still reverberating, I found Sarah
“I could have told you that, Orlick.” Pocket : who appeared to have now be
“Ah !” said he, dryly. “But then come constitutionally green and yellow
you’ve got to be a scholar.” by reason of me.
By this time we had come to the “Oh l’” said she. “You, is it, Mr.
house, where I found his room to be one Pip "
just within the side door, with a little “It is, Miss Pocket. I am glad to
window in it looking on the court-yard. tell you that Mr. Pocket and family are
In its small proportions, it was not un all well.”
like the kind of place usually assigned “Are they any wiser?” said Sarah,
to a gate-porter in Paris. Certain keys with a dismal shake of the head ; “they
were hanging on the wall, to which he had better be wiser than well. Ah,
now added the gate-key ; and his patch Matthew, Matthew You know your
work-covered bed was in a little inner way, sir?”
division or recess. The whole had a Tolerably, for I had gone up the stair
slovenly, confined and sleepylook, like a case in the dark, many a time. I as
cage for a human dormouse: while he, cended it now, in lighter boots than of
looming dark and heavy in the shadow yore, and tapped in my old way at the
of a corner by the window, looked like door of Miss Havisham's room. “Pip's
the human dormouse for whom it was rap,” I heard her say, immediately;
fitted up—as indeed he was. “come in, Pip.”
‘‘I never saw this room before,” I She was in her chair near the old
remarked ; “but there used to be no table, in the old dress, with her two
Porter here.” hands crossed on her stick, her chin
“No,” said he ; “not till it got resting on them, and her eyes on the
about that there was no protection on fire. Sitting near her, with the white
the premises, and it come to be con shoe, that had never been worn,
sidered dangerous, with convicts and in her hand, and her head bent as
Tag and Rag and Bobtail going up and she looked at it, was an elegant lady
down. And then I was recommended whom I had never seen.
to the place as a man who could give “Come in, Pip,” Miss Havisham
another man as good as he brought, and continued to mutter, without looking
I took it. It's easier than bellowsing round or up; “come in, Pip, how do
and hammering.—That's loaded, that you do, Pip so you kiss my hand as if
is22
I were a queen, eh?—Well ?”
My eye had been caught by a gun She looked up at me suddenly, only
with a brass-bound stock over the chim moving her eyes, and repeated in a
ney-piece, and his eye had followed grimly playful manner,
mine. “Well ?”
“Well,” said I, not desirous of more “I heard, Miss Havisham,” said I,
conversation, “shall I go up to Miss rather at a loss, “that you were so kind
Havisham 2'' as to wish me to come and see you, and
“Burn me, if I know !” he retorted, I came directly.”
first stretching himself and then shaking “Well ?”
himself; “my orders ends here, young The lady whom I had never seen
master. I give this here bell a rap with before, lifted up her eyes and looked
this here hammer, and you go on along archly at me, and then I saw that the
the passage till you meet somebody * eyes were Estella's eyes. But she was
- K
so much changed, was so much more her beauty that it was impossible and
beautiful, so much more womanly, in out of nature—or Ithought so—to sepa
all things winning admiration had made rate them from her beauty. Truly it .
such wonderful advance, that I seemed was impossible to dissociate her presence
to have made none. I fancied, as I from all those wretched hankerings after
looked at her, that I slipped hopelessly money and gentility that had disturbed
back into the coarse and common boy my boyhood—from all thoseill-regulated
again. O the sense of distance and dis aspirations that had first made me
parity that came upon me, and the in ashamed of home and Joe—from all
accessibility that came about her those visions that had raised her face in
She gave me her hand. I stammered the glowing fire, struck it out of the iron
something about the pleasure I felt in on the anvil, extracted it from the dark
seeing her again, and about my having ness of night to look in at the wooden
looked forward to it for a long, long window of the forge and flit away. In
time. a word, it was impossible for me to
“Do you find her much changed, separate her, in the past or in the
Pip !” asked Miss Havisham, with her present, from the innermost life of my
greedy look, and striking her stick upon life.
a chair that stood between them, as a It was settled that I should stay there
sign to me to sit down there. all the rest of the day, and return to the
“When I came in, Miss Havisham, hotel at night, and to London to-morrow.
I thought there was nothing of Estella When we had conversed for a while,
in the face or figure ; but now it all Miss Havisham sent us two out to walk
settles down so curiously into the in the neglected garden : on our coming
old—” in by-and-by, she said I should wheel
“What? You are not going to say her about a little, as in times of yore.
into the old Estella : * Miss Havisham So, Estella and I went out into the
interrupted. “She was proud and in garden by the gate through which I had
sulting, and you wanted to go away from strayed to my encounter with the pale
her. Don’t you remember ?” young gentleman, now Herbert; I, trem
I said confusedly that that was long bling in spirit and worshipping the very
ago, and that I knew no better then, hem of her dress; she, quite composed
and the like. Estella smiled with per and most decidedly not worshipping the
fect composure, and said she had no hem of mine. As we drew near to the
doubt of my having been quite right, place of encounter, she stopped and said:
and of her having been very disagreeable. “I must have been a singular little
“Is he changed?” Miss Havisham creature to hide and see that fight that
asked her. -
day: but I did, and I enjoyed it very

“Wery much,” said Estella, looking much.”
at me. “You rewarded me very much.”
“Less coarse and common 7" said “Did I ?” she replied, in an inciden
Miss Havisham, playing with Estella's tal and forgetful way.“I remember I
hair. entertained a great objection to your
Estella laughed, and looked at the adversary, because I took it ill that he
shoe in her hand, and laughed again, should be brought here to pester me
and looked at me, and put the shoe with his company.”
down. She treated me as a boy still, “He and I are great friends now.”
but she lured me on. “Are you ? I think I recollect
We sate in the dreamy room among though, that you read with his father ?”
the old strange influences which had so & 4 Yes.”
wrought upon me, and I learnt that she I made the admission with reluctance,
had but just come home from France, for it seemed to have a boyish look, and
and that she was going to London. Proud she already treated me more than enough
and wilful as of old, she had brought like a boy. -
those qualities into such subjection to “Since your change of fortune and
prospects, you have changed your com in or shot in, I have no doubt,” said
panions,” said Estella. Estella, “and, of course, if it ceased
“Naturally,” said I. to beat I should cease to be. But you
“And necessarily,” she added, in a know what I mean. I have no soft
baughty tone; “what was fit company ness there, no—sympathy—sentiment
for you once, would be quite unfit com —nonsense.”
pany for you now.” What was it that was borne in upon
In my conscience, I doubt very much my mind when she stood still and
whether I had any lingering intention looked attentively at me ! Anything
left of going to see Joe ; but if I had, that I had seen in Miss Havisham :
this observation put it to flight. No. In some of her looks and gestures
“You had no idea of you mpending there was that tinge of resemblance to
good fortune, in those times * said Miss Havisham which may often be
Estella, with a slight wave of her hand, noticed to have been acquired by chil
signifying the fighting times.” dren, from grown persons with whom
“Not the least.” they have been much associated and
The air of completeness and supe secluded, and which, when childhood
riority with which she walked at my is passed, will produce a remarkable
side, and the air of youthfulness and occasional likeness of expression between
submission with which I walked at hers. faces that are otherwise quite different.
made a contrast that I strongly felt. It And yet I could not trace this to Miss
would have rankled in me more than it Havisham. I looked again, and though
did, if I had not regarded myself as she was still looking at me, the sugges
eliciting it by being so set apart for her tion was gone.
and assigned to her. What was it 2
The garden was too overgrown and “I am serious,” said Estella, not so
rank for walking in with ease, and after much with a frown (for her brow was
we had made the round of it twice or smooth) as with a darkening of her
thrice, we came out again into the face ; “if we are to be thrown much
brewery yard. I showed her to a nicety together, you had better believe it at
where I had seen her walking on the once. No!” imperiously stopping me as
casks, that first old day, and she said I opened my lips. “I have not be
with a cold and careless look in that stowed my tenderness anywhere. I
direction, “Did I ?” I reminded her have never had any such thing.”
where she had come out of the house In another moment we were in the
and given me my meat and drink, and brewery so long disused, and she pointed
she said, “I don't remember.” “Not to the high gallery where I had seen
remember that you made me cry?” said her going out on that same first day,
I. ‘‘No,” said she, and shook her and told me she remembered to have
head and looked about her. I verily been up there, and to have seen me
believe that her not remembering and standing scared below. As my eyes
not minding in the least, made me cry followed her white hand, again the
again, inwardly—and that is the sharpest same dim suggestion that I could not
crying of all. possibly grasp, crossed me. My in
“You must know,” said Estella, con voluntary start occasioned her to lay
descending to me as a brilliant and beau her hand upon my arm. Instantly
tiful woman might, “that I have no the ghost passed once more and was
heart—if that has anything to do with gone.
my memory.” What was it !
I got through some jargon to the “What is the matter ?” asked
effect that I took the liberty ofdoubting Estella. “Are you scared again }”
that. That I knew better. That “I should be if I believed what you
there could be no such beauty with said just now,” I replied, to turn
out it. it off.
‘‘ Oh I have a heart to be stabbed “Then you don't Wery wººl. It,
R →
is said, at any rate. Miss Havisham one of her withered arms stretched out
will soon be expecting you at your old of the chair, rested that clenched hand
post, though I think that might be laid upon the yellow cloth. As Estella
aside now, with other old belongings. looked back over her shoulder before
Let us make one more round of the going out at the door, Miss Havisham
garden, and then go in. Come! You kissed that hand to her, with a raven
shall not shed tears for my cruelty ous intensity that was of its kind quite
to-day ; you shall be my Page, and give dreadful.
me your shoulder.” Then, Estella being gone and we two
Her handsome dress had trailed upon left alone, she turned to me and said in
the ground. She held it in one hand a whisper:
now, and with the other lightly touched “Is she beautiful, graceful, well
my shoulder as we walked. We walked grown? Do you admire her ?”
round the ruined garden twice or thrice “Everybody must who sees her, Miss
more, and it was all in bloom for me. Havisham.”
If the green and yellow growth of weed She drew an arm round my neck,
in the chinks of the old wall had been and drew my head close down to hers
the most precious flowers that ever as she sat in the chair. “Love her,
blew, it could not have been more love her, love her How does she use
cherished in my remembrance. you ?”
There was no discrepancy of years Before I could answer (if I could have
between us, to remove her far from me; answered so difficult a question at all),
we were of nearly the same age, though she repeated, “Love her, love her,
of course the age told for more in her love her | If she favours you, love her.
case than in mine ; but the air of inac If she wounds you, love her. If she
cessibility which her beauty and her tears your heart to pieces—and as it
manner gave her, tormented me in the gets older and stronger it will tear
midst of my delight, and at the height deeper—love her, love her, love her '"
of the assurance I felt that our pa Never had I seen such passionate
troness had chosen us for one another. eagerness as was joined to her utterance
Wretched boy! of these words. I could feel the
At last we went back into the house, muscles of the thin arm round my
and there I heard, with surprise, that neck, swell with the vehemence that
my guardian had come down to see Miss possessed her.
Havisham on business, and would come “Hear me, Pip ! I adopted her to
back to dinner. The old wintry be loved. I bred her and educated
branches of chandeliers in the room her, to be loved. I developed her into
Johere the mouldering table was spread, what she is, that she might be loved.
had been lighted while we were out, and Love her l’”
Miss Havisham was in her chair and She said the word often enough, and
waiting for me. there could be no doubt that she meant
It was like pushing the chair itself to say it; but if the often repeated
back into the past, when we began the word had been hate instead of love—
old slow circuit round about the ashes despair—revenge—dire death—it could
of the bridal feast. But, in the funereal not have sounded from her lips more
room, with that figure of the grave like a curse.
fallen back in the chair fixing its eyes “I’ll tell you,” said she, in the same
upon her, Estella looked more bright hurried passionate whisper, “what
and beautiful than before, and I was real love is. It is blind devotion, un
under stronger enchantment. questioning self-humiliation, utter sub
The time so melted away, that our mission, trust and belief against your
early dinner-hour drew close at hand, self and against the whole world, giving
and Estella left us to prepare herself. up your whole heart and soul to the
We had stopped near the centre of the smiter—as I did | *
long table, and Miss Havisham, with When she came to that, and to a wild
cry that followed that, I caught her “Ah ! How many times Ten
round the waist. For she rose up in thousand times '''
the chair, in her shroud of a dress, and “Oh Certainly not so many.”
struck at the air as if she would as “Twice 3’’
soon have struck herself against the “Jaggers,” interposed Miss Havi
wall and fallen dead. sham, much to my relief; “ leave my
All this passed in a few seconds. As Pip alone, and go with him to your
I drew her down into her chair, I was dinner.”
conscious of a scent that I knew, He complied, and we groped our way
and turning, saw my guardian in the down the dark stairs together. While
IrOOIne we were still on our way to those
He always carried (I have not yet detached apartments across the paved
mentioned it, I think) a pocket-hand yard at the back, he asked me how
kerchief of rich silk and of imposing often I had seen Miss Havisham eat and
proportions, which was of great value drink; offering me a breadth of choice,
to him in his profession. I have seen as usual, between a hundred times and
him so terrify a client or a witness by Once.
ceremoniously unfolding this pocket I considered, and said, “Never.”
handkerchief as if he were immediately “And never will, Pip,” he retorted,
going to blow his nose, and then pausing, with a frowning smile. “She has
as if he knew he should not have time never allowed herself to be seen doing
to do it, before such client or witness either, since she lived this present life
committed himself, that the self-com of hers. She wanders about in the
mittal has followed directly, quite as a night, and then lays hands on such food
matter of course. When I saw him in as she takes.”
the room he had this expressive pocket “Pray, sir,” said I, “may I ask
handkerchief in both hands, and was you a question ?”
looking at us. On meeting my eye, he “You may,” said he, “and I may
said plainly, by a momentary and silent decline to answer it. Put your ques
pause in that attitude, “Indeed ? Sin tion.”
gular !” and then put the handker “Estella's name, is it Havisham or
— ?” I had nothing to add.
chief to its right use with wonderful
effect. “Or what ?” said he.
Miss Havisham had seen him as soon **Is it Havisham 7”
as I, and was (like everybody else) ** It is Havisham.”
afraid of him. She made a strong This brought us to the dinner-table,
attempt to compose herself, and stam where she and Sarah Pocket awaited us.
mered that he was as punctual as ever. Mr. Jaggers presided, Estella sat oppo
“As punctual as ever,” he repeated, site to him, I faced my green and yellow
coming up to us. “(How do you do, friend. We dined very well, and were
Pip ! Shall I give you a ride, Miss waited on by a maid-servant whom I
Havisham Once round !) And so had never seen in all my comings and
you are here, Pip !” goings, but who, for anything I know,
I told him when I had arrived, and had been in that mysterious house the
how Miss Havisham wished me to come whole time. After dinner a bottle of
and see Estella. To which he replied, choice old port was placed before my
“Ah! Wery fine young lady l’” Then guardian (he was evidently well ac
he pushed Miss Havisham in her chair quainted with the vintage), and the
before him, with one of his large hands, two ladies left us.
and put the other in his trowsers-pocket Anything to equal the determined
as if the pocket were full of secrets. reticence of Mr. Jaggers under that
“Well, Pip ! How often have you roof I never saw elsewhere, even in
seen Miss Estella before ?” said he, him. He kept his very looks to him
when he came to a stop. self, and scarcely directed his eyes to
** How often ?” Estella's face once during dinner.
When she spoke to him, he listened, look at her from under his thick eye
and in due course answered, but never brows, and raise them a little when
looked at her, that I could see. On her loveliness was before him, with
the other hand, she often looked at him, those rich flushes of glitter and colour
with interest and curiosity, if not dis in it.
trust, but his face never showed the Of the manner and extent to which
least consciousness. Throughout dinner he took our trumps into custody, and
he took a dry delight in making Sarah came out with mean little cards at the
Pocket greener and yellower, by often ends of hands, before which the glory
referring in conversation with me to of our Kings and Queens was utterly
my expectations: but here, again, he abased, I say nothing ; nor, of the
showed no consciousness, and even feeling that I had, respecting his look
made it appear that he extorted—and ing upon us personally in the light of
even did extort, though I don’t know three very obvious and poor riddles that
how—those references out of my inno he had found out long ago. What I suf
cent self. fered from, was the incompatibility
And when he and I were left alone between his cold presence and my
together, he sat with an air upon him feelings towards Estella. It was not
of general lying by in consequence of that I knew I could never bear to speak
information he possessed, that really to him about her, that I knew I could
was too much for me. He cross-exa never bear to hear him creak his boots
mined his very wine when he had at her, that I knew I could never bear
nothing else in hand. He held it to see him wash his hands of her;
between himself and the candle, tasted it was, that my admiration should be
the port, rolled it in his mouth, swal within a foot or two of him—it was,
lowed it, looked at his glass again, that my feelings should be in the same
smelt the port, tried it, drank it, filled place with him—that, was the agonising
again, and cross-examined the glass circumstance.
again, until I was as nervous as if I We played until nine o’clock, and
had known the wine to be telling him then it was arranged that when Estella
something to my disadvantage. Three came to London I should be forewarned
or four times I feebly thought I would of her coming and should meet her at
start conversation ; but whenever he the coach; and then I took leave of
saw me going to ask him anything, he her, and touched her and left her.
looked at me with his glass in his My guardian lay at the Boar in the
hand, and rolling his wine about in his next room to mine. Farinto the night,
mouth, as if requesting me to take Miss Havisham's words, “Love her,
notice that it was of no use, for he love her, love her l’ sounded in my
couldn’t answer. ears. I adapted them for my own repe
I think Miss Pocket was conscious tition, and said to my pillow, “I love
that the sight of me involved her in her, I love her, I love her l’’ hundreds
the danger of being goaded to madness, of times. Then, a burst of gratitude
and perhaps tearing off her cap—which came upon me, that she should be
was a very hideous one, in the nature destined for me, once the blacksmith's
of a muslin mop-and strewing the boy. Then, I thought if she were, as
ground with her hair—which assuredly I feared, by no means rapturously
had never grown on her head. She grateful for that destiny yet, when
did not appear when we afterwards would she begin to be interested in me?
went up to Miss Havisham's room, When should Iawaken the heart within
and we four played at whist. In the her, that was mute and sleeping now
interval, Miss Havisham, in a fantastic Ah me ! I thought those were high
way, had put some of the most beau and great emotions. But I never
tiful jewels from her dressing-table into thought there was anything low and
Estella's hair, and about her bosom small in my keeping away from Joe,
and arms; and I saw even my guardian because I knew she would be con
temptuous of him. It was but a day into my eyes; they had soon dried, God
gone, and Joe had brought the tears forgive me ! soon dried.
CHAPTER, XXX.
AFTER well considering the matter agreeable to be here and there suddenly
while I was dressing at the Blue Boar recognised and stared after. One or
in the morning, I resolved to tell my two of the tradespeople even darted out
guardian that I doubted Orlick's being of their shops, and went a little way
the right sort of man to fill a post of down the street before me, that they
trust at Miss Havisham’s. “Why, of might turn, as if they had forgotten
course he is not the right sort of man, something, and pass me face to face—
Pip,” said my guardian, comfortably on which occasions I don’t know whether
satisfied beforehand on the general head, they or I made the worse pretence;
“because the man who fills the post of they of not doing it, or I of not seeing
trust never is the right sort of man.” it. Still my position was a distin
It seemed quite to put him in spirits, guished one, and I was not at all dis
to find that this particular post was not satisfied with it, until Fate threw me
exceptionally held by the right sort of in the way of that unlimited miscreant,
man, and he listened in a satisfied man Trabb's boy.
ner while I told him what knowledge I Casting my eyes along the street at a
had of Orlick. “Wery good, Pip,” he certain point of my progress, I beheld
observed, when I had concluded, “I’ll Trabb's boy approaching, lashing him
go round presently, and pay our friend self with an empty blue bag. Deeming
off.” Rather alarmed by this summary that a serene and unconscious contem
action, I was for a little delay, and plation of him would best beseem me,
even hinted that our friend himself and would be most likely to quell his,
might be difficult to deal with. “Oh evil mind, I advanced with that ex
no, he won't,” said my guardian, making pression of countenance, and was rather
his pocket-handkerchief-point, with per congratulating myself on my success,
fect confidence ; “I should like to see when suddenly the knees of Trabb's
him argue the question with me.” boy Smote together, his hair uprose, his
As we were going back together to cap fell off, he trembled violently in
London by the mid-day coach, and as every limb, staggered out.into the road,
I breakfasted under such terrors of and crying to the populace, ‘‘Hold me !
Pumblechook that I could scarcely hold I’m so frightened l’ feigned to be in a
my cup, this gave me an opportunity of paroxysm of terror and contrition, oc
saying that I wanted a walk, and that casioned by the dignity of my appear
I would go on along the London-road ance. As I passed him, his teeth
while Mr. Jaggers was occupied, if he loudly chattered in his head, and with
would let the coachman know that I every mark of extreme humiliation, he
would get into my place when over prostrated himself in the dust.
taken. I was thus enabled to fly from This was a hard thing to bear, but
the Blue Boar immediately after break this was nothing. I had not advanced
fast. By then making a loop of about another two hundred yards, when, to
a couple of miles into the open country my inexpressible terror, amazement,
at the back of Pumblechool.'s premises, and indignation, I again beheld Trabb's
I got round into the High-street again, boy approaching. He was coming
a little beyond that pitfall, and felt round a narrow corner. His blue bag
myself in comparative security. was slung over his shoulder, honest in
It was interesting to be in the quiet
dustry beamed in his eyes, a deter
old town once more, and it was not dis mination to proceed to Trabb's with
cheerful briskness was indicated in his ther with one who could so far forget
gait. With a shock he became aware what he owed to the best interests of
of me, and was severely visited as be society, as to employ a boy who excited
fore ; but this time his motion was Loathing in every respectable mind.
rotatory, and he staggered round and The coach, with Mr. Jaggers inside,
round me with knees more afflicted, and came up in due time, and I took my
with uplifted hands as if beseeching for box-seat again, and arrived in London
mercy. His sufferings were hailed with safe—but not sound, for my heart was
the greatest joy by a knot of spectators, gone. As soon as I arrived, I sent a
and I felt utterly confounded. penitential codfish and barrel of oysters
I had not got as much further down to Joe (as reparation for not having
the street as the post-office, when I gone myself), and then went on to Bar
again beheld Trabb'sboy shooting nard's Inn.
round by a back way. This time, he
I found Herbert dining on cold meat,
was entirely changed. He wore the and delighted to welcome me back.
blue bag in the manner of my great Having despatched The Avenger to the
coat, and was strutting along the pave coffee-house for an addition to the din
ment towards me on the opposite side ner, I felt that I must open my breast
of the street, attended by a company of that very evening to my friend and
delighted young friends to whom he chum. As confidence was out of the
from time to time exclaimed, with a question with The Avenger in the hall,
wave of his hand, “Don’t know yah l’” which could merely be regarded in the
Words cannot state the amount of aggra light of an ante-chamber to the keyhole,
vation and injury wreaked upon me by I sent him to the Play. A better proof
Trabb's boy, when, passing abreast of of the severity of my bondage to that
me, he pulled up his shirt-collar, twined taskmaster could scarcely be afforded,
his side-hair, stuck an arm akimbo, than the degrading shifts to which I
and smirked extravagantly by, wrig was constantly driven to find him em
gling his elbows and body, and drawl ployment. So mean is extremity, that
ing to his attendants, “Don’t know I sometimes sent him to Hyde Park
yah, don't know yah, pon my soul don't corner to see what o'clock it was.
know yah l’” The disgrace attendant Dinner done and we sitting with our
on his immediately afterwards taking feet upon the fender, I said to Herbert,
to crowing and pursuing me across the “My dear Herbert, I have something
bridge with crows, as from an exceed very particular to tell you.”
ingly dejected fowl who had known me “My dear Handel,” he returned,
when I was a blacksmith, culminated “I shall esteem and respect your confi
the disgrace with which I left the town, dence.”
and was, so to speak, ejected by it into “It concerns myself, Herbert,” said
the open country. I, “and one other person.”
But unless I had taken the life of Herbert crossed his feet, looked at
Trabb's boy on that occasion, I really the fire with his head on one side, and
do not even now see what I could have having looked at it in vain for some
done save endure. To have struggled time, looked at me because I didn't go
with him in the street, or to have ex OIl.
acted any lower recompense from him “Herbert,” said I, laying my hand
than his heart's best blood, would have upon his knee, “I love—I adore—
been futile and degrading. Moreover, Estella.”
he was a boy whom no man could hurt; Instead of being transfixed, Herbert
easy matter-of-course way,
an invulnerable and dodging serpent replied in an Well
“Exactly. ?”
who, when chased into a corner, flew
“Well, Herbert. Is that all you
out again between his captor's legs, say? Well ?”
scornfully yelping. I wrote, however, “What next, I mean *" said Her.
to Mr. Trabb by next day's post, to say bert. “Of course I know that.”
that Mr. Pip must decline to deal fur
“How do you know it !” said I. no means recognised the analysis, but

“How do I know it, Handel ? Why, thought it not worth disputing.
from you.” “When I ask what I am to call my
“I never told you.” self to-day, Herbert,” I went on, “I
“Told me ! You have never told suggest what I have in my thoughts.
me when you have got your hair cut, You say I am lucky. I know I have
but I have had senses to perceive it. done nothing to raise myself in life, and
You have always adored her, ever since that Fortune alone has raised me; that
I have known you. You brought your is being very lucky. And yet, when I
adoration and your portmanteau here, think of Estella—”
| ??
together. Told me ! Why, you have (“And when don't you, you know
always told me all day long. When Herbert threw in, with his eyes on the
you told me your own story, you told fire; which I thought kind and sympa
me plainly that you began adoring her thetic of him.)
the first time you saw her, when you “—Then, my dear Herbert, I can
were very young indeed.” not tell you how dependent and un
“Wery well, then,” said I, to whom certain I feel, and how exposed to
this was a new and not unwelcome hundreds of chances. Avoiding for
light, “I have never left off adoring bidden ground, as you did just now, I
her. And she has come back, a most may still say that on the constancy of
beautiful and most elegant creature. one person (naming no person) all my
And I saw her yesterday. And if I expectations depend. And at the best,
sº
er.”
her before, I now doubly adore how indefinite and unsatisfactory, only
to know so vaguely what they are l’”
“Lucky for you then, Handel,” said In saying this, I relieved my mind of
Herbert, “that you are picked out what had always been there, more or
for her and allotted to her. Without less, though no doubt most since yester
encroaching on forbidden ground, we day.
may venture to say, that there can be “Now, Handel,” Herbert replied, in
no doubt between ourselves of that his gay hopeful way, “it seems to me
fact. Have you any idea yet, of Es that in the despondency of the tender
tella's views on the adoration ques passion, we are looking into our gift
tion ?” horse's mouth with a magnifying glass.
I shook my head gloomily. “Oh Likewise, it seems to me that, concen
She is thousands of miles away, from trating our attention on the examina
me,” said I. tion, we altogether overlook one of the
“Patience, my dear Handel: time best points of the animal. Didn't you
enough, time engugh. But you have tell me that your guardian, Mr. Jag
something more to say?” gers, told you in the beginning, that
“I am ashamed to say it,” I re you were not endowed with expecta
turned, “and yet it's no worse to say tions only 7 And even if he had not
it than to think it. You call me a told you so—though that is a very large
lucky fellow. Of course, I am. I was If, I grant—could you believe that of
a blacksmith's boy but yesterday; I am all men in London, Mr. Jaggers is the
—what shall I say I am—to-day ?” man to hold his present relations to
“Say, a good fellow, if you want a wards you unless he were sure of his
phrase,” returned Herbert, smiling, ground !”
and clapping his hand on the back of I said I could not deny that this was
mine : “a good fellow, with impetu a strong point. I said it (people often
osity and hesitation, boldness and diffi do so, in such cases) like a rather re
dence, action and dreaming, curiously luctant concession to truth and justice;
mixed in him.” —as if I wanted to deny it !
I stopped for a moment to consider “I should think it was a strong
whether there really was this mixture point,” said Herbert, “and I should
in my character. On the whole, I by think you would be puzzled to imagine
a stronger; as to the rest, you must when I laid my hand upon the village
bide your guardian's time, and he must finger-post, smote upon my heart again.
bide his client's time. You'll be one There was silence between us for a little
and-twenty before you know where you while.
are, and then perhaps you’ll get some “Yes; but my dear Handel,” Her.
further enlightenment. At all events, bert went on, as if we had been talk
you’ll be nearer getting it, for it must ing instead of silent, “it’s having been
come at last.” so strongly rooted in the breast of a
“What a hopeful disposition you boy whom nature and circumstances
have l’” said I, gratefully admiring his made so romantic, renders it very seri
cheery ways. ous. Think of her bringing-up, and
“I ought to have,” said Herbert, think of Miss Havisham. Think of
“for I have not much else. I must what she is herself (now I am repulsive
acknowledge, by the bye, that the good and you abominate me). This may lead
sense of what I have just said is not my to miserable things.”
own, but my father's. The only re “I know it, Herbert,” said I, with
mark I ever heard him make on your my head still turned away, “but I
story, was the final one : “The thing is can't help it.”
settled and done, or Mr. Jaggers would “You can’t detach yourself?”
not be in it.’ And now, before I say “No. Impossible !”
anything more about my father, or my “You can’t try, Handel?”
father's son, and repay confidence with “No. Impossible l’”
confidence, I want to make myself “Well !” said Herbert, getting up
seriously disagreeable to you for a mo with a lively shake as if he had been
ment—positively repulsive.” asleep, and stirring the fire; “now I’ll
“You won't succeed,” said I. endeavour to make myself agreeable
“Oh yes I shall !” said he. “One, again l’” - -
two, three, and now I am in for it. So, he went round the room and
Handel, my good fellow ;” though he shook the curtains out, put the chairs
spoke in this light tone, he was very in their places, tidied the books and so
much in earnest : “I have been think forth that were lying about, looked into
ing since we have been talking with our the hall, peeped into the letter-box,
feet on this fender, that Estella surely shut the door, and came back to his
cannot be a condition of your inheri chair by the fire; when he sat down,
tance, if she was never referred to by nursing his left leg in both arms.
your guardian. Am I right in so un “I was going to say a word or two,
derstanding what you have told me, as Handel, concerning my father and my
that he never referred to her, directly father's son. I am afraid it is scarcely
or indirectly, in any way ? Never even necessary for my father's son to remark
hinted, for instance, that your patron that my father's establishment is not
might have views as to your marriage particularly brilliant in its housekeep
ultimately " ing.”
“Never.” “There is always plenty, Herbert,”
“Now, Handel, I am quite free from said I : to say something encouraging.
the flavour of sour grapes, upon my “Oh yes 1 and so the dustman says, º,
soul and honour ! Not being bound to I believe, with the strongest approval,
her, can you not detach yourself from and so does the marine store-shop in
her ?—I told you I should be disagree the back, street. Gravely, Handel, for
able.” the subject is grave enough, you know
I turned my head aside, for, with a how it is, as well as I do. I suppose
rush and a sweep, like the old marsh there was a time once, when my father
winds coming up from the sea, a feel had not given matters up; but if ever
ing like that which had subdued me on there was, the time is gone. May I
the morning when I left the forge, when ask you if you have ever had an oppor
the mists were solemnly rising, and tunity of remarking, down in your part
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. #23
of the country, that the children of not for he has always kept his room over
exactly suitable marriages, are always head, since I have known Clara. But
most particularly anxious to be mar I have heard him constantly. He
ried ?” makes tremendous rows—roars, and
This was such a singular question, pegs at the floor with some frightful
that I asked him in return, “Is it instrument.” In looking at me and
so 2° -
then laughing heartily, Herbert for the
“I don't know,” said Herbert ; time recovered his usual lively manner.
“that's what I want to know.Be “Don’t you expect to see him 1"
cause it is decidedly the case with us. said I.
My poor sister Charlotte who was next “Oh yes, I constantly expect to see
me and died before she was fourteen, him,” returned Herbert, “because I
was a striking example. Little Jane is never hear him, without expecting him
the same. In her desire to be matri to come tumbling through the ceiling.
monially established, you might sup But I don't know how long the rafters
pose her to have passed her short ex may hold.”
istence in the perpetual contemplation When he had once more laughed
of domestic bliss. Little Alick in a heartily, he became meek again, and
frock has already made arrangements told me that the moment he began to
for his union with a suitable young per realise Capital, it was his intention to
son at Kew. And, indeed, I think we marry this young lady. He added as
are all engagéd, except the baby.” a self-evident proposition, engendering
“Then you are 2° said I. low spirits, “But you can't marry, you
“I am,” said Herbert; “but it's a know, while you're looking about you.”
secret.” As we contemplated the fire, and as
I assured him of my keeping the I thought what a difficult vision to
secret, and begged to be favoured with realise this same Capital sometimes
further particulars. He had spoken so was, I put my hands in my pockets.
sensibly and feelingly of my weakness, A folded piece of paper in one of them
that I wanted to know something about attracting my attention, I opened it
his strength. and found it to be the playbill I had
“May I ask the name : " I said. received from Joe, relative to the cele
“Name of Clara,” said Herbert. brated provincial amateur of Roscian
“Live in London 2'” renown. “And bless my heart,” I
“Yes. Perhaps I ought to men involuntarily added aloud, “it’s to
tion,” said Herbert, who had become night !”
curiously crestfallen and meek, since This changed the subject in an in
we entered on the interesting theme, stant, and made us hurriedly resolve to
“that she is rather below my mother's go to the play. So, when I had pledged
nonsensical family motions. Her father myself to comfort and abet Herbert in
had to do with the victualling of pas the affair of his heart by all practicable
senger-ships. I think he was a species and impracticable means, and when
of purser.” Herbert had told me that his affianced
“What is he now 7" said I. already knew me by reputation, and
“He’s an invalid now,” replied Her that I should be presented to her, and
bert. when we had warmly shaken hands
“Living on ** upon our mutual confidence, we blew
“On the first floor,” said Herbert. out our candles, made up our fire,
Which was not at all what I meant, for locked our door, and issued forth in
I had intended my question to apply to quest of Mr. Wopsle and Denmark.
his means. “I have never seen him,
CHAPTER XXXI.
ON our arrival in Denmark, we found circled by another, and each of her

the king and queen of that country arms by another, so that she was openly
elevated in two arm-chairs on a kit mentioned as “the kettledrum.” The
chen-table, holding a Court. The noble boy in the ancestral boots, was
whole of the Danish nobility were inconsistent ; representing himself, as
in attendance ; consisting of a noble it were in one breath, as an able sea
boy in the wash-leather boots of a gi man, a strolling actor, a gravedigger, a
gantic ancestor, a venerable Peer with a clergyman, and a person of the utmost
dirty face, who seemed to have risen importance at a Court fencing-match,
from the people late in life, and the on the authority of whose practised eye
Danish chivalry with a comb in its hair and nice discrimination the finest strokes
and a pair of white silk legs, and pre were judged. This gradually led to a
senting on the whole a feminine ap want of toleration for him, and even—
pearance. My gifted townsman stood on his being detected in holy orders,
gloomily apart, with folded arms, and and declining to perform the funeral
I could have wished that his curls and service — to the general indignation
forehead had been more probable. taking the form of nuts. Lastly,
Several curious little circumstances Ophelia was a prey to such slow musical
transpired as the action proceeded. madness, that when, in course of time,
The late king of the country not only she had taken off her white muslin
appeared to have been troubled with a scarf, folded it up, and buried it, a
cough at the time of his decease, but to sulky man who had been long cooling
have taken it with him to the tomb, his impatient nose against an iron bar
and to have brought it back. The in the front row of the gallery, growled,
royal phantom also carried a ghostly “Now the baby's put to bed let's have
manuscript round its truncheon, to supper l’” Which, to say the least of
which it had the appearance of occa it, was out of keeping.
sionally referring, and that, too, with Upon my unfortunate townsman all
an air of anxiety and a tendency to lose these incidents accumulated with play
the place of reference which were sug ful effect. Whenever that undecided
gestive of a state of mortality. It was Prince had to ask a question or state a
this, I conceive, which led to the doubt, the public helped him out with
Shade's being advised by the gallery it. As for example; on the question
to “turn over !”—a recommendation whether ’twas nobler in the mind to
which it took extremely ill. It was suffer, some roared yes, and some no,
likewise to be noted of this majestic and some inclining to both opinions
spirit that whereas it always appeared said “toss up for it;” and quite a De
with an air of having been out a long bating Society arose. When he asked
time and walked an immense distance, what should such fellows as he do
it perceptibly came from a closely con crawling between earth and heaven, he
tiguous wall. This occasioned its ter was encouraged with loud cries of
rors to be received derisively. The “Hear, hear?” When he appeared
Queen of Denmark, a very buxom lady, with his stocking disordered (its dis
though no doubt historically brazen, order expressed, according to usage, by
was considered by the public to have one very neat fold in the top, which I
too much brass about her; her chin suppose to be always got up with a flat
being attached to her diadem by a broad iron), a conversation took place in the
band of that metal (as if she had a gor gallery respecting the paleness of his
geous toothache), her waist being en leg, and whether it was occasioned by
the turn the ghost had given him. On I am afraid, but because it was very
his taking the recorders—very like a slow, very dreary, very up-hill and
little black flute that had just been down-hill, and very unlike any way in
played in the orchestra and handed out which any man in any natural circum
at the door—he was called upon unani stances of life or death ever expressed
mously for Rule Britannia. When he himself about anything. When the
recommended the player not to saw the tragedy was over, and he had been
air thus, the sulky man said, “And called for and hooted, I said to Her
don't you do it, neither; you’re a deal bert, “Let us go at once, or perhaps
worse than him / " And I grieve to we shall meet him.”
add that peals of laughter greeted Mr. We made all the haste we could
Wopsle on every one of these occasions. down-stairs, but we were not quick
But his greatest trials were in the enough either. Standing at the door
churchyard : which had the appearance was a Jewish man with an unnatural
of a primeval forest, with a kind of heavy smear of eyebrow, who caught
small ecclesiastical wash-house on one my eyes as we advanced, and said,
side, and a turnpike gate on the other. when we came up with him :
Mr. Wopsle in a comprehensive black “Mr. Pip and friend ?”
cloak, being descried entering at the Identity of Mr. Pip and friend con
turnpike, the gravedigger was admo fessed.
nished in a friendly way, “Look out ! “Mr. Waldengarver,” said the man,
Here's the undertaker a coming, to see “would be glad to have the honour.”
how you're getting on with your work!” “Waldengarver ?” I repeated—when
I believe it is well known in a constitu Herbert murmured in my ear, “Pro
tional country that Mr. Wopsle could bably Wopsle.”
not possibly have returned the skull, “Oh ſ” said I. ** Yes. Shall we
after moralising over it, without dust follow you?”
ing his fingers on a white napkin taken “A few steps, please.” When we
from his breast; but even that inno were in a side alley, he turned and
cent and indispensable action did not asked, “How do you think he looked
pass without the comment “Wai-ter!” —I dressed him.”
The arrival of the body for interment I don't know what he had looked like,
(in an empty black box with the lid except a funeral ; with the addition of
tumbling open), was the signal for a a large Danish sun or star hanging
general joy which was much enhanced round his neck by a blue ribbon, that
by the discovery, among the bearers, of had given him the appearance of being
an individual obnoxious to identifica insured in some extraordinary Fire
tion. The joy attended Mr. Wopsle Office. But I said he had looked very
through his struggle with Laertes on nice.
the brink of the orchestra and the “When he come to the grave,” said
grave, and slackened no more until he our conductor, “he showed his cloak
had tumbled the king off the kitchen beautiful. But, judging from the wing,
table, and had died by inches from the it looked to me that when he see the
ankles upward. ghost in the queen's apartment, he
We had inade some pale efforts in the might have made more of his stock
beginning to applaud Mr. Wopsle; but ings.”
they were too hopeless to be persisted I modestly assented, and we all fell
in. Therefore we had sat, feeling through a little dirty swing door, into
keenly for him, but laughing, never a sort of hot packing-case immediately
theless, from ear to ear. I laughed in behind it. Here Mr. Wopsle was di
spite of myself all the time, the whole
vesting himself of his Danish garments,
thing was so droll ; and yet I had a and here there was just room for us to
latent impression that there was some look at him over one another's shoul
thing decidedly fine in Mr. Wopsle's ders, by keeping the packing-case door,
elocution—not for old associations' sake, or lid, wide open.
“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Wopsle, “I last Hamlet as I dressed, made the

am proud to see you. I hope, Mr. Pip, same mistakes in his reading at re
you will excuse my sending round. I hearsal, till I got him to put a large
had the happiness to know you in red wafer on each of his shins, and
former times, and the Drama has ever then at that rehearsal (which was the
had a claim which has ever been ac last) I went in front, sir, to the back
knowledged, on the noble and the of the pit, and whenever his reading
affluent.” brought him into profile, I called out
Meanwhile, Mr. Waldengarver, in a ‘I don’t see no wafers ' And at night
frightful perspiration, was trying to get his reading was lovely.”
himself out of his princely sables. Mr. Waldengarver smiled at me, as
“Skin the stockings off, Mr. Wal much as to say “a faithful dependent
dengarver,” said the owner of that —I overlook his folly;” and then said
property, “ or you’ll bust 'em. Bust aloud, “My view is a little classic and
'em, and you'll bust five-and-thirty thoughtful for them here ; but they will
shillings. Shakspeare never was com improve, they will improve.”
plimented with a finer pair. Keep quiet Herbert and I said together, Oh, no
in your chair now, and leave 'em to me.” doubt they would improve.
With that, he went upon his knees, “Did you observe, gentlemen,” said
and began to flay his victim; who, on Mr. Waldengarver, “that there was a
the first stocking coming off, would man in the gallery who endeavoured to
certainly have fallen over backward cast derision on the service—I mean,
with his chair, but for there being no the representation ?”
room to fall anyhow. We basely replied that we rather
I had been afraid until then to say a thought we had noticed such a man.
word about the play. But then, Mr. I added, “He was drunk, no doubt.”
Waldengarver looked up at us compla “Oh dear no, sir,” said Mr. Wopsle,
cently, and said : “not drunk. His employer would see
“Gentlemen, how did it seem to you, to that, sir. His employer would not
to go, in front ?” allow him to be drunk.”
Herbert said from behind (at the “You know his employer ?” said I.
same time poking me), “capitally.” Mr. Wopsle shut his eyes, and opened
So I said “capitally.” them again; performing both ceremo
“How did you like my reading of nies very slowly. “You must have
the character, gentlemen º’” said Mr. observed, gentlemen,” said he, “an
Waldengarver, almost, if not quite, ignorant and a blatant ass, with a
with patronage. rasping throat and a countenance ex
Herbert said from behind (again pressive of low malignity, who went
poking me), “massive and concrete.” through—I will not say sustained—the
So I said boldly, as if I had originated rôle (if I may use a French expression)
it, and must beg to insist upon it, of Claudius King of Denmark. That
“massive and concrete.” is his employer, gentlemen. Such is
“I am glad to have your approba the profession '"
tion, gentlemen,” said Mr. Walden Without distinctly knowing whether
garver, with an air of dignity, in spite I should have been more sorry for Mr.
of his being ground against the wall at Wopsle if he had been in despair, I
the time, and holding on by the seat of was so sorry for him as it was, that I
the chair. took the opportunity of his turning
“But I'll tell you one thing, Mr. round to have his braces put on—
Waldengarver,” said the man who was which jostled us out at the doorway—
on his knees, “in which you're out in to ask Herbert what he thought of
your reading. Now mind I don’t care having him home to supper ? Herbert
who says contrary; I tell you so. said he thought it would be kind to do
You're out in your reading of Hamlet so ; therefore I invited him, and he
when you get your legs in profile. The went to Barnard's with us, wrapped up.
to the eyes, and we did our best for Miserably I went to bed after all,
him, and he sat until two o'clock inand miserably thought of Estella, and
miserably dreamed that my expecta
the morning, reviewing his success and
tions were all cancelled, and that I had
developing his plans. I forget in detail
what they were, but I have a generalto give my hand in marriage to Her
bert's Clara, or play Hamlet to Miss
recollection that he was to begin with
reviving the Drama, and to end with Havisham's Ghost, before twenty thou
crushing it; inasmuch as his decease sand people, without knowing twenty
would leave it utterly bereft and with words of it.
out a chance or hope.
CHAPTER XXXII.
ONE day when I was busy with my do you do? I should hardly have
books and Mr. Pocket, I received a thought this was your beat.”
note by the post, the mere outside of I explained that I was waiting to
which threw me into a great flutter; meet somebody who was coming up by
for, though I had never seen the hand coach, and I inquired after the Castle
writing in which it was addressed, I and the Aged.
divined whose hand it was. It had no “Both flourishing, thankye,” said
set beginning, as Dear Mr. Pip, or Dear Wemmick, “and particularly the Aged.
Pip, or Dear Sir, or Dear Anything, He's in wonderful feather. He'll be
but ran thus: eighty-two next birthday. I have a
notion of firing eighty-two times, if
“I am to come to London the day after
to-morrow by the mid-day coach. I believe the neighbourhood shouldn't complain,
it was settled you should meet me? At all and that cannon of mine should prove
events Miss Havisham has that impression, equal to the pressure. However, this
and I write in obedience to it. She sends
you her regard.
is not London talk. Where do you
“Yours, ESTELLA.” think I am going to ?”
“To the office 7" said I, for he was
If there had been time, I should tending in that direction.
probably have ordered several suits of “Next thing to it,” returned Wem
clothes for this occasion ; but as there mick, “I am going to Newgate. We are
was not, I was fain to be content with in a banker's-parcel case just at present,
those I had. My appetite vanished in and I have been down the road taking :
stantly, and I knew no peace or rest a squint at the scene of action, and
until the day arrived. Not that its thereupon must have a word or two
arrival brought me either ; for, then I with our client.”
was worse than ever, and began haunt “Did your client commit the rob
ing the coach-office in Wood-street, bery : " I asked. .
Cheapside, before the coach had left “Bless your soul and body, no,”
the Blue Boar in our town. For all
answered Wemmick, very dryly. “But
that I knew this perfectly well, I still he is accused of it.
So might you or I
felt as if it were not safe to let the be. Either of us might be accused of
coach-office be out of my sight longer it, you know.”
than five minutes at a time; and in “Only neither of us is,” I remarked.
this condition of unreason I had per “Yah 7" said Wemmick, touching
formed the first half-hour of a watch me on the breast with his forefinger ;
of four or five hours, when Wemmick “you're a deep one, Mr. Pip ! Would
ran against me. you like to have a look at Newgate 7
“Halloa, Mr. Pip,” said he ; “how Have you time to spare 7°
I had so much time to spare, that particular notice of the advance they
the proposal came as a relief, notwith had made, since last observed, towards
standing its irreconcilability with my coming out in full blow at their trial.
latent desire to keep my eye on the He was highly popular, and I found
coach-office. Muttering that I would that he took the familiar department
make the inquiry whether I had time of Mr. Jaggers's business: though some
to walk with him, I went into the thing of the state of Mr. Jaggers hung
office, and ascertained from the clerk about him too, forbidding approach
with the nicest precision and much to beyond certain limits. His personal
the trying of his temper, the earliest recognition of each successive client
moment at which the coach could be was comprised in a nod, and in his
expected—which I knew beforehand, settling his hat a little easier on his
quite as well as he. I then rejoined head with both hands, and then tight
Mr. Wemmick, and affecting to consult ening the post-office, and putting his
my watch and to be surprised by the hands in his pockets. In one or two
information I had received, accepted instances, there was a difficulty re
his offer. specting the raising of fees, and then
We were at Newgate in a few mi Mr. Wemmick, backing as far as pos
nutes, and we passed through the lodge sible from the insufficient money pro
where some fetters were hanging up on duced, said, “It's no use, my boy.
the bare walls among the prison rules, I'm only a subordinate. I can't take
into the interior of the jail. At that it. Don't go on in that way with a
time, jails were much neglected, and subordinate. If you are unable to
the period of exaggerated reaction con make up your quantum, my boy, you
sequent on all public wrong-doing—and had better address yourself to a prin
which is always its heaviest and longest cipal ; there are plenty of principals in
punishment—was still far off. So, the profession, you know, and what is
felons were not lodged and fed better not worth the while of one, may be
than soldiers (to say nothing of pau worth the while of another; that's my
pers), and seldom set fire to their recommendation to you, speaking as a
prisons with the excusable object of subordinate. Don’t try on useless mea
improving the flavour of their soup. sures. Why should you ? Now who's
It was visiting time when Wemmick next }''
took me in ; and a potman was going Thus, we walked through Wemmick's
his rounds with beer; and the prison greenhouse, until he turned to me and
ers, behind bars in yards, were buying Said, “Notice the man I shall shake
beer, and talking to friends ; and a hands with.” I should have done sc,
frouzy, ugly, disorderly, depressing without the preparation, as he had
scene it was. shaken hands with no one yet.
It struck me that Wemmick walked Almost as soon as he had spoken,
among the prisoners, much as a gar a portly upright man (whom I can see
dener might walk among his plants. now, as I write) in a well-worn olive
This was first put into my head by his coloured frock-coat, with a peculiar
seeing a shoot that had come up in the pallor overspreading the red in his
night, and saying, “What, Captain complexion, and eyes that went wan
Tom ? Are you there 2 Ah, indeed ?” dering about when he tried to fix them,
and also, “Is that Black Bill behind came up to a corner of the bars, and
the cistern ? Why I didn't look for put his hand to his hat—which had a
you these two months; how do you greasy and fatty surface like cold broth
find yourself " Equally in his stop —with a half-serious and half-jocose
ping at the bars and attending to military salute.
anxious whisperers—always singly— “Colonel, to you !” said Wemmick;
Wemmick with his post-office in an “how are you, Colonel ?”
immovable state, looked at them while “All right, Mr. Wemmick.”
in conference, as if he were taking “Everything was done that could be
GREAT ExPECTATIONS. I45
done, but the evidence was too strong As we came out of the prison through
for us, Colonel.” the lodge, I found that the great im
“Yes, it was too strong, sir—but portance of my guardian was appre
I don't care.” |ciated by the turnkeys, no less than
“No, no,” said Wemmick, coolly, by those whom they held in charge.
“you don't care.” Then, turning to “Well, Mr. Wemmick," said the turn
me, “Served His Majesty this man. key, who kept us between the two
Was a soldier in the line and bought studded and spiked lodge gates, and
his discharge.” who carefully locked one before he un
I said, “Indeed $" and the man's locked the other, “what's Mr. Jaggers
eyes looked at me, and then looked going to do with that Waterside mur
over my head, and then looked all der ? Is he going to make it man
round me, and then he drew his hand slaughter, or what's he going to make
across his lips and laughed. of it 7”
“I think I shall be out of this on “Why don't you ask him " re
Monday, sir,” he said to Wemmick. turned Wemmick.
“Perhaps,” returned my friend, “but “Oh, yes, I dare say !” said the
there's no knowing.” turnkey.
“I am glad to have the chance of “Now, that's the way with them
bidding you good-by, Mr. Wemmick,” here, Mr. Pip,” remarked Wemmick,
said the man, stretching out his hand turning to me with his post-office elon
between two bars. gated, “They don't mind what they
“Thankye,” said Wemmick, shaking 'ask of me, the subordinate ; but you’ll
hands with him. “Same to you, never catch 'em asking any questions
Colonel.” of my principal.”
“If what I had upon me when taken, “Is this young gentleman one of the
had been real, Mr. Wemmick,” said 'prentices or articled ones of your office?”
the man, unwilling to let his hand go, asked the turnkey, with a grin at Mr.
“I should have asked the favour of | Wemmick’s humour.
your wearing another ring—in acknow- || “There he goes again, you see 1”
ledgment of your attentions.” cried Wemmick, “I told you so I Asks
“I’ll accept the will for the deed,” another question of the subordinate
said Wemmick. “By-the-by ; you before his first is dry ! Well, sup
were quite a pigeon-fancier.” The posing Mr. Pip is one of them 7”
man looked up at the sky. “I am | “Why then,” said the turnkey,
told you had a remarkable breed of grinning again, “he knows what Mr.
tumblers. Could you commission any Jaggers is.”
friend of yours to bring me a pair, if “Yah 1” cried Wemmick, suddenly
you’ve no further use for 'em " hitting out at the turnkey in a face
“It shall be done, sir.” tious way, “you’re as dumb as one of
“All right,” said Wemmick, “they your own keys when you have to do
shall be taken care of Good after- with my principal, you know you are.
noon, Colonel. Good-by!” They shook | Let us out, you old fox, or I'll get him
hands again, and as we walked away to bring an action against you for false
Wemmick said to me, “A Coiner, a imprisonment.”
very good workman. The Recorder's The turnkey laughed, and gave us
report is made to-day, and he is sure good day, and stood laughing at us
to be executed on Monday. Still you over the spikes of the wicket when we
see, as far as it goes, a pair of pigeons descended the steps into the street.
are portable property, all the same.” “Mind you, Mr. Pip,” said Wem
With that, he looked back, and nodded mick, gravely in my ear, as he took
at this dead plant, and then cast his my arm to be more confidential; “I
eyes about him in walking out of the don’t know that Mr. Jaggers does a
yard, as if he were considering what better thing than the way in which
other pot would go best in its place, he keeps himself so high. He's always
L
so high. His constant height is of a two occasions, starting out like a stain
piece with his immense abilities. That that was faded but not gone ; that, it
Colonel durst no more take leave of should in this new way pervade my
him, than that turnkey durst ask him fortune and advancement. While my
his intentions respecting a case. Then, mind was thus engaged, I thought of
between his height and them, he slips the beautiful young Estella, proud and
in his subordinate—don't you see ?— refined, coming towards me, and I
and so he has 'em, soul and body.” thought with absolute abhorrence of
I was very much impressed, and not the contrast between the jail and her.
for the first time, by my guardian's I wished that Wemmick had not met
subtlety. To confess the truth, I very me, or that I had not yielded to him
heartily wished, and not for the first and gone with him, so that, of all days
time, that I had had some other guar in the year on this day, I might not
dian of minor abilities. have had Newgate in my breath and on
Mr. Wemmick and I parted at the my clothes. I beat the prison dust off
office in Little Britain, where suppliants my feet as I sauntered to and fro, and
for Mr. Jaggers's notice were lingering I shook it out of my dress, and I ex
about as usual, and I returned to my haled its air from my lungs. So con
watch in the street of the coach-office, taminated did I feel, remembering who
with some three hours on hand. I was coming, that the coach came
consumed the whole time in thinking quickly after all, and I was not yet
how strange it was that I should be free from the soiling consciousness of
encompassed by all this taint of prison Mr. Wemmick's conservatory, when I
and crime; that, in my childhood out saw her face at the coach window and
on our lonely marshes on a winter her hand waving to me.
evening, I should have first encountered What was the nameless shadow which
it; that, it should have reappeared on again in that one instant had passed ?
CHAPTER XXXIII.
In her furred travelling-dress, Es purse, and you are to pay my charges

tella seemed more delicately beautiful out of it. Oh, you must . take the
than she had ever seemed yet, even in purse We have no choice, you and
my eyes. Her manner was more win I, but to obey our instructions. We
ning than she had cared to let it be are not free to follow our own devices,
to me before, and I thought I saw you and I.”
Miss Havisham's influence in the As she looked at me in giving me
change. the purse, I hoped there was an inner
We stood in the Inn Yard while she meaning in her words. She said them
pointed out her luggage to me, and slightingly, but not with displeasure.
when it was all collected I remembered “A carriage will have to be sent for,
—having forgotten everything but her Estella. Will you rest here a little "
self in the mean while—that I knew “Yes, I am to rest here a little, and
nothing of her destination. I am to drink some tea, and you are
“I am going to Richmond,” she told to take care of me the while.”
me. “Our lesson is, that there are She drew her arm through mine,
two Richmonds, one in Surrey and one as if it must be done, and I requested
in Yorkshire, and that mine is the a waiter who had been staring at the
Surrey Richmond. The distance is coach like a man who had never seen
ten miles. I am to have a carriage, such a thing in his life, to show us
and you are to take me. This is my a private sitting-room. Upon that,
he pulled out a napkin, as if it were “At least !” repeated Estella.

a magic clue without which he couldn't “As pleasantly as I could anywhere,
find the way upstairs, and led us to away from you.”
the black hole of the establishment : “You silly boy,” said Estella, quite
fitted up with a diminishing mirror composedly, “how can you talk such
(quite a superfluous article considering nonsense Your friend Mr. Matthew,
the hole's proportions), an anchovy I believe, is superior to the rest of his
sauce-cruet, and somebody's pattens. family ”
On my objecting to this retreat, he “Wery superior indeed. He is no
took us into another room with a body's enemy—”
dinner-table for thirty, and in the “ — Don't add but his own,” inter
grate a scorched leaf of a copy-book posed Estella, “for I hate that class of
under a bushel of coal-dust. Having man. But he really is disinterested,
looked at this extinct conflagration and above small jealousy and spite, I
and shaken his head, he took my have heard ; ” -
order : which, proving to be merely “I am sure I have every reason to

“Some tea for , the lady,” sent him say so.”
out of the room in a very low state of “You have not every reason to say
mind. so of the rest of his people,” said
I was, and I am, sensible that the Estella, nodding at me with an expres
air of this chamber, in its strong com sion of face that was at once grave and
bination of stable with soup-stock, rallying, “for they beset Miss Havis
might have led one to infer that the ham with reports and insinuations to
coaching department was not doing well, your disadvantage. They watch you,
and that the enterprising proprietor was misrepresent you, write letters about
boiling down the horses for the refresh you (anonymous sometimes), and you
ment department. Yet the room was are the torment and occupation of
all in all to me, Estella being in it. I their lives. You can scarcely realise
thought that with her I could have to yourself the hatred those people feel
been happy there for life. (I was not for you.”
at all happy there at the time, observe, “They do me no harm, I hope 2"
and I knew it well.) Instead of answering, Estella burst
“Where are you going to, at Rich out laughing. This was very singular
mond?” I asked Estella. to me, and I looked at her in consider
“I am going to live,” said she, “at able perplexity. When she left off—
a great expense, with a lady there, who and she had not laughed languidly, but
has the power—or says she has—of with real enjoyment—I said, in my
taking me about, and introducing ine, diffident way with her :
and showing people to me and showing “I hope I may suppose that you
me to people.” would not be amused if they did me
“I suppose you will be glad of variety any harm **
and admiration ?” “No, no, you may be sure of that,”
“Yes, I suppose so.” said Estella. “You may be certain
She answered so carelessly, that I that I laugh because they fail. Oh,
said, “You speak of yourself as if you those people with Miss Havisham, and
were some one else.” the tortures they undergo l’” She
“Where did you learn how I speak laughed again, and even now, when she
of others ? Come, come,” said Estella, had told me why, her laughter was very
smiling delightfully, “you must not singular to me, for I could not doubt
expect me to go to school to you ; I its being genuine, and yet it seemed too
must talk in my own way. How do much for the occasion. I thought there
you thrive with Mr. Pocket ." must really be something more here
“I live quite pleasantly there ; at than I knew ; she saw the thought in
least—” It appeared to me that I my mind, and answered it.
was losing a chance, “It is not easy for even you,” said
I, 2
Estella, “to know what satisfaction it cheek, “you are to take care that I
gives me to see those people thwarted, have some tea, and you are to take me
or what an enjoyable sense of the to Richmond.”
ridiculous I have when they are made Her reverting to this tone as if our
ridiculous. For you were not brought association were forced upon us and we
up in that strange house from a mere were mere puppets, gave me pain ; but
baby.—I was. You had not your little everything in our intercourse did give
wits sharpened by their intriguing me pain. Whatever her tone with me
against you, suppressed and defenceless, happened to be, I could put no trust in
under the mask of sympathy and pity it, and build no hope on it; and yet I
and what not, that is soft and soothing. went on against trust and against hope.
—I had. You did not gradually open Why repeat it a thousand times? So it
your round childish eyes wider and always was.
wider to the discovery of that impostor I rang for the tea, and the waiter,
of a woman who calculates her stores of reappearing with his magic clue, brought
peace of mind for when she wakes up in by degrees some fifty adjuncts to that
in the night.—I did.” refreshment, but of tea not a glimpse.
It was no laughing matter with A teaboard, cups and saucers, plates,
Estella now, nor was she summoning knives and forks (including carvers),
these remembrances from any shallow spoons (various), salt-cellars, a meek
place. I would not have been the cause little muffin confined with the utmost
precaution under a strong iron cover,
of that look of hers, for all my expec
tations in a heap. Moses in the bullrushes typified by a
“Two things I can tell you,” said soft bit of butter in a quantity of
Estella. “First, notwithstanding the parsley, a pale loaf with a powdered
proverb, that constant dropping will head, two proof impressions of the bars
wear away a stone, you may set your of the kitchen fire-place on triangular
mind at rest that these people never bits of bread, and ultimately a fat
will—never would in a hundred years— family urn : which the waiter staggered
impair your ground with Miss Havis in with, expressing in his countenance
ham, in any particular, great or small. burden and suffering. After a pro
Second, I am beholden to you as the longed absence at this stage of the
cause of their being so busy and so entertainment, he at length came back
mean in vain, and there is my hand with a casket of precious appearance
upon it.” containing twigs. These I steeped in
As she gave it me playfully—for her hot water, and so from the whole of
darker mood had been but momentary these appliances extracted one cup of I
—I held it and put it to my lips. don’t know what, for Estella.
“You ridiculous boy,” said Estella, The bill paid, and the waiter remem
“will you never take warning? Or bered, and the ostler not forgotten, and
do you kiss my hand in the same the chambermaid taken into considera
spirit in which I once let you kiss my tion—in a word, the whole house
cheek?” bribed into a state of contempt and
“What spirit was that ?” said I. animosity, and Estella's purse much
“I must think a moment. A lightened—we got into our post-coach
spirit of contempt for the fawners and and drove away. Turning into Cheap
plotters.” side and rattling up Newgate-street, we
“If I say yes, may I kiss the cheek were soon under the walls of which I
again }” was so ashamed.
“You should have asked before “What place is that ?” Estella
you touched the hand. But, yes, if asked me.
you like.” I made a foolish pretence of not at
I leaned down, and her calm face was first recognising it, and then told her.
like a statue’s. “Now,” said Estella, As she looked at it, and drew in her
gliding away the instant I touched her head again, murmuring “Wretches' "
I would not have confessed to my visit that she made herself winning; and
for any consideration. would have won me even if the task
“Mr. Jaggers,” said I, by way of had needed pains. Yet this made me
putting it neatly on somebody else, none the happier, for, even if she had
“has the reputation of being more in not taken that tone of our being dis
the secrets of that dismal place than posed of by others, I should have felt
any man in London.” that she held my heart in her hand
“He is more in the secrets of every because she wilfully chose to do it, and
place, I think,” said Estella, in a low not because it would have wrung any
voice. tenderness in her, to crush it and throw
“You have been accustomed to see it away.
him often, I suppose ?” When we passed through Hammer
“I have been accustomed to see him smith, I showed her where Mr. Matthew
at uncertain intervals, ever since I can Pocket lived, and said it was no great
remember. But I know him no better way from Richmond, and that I hoped
now, than I did before I could speak I should see her sometimes.
plainly. What is your own experience of “Oh yes, you are to see me ; you are
him Do you advance with him ; " to come when you think proper; you
‘‘ Once habituated to his distrustful are to be mentioned to the family ; in
manner,” said I, “I have done very deed you are already mentioned.”
well.” I inquired was it a large household
“Are you intimate 2* she was going to be a member of ?
“I have dined with him at his “No ; there are only two ; mother
private house.” and daughter. The mother is a lady of
“I fancy,” said Estella, shrinking, some station, though not averse to in
“that must be a curious place.” creasing her income.”
“It is a curious place.” “I wonder Miss Havisham could part
I should have been chary of discussing with you again so soon.”
my guardian too freely even with her; “It is a part of Miss Havisham's
but I should have gone on with the plans for me, Pip,” said Estella, with a
subject so far as to describe the dinner sigh, as if she were tired ; “I am to
in Gerrard-street, if we had not then write to her constantly and see her
come into a sudden glare of gas. It regularly, and report how I go on—I
seemed, while it lasted, to be all alight and the jewels—for they are nearly all
and alive with that inexplicable feeling mine now.”
I had had before ; and when we were It was the first time she had ever
out of it, I was as much dazed for a called me by my name. Of course she
few moments as if I had been in did so, purposely, and knew that I
Lightning. should treasure it up.
So, we fell into other talk, and it We came to Richmond all too soon,
was principally about the way by which and our destination there, was a house
we were travelling, and about what by the Green : a staid old house, where
parts of London lay on this side of it, hoops and powder and patches, embroi
and what on that. The great city was dered coats, rolled stockings, ruffles, and
almost new to her, she told me, for she swords, had had their court days many
had never left Miss Havisham's neigh a time. Some ancient trees before the
bourhood until she had gone to France, house were still cut into fashions as
and she had merely passed through formal and unnatural as the hoops and
London then in going and returning. I wigs and stiff skirts; but their own
asked her if my guardian had any allotted places in the great procession
charge of her while she remained here of the dead were not far off, and they
To that she emphatically said, “God would soon drop into them and go the
forbid l’” and no more. silent way of the rest.
It was impossible for me to avoid A bell with an old voice—which I
seeing that she cared to attract me; dare say in its time had often said to
the house, Here is the green farthin the management of children and ser.
gale, Here is the diamond-hilted sword, vants were considered the very best
Here are the shoes with red heels and text books on those themes. But Mrs.
the blue solitaire, —sounded gravely in Pocket was at home, and was in a little
the moonlight, and two cherry-coloured difficulty, on account of the baby's
maids came fluttering out to receive having been accommodated with a
Estella. The doorway soon absorbed needle-case to keep him quiet during
her boxes, and she gave une her hand the unaccountable absence (with a rela
and a smile, and said good night, and tive in the Foot Guards) of Millers.
was absorbed likewise. And still I And more needles were missing than it
stood looking at the house, thinking how could be regarded as quite wholesome
happy I should be if I lived there with for a patient of such tender years either
her, and knowing that I never was to apply externally or to take as a
happy with her, but always Iniserable. tonic.
I got into the carriage to be taken Mr. Pocket being justly celebrated
back to Hammersmith, and I got in for giving most excellent practical ad
with a bad heart-ache, and I got out vice, and for having a clear and sound
with a worse heart-ache. At our own perception of things and a highly ju
door I found little Jane Pocket coming dicious mind, I had some notion in my
home from a little party, escorted by her heart-ache of begging him to accept my
little lover; and I envied her little lover, confidence. But happening to look up
in spite of his being subject to Flopson. at Mrs. Pocket as she sat reading her
Mr. Pocket was out lecturing ; for book of dignities after prescribing Bed
he was a most delightful lecturer on as a sovereign refuedy for baby, I
domestic economy, and his treatises on thought—Well–No, I wouldn't.
CELAPTER XXXIV.
As I had grown accustomed to my all my restlessness and disquiet of mind,

•xpectations, I had insensibly begun to that I really fell into confusion as to
Aotice their effect upon myself and those the limits of my own part in its produc
around me. Their influence on my own tion. That is to say, supposing I had
character I disguised from my recogni had no expectations, and yet had had
tion as much as possible, but I knew Estella to think of, I could not make
very well that it was not all good. I out to my satisfaction that I should
lived in a state of chronic uneasiness have done much better. Now, con
respecting my behaviour to Joe. My cerning the influence of my position on
conscience was not by any means com others, I was in no such difficulty, and
fortable about Biddy. When I woke up so I perceived—though dimly enough
in the night—like Camilla—I used to perhaps—that it was not beneficial to
think, with a weariness on my spirits, anybody, and, above all, that it was
that I should have been happier and not beneficial to Herbert. My lavish
better if I had never seen Miss Havis habits led his easy nature into expenses
ham's face, and had risen to manhood that he could not afford, corrupted the
content to be partners with Joe in the simplicity of his life, and disturbed his
honest old forge. Many a time of an peace with anxieties and regrets. I
evening, when I sat alone looking at was not at all remorseful for having un
the fire, I thought, after all, there was wittingly set those other branches of
no fire like the forge fire and the kitchen the Pocket family to the poor arts they
fire at home. practised : because such littlenesses
Yet Estella was so inseparable from were their natural bent, and would have
been evoked by anybody else, if I had fell into keeping late hours and late
left them slumbering. But Herbert's company, I noticed that he looked about
him with a desponding eye at breakfast
was a very different case, and it often
caused me a twinge to think that I had time; that he began to look about him
done him evil service in crowding his more hopefully about mid-day : that he
sparely-furnished chambers with incon drooped when he came in to dinner,
gruous upholstery work, and placing that he seemed to descry Capital in the
the canary-breasted Avenger at his dis distance, rather clearly, after dinner;
posal. that he all but realised Capital towards
So now, as an infallible way of mak midnight ; and that about two o'clock
ing little ease great ease, I began to in the morning, he became so deeply
contract a quantity of debt. I could despondent again as to talk of buying a
hardly begin but Herbert must begin rifle and going to America, with a
too, so he soon followed. At Startop's general purpose of compelling buffaloes
suggestion, we put ourselves down for to make his fortune.
election into a club called The Finches I was usually at Hammersmith about
of the Grove : the object of which in half the week, and when I was at
stitution I have never divined, if it were Hammersmith I haunted Richmond :
not that the members should dine ex whereof separately by-and-by. Her
pensively once a fortnight, to quarrel bert would often come to Hammersmith
among themselves as much as possible when I was there, and I think at those
after dinner, and to cause six waiters seasons his father would occasionally
to get drunk on the stairs. I know have some passing perception that the
that these gratifying social ends were opening he was looking for had not ap
so invariably accomplished, that Her peared yet. But in the general tumb
bert and I understood nothing else to ling up of the family, his tumbling out
be referred to in the first standing toast in life somewhere, was a thing to trans
of the society : which ran “Gentlemen, act itself somehow. In the mean time
may the present promotion of good feel Mr. Pocket grew greyer, and tried
ing ever reign predominant among the oftener to lift himself out of his per
Finches of the Grove.” -
plexities by the hair. While Mrs.
The Finches spent their money Pocket tripped up the family with her
foolishly (the Hotel we dined at was in footstool, read her book of dignities,
Covent Garden), and the first Finch I lost her pocket-handkerchief, told us
saw when I had the honour of joining about her grandpapa, and taught the
the Grove was Bentley Drummle : at young idea how to shoot, by shooting
that time foundering about town in it into bed whenever it attracted her
a cab of his own, and doing a great notice.
deal of damage to the posts at the street As I am now generalising a period of
corners. Occasionally, he shot himself my life with the object of clearing my
out of his equipage head-foremost over way before me, I can scarcely do so
the apron ; and I saw him on one oc better than by at once completing the
casion deliver himself at the door of the description of our usual manners and
Grove in this unintentional way—like customs at Barnard's Inn.
coals. But here I anticipate a little, We spent as much money as we could,
for I was not a Finch, and could not be, and got as little for it as people could
according to the sacred laws of the so make up their minds to give us. We
ciety, until I came of age. were always more or less miserable, and
In my confidence in my own resources, most of our acquaintance were in the
I would willingly have taken Herbert's same condition. There was a gay fiction
expenses on myself; but Herbert was among us that we were constantly en
proud, and I could make no such pro joying ourselves, and a skeleton truth
posal to him. So, he got into diffi that we never did. To the best of my
culties in every direction, and continued belief, our case was in the last aspect a
to look about him. When we gradually rather common one, s
Every morning, with an air ever humour—I would say to Herbert, as if

new, Herbert went into the City to look it were a remarkable discovery :
about him. I often paid him a visit in “My dear Herbert, we are getting
the dark back-room in which he con on badly.”
sorted with an ink-jar, a hat-peg, a “My dear Handel,” Herbert would
coal-box, a string-box, an almanack, a say to me, in all sincerity, “if you will
desk and stool, and a ruler ; and I do believe me, those very words were on
not remember that I ever saw him do my lips, by a strange coincidence.”
anything else but look about him. If “Then, Herbert,” I would respond,
we all did what we undertake to do, as “let us look into our affairs.”
faithfully as Herbert did, we might live We always derived profound satis
in a Republic of the Virtues. He had faction from making an appointment
nothing else to do, poor fellow, except for this purpose. I always thought
at a certain hour of every afternoon to this was business, this was the way to
“go to Lloyd’s”—in observance of a confront the thing, this was the way to
ceremony of seeing his principal, I take the foe by the throat. And I
think. He never did anything else in know Herbert thought so too.
connexion with Lloyd's that I could find We ordered something rather special
out, except come back again. When for dinner, with a bottle of something
he felt his case unusually serious, and similarly out of the common way, in
that he positively must find an opening, order that our minds might be fortified
he would go on 'Change at a busy time, for the occasion, and we might come
and walk in and out, in a kind of well up to the mark. Dinner over, we
gloomy country dance figure, among produced a bundle of pens, a copious
the assembled magnates. “For,” supply of ink, and a goodly show of
says Herbert to me, coming home to writing and blotting paper. For, there
dinner on one of those special occa was something very comfortable in hav
sions, “I find the truth to be, Handel, ing plenty of stationery.
that an opening won’t come to one, I would then take a sheet of paper,
but one must go to it—so I have and write across the top of it, in a neat
been.” hand, the heading, “Memorandum of
If we had been less attached to one Pip's debts; ” with Barnard's Inn and
another, I think we must have hated the date very carefully added. Her
one another regularly every morning. bert would also take a sheet of paper,
I detested the chambers beyond expres and write across it with similar for
sion at that period of repentance, and malities, “Memorandum of Herbert's
could not endure the sight of the debts.”
Avenger's livery : which had a more Each of us would then refer to a con
expensive and a less remunerative ap fused heap of papers at his side, which
pearance then, than at any other time had been thrown into drawers, worn
in the four-and-twenty hours. As we into holes in pockets, half-burnt in
got more and more into debt, breakfast lighting candles, stuck for weeks into
became a hollower and hollower form, the looking-glass, and otherwise dam
and, being on one occasion at breakfast aged. The sound of our pens going,
time threatened (by letter) with legal refreshed us exceedingly, insomuch that
proceedings, “not unwholly uncon I sometimes found it difficult to dis
nected,” as my local paper might put tinguish between this edifying business
it, “with jewellery,” I went so far as proceeding and actually paying the
to seize the Avenger by his blue collarmoney. In point of meritorious cha
and shake him off his feet—so that he racter, the two things seemed about
was actually in the air, like a booted equal.
Cupid—for presuming to suppose thatWhen we had written a little while,
we wanted a roll. I would ask Herbert how he got on ?
At certain times—meaning at un Herbert probably would have been
wertain times, for they depended on our scratching his head in a most rueful
manner at the sight of his accumulat sixty-four pounds four-and-twopence, I

ing figures. would say, “Leave a margin, and put
“They are mounting up, Handel,” them down at two hundred.” Or, sup
Herbert would say ; “upon my life posing my own to be four times as
they are mounting up.” much, I would leave a margin, and put
“Be firm, Herbert,” I would retort, them down at seven hundred. I had
plying my own pen with great assiduity. the highest opinion of the wisdom of
“Look the thing in the face. Look this same Margin, but I am bound to
into your affairs. Stare them out of acknowledge that on looking back, I
countenance.” deem it to have been an expensive
“So I would, Handel, only they are device. For, we always ran into new
staring me out of countenance.” debt immediately, to the full extent of
However, my determined manner the margin, and sometimes, in the sense
would have its effect, and Herbert of freedom and solvency it imparted, got
would fall to work again. After a time pretty far on into another margin.
he would give up once more, on the But there was a calm, a rest, a
plea that he had not got Cobbs's bill, virtuous hush, consequent on these
or Lobbs's, or Nobbs's, as the case examinations of our affairs that gave
might be. me, for the time, an admirable opinion
“Then, Herbert, estimate; estimate of myself. Soothed by my exertions,
it in round numbers, and put it down.” my method, and Herbert's compli
“What a fellow of resource you ments, I would sit with his symmetrical
are l’ my friend would reply, with bundle and my own on the table before
admiration. “Really your business me among the stationery, and feel like
powers are very remarkable.” a Bank of some sort, rather than a
I thought so too. I established with private individual.
myself, on these occasions, the reputa We shut our outer door on these
tion of a first-rate man of business— solemn occasions in order that we might
prompt, decisive, energetic, clear, cool not be interrupted. I had fallen into
headed. When I had got all my re my serene state one evening, when we
sponsibilities down upon my list, I com heard a letter dropped through the slit
pared each with the bill, and ticked it in the said door, and fall on the ground.
off. My self-approval when I ticked “It's for you, Handel,” said Herbert,
an entry was quite a luxurious sensa going out and coming back with it,
tion. When I had no more ticks to “ and I hope there is nothing the
make, I folded all my bills up uni matter.” This was in allusion to its
formly, docketed each on the back, and heavy black seal and border.
tied the whole into a symmetrical The letter was signed TRABB & Co.,
bundle. Then I did the same for Her and its contents were simply, that I
bert (who modestly said he had not my was an honoured sir, and that they
administrative genius), and felt that I begged to inform me that Mrs. J. Gar
had brought his affairs into a focus for gery had departed this life on Monday
him. last at twenty minutes past six in the
My business habits had one other evening, and that my attendance was
bright feature, which I called “leaving requested at the interment on Monday
a Margin.” For example ; supposing next at three o'clock in the afternoon.
Herbert's debts to be one hundred and
CHAPTER XXXV.
1T was the first time that a grave the very breath of the beans and
had opened in my road of life, and clover whispered to my heart that the
the gap it made in the smooth ground day must come when it would be well
was wonderful. The figure of my for my memory that others walking
sister in her chair by the kitchen fire, in the sunshine should be softened as
haunted me night and day. That they thought of me.
the place could possibly be, without At last I came within sight of the
her, was something my mind seemed house, and saw that Trabb and Co.
unable to compass; and whereas she had put in a funereal execution and
had seldom or never been in my taken possession. Two dismally absurd
thoughts of late, I had now the persons, each ostentatiously exhibiting
strangest idea that she was coming a crutch done up in a black bandage
towards me in the street, or that she —as if that instrument could possibly
would presently knock at the door. communicate any comfort to anybody
In my rooms too, with which she had —were posted at the front door; and
never been at all associated, there was in one of them I recognised a postboy
at once the blankness of death and a discharged from the Boar for turning
perpetual suggestion of the sound of a young couple into a sawpit on their
her voice or the turn of her face or bridal morning, in consequence of in
figure, as if she were still alive and toxication rendering it necessary for
had been often there. him to ride his horse clasped round the
Whatever my fortunes might have neck with both arms. All the children
been, I could scarcely have recalled of the village, and most of the women,
my sister with much tenderness. But were admiring these sable warders and
I suppose there is a shock of 'regret the closed windows of the house and
which may exist without much ten forge; and as I came up, one of the two
derness. Under its influence (and per warders (the postboy) knocked at the
haps to make up for the want of the door—implying that I was far too
softer feeling) I was seized with a much exhausted by grief, to have
violent indignation against the assailant strength remaining to knock for myself.
from whom she had suffered so much ; Another sable warder (a carpenter,
and I felt that on sufficient proof I who had once eaten two geese for a
could have revengefully pursued Orlick, wager) opened the door, and showed
or any one else, to the last extremity. me into the best parlour. Here, Mr.
Having written to Joe, to offer him Trabb had taken unto himself the best
consolation, and to assure him that I table, and had got all the leaves up,
would come to the funeral, I passed and was holding a kind of black Bazaar,
the intermediate days in the curious with the aid of a quantity of black pins.
state of mind I have glanced at. I At the moment of my arrival, he had
went down early in the morning, and just finished putting somebody's hat
alighted at the Blue Boar, in good time into black long-clothes, like an African
to walk over to the forge. baby; so he held out his hand for
It was fine summer weather again, mine. But I, misled by the action,
and, as I walked along, the times and confused by the occasion, shook
when I was a little helpless creature, hands with him with every testimony
and my sister did not spare me, vividly of warm affection.
returned. But they returned with a Poor dear Joe, entangled in a little
gentle tone upon them that softened black cloak tied in a large bow under
even the edge of Tickler. For now, his chin, was seated apart at the upper
end of the room ; where, as chief such and would be of opinions as it were
mourner, he had evidently been sta wanting in respect.”
tioned by Trabb. When I bent down “Pocket-handkerchiefs out, all !”
and said to him, “Dear Joe, how are cried Mr. Trabb at this point, in a de
you ?” he said, “Pip, old chap, you pressed business-like voice—“Pocket
knowed her when she were a fine figure handkerchiefs out ! We are ready 1"
of a--—” and clasped my hand and So, we all put our pocket-hand
said no more. kerchiefs to our faces, as if our noses
Biddy, looking very neat and modest were bleeding, and filed out two and
in her black dress, went quietly here two ; Joe and I; Biddy and Pumble
and there, and was very helpful. chool: ; Mr. and Mrs. Hubble. The
When I had spoken to Biddy, as I remains of my poor sister had been
thought it not a time for talking I brought round by the kitchen door,
went and sat down near Joe, and and, it being a point of Undertaking
there began to wonder in what part of ceremony that the six bearers must be
the house it—she—my sister—was. stifled and blinded under a horrible
The air of the parlour being faint with black velvet housing with a white
the smell of sweet cake, I looked border, the whole looked like a blind
about for the table of refreshments; monster with twelve human legs, shuf
it was scarcely visible untill one had fling and blundering along under the
got accustomed to the gloom, but there guidance of two keepers—the postboy
was a cut-up plum-cake upon it, and his comrade. -
and there were cut-up oranges, and The neighbourhood, however, highly
sandwiches, and biscuits, and two approved of these arrangements, and we
decanters that I knew very well as were much admired as we went through
ornaments, but had never seen used the village ; the more youthful and
in all my life : one full of port, and vigorous part of the community making
one of sherry. Standing at this table, dashes now and then to cut us off, and
I became conscious of the servile Pum lying in wait to intercept us at points
blechool in a black cloak and several of vantage. At such times the more
yards of hat-band, who was alternately exuberant among them called out in an
stuffing himself, and making obsequious excited manner on our emergence round
movements to catch my attention. The some corner of expectancy, “Here they
moment he succeeded, he came over to come !” “Here they are 1* and we
me (breathing sherry and crumbs), and were all but cheered. In this progress
said in a subdued voice, “May 1, dear I was much annoyed by the abject
sir 7” and did. I then descried Mr. Puin blechook, who, being behind me,
and Mrs. Hubble; the last-named in a persisted all the way, as a delicate atten
decent speechless paroxysm in a corner. tion, in arranging my streaming hat
We were all going to “follow,” and band, and smoothing my cloak. My
were all in course of being tied up thoughts were further distracted by the
separately (by Trabb) into ridiculous excessive pride of Mr. and Mrs. Hubble,
bundles. who were surpassingly conceited and
“Which I meantersay, Pip,” Joe vainglorious in being members of so
whispered me, as we were being what distinguished a procession.
Mr. Trabb called “formed '' in the And now the range of marshes lay
parlour, two and two—and it was clear before us, with the sails of the
dreadfully like a preparation for some ships on the river growing out of it ;
grim kind of dance; “which I mean and we went into the churchyard, close
tersay, sir, as I would in preference to the graves of my unknown parents,
have carried her to the church my Philip Pirrip, late of this parish, and
Also Georgiana, Wife of the Above.
self, along with three or four friendly
And there, my sister was laid quietly
ones wot come to it with willing harts
in the earth while the larks sang high
and arms, but it were considered wot
the neighbours would look down on above it, and the light wind strewed
it with beautiful shadows of clouds and He was very much pleased by my

trees. asking if I might sleep in my own little
Of the conduct of the worldly-minded room, and I was pleased too ; for, I felt
Pumblechook while this was doing, I that I had done rather a great thing in
desire to say no more than it was all making the request. When the shadows
addressed to me; and that even when of evening were closing in, I took an
those noble passages were read which opportunity of getting into the garden
reminded humanity how it brought with Biddy for a little talk.
nothing into the world and can take “Biddy,” said I, “I think you
nothing out, and how it fleeth like a might have written to me about these
shadow and never continueth long in sad matters.”
one stay, I heard him cough a reserva “Do you, Mr. Pip !” said Biddy.
tion of the case of a young gentleman “I should have written if I had thought
who came unexpectedly into large pro that.”
perty. When we got back, he had the “Don’t suppose that I mean to be
hardihood to tell me that he wished my unkind, Biddy, when I say I consider
sister could have known I had done her that you ought to have thought that.”
so much honour, and to hint that she “Do you, Mr. Pip !”
would have consideredit reasonably pur She was so quiet, and had such an
chased at the price of her death. After orderly, good, and pretty way with
that, he drank all the rest of the sherry, her, that I did not like the thought of
and Mr. Hubble drank the port, and making her cry again. After looking
the two talked (which I have since a little at her downcast eyes as she
observed to be customary in such cases) walked beside me, I gave up that
as if they were of quite another race point.
from the deceased, and were notoriously “I suppose it will be difficult for
immortal. Finally, he went away with you to remain here now, Biddy, dear?”
Mr. and Mrs. Hubble—to make an “Oh I can't do so, Mr. Pip,”
evening of it, I felt sure, and to tell the said Biddy, in a tone of regret, but
Jolly Bargemen that he was the founder still of quiet conviction. “I have been
of my fortunes and my earliest bene speaking to Mrs. Hubble, and I am
factor. going to her to-morrow. I hope we
When they were all gone, and when shall be able to take some care of
Trabb and his men—but not his boy : Mr. Gargery, together, until he settles
I looked for him—had crammed their down.”
mummery into bags, and were gone “How are you going to live, Biddy?
too, the house felt wholesomer. Soon If you want any mo 32
afterwards, Biddy, Joe, and I, had a “How am I going to live 7" re

cold dinner together ; but we dined in peated Biddy, striking in, with a mo
the best parlour, not in the old kitchen, mentary flush upon her face. “I’ll
and Joe was so exceedingly particular tell you, Mr. Pip. I am going to try
what he did with his knife and fork to get the place of mistress in the new
and the salt-cellar and what not, that school nearly finished here. I can be
there was great restraint upon us. But well recommended by all the neigh
after dinner, when I made him take bours, and I hope I can be industrious
his pipe, and when I had loitered with and patient, and teach myself while
him about the forge, and when we sat I teach others. You know, Mr. Pip,”
down together on the great block of pursued Biddy, with a smile, as she
stone outside it, we got on better. I raised her eyes to my face, “the new
aoticed that after the funeral Joe changed schools are not like the old, but I
his clothes so far, as to make a compro learnt a good deal from you after that
mise between his Sunday dress and time, and have had time since then to
working dress : in which the dear improve.”
fellow looked natural, and like the Man “I think you would always improve,
he was, Biddy, under any circumstances,”
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. 15?
“Ah! Except in my bad side of you; he was not there a minute, and
human nature,” murmured Biddy. he is gone.”
It was not so much a reproach, as It revived my utmost indignation to
an irresistible thinking aloud. Well ! find that she was still pursued by this
I thought I would give up that point fellow, and I felt inveterate against
too. So, I walked a little further with him. I told her so, and told her that
Biddy, looking silently at her downcast I would spend any money or take any
sº have not heard the particulars pains to drive him out of that country.
eyes.
By degrees she led me into more tem

of my sister's death, Biddy.” perate talk, and she told me how Joe
“They are very slight, poor thing. loved me, and how Joe never com
She had been in one of her bad states— plained of anything—she didn't say, of
though they had got better of late, me; she had no need; I knew what
rather than worse—for four days, when she meant—but ever did his duty in
she came out of it in the evening, just his way of life, with a strong hand,
at tea-time, and said quite plainly, a quiet tongue, and a gentle heart.
‘Joe.” As she had never said any “Indeed, it would be hard to say
word for a long while, I ran and too much for him,” said I; “and
fetched in Mr. Gargery from the forge. Biddy, we must often speak of these
She made signs to me that she wanted things, for of course I shall be often
him to sit down close to her, and down here now. I am not going to
wanted me to put her arms round his leave poor Joe alone.”
neck. So I put them round his neck, Biddy said never a single word.
and she laid her head down on his “Biddy, don't you hear me?”
shoulder quite content and satisfied. “Yes, Mr. Pip.”
And so she presently said “Joe” again, “Not to mention your calling me
and once ‘Pardon,’ and once ‘Pip.’ Mr. Pip—which appears to me to be
And so she never lifted her head up in bad taste, Biddy—what do you
any more, and it was just an hour mean 2''
later when we laid it down on her own
“What do I mean?” asked Biddy,
bed, because we found she was gone.” timidly.
Biddy cried; the darkening garden, “Biddy,” said I, in a virtuously
and the lane, and the stars that were self-asserting manner, “I must request
coming out, were blurred in my own to know what you mean by this?”
sight. “By this?” said Biddy.
“Nothing was ever discovered, “Now, don't echo,” I retorted.
Biddy?” “You used not to echo, Biddy.”
“Nothing.” “Used not l” said Biddy. “O
“Do you know what is become of Mr. Pip ! Used 1"
Orlick º’” Well I rather thought I would
“I should think from the colotir of give up that point too. After another
his clothes that he is working in the silent turn in the garden, I fell back
quarries.” on the main position.
“Of course you have seen him then? “Biddy,” said I, “I made a remark
—Why are you looking at that dark respecting my coming down here often,
tree in the lane!” to see Joe, which you received with a
“I saw him there, on the night she marked silence. Have the goodness,
died.” Biddy, to tell me why.”
“That was not the last time either, “Are you quite sure, then, that you
Biddy?” WILL come to see him often ?” asked
“No ; I have seen him there, since Biddy, stopping in the narrow garden
we have been walking here.—It is of walk, and looking at me under the
no use,” said Biddy, laying her hand stars with a clear and honest eye.
upon my arm, as I was for running “Oh dear me !” said I, as I found
out, “you know I would not deceive myself compelled to give up Biddy in
15S GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
despair. “This really is a very bad the bright sun of the life in store for
side of human nature Don't say any him were shining on it.
more, if you please, Biddy. This “Good-by, dear Joe —No, don't
shocks me very much.” wipe it off—for God's sake, give me
For which cogent reason I kept Biddy your blackened hand —I shall be down
at a distance during supper, and when soon and often.”
went up to my own old little room, took “Never too soon, sir,” said Joe,
as stately a leave of her as I could, in “and never too often, Pip !”
my murmuring soul, deem reconcilable Biddy was waiting for me at the
with the churchyard and the event of kitchen door, with a mug of new milk
the day. As often as I was restless in and a crust of bread. “Biddy,” said
the night, and that was every quarter I, when I gave her my hand at parting,
of an hour, I reflected what an unkind “I am not angry, but I am hurt.”
ness, what an injury, what an injustice, “No, don’t be hurt,” she pleaded
Biddy had done me. quite pathetically; “let only me be
Early in the morning, I was to go. hurt, if I have been ungenerous.”
Early in the morning, I was out, and, Once more, the mists were rising as
looking in, unseen, at one of the wooden I walked away. If they disclosed to
windows of the forge. There I stood, me, as I suspect they did, that I should
for minutes, looking at Joe, already at not come back, and that Biddy was
work with a glow of health and strength quite right, all I can say is—they were
upon his face that made it show as if quite right too.
CHAPTER, XXXVI.
HERBERT and I went on from bad to the auspicious day. This convinced us
worse, in the way of increasing our that something great was to happen,
debts, looking into our affairs, leaving and threw me into an unusual flutter
Margins, and the like exemplary trans when I repaired to my guardian's office,
actions; and Time went on, whether a model of punctuality.
or no, as he has a way of doing ; and In the outer office Wemmick offered
I came of age—in fulfilment of Her me his congratulations, and incidentally
bert’s prediction, that I should do so rubbed the side of his nose with a
before I knew where I was. folded piece of tissue-paper that I
Herbert himself had come of age, liked the look of. But he said nothing
eight months before me. As he had respecting it, and motioned me with
nothing else than his majority to come a nod into my guardian's room. It
into, the event did not make a pro was November, and my guardian was
found sensation in Barnard's Inn. But standing before his fire leaning his back
we had looked forward to my one-and against the chimney-piece, with his
twentieth birthday, with a crowd of hands under his coat-tails.
speculations and anticipations, for we “Well, Pip,” said he, “I must call
had both considered that my guardian you Mr. Pip to-day. Congratulations,
could hardly help saying something Mr. Pip.”
definite on that occasion. We shook hands—he was always a
I had taken care to have it well. remarkably short shaker—and Ithanked
understood in Little Britain when my him.
birthday was. On the day before “Take a chair, Mr. Pip,” said my
it, I received an official note from guardian.
Wemmick, informing me that Mr. As I sat down, and he preserved his
Jaggers would be glad if I would call attitude and bent his brows at his
upon him at five in the afternoon of boots, I felt at a disadvantage, which
reminded me of that old time when Wemmick to give him that piece of
I had been put upon a tombstone. The paper. Wemmick appeared, handed
two ghastly casts on the shelf were not it in, and disappeared.
far from him, and their expression was “Now, Mr. Pip,” said Mr. Jaggers,
as if they were making a stupid apo “attend, if you please. You have
plectic attempt to attend to the con been drawing pretty freely here ; your
versation. name occurs pretty often in Wemmick's
“Now, my young friend,” my guar cash-book: but you are in debt, of
dian began, as if I were a witness in course ?”
the box, “I am going to have a word “I am afraid I must say yes, sir.”
or two with you.” “You know you must say yes; don't
“If you please, sir.” you?” said Mr. Jaggers. -
“What do you suppose,” said Mr. “Yes, sir.”

Jaggers, bending forward to look at “I don't ask you what you owe,
the ground, and then throwing his because you don’t know ; and if you did
head back to look at the ceiling, “what know, you wouldn't tell me; you would
do you suppose you are living at the say less. Yes, yes, my friend,” cried
rate of 2* Mr. Jaggers, waving his forefinger to
“At the rate of, sir?” stop me, as I made a show of protesting :
“At,” repeated Mr. Jaggers, still “it’s likely enough that you think you
looking at the ceiling, “the-rate— wouldn't, but you would. You'll ex
of . " And then looked all round the cuse me, but I know better than you.
room, and paused with his pocket Now, take this piece of paper in your
handkerchief in his hand, half way to hand. You have got it ! Very good.
his nose. Now, unfold it and tell me what it
I had looked into my affairs so often, is.”
that I had thoroughly destroyed any “This is a bank-note,” said I, “for
slight notion I might ever have had five hundred pounds.”
of their bearings. Reluctantly, I con “That is a bank-note,” repeated
fessed myself quite unable to answer Mr. Jaggers, “for five hundred pounds.
the question. This reply seemed agree And a very handsome sum of money
able to Mr. Jaggers, who said, “I too, I think. You consider it so "
thought so I’’ and blew his nose with “How could I do otherwise l’”
an air of satisfaction. “Ah ! But answer the question,”
“Now, I have asked you a question, said Mr. Jaggers.
my friend,” said Mr. Jaggers. “Have “Undoubtedly.”
you anything to ask me !" “You consider it, undoubtedly, a
“Of course it would be a great handsome sum of money. Now, that
relief to me to ask you several ques handsome sum of money, Pip, is your
tions, sir; but I remember your pro own. It is a present to you on this
hibition.” day, in earnest of your expectations.
“Ask one,” said Mr. Jaggers, And at the rate of that handsome sum
“Is my benefactor to be made known of money per annum, and at no higher
to me to-day !” rate, you are to live until the donor of
“No. Ask another.” the whole appears. That is to say, you
“Is that confidence to be imparted will now take your money affairs en
to me soon : ” tirely into your own hands, and you
“Waive that, a moment,” said Mr. will draw from Wemmick one hundred
Jaggers, “and ask another.” and twenty-five pounds per quarter,
I looked about me, but there ap until you are in communication with
peared to be now no possible escape the fountain-head, and no longer with
from the inquiry, “Have—I—anything the mere agent. As I have told you
to receive, sir?” On that, Mr. Jag before, I am the mere agent. I exe
gers said, triumphantly, “I thought cute my instructions, and I am paid for
we should come to it !” and called to doing so. I think them injudicious,
but I am not paid for giving any Mr. Jaggers shook his head—not in
opinion on their merits.” negativing the question, but in alto
I was beginning to express my grati gether negativing the notion that he
tude to my benefactor for the great could anyhow be got to answer it—and
liberality with which I was treated, the two horrible casts of the twitched
when Mr. Jaggers stopped me. “I faces looked, when my eyes strayed up
am not paid, Pip,” said he, coolly, “to to them, as if they had come to a crisis
carry your words to any one ;” and in their suspended attention, and were
then gathered up his coat-tails, as he going to sneeze.
had gathered up the subject, and stood “Come !” said Mr. Jaggers, warming
frowning at his boots as if he suspected the backs of his legs with the backs of
them of designs against him. his warmed hands, “I’ll be plain with
After a pause, I hinted : you, my friend Pip. That's a question
“There was a question just now, I must not be asked. You'll under
Mr. Jaggers, which you desired me to stand that, better, when I tell you it's
waive for a moment. I hope I am a question that might compromise me.
doing nothing wrong in asking it Come ! I'll go a little further with
again?” you; I’ll say something more.” "
“What is it?” said he. He bent down so low to frown at his
I might have known that he would boots, that he was able to rub the calves
never help me out ; but it took me of his legs in the pause he made.
aback to have to shape the question “When that person discloses,” said
afresh, as if it were quite new. “Is Mr. Jaggers, straightening himself,
it likely,” I said, after hesitating, “you and that person will settle your
“that my patron, the fountain-head own affairs. When that person dis
you have spoken of, Mr. Jaggers, will closes, my part in this business will
800m ” there I delicately stopped. cease and determine. When that per
“Will soon what ?” asked Mr. son discloses, it will not be necessary
Jaggers. “That's no question as it for me to know anything about it.
stands, you know.” And that's all I have got to say.”
“Will soon come to London,” said I, We looked at one another until I
after casting about for a precise form withdrew my eyes, and looked thought
of words, “ or summon me anywhere fully at the floor. From this last
else ?” speech I derived the notion that Miss
“Now here,” replied Mr. Jaggers, Havisham, for some reason or no
fixing me for the first time with his reason, had not taken him into her
dark deep-set eyes, “we must revert confidence as to her designing me for
to the evening when we first encoun Estella ; that he resented this, and
tered one another in your village. felt a jealousy about it ; or that he
What did I tell you then, Pip !” really did object to that scheme, and
“You told me, Mr. Jaggers, that it would have nothing to do with it.
might be years hence when that person When I raised my eyes again, I found
appeared.” that he had been shrewdly looking at
“Just so,” said Mr. Jaggers; “that's me all the time, and was doing so still.
my answer.” “If that is all you have to say, sir,”
As we looked full at one another, I I remarked, “there can be nothing left
felt my breath come quicker in my for me to say.”
strong desire to get something out of He nodded assent, and pulled out
him. And as I felt that it came his thief-dreaded watch, and asked me
quicker, and as I felt that he saw that where I was going to dine ! I replied
it came quicker, I felt that I had less at my own chambers, with Herbert.
chance than ever of getting anything As a necessary sequence, I asked him
out of him. if he would favour us with his com
“Do you suppose it will still be pany, and he promptly accepted the
years hence, Mr. Jaggers ?” invitation. But he insisted on walking
home with me, in order that I might with the handle of his safe-key on the
make no extra preparation for him, palm of his hand. “There's as many
and first he had a letter or two to as six, you see, to choose from.”
write, and (of course) had his hands “I don’t understand you,” said I.
to wash. So, I said I would go into “Choose your bridge, Mr. Pip,”
the outer office and talk to Wemmick. returned Wemmick, “and take a walk
The fact was, that when the five upon your bridge, and pitch your money
hundred pounds had come into my into the Thames over the centre arch
pocket, a thought had come into my of your bridge, and you know the end
head which had been often there of it. Serve a friend with it, and you
before ; and it appeared to me that may know the end of it too—but it's a
Wemmick was a good person to advise less pleasant and profitable end.”
with, concerning such thought. I could have posted a newspaper in
He had already locked up his safe, his mouth, he made it so wide after
and made preparations for going home. saying this.
He had left his desk, brought out his “This is very discouraging,” said I.
two greasy officecandlesticks and stood “Meant to be so,” said Wemmick.
them in line with the snuffers on a slab “Then is it your opinion,” I in.
near the door, ready to be extinguished ; quired, with some little indignation,
he had raked his fire low, put his hat “that a man should never 22
and great-coat ready, and was beating “—Invest portable property in a

himself all over the chest with his safe
friend ?” said Wemmick. “Certainly
key as an athletic exercise after busi he should not. Unless he wants to get
Iness. rid of the friend—and then it becomes
“Mr. Wemmick,” said I, “I want a question how much portable property
to ask your opinion.I am very de it may be worth to get rid of him.”
sirous to serve a friend.” “And that,” said I, “is your deli
Wemmick tightened his post-office berate opinion, Mr. Wemmick º’”
and shook his head, as if his opinion “That,” he returned, “is my deli
were dead against any fatal weakness berate opinion in this office.”
of that sort. “Ah !” said I, pressing him, for I
“This friend,” I pursued, “is try thought I saw him near a loophole
ing to get on in commercial life, but here ; “but would that be your opinion
has no money, and finds it difficult and at Walworth º'
disheartening to make a beginning. “Mr. Pip,” he replied, with gravity,
Now, I want somehow to help him to “Walworth is one place, and this office
a beginning.” is another. Much as the Aged is one
“With money down?” said Wem person, and Mr. Jaggers is another.
mick, in a tone drier than any saw They must not be confounded together.
dust. My Walworth sentiments must be taken
“With some money down,” I replied, at Walworth; none but my official sen
for an uneasy remembrance shot across timents can be taken in this office.”
me of that symmetrical bundle of “Wery well,” said I, much relieved,
papers at home; “with some money “then I shall look you up at Walworth,
down, and perhaps some anticipation you may depend upon it.”
of my expectations.” “Mr. Pip,” he returned, “you will
“Mr. Pip,” said Wemmick, “I be welcome there, in a private and
should like just to run over with you personal capacity.”
on my fingers, if you please, the names We had held this conversation in a
of the various bridges up as high as low voice, well knowing my guardian's
Chelsea Reach. Let's see ; there's ears to be the sharpest of the sharp.
London, one ; Southwark, two ; Black As he now appeared in his doorway,
friars, three ; Waterloo, four; West towelling his hands, Wemmick got on
minster, five ; Vauxhall, six.” He his great-coat and stood by to snuff out
had checked off each bridge in its turn, the candles. We all three went into
M
the street together, and from the door he made of it. He was a thousand
step Wemmick turned his way, and Mr. times better informed and cleverer than
Jaggers and I turned ours. Wemmick, and yet I would a thousand
I could not help wishing more than times rather have had Wemmick to
once that evening, that Mr. Jaggers dinner. And Mr. Jaggers made not
had had an Aged in Gerrard-street, or me alone intensely melancholy, because,
a Stinger, or a Something, or a Some after he was gone, Herbert said of
body, to unbend his brows a little. It himself, with his eyes fixed on the fire,
was an uncomfortable consideration on that he thought he must have commit
a twenty-first birthday, that coming of ted a felony and forgotten the details
age at all seemed hardly worth while in of it, he felt so dejected and guilty,
such a guarded and suspicious world as
CHAPTER XXXVII.
DEEMING Sunday the best day for putation of Mr. Jaggers, I roared that
taking Mr. Wemmick’s Walworth sen name at him. He threw me into the
timents, I devoted the next ensuing greatest confusion by laughing heartily
Sunday afternoon to a pilgrimage to the and replying in a very sprightly man
Castle. On arriving before the battle ner, “No, to be sure; you’re right.”
ments, I found the Union Jack flying And to this hour I have not the faintest
and the drawbridge up ; but undeterred notion what he meant, or what joke he
by this show of defiance and resistance, thought I had made.
I rang at the gate, and was admitted As I could not sit there nodding at
in a most pacific manner by the Aged. him perpetually, without making some
“My son, sir,” said the old man, other attempt to interest him, I shouted
after securing the drawbridge, “rather an inquiry whether his own calling in
had it in his mind that you might life had been “the Wine-Coopering.”
happen to drop in, and he left word By dint of straining that term out of
that he would soon be home from his myself several times and tapping the
afternoon's walk. He is very regular old gentleman on the chest to associate
in his walks, is my son. Wery regular it with him, I at last succeeded in
in everything, is my son.” making my meaning understood.
I nodded at the old gentleman as “No,” said the old gentleman; “the
Wemmick himself might have nodded, warehousing, the warehousing. First,
and we went in and sat down by the over yonder; ” he appeared to mean
fireside. up the chimney, but I believe he in
“You made acquaintance with my tended to refer me to Liverpool; “and
son, sir,” said the old man, in his then in the City of London here. How
chirping way, while he warmed his ever, having an infirmity—for I am
hands at the blaze, “at his office, I hard of hearing, sir——”
expect?” I nodded. “Hah I have I expressed in pantomime the greatest
heerd that my son is a wonderful hand astonishment.
at his business, sir?” I nodded hard. “—Yes, hard of hearing; having
“Yes; so they tell me. His business that infirmity coming upon me, my son
is the Law 7” I nodded
harder. he went into the Law, and he took
“Which makes it more surprising in charge of me, and he by little and little
my, son,” said the old man, “for he made out this elegant and beautiful
was not brought up to the Law, but to property. But returning to what you
the Wine-Coopering.” said, you know,” pursued the old man,
Curious to know how the old gentle again laughing heartily, “what I say
man stood informed concerning the ré is, No, to be sure; you're right.”
I was modestly wondering whether know, they're both pleasant and useful
my utmost ingenuity would have enabled to the Aged. And by George, sir, it's
me to say anything that would have a thing worth mentioning, that of all
amused him half as much as this the people who come to this gate, the
imaginary pleasantry, when I was secret of those pulls is only known to
startled by a sudden click in the wall the Aged, Miss Skiffins, and me !”
on one side of the chimney, and the “And Mr. Wemmick made them,”
ghostly tumbling open of a little wooden added Miss Skiffins, “with his own
flap with “John ” upon it. The old hands out of his own head.”
man, following my eyes, cried with While Miss Skiffins was taking off
great triumph, “My son's come her bonnet (she retained her green
home !” and we both went out to the gloves during the evening as an outward
drawbridge. and visible sign that there was com
It was worth any money to see Wem pany), Wemmick invited me to take a
mick waving a salute to me from the walk with him round the property, and
other side of the moat, when we might see how the island looked in winter
have shaken hands across it with the time. Thinking that he did this to
greatest ease. The Aged was so de give me an opportunity of taking his
lighted to work the drawbridge, that I Walworth sentiments, I seized the
made no offer to assist him, but stood opportunity as soon as we were out of
quiet until Wemmick had come across, the Castle.
and had presented me to Miss Skiffins: Having thought of the matter with
a lady by whom he was accompanied. care, I approached my subject as if I
Miss Skiffins was of a wooden appear had never hinted at it before. I in
ance, and was, like her escort, in the formed Wemmick that I was anxious in
post-office branch of the service. She behalf of Herbert Pocket, and I told
might have been some two or three years him how we had first met, and how we
younger than Wemmick, and I judged had fought. I glanced at Herbert's
her to stand possessed of portable pro home, and at his character, and at his
perty. The cut of her dress from the having no means but such as he was
waist upward, both before and behind, dependent on his father for : those, un
made her figure very like a boy's kite; certain and unpunctual. I alluded to
and I might have pronounced her gown the advantages I had derived in my first
a little too decidedly orange, and her rawness and ignorance from his society,
gloves a little too intensely green. But and I confessed that I feared I had but
she seemed to be a good sort of fellow, ill repaid them, and that he might have
and showed a high regard for the Aged. done better without me and my expec
I was not long in discovering that she tations. Keeping Miss Havisham in
was a frequent visitor at the Castle ; the background at a great distance, I
for, on our going in, and my compli still hinted at the possibility of my
menting Wemmick on his ingenious having competed with him in his pro
contrivance for announcing himself to spects, and at the certainty of his pos
the Aged, he begged me to give my sessing a generous soul, and being far
attention for a moment to the other side above any mean distrusts, retaliations,
of the chimney, and disappeared. Pre or designs. For all these reasons (I
sently another click came, and another told Wemmick), and because he was my
little door tumbled open with “Miss young companion and friend, and I had
a great affection for him, I wished my
Skiffins” on it; then Miss Skiffins shut
up and John tumbled open ; then Miss own good fortune to reflect some rays
Skiffins and John both tumbled open upon him, and therefore I sought advice
together, and finally shut up together. from Wemmick’s experience and know
On Wemmick's return from working ledge of men and affairs, how I could
these mechanical appliances, I expressed best try with my resources to help
the great admiration with which I re Herbert to some present income—say
garded them, and he said, “Well, you of a hundred a year, to * in in.
M
good hope and heart—and gradually expressed his desire to participate in

to buy him on to some small partner the entertainment.
ship. I begged Wemmick, in conclu The flag had been struck, and the
sion, to understand that my help must gun had been fired, at the right moment
always be rendered without Herbert's of time, and I felt as snugly cut off
knowledge or suspicion, and that there from the rest of Walworth as if the
was no one else in the world with whom moat were thirty feet wide by as many
I could advise. I wound up by laying deep. Nothing disturbed the tran
my hand upon his shoulder, and saying quillity of the Castle, but the occasional
“I can’t help confiding in you ; though tumbling open of John and Miss
I know it must be troublesome to you; Skiffins: which little doors were a prey
but that is your fault; in having ever to some spasmodic infirmity that made
brought me here.” me sympathetically uncomfortable until
Wemmick was silent for a little while, I got used to it. I inferred from the
and then said with a kind of start, methodical nature of Miss Skiffins's
“Well, you know, Mr. Pip, I must tell arrangements that she made tea there
you one thing.
33
This is devilish good of every Sunday night ; and I rather sus
Ou. pected that a classic brooch she wore,
“Say you'll help me to be good then,” representing the profile of an unde
said I. sirable female with a very straight nose
“Ecod,” replied Wemmick, shaking and a very new moon, was a piece of
his head, “that's not my trade.” portable property that had been given
“Nor is this your trading-place,” her by Wemmick.
said I. We ate the whole of the toast, and
“You are right,” he returned. drank tea in proportion, and it was
“You hit the nail on the head. Mr. delightful to see how warm and greasy
Pip, I’ll put on my considering cap, and we all got after it. The Aged especially,
I think all you want to do, may be done might have passed for some clean old
by degrees. Skiffins (that's her brother) chief of a savage tribe, just oiled. After
is an accountant and agent. I’ll look a short pause of repose, Miss Skiffins—
him up and go to work for you.” in the absence of the little servant who,
“I thank you ten thousand times.” it seemed, retired to the bosom of her
“On the contrary,” said he, “I family on Sunday afternoons—washed
thank you, for though we are strictly up the tea-things, in a trifling lady-like
in our private and personal capacity, amateur manner that compromised none
still it may be mentioned that there are of us. Then, she put on her gloves
Newgate cobwebs about, and it brushes again, and we drew round the fire, and
them away.” Wemmick said, “Now, Aged Parent,
After a little further conversation to tip us the paper.”
the same effect, we returned into the Wemmick explained to me while the
Castle where we found Miss Skiffins Aged got his spectacles out, that this
preparing tea. The responsible duty of was according to custom, and that it
making the toast was delegated to the gave the old gentleman infinite satis
Aged, and that excellent old gentleman faction to read the news aloud. “I
was so intent upon it that he seemed to won't offer an apology,” said Wemmick,
be in some danger of melting his eyes. “for he isn't capable of many pleasures
It was no nominal meal that we were —are you Aged P. "
going to make, but a vigorous reality. “All right, John, all right,” re
The Aged prepared such a haystack of turned the old man, seeing himself
buttered toast, that I could scarcely see spoken to. -
him over it as it simmered on an iron “Only tip him a nod every now and
stand hooked on to the top-bar ; while then when he looks off his paper,” said
Miss Skiffins brewed such a jorum of Wemmick, “and he'll be as happy as
tea, that the pig in the back premises * king. We are all attention, Aged
became strongly excited, and repeatedly ne.”
“All right, John, all right !” re Wemmick's arm was straying from the
turned the cheerful old man : so busy path of virtue and being recalled to it
and so pleased, that it really was quite by Miss Skiffins.
charming. At last, the Aged read himself into a
The Aged's reading reminded me of light slumber. This was the time for
the classes at Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt's, Wemmick to produce a little kettle, a
with the pleasanter. peculiarity that ittray of glasses, and a black bottle with
seemed to come through a keyhole. As a porcelain-topped cork, representing
he wanted the candles close to him, and some clerical dignitary of a rubicund
as he was always on the verge of put and social aspect. With the aid of
ting either his head or the newspaper these appliances we all had something
into them, he required as much watch warm to drink : including the Aged,
ing as a powder-mill. But Wemmick who was soon awake again. Miss
was equally untiring and gentle in his Skiffins mixed, and I observed that she
vigilance, and the Aged read on, quite and Wemmick drank out of one glass.
unconscious of his many rescues. Of course I knew better than to offer
Whenever he looked at us, we all ex to see Miss Skiffins home, and under
pressed the greatest interest and amaze the circumstances I thought I had best
ment, and nodded until he resumed go first : which I did, taking a cordial
again. leave of the Aged, and having passed a
As Wemmick and Miss Skiffins sat pleasant evening.
side by side, and as I sat in a shadowy Before a week was out, I received a
corner, I observed a slow and gradual note from Wemmick, dated Walworth,
elongation of Mr. Wemmick’s mouth, stating that he hoped he had made some
powerfully suggestive of his slowly and advance in that matter appertaining to
gradually stealing his arm round Miss our private and personal capacities, and
Skiffins's waist. In course of time I that he would be glad if I could come
saw his hand appear on the other side and see him again upon it. So, I went
of Miss Skiffins; but at that moment out to Walworth again, and yet again,
Miss Skiffins neatly stopped him with and yet again, and I saw him by ap
the green glove, unwound his arm again pointment in the City several times, but
as if it were an article of dress, and never held any communication with him
with the greatest deliberation laid it on on the subject in or near Little Britain.
the table before her. Miss Skiffins's The upshot was, that we found a wor
composure while she did this was one thy young merchant or shipping-broker,
of the most remarkable sights I have not long established in business, who
ever seen, and if I could have thought wanted intelligent help, and who wanted
the act consistent with abstraction of capital, and who in due course of time
mind, I should have deemed that Miss and receipt would want a partner.
Skiffins performed it mechanically. Between him and me, secret articles
By-and-by, I noticed Wemmick’s arm were signed of which Herbert was the
beginning to disappear again, and subject, and I paid him half of my five
gradually fading out of view. Shortly hundred pounds down, and engaged for
afterwards, his mouth began to widen sundry other payments: some, to fall
again. After an interval of suspense due at certain dates out of my income :
on my part that was quite enthralling some contingent on my coming into my
and almost painful, I saw his hand property. Miss Skiffins's brother con
appear on the other side of Miss ducted the negotiation. Wemmick per
Skiffins. Instantly, Miss Skiffins stopped vaded it throughout, but never appeared
it with the neatness of a placid boxer, in it.
took off that girdle or cestus as before, The whole business was so cleverly
and laid it on the table. Taking the managed, that Herbert had not the
table to represent the path of virtue, I least suspicion of my hand being in it,
am justified in stating that during the I never shall forget the radiant face
whole time of the Aged's reading, with which he came home one after
166 CREAT EXPECTATIONS.
noon, and told me as a mighty piece of Clarriker's House, and he having

news, of his having fallen in with one talked to me for a whole evening in a
Clarriker (the young merchant's name), flush of pleasure and success, I did
and of Clarriker's having shown an really cry in good earnest when I went
extraordinary inclination towards him, to bed, to think that my expectations
and of his belief that the opening had had done some good to somebody.
come at last. Day by day as his hopes A great event in my life, the turning
grew stronger and his face brighter, he point of my life, now opens on my view.
must have thought me a more and But, before I proceed to narrate it, and
more affectionate friend, for I had the before I pass on to all the changes it
greatest difficulty in restraining my involved, I must give one chapter to
tears of triumph when I saw him so Estella. It is not much to give to the
happy. At length, the thing being theme that so long filled my heart.
done, and he having that day entered
CHAPTER, XXXVIII.
IF that staid old house near the terms of familiarity without placing me
Green at Richmond should ever come to on terms of favour, conduced to my dis
be haunted when I am dead, it will be traction. She made use of me to tease
haunted, surely, by my ghost.O the other admirers, and she turned the
many, many nights and days through very familiarity between herself and
which the unquiet spirit within me me, to the account of putting a con
haunted that house when Estella lived stant slight on my devotion to her. If
there ! Let my body be where it I had been her secretary, steward, half
would, my spirit was always wander brother, poor relation—if I had been a
ing, wandering, wandering, about that younger brother of her appointed hus
house. band—I could not have seemed to my
The lady with whom Estella was self, further from my hopes when I
placed, Mrs. Brandley by name, was a was nearest to her. The privilege of
widow, with one daughter several years calling her by her name and hearing
older than Estella. The mother looked her call me by mine, became under the
young and the daughter looked old; circumstances an aggravation of my
the mother's complexion was pink, and trials; and while I think it likely that
the daughter's was yellow ; the mother it almost maddened her other lovers, I
set up for frivolity, and the daughter knew too certainly that it almost mad
for theology. They were in what is dened me.
called a good position, and visited, and She had admirers without end. No
were visited by, numbers of people. doubt my jealousy made an admirer of
Little, if any, community of feeling every one who went near her; but
subsisted between them and Estella, there were more than enough of them
but the understanding was established without that.
that they were necessary to her, and I saw her often at Richmond, I heard
that she was necessary to them. Mrs. of her often in town, and I used often
Brandley had been a friend of Miss to take her and the Brandleys on the
Havisham's before the time of her se water; there were pic-nics, fête days,
clusion. plays, operas, concerts, parties, all
In Mrs. Brandley's house and out of sorts of pleasures, through which I
Mrs. Brandley's house, I suffered every pursued her—and they were all mi
kind and degree of torture that Estella series to me. I never had one hour's
could cause me. The nature of my happiness in her society, and yet my
relations with her, which placed me on mind all round the four-and-twenty
hours was harping on the happiness of morrow, if you please. You are
Youtohpay
having her with me unto death. all charges out of my purse. Ou hear
Throughout this part of our inter the condition of your going?”
course—and it lasted, as will presently “And must obey,” said I.
be seen, for what I then thought a long This was all the preparation I re
time—she habitually reverted to that ceived for that visit, or for others like
tone which expressed that our associa it : Miss Havisham never wrote to me,
tion was forced upon us. There were nor had I ever so much as seen her
other times when she would come to a handwriting. We went down on the
sudden check in this tone and in all her next day but one, and we found her in
many tones, and would seem to pity me. the room where I had first beheld her,
“Pip, Pip,” she said one evening, and it is needless to add that there was
coming to such a check, when we sat no change in Satis House.
apart at a darkening window of the She was even more dreadfully fond of
house in Richmond; “will you never Estella than she had been when I last
take warning " saw them together; I repeat the word
“Of what ?” advisedly, for there was something po
“Of me.” sitively dreadful in the energy of her
“Warning not to be attracted by looks and embraces. She hung upon
you, do you mean, Estella 7" Estella's beauty, hung upon her words,
“Do I mean ' If you don’t know hung upon her gestures, and sat mum
what I mean, you are blind.” bling her own trembling fingers while
I should have replied that Love was she looked at her, as though she were
commonly reputed blind, but for the devouring the beautiful creature she
reason that I always was restrained— had reared.
and this was not the least of my From Estella she looked at me, with
miseries—by a feeling that it was un a searching glance that seemed to pry
generous to press myself upon her, into my heart and probe its wounds.
when she knew that she could not “How does she use you, Pip, how does
choose but obey Miss Havisham. My she use you?” she asked me again,
dread always was, that this knowledge with her witch-like eagerness, even in
on her part laid me under a heavy disEstella's hearing. But, when we sat
advantage with her pride, and made by her flickering fire at night, she was
most weird; for then, keeping Estella's
me the subject of a rebellious struggle
in her bosom. hand drawn through her arm and
“At any rate,” said I, “I have no clutched in her own hand, she extorted
warning given me just now, for you from her by dint of referring back to
wrote to me to come to you, this time.” what Estella had told her in her regular
“That's true,” said Estella, with a letters, the names and conditions of the
cold careless smile that always chilled men whom she had fascinated; and as
Ine. Miss Havisham dwelt upon this roll,
After looking at the twilight with with the ºntensity of a mind mortally
out, for a little while, she went on to hurt and diseased, she sat with her
say: other hand on her crutch stick, and
“The time has come round when her chin on that, and her wan bright
Miss Havisham wishes to have me for eyes glaring at me, a very spectre.
a day at Satis. You are to take me I saw in this, wretched though it
there, and bring me back, if you will. made me, and bitter the sense of de
She would rather I did not travel alone, pendence even of degradation that it
and objects to receiving my maid, for awakened—I saw in this, that Estella
she has a sensitive horror of being was set to wreak Miss Havisham's re
talked of by such people. Can you venge on men, and that she was not to
take me !” be given to me until she had gratified
“Can I take you, Estella " it for a term. I saw in this, a reason
“You can then The day after to for her being beforehand assigned to
me. Sending her out to attract and to detach herself. She had shown a
torment and do mischief, Miss Havi proud impatience more than once before,
sham sent her with the malicious assu and had rather endured that fierce af
rance that she was beyond the reach of fection than accepted or returned it. -
all admirers, and that all who staked “What l” said Miss Havisham, flash
upon that cast were secured to lose. I ing her eyes upon her, “are you tired
saw in this, that I, too, was tormented of me?”
by a perversion of ingenuity, even “Only a little tired of myself,” re
while the prize was reserved for me. I plied Estella, disengaging her arm, and
saw in this, the reason for my being moving to the great chimney-piece,
staved off so long, and the reason for where she stood looking down at the
my late guardian’s declining to commit fire.
himself to the formal knowledge of such “Speak the truth, you ingrate 1”
a scheme. In a word, I saw in this, cried Miss Havisham, passionately
Miss Havisham as I had her then and striking her stick upon the floor; “you
there before my eyes, and always had are tired of me.”
had her before my eyes; and I saw in Estella looked at her with perfect
this, the distinct shadow of the dark composure, and again looked down at
ened and unhealthy house in which her the fire. Her graceful figure and her
life was hidden from the sun. beautiful face expressed a self-possessed
The candles that lighted that room indifference to the wild heat of the
of hers were placed in sconces on the other, that was almost cruel.
wall. They were high from the ground, “You stock and stone !” exclaimed
and they burnt with the steady dul Miss Havisham. “You cold, cold
ness of artificial light in air that is heart l”
seldom renewed. As I looked round at “What ?” said Estella, preserving
them, and at the pale gloom they made, her attitude of indifference as she
and at the stopped clock, and at the leaned against the great chimney-piece
withered articles of bridal dress upon and only moving her eyes; “do you
the table and the ground, and at her reproach me for being cold You ?”
own awful figure with its ghostly reflec “Are you not ?” was the fierce re
tion thrown large by the fire upon the tort.
ceiling and the wall, I saw in every “You should know,” said Estella.
thing the construction that my mind ‘‘I am what you have made me. Take
had come to, repeated and thrown all the praise, take all the blame ; take
back to me. My thoughts passed into all the success, take all the failure; in
the great room across the landing short, take me.”
where the table was spread, and I saw “O, look at her, look at her ‘’’ cried
it written as it were, in the falls of the Miss Havisham, bitterly; “Look at
cobwebs from the centre-piece, in the her, so hard and thankless, on the
crawlings of the spiders on the cloth, hearth where she was reared Where
in the tracks of the mice as they betook I took her into this wretched breast
their little quickened hearts behind the when it was first bleeding from its
panels, and in the gropings and pausings stabs, and where I have lavished years
of the beetles on the floor. of tenderness upon her l’”
It happened on the occasion of this “At least I was no party to the
visit that some sharp words arose be compact,” said Estella, “for if I could
tween Estella and Miss Havisham. It walk and speak, when it was made, it
was the first time I had ever seen them was as much as I could do. But what
opposed. would you have You have been very
We were seated by the fire, as just good to me, and I owe everything to
now described, and Miss Havisham still you. What would you have {"
had Estella's arm drawn through her “Love,” replied the other.
own, and still clutched Estella's hand “You have it.”
in hers, when Estella gradually began “I have not,” said Miss Havisham,
“Mother by adoption,” retorted Es stretched out her arms. “Estella,

tella, never departing from the easy grace Estella, Estella, to be proud and hard
of her attitude, never raising her voice to me /?”
as the other did, never yielding either Estella looked at her for a moment
to anger or tenderness, “Mother by with a kind of calm wonder, but was
adoption, I have said that I owe every not otherwise disturbed ; when the
thing to you. All I possess is freely moment was past, she looked down at
yours. All that you have given me, is the fire again.
at your command to have again. Be “I cannot think,” said Estella, rais
yond that, I have nothing. And if you ing her eyes after a silence, “why you
ask me to give you what you never gave should be so unreasonable when I come
me, my gratitude and duty cannot do to see you after a separation. I have
impossibilities.” never forgotten your wrongs and their
“Did I never give her, love ſ” cried causes. I have never been unfaithful
Miss Havisham, turning wildly to me. to you or your schooling. I have never
“Did I never give her a burning love, shown any weakness that I can charge
inseparable from jealousy at all times, myself with.”
and from sharp pain, while she speaks ‘‘Would it be weakness to return
thus to me ! Let her call me mad, let
my love º’’ exclaimed Miss Havisham.
her call me mad l’” “But yes, yes, she would call it so '''
“Why should I call you mad,” re “I begin to think,” said Estella, in
turned Estella, “I, of all people? a musing way, after another moment of
Does any one live, who knows what set calm wonder, “that I almost under
purposes you have, half as well as I do? stand how this comes about. If you
Does any one live, who knows what a had brought up your adopted daughter
steady memory you have, half as well wholly in the dark confinement of these
as I do? I who have sat on this same rooms, and had never let her know that
hearth on the little stool that is even now there was such a thing as the daylight
beside you there, learning your lessons by which she has never once seen your
and looking up into your face, when your face—if you had done that, and then,
face was strange and frightened me !” for a purpose had wanted her to under
“Soon forgotten ſ” moaned Miss stand the daylight and know all about
Havisham. “Times soon forgotten l’” it, you would have been disappointed
“No, not forgotten,” retorted Es and angry "
tella. “Not forgotten, but treasured Miss Havisham, with her head in
up in my memory. When have you her hands, sat making a low moaning,
found me false to your teaching? When and swaying herself on her chair, but
have you found me unmindful of your gave no answer.
lessons? When have you found me “Or,” said Estella, “ —which is a
giving admission here,” she touched her nearer case—if you had taught her,
bosom with her hand, “to anything from the dawn of her intelligence, with
that you excluded ? Be just to me.” | your utmost energy and might, that
“So proud, so proud l” moaned Miss there was such a thing as daylight, but
Havisham, pushing away her grey hair that it was made to be her enemy and
with both her hands. destroyer, and she must always turn
“Who taught me to be proud 7" re against it, for it had blighted you and
turned Estella. “Who praised me would else blight her;-if you had
when I learnt my lesson 2'' done this, and then, for a purpose, had
“So hard, so hard 1' moaned Miss wanted her to take naturally to the day
Havisham, with her former action. light and she could not do it, you would
“Who taught me to be hard 7" re have been disappointed and angry 4”
turned Estella. “Who praised me Miss Havisham sat listening (or it
when I learnt my lesson ?” seemed so, for I could not see her face),
“But to be proud and hard to me /* but still made no answer.
Miss Havisham quite shrieked, as she “So,” said Estella, “I must be
taken as I have been made. The suc than I extinguished my candle; for, I
cess is not mine, the failure is not saw Miss Havisham going along it in a
mine, but the two together make me.” ghostly manner, making a low cry. I
Miss Havisham had settled down, I followed her at a distance, and saw her
hardly knew how, upon the floor, go up the staircase. She carried a bare
among the faded bridal relics with candle in her hand, which she had pro
which it was strewn. I took advantage bably taken from one of the sconces in
of the moment—I had sought one from her own room, and was a most un
the first—to leave the room, after be earthly object by its light. Standing
seeching Estella's attention to her, with at the bottom of the staircase, I felt
a movement of my hand. When I left, the mildewed air of the feast-chamber,
Estella was yet standing by the great without seeing her open the door, and
chimney-piece, just as she had stood I heard her walking there, and so
throughout. Miss Havisham's grey across into her own room, and so across
hair was all adrift upon the ground, again into that, never ceasing the low
among the other bridal wrecks, and cry. After a time, I tried in the dark
was a miserable sight to see. both to get out and to go back, but I
It was with a depressed heart that I could do neither until some streaks of
walked in the starlight for an hour and day strayed in and showed me where
more, about the court-yard, and about to lay my hands. During the whole
the brewery, and about the ruined gar interval, whenever I went to the bot
den. When I at last took courage to tom of the staircase, I heard her foot
return to the room, I found Estella step, saw her candle pass above, and
sitting at Miss Havisham's knee, taking heard her ceaseless low cry.
up some stitches in one of those old Before we left next day, there was
articles of dress that were dropping to no revival of the difference between her
pieces, and of which I have often been and Estella, nor was it ever revived on
reminded since by the faded tatters of any similar occasion ; and there were
old banners that I have seen hanging four similar occasions, to the best of my
up in cathedrals. Afterwards, Estella remembrance. Nor, did Miss Havis
and I played cards, as of yore—only we ham's manner towards Estella in any
were skilful now, and played French wise change, except that I believed it
games—and so the evening wore away, to have something like fear infused
and I went to bed. among its former characteristics.
I lay in that separate building across It is impossible to turn this leaf of my
the court-yard. It was the first time life without putting Bentley Drummle's
I had ever lain down to rest in Satis name upon it; or I would, very gladly.
House, and sleep refused to come near On a certain occasion when the
me. A thousand Miss Havishams Finches were assembled in force, and
haunted me. She was on this side of when good feeling was being promoted
my pillow, on that, at the head of the in the usual manner by nobody's agree
bed, at the foot, behind the half-opened ing with anybody else, the presiding
door of the dressing-room, in the dress Finch called the Grove to order, foras
ing-room, in the room overhead, in the much as Mr. Drummle had not yet
room beneath—everywhere. At last, toasted a lady; which, according to the
when the night was slow to creep on Solemn constitution of the society, it
towards two o'clock, I felt that I abso was the brute's turn to do that day.
lutely could no longer bear the place as I thought I saw him leer in an ugly
a place to lie down in, and that I must way at me while the decanters were
get up. I therefore got up and put on going round, but as there was no love
my clothes, and went out across the lost between us, that might easily be.
yard into the long stone passage, de What was my indignant surprise when
signing to gain the outer court-yard and he called upon the company to pledge
walk there for the relief of my mind. him to “Estella”
But, I was no sooner in the passage “Estella who " said I,
“Never you mind,” retorted Drum honour should take cold from delay),
mle, and next day Drummle appeared with
** Estella of where 2° said I. “You a polite little avowal in Estella's hand,
are bound to say of where.” Which he that she had had the honour of dancing
was, as a Finch. with him several times. This left me
“Of Richmond, gentlemen,” said no course but to regret that I had been
Drummle, putting me out of the ques “betrayed into a warmth which,” and
tion, “and a peerless beauty.” on the whole to repudiate, as untenable,
Much he knew about peerless beau the idea that I was to be found any
ties, a mean miserable idiot . I whis where. Drummle and I then sat snort
pered Herbert. ing at one another for an hour, while
“I know that lady,” said Herbert, the Grove engaged in indiscriminate
across the table, when the toast had contradiction, and finally the promotion
been honoured. of good feeling was declared to have
“Do you?” said Drummle. gone ahead at an amazing rate.
“And so do I,” I added with a I tell this lightly, but it was no light
scarlet face. thing to me. For, I cannot adequately
“Do you?” said Drummle. “Oh, express what pain it gave me to think
Lord | * that Estella should show any favour to
This was the only retort—except a contemptible, clumsy, sulky booby,
glass or crockery—that the heavy crea so very far below the average. To the
ture was capable of making; but, I present moment, I believe it to have
became as highly incensed by it as if it been referable to some pure fire of gene
had been barbed with wit, and I imme rosity and disinterestedness in my love
diately rose in my place and said that I for her, that I could not endure the
could not but regard it as being like thought of her stooping to that hound.
the honourable Finch's impudence to No doubt I should have been miserable
come down to that Grove—we always whomsoever she had favoured ; but a
talked about coming down to that worthier object would have caused me
Grove, as a neat Parliamentary turn of a different kind and degree of distress.
expression—down to that Grove, pro It was easy for me to find out, and
posing a lady of whom he knew nothing. I did soon find out, that Drummle
Mr. Drummle upon this, starting up, had begun to follow her closely,
demanded what I meant by that ? and that she allowed him to do it.
Whereupon, I made him the extreme A little while, and he was always in
reply that I believed he knew where I pursuit of her, and he and I crossed
was to be found. one another every day. He held on, in
Whether it was possible in a Chris a dull persistent way, and Estella held
tian country to get on without blood, him on ; now with encouragement, now
after this, was a question on which the with discouragement, now almost flat
Finches were divided. The debate tering him, now openly despising him,
upon it grew so lively, indeed, that at now knowing him very well, now
least six more honourable members told scarcely remembering who he was.
six more, during the discussion, that The Spider, as Mr. Jaggers had called
they believed they knew where they were him, was used to lying in wait, how
to be found. However, it was decided ever, and had the patience of his tribe.
at last (the Grove being a Court of Added to that, he had a blockhead con
Honour) that if Mr. Drummle would fidence in his money and in his family
bring never so slight a certificate from greatness, which sometimes did him
the lady, importing that he had the good service—almost taking the place of
honour of her acquaintance, Mr. Pip concentration and determined purpose.
must express his regret, as a gentlemanSo, the Spider, doggedly watching Es
and a Finch, for “having been betrayed tella, outwatched many brighter in
into a warmth which.” Next day was sects, and would often uncoil himself
appointed for the production (lest our and drop at the right nick of time,
1.2 GREAT EXPECTATIONS,
At a certain Assembly Ball at Rich commend him but money, and a ridicu
mond (there used to be Assembly Balls lous roll of addle-headed predecessors;
at most places then), where Estella had now, don't you?”
outshone all other beauties, this blun “Well?” said she again; and each
dering Drummle so hung about her, time she said it, she opened her lovely
and with so much toleration on her eyes the wider.
part, that I resolved to speak to her To overcome the difficulty of getting
concerning him. I took the next oppor past that monosyllable, I took it from
tunity : which was when she was her, and said, repeating it with em
waiting for Mrs. Brandley to take her phasis, “Well! Then, that is why it
home, and was sitting apart among makes me wretched.”
some flowers, ready to go. I was with Now, if I could have believed that
her, for I almost always accompanied she favoured Drummle with any idea of
them to and from such places. making me—me—wretched, I should
“Are you tired, Estella 7” have been in better heart about it; but
“Rather, Pip.” in that habitual way of hers, she put
“You should be.” me so entirely out of the question, that
“Say, rather, I should not be; for I could believe nothing of the kind.
I have my letter to Satis Houseto write, “Pip,” said Estella, casting her
before I go to sleep.” glance over the room, “don’t be foolish
“Recounting to-night's triumph '" about its effect on you. It may have
said I. “Surely a very poor one, its effect on others, and may be meant
Estella.” to have. It's not worth discussing.”
“What do you mean? I didn’t “Yes it is,” said I, “because I
know there had been any.” cannot bear that people should say, “she
“Estella,” said I, “do look at that throws away her graces and attractions
fellow in the corner yonder, who is on amere boor, the lowest inthecrowd.”
looking over here at us.” “I can bear it,” said Estella.
“Why should I look at him 7” re “Oh I don't be so proud, Estella,
turned Estella, with her eyes on me in and so inflexible.”
stead. “What is there in that fellow “Calls me proud and inflexible in
in the corner yonder—to use your words this breath !” said Estella, opening her
—that I need look at 7” hands. “And in his last breath
“Indeed, that is the very question reproached me for stooping to a boor ſ”
I want to ask you,” said I. “For he “There is no doubt you do,” said I,
has been hovering about you all night.” something hurriedly, “for I have seen
“Moths, and all sorts of ugly crea you give him looks and smiles this very
tures,” replied Estella, with a glance night, such as you never give to—me.”
towards him, “hover about a lighted “Do you want me then,” said Estella,
candle. Can the candle help it?” turning suddenly with a fixed and
“No,” I returned : “but cannot serious, if not angry look, “to deceive
the Estella help it!” and entrap you?”
“Well !” said she, laughing after a “Do you deceive and entrap him,
moment, “perhaps. Yes. Anything Estella 7"
you like.” “Yes, and many others—all of them
“But, Estella, do hear me speak. but you. Here is Mrs. Brandley. I'll
It makes me wretched that you should say no more.”
encourage a man so generally despised as
Drummle. You know he is despised.” And now that I have given the one
“Well ?” said she. chapter to the theme that so filled my
“You know he is as ungainly within heart, and so often made it ache and
as without. A deficient, ill-tempered, ache again, I pass on, unhindered, to
lowering, stupid fellow.” the event that had impended over me
“Well ?” said she. longer yet; the event that had begun
“You know he has nothing to re to be prepared for, before I knew that
the world held Estella, and in the days the great iron ring. All being made
when her baby intelligence was receiving ready with much labour, and the hour
its first distortions from Miss Havi come, the sultan was aroused in the
sham's wasting hands. dead of the night, and the sharpened
In the Eastern story, the heavy slab axe that was to sever the rope from the
that was to fall on the bed of state in great iron ring was put into his hand,
the flush ofconquest was slowly wrought and he struck with it, and the rope
out of the quarry, the tunnel for the parted and rushed away, and the ceiling
rope to hold it in its place was slowly fell. So, in my case; all the work, near
carried through the leagues of rock, the and afar, that tended to the end, had
slab was slowly raised and fitted in the been accomplished ; and in an instant
roof, the rope was rove to it and slowly the blow was struck, and the roof of
taken through the miles of hollow to my stronghold dropped upon me.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
I was three-and-twenty years of age. still, as if in the East there were an

Not another word had I heard to eternity of cloud and wind. So furious
enlighten me on the subject of my ex had been the gusts, that high buildings
pectations, and my twenty-third birth in town had, had the lead stripped off
day was a week gone. We had left their roofs; and in the country, trees
Barnard's Inn more than a year, and had been torn up, and sails of windmills
lived in the Temple. Our chambers carried away; and gloomy accounts had
were in Garden-court, down by the come in from the coast, of shipwreck
river. and death. Wiolent blasts of rain had
Mr. Pocket and I had for some time accompanied these rages of wind, and
parted company as to our original rela the day just closed as I sat down to
tions, though we continued on the best read had been the worst of all.
terms. Notwithstanding my inability Alterations have been made in that
to settle to anything—which I hope part of the Temple since that time, and
arose out of the restless and incomplete it has not now so lonely a character as
tenure on which I held my means—I it had then, nor is it so exposed to the
had a taste for reading, and read regu river. We lived at the top of the last
larly so many hours a day. That mat house, and the wind rushing up the
ter of Herbert's was still progressing, river shook the house that night, like
and everything with me was as I have discharges of cannon, or breakings of a
brought it down to the close of the last sea. When the rain came with it and
preceding chapter. dashed against the windows, I thought,
Business had taken Herbert on a raising my eyes to them as they rocked,
journey to Marseilles. I was alone, and that I might have fancied myself in a
had a dull sense of being alone. Dis storm-beaten light-house. Occasionally,
pirited and anxious, long hoping that the smoke came rolling down the
to-morrow or next week would clear my chimney as though it could not bear to
way, and long disappointed, I sadly go out into such a night; and when I
missed the cheerful face and ready re set the doors open and looked down
sponse of my friend. the staircase, the staircase lamps were
. It was wretched weather; stormy blown out ; and when I shaded my face
and wet, stormy and wet ; mud, mud, with my hands and looked through the
mud, deep in all the streets. Day after black windows (opening them ever so
day, a vast heavy veil had been driving little, was out of the question in the
over London from the East, and it drove teeth of such wind and rain) I saw that
the lamps in the court were blown out, and hardened by exposure to weather.
and that the lamps on the bridges and As he ascended the last stair or two,
the shore were shuddering, and that the and the light of my lamp included us
coal fires in barges on the river were both, I saw, with a stupid kind of
being carried away before the wind like amazement, that he was holding out
red-hot splashes in the rain. both his hands to me.
I read with my watch upon the table, “Pray what is your business #” I
purposing to close my book at eleven asked him.
o'clock. As I shut it, Saint Paul's, and “My business?” he repeated, paus
all the many church-clocks in the City ing. “Ah! Yes, I will explain my
—some leading, some accompanying, business, by your leave.”
some following—struck that hour. The “Do you wish to come in "
sound was curiously flawed by the wind; “Yes,” he replied; “I wish to
and I was listening, and thinking how come in, Master.”
the wind assailed and tore it, when I I had asked him the question inhos
heard a footstep on the stair. pitably enough, for I resented the sort
What nervous folly made me start, of bright and gratified recognition that
and awfully connect it with the footstep still shone in his face. I resented it,
of my dead sister, matters not. It was because it seemed to imply that he ex
past in a moment, and I listened again, pected me to respond to it. But, I
and heard the footstep stumble in coming took him into the room I had just left,
on. Remembering then, that the stair and, having set the lamp on the table,
case-lights were blown out, I took up asked him as civilly as I could to explain
my reading-lamp and went out to the himself.
stair-head. Whoever was below had He looked about him with the
stopped on seeing my lamp, for all was strangest air—an air of wondering
quiet. pleasure, as if he had some part in the
“There is some one down there, is things he admired—and he pulled off a
there not ?” I called out, looking down. rough outer coat, and his hat. Then,
“Yes,” said a voice from the dark I saw that his head was furrowed and
ness beneath. bald, and that the long iron-grey hair
“What floor do you want }” grew only on its sides. But, I saw
“The top. Mr. Pip.” nothing that in the least explained him.
“That is my name.—There is no On the contrary, I saw him next
thing the matter ?” moment, once more holding out both
“Nothing the matter,” returned the his hands to me.
voice. And the man came on. “What do you mean " said I, half
I stood with my lamp held out over suspecting him to be mad.
the stair-rail, and he came slowly He stopped in his looking at me, and
within its light. It was a shaded slowly rubbed his right hapd over his
lamp, to shine upon a book, and its head. “It’s disappointing to a man,”
circle of light was very contracted ; so he said, in a coarse broken voice, “arter
that he was in it for a mere instant, having looked for’ard so distant, and
and then out of it. In the instant I come so fur; but you're not to blame
had seen a face that was strange to me, for that—neither on us is to blame for
looking up with an incomprehensible that. I’ll speak in half a minute.
air of being touched and pleased by the Give me half a minute, please.”
sight of me. He sat down on a chair that stood
Moving the lamp as the man moved, before the fire, and covered his fore
I made out that he was substantially head with his large brown veinous
dressed, but roughly ; like a voyager hands. I looked at him attentively
by sea. That he had long iron-grey then, and recoiled a little from him;
hair. That his age was about sixty. but I did not know him.
That he was a muscular man, strong on “There's no one nigh,” said he,
his legs, and that he was browned looking over his shoulder; “is there?”
“Why do you, a stranger coming feeling that has brought you here, and
into my rooms at this time of the night, I will not repulse you; but surely you
ask that question ?” said I. must understand—I—”
“You’re a game one,” he returned, My attention was so attracted by
shaking his head at me with a delibe the singularity of his fixed look at
rate affection, at once most unintelli me, that the words died away on my
gible and most exasperating ; “I’m tongue.
glad you’ve grow’d up, a game one ! “You was a-saying,” he observed,
But don't catch hold of me. You'd be when we had confronted one another in
Sorry arterwards to have done it.” silence, “that surely I must under
I relinquished the intention he had stand. What, surely must I under
detected, for I knew him | Even yet I stand 7"
could not recall a single feature, but I “That I cannot wish to renew that
knew him | If the wind and the rain chance intercourse with you of long ago,
had driven away the intervening years, under these different circumstances. I
had scattered all the intervening objects, am glad to believe you have repented
had swept us to the churchyard where and recovered yourself. I am glad to
we first stood face to face on such diffe tell you so. I am glad that, thinking
rent levels, I could not have known my I deserve to be thanked, you have come
convict more distinctly than I knew to thank me. But our ways are diffe
him now, as he sat in the chair before rent ways, none the less. You are wet,
the fire. No need to take a file from and you look weary. Will you drink
his pocket and show it to me; no need something before you go?”
to take the handkerchief from his neck He had replaced his , neckerchief
and twist it round his head; no need to loosely, and had stood, keenly obser
hug himself with both his arms, and vant of me, biting a long end of it. “I
take a shivering turn across the room, think,” he answered, still with the end
looking back at me for recognition. I at his mouth and still observant of me,
knew him before he gave me one of “that I will drink (I thank you) afore
those aids, though, a moment before, I I go.”
had not been conscious of remotely sus There was a tray ready on a side
pecting his identity. table. I brought it to the table near
He came back to where I stood, and the fire, and asked him what he would
again held out both his hands. Not have He touched one of the bottles
knowing what to do—for, in my asto without looking at it or speaking, and
nishment I had lost my self-possession— I made him some hot rum-and-water.
I reluctantly gave him my hands. He I tried to keep my hand steady while I
grasped them heartily, raised them to did so, but his look at me as he leaned
his lips, kissed them, and still held back in his chair with the long drag
them. gled end of his neckerchief between his
“You acted noble, my boy,” said teeth—evidently forgotten—made my
he. “Noble, Pip ! And I have never hand very difficult to master. When
forgot it !” at last I put the glass to him, I saw
At a change in his manner as if he with amazement that his eyes were full
were even going to embrace me, I laid of tears.
a hand upon his breast and put him Up to this time I had remained
away. standing, not to disguise that I wished
“Stay 1" said I. “Keep off If him gone. But I was softened by the
you are grateful to me for what I did softened aspect of the man, and felt
when I was a little child, I hope you a touch of reproach. “I hope,” said I,
have shown your gratitude by mending hurriedly putting something into a glass
your way of life. If you have come for myself, and drawing a chair to the
here to thank me, it was not necessary. table, “that you will not think I spoke
Still, however, you have found me out, harshly to you just now. I had no
there must be something good in the intention of doing it, and I am sorry
for it if I did. I wish you well, and “How 2°

& 4 Ah !”
happy l’”
As I put my glass to my lips, he He emptied his glass, got up, and
glanced with surprise at the end of his stood at the side of the fire, with his
neckerchief, dropping from his mouth heavy brown hand on the mantelshelf.
when he opened it, and stretched out He put a foot up to the bars, to dry
his hand. I gave him mine, and then and warm it, and the wet boot began
he drank, and drew his sleeve across to steam ; but, he neither looked at it,
his eyes and forehead. nor at the fire, but steadily looked at
“How are you living?” I asked him. me. It was only now that I began to
“I’ve been a sheep-farmer, stock tremble.
breeder, other trades besides, away in When my lips had parted, and had
the new world,” said he “many a thou shaped some words that were without
sand mile of stormy water off from this.” sound, I forced myself to tell him
“I hope you have done well ?” (though I could not do it distinctly),
“I’ve done wonderful well. There's that I had been chosen to succeed to
others went out alonger me as has done some property.
well too, but no man has done nigh as “Might a mere warmint ask what
well as me. I’m famous for it.” property?” said he.
“I am glad to hear it.” I faltered, “I don’t know.”
“I hope to hear you say so, my dear “Might a mere warmint ask whose
boy.” property " said he.
Without stopping to try to under I faltered again, “I don't know.”
stand those words or the tone in which “Could I make a guess, I wonder,”
they were spoken, I turned off to a said the Convict, “at your income
point that had just come into my mind. since you come of age | As to the first
“Have you ever seen a messenger figure, now. Five #"
you once sent to me,” I inquired, With my heart beating like a heavy
“since he undertook that trust 2" hammer of disordered action, I rose out .
“Never set eyes upon him. I warn’t of my chair, and stood with my hand
likely to it.” . the back of it, looking wildly at
“He came faithfully, and he brought lin.
me the two one-pound notes. I was a “Concerning a guardian,” he went

poor boy then, as you know, and to a on. “There ought to have been some
poor boy they were a little fortune. guardian or such-like, whiles you was
But, like you, I have done well since, a minor. Some lawyer, maybe. As to
and you must let me pay them back. the first letter of that lawyer's name,
You can put them to some other poor now. Would it be J }''
boy's use.” I took out my purse. All the truth of my position came
He watched me as I laid my purse flashing on me ; and its disappoint
upon the table and opened it, and he ments, dangers, disgraces, consequences
watched me as I separated two one of all kinds, rushed in in such a mul
pound notes from its contents. They titude that I was borne down by them
were clean and new, and I spread them and had to struggle for every breath I
out and handed them over to him. drew. “Put it,” he resumed, “as
Still watching me, he laid them one upon the employer of that lawyer whose
the other, folded them long-wise, gave name begun with a J, and might be
them a twist, set fire to them at the lamp, Jaggers—put it as he had come over
and dropped the ashes into the tray. sea to Portsmouth, and had landed
“May I make so bold,” he said then there, and had wanted to come on to you.
with a smile that was like a frown, and ‘However, you have found me out,’
with a frown that was like a smile, you says just now. Well ! however
“as ask you how you have done well, did I find you out ! Why, I wrote
since you and me was out on them lone from Portsmouth to a person in Lon
shivering marshes #" don, for particulars of your address.
That person's name? Why, Wem tleman l’ And I done it. Why, look
mick.” at you, dear boy Look at these here
I could not have spoken one word, lodgings of yourn, fit for a lord . A
though it had been to save my life. I lord Ah You shall show money
stood, with a hand on the chair-back with lords for wagers, and beat 'em l’”
and a hand on my breast, where I In his heat and triumph, and in his
seemed to be suffocating—I stood so, knowledge that I had been nearly faint
looking wildly at him, until I grasped ing, he did not remark on my reception
at the chair, when the room began to of all this. It was the one grain of
surge and turn. He caught me, drew relief I had.
me to the sofa, put me up against the “Look’ee here !” he went on, taking
cushions, and bent on one knee before my watch out of my pocket, and turn
me : bringing the face that I now well ing towards him a ring on my finger,
remembered, and that I shuddered at, while I recoiled from his touch as if he
very near to mine. had been a snake, “a gold 'un and a
“Yes, Pip, dear boy, I've made a beauty: that's a gentleman's, I hope
gentleman on you ! It's me wot has A diamond all set round with rubies;
done it ! I swore that time, sure as that's a gentleman's, I hope I Look at
ever I earned a guinea, that guinea your linen; fine and beautiful Look
should go to you. I swore arterwards, at your clothes; better ain’t to be got
sure as ever I spec’lated and got rich, And your books too,” turning his eyes
you should get rich. I lived rough, round the room, “mounting up, on
that you should live smooth ; I worked their shelves, by hundreds ! And you
hard that you should be above work. read 'em ; don't you? I see you'd
What odds, dear boy? Do I tell it fur been a reading of 'em when I come
you to feel a obligation ? Not a bit. in. Ha, ha, ha! You shall read
I tell it, fur you to know as that there 'em to me, dear boy And if they're in
hunted dunghill dog wot you kep life foreign languages wot I don't under
in, got his head so high that he could stand, I shall be just as proud as if I
make a gentleman—and, Pip, you're did.”
him. !” Again he took both my hands and
The abhorrence in which I held the put them to his lips, while my blood
man, the dread I had of him, the re ran cold within me.
pugnance with which I shrank from “Don’t you mind talking, Pip,” said
him, could not have been exceeded if he, after again drawing his sleeve over his
he had been some terrible beast. eyes and forehead, as the click came in
“Look’ee here, Pip. I'm your second his throat which I well remembered—
father. You’re my son—more to me and he was all the more horrible to me
nor any son. I’ve put away money, that he was so much in earnest; “you
only for you to spend. When I was a can’t do better nor keep quiet, dear
hired-out shepherd in a solitary hut, boy. You ain't looked slowly forward
not seeing no faces but faces of sheep to this as I have ; you wosn’t prepared
till I half forgot wot men's and women's for this, as I wos. But didn't you
faces wos like, I see yourn. I drops never think it might be me?”
my knife many a time in that hut when “Ono, no, no,” I returned. “Never,
I was a eating my dinner or my supper, never !”
and I says, “Here's the boy again, a “Well, you see it wos me, and
looking at me whiles I eats and single-handed. Never a soul in it but
drinks '' I see you there a many times my own self and Mr. Jaggers.”
|
as plain as ever I see you on them “Was there no one else ?” I asked.
misty marshes. ‘Lord strike me dead l’ | “No,” said he, with a glance of sur
I says each time—and I goes out in the prise : “who else should there be
open air to say it under the open And, dear boy, how good-looking you
heavens—“but wot, if I gets liberty have growed | There's bright eyes
and money, I'll make that boy a gen somewheres—eh 2 Isn't there bright
N
178 GREAT EXPECTATIONS. ,
eyes somewheres, wot you love the But I held to it, and the harder it was,
thoughts on ?” the stronger I held, for I was deter
O Estella, Estella 1 mined, and my mind firm made up.
“They shall be yourn, dear boy, if At last I done it. Dear boy, I done
money can buy 'em. Not that a gentle- it !”
man like you, so well set up as you, I tried to collect my thoughts, but
can't win 'em off of his own game ; but I was stunned. Throughout, I had
money shall back you ! Let me finish seemed to myself to attend more to the
wot I was a telling you, dear boy. From wind and the rain than to him ; even
that there hut and that there hiring- now, I could not separate his voice
out, I got money left me by my master from those voices, though those were
(which died, and had been the same as loud and his was silent.
me), and got my liberty and went for “Where will you put me?” he
myself. In every single thing I went asked, presently. “I must be put
for, I went for you. ‘Lord strike a somewheres, dear boy.”
blight upon it,' I says, wotever it was “To sleep 7" said I.
I went for, “if, it ain't for him l’ It “Yes. And to sleep long and
all prospered wonderful. As I giv' you sound,” he answered ; “for I've been
to understand just now, I’m famous for sea-tossed and sea-washed, months and
it. It was the money left me, and the months.”
gains of the first few year wot I sent “My friend and companion,” said I,
home to Mr. Jaggers—all for you— rising from the sofa, “is absent ; you
when he first come arter you, agreeable must have his room.”
to my letter.” “He won’t come back to-morrow ;
O, that he had never come ! That will he 4”
he had left me at the forge—far from “No,” said I, answering almost
contented, yet, by comparison, happy mechanically, in spite of my utmost
“And then, dear boy, it was a efforts; “not to-morrow.”
recompense to me, look’ee here, to “Because, look’ee here, dear boy,”
know in secret that I was making a he said, dropping his voice, and laying
gentleman. The blood horses of them a long finger on my breast in an im
colonists might fling up the dust over pressive manner, “caution is neces.
me as I was walking ; what do I say ? sary.”
I says to myself, ‘I’m making a better | “How do you mean? Caution ?”
gentleman nor ever you’ll be ſ” When “By G–, it's Death !”
one of 'em says to another, “He was a “What's death 7"
convict, a few years ago, and is a igno- ‘‘I was sent for life. It’s death to
rant common fellow now, for all he's come back. There's been overmuch
lucky,’ what do I say ? I says to coming back of late years, and I should
myself, ‘If I ain't a gentleman, nor of a certainty be hanged if took.”
yet ain't got no learning, I’m the owner | Nothing was needed but this; the
of such. All on you owns stock and wretched man, after loading me with
land; which on you owns a brought-up his wretched gold and silver chains for
London gentleman º' This way I kep years, had risked his life to come to
myself a going. And this way I held me, and I held it there in my keeping !
steady afore my mind that I would for If I had loved him instead of abhor
certain come one day and see my boy, ring him ; if I had been attracted to
and make myself known to him, on his him by the strongest admiration and
own ground.” affection, instead of shrinking from
He laid his hand on my shoulder. I him with the strongest repugnance; it
shuddered at the thought that for any- could have been no worse. On the
thing I knew, his hand might be stained contrary, it would have been better,
with blood. for his preservation would then have
“It warn't easy, Pip, for me to leave naturally and tenderly addressed my
them parts, nor yet it warn’t safe. heart.'
My first care was to close the shutters, me the comfort that I should have
so that no light might be seen from derived from their simplicity and
without, and then to close and make fidelity; but I could never, never,
fast the doors. While I did so, he never, undo what I had done.
stood at the table drinking rum and In every rage of wind and rush of
eating biscuit ; and when I-saw him rain, I heard pursuers. Twice, I could
thus engaged, I saw my convict on the have sworn there was a knocking and,
marshes at his meal again. It almost whispering at the outer door. With
seemed to me as if he must stoop down these fears upon me, I began either to
presently, to file at his leg. imagine or recal that I had had myste- .
When I had gone into Herbert's rious warnings of this man's approach.
room, and had shut off any other com That, for weeks gone by, I had passed
munication between it and the staircase faces in the streets which I had thought
than through the room in which our like his. That, these likenesses had
conversation had been held, I asked grown more numerous, as he, coming
him if he would go to bed ? He said over the sea, had drawn nearer. That,
yes, but asked me for some of my his wicked spirit had somehow sent
“gentleman's linen” to put on in the these messengers to mine, and that now
morning. I brought it out, and laid on this stormy might he was as good as
it ready for him, and my blood again his word, and with me.
ran cold when he again took me by Crowding up with these reflections
both hands to give me good night. came the reflection that I had seen him
I got away from him, without know with my childish eyes to be a despe
ing how I did it, and mended the fire rately violent man; that I had heard
in the room where we had been to that other convict reiterate that he had
gether, and sat down by it, afraid to tried to murder him ; that I had seen
go to bed. For an hour or more, I him down in the ditch, tearing and
remained too stunned to think; and it fighting like a wild beast. Out of such
was not until I began to think, that I remembrances I brought into the light
began fully to know how wrecked I of the fire, a half-formed terror that it
was, and how the ship in which I had might not be safe to be shut up there
sailed was gone to pieces. with him in the dead of the wild soli
Miss Havisham's intentions towards tary night. This dilated until it filled
me, all a mere dream ; Estella not the room, and impelled me to take a
designed for me; I only suffered in candle and go in and look at my dread
Satis House as a convenience, a sting ful burden. -
for the greedy relations, a model with a He had rolled a handkerchief round
mechanical heart to practise on when his head, and his face was set and
no other practice was at hand; thoselowering in his sleep. But he was
were the first smarts I had. But,
asleep, and quietly too, though he had
sharpest and deepest pain of all—it a pistol lying on the pillow. Assured
was for the convict, guilty of I knew of this, I softly removed the key to the
not what crimes, and liable to be taken outside of his door, and turned it on
out of those rooms where I sat think him before I again sat down by the fire.
ing, and hanged at the Old Bailey door, Gradually I slipped from the chair and
that I had deserted Joe. lay on the floor. When I awoke with
I would not have gone back to Joe out having parted in my sleep with the
now, I would not have gone back to perception of my wretcheduess, the
Biddy now, for any consideration : clocks of the Eastward churches were
simply, I suppose, because my sense striking five, the candles were wasted
of my own worthless conduct to them out, the fire was dead, and the wind
was greater than every consideration. and rain intensified the thick black
No wisdom on earth could have given darkness.
THIS IS THE END OF THE SECOND STAGE QF PIP's EXPECTATIvi's.
N 2
CHAPTER XL.
It was fortunate for me that I had to lighting my candle at the watchman's,

take precautions to insure (so far as I and leaving him standing at the door, I
could) the safety of my dreaded visitor; examined them carefully, including the
for, this thought pressing on me when I room in which my dreaded guest lay
awoke, held other thoughts in a con asleep. All was quiet, and assuredly
fused concourse at a distance. no other man was in those chambers.
The impossibility of keeping him It troubled me that there should
concealed in the chambers was self have been a lurker on the stairs, on
evident. It could not be done, and the that night of all nights in the year,
attempt to do it would inevitably en and I asked the watchman, on the
gender suspicion. True, I had no chance of eliciting some hopeful expla
Avenger in my service now, but I was nation as I handed him a dram at the
ooked after by an inflammatory old door, whether he had admitted at his
female, assisted by an animated rag gate any gentleman who had perceptibly
bag whom she called her niece; and to been dining out ! Yes, he said; at
keep a room secret from them would be different times of the night, three.
to invite curiosity and exaggeration. One lived in Fountain Court, and the
They both had weak eyes, which I had other two lived in the Lane, and he
long attributed to their chronically had seen them all go home. Again,
looking in at keyholes, and they were the only other man who dwelt in the
always at hand when not wanted; in house of which my chambers formed a
deed that was their only reliable quality part, had been in the country for some
besides larceny. Not to get up a mys weeks; and he certainly had not re
tery with these people, I resolved to turned in the night, because we had
announce in the morning that my uncle seen his door with his seal on it as we
had unexpectedly come from the country. came up-stairs.
This course I decided on while I was “The night being so bad, sir,” said
yet groping about in the darkness for the the watchman, as he gave me back my
means of getting a light. Not stumbling glass, “uncommon few have come in at
on the means after all, I was fain to go my gate. Besides them three gentlemen
out to the adjacent Lodge and get the that I have named, I don't call to mind
watchman there to come with his lan another since about eleven o'clock, when
tern. Now, in groping my way down a stranger asked for you.”
the black staircase I fell over something, “My uncle,” I muttered. “Yes.”
and that something was a man crouch “You saw him, sir?”
ing in a corner. “Yes, Oh yes.”
As the man made no answer when I “Likewise the person with him 7”
asked him what he did there, but “Person with him " I repeated.
eluded my touch in silence, I ran to “I judged the person to be with
the Lodge and urged the watchman to him,” returned the watchman. “The
come quickly: telling him of the inci person stopped, when he stopped to
dent on the way back. The wind being make inquiry of me, and the person
as fierce as ever, we did not care to took this way when he took this way.”
endanger the light in the lantern by “What sort of person º’”
rekindling the extinguished lamps on The watchman had not particularly
the staircase, but we examined the noticed; he should say a working per
staircase from the bottom to the top son ; to the best of his belief, he had
and found no one there. It then oc a dust-coloured kind of clothes on,
curred to me as possible that the man under a dark coat. The watchman
might have slipped into my rooms; so, made more light of the matter than
I did, and naturally; not having my I imparted how iny uncle had come in
reason for attaching weight to it. the night and was then asleep, and
When I had got rid of him, which how the breakfast preparations were
I thought it well to do without pro to be modified accordingly. Then, I
longing explanations, my mind was washed and dressed while they knocked
much troubled by these two circum the furniture about and made a dust;
stances taken together. Whereas they and so, in a sort of dream or sleep
were easy of innocent solution apart— waking, I found myself sitting by the
as, for instance, some diner-out or fire again, waiting for—Him—to come
diner-at-home, who had not gone near to breakfast.
this watchman's gate, might have By-and-by, his door opened and he
strayed to my staircase and dropped came out. I could not bring myself
asleep there—and my nameless visitor to bear the sight of him, and I thought
might have brought some one with him he had a worse look by daylight.
to show him the way—still, joined, “I do not even know,” said I,
they had an ugly look to one as prone speaking low as he took his seat at the
to distrust and fear as the changes of table, “by what name to call you. I
a few hours had made me. have given out that you are my uncle.”
I lighted my fire, which burnt with “That's it, dear boy | Call me
a raw pale flare at that time of the uncle.”
morning, and fell into a doze before “You assumed some name, I sup
it. I seemed to have been dozing a pose, on board ship !”
whole night when the clocks struck “Yes, dear boy. I took the name
six. As there was full an hour and of Provis.”
a half between me and daylight, I “Do you mean to keep that name 2"
dozed again; now, waking up uneasily, “Why, yes, dear boy, it's as good
with prolix conversations about nothing, as another—unless you'd like another.”
in my ears; now, making thunder of “What is your real name : " I asked
the wind in the chimney; at length, him in a whisper.
falling off into a profound sleep from “Magwitch,” he answered, in the
which the daylight woke me with a same tone; “chrisen’d Abel.”
start. “What were you brought up to be?”
All this time I had never been able “A warmint, dear boy.”
to consider my own situation, nor could He answered quite seriously, and
I do so yet. I had not the power to used the word as if it denoted some
attend to it. I was greatly dejected profession.
and distressed, but in an incoherent “When you came into the Temple
wholesale sort of way. As to forming last night—” said I, pausing to
any plan for the future, I could as soon wonder whether that could really have
have formed an elephant. When I been last night, which seemed so long
opened the shutters and looked out at ago.
the wet wild morning, all of a leaden “Yes, dear boy?”
hue ; when I walked from room to “When you came in at the gate and
room; when I sat down again shiver asked the watchman the way here, had
ing, before the fire, waiting for my you any one with you?”
laundress to appear; I thought how “With me? No, dear boy.”
miserable I was, but hardly knew why, “But there was some one there ?”
or how long I had been so, or on what “I didn't take particular notice,”
day of the week I made the reflection, he said, dubiously, “not knowing the
or even who I was that made it. ways of the place. But I think there
At last, the old woman and the was a person, too, come in alonger me.”
niece came in—the latter with a head “Are you known in London "
not easily distinguishable from her “I hope not l” said he, giving his
dusty broom—and testified surprise at neck a jerk with his forefinger that
sight of me and the fire. To whom made me turn hot and sick.
“Were you known in London, once?” through his favourite action of holding
“Not over and above, dear boy. out both his hands for mine.
I was in the provinces mostly.” “And this,” said he, dandling my
“Were you—tried—in London ''' hands up and down in his, as he puffed
“Which time !” said he, with a at his pipe; “and this is the gentle
sharp look. man what I made The real genuine
“The last time.” One ! It does me good fur to look at
. He nodded. “First knowed Mr. you, Pip. All I stip’late, is, to stand
Jaggers that way. Jaggers was for by and look at you, dear boy 1"
me.” I released my hands as soon as I
It was on my lips to ask him what could, and found that I was beginning
he was tried for, but he took up a slowly to settle down to the contem
knife, gave it a flourish, and with the plation of my condition. What I was
words, “And what I done is worked chained to, and how heavily, became
out and paid for l’’ fell to at his break intelligible to me, as I heard his hoarse
fast. voice, and sat looking up at his fur
He ate in a ravenous way that was rowed bald head with its iron grey
very disagreeable, and all his actions hair at the sides.
were uncouth, noisy, and greedy. Some “I mustn't see my gentleman a
of his teeth had failed him since I saw footing it in the mire of the streets ;
him eat on the marshes, and as he there mustn't be no mud on his boots.
turned his food in his mouth, and My gentleman must have horses, Pip !
turned his head sideways to bring his Horses to ride, and horses to drive,
strongest fangs to bear upon it, he and horses for his servant to ride and
looked terribly like a hungry old dog. drive as well. Shall colonists have
If I had begun with any appetite, their horses (and blood 'uns, if you
he would have taken it away, and please, good Lord 1) and not my Lon
I should have sat much as I did—re don gentleman 7 No, no. We’ll show
pelled from him by an insurmountable 'em another pair of shoes than that,
aversion, and gloomily looking at the Pip ; won’t us?”
cloth. He took out of his pocket a great
“I’m a heavy grubber, dear boy,” thick pocket-book, bursting with papers,
he said, as a polite kind of apology and tossed it on the table.
when he had made an end of his meal, “There's something worth spending
“but I always was. If it had been in in that there book, dear boy. It's
my constitution to be a lighter grubber, yourn. All I've got ain't mine; it's
I might ha' got into lighter trouble. yourn. Don't you be afeerd on it.
Similarly, I must have my smoke. There's more where that come from.
When I was first hired out as shepherd I've come to the old country fur to see
tºother side the world, it's my belief my gentleman spend his money like
I should ha’ turned into a molloncolly a gentleman. That'll be my pleasure.
mad sheep myself, if I hadn't a had my My pleasure 'ull be fur to see him do
smoke.” it. And blast you all !” he wound
As he said so, he got up from table, up, looking round the room and snap
and putting his hand into the breast ping his fingers once with a loud snap,
of the pea-coat he wore, brought out “blast you every one, from the judge
a short black pipe, and a handful of in his wig, to the colonist a stirring up
loose tobacco of the kind that is called the dust, I’ll show a better gentleman
negro-head. Having filled his pipe, he than the whole kit on you put to
put the surplus tobacco back again, as gether "
if his pocket were a drawer. Then, “Stop 1" said I, almost in a frenzy
he took a live coal from the fire with of fear and dislike, “I want to speak
the tongs, and lighted his pipe at it, to you. I want to know what is to
and then turned round on the hearth be done. I want to know how you are
rug with his back to the fire, and went to be kept out of danger, how long you
are going to stay, what projects you “Where are you to live º’” said I.
have.” -
“What is to be done with you? Where
“Look’ee here, Pip,” said he, laying will you be safe #" -
his hand on my arm in a suddenly “Dear boy,” he returned, “there's

altered and subdued manner ; “first disguising wigs can be bought for money,
of all, look'ee here. I forgot myself and there's hair powder, and spectacles,
half a minute ago. What I said was and black clothes—shorts and what
low ; that’s what it was ; low. Look’ee not.
Others has done it safe afore,
here, Pip. Look over it. I ain't a and what others has done afore, others
going to be low.” can do agen. As to the where and
“First,” I resumed, half groaning, how of living, dear boy, give me your
“what precautions can be taken against own opinions on it.” º
your being recognised and seized ’’. “You take it smoothly now,” said
“No, dear boy,” he said, in the I, “but you were very serious last
same tone as before, “that don’t go night, when you swore it was Death.”
first. Lowness goes first. I ain't took “And so I swear it is Death,” said
so many year to make a gentleman, he, putting his pipe back in his mouth,
not without knowing what's due to “and Death by the rope, in the open
him. Look’ee here, Pip. I was low; street not fur from this, and it's serious
that's what I was ; low. Look over that you should fully understand it to
it, dear boy.” be so. What then, when that's once
Some sense of the grimly-ludicrous done Here I am. To go back now,
moved me to a fretful laugh, as I re 'ud be as bad as to stand ground—
plied, “I have looked over it. In worse. Besides, Pip, I’m here, be
Heaven's name, don't harp upon it !” cause I've meant it by you, years and
“Yes, but look’ee here,” he per years. As to what I dare, I'm a old
sisted. “Dear boy, I ain’t come so bird now, as has dared all manner of
fur, not fur to be low. Now, go on, traps since first he was fledged, and
dear boy. You was a saying I’m not afeerd to perch upon a scare
»
“How are you to be guarded from crow. If there's Death hid inside of
the danger you have incurred " it, there is, and let him come out, and
“Well, dear boy, the danger ain’t I'll face him, and then I'll believe in
So great. Without I was informed him and not afore. And now let me
agen, the danger ain’t so much to have a look at my gentleman agen.”
signify. There's Jaggers, and there's Once more, he took me by both
Wemmick, and there's you. Who else hands and surveyed me with an air of
is there to inform #" admiring proprietorship : smoking with .
“Is there no chance person who great complacency all the while.
might identify you in the street 2' It appeared to me that I could do
said I. -
no better than secure him some quiet
“Well,” he returned, there ain’t lodging hard by, of which he might
many, Nor yet I don't intend to ad take possession when Herbert returned :
vertise myself in the newspapers by whom I expected in two or three days.
the name of A.M. come back from That the secret must be confided to
Botany Bay; and years have rolled Herbert as a matter of unavoidable
away, and who's to gain by it ! Still, necessity, even if I could have put the
look’ee here, Pip. If the danger had immense relief I should derive from
been fifty times as great, I should ha’ sharing it with him out of the question,
come to see you, mind you, just the was plain to me. But it was by no
same.” means so plain to Mr. Provis (I re
“And how long do you remain }'' solved to call him by that name), who
“How long '" said he, taking his reserved his consent to Herbert's par
black pipe from his mouth, and drop ticipation until he should have seen
ping his jaw as he stared at me. “I’m him and formed a favourable judgment
not a going back. I've come for good.” of his physiognomy. “And even then,
dear boy,” said he, pulling a greasy my windows, I first of all repaired to
little clasped black Testament out of that house, and was so fortunate as to
his pocket, “we’ll have him on his secure the second floor for my uncle,
oath.” Mr. Provis. I then went from shop to
To state that my terrible patron shop, making such purchases as were
carried this little black book about the necessary to the change in his appear
world solely to swear people on in cases ance. This business transacted, I
of emergency, would be to state what I turned my face, on my own account, to
never quite established—but this I can Little Britain. Mr. Jaggers was at his
say, that I never knew him put it to desk, but, seeing me enter, got up im
any other use. The book itself had the mediately and stood before his fire.
appearance of having been stolen from “Now, Pip,” said he, “be careful.”
some court of justice, and perhaps his “I will, sir,” I returned. For,
knowledge of its antecedents, combined coming along I had thought well of
with his own experience in that wise, what I was going to say. -
gave him a reliance on its powers as a “Don’t commit yourself,” said Mr.
sort of legal spell or charm. On this Jaggers, “and don’t commit any one.
first occasion of his producing it, I You understand—any one. Don’t tell
recalled how he had made me swear me anything : I don't want to know
fidelity in the churchyard long ago, and anything : I am not curious.”
how he had described himself last night Of course I saw that he knew the
as always swearing to his resolutions in man Was come.
his solitude. “I merely want, Mr. Jaggers,” said
As he was at present dressed in a I, “to assure myself what I have been
seafaring slop suit, in which he looked as told, is true. I have no hope of its
if he had some parrots and cigars to being untrue, but at least I may verify
dispose of, I next discussed with him it.”
what dress he should wear. He Mr. Jaggers nodded. “But did you
cherished an extraordinary belief in the say “told’ or “informed” ". he asked
virtues of “shorts” as a disguise, and me, with his head on one side, and not
had in his own mind sketched a dress looking at me, but looking in a listen
for himself that would have made him ing way at the floor. “Told would
something between a dean and a dentist. seem to imply verbal communication.
It was with considerable difficulty that You can't have verbal communication
I won him over to the assumption of a with a man in New South Wales, you
dress more like a prosperous farmer's; know.”
and we arranged that he should cut his “I will say, informed, Mr. Jaggers.”
hair close, and wear a little powder. “Good.”
Lastly, as he had not yet been seen by “I have been informed by a person
the laundress or her niece, he was to named Abel Magwitch, that he is the
keep himself out of their view until his benefactor so long unknown to me.”
change of dress was made. “That is the man,” said Mr. Jag
It would seem a simple matter to gers, “–in New South Wales.”
decide on these precautions; but in my “And only he 7" said I.
dazed, not to say distracted, state, it “And only he,” said Mr. Jaggers.
took so long, that I did not get out to “I am not so unreasonable, sir, as
further them, until two or three in the to think you at all responsible for my
afternoon. He was to remain shut mistakes and wrong conclusions; but
up in the chambers while I was gone, I always supposed it was Miss Havis
and was on no account to open the ham.”
door. “As you say, Pip,” returned Mr.
There being to my knowledge a re Jaggers, turning his eyes upon me
spectable lodging-house in Essex-street, coolly, and taking a bite at his fore
the back of which looked into the finger, “I am not at all responsible for
Temple, and was almost within hail of that.” -
“And yet it looked so like it, sir,” under date Portsmouth, from a colonist
I pleaded with a downcast heart. of the name of Provis, asking for the
“Not a particle of evidence, Pip,” particulars of your address, on behalf
said Mr. Jaggers, shaking his head and of Magwitch. Wemmick sent him the
gathering up his skirts. “Take no particulars, I understand, by return of
thing on its looks; take everything on post. Probably it is through Provis
evidence. There's no better rule.” that you have received the explanation
“I have no more to say,” said I, of Magwitch—in New South Wales #"
with a sigh, after standing silent for a “It came through Provis,” I re
little while. “I have verified my in plied.
formation, and there's an end.” “Good day, Pip,” said Mr. Jaggers,
“And Magwitch—in New South offering his hand; “glad to have seen
Wales—having at last disclosed him you. In writing by post to Magwitch
self,” said Mr. Jaggers, “you will —in New South Wales—or in com
comprehend, Pip, how rigidly through municating with him through Provis,
out my communication with you, I have the goodness to mention that the
have always adhered to the strict line particulars and vouchers of our long
of fact. There has never been the account shall be sent to you, together
least departure from the strict line of with the balance; for there is still a
fact. You are quite aware of that ?” balance remaining. Good day, Pip !”
“Quite, sir.” We shook hands, and he looked hard
“I communicated to Magwitch—in at me as long as he could see me. I
New South Wales—when he first wrote turned at the door, and he was still
to me—from New South Wales—the looking hard at me, while the two vile
caution that he must not expect me casts on the shelf seemed to be trying
ever to deviate from the strict line of to get their eyelids open, and to force
fact. I also communicated to him out of their swollen throats, “0, what
another caution. He appeared to me a man he is l’”
to have obscurely hinted in his letter Wemmick was out, and though he
at some distant idea of seeing you in had been at his desk he could have
England here. I cautioned him that I done nothing for me. I went straight
must hear no more of that ; that he back to the Temple, where I found
was not at all likely to obtain a par the terrible Provis drinking rum-and
don; that he was expatriated for the water, and smoking negro-head, in
term of his natural life; and that his safety.
presenting himself in this country would Next day the clothes I had ordered
be an act of felony, rendering him liable all came home, and he put them on.
to the extreme penalty of the law. I Whatever he put on, became him less
gave Magwitch that caution,” said Mr. (it dismally seemed to me) than what
Jaggers, looking hard at me; “I wrote he had worn before. To my thinking
it to New South Wales. He guided there was something in him that made
himself by it, no doubt.” it hopeless to attempt to disguise him.
“No doubt,” said I. The more I dressed him and the better
“I have been informed by Wem I dressed him, the more he looked like
mick,” pursued Mr. Jaggers, still look the slouching fugitive on the marshes.
ing hard at me, “that he has received This effect on my anxious 'fancy was
a letter, under date Portsmouth, from partly referable, no doubt, to his old
a colonist of the name of Purvis, or face and manner growing more familiar
»
to me : but I believed too that he
“Or Provis,” I suggested. dragged one of his legs as if there were
“Or Provis—thank you, Pip. Per still a weight of iron on it, and that
haps it is Provis Perhaps you know from head to foot there was Convict in
it’s Provis 2° the very grain of the man. .
“Yes,” said I. The influences of his solitary hut-life
‘You know it's Provis. A letter, were upon him besides, and gave him a
savage air that no dress could tame ; did start out of bed in the night, and
added to these were the influences of begin to dress myself in my worst
his subsequent branded life among men, clothes, hurriedly intending to leave
and, crowning all, his consciousness that him there with everything else I pos
he was dodging and hiding now. In sessed, and enlist for India, as a private
all his ways of sitting and standing, soldier.
and eating and drinking—of brooding I doubt if a ghost could have been
about, in a high-shouldered reluctant more terrible to me, up in those lonely
style—of taking out his great horn rooms in the long evenings and long
handled jack-knife and wiping it on his nights, with the wind and the rain
legs and cutting his food—of lifting always rushing by. A ghost could not
light glasses and cups to his lips, as if have been taken and hanged on my
they were clumsy pannikins—of chop account, and the consideration that he
ping a wedge off his bread, and soaking could be, and the dread that he would
up with it the last fragments of gravy be, were no small addition to my hor
round and round his plate, as if to rors. When he was not asleep, or
make the most of an allowance, and playing a complicated kind of Patience
then drying his finger-ends on it, and with a ragged pack of cards of his own
then swallowing it—in these ways and —a game that I never saw before or
a thousand other small nameless in since, and in which he recorded his
stances arising every minute in the day, winnings by sticking his jack-knife into
there was Prisoner, Felon, Bondsman, the table—when he was not engaged in
plain as plain could be. either of these pursuits, he would ask
It had been his own idea to wear me to read to him—“Foreign language,
that touch of powder, and I conceded dear boy ſ” While I complied, he, not
the powder after overcoming the shorts. comprehending a single word, would
But I can compare the effect of it, when stand before the fire surveying me with
on, to nothing but the probable effect the air of an Exhibitor, and I would see
of rouge upon the dead; so awful was him, between the fingers of the hand
the manner in which everything in him with which I shaded my face, appeal
that it was most desirable to repress, ing in dumb show to the furniture to
started through that thin layer of take notice of my proficiency. The
pretence, and seemed to come blazing imaginary student pursued by the mis
out at the crown of his head. It was shapen creature he had impiously made,
abandoned as soon as tried, and he wore was not more wretched than I, pursued
his grizzled hair cut short. by the creature who had made me, and
Words cannot tell what a sense I had, recoiling from him with a stronger re
atthe same time, of the dreadful mystery pulsion, the more he admired me and
that he was to me. When he fell asleep the fonder he was of me. -
of an evening, with his knotted hands This is written of, I am sensible, as

clenching the sides of the easy-chair, if it had lasted a year. It lasted about
and his bald head tattooed with deep five days. Expecting Herbert all the
wrinkles falling forward on his breast, time, I dared not go out, except when
I would sit and look at him, wondering I took Provis for an airing after dark.
what he had done, and loading him At length, one evening when dinner
with all the crimes in the Calendar, was over and I had dropped into a
until the impulse was powerful on me slumber quite worn out—for my mights
to start up and fly from him. Every had been agitated and my rest broken
hour so increased my abhorrence of him, by fearful dreams—I was roused by
that I even think I might have yielded the welcome footstep on the staircase.
to this impulse in the first agonies of Provis, who had been asleep too, stag
being so haunted, notwithstanding all gered up at the noise I made, and in an
he had done for me and the risk he ran, instant I saw his jack-knife shining in
but for the knowledge that Herbert his hand. *
must soon come back. Once, I actually “Quiet ! It's Herbert : " I said; and
Herbert came bursting in, with the bert stood staring and wondering,
airy freshness of six hundred miles of “something very strange has happened.
France upon him. This is—a visitor of mine.”
“Handel, my dear fellow, how are “It’s all right, dear boy l’” said
you, and again how are you, and again Provis, coming forward, with his little
how are you? I seem to have been clasped black book, and then addressing
gone a twelvemonth ! Why, so I must himself to Herbert. “Take it in your
have been, for you have grown quite right hand. Lord strike you dead on
thin and pale ! Handel, my—Halloa the spot, if ever you split in any way
I beg your pardon.” sumever. Kiss it !”
He was stopped in his running on “Do so, as he wishes it,” I said to
and in his shaking hands with me, by Herbert. So, Herbert, looking at me
seeing Provis. Provis, regarding him with a friendly uneasiness and amaze
with a fixed attention, was slowly put ment, complied, and Provis immediately
ting up his jack-knife, and groping in shaking hands with him, said, “Now,
another pocket for something else. you’re on your oath, you know. And
“Herbert, my dear friend,” said I, never believe me on mine, if Pip shan't
shutting the double doors, while Her make a gentleman on you !”
CHAPTER XLI.
IN vain should I attempt to describe very well that once since I come back
the astonishment and disquiet of Her —for half a minute—I’ve been low. I
bert, when he and I and Provis sat said to Pip, I knowed as I had been
down before the fire, and I recounted low. But don't you fret yourself on
the whole of the secret. Enough that that score. I ain't made Pip a gentle
I saw my own feelings reflected in man, and Pip ain't a-goin to make you
Herbert's face, and, not least among a gentleman, not fur me not to know
them, my repugnance towards the man what's due to ye both. Dear boy, and
who had done so much for me. Pip's comrade, you two may count
What would alone have set a division upon me always having a gen-teel
between that man and us, if there had muzzle on. Muzzled I have been since
been no other dividing circumstance, that half a minute when I was betrayed
was his triumph in my story. Saving his into lowness, muzzled I am at the pre
troublesome sense of having been “low” sent time, muzzled I ever will be.”
on one occasion since his return—on Herbert said, “Certainly,” but
which point he began to hold forth to looked as if there were no specific con
Herbert, the moment my revelation was solation in this, and remained perplexed
finished—he had no perception of the and dismayed. We were anxious for
possibility of my finding any fault with the time when he would go to his lodg
my good fortune. His boast that he ing, and leave us together, but he was
had made me a gentleman, and that he evidently jealous of leaving us together,
had come to see me support the character and sat late. It was midnight before I
on his ample resources, was made for took him round to Essex-street, and
me quite as much as for himself. And saw him safely in at his own dark door.
that it was a highly agreeable boast to When it closed upon him, I experienced
both of us, and that we must both be the first moment of relief I had known
very proud of it, was a conclusion quite since the night of his arrival.
established in his own mind. Never quite free from an uneasy re
“Though, look’ee here, Pip's com membrance of the man on the stairs, I
rade,” he said to Herbert, after having had always looked about me in taking
discoursed for some time, “I know my guest out after dark, and in bring
ing him back; and I looked about me lavish appearances of all kinds. He
now. Difficult as it is in a large city must be stopped somehow.”
to avoid the suspicion of being watched “You mean that you can't ac
when the mind is conscious of danger cept—”
in that regard, I could not persuade “How can I?” I interposed, as
myself that any of the people within Herbert paused. “Think of him
sight cared about my movements. The Look at him l’”
few who were passing, passed on their An involuntary shudder passed over
several ways, and the street was empty both of us.
when I turned back into the Temple. “Yet I am afraid the dreadful truth
Nobody had come out at the gate with is, Herbert, that he is attached to me,
us, nobody went in at the gate with me. strongly attached to me. Was there
As I crossed by the fountain, I saw his ever such a fate l"
lighted back windows looking bright “My poor dear Handel,” Herbert
and quiet, and, when I stood for a few repeated.
moments in the doorway of the building “Then,” said I, “after all, stopping
where I lived, before going up the stairs, short here, never taking another penny
Garden-court was as still and lifeless from him, think what I owe him al
as the staircase was when I ascended it. ready | Then again : I am heavily in
Herbert received me with open arms, debt—very heavily for me, who have
and I had never felt before so blessedly, now no expectations—and I have been
what it is to have a friend. When he bred to no calling, and I am fit for
had spoken some sound words of sym nothing.”
pathy and encouragement, we sat down “Well, well, well !” Herbert re
to consider the question, What was to monstrated. “Don’t say fit for
be done? nothing.”
The chair that Provis had occupied “What am I fit for ? I know only
still remaining where it had stood—for one thing that I am fit for, and that is,
he had a barrack way with him of to go for a soldier. And I might have
hanging about one spot, in one unsettled gone, my dear Herbert, but for the
manner, and going through one round prospect of taking counsel with your
of observances with his pipe and his friendship and affection.”
negro-head and his jack-knife and his Of course I broke down there ; and
pack of cards, and what not, as if it of course Herbert, beyond seizing a
were all put down for him on a slate— warm grip of my hand, pretended not
I say, his chair remaining where it had to know it.
stood, Herbert unconsciously took it, “Anyhow, my dear Handel,” said
but next moment started out of it, he presently, “soldiering won't do. If
pushed it away, and took another. He you were to renounce this patronage
had no occasion to say, after that, that and these favours, I suppose you would
he had conceived an aversion for my do so with some faint hope of one day
patron, neither had I occasion to repaying what you have already had.
confess my own. We interchanged Not very strong, that hope, if you went
that confidence without shaping a soldiering ! Besides, it’s absurd. You
syllable. would be infinitely better in Clarriker's
“What,” said I to Herbert, when he house, small as it is. I am working up
was safe in another chair, “what is to towards a partnership, you know.”
be done º’” Poor fellow ! He little suspected
“My poor dear Handel,” he replied, with whose money.
holding his head, “I am too stunned to “But there is another question,”
think.” said Herbert. “This is an ignorant
“So was I, Herbert, when the blow determined man, who has long had one
first fell. Still, something must be fixed idea. More than that, he seems
done. He is intent upon various new to me (I may misjudge him) to be a
expenses—horses, and carriages, and man of a desperate and fierce character.”
“I know he is,” I returned. “Let making him reckless, here, than else
me tell you what evidence I have seen where. If a pretext to get him away
of it.” And I told him what I had could be made out of that other con
not mentioned in my narrative ; of that vict, or out of anything else in his life,
encounter with the other convict. now.”
“See, then,” said Herbert; “think “There again l’” said I, stopping
of this He comes here at the peril of before Herbert, with my open hands
his life, for the realisation of his fixed held out, as if they contained the des
idea. In the moment of realisation, peration of the case. “I know nothing
after all his toil and waiting, you cut of his life. It has almost made me
the ground from under his feet, destroy mad to sit here of a night and see him
his idea, and make his gains worth before me, so bound up with my for
less to him. Do you see nothing that tunes and misfortunes, and yet so un
he might do, under the disappoint known to me, except as the miserable
ment # * wretch who terrified me two days in my
“I have seen it, Herbert, and dreamed childhood l’”
of it, ever since the fatal night of his Herbert got up, and linked his arm
arrival. Nothing has been in my in mine, and we slowly walked to and
thoughts so distinctly as his putting fro together, studying the carpet.
himself in the way of being taken.” “Handel,” said Herbert, stopping,
“Then you may rely upon it,” said “you feel convinced that you can take
Herbert, “that there would be great no further benefits from him ; do
danger of his doing it. That is his ou ?”
power over you as long as he remains in “Fully. Surely you would, too, if
England, and that would be his reck you were in my place #"
less course if you forsook him.” “And you feel convinced that you
• I was so struck by the horror of this must break with him '''
idea, which had weighed upon me from “Herbert, can you ask me!”
the first, and the working out of which “And you have, and are bound to
would make me regard myself, in some have, that tenderness for the life he has
sort, as his murderer, that I could not risked on your account, that you must
rest in my chair, but began pacing to save him, if possible, from throwing it
and fro. I said to Herbert, meanwhile, away. Then you must get him out of
that even if Provis were recognised and England before you stir a finger to ex
taken, in spite of himself, I should be tricate yourself. That done, extricate
wretched as the cause, however inno yourself, in Heaven's name, and we'll
cently. Yes; even though I was so see it out together, dear old boy.”
wretched in having him at large and It was a comfort to shake hands upon
near me, and even though I would far it, and walk up and down again, with
rather have worked at the forge all theonly that done.
days of my life than I would ever have “Now, Herbert,” said I, “with
come to this 1 reference to gaining some knowledge of
But there was no raving off the ques his history. There is but one way that
tion, What was to be done I know of. I must ask him point
“The first and the main thing to be blank.”
done,” said Herbert, “is to get him “Yes. Ask him,” said Herbert,
out of England. You will have to go “when we sit at breakfast in the morn
with him, and then he may be induced ing.” For, he had said, on taking
to go.” leave of Herbert, that he would come
“But get him where I will, could I to breakfast with us.
prevent his coming back º’” With this project formed, we went to
“My good Handel, is it not obvious bed. I had the wildest dreams con
that with Newgate in the next street, cerning him, and woke unrefreshed ; I
there must be far greater hazard in woke, teo, to recover the fear which I
your breaking your mind to him and had lost in the night, of his being
s
found out as a returned transport. to know no more about either, and par
Waking, I never lost that fear. ticularly you, than I was able to tell
* He came round at the appointed last night. Is not this as good a time
time, took out his jack-knife, and sat as another for our knowing more ?”
down to his meal. He was full of “Well I’’ he said, after considerº
plans “for his gentleman's coming out tion. “You’re on your oath, you
strong, and like a gentleman,” and know, Pip's comrade 2°
urged me to begin speedily upon the “Assuredly,” replied Herbert.
pocket-book, which he had left in my “As to anything I say, you know,”
possession. He considered the cham he insisted. “The oath applies to
bers and his own lodging as temporary all.”
residences, and advised me to look out “I understand it to do so.”
at once for a “fashionable crib” near “And look’ee here ! Wotever I done,
Hyde Park, in which he could have “a is worked out and paid for,” he insisted
shake-down.” When he had made an again.
end of his breakfast, and was wiping “So be it.” -
his knife on his leg, I said to him, He took out his black pipe and was
without a word of preface : going to fill it with negro-head, when,
“After you were gone last night, I looking at the tangle of tobacco in his
told my friend of the struggle that the hand, he seemed to think it might per
soldiers found you engaged in on the plex the thread of his narrative. He
marshes, when we came up. You re put it back again, stuck his pipe in a
member 2° button-hole of his coat, spread a hand
“Remember 1’” said he. “I think on each knee, and, after turning an
So I ?” angry eye on the fire for a few silent
“We want to know something about moments, looked around at us and said
that man—and about you. It is strange what follows.
CHAPTER XLII.
“DEAR boy and Pip's comrade. I Summun had run away from me—a
am not a going fur to tell you my life, man—a tinker—and he'd took the fire
like a song or a story-book. But to with him, and left me wery cold.
give it you short and handy, I’ll put it “I know'd my name to be Mag
at once into a mouthful of English. In witch, chrisen’d Abel. How did I
jail and out of jail, in jail and out of know it ! Much as I know'd the birds'
jail, in jail and out of jail. There, names in the hedges to be chaffinch,
you’ve got it. That's my life pretty sparrer, thrush. I might have thought
much, down to such times as I got it was all lies together, only as the
shipped off, arter Pip stood my friend. birds' names come out true, I supposed
“I’ve been done everything to, mine did.
pretty well—except hanged. I’ve been “So fur as I could find, there warn’t
locked up, as much as a silver tea a soul that see young Abel Magwitch,
kittle. I’ve been carted here and with as little on him as in him, but
carted there, and put out of this town wot caught fright at him, and either
and put out of that town, and stuck in drove him off, or took him up. I was
the stocks, and whipped and worried took up, took up, took up, to that ex
and drove. I’ve no more notion where tent that I reg’larly grow’d up took up.
I was born, than you have—if so much. “This is the way it was, that when
I first become aware of myself, down in I was a ragged little creetur as much
Essex, a thieving turnips for my living. to be pitied as ever I see (not that I
looked in the glass, for there warn’t on the heath, in a booth that I knowd
many insides of furnished houses known on. Him and some more was a sitting
to me), I got the name of being har among the tables when I went in, and
dened. “This is a terrible hardened the landlord (which had a knowledge
one,' they says to prison wisitors, pick of me, and was a sporting one) called
ing out me. ‘May be said to live in him out, and said, ‘I think this is a
jails, this boy.’ Then they looked at man that might suit you"—meaning I
me, and I looked at them, and they Was.
measured my head, some on 'em—they “Compeyson, he looks at me very

had better a measured my stomach— noticing, and I look at him. He has a
and others on 'em giv me tracts what I watch and a chain and a ring and a
couldn’t read, and made me speeches breast-pin and a handsome suit of
what I couldn't unnerstand. They clothes.
always went on agen me about the “‘To judge from appearances, you’re
Devil. But what the devil was I to out of luck,” says Compeyson to me.
do º I must put sqmething into my “‘Yes, master, and I’ve never been
stomach, mustn't I?—Howsomever, I'm in it much.” (I had come out of King
a getting low, and I know what's due. ston Jail last on a vagrancy committal.
Dear boy and Pip's comrade, don't you Not but what it might have been for
be afeerd of me being low. something else; but it warn't.)
“Tramping, begging, thieving, work “‘Luck changes,’ says Compeyson ;
ing sometimes when I could—though “perhaps yours is going to change.”
that warn’t as often as you may think, “I says, “I hope it may be so.
till you put the question whether you There's room.’
would ha’ been over ready to give me “‘What can you do?” says Compey
work yourselves—a bit of a poacher, a Son.
bit of a labourer, a bit of a waggoner, “‘Eat and drink,' I says; “if you’ll
a bit of a haymaker, a bit of a hawker, find the materials.’
a bit of most things that don't pay and “Compeyson laughed, looked at me
lead to trouble, I got to be a man. A again very noticing, giv me five shil
deserting soldier in a Traveller's Rest, lings, and appointed me for next night.
what lay hid up to the chin under a lot Same place.
of taturs, learnt me to read; and a “I went to Compeyson next night,
travelling Giant what signed his name same place, and Compeyson took me on
at a penny a time learnt me to write. to be his man and pardner. And what
I warn’t locked up as often now as for was Compeyson's business in which
merly, but I wore out my good share of we was to go pardners? Compeyson's
key-metal still. business was the swindling, hand
“At Epsom races, a matter of over writing forging, stolen bank-note pass
twenty year ago, I got acquainted wi' a ing, and such-like. All sorts of traps
man whose skull I'd crack wi' this as Compeyson could set with his head,
poker, like the claw of a lobster, if I’d and keep his own legs out of and get
got it on this hob. His right name was the profits from and let another man in .
Compeyson; and that's the man, dear for, was Compeyson's business. He'd
boy, what you see me a pounding in no more heart than a iron file, he was
the ditch, according to what you truly as cold as death, and he had the head
told your comrade arter I was gone last of the Devil afore mentioned.
might. “There was another in with Com
“He set up fur a gentleman, this peyson, as was called Arthur—not as
Compeyson, and he'd been to a public being so chrisen'd, but as a surname.
boarding-school and had learning. He He was in a Decline, and was a shadow
was a smooth one to talk, and was a to look at. Him and Compeyson had
dab at the ways of gentlefolks. He been in a bad thing with a rich lady
was good-looking too. It was the night soille years afore, and they'd made a
afore the great race, when I found hi:;a pot of luoney by it; but Compeyson
betted and gamed, and he'd have run her eyes | Ain't it awful to see her so
through the king's taxes. So, Arthur mad?’ Next, he cries, “She’ll put it
was a dying and a dying poor and with on me, and then I’m done for Take
the horrors on him, and Compeyson's it away from her, take it away !’ And
wife (which Compeyson kicked mostly)
then he catched hold of us, and kep on
was a having pity on him when she a talking to her, and answering of her,
could, and Compeyson was a having till I half believed I see her myself.
pity on nothing and nobody. “Compeyson's wife, being used to
“I might a took warning by Arthur, him, give him some liquor to get the
but I didn’t ; and I won't pretend I horrors off, and by-and-by he quieted.
was partick’ler—for where 'ud be the ‘Oh, she's gone ! Has her keeper been
good on it, dear boy and comrade : So for her ?” he says. “Yes,’ says Com
I begun wi' Compeyson, and a poor tool peyson's wife. “Did you tell him to
I was in his hands. Arthur lived at lock and bar her in 7' ‘Yes.” “And
the top of Compeyson's house (over nigh to take that ugly thing away from
Brentford it was), and Compeyson kept her ?’ ‘Yes, yes, all right.” “You’re
a careful account agen him for board a good creetur,’ he says, “don’t leave
and lodging, in case he should ever get me, whatever you do, and thank you !’
better to work it out. But Arthur “He rested pretty quiet till it might
soon settled the account. The second want a few minutes of five, and then
or third time as ever I see him, he he starts up with a scream, and screams
come a tearing down into Compeyson's out, ‘Here she is She's got the
parlour late at night, in only a flannel shroud again. She's unfolding it. She's
gown, with his hair all in a sweat, and coming out of the corner. She's coming
he says to Compeyson's wife, ‘Sally, to the bed. Hold me, both on you—
she really is up-stairs alonger me, now, one of each side—don't let her touch
and I can’t get rid of her. She's all in me with it. Hah She missed me
white,’ he says, “wi' white flowers in that time. Don't let her throw it over
her hair, and she's awful mad, and my shoulders. Don’t let her lift me up
she's got a shroud hanging over her to get it round me. She's lifting me
arm, and she says she'll put it on me up. Keep me down ' ' Then he lifted
at five in the morning.” himself up hard, and was dead.
“Says Compeyson : “Why, you fool, “Compeyson took it easy as a good
don't you know she's got a living body ? riddance for both sides. Him and me
And how should she be up there, with was soon busy, and first he swore me
out coming through the door, or in at (being ever artful) on my own book—
the window, and up the stairs ?” this here little black book, dear boy,
“‘I don’t know how she's there,’ what I swore your comrade on.
says Arthur, shivering dreadful with “Not to go into the things that
the horrors, “but she's standing in the Compeyson planned, and I done—which
corner at the foot of the bed, awful 'ud take a week—I’ll simply say to
mad. And over where her heart's you, dear boy, and Pip's comrade, that
broke—you broke it !—there's drops of that man got me into such nets as made
blood.” me his black slave. I was always in
“Compeyson spoke hardy, but he debt to him, always under his thumb,
was always a coward. “Go up alonger always a working, always a getting
this drivelling sick man,’ he says to his into danger. He was younger than me,
wife, ‘and, Magwitch, lend her a hand, but he'd got craft, and he'd got learn
will you?' But he never come nigh ing, and he overmatched me five hun
himself. dred times told and no mercy. My
“Compeyson's wife and me took him Missis as I had the hard time wi'—
up to bed agen, and he raved most Stop though ! I ain't brought her
dreadful. “Why look at her l’ he in—”
cries out. “She’s a shaking the shroud He looked about him in a confused
at me ! Don't you see her ? Look at way, as if he had lost his place in the
book of his remembrance; and he home. Can you doubt, if there is

turned his face to the fire, and spread but one in it, which is the one, and
his hands broader on his knees, and if there is two in it, which is much
lifted them off and put them on again, the worst one º’ And such-like. And
“There ain’t no need to go into it,” when it come to character, warn’t it
he said, looking round once more. Compeyson as had been to school, and
“The time wi' Compeyson was almost warn’t it his schoolfellows as was in
as hard a time as ever I had; that said, this position and in that, and warn’t it
all's said. Did I tell you as I was him as had been know'd by witnesses in
tried, alone, for misdemeanour, while such clubs and societies, and nowt to
with Compeyson 7" his disadvantage 7 And warn’t it me
I answered, No. as had been tried afore, and as had
“Well !” he said, “I was, and got been know’d up hill and down dale in
convicted. As to took up on suspicion, Bridewells and Lock-Ups ? And when
that was twice or three times in the it come to speech-making, warn’t it
four or five year that it lasted ; but Compeyson as could speak to 'em wi'
evidence was wanting. At last, me his face dropping every now and then
and Compeyson was both committed for into his white pocket-handkercher—ah!
felony—on a charge of putting stolen and wi' verses in his speech, too—and
notes in circulation—and there was warn’t it me as could only say, ‘Gen
other charges behind. Compeyson says tlemen, this man at my side is a most
to me, “Separate defences, no commu precious rascal'? And when the ver
nication,” and that was all. And I was dict come, warn’t it Compeyson as
so miserable poor, that I sold all the was recommended to mercy on account
clothes I had, except what hung on my of good character and bad company,
back, afore I could get Jaggers. and giving up all the information he
“When we was put in the dock, I could agen me, and warn’t it me as
noticed first of all what a gentlemangot never a word but Guilty? And
Compeyson looked, wi' his curly hair when I says to Compeyson, ‘ Once out
and his black clothes and his white of this court, I’ll smash that face o'
pocket-handkercher, and what a com yourn?’ ain't it Compeyson as prays the
mon sort of a wretch I looked. When Judge to be protected, and gets two
the prosecution opened and the evidence turnkeys stood betwixt us ; And when
was put short, aforehand, I noticed how we're sentenced, ain’t it him as gets
heavy it all bore on me, and how light seven year, and me fourteen, and ain’t
on him. When the evidence was giv in it him as the Judge is sorry for, because
the box, I noticed how it was always he might a done so well, and ain’t it
me that had come for’ard, and could be me as the Judge perceives to be a old
swore to, how it was always me that offender of widlent passion, likely to
the money had been paid to, how it come to worse ?”
was always me that had seemed to He had worked himself into a state
work the thing and get the profit. But, of great excitement, but he checked it,
when the defence come on, then I see took two or three short breaths, swal
the plan plainer; for, says the coun lowed as often, and stretching out his
sellor for Compeyson, “My lord and hand towards me said, in a reassuring
gentlemen, here you has afore you, side manner, “I ain't a going to be low,
by side, two persons as your eyes can dear boy l’”
separate wide ; one, the younger, well He had so heated himself that he
brought up, who will be spoke to as took out his handkerchief and wiped his
such ; one, the elder, ill brought up, face and head and neck and hands,
who will be spoke to as such ; one, before he could go on.
the younger, seldom if ever seen in “I had said to Compeyson that I'd
these here transactions, and only sus smash that face of his, and I swore
pected ; tºother, the elder, always seen Lord smash mine ! to do it. We was
in 'em and always wi' his guilt brought in the same prison-ship, but I couldn't
O
get at him for long, though I tried. tions; and his punishment was light.
At last I come behind him and hit him I was put in irons, brought to trial
on the cheek to turn him round and get again, and sent for life. I didn't stop
a smashing one at him, when I was for life, dear boy and Pip's comrade,
seen and seized. The black-hole of being here.”
that ship warn’t a strong one, to a He wiped himself again, as he had
judge of black holes that could swim done before, and then slowly took his
and dive. I escaped to the shore, and tangle of tobacco from his pocket, and
I was a hiding among the graves there, plucked his pipe from his button-hole,
envying them as was in 'em and all and slowly filled it, and began to
over, when I first see my boy ' " smoke.
He regarded me with a look of affec “Is he dead?” I asked after a
tion that made him almost abhorrent to silence. -
me again, though I had felt great pity “Is who dead, dear boy?”
for him. “Compeyson.”
“By my boy, I was giv to understand “He hopes I am, if he's alive, you
as Compeyson was out on them marshes may be sure,” with a fierce look. “I
too. Upon my soul, I half believe he never heerd no more of him.”
escaped in his terror, to get quit of me, Herbert had been writing with his
not knowing it was me as had got pencil in the cover of a book. He
ashore. I hunted him down. Ismashed softly pushed the book over to me, as
his face. “And now,” says I, “as the Provis stood smoking with his eyes on
worst thing I can do, caring nothing for the fire, and I read in it :
myself, I'll drag you back.” And I’d “Young Havisham's name was Arthur.
have swum off, towing him by the hair, Compeyson is the man who professed to be
if it had come to that, and I’d a got Miss Havisham's lover.”
him aboard without the soldiers. I shut the book and nodded slightly
“Of course he'd much the best of it to Herbert, and put the book by ; but
to the last—his character was so good. we neither of us said anything, and
He had escaped when he was made half both looked at Provis as he stood
wild by me and my murderous inten smoking by the fire.
CHAPTER XLIII.
WHY should I pause to ask how much If Compeyson were alive and should dis
of my shrinking from Provis might be cover his return, I could hardly doubt
traced to Estella Why should I loiter the consequence. That Compeyson stood
on my road, to compare the state of in mortal fear of him, neither of the two
mind in which I had tried to rid myself could know much better than I; and that
of the stain of the prison before meeting any such man as that man had been de
her at the coach-office, with the state of scribed to be, would hesitate to release
mind in which I now reflected on the himself for good from a dreaded enemy
abyss between Estella in her pride and by the safe means of becoming an in
beauty, and the returned transport former, was scarcely to be imagined.
whom I harboured ? The road would Never had I breathed, and never
be none the smoother for it, the end would I breathe—or so I resolved—a
would be none the better for it, he word of Estella to Provis. But, I said
would not be helped, nor I extenuated. to Herbert that before I could go
A new fear had been engendered in abroad, I must see both Estella and
my mind by his narrative ; or rather, Miss Havisham. This was when we
his narrative had given form and pur were left alone on the night of the day
pose to the fear that was already there. when Provis told us his story. I re
º
solved to go out to Richmond next day, country-road when the day came creep
and I went. ing on, halting and whimpering and
On my presenting myself at Mrs. shivering, and wrapped in patches of
Brandley's, Estella's maid was called to cloud and rags of mist, like a beggar.
tell me that Estella had gone into the When we drove up to the Blue Boar
country. Where ? To Satis House, as after a drizzly ride, whom should I see
usual. Not as usual, I said, for she come out under the gateway, toothpick
had never yet gone there without me; in hand, to look at the coach, but Bent
when was she coming back There ley Drummle !
was an air of reservation in the answer As he pretended not to see me, I
which increased my perplexity, and the pretended not to see him. It was a
answer was, that her maid believed she very lame pretence on both sides; the
was only coming back at all for a little lamer, because we both went into the
while. I could make nothing of this, coffee-room, where he had just finished
except that it was meant that I should his breakfast, and where I had ordered
make nothing of it, and I went home mine. It was poisonous to me to see him
again in complete discomfiture. in the town, for I very well knew why he
Another night-consultation with Her had come there.
bert after Provis was gone home (I Pretending to read a smeary news
always took him home, and always paper long out of date, which had
looked well about me), led us to the nothing half so legible in its local news,
conclusion that nothing should be said as the foreign matter of coffee, pickles,
about going abroad until I came back fish-sauces, gravy, melted butter, and
from Miss Havisham's. In the mean wine, with which it was sprinkled all
time Herbert and I were to consider over, as if it had taken the measles in
separately what it would be best to a highly irregular form, I sat at my
say; whether we should devise any pre table while he stood before the fire.
tence of being afraid that he was under By degrees it became an enormous
suspicious observation ; or whether I, injury to me that he stood before the
who had never yet been abroad, should
fire. And I got up, determined to
propose an expedition. We both knewhave my share of it. I had to put my
that I had but to propose anything, and
hands behind his legs for the poker
he would consent. We agreed that his
when I went up to the fire-place to stir
remaining many days in his present the fire, but still pretended not to know
hazard was not to be thought of. him.
Next day, I had the meanness to ‘‘Is this a cut 3" said Mr. Drummle.
feign that I was under a binding promise “Oh ſ* said I, poker in hand; “it’s
to go down to Joe ; but I was capable you, is it ! How do you do ſº I was
of almost any meanness towards Joe or wondering who it was, who kept the fire
his name. Provis was to be strictly off.”
careful while I was gone, and Herbert With that I poked tremendously, and
was to take the charge of him that I having done so, planted myself side by
had taken. I was to be absent only side with Mr. Drummle, my shoulders
one night, and, on my return, the grati squared, and my back to the fire.
fication of his impatience for my start “You have just come down?” said
ing as a gentleman on a greater scale, Mr. Drummle, edging me a little away
was to be begun. It occurred to me with his shoulder.
then, and as I afterwards found to Her “Yes,” said I, edging him a little
bert also, that he might be best got away with my shoulder. -
away across the water, on that pretence “Beastly place,” said Drummle—
—as, to make purchases, or the like. “Your part of the country, I think?”
Having thus cleared the way for my “Yes,” I assented. “I am told it's
expedition to Miss Havisham's, I set off very like your Shropshire.”
by the early morning coach before it “Not in the least like it,” said
was yet light, and was out in the open Drummle.
O 2
Here Mr. Drummle looked at his One thing was manifest to both of
boots and I looked at mine, and then us, and that was, that until relief came,
Mr. Drummle looked at my boots and neither of us could relinquish the fire.
I looked at his. There we stood, well squared up before
“Have you been here long " I it, shoulder to shoulder and foot to
asked, determined not to yield an inch foot, with our hands behind us, not
of the fire. budging an inch. The horse was
“Long enough to be tired of it,” visible outside in the drizzle at the
returned Drummle, pretending to yawn, door, my breakfast was put on table,
but equally determined. Drummle's was cleared away, the waiter
“Do you stay here long?” invited me to begin, I nodded, we both
“Can't say,” answered Mr. Drummle. stood our ground.
“Do you?” “Have you been to the Grove since?”
“Can't say,” said I. said Drummle.
I felt here, through a tingling in my “No,” said I, “I had quite enough
blood, that if Mr. Drummle's shoulder of the Finches the last time I was
had claimed another hair's breadth of there.”
room, I should have jerked him into “Was that when we had a difference
the window ; equally, that if my of opinion?”
shoulder had urged a similar claim, “Yes,” I replied, very shortly.
Mr. Drummle would have jerked me “Come, come ! they let you off easily
into the nearest box. He whistled enough,” sneered Drummle. “You
a little. So did I. shouldn't have lost your temper.”
“Large tract of marshes about here, “Mr. Drummle,” said I, “you are
I believe 7" said Drummle. not competent to give advice on that
“Yes. What of that ?” said I. subject. When I lose my temper (not
Mr. Drummle looked at me, and that I admit having done so on that
then at my boots, and then said, occasion), I don't throw glasses.”
“Oh ſ* and laughed. “I do,” said Drummle.
“Are you amused, Mr. Drummle 7" After glancing at him once or twice,
“No,” said he, “not particularly. in an increased state of smouldering
I am going out for a ride in the saddle. ferocity, I said:
I mean to explore those marshes for “Mr. Drummle, I did not seek this
amusement. Out-of-the-way villages conversation, and I don’t think it's an
there, they tell me. Curious little agreeable one.”
public-houses—and smithies—and that. “I am sure it's not,” said he, super
Waiter | ?” ciliously over his shoulder; “I don't
“Yes, sir.” think anything about it.”
“Is that horse of mine ready?” “And therefore,” I went on, “with
“Brought round to the door, sir.” your leave, I will suggest that we hold
“I say. Look here, you sir. The no kind of communication in future.”
lady won't ride to-day; the weather “Quite my opinion,” said Drummle,
won’t do.” “and what I should have suggested
“Wery good, sir.” myself, or done—more likely—without
“And I don't dine, because I am suggesting. But don’t lose your temper.
going to dine at the lady's.” Haven’t you lost enough without that ?”
“Wery good, sir.” “What do you mean, sir?”
Then, Drummle glanced at me, with “Waiter,” said Drummle, by way
an insolent triumph on his great-jowled of answering me.
face that cut me to the healt, dull as The waiter reappeared.
he was, and so exasperated me, that “Look here, you sir. You quite
I felt inclined to take him in my ºrms understand that the young lady don't
(as the robber in the story-book is sa'd ride to-day, and that I dine at the
to have taken the old lady) and seat | woung lady's 2"
him on the fire. “Quite so, sir!”
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. 19/
When the waiter had felt my fast in his blundering brutal manner, and
cooling tea-pot with the palm of his sidling and backing away. I thought
hand, and had looked imploringly at he was gone, when he came back,
me, and had gone out, Drummle, care calling for a light for the cigar in his
ful not to move the shoulder next me, mouth, which he had forgotten. A
took a cigar, from his pocket and bit man in a dust-coloured dress appeared
the end off, but showed no sign of with what was wanted—I could not
stirring. Choking and boiling as I have said from where : whether from
was, I felt that we could not go a word the inn yard, or the street, or where
further, without introducing Estella's not—and as Drummle leaned down
name, which I could not endure to hear from the saddle and lighted his cigar
him utter; and therefore I looked and laughed, with a jerk of his head
stonily at the opposite wall, as if there towards the coffee-room windows, the
were no one present, and forced myself slouching shoulders, and ragged hair,
to silence. How long we might have of this man whose back was towards
remained in this ridiculous position me, reminded me of Orlick.
it is impossible to say, but for the Too heavily out of sorts to care much
incursion of three thriving farmers— at the time whether it were he or no,
laid on by the waiter, I think—who or after all to touch the breakfast,
came into the coffee-room unbuttoning I washed the weather and the journey
their great-coats and rubbing their from my face and hands, and went out
hands, and before whom, as they to the memorable old house that it
charged at the fire, we were obliged would have been so much the better
to give way. for me never to have entered, never
I saw him through the window, to have seen.
seizing his horse's mane, and mounting
CHAPTER XLIV.
In the room where the dressing to Richmond yesterday, to speak to

table stood, and where the wax candles Estella; and finding that some wind
burnt on the wall, I found Miss Havi had blown her here, I followed.”
sham and Estella; Miss Havisham seated Miss Havisham motioning to me for
on a settee near the fire, and Estella on the third or fourth time to sit down,
a cushion at her feet. Estella was I took the chair by the dressing-table,
knitting, and Miss Havisham was look which I had often seen her occupy.
ing on. They both raised their eyes With all that ruin at my feet and about
as I went in, and both saw an alter me, it seemed a natural place for me,
ation in me. I derived that, from the that day.
look they interchanged. “What I had to say to Estella,
“And what wind,” said Miss Havi Miss Havisham, I will say before you,
sham, “blows you here, Pip !” presently—in a few moments. It will
Though shelookedsteadily atme, Isaw not surprise you, it will not displease
that she was rather confused. Estella, you. I am as unhappy as you can
pausing a moment in her knitting with ever have meant me to be.”
her eyes upon me, and then going on, Miss Havisham continued to look
I fancied that I read in the action of steadily at me. I could see in the
her fingers, as plainly as if she had action of Estella's fingers as they worked,
told me in the dumb alphabet, that that she attended to what I said: but
she perceived I had discovered my real she did not look up.
benefactor. “I have found out who my patron
“Miss Havisham,” said I, “I went is. It is not a fortunate discovery, and
is not likely ever to enrich me in fepu information. What follows has another
tation, station, fortune, anything. (and I hope more disinterested) pur
There are reasons why I must say no pose. In humouring my mistake, Miss
more of that. It is not my secret, Havisham, you punished—practised on
but another's.” —perhaps you will supply whatever
As I was silent for a while, looking term expresses your intention, without
at Estella and considering how to go offence—your self-seeking relations º'
on, Miss Havisham repeated, “It is “I did. Why, they would have it
not your secret, but another's. Well ?” so So would you. What has been
“When you first caused me to be my history, that I should be at the
brought here, Miss Havisham; when pains of entreating either them or you
I belonged to the village over yonder, not to have it so | You made your
that I wish I had never left ; I sup own snares. I never made them.”
pose I did really come here, as any Waiting until she was quiet again—
other chance boy might have come—as for this, too, flashed out of her in a
a kind of servant, to gratify a want or wild and sudden way—I went on.
a whim, and to be paid for it !” “I have been thrown among one
“Ay, Pip,” replied Miss Havisham, family of your relations, Miss Havi
steadily nodding her head; “you did.” sham, and have been constantly among
“And that Mr. Jaggers ?? them since I went to London. I know
“Mr. Jaggers,” said Miss Havisham, them to have been as honestly under
taking me up in a firm tone, “‘had my delusion as I myself. And I should
nothing to do with it, and knew nothing be false and base if I did not tell you,
of it. His being my lawyer, and his whether it is acceptable to you or no,
being the lawyer of your patron is a and whether you are inclined to give
coincidence. He holds the same re credence to it or no, that you deeply
lation towards numbers of people, and wrong both Mr. Matthew Pocket and
it might easily arise. Be that as it his son Herbert, if you suppose them
may, it did arise, and was not brought to be otherwise than generous, upright,
about by any one.” open, and incapable of anything de
Any one might have seen in her signing or mean.”
haggard face that there was no sup “They are your friends,” said Miss
pression or evasion so far. Havisham.
“But when I fell into the mistake “They made themselves my friends,”
I have so long remained in, at least said I, “when they supposed me to
you led me on ?” said I. have superseded them; and when Sarah
“Yes,” she returned, again nodding Pocket, Miss Georgiana, and Mistress
steadily, “I let you go on.” Camilla, were not my friends, I think.”
**Was that kind 2* This contrasting of them with the
“Who am I,’” cried Miss Havisham, rest seemed, I was glad to see, to do
striking her stick upon the floor and them good with her. She looked at
flashing into wrath so suddenly that me keenly for a little while, and then
Estella glanced up at her in surprise, said quietly:
“who am I, for God's sake, that I “What do you want for them 7”
should be kind " “Only,” said I, “that you would
It was a weak complaint to have not confound them with the others.
made, and I had not meant to make They may be of the same blood, but,
it. I told her so, as she sat brooding believe me, they are not of the same
after this outburst. nature.”
“Well, well, well " she said. Still looking at me keenly, Miss
“What else ?” Havisham repeated :
“I was liberally paid for my old “What do you want for them "
attendance here,” I said, to soothe her, “I am not so cunning, you see,”
“in being apprenticed, and I have I said, in answer, conscious that I
asked these questions only for my own reddened a little, “as that I could
hide from you, even if I desired, that “I know,” said I, in answer to that
I do want something. Miss Havisham, action ; “I know. I have no hope
if you would spare the money to do my that I shall ever call you mine, Estella.
friend Herbert a lasting service in life, I am ignorant what may become of me
but which from the nature of the case very soon, how poor I may be, or
must be done without his knowledge, where I may go. Still, I love you.
I could show you how.” I have loved you ever since I first saw
“Why must it be done without his you in this house.”
knowledge #" she asked, settling her Looking at me perfectly unmoved
hands upon her stick, that she might and with her fingers busy, she shook
regard me the more attentively. her head again.
“Because,” said I, “I began the “It would have been cruel in Miss
service myself, more than two years Havisham, horribly cruel, to practise
ago, without his knowledge, and I on the susceptibility of a poor boy, and
don’t want to be betrayed. Why I to torture me through all these years
fail in my ability to finish it, I cannot with a vain hope and an idle pursuit,
explain. It is a part of the secret if she had reflected on the gravity of
which is another person's and not what she did. But I think she did
mine.” not. I think that in tae endurance
She gradually withdrew her eyes of her own trial, she forgot mine,
from me, and turned them on the fire. Estella.”
After watching it for what appeared I saw Miss Havisham put her hand
in the silence and by the light of the to her heart and hold it there, as she
slowly wasting candles to be a long sat looking by turns at Estella and
time, she was roused by the collapse at me. ©
of some of the red coals, and looked “It seems,” said Estella very calmly,
towards me again—at first, vacantly— “that there are sentiments, fancies—
then, with a gradually concentrating I don’t know how to call them—which
attention. All this time, Estella knit I am not able to comprehend. When
ted on. When Miss Havisham had you say you love me, I know what you
fixed her attention on me, she said, mean, as a form of words; but nothing
speaking as if there had been no lapse more. You address nothing in my
in our dialogue : breast, you touch nothing there. I
“What else 2" don’t care for what you say at all. I
“Estella,” said I, turning to her have tried to warn you of this; now,
now, and trying to command my trem have I not ?”
bling voice, “you know I love you. I said in a miserable manner, “Yes.”
You know that I have loved you long “Yes. But you would not be warned,
and dearly.” for you thought I did not mean it.
She raised her eyes to my face, on Now, did you not think so?”
being thus addressed, and her fingers “I thought and hoped you could
plied their work, and she looked at me not mean it. You, so young, untried,
with an unmoved countenance. I saw and beautiful, Estella Surely it is
that Miss Havisham glanced from me not in Nature.”
to her, and from her to me. “It is in my nature,” she returned.
“I should have said this sooner, And then she added, with a stress
but for my long mistake. It induced upon the words, “It is in the nature
me to hope that Miss Havisham meant formed within me. I make a great
us for one another. While I thought difference between you and all other
you could not help yourself, as it were, people when I say so much. I can do
I refrained from saying it. But I no more.”
must say it now.” “Is it not true,” said I, “that
Preserving her unmoved countenance, Bentley Drummle is in town here, and
and with her fingers still going, Estell pursuing you?”
shook her head. -
“It is quite true,” she replied,
referring to him with the indifference name of my mother by adoption ? It

of utter contempt. is my own act.”
“That you encourage him, and ride “Your own act, Estella, to fling
out with him, and that he dines with yourself away upon a brute?”
you this very day ?” “On whom should I fling myself
She seemed a little surprised that away ?” she retorted, with a smile.
I should know it, but again replied, “Should I fling myself away upon the
“Quite true.” man who would the soonest feel (if
“You cannot love him, Estella l’” people do feel such things) that I took
Her fingers stopped for the first time, nothing to him There ! It is done.
as she retorted rather angrily, “What I shall do well enough, and so will my
have I told you? Do you still think, husband. As to leading me into what
in spite of it, that I do not mean what you call this fatal step, Miss Havisham
I say?” would have had me wait, and not
“You would never marry him, Es marry yet ; but I am tired of the life
tella f '' I have led, which has very few charms
She looked towards Miss Havisham, for me, and I am willing enough to
and considered for a moment with her change it. Say no more. We shall
work in her hands. Then she said, never understand each other.”
“Why not tell you the truth ? I am “Such a mean brute, such a stupid
going to be married to him.” brute 1” I urged in despair.
I dropped my face into my hands, “Don’t be afraid of my being a
but was able to control myself better blessing to him,” said Estella ; “I
than I could have expected, considering shall not be that. Come ! Here is
what agony it gave me to hear her say my hand. Do we part on this, you
those words. When I raised my face visionary boy—or man 2"
again, there was such a ghastly look “O Estella " I answered, as my
upon Miss Havisham's, that it im bitter tears fell fast on her hand, do
pressed me, even in my passionate what I would to restrain them ; “even
hurry and grief. if I remained in England and could
“Estella, dearest dearest Estella, hold my head up with the rest, how
do not let Miss Havisham lead you into could I see you Drummle's wife l’”
this fatal step. Put me aside for ever “Nonsense,” she returned, “non
—you have done so, I well know— sense. This will pass in no time.”
but bestow yourself on some worthier “Never, Estella "
person than Drummle. Miss Havisham “You will get me out of your
pives you to him, as the greatest slight thoughts in a week.”
and injury that could be done to the “Out of my thoughts You are
many far better men who admire you, part of my existence, part of myself.
and to the few who truly love you. You have been in every line I have
Among those few, there may be one ever read, since I first came here, the
who loves you even as dearly, though rough common boy whose poor heart
he has not loved you as long, as I. you wounded even then. You have
Take him, and I can bear it better for been in every prospect I have ever seen
your sake l’” since—on the river, on the sails of the
My earnestness awoke a wonder in ships, on the marshes, in the clouds,
her that seemed as if it would have in the light, in the darkness, in the
been touched with compassion, if she wind, in the woods, in the sea, in the
could have rendered me at all intel streets. You have been the embodi
ligible to her own mind. ment of every graceful fancy that my
“I am going,” she said again, in mind has ever become acquainted with.
a gentler voice, “to be married to him. The stones of which the strongest Lon
The preparations for my marriage are don buildings are made, are not more
making, and I shall be married soon. real, or more impossible to be displaced
Why do you injuriously introduce the by your hands, than your presence
GREAT HAPECTATIONS. 201
and influence have been to me, there upon the coach and be spoken to ; that
and everywhere, and will be. Estella, I could do nothing half so good for
to the last hour of my life, you cannot myself as tire myself out.
choose but remain part of my cha It was past midnight when I crossed
racter, part of the little good in me, London Bridge. Pursuing the narrow
part of the evil. But, in this sepa intricacies of the streets which at that
ration I associate you only with the time tended westward near the Middle
good, and I will faithfully hold you sex shore of the river, my readiest
to that always, for you must have access to the Temple was close by the
done me far more good than harm, let river-side, through Whitefriars. I was
me feel now what sharp distress I may. not expected till to-morrow, but I had
O God bless you, God forgive you !” my keys, and, if Herbert were gone to
In what ecstacy of unhappiness I bed, could get to bed myself without
got these broken words out of myself, disturbing him.
I don't know. The rhapsody welled As it seldom happened that I came
up within me, like blood from an in in at that Whitefriars gate after the
ward wound, and gushed out. I held Temple was closed, and as I was very
her hand to my lips some lingering muddy and weary, I did not take it
moments, and so I left her. But ever ill that the night-porter examined me
afterwards, I remembered—and soon with much attention as he held the
afterwards with stronger reason—that gate a little way open for me to pass
while Estella looked at me merely with in. To help his memory I mentioned
incredulous wonder, the spectral figure my name.
of Miss Havisham, her hand still cover “I was not quite sure, sir, but I
ing her heart, seemed all resolved into thought so. Here's a note, sir. The
a ghastly stare of pity and remorse. messenger that brought it, said would
All done, all gone ! So much was you be so good as read it by my lan
done and gone, that when I went out tern.”
at the gate, the light of day seemed of Much surprised by the request, I
a darker colour than when I went in. took the note. It was directed to
For a while, I hid myself among some Philip Pip, Esquire, and on the top of
lanes and by-paths, and then struck the superscription were the words,
off to walk all the way to London. “PLEASE READ THIS HERE.” I opened
For, I had by that time come to my it, the watchman holding up his light,
self so far, as to consider that I could and read inside, in Wemmick’s wri
not go back to the inn and see Drummle ting :
there ; that I could not bear to sit “DON'T go Home,”
CHAPTER XLV.
TURNING from the Temple gate as bedroom next in order on his list. It
soon as I had read the warning, I was a sort of vault on the ground floor
made the best of my way to Fleet at the back, with a despotic monster
street, and there got a late hackney of a four-post bedstead in it, straddling
chariot and drove to the Hummums in over the whole place, putting one of
Covent Garden. In those times a bed his arbitrary legs into the fire-place
was always to be got there at any hour and another into the doorway, and
of the night, and the chamberlain, squeezing the wretched little washing
letting me in at his ready wicket, stand in quite a Divinely Righteous
lighted the candle next in order on his Inanner,
shelf, and showed me straight into the As I had asked for a night-light,
the chamberlain had brought me in, weltering in blood. It came into my

before he left me, the good old con head that he must have occupied this
stitutional rush-light of those virtuous very vault of mine, and I got out of
days—an object like the ghost of a bed to assure myself that there were no
walking-cane, which instantly broke its red marks about ; then opened the
back if it were touched, which nothing door to look out into the passages, and
could ever be lighted at, and which cheer myself with the companionship of
was placed in solitary confinement at a distant light, near which I knew the
the bottom of a high tin tower, per chamberlain to be dozing. But all this
forated with round holes that made time, why I was not to go home, and
a staringly wide-awake pattern on the what had happened at home, and when
walls. When I had got into bed, and I should go home, and whether Provis
lay there, footsore, weary, and wretched, was safe at home, were questions occu
I found that I could no more close my pying my mind so busily, that one
own eyes than I could close the eyes might have supposed there could be no
of this foolish Argus. And thus, in more room in it for any other theme.
the gloom and death of the night, we Even when I thought of Estella, and
stared at one another. how we had parted that day for ever,
What a doleful night ! How anxious, and when I recalled all the circum
how dismal, how long ! There was an stances of our parting, and all her looks
inhospitable smell in the room, of cold and tones, and the action of her fingers
soot and hot dust ; and, as I looked up while she knitted—even then I was
into the corners of the tester over my pursuing, here and there and every
head, I thought what a number of blue where, the caution Don't go home.
bottle flies from the butcher's, and ear When at last I dozed, in sheer exhaus
wigs from the market, and grubs from tion of mind and body, it became a vast
the country, must be holding on up shadowy verb which I had to conjugate.
there, lying by for next summer. This Imperative mood, present tense : Do
led me to speculate whether any of not thou go home, let him not go home,
them ever tumbled down, and then I let us not go home, do not ye or you go
fancied that I felt light falls on my home, let not them go home. Then,
face—a disagreeable turn of thought, potentially ; I may not and I cannot go
suggesting other and more objectionable home ; and I might not, could not,
approaches up my back. When I had would not, and should not go home ;
lain awake a little while, those extra until I felt that I was going distracted,
ordinary voices with which silence teems, and rolled over on the pillow, and
began to make themselves audible. looked at the staring rounds upon the
The closet whispered, the fireplace wall again.
sighed, the little washing-stand ticked, I had left directions that I was to be
and one guitar-string played occasion called at seven ; for it was plain that I
ally in the chest of drawers. At about must see Wemmick before seeing any
the same time, the eyes on the wall ac one else, and equally plain that this
quired a new expression, and in every was a case in which his Walworth senti
one of those staring rounds I saw writ ments, only, could be taken. It was a
ten, Don’T go Home. relief to get out of the room where the
Whatever night-fancies and night night had been so miserable, and I
noises crowded on me, they never warded needed no second knocking at the door
off this DON'T Go HoME. It plaited it to startle me from my uneasy bed.
self into whatever I thought of, as a The Castle battlements arose upon
bodily pain would have done. Not long my view at eight o'clock. The little
before, I had read in the newspapers, servant happening to be entering the
how a gentleman unknown had come to fortress with two hot rolls, I passed
the Hummums in the night, and had through the postern and crossed the
gone to bed, and had destroyed himself, drawbridge, in her company, and so
and had been found in the morning came without announcement into the
presence of Wemmick as he was making tain person not altogether of uncolonial

tea for himself and the Aged. An open pursuits, and not unpossessed of port
door afforded a perspective view of the able property—I don’t know who it
Aged in bed. - may really be—we won’t name this
“Halloa, Mr. Pip !” said Wemmick. person 25
“You did come home, then 7° “Not necessary,” said I.

“Yes,” I returned; “but I didn't “—had made some little stir in a
go home.” certain part of the world where a good
“That's all right,” said he, rubbing many people go, not always in gratifica
his hands. “I left a note for you at tion of their own inclinations, and not
each of the Templegates, on the chance. quite irrespective of the government ex
Which gate did you come to ?” pense —”
I told him. In watching his face, I made quite a
“I’ll go round to the others in the firework of the Aged's sausage, and
course of the day and destroy the greatly discomposed both my own at
notes,” said Wemmick; “it’s a good tention and Wemmick's; for which I
rule never to leave documentary evi apologised.
dence if you can help it, because you “—by disappearing from such place,
don't know when it may be put in. and being no more heard of there
I'm going to take a liberty with you. abouts. From which,” said Wemmick,
Would you mind toasting this sausage ‘‘conjectures had been raised and theo
for the Aged P. " ries formed. I also heard that you
I said I should be delighted to do at your chambers in Garden-court,
it. Temple, had been watched, and might
“Then you can go about your work, be watched again.”
Mary Anne,” said Wemmick to the “By whom ?” said I.
little servant ; “which leaves us to our “I wouldn't go into that,” said
selves, don't you see, Mr. Pip !” he Wemmick, evasively, “it might clash
added, winking, as she disappeared. with official responsibilities. I heard
I thanked him for his friendship andit, as I have in my time heard other
caution, and our discourse proceeded incurious things in the same place. I
a low tone, while I toasted the Aged's don’t tell it you on information .eceived.
sausage and he buttered the crumb of I heard it.”
the Aged's roll. He took the toasting-fork and sausage
“Now, Mr. Pip, you know,” said from me as he spoke, and set forth the
Wemmick, “you and I understand one Aged's breakfast neatly on a little tray.
another. We are in our private and Previous to placing it before him, he
personal capacities, and we have been went into the Aged's room with a clean
engaged in a confidential transaction white cloth, and tied the same under
before to-day. Official sentiments are the old gentleman's chin, and propped
one thing. We are extra official.” him up, and put his nightcap on one
I cordially assented. I was so very side, and gave him quite a rakish air.
nervous, that I had already lighted the Then, he placed his breakfast before
Aged's sausage like a torch, and been him with great care, and said, “All
obliged to blow it out. right, ain’t you, Aged P. ” To which
“I accidentally heard, yesterday the cheerful Aged replied “All right,
morning,” said Wemmick, “being in a John, my boy, all right !” As there
certain place where I once took you— seemed to be a tacit understanding that
even between you and me, it's as well the Aged was not in a presentable state,
not to mention names when avoid and was therefore to be considered in
able—” visible, I made a pretence of being in'
“Much better not,” said I. ‘‘I un complete ignorance of these proceed
derstand you.” ings.
“I heard there by chance, yesterday “This watching of me at my cham
morning,” said Wemmick, “that a cer bers (which I have once had reason to
suspect),” I said to Wemmick when he “He would be greatly puzzled what

came back, “is inseparable from the to do 2°
person to whom you have adverted ; is “He was puzzled what to do ; not
it 2 ° the less, because I gave him my opi
Wemmick looked very serious. “I nion that it was not safe to try to get
couldn’t undertake to say that, of my Tom, Jack, or Richard, too far out of
own knowledge. I mean, I couldn't the way at present. Mr. Pip, I'll tell
undertake to say it was at first. But you something. Under existing cir
it either is, or it will be, or it's in great cumstances there is no place like a
danger of being.” great city when you are once in it.
As I saw that he was restrained by Don't break cover too soon. Lie close.
fealty to Little Britain from saying as Wait till things slacken, before you try
much as he could, and as I knew with the open, even for foreign air.”
thankfulness to him how far out of his I thanked him for his valuable ad
way he went to say what he did, I could vice, and asked him what Herbert had
not press him. But I told him, after a done
little meditation over the fire, that I “Mr. Herbert,” said Wemmick,
would like to ask him a question, sub “after being all of a heap for half an
ject to his answering or not answering, hour, struck out a plan. He men
as he deemed right, and sure that his tioned to me as a secret, that he is
course would be right. He paused in courting a young lady who has, as no
his breakfast, and crossing his arms, doubt you are aware, a bedridden Pa.
and pinching his shirt-sleeves (his Which Pa, having been in the Purser
notion of in-door comfort was to sit line of life, lies a-bed in a bow-window
without any coat), he nodded to me where he can see the ships sail up and
Once, to put my question. down the river. You are acquainted
“You have heard of a man of bad with the young lady, most probably * *
character, whose true name is Com “Not personally,” said I.
peyson ?” The truth was, that she had ob
He answered with one other nod. jected to me as an expensive companion
“Is he living 7” who did Herbert no good, and that,
One other nod. when Herbert had first proposed to
‘‘Is he in London 2* -
present me to her, she had received the
He gave me one other nod, compressed proposal with such very moderate
the post-office exceedingly, gave me one warmth, that Herbert had felt himself
last nod, and went on with his break obliged to confide the state of the case
fast. to me, with a view to the lapse of a
“Now,” said Wemmick, “question little time before I made her acquaint
ing being over;” which he emphasised ance. When I had begun to advance
and repeated for my guidance ; “I Herbert's prospects by stealth, I had
come to what I did, after hearing what been able to bear this with cheerful
I heard. I went to Garden-court to philosophy; he and hºafianced, for
find you; not finding you, I went to their part, had naturally not been very
Clarriker’s to find Mr. Herbert.” anxious to introduce a third person into
“And him you found?” said I, with their interviews; and thus, although I
great anxiety. was assured that I had risen in Clara's
“And him I found. Without men esteem, and although the young lady
tioning any names or going into any and I had long regularly interchanged
details, I gave him to understand that messages and remembrances by Herbert,
..if he was aware of anybody—Tom, Jack, I had never seen her. However, I did
or Richard—being about the chambers, not trouble Wemmick with those par
or about the immediate neighbourhood, ticulars. -
he had better get Tom, Jack, or Rich “The house with the bow-window,”
ard, out of the way while you were out said Wemmick, “being by the river
of the way.” side, down the Pool there between
Limehouse and Greenwich, and being There can be no harm in your going
kept, it seems, by a very respectable here to-night and seeing for yourself
widow, who has a furnished upper floor that all is well with Tom, Jack, or
to let, Mr. Herbert put it to me, what Richard, before you go home—which is
did I think of that as a temporary another reason for your not going home
tenement for Tom, Jack, or Richard last night. But after you have gone
“Now, I thought very well of it, for home, don't go back here. You are
three reasons I’ll give you. That is to yery welcome, I am sure, Mr. Pip ;”
say. Firstly. It's altogether out of his hands were now out of his sleeves,
all your beats, and is well away from and I was shaking them ; “and let me
the usual heap of streets great and finally impress one important point
small. Secondly. Without going near upon you.” He laid his hands upon
it yourself, you could always hear of my shoulders, and added in a solemn
the safety of Tom, Jack, or Richard, whisper : “Avail yourself of this even
through Mr. Herbert. Thirdly. After ing to lay hold of his portable property.
a while and when it might be prudent, You don't know what may happen to
if you should want to slip Tom, Jack, him. Don't let anything happen to the
or Richard, on board a foreign packet portable property.”
boat, there he is—ready.” Quite despairing of making my mind
Much comforted by these consider clear to Wemmick on this point, I for
ations, I thanked Wemmick again and bore to try. -
again, and begged him to proceed. “Time's up,” said Wemmick, “and
“Well, sir! Mr. Herbert threw I must be off. If you had nothing
himself into the business with a will, more pressing to do than to keep here
and by nine o'clock last night he housed till dark, that's what I should advise.
Tom, Jack, or Richard—whichever it You look very much worried, and it
may be—you and I don't want to know would do you good to have a perfectly
—quite successfully. At the old lodg quiet day with the Aged—he'll be up
ings it was understood that he was presently—and a little bit of you
summoned to Dover, and in fact he was remember the pig' "
taken down the Dover road and cornered “Of course,” said I.
out of it. Now, another great advan “Well; and a little bit of him.
tage of all this is, that it was done That sausage you toasted was his, and
without you, and when, if any one was he was in all respects a first-rater. Do
concerning himself about your move try him, if it is only for old acquain
ments, you must be known to be ever tance sake. Good-by, Aged Parent 1”
so many miles off, and quite otherwise in a cheery shout.
engaged. This diverts suspicion and “All right, John; all right, my
confuses it ; and for the same reason I boy l’ piped the old man from within.
recommended that even if you came I soon fell asleep before Wemmick’s
back last nighty you should not go home. fire, and the Aged and I enjoyed one
It brings in more confusion, and you another's Society by falling asleep before
want confusion.” it more or less all day. We had loin
Wemmick, having finished his break of pork for dinner, and greens grown
fast, here looked at his watch, and on the estate, and I nodded at the
began to get his coat on. Aged with a good intention whenever I
“And now, Mr. Pip,” said he, with failed to do it drowsily. When it was
his hands still in the sleeves, “I have quite dark, I left the Aged preparing
probably done the most I can do ; but the fire for toast; and I inferred from
if I can ever do more—from a Wal the number of teacups, as well as from
worth point of view, and in a strictly his glances at the two little doors in
private and personal capacity—I shall the wall, that Miss Skiffins was ex
be glad to do it. Here's the address, pected.
206 GREAT, EXPECTATIONS.
CEHAPTER XLVI.
EIGHT o'clock had struck before I Whimple. That being the name I
got into the air that was scented, not wanted, I knocked, and an elderly
disagreeably, by the chips and shavings woman of a pleasant and thriving
of the long-shore boat-builders, and appearance responded. She was im
mast, oar, and block makers. All that mediately deposed, however, by Her
water-side region of the upper and bert, who silently led me into the
lower Pool below Bridge, was unknown parlour and shut the door. It was an
ground to me, and when I struck down odd sensation to see his very familiar
by the river, I found that the spot I face established quite at home in that
wanted was not where I had supposed very unfamiliar room and region ; and
it to be, and was anything but easy to I found myself looking at him, much as
find. It was called Mill Pond Bank, I looked at the corner cupboard with
Chinks's Basin ; and I had no other the glass and china, the shells upon the
guide to Chinks's Basin than the Old chimney-piece, and the coloured en
Green Copper Rope-Walk. gravings on the wall, representing the
It matters not what stranded ships death of Captain Cook, a ship-launch,
repairing in dry docks I lost myself and his Majesty King George the Third
among, what old hulls of ships in course in a state coachman's wig, leather
of being knocked to pieces, what ooze breeches, and top-boots, on the terrace
and slime and other dregs of tide, what at Windsor.
yards of ship-buildersand ship-breakers, “All is well, Handel,” said Herbert,
what rusty anchors blindly biting into “and he is quite satisfied, though eager
the ground though for years off duty, to see you. My dear girl is with her
what mountainous country of accumu father; and if you'll wait till she
lated casks and timber, how many rope comes down, I'll make you known to
walks that were not the Old Green her, and then we'll go upstairs.
Copper. After several times falling That’s her father.”
short of my destination and as often I had become aware of an alarming
over-shooting it, I came unexpectedly growlingoverhead, and had probably ex
round a corner, upon Mill Pond Bank. pressed the fact in my countenance.
It was a fresh kind of place, all circum “I am afraid he is a sad old rascal,”
stances considered, where the wind from said Herbert, smiling, “but I have
the river had room to turn itself round ; never seen him. Don't you smell rum ?.
and there were two or three trees in it, He is always at it.”
and there was the stump of a ruined “At rum ?” said I. --
windmill, and there was the Old Green “Yes,” returned Herbert, “and
Copper Rope-Walk—whose long and you may suppose how mild it makes his
narrow vista I could trace in the moon gout. He persists, too, in keeping all
light, along a series of wooden frames the provisions up-stairs in his room,
set in the ground, that looked like and serving them out. He keeps them
superannuated haymaking-rakes which on shelves over his head, and will weigh
had grown old and lost most of their them all. His room must be like a
teeth. chandler's shop.”
Selecting from the few queer houses While he thus spoke, the growling
upon Mill Pond Bank, a house with a noise became a prolonged roar, and then
wooden front and three stories of bow died away.
window (not bay-window, which is “What else can be the consequence,”
another thing), I looked at the plate said Herbert, in explanation, “if he
upon the door, and read there Mrs. will cut the cheese ? A man with the
gout in his right hand—and everywhere blushing, as “Clara.” She really was
else—can't expect to get through a a most charming girl, and might have
Double Gloucester without hurting him passed for a captive fairy, whom that
Self.” truculent Ogre, Old Barley, had pressed
He seemed to have hurt himself very into his service.
much, for he gave another furious roar. “Look here,” said Herbert, showing
“To have Provis for an upper lodger me the basket, with a compassionate
is quite a godsend to Mrs. Whimple,” and tender smile after we had talked a
said Herbert, “for of course people in little ; “here's poor Clara's supper,
general won’t stand that noise. A curious served out every night. Here’s her
place, Handel ; isn't it !” allowance of bread, and here's her slice
It was a curious place, indeed ; but of cheese, and here's her rum—which I
remarkably well kept and clean. drink. This is Mr. Barley's breakfast
“Mrs. Whimple,” said Herbert, for to-morrow, served out to be cooked.
when I told him so, “is the best of Two mutton chops, three potatoes, some
housewives, and I really do not know split peas, a little flour, two ounces of
what my Clara would do without her butter, a pinch of salt, and all this
motherly help. For, Clara has no black pepper. It's stewed up together,
mother of her own, Handel, and no and taken hot, and it's a nice thing for
relation in the world but old Gruffand the gout, I should think I’”
im.” There was something so natural and
“Surely that's not his name, Her winning in Clara's resigned way of
bert, , ” looking at these stores in detail, as
“No, no,” said Herbert, “that's my Herbert pointed them out, -and some
name for him. His name is Mr. Barley. thing so confiding, loving and innocent,
But what a blessing it is for the son of in her modest manner of yielding her
my father and mother, to love a girl self to Herbert's embracing arm—and
who has no relations, and who can never something so gentle in her, so much
bother herself, or anybody else, about needing protection on Mill Pond Bank,
her family " by Chinks's Basin, and the Old Green
Herbert had told me on former occa Copper Rope-Walk, with Old Barley
sions, and now reminded me, that he growling in the beam—that I would not
first knew Miss Clara Barley when she have undone the engagement between
was completing her education at an her and Herbert, for all the money in
establishment at Hammersmith, and the pocket-book I had never opened.
that on her being recalled home to nurse I was looking at her with pleasure
her father, he and she had confided and admiration, when suddenly the
their affection to the motherly Mrs. growl swelled into a roar again, and a
Whimple, by whom it had been fostered frightful bumping noise was heard
and regulated with equal kindness and above, as if a giant with a wooden leg
discretion ever since. It was under were trying to bore it through the ceil
stood that nothing of a tender nature ing to come at us. Upon this Clara
could possibly be confided to old Barley, said to Herbert, “Papa wants me,
by reason of his being totally unequal darling !” and ran away.
to the consideration of any subject more “There is an unconscionable old
psychological than Gout, Rum, and shark for you !” said Herbert. “What
Purser's stores. do you suppose he wants now, Handel?”
As we were thus conversing in a low “I don’t know,” said I. “Some
tone while Old Barley's sustained growl thing to drink?”
vibrated in the beam that crossed the “That's it !” cried Herbert, as if I
ceiling, the room door opened, and a had made a guess of extraordinary
very pretty, slight, dark-eyed girl of merit. “He keeps his grog ready
twenty or so, came in with a basket in mixed in a little tub on the table.
her hand : whom Herbert tenderly re Wait a moment, and you’ll hear Clara
lieved of the basket, and presented lift him up to take some.—There he
goes | " Another roar, with a pro “Ay, ay, dear boy " he answered,
longed shake at the end. “Now,” with a grave nod, “Jaggers knows.”
said Herbert, as it was succeeded by “Then, I have talked with Wem
silence, “he's drinking. Now,” said mick,” said I, “and have come to tell
Herbert, as the growl resounded in the you what caution he gave me and what
beam once more, “he’s down again on advice.”
his back l’” This I did accurately, with the reser
Clara returned soon afterwards, and vation just mentioned; and I told him
Herbert accompanied me up-stairs to how Wemmick had heard, in Newgate
see our charge. As we passed Mr. prison (whether from officers or pri
Barley's door, he was heard hoarsely soners I could not say), that he was
muttering within, in a strain that rose under some suspicion, and that my
and fell like wind, the following Re chambers had been watched; how Wem
frain ; in which I substitute good mick had recommended his keeping
wishes for something quite the re close for a time, and my keeping away
Verse. from him ; and what Wemmick had
“Ahoy! Bless your eyes, here's said about getting him abroad. I
old Bill Barley. Here's old Bill Bar added, that of course, when the time
ley, bless your eyes. Here's old Bill came, I should go with him, or should
Barley on the flat of his back, by the follow close upon him, as might be
Lord. . Lying on the flat of his back, safest in Wemmick’s judgment. What
like a drifting old dead flounder, here’s was to follow that, I did not touch
your old Bill Barley, bless your eyes. upon; neither indeed was I at all clear
Ahoy! Bless you.” or comfortable about it in my own
In this strain of consolation, Herbert mind, now that I saw him in that
informed me the invisible Barley would softer condition, and in declared peril
commune with himself by the day and for my sake. As to altering my way
night together ; often while it was of living, by enlarging my expenses, I
light, having, at the same time, one put it to him whether in our present
eye at a telescope which was fitted on unsettled and difficult circumstances, it
his bed for the convenience of sweeping would not be simply ridiculous, if it
the river. were no worse ?
In his two cabin rooms at the top of He could not deny this, and indeed
the house, which were fresh and airy, was very reasonable throughout. His
and in which Mr. Barley was less coming back was a venture, he said,
audible than below, I found Provis and he had always known it to be a
comfortably settled. He expressed no venture. He would do nothing to
alarm, and seemed to feel none that make it a desperate venture, and he
was worth mentioning; but it struck had very little fear of his safety with
me that he was softened—indefinably, such good help.
for I could not have said how, and Herbert, who had been looking at
could never afterwards recall how when the fire and pondering, here said that
I tried ; but certainly. something had come into his thoughts
The opportunity that the day's rest arising out of Wemmick’s suggestion,
had given me for reflection, had resulted which it might be worth while to
in my fully determining to say nothing pursue. “We are both good water
to him respecting Compeyson. For men, Handel, and could take him
anything I knew, his animosity towards down the river ourselves when the
the man might otherwise lead to his right time comes. No boat would then
seeking him out and rushing on his be hired for the purpose, and no boat
own destruction. Therefore, when Her men; that would save at least a chance
bert and I sat down with him by his of suspicion, and any chance is worth
fire, I asked him first of all whether saving. Never mind the season; don’t
he relied on Wemmick's judgment and you think it might be a good thing if
sources of information ? you began at Once to keep a boat at the
Temple stairs, and were in the habit of to him, and felt a strong personal in
rowing up and down the river ? You terest in his being well cared for, and
fall into that habit, and then who living a secluded life. So, when we
notices or minds ! Do it twenty or went into the parlour where Mrs.
fifty times, and there is nothing special Whimple and Clara were seated at
in your doing it the twenty-first or work, I said nothing of my own in
fifty-first.” . -
terest in Mr. Campbell, but kept it to
I liked this scheme, and Provis was myself.
quite elated by it. We agreed that it When I had taken leave of the pretty
should be carried into execution, and gentle dark-eyed girl, and of the
that Provis should never recognise us if motherly woman who had not outlived
we came below Bridge and rowed past her honest sympathy with a little affair
Mill Pond Bank. But, we further of true love, I felt as if the Old Green
agreed that he should pull down the Copper Rope-Walk had grown quite a
blind in that part of his window which different place. Old Barley might be
gave upon the east, whenever he saw as old as the hills, and might swear
us and all was right. like a whole field of troopers, but there
Our conference being now ended, and were redeeming youth and trust and
everything arranged, I rose to go ; hope enough in Chinks's Basin to fill it
remarking to Herbert that he and I to overflowing. And then I thought
had better not go home together, and of Estella, and of our parting, and
that I would take half an hour's start went home very sadly.
of him. “I don’t like to leave you All things were as quiet in the
here,” I said to Provis, “though I Temple as ever I had seen them. The
cannot doubt your being safer here windows of the rooms of that side,
than near me. Good-by l’” lately occupied by Provis, were dark
“Dear boy,” he answered, clasping and still, and there was no lounger in
my hands, “I don't know when we Garden-court. I walked past the foun
may meet again, and I don’t like Good tain twice or thrice before I descended
by. Say Good Night !” the steps that were between me and my
“Good night ! Herbert will go re rooms, but I was quite alone. Herbert
gularly between us, and when the time coming to my bedside when he came in
comes you may be certain I shall be —for I went straight to bed, dispirited
ready. Good night, Good night !” and fatigued—made the same report.
We thought it best that he should Opening one of the windows after that,
stay in his own rooms, and we left him he looked out into the moonlight, and
on the landing outside his door, holding told me that the pavement was as
a light over the stair-rail to light us solemnly empty as the pavement of any
down stairs. Looking back at him, I Cathedral at that same hour.
thought of the first night of his return Next day, I set myself to get the
when our positions were reversed, and boat. It was soon done, and the,boat
when I little supposed my heart could was brought round to the Temple stairs,
ever be as heavy and anxious at parting and lay where I could reach her within
from him as it was now. a minute or two. Then, I began to go
Old Barley was growling and swear out as for training and practice : some
ing when we repassed his door, with times alone, sometimes with Herbert.
no appearance of having ceased or of I was often out in cold, rain, and sleet,
meaning to cease. When we got to the but nobody took much note of me after I
foot of the stairs, I asked Herbert had been out a few times. At first, I
whether he had preserved the name of kept above Blackfriars Bridge; but as
Provis? He replied, certainly not, and the hours of the tide changed, I took to
that the lodger was Mr. Campbell. He wards London Bridge. It was Old London
also explained that the utmost known Bridge in thosedays, and atcertain states
of Mr. Campbell there, was, that he of the tide there was a race and a fall
(Herbert) had Mr. Campbell consigned of water there which gave it a bad repu
P
tation. But I knew well enough how ing idea; how many undesigning per
to “shoot” the bridge after seeing it Sons I suspected of watching me, it
done, and so began to row about among would be hard to calculate.
the shipping in the Pool, and down to In short, I was always full of fears
Erith. The first time I passed Mill for the rash man who was in hiding.
Pond Bank, Herbert and I were pulling Herbert had sometimes said to me that
a pair of oars; and, both in going and he found it pleasant to stand at one of
returning, we saw the blind towards our windows after dark, when the tide
the east come down. Herbert was was running down, and to think that it
rarely there less frequently than three was flowing, with everything it bore,
times in a week, and he never brought towards Clara. But I thought with
me a single word of intelligence that dread that it was flowing towards Mag
was at all alarming. Still, I knew that witch, and that any black mark on its
there was cause for alarm, and I could surface might be his pursuers, going
not get rid of the notion of being º, silently, and surely, to take
watched. Once received, it is a haunt Ina,
CHAPTER XLVII.
SoME weeks passed without bringing confided the circumstances of our last
any change. We waited for Wemmick, interview) never to speak of her to me.
and he made no sign. If I had never Why I hoarded up this last wretched
known him out of Little Britain, and little rag of the robe of hope that was
had never enjoyed the privilege of being rent and given to the winds, how do I
on a familiar footing at the Castle, I know ! Why did you who read this,
might have doubted him ; not so for a commit that not dissimilar inconsistency
moment, knowing him as I did. of your own, last year, last month, last
My worldly affairs began to wear a week 2
gloomy appearance, and I was pressed It was an unhappy life that I lived,
for money by more than one creditor. and its one dominant anxiety, towering
Even I myself began to know the want over all its other anxieties like a high
of money (I mean of ready money in mountain above a range of mountains,
my own pocket), and to relieve it by never disappeared from my view. Still,
converting some easily spared articles no new cause for fear arose. Let me
of jewellery into cash. But I had start from my bed as I would, with the
quite determined that it would be a terror fresh upon me that he was dis
heartless fraud to take more money covered ; let me sit listening as I would,
from my patron in the existing state with dread, for Herbert's returning step
of my uncertain thoughts and plans. at night, lest it should be fleeter than
Therefore, I had sent him the unopened ordinary, and winged with evil news ;
pocket-book by Herbert, to hold in his for all that, and much more to like
own keeping, and I felt a kind of satis purpose, the round of things went on.
faction—whether it was a false kind or Condemned to inaction and a state of
a true, I hardly know—in not having constant restlessness and suspense, I
profited by his generosity since his reve rowed about in my boat, and waited,
lation of himself. waited, waited, as I best could.
As the time wore on, an impression There were states of the tide when,
settled heavily upon me that Estella having been down the river, I could
was married. Fearful of having it not get back through the eddy-chafed
confirmed, though it was all but a arches and starlings of old London
conviction, I avoided the newspapers, Bridge; then, I left my boat at a
and begged Herbert (to whom I had wharf near the Custom House, to be
brought up afterwards to the Temple in his Majesty's service—a most ex

stairs. I was not averse to doing this, cellent man, though I could have wished
as it served to make me and my boat a his trousers not quite so tight in some
commoner incident among the water places and not quite so loose in others—
side people there. From this slight who knocked all the little men's hats
occasion, sprang two meetings that I over their eyes, though he was very
have now to tell of. generous and brave, and who wouldn't
One afternoon, late in the month of hear of anybody's paying taxes, though
February, I came ashore at the wharf he was very patriotic. He had a bag
at dusk. I had pulled down as far as of money in his pocket, like a pudding
Greenwich with the ebb tide, and had in the cloth, and on that property
turned with the tide. It had been a married a young person in bed-fur
fine bright day, but had become foggy niture, with great rejoicings; the whole
as the sun dropped, and I had had to population of Portsmouth (nine in num
feel my way back among the shipping, ber at the last Census) turning out on
pretty carefully. Both in going and the beach, to rub their own hands and
returning, I had seen the signal in his shake everybody else's, and sing “Fill,
window, All well. | fill !” A certain dark-complexioned
As it was a raw evening and I was Swab, however, who wouldn't fill, or
cold, I thought I would comfort myself do anything else that was proposed to
with dinner at once; and as I had him, and whose heart was openly
hours of dejection and solitude before stated (by the boatswain) to be as
me if I went home to the Temple, I black as his figure-head, proposed to
thought I would afterwards go to the two other Swabs to get all mankind
play. The theatre where Mr. Wopsle into difficulties; which was so effec
had achieved his questionable triumph, tually done (the Swab family having
was in that waterside neighbourhood considerable political influence) that it
(it is nowhere now), and to that theatre took half the evening to set things
I resolved to go. I was aware that right, and then it was only brought
Mr. Wopsle had not succeeded in re about through an honest little grocer
viving the Drama, but, on the con with a white hat, black gaiters, and
trary, had rather partaken of its de red nose, getting into a clock, with a
cline. He had been ominously heard gridiron, and listening, and coming
of, through the playbills, as a faithful out, and knocking everybody down
Black, in connexion with a little girl from behind with the gridiron whom
of noble birth, and a monkey. And he couldn't confute with what he had
Herbert had seen him as a predatory overheard. This led to Mr. Wopsle's
Tartar of comic propensities, with a (who had never been heard of before)
face like a red brick, and an outrageous coming in with a star and garter on,
hat all over bells. as a plenipotentiary of great power
I dined at what Herbert and I used direct from the Admiralty, to say that
to call a Geographical chop-house— the Swabs were all to go to prison on
where there were maps of the world the spot, and that he had brought the
in porter-pot rims on every half-yard boatswain down the Union Jack, as
of the tablecloths, and charts of gravy a slight acknowledgment of his public
on every one of the knives—to this services. The boatswain, unmanned
day there is scarcely a single chop for the first time, respectfully dried
house within the Lord Mayor’s domi his eyes on the Jack, and then cheer
nions which is not Geographical—and ing up and addressing Mr. Wopsle as
wore out the time in dozing over Your Honour, solicited permission to
crumbs, staring at gas, and baking in take him by the fin. Mr. Wopsle con
a hot blast of dinners. By-and-by, ceding his fin with a gracious dignity,
I roused myself and went to the was immediately shoved into a dusty
play. corner while everybody danced a horn
*There, I found a virtuous boatswain pipe ; and from that corner, surveying
P 2
the public with a discontented eye, “Yes, of course I saw you. But whº
became aware of me. else was there 7°
The second piece was the last new “Who else 2"
grand comic Christmas pantomime, in “It is the strangest thing,” said
the first scene of which, it pained me Mr. Wopsle, drifting into his lost look
to suspect that I detected Mr. Wopsle again; “and yet I could swear to
with red worsted legs under a highly him.”
magnified phosphoric countenance and Becoming alarmed, I entreated Mr.
a shock of red curtain-fringe for his Wopsle to explain his meaning.
hair, engaged in the manufacture of “Whether I should have noticed
thunderbolts in a mine, and displaying him at first but for your being there,”
great cowardice when his gigantic mas said Mr. Wopsle, going on in the same
ter came home (very hoarse) to dinner. lost way, “I can’t be positive; yet
But he presently presented himself I think I should.”
under worthier circumstances; for, the Involuntarily I looked round me, as
Genius of Youthful Love being in want I was accustomed to look round me
of assistance—on account of the pa when I went home; for, these mys
rental brutality of an ignorant farmer terious words gave me a chill.
who opposed the choice of his daugh “Oh He can't be in sight,” said
ter's heart, by purposely falling upon Mr. Wopsle. “He went out, before
the object in a flour sack, out of the I went off, I saw him go.”
first-floor window—summoned a sen Having the reason that I had, for
tentious Enchanter; and he, coming being suspicious, I even suspected this
up from the antipodes rather unsteadily, poor actor. I mistrusted a design to
after an apparently violent journey, entrap me into some admission. There
proved to be Mr. Wopsle in a high fore, I glanced at him as we walked on
crowned hat, with a necromantic work together, but said nothing.
in one volume under his arm. The “I had a ridiculous fancy that he
business of this enchanter on earth, must be with you, Mr. Pip, till I saw
being principally to be talked at, sung that you were quite unconscious of
at, butted at, danced at, and flashed him, sitting behind you there, like a
at with fires of various colours, he had ghost.”
a good deal of time on his hands. My former chill crept over me again,
And I observed with great surprise, but I was resolved not to speak yet,
that he devoted it to staring in my for it was quite consistent with his
direction as if he were lost in amaze words that he might be set on to in
ment. duce me to connect these references
There was something so remarkable with Provis. Of course, I was per
in the increasing glare of Mr. Wopsle's fectly sure and safe that Provis had
eye, and he seemed to be turning so not been there.
many things over in his mind and to “I dare say you wonder at me, Mr.
grow so confused, that I could not Pip; indeed, I see you do. But it is
make it out. I sat thinking of it, so very strange | You'll hardly believe
long after he had ascended to the what I am going to tell you. I could
clouds in a large watch-case, and still hardly believe it myself, if you told
I could not make it out. I was still me.”
thinking of it when I came out of “Indeed?” said I.
the theatre an hour afterwards, and “No, indeed. Mr. Pip, you re
found him waiting for me near the member in old times a certain Christ
door. mas Day, when you were quite a child,
“How do you do?” said I, shaking and I dined at Gargery's, and some
hands with him as we turned down soldiers came to the door to get a pair
the street together. “I saw that you of handcuffs mended ?”
saw me.” “I remember it very well.”
“Saw you, Mr. Pip !” he returned. “And you remember that there was
a chase after two convicts, and that we I could not doubt either that he was
joined in it, and that Gargery took you there, because I was there, and that
on his back, and that I took the lead however slight an appearance of danger
and you kept up with me as well as there might be about us, danger was
you could 7" always near and active.
“I remember it all very well.” I put such questions to Mr. Wopsle
Better than he thought—except the as, When did the man come in He
last clause. could not tell me that ; he saw me,
“And you remember that we came and over my shoulder he saw the man.
up with the two in a ditch, and that It was not until he had seen him for
there was a scuffle between them, and some time that he began to identify
that one of them had been severely him ; but he had from the first vaguely
handled and much mauled about the associated him with me, and known
face, by the other ?” him as somehow belonging to me in the
“I see it all before me.” old village time. How was he dressed ?
“And that thesoldiers lighted torches, Prosperously, but not noticeably other
and put the two in the centre, and wise; he thought, in black. Was his
that we went on to see the last of them, face at all disfigured No, he believed
over the black marshes, with the torch not. I believed not, too, for, although
light shining on their faces—I am par in my brooding state I had taken no
ticular about that ; with the torchlight especial notice of the people behind me,
shining on their faces, when there was I thought it likely that a face at all
an outer ring of dark night all about disfigured would have attracted my
tus !” attention.
“Yes,” said I. “I remember all When Mr. Wopsle had imparted to
that.” me all that he could recal or I extract,
“Then, Mr. Pip, one of those two and when I had treated him to a little
I appropriate refreshment after the fa
prisoners sat behind you to-night.
saw him over your shoulder.” tigues of the evening, we parted. It
“Steady l’” I thought. I asked was between twelve and one o’clock
him then, “Which of the two do you when I reached the Temple, and the
suppose you saw #" gates were shut. No one was near me
“The one who had been mauled,” when I went in and went home.
he answered readily, “and I’ll swear Herbert had come in, and we held
I saw him The more I think of him, a very serious council by the fire. But
the more certain I am of him.” there was nothing to be done, saving
“This is very curious !” said I, to communicate to Wemmick what I
with the best assumption I Could put had that night found out, and to re
on, of its being nothing more to me. mind him that we waited for his hint.
“Wery curious indeed l’” As I thought that I might compromise
I cannot exaggerate the enhanced him if I went too often to the Castle,
disquiet into which this conversation I made this communication by letter.
threw me, or the special and peculiar I wrote it before I went to bed and
terror I felt at Compeyson's having been went out and posted it ; and again no
behind me “like a ghost.” For, if he one was near me. Herbert and I
had ever been out of my thoughts for agreed that we could do nothing else
a few moments together since the hiding but be very cautious. And we were
had begun, it was in those very mo very cautious indeed—more cautious
ments when he was closest to me; and than before, if that were possible—and
to think that I should be so uncon I for my part never went near Chinks's
scious and off my guard after all my Basin, except when I rowed by, and
care, was as if I had shut an avenue then I only looked at Mill Pond Bank
of a hundred doors to keep him out, as I looked at anything else.
and then had found him at my elbow.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
The second of the two meetings re was the usual letter-writing, hand
ferred to in the last chapter, occurred washing, candle-snuffing, and safe-lock
about a week after the first. I had ing, that closed the business of the day.
again left my boat at the wharf below As I stood idle by Mr. Jaggers's fire,
Bridge; the time was an hour earlier its rising and falling flame made the
in the afternoon; and, undecided where
two casts on the shelf look as if they
to dine, I had strolled up into Cheapwere playing a diabolical game at bo
side, and was strolling along it, surely
peep with me ; while the pair of coarse
the most unsettled person in all the fat office candles that dimly lighted
busy concourse, when a large hand wasMr. Jaggers as he wrote in a corner,
laid upon my shoulder, by some one were decorated with dirty winding
overtaking me. It was Mr. Jaggers's sheets, as if in remembrance of a host
hand, and he passed it through my arm. of hanged clients.
“As we are going in the same di We went to Gerrard-street, all three
rection, Pip, we may walk together. together, in a hackney-coach ; and as
Where are you bound for " soon as we got there, dinner was served.
“For the Temple, I think,” said I. Although I should not have thought of
“Don’t you know?” said Mr. Jaggers. making, in that place, the most distant
“Well,” I returned, glad for once toreference by so much as a look to
get the better of him in cross-examina Wemmick’s Walworth sentiments, yet I
tion, “I do not know, for I have not should have had no objection to catch
made up my mind.” ing his eye now and then in a friendly
“You are going to dine !” said Mr. way. But it was not be done. He
Jaggers. “You don't mind admitting turned his eyes on Mr. Jaggers when
that, I suppose ?” ever he raised them from the table, and
“No,” I returned, “I don't mind was as dry and distant to me as if
admitting that.” . there were twin Wemmicks and this
“And are not engaged ?” was the wrong one.
“I don't mind admitting also, that “Did you send that note of Miss
I am not engaged.” Havisham's to Mr. Pip, Wemmick?”
“Then,” said Mr. Jaggers, “come Mr. Jaggers asked, soon after we began
and dine with me.” dinner.
I was going to excuse myself, when “No, sir,” returned Wemmick; “it
he added, “Wemmick's coming.” So I was going by post, when you brought
changed my excuse into an acceptance— Mr. Pip into the office. Here it is.”
the few words I had uttered serving for He handed it to his principal, instead
the beginning of either—and we went of to me.
along Cheapside and slanted off to Little “It’s a note of two lines, Pip,” said
Britain, while the lights were springing Mr. Jaggers, handing it on, “sent up
up brilliantly in the shop windows, and to me by Miss Havisham, on account
the street lamp-lighters, scarcely finding of her not being sure of your address.
ground enough to plant their ladders on She tells me that she wants to see you
in the midst of the afternoon’s bustle, on a little matter of business you men
were skipping up and down and running tioned to her. You'll go down $."
in and out, opening more red eyes in the “Yes,” said I, casting my eyes over
gathering fog than my rushlight tower the note, which was exactly in those
at the Hummums had opened white terms.
eyes in the ghostly wall. “When do you think of going
At the office in Little Britain there down 7"
“I have an impending engagement,” Supremacy be settled to the lady's

said I, glancing at Wemmick, who was satisfaction To the satisfaction of the
putting fish into the post-office, “that lady and the gentleman, it never will
renders me rather uncertain of my be. Now, Molly, Molly, Molly, Molly,
time. At once, I think.” how slow you are to-day !”
“If Mr. Pip has the intention of She was at his elbow when he ad
going at once,” said Wemmick to Mr. dressed her, putting a dish upon the
Jaggers, “he needn't write an answer, table. As she withdrew her hands
you know.” from it, she fell back a step or two,
Receiving this as an intimation that nervously muttering some excuse. And
it was best not to delay, I settled that a certain action of her fingers as she
I would go to-morrow, and said so. spoke arrested my attention.
Wemmick drank a glass of wine and “What's the matter ?” said Mr.
looked with a grimly satisfied air at Jaggers.
Mr. Jaggers, but not at me. “Nothing. Only the subject we
“So, Pip ! Our friend the Spider,” were speaking of,” said I, “was rather
said Mr. Jaggers, “has played his painful to me.”
cards. He has won the pool.” The action of her fingers was like the
. It was as much as I could do to action of knitting. She stood look
assent. -
ing at her master, not understanding

“Hah! He is a promising fellow whether she was free to go, or whether
—in his way—but he may not have it he had more to say to her and would
all his own way. The stronger will call her back if she did go. Her look
win in the end, but the stronger has to was very intent. Surely, I had seen
be found out first. If he should turn exactly such eyes and such hands, on a
to, and beat her 92 memorable occasion very lately
“Surely,” I interrupted, with a He dismissed her, and she glided out
burning face and heart, “you do not of the room. But she remained before
seriously think that he is scoundrel me, as plainly as if she were still there.
enough for that, Mr. Jaggers ?” I looked at those hands, I looked at
“I didn't say so, Pip. I am put those eyes, I looked at that flowing
ting a case. If he should turn to and hair; and I compared them with other
beat her, he may possibly get the hands, other eyes, other hair, that I
strength on his side ; if it should be a knew of, and with what those might be
question of intellect, he certainly will after twenty years of a brutal husband
not. It would be chance work to and a stormy life. I looked again at
give an opinion how a fellow of that those hands and eyes of the house
sort will turn out in such circum keeper, and thought of the inexplicable
stances, because it's a toss-up between feeling that had come over me when I
two results.” - last walked—not alone—in the ruined
“May I ask what they are 2" garden, and through the deserted brew
“A fellow like our friend the Spider,” ery. I thought how the same feeling
answered Mr. Jaggers, “either beats, had come back when I saw a face
or cringes. He may cringe and growl, looking at me, and a hand waving to
or cringe and not growl; but he either me from a stage-coach window ; and
beats or cringes. Ask Wemmick his how it had come back again and had
opinion.” flashed about me like Lightning, when
“Either beats or cringes,” said I had passed in a carriage—not alone—
Wemmick, not at all addressing him through a sudden glare of light in a
self to me. dark street. I thought how one link
“So, here's to Mrs. Bentley Drum of association had helped that identifi
mle,” said Mr. Jaggers, taking a de cation in the theatre, and how such a
canter of choicer wine from his dumb link, wanting before, had been rivetted
waiter, and filling for each of us and for me now, when I had passed by a
for himself, “and may the question of chance swift from Estella's name to the
fingers with their knitting action, and what is said between you and me, gºes
the attentive eyes. And I felt abso no further.”
lutely certain that this woman was I asked him if he had ever seen Miss
Estella's mother. Havisham's adopted daughter, Mrs.
Mr. Jaggers had seen me with Es Bentley Drummle He said no. To
tella, and was not likely to have missed avoid being too abrupt, I then spoke of
the sentiments I had been at no pains the Aged, and of Miss Skiffins. He
to conceal. He nodded when I said looked rather sly when I mentioned
the subject was painful to me, clapped Miss Skiffins, and stopped in the street
me on the back, put round the wine to blow his nose, with a roll of the
again, and went on with his dinner. head and a flourish not quite free from
Only twice more did the housekeeper latent boastfulness.
reappear, and then her stay in the room “Wemmick,” said I, “do you re
was very short, and Mr. Jaggers was member telling me, before I first went
sharp with her. But her hands were to Mr. Jaggers's private house, to
Estella's hands, and her eyes were notice that housekeeper ?”
Estella's eyes, and if she had reap “Did I ?” he replied. “Ah, I dare
peared a hundred times I could have say I did. Deuce take me,” he added
been neither more sure nor less sure sullenly, “I know I did. I find I am
that my conviction was the truth. not quite unscrewed yet.”
It was a dull evening, for Wemmick “A wild beast tamed, you called
drew his wine when it came round, her.”
quite as a matter of business—just as “And what did you call her ?”
he might have drawn his salary when “The same. How did Mr. Jaggers
that came round—and with his eyes on tame her, Wemmick 2"
his chief, sat in a state of perpetual “That's his secret. She has been
readiness for cross-examination. As to with him many a long year.”
the quantity of wine, his post-office “I wish you would tell me her story.
was as indifferent and ready as any I feel a particular interest in being
other post-office for its quantity of acquainted with it. You know that
letters. From my point of view, he what is said between you and me, goes
was the wrong twin all the time, and no further.”
only externally like the Wemmick of “Well 1* Wemmick replied, “I
Walworth. don't know her story—that is, I don't
We took our leave early, and left know all of it. But what I do know,
together. Even when we were groping I'll tell you. We are in our private
among Mr. Jaggers's stock of boots for and personal capacities, of course.”
our hats, I felt that the right twin was “Of course.”
on his way back ; and we had not gone “A score or so of years ago, that
half a dozen yards down Gerrard-street woman was tried at the Old Bailey for
in the Walworth direction before I murder, and was acquitted. She was
found that I was walking arm-in-arm a very handsome young woman, and I
with the right twin, and that the believe had some gipsy blood in her.
wrong twin had evaporated into the Anyhow, it was hot enough when it
evening air. was up, as you may suppose.”
“Well 1" said Wemmick, “that's “But she was acquitted.”
over ! He's a wonderful man, without “Mr. Jaggers was for her,” pursued
his living likeness; but I feel that I Wemmick, with a look full of meaning,
have to screw myself up when I dine “and worked the case in a way quite
with him—and I dine more comfortably astonishing. It was a desperate case,
unscrewed.” and it was comparatively early days
I felt that this was a good statement with him then, and he worked it to
of the case, and told him so. general admiration; in fact, it may
“Wouldn't say it to anybody but almost be said to have made him. He
yourself,” he answered, “I know that worked it himself at the police-office,
ÚREAT EXPECTATIONS, 217
day after day for many days, contend dence, as well as the fact that the
ing against even a committal; and at brambles in question were found on
the trial where he couldn’t work it examination to have been broken
himself, sat under counsel, and—every through, and to have little shreds of
one knew—put in all the salt and her dress and little spots of blood upon
pepper. The murdered person was a them here and there. But the boldest
woman; a woman, a good ten years point he made, was this. It was at
older, very much larger, and very much tempted to be set up in proof of her
stronger. It was a case of jealousy. jealousy, that she was under strong
They both led tramping lives, and this suspicion of having, at about the time
woman in Gerrard-street here, had been of the murder, frantically destroyed
married very young, over the broom her child by this man — some three
stick (as we say), to a tramping man, years old—to revenge herself upon him.
and was a perfect fury in point of Mr. Jaggers worked that, in this way.
jealousy. The murdered woman—more “We say these are not marks of finger
a match for the man, certainly, in point nails, but marks of brambles, and we
of years—was found dead in a barn show you the brambles. You say they
near Hounslow Heath. There had are marks of finger-mails, and you set
been a violent struggle, perhaps a fight. up the hypothesis that she destroyed
She was bruised and scratched and her child. You must accept all con
torn, and had been held by the throat sequences of that hypothesis. For any
at last and choked. Now, there was thing we know, she may have destroyed
no reasonable evidence to implicate any her child, and the child in clinging to
person but this woman, and, on the her may have scratched her hands.
improbabilities of her having been able What then You are not trying her
to do it, Mr. Jaggers principally rested for the murder of her child; why don't
his case. You may be sure,” said you? As to this case, if you will have
Wemmick, touching me on the sleeve, scratches, we say that, for anything we
“that he never dwelt upon the strength know, you may have accounted for
of her hands then, though he some them, assuming for the sake of argu
times does now.” ment that you have not invented them?”
I had told Wemmick of his showing To sum up, sir,” said Wemmick, “Mr.
us her wrists, that day of the dinner Jaggers was altogether too many for
party. the Jury, and they gave in.”
“Well, sir!” Wemmick went on; “Has she been in his service ever
“it happened—happened, don't you since 2’”
see ?—that this woman was so very “Yes; but not only that,” said .
artfully dressed from the time of her Wemmick, “she went into his service
apprehension, that she looked much immediately after her acquittal, tamed
slighter than she really was; in par as she is now. She has since been
ticular, her sleeves are always remem taught one thing and another in the
bered to have been so skilfully contrived way of her duties, but she was tamed
that her arms had quite a delicate look. from the beginning.”
She had only a bruise or two about her “Do you remember the sex of the
—nothing for a tramp—but the backs child 2*
of her hands were lacerated, and the “Said to have been a girl.”
question was, was it with finger-nails? “You have nothing more to say to
Now, Mr. Jaggers showed that she had me to-night !”
struggled through a great lot of bram “Nothing. I got your letter and
bles which were not as high as her destroyed it. Nothing.”
face; but which she could not have got We exchanged a cordial Good Night,
through and kept her hands out of; and I went home, with new matter for
and bits of those brambles were actu my thoughts, though with no relief
ally found in her skin and put in evi from the old,
CHAPTER XLIX,
12UTTING Miss Havisham's note in raised her eyes. There was an air of
my pocket, that it might serve as my utter loneliness upon her, that would
credentials for so soon reappearing at have moved me to pity though she had
Satis House, in case her waywardness wilfully done me a deeper injury than
should lead her to express any surprise I could charge her with. As I stood
at seeing me, I went down again by compassionating her, and thinking how
the coach next day. But, I alighted at in the progress of time I too had come
the Halfway House, and breakfasted to be a part of the wrecked fortunes of
there, and walked the rest of the dis that house, her eyes rested on me. She
tance; for, I sought to get into the stared, and said in a low voice, “Is it
town quietly by the unfrequented ways, real ”
and to leave it in the same manner. “It is I, Pip. Mr. Jaggers gave me
The best light of the day was gone your note yesterday, and I have lost no
when I passed along the quiet echoing time.”
courts behind the High-street. The “Thank you. Thank you.”
nooks of ruin where the old monks had As I brought another of the ragged
once had their refectories and gardens, chairs to the hearth and sat down, I
and where the strong walls were now remarked a new expression on her face,
pressed into the service of humble sheds as if she were afraid of me.
and stables, were almost as silent as “I want,” she said, “to pursue
the old monks in their graves. The that subject you mentioned to me when
cathedral chimes had at once a sadder you were last here, and to show you
and a more remote sound to me, as I that I am not all stone. But perhaps
hurried on avoiding observation, than you can never believe, now, that there
they had ever had before ; so, the swell is anything human in my heart?”
of the old organ was borne to my ears When I said some reassuring words,
like funeral music; and the rooks, as she stretched out her tremulous right
they hovered about the grey tower and hand, as though she was going to touch
swung in the bare high trees of the me; but she recalled it again before I
priory-garden, seemed to call to me understood the action, or knew how to
, that the place was changed, and that receive it.
Estella was gone out of it for ever. “You said, speaking for your friend,
An elderly woman whom I had seen that you could tell me how to do some
before as one of the servants who lived thing useful and good. Something that
in the supplementary house across the you would like done, is it not ?”
back court-yard, opened the gate. The “Something that I would like done
lighted candle stood in the dark pas very very much.”
sage within, as of old, and I took it up “What is it?”
and ascended the staircase alone. Miss I began explaining to her that secret
Havisham was not in her own room, history of the partnership. I had not
but was in the larger room across the got far into it, when I judged from her
landing. Looking in at the door, after looks that she was thinking in a dis
knocking in vain, I saw her sitting on cursive way of me, rather than of what
the hearth in a ragged chair, close I said. It seemed to be so, for, when
before, and lost in the contemplation I stopped speaking, many moments
of, the ashy fire. passed before she showed that she was
Doing as I had often done, I went in, conscious of the fact.
and stood, touching the old chimney “Do you break off,” she asked then,
piece, where she could see me when she with her former air of being afraid of
ÜREAT EXPECTATIONS. 219
me, “because you hate me too much to “Can I only serve you, Pip, by
bear to speak to me?” serving your friend ? Regarding that
“No, no,” I answered, “how can you as done, is there nothing I can do for
think so, Miss Havisham | I stopped you yourself?”
because I thought you were not follow “Nothing. I thank you for the
ing what I said.” question, I thank you even more for
“Perhaps I was not,” she answered, the tone of the question. But, there is
putting a hand to her head. “Begin nothing.”
again, and let me look at something She presently rose from her seat,
else. Stay ! Now tell me.” and looked about the blighted room for
She set her hand upon her stick, in the means of writing. There were
the resolute way that sometimes was none there, and she took from her
habitual to her, and looked at the fire pocket a yellow set of ivory tablets,
with a strong expression of forcing her
mounted in tarnished gold, and wrote
self to attend. I went on with my upon them with a pencil in a case of
explanation, and told her how I had tarnished gold that hung from her
hoped to complete the transaction out neck.
of my means, but how in this I was “You are still on friendly terms
disappointed. That part of the sub with Mr. Jaggers?”
ject (I reminded her) involved matters “Quite. I dined with him yester
which could form no part of my ex day.”
planation, for they were the weighty “This is an authority to him to pay
secrets of another. you that money, to lay out at your
“So l’” said she, assenting with her irresponsible discretion for your friend.
head, but not looking at me. “And I keep no money here ; but if you
how much money is wanting to com would rather Mr. Jaggers knew nothing
plete the purchase ?” of the matter, I will send it to you.”
I was rather afraid of stating it, for “Thank you, Miss Havisham; I
it sounded a large sum. “Nine hun have not the least objection to receiving
dred pounds.” it from him.”
“If I give you the money for this She read me what she had written,
purpose, will you keep my secret as and it was direct and clear, and evi
you have kept your own ''' dently intended to absolve me from any
“Quite as faithfully.” suspicion of profiting by the receipt of
“And your mind will be more at the money. I took the tablets from
rest ?” her hand, and it trembled again, and
“Much more at rest.” it trembled more as she took off the
“Are you very unhappy now 7" chain to which the pencil was attached,
She asked this question, still without and put it in mine. All this she did,
looking at me, but in an unwonted without looking at me.
tone of sympathy. I could not reply “My name is on the first leaf. If
at the moment, for my voice failed me. you can ever write under my name, ‘I
She put her left arm across the head of forgive her,’ though ever so long after
her stick, and softly laid her forehead my broken heart is dust—pray do it !”
on it. “O Miss Havisham,” said I, “I can
“I am far from happy, Miss Havi do it now. There have been sore mis
sham; but I have other causes of dis takes; and my life has been a blind
quiet than any you know of. They are and thankless one; and I want forgive
the secrets I have mentioned.” ness and direction far too much, to be
After a little while, she raised her bitter with you.”
head, and looked at the fire again. She turned her face to me for the
“'Tis noble in you to tell me...that first time since she had averted it, and
#: have other causes of unhappiness. to my amazement, I may even add to
s it true?” my terror, dropped on her knees at my
“Too true,” feet ; with her folded hands raised to
me in the manner in which, when her vanity of penitence, the vanity of re

poor heart was young and fresh and morse, the vanity of unworthiness, and
whole, they must often have been other monstrous vanities that have been
raised to Heaven from her mother's curses in this world !
side. “Until you spoke to her the other
To see her with her white hair and day, and until I saw in you a looking
her worn face, kneeling at my feet, gave glass that showed me what I once felt
me a shock through all my frame. I myself, I did not know what I had
entreated her to rise, and got my arms done. What have I done ! What have
about her to help her up ; but she only I done !” And so again, twenty, fifty
pressed that hand of mine which was times over, What had she done.'
nearest to her grasp, and hung her head “Miss Havisham,” I said, when her
over it and wept. I had never seen cry had died away, “you may dismiss
her shed a tear before, and, in the hope me from your mind and conscience.
that the relief might do her good, I But Estella is a different case, and if
bent over her without speaking. She you can ever undo any scrap of what
was not kneeling now, but was down you have done amiss in keeping a part
upon the ground. of her right nature away from her,
“O !” she cried, despairingly. “What it will be better to do that, than to
have I done ! What have I done !” bemoan the past through a hundred
“If you mean, Miss Havisham, what years.”
have you done to injure me, let me “Yes, yes, I know it. But, Pip—
answer. Wery little. I should have my Dear !” There was an earnest
loved her under any circumstances.—Is womanly compassion for me in her new
she married ?” affection. “My dear ! Believe this:
& 4 Yes.” when she first came to me, I meant to
It was a needless question, for a new save her from misery like my own. At
desolation in the desolate house had told first I meant no more.”
Ine so. “Well, well 1* said I. “I hope so.”
“What have I done What have I “But as she grew, and promised to
done !”. She wrung her hands, and be very beautiful, I gradually did worse,
crushed her white hair, and returned and with my praises, and with my
to this cry over and over again. “What jewels, and with my teachings, and
have I done !” with this figure of myself always before
I knew not how to answer, or how her, a warning to back and point my
to comfort her. That she had done a lessons, I stole her heart away and put
grievous thing in taking an impression ice in its place.”
able child to mould into the form that “Better,” I could not help saying,
her wild resentment, spurned affection, “to have left her a natural heart, even
and wounded pride, found vengeance in, to be bruised or broken.”
I knew full well. But that, in shutting With that, Miss Havisham looked
out the light of day, she had shut out distractedly at me for a while, and then
infinitely more ; that, in seclusion, she burst out again, What had she done 1
had secluded herself from a thousand “If you knew all my story,” she
natural and healing influences; that, pleaded, “you would have some com
her mind, brooding solitary, had grown passion for me and a better understand
diseased, as all minds do and must and ing of me.”
will that reverse the appointed order of “Miss Havisham,” I answered, as
their Maker; I knew equally well. delicately as I could, “I believe I may
And could I look upon her without say that I do know your story, and
compassion, seeing her punishment in have known it ever since I first left this
the ruin she was, in her profound un neighbourhood. It has inspired me
fitness for this earth on which she was with great commiseration, and I hope
placed, in the vanity of sorrow which I understand it and its influences.
had become a master mania, like the Does what has passed between us give
me any excuse for asking you a ques not trouble her just yet, but would walk
tion relative to Estella Not as she round the place before leaving. For, I
is, but as she was when she first came had a presentiment that I should never
here 2° be there again, and I felt that the
She was seated on the ground, with dying light was suited to my last view
her arms on the ragged chair, and her of it.
head leaning on them. She looked full By the wilderness of casks that I
at me when I said this, and replied had walked on long ago, and on which
“Go on.” the rain of years had fallen since, rot
“Whose child was Estella " ting them in many places, and leaving
She shook her head. miniature swamps and pools of water
“You don’t know * * upon those that stood on end, I made
She shook her head again. my way to the ruined garden. I went
“But Mr. Jaggers brought her here, all round it; round by the corner
or sent her here !” where Herbert and I had fought our
“Brought her here.” battle; round by the paths where
“Will you tell me how that came Estella and I had walked. So cold, so
about 2' lonely, so dreary all !
She answered in a low whisper and Taking the brewery on my way back,
I raised the rusty latch of a little door
with caution : “I had been shut up in
these rooms a long time (I don’t know
at the garden end of it, and walked
how long; you know what time the through. I was going out at the
clocks keep here), when I told him opposite door—not easy to open now,
for the damp wood had started and
that I wanted a little girl to rear and
love, and save from my fate. I had swelled, and the hinges were yielding,
first seen him when I sent for him to and the threshold was encumbered with
lay this place waste for me ; having a growth of fungus—when I turned my
read of him in the newspapers, before I head to look back. A childish associ
and the world parted. He told me that ation revived with wonderful force in
he would look about him for such an the moment of the slight action, and I
orphan child. One night he brought fancied that I saw Miss Havisham
her here asleep, and I called her hanging to the beam. So strong was
Estella.” the impression, that I stood under the
“Might I ask her age then 7° beam shuddering from head to foot
“Two or three. She herself knows before I knew it was a fancy—though
nothing, but that she was left an orphan to be sure I was there in an instant.
and I adopted hér.” The mournfulness of the place and
So convinced I was of that woman's time, and the great terror of this illu
being her mother, that I wanted no sion, though it was but momentary,
evidence to establish the fact in my caused me to feel an indescribable awe
mind. But, to any mind, I thought, as I came out between the open wooden
the connection here was clear and gates where I had once wrung my hair
straight. after Estella had wrung my heart.
What more could I hope to do by Passing on into the front court-yard, I
prolonging the interview I had suc hesitated whether to call the woman to
ceeded on behalf of Herbert, Miss let me out at the locked gate of which
Havisham had told me all she knew of she had the key, or first to go upstairs
Estella, I had said and done what I and assure myself that Miss Havisham
could to ease her mind. No matter was as safe and well as I had left her.
with what other words we parted; we I took the latter course and went up.
parted. I looked into the room where I had
Twilight was closing in when I went left her, and I saw her seated in the
down stairs into the natural air. I ragged chair upon the hearth close to
called to the woman who had opened the fire, with her back towards me. In
the gate when I entered, that I would the moment when I was withdrawing
my head to go quietly away, I saw a that they of themselves were far from
great flaming light spring up. In the hopeless; the danger lay mainly in the
same moment I saw her running at me, nervous shock. By the surgeon's direc
shrieking, with a whirl of fire blazingtions, her bed was carried into that
all about her, and soaring at least as room and laid upon the great table :
many feet above her head as she was which happened to be well suited to
high. - the dressing of her injuries. When I
I had a double-caped great-coat on, saw her again, an hour afterwards, she
and over my arm another thick coat. lay indeed where I had seen her strike
That I got them off, closed with her, her stick, and had heard her say she
threw her down, and got them over her; would lie one day.
that I dragged the great cloth from the Though every vestige of her dress
table for the same purpose, and with it was burnt, as they told me, she still
dragged down the heap of rottenness had something of her old ghastly bridal
in the midst, and all the ugly things appearance; for, they had covered her
that sheltered there; that we were on to the throat with white cotton-wool,
the ground struggling like desperate and as she lay with a white sheet loosely
enemies, and that the closer I covered overlying that, the phantom air of
her, the more wildly she shrieked and something that had been and was
tried to free herself; that this occurred changed was still upon her.
I knew through the result, but not I found, on questioning the servants,
through anything I felt, or thought, or that Estella was in Paris, and I got a
knew I did. I knew nothing until I promise from the surgeon that he would
knew that we were on the floor by the write by the next post. Miss Havis
great table, and that patches of tinder ham's family I took upon myself; in
yet alight' were floating in the smoky tending to communicate with Mr.
air, which a moment ago had been her Matthew Pocket only, and leave him to
faded bridal dress. do as he liked about informing the rest.
Then, I looked round and saw the This I did next day, through Herbert,
disturbed beetles and spiders running as soon as I returned to town.
away over the floor, and the servants There was a stage, that evening, when
coming in with breathless cries at the she spoke collectedly of what had hap
door. I still held her forcibly down pened, though with a certain terrible
with all my strength, like a prisoner vivacity. Towards midnight she began
who might escape; and I doubt if I to wander in her speech, and after that
even knew who she was, or why we had it gradually set in that she said innu
struggled, or that she had been in merable times in a low solemn voice,
flames, or that the flames were out, “What have I done l’” And then,
until I saw the patches of tinder that “When she first came, I meant to save
had been her garments, no longer alight, her from misery like mine.” And then,
but falling in a black shower around “Take the pencil and write under my
us. name, ‘I forgive her l’” She never
She was insensible, and I was afraid changed the order of those three sen
to have her moved, or even touched. tences, but she sometimes left out a
Assistance was sent for and I held her word in one or other of them ; never
until it came, as if I unreasonably putting in another word, but always
fancied (I think I did) that if I let her leaving a blank and going on to the
go, the fire would break out again and next word.
consume her. When I got up, on the As I could do no service there, and
surgeon's coming to her with other aid, as I had, nearer home, that pressing
I was astonished to see that both my reason for anxiety and fear which even
hands were burnt; for, I had no know her wanderings could not drive out of
ledge of it through the sense of feeling. my mind, I decided in the course of the
On examination it was pronounced night that I would return by the early
that she had received serious hurts, but morning coach : walking on a mile or
so, and being taken up clear of the as they said, not stopping for being
town. At about six o'clock of the touched, “Take the pencil and write
morning, therefore, I leaned over her under my name, ‘I forgive her.’”
and touched her lips with mine, just
CELAPTER, L,
My hands had been dressed twice or agreement—to make my recovery of the

thrice in the night, and again in the use of my hands, a question of so many
morning. My left arm was a good deal hours, not of so many weeks,
burned to the elbow, and, less severely, My first question when I saw Her
as high as the shoulder; it was very bert had been, of course, whether all
painful, but the flames had set in that was well down the river ? As he re
direction, and I felt thankful it was no plied in the affirmative, with perfect
worse. My right hand was not so confidence and cheerfulness, we did not
badly burnt but that I could move the resume the subject until the day was
fingers. It was bandaged, of course, wearing away. But then, as Herbert
but much less inconveniently than my changed the bandages, more by the
left hand and arm ; those I carried in a light of the fire than by the outer light,
sling ; and I could only wear my coat he went back to it spontaneously.
like a cloak, loose over my shoulders “I sat with Provis last night,
and fastened at the neck. My hair had Handel, two good hours.”
been caught by the fire, but not my “Where was Clara '''
head or face. “Dear little thing !” said Herbert.
When Herbert had been down to “She was up and down with Gruffand
Hammersmith and had seen his father, grim all the evening. He was perpe
he came back to me at our chambers, tually pegging at the floor, the moment
and devoted the day to attending on she left his sight. I doubt if he can
me. He was the kindest of nurses, hold out long though. What with rum
and at stated times took off the band and pepper—and pepper and rum—I
ages, and steeped them in the cooling should think his pegging must be nearly
liquid that was kept ready, and put over.”
them on again, with a patient tender “And then you will be married,
ness that I was deeply grateful for. Herbert : *
At first, as I lay quiet on the sofa, I “How can I take care of the dear
found it painfully difficult, I might say child otherwise ?—Lay your arm out
impossible, to get rid of the impression upon the back of the sofa, my dear boy,
of the glare of the flames, their hurry and I’ll sit down here, and get the
and noise, and the fierce burning smell. bandage off so gradually that you shall
If I dozed for a minute, I was awak not know when it comes. I was speak
ened by Miss Havisham's cries, and by ing of Provis. Do you know, Handel,
her running at me with all that height he improves #"
of fire above her head. This pain of “I said to you I thought he was
the mind was much harder to strive softened when I last saw him.”
against than any bodily pain I suffered ; “So you did. And so he is. He
and Herbert, seeing that, did his ut was very communicative last night, and
most to hold my attention engaged. told me more of his life.
You re
Neither of us spoke of the boat, but member his breaking off here about
we both thought of it. That was made some woman that he had had great
apparent by our avoidance of the sub trouble with.-Did I hurt you?” .
ject, and by our agreeing—without I had started, but not under his
touch. His words had given me a sented herself before Provis for one
start. moment, and swore that she would de
“I had forgotten that, Herbert, but stroy the child (which was in her pos
I remember it now you speak of it.” session), and he should never see it
“Well He went into that part of again; then, she vanished.—There's
his life, and a dark wild part it is. the worst arm comfortably in the sling
Shall I tell you ? Or would it worry once more, and now there remains but
you just now ** the right hand, which is a far easier
“Tell me by all means. Every job. I can do it better by this light
word.” than by a stronger, for my hand is
Herbert bent forward to look at me steadiest when I don’t see the poor
more nearly, as if my reply had been blistered patches too distinctly.—You
rather more hurried or more eager than don’t think your breathing is affected,
he could quite account for. “Your my dear boy You seem to breathe
head is cool 7” he said, touching it. quickly.”
“Quite,” said I. “Tell me what “Perhaps I do, Herbert. Did the
Provis said, my dear Herbert.” woman keep her oath 2"
“It seems,” said Herbert, “—there's “There comes the darkest part of
a bandage off most charmingly, and Provis’s life. She did.”
now comes the cool one—makes you “That is, he says she did.”
shrink at first, my poor dear fellow, “Why, of course, my dear boy,”
don’t it ! but it will be comfortable returned Herbert, in a tone of surprise,
presently—it seems that the woman and again bending forward to get a
was a young woman, and a jealous nearer look at me. “He says it all.
woman, and a revengeful woman ; re I have no other information.”
vengeful, Handel, to the last degree.”“No, to be sure.”
“To what last degree ?” “Now, whether,” pursued Herbert,
“Murder.—Does it strike too cold “he had used the child's mother ill, or
on that sensitive place 7" whether he had used the child's mother
“I don’t feel it. How did she mur well, Provis doesn't say ; but, she had
der ? Whom did she murder ?” shared some four or five years of the
“Why, the deed may not have wretched life he described to us at this
merited quite so terrible a name,” said fireside, and he seems to have felt pity
Herbert, “but she was tried for it, and for her, and forbearance towards her.
Mr. Jaggers defended her, and the Therefore, fearing he should be called
reputation of that defence first made upon to depose about this destroyed
his name known to Provis. It was child, and so be the cause of her death,
another and a stronger woman who was he hid himself (much as he grieved for
the victim, and there had been a strug the child), kept himself dark, as he
gle—in a barn. Who began it, or how says, out of the way and out of the
fair it was, or how unfair, may be trial, and was only vaguely talked of as
doubtful; but how it ended is certainlya certain man called Abel, out of whom
not doubtful, for the victim was found the jealousy arose. After the acquittal
throttled.” she disappeared, and thus he lost the
“Was the woman broughtinguilty?” child and the child's mother.”
“No ; she was acquitted.—My poor “I want to ask—”
Handel, I hurt you !” “A moment, my dear boy, and I
“It is impossible to be gentler, Her have done. That evil genius, Compey
bert. Yes | What else?” son, the worst of scoundrels among
“This acquitted young woman and many scoundrels, knowing of his keep
Provis had a little child : a little child ing out of the way at that time, and of
of whom Provis was exceedingly fond. his reasons for doing so, of course after
On the evening of the very night when wards held the knowledge over his head
the object of her jealousy was strangled as a means of keeping him poorer, and
as I tell you, the young woman pre- working him harder. It was clear last
night that this barbed the point of me best by the light of the window, or
Provis's animosity.” the light of the fire **
“I want to know,” said I, “and “By the firelight,” answered Her.
particularly, Herbert, whether he told bert, coming close again.
you when this happened ?” “Look at me.”
“Particularly Let me remember, “I do look at you, my dear boy.”
then, what he said as to that. His ** Touch me.”
expression was, “a round score o' year “I do touch you, my dear boy.”
ago, and a'most directly after I took up “You are not afraid that I am in
wi' Compeyson.” How old were you any fever, or that my head is much
when you came upon him in the little disordered by the accident of last
churchyard #" night?”
“I think in my seventh year.” “N-no, my dear boy,” said Herbert,
“Ay. It had happened some three after taking time to examine me.
or four years then, he said, and you “You are rather excited, but you are
brought into his mind the little girl so quite yourself.”
tragically lost, who would have been “I know I am quite myself. And
about your age.” the man we have in hiding down the
“Herbert,” said I, after a short river, is Estella's Father.”
silence, in a hurried way, “can you see
CHAPTER LI.
WHAT purpose I had in view when I alone restrained my impatience. On

was hot on tracing out and proving the understanding, again and again
Estella's parentage, I cannot say. It reiterated, that come what would, I
will presently be seen that the question was to go to Mr. Jaggers to-morrow, I
was not before me in a distinct shape, at length submitted to keep quiet, and
until it was put before me by a wiser to have my hurts looked after, and to
head than my own. stay at home. Early next morning we
But, when Herbert and I had held went out together, and at the corner of
our momentous conversation, I was Giltspur-street by Smithfield, I left
seized with a feverish conviction that I Herbert to go his way into the City,
ought to hunt the matter down—that and took my way to Little Britain.
I ought not to let it rest, but that I There were periodical occasions when
ought to see Mr. Jaggers, and come at Mr. Jaggers and Mr. Wemmick went
the bare truth. I really do not know over the office accounts, and checked
whether I felt that I did this for off the vouchers, and put all things
Estella's sake, or whether I was glad straight. On these occasions Wemmick
to transfer to the man in whose preser took his books and papers into Mr.
vation I was so much concerned, some Jaggers's room, and one of the up-stairs
rays of the romantic interest that had clerks came down into the outer office.
so long surrounded me. Perhaps the Finding such clerk on Wemmick’s post
latter possibility may be the nearer to that morning, I knew what was going
the truth. on ; but I was not sorry to have Mr.
Any way, I could scarcely be with Jaggers and Wemmick together, as
held from going out to Gerrard-street Wemmick would then hear for himself
that night. Herbert's representations that I said nothing to compromise him.
that if I did, I should probably be laid My appearance with my arm band
up and stricken useless, when our fugi aged and my coat icose over my shoul
tive's safety would depend upon me, ders, favoured my object. Although I
Q
had sent Mr. Jaggers a brief account of give me some information relative to
the accident as soon as I had arrived her adopted daughter, and she gave me
in town, yet I had to give him all the all she possessed.”
details now ; and the specialty of the “Did she 7” said Mr. Jaggers, bend
occasion caused our talk to be less dry ing forward to look at his boots and
and hard, and less strictly regulated by then straightening himself. “Hah!
the rules of evidence, than it had been I don’t think I should have done so, if
before. While I described the disaster, I had been Miss Havisham. But she
Mr. Jaggers stood, according to his ought to know her own business best.”
wont, before the fire. Wemmick leaned “I know more of the history of
back in his chair, staring at me, with Miss Havisham's adopted child, than
his hands in the pockets of his trousers, Miss Havisham herself does, sir, I
and his pen put horizontally into the know her mother.”
post. The two brutal casts, always Mr. Jaggers looked at me inquiringly,
inseparable in my mind from the official and repeated “Mother ?”
proceedings, seemed to be congestively “I have seen her mother within
considering whether they didn't smell these three days.”
fire at the present moment. “Yes #" said Mr. Jaggers.
My narrative finished, and their “And so have you, sir. And you
questions exhausted, I then produced have seen her still more recently.”
Miss Havisham's authority to receive “Yes” said Mr. Jaggers.
the nine hundred pounds for Herbert. “Perhaps I know more of Estella's
Mr. Jaggers's eyes retired a little deeper history, than even you do,” said I.
into his head when I handed him the “I know her father, too.”
tablets, but he presently handed them A certain stop that Mr. Jaggers came
over to Wemmick, with instructions to to in his manner—he was too self-pos
draw the cheque for his signature. sessed to change his manner, but he
While that was in course of being could not help its being brought to an
done, I looked on at Wemmick as he indefinably attentive stop—assured me
wrote, and Mr. Jaggers, poising and that he did not know who her father
swaying himself on his well-polished was. This I had strongly suspected
boots, looked on at me. “I am sorry, from Provis's account (as Herbert had
Pip,” said he, as I put the cheque in repeated it) of his having kept himself
my pocket, when he had signed it, dark; which I pieced on to the fact
“that we do nothing for you.” that he himself was not Mr. Jaggers's
“Miss Havisham was good enough client until some four years later, and
to ask me,” I returned, “whether she when he could have no reason for
could do nothing for me, and I told her claiming his identity. But, I could
No.” not be sure of this unconsciousness on
“Everybody should know his own Mr. Jaggers's part before, though I
business,” said Mr. Jaggers. And I was quite sure of it now.
saw Wemmick’s lips form the words “So You know the young lady's
“portable property.” father, Pip !” said Mr. Jaggers.
“I should not have told her No, if I “Yes,” I replied, “and his name is
had been you,” said Mr. Jaggers; “but Provis—from New South Wales.”
every man ought to know his own Even Mr. Jaggers started when I
business best.” said those words. It was the slightest
“Every man’s business,” said Wem start that could escape a.man, the most
mick, rather reproachfully towards me, carefully repressed and the Sooner
“is ‘portable property.’” checked, but he did start, though he
As I thought the time was now come made it a part of the action of taking
for pursuing the theme I had at heart, out his pocket-handkerchief. How
I said, turning on Mr. Jaggers: Wemmick received the announcement
“I did ask something of Miss Havi I am unable to say, for I was afraid to
sham, however, sir. I asked her to look at him just then, lest Mr. Jag
gers's sharpness should detect that wanted it and why I thought I had any
there had been some communication right to it, I would tell him, little as
unknown to him between us. he cared for such poor dreams, that I
“And on what evidence, Pip,” had loved Estella dearly and long, and
asked Mr. Jaggers, very coolly, as he that, although I had lost her and must
paused with his handkerchief half way live a bereaved life, whatever concerned
to his nose, “does Provis make this her was still nearer and dearer to me
claim : * than anything else in the world. And
“He does not make it,” said I, seeing that Mr. Jaggers stood quite still
“and has never made it, and has no and silent, and apparently quite obdu
knowledge or belief that his daughter rate, under this appeal, I turned to
is in existence.” Wemmick, and said, “Wemmick, I
For once, the powerful pocket-hand know you to be a man with a gentle
kerchief failed. My reply was so un heart. I have seen your pleasant home,
expected that Mr. Jaggers put the and your old father, and all the inno
handkerchief back into his pocket cent cheerful playful ways with which
without completing the usual perform you refresh your business life. And
ance, folded his arms, and looked with I entreat you to say a word for me
stern attention at me, though with an to Mr. Jaggers, and to represent to
immovable face. him that, all circumstances consi
Then I told him all I knew, and dered, he ought to be more open with
how I knew it ; with the one reser me !”
vation that I left him to infer that I I have never seen two men look
knew from Miss Havisham what I in more oddly at one another than Mr.
fact knew from Wemmick. I was very Jaggers and Wemmick did after this
careful indeed as to that. Nor, did I apostrophe. At first, a misgiving
look towards Wemmick until I had crossed me that Wemmick would be
finished all I had to tell, and had been instantly dismissed from his employ
for some time silently meeting Mr. ment ; but, it melted as I saw Mr.
Jaggers's look. When I did at last Jaggers relax into something like a
turn my eyes in Wemmick's direction, smile, and Wemmick become bolder.
I found that he had unposted his pen, “What's all this?” said Mr. Jaggers.
and was intent upon the table before “You with an old father, and you with
him. pleasant and playful ways #"
“Hah!” said Mr. Jaggers at last, ‘‘Well ?” returned Wemmick. “If
as he moved towards the papers on the I don't bring 'em here, what does it
table. “–What item was it you were matter?”
at, Wemmick, when Mr. Pip came “Pip,” said Mr. Jaggers, laying his
in 2’” hand upon my arm, and smiling
But I could not submit to be thrown openly, “this man must be the most
off in that way, and I made a passionate, cunning impostor in all London.”
almost an indignant appeal to him to be “Not a bit of it,” returned Wem
more frank and manly with me. I mick, growing bolder and bolder. “I
reminded him of the false hopes into think you're another.”
which I had lapsed, the length of time Again they exchanged their former
they had lasted, and the discovery I odd looks, each apparently still dis
had made : and I hinted at the danger trustful that the other was taking him
that weighed upon my spirits. I re IIl.
presented myself as being surely worthy “You with a pleasant home 7" said
of some little confidence from him, in Mr. Jaggers. -
return for the confidence I had just now “Since it don't interfere with busi
imparted. I said that I did not blame ness,” returned Wemmick, “let it be
him, or suspect him, or mistrust him, so. Now, I look at you, sir, I shouldn't
but I wanted assurance of the truth wonder if you might be planning and
from him, And if he asked me why I contriving to have a pleasant home of
Q 2
your own, one of these days, when and such things to divert suspicion. I
'you're tired of all this work.” have tracked you through it all, and I
Mr. Jaggers nodded his head retro tell it you all. Part with the child,
spectively two or three times, and unless it should be necessary to produce
actually drew a sigh. “Pip,” said he, it to clear you, and then it shall be
“we won't talk about ‘poor dreams;” produced. Give the child into my
you know more about such things than hands, and I will do my best to bring
I, having much fresher experience of you off. If you are saved, your child
that kind. But now, about this other will be saved too; if you are lost, your
matter. I'll put a case to you. Mind | child is still saved.” Put the case that
I admit nothing.” this was done, and that the woman was
He waited for me to declare that I cleared.”
quite understood that he expressly said “I understand you perfectly.”
that he admitted nothing. “But that I make no admissions?”
“Now, Pip,” said Mr. Jaggers, “put “That you make no admissions.”
this case. Put the case that a woman, And Wemmick repeated, “No admis
under such circumstances as you have sions.”
mentioned, held her child concealed, and “Put the case, Pip, that passion
was obliged to communicate the fact to and the terror of death had a little
her legal adviser, on his representing to shaken the woman's intellects, and that
her that he must know, with an eye to when she was set at liberty, she was
the latitude of his defence, how the scared out of the ways of the world
fact stood about that child. Put the and went to him to be sheltered. Put
case that at the same time he held a the case that he took her in, and that
trust to find a child for an eccentric he kept down the old wild violent
rich lady to adopt and bring up.” nature, whenever he saw an inkling of
“I follow you, sir.” its breaking out, by asserting his power
** Put the case that he lived in an over her in the old way. Do you com
atmosphere of evil, and that all he saw prehend the imaginary case ?”
of children was, their being generated “Quite.”
in great numbers for certain destruc “Put the case that the child grew
tion. Put the case that he often saw up, and was married for money. That
children solemnly tried at a criminal the mother was still living. That the
bar, where they were held up to be father was still living. That the
seen; put the case that he habitually mother and father, unknown to one
knew of their being imprisoned, whip another, were dwelling within so many
ped, transported, neglected, cast out, miles, furlongs, yards if you like, of
qualified in all ways for the hangman, one another. That the secret was still
and growing up to be hanged. Put the a secret, except that you had got wind
case that pretty nigh all the children of it. Put that last case to yourself
he saw in his daily business life, he had very carefully.”
reason to look upon as so much spawn, “I do.”
to develop into the fish that were to “I ask Wemmick to put it to him
come to his net—to be prosecuted, self very carefully.”
defended, forsworn, made orphans, be And Wemmick said, “I do.”
devilled somehow.” “For whose sake would you reveal
“I follow you, sir.” the secret? For the father's I think
“Put the case, Pip, that here was he would not be much the better for
the mother.
one pretty little child out of the heap For the mother's I
who could be saved ; whom the father think if she had done such a deed she
believed dead, and dared make no stir would be safer where she was. For
about ; as to whom, over the mother, the daughter's I think it would
the legal adviser had this power: “I hardly serve her, to establish her
know what you did, and how you did parentage for the information of her
it. You came so and so, you did such husband, and to drag her back to dis
grace, after an escape of twenty years, of my appearance within those walls.

pretty secure to last for life. But, add This individual, who, either in his own
the case that you had loved her, Pip, and person or in that of some member of his
had made her the subject of those ‘poor family, seemed to be always in trouble
dreams’ which have, at one time or (which in that place meant Newgate),
another, been in the heads of more men called to announce that his eldest
than you think likely, then I tell you that daughter was taken up on suspicion of
you had better—and would much sooner shoplifting. As he imparted this me
when you had thought well of it—chop lancholy circumstance to Wemmick, Mr.
off that bandaged left hand of yours Jaggers standing magisterially before
with your bandaged right hand, and the fire and taking no share in the
then pass the chopper on to Wemmick proceedings, Mike's eye happened to
there, to cut that off, too.” twinkle with a tear.
I looked at Wemmick, whose face “What are you about !” demanded
was very grave. He gravely touched Wemmick, with the utmost indignation.
his lips with his forefinger. I did the “What do you come snivelling here
same. Mr. Jaggers did the same. for 2*
“Now, Wemmick,” said the latter “I didn't go to do it, Mr. Wem
then, resuming his usual manner, mick.”
“what item was it you were at, when “You did,” said Wemmick. “How
Mr. Pip came in 2’” dare you ? You're not in a fit state to
Standing by for a little, while they come here, if you can’t come here with
were at work, I observed that the odd out spluttering like a bad pen, What
looks they had cast at one another were do you mean by it !”
repeated several times: with this diffe “A man can't help his feelings, Mr.
rence now, that each of them seemed Wemmick,” pleaded Mike.
suspicious, not to say conscious, of “His what ?” demanded Wemmick,
having shown himself in a weak and quite savagely. “Say that again l’”
unprofessional light to the other. For “Now look here, my man,” said
this reason, I suppose, they were now Mr. Jaggers, advancing a step, and
inflexible with one another; Mr. Jag pointing to the door. “Get out of
gers being highly dictatorial, and this office. I’ll have no feelings here.
Wemmick obstinately justifying himself Get out.”
whenever there was the smallest point “It serves you right,” said Wem
in abeyance for a moment. I had never mick. “Get out.” -
seen them on such ill terms ; for gene So the unfortunate Mike very humbly
rally they got on very well indeed withdrew, and Mr. Jaggers and Wem
together. mick appeared to have re-established
But, they were both happily relieved their good understanding, and went to
by the opportune appearance of Mike, work again with an air of refreshment.
the client with the fur cap and the upon them as if they had just had
habit of wiping his nose on his sleeve, lunch.
*
whom I had seen on the very first day
CHAPTER LIT,
FROM Little Britain, I went, with my faction of concluding that arrangement,

cheque in my pocket, to Miss Skiffins's It was the only good thing I had done,
brother, the accountant ; and Miss and the only completed thing I had
Skiffins's brother, the accountant, going done, since I was first apprised of my
straight to Clarriker's and bringing great expectations.
Clarriker to me, I had the great satis Clarriker informing me on that occa
sion that the affairs of the House were know a better course than taking a
steadily progressing, that he would now Thames waterman. Take Startop. A
be able to establish a small branch good fellow, a skilled hand, fond of us,
house in the East which was much and enthusiastic and honourable.”
wanted for the extension of the busi I had thought of him, more than
ness, and that Herbert in his new part Once.
nership capacity would go out and take “But how much would you tell him,
charge of it, I found that I must have Herbert º'
prepared for a separation from my “It is necessary to tell him very
friend, even though my own affairs had little. Let him suppose it a mere
been more settled. And now indeed I freak, but a secret one, until the morn
felt as if my last anchor were loosening ing comes: then let him know that
its hold, and I should soon be driving there is urgent reason for your getting
with the winds and waves. Provis aboard and away. You go with
But, there was recompense in the joy him º'
with which Herbert would come home “No doubt.”
of a night and tell me of these changes, “Where 7°
little imagining that he told me no It had seemed to me, in the many
news, and would sketch airy pictures of anxious considerations I had given the
himself conducting Clara Barley to the point, almost indifferent what port we
land of the Arabian Nights, and of me made for—Hamburg, Rotterdam, Ant
going out to join them (with a caravan werp—the place signified little, so that
of camels, I believe), and of our all he was out of England. Any foreign
going up the Nile and seeing wonders. steamer that fell in our way and would
Without being sanguine as to my own take us up, would do. I had always
part in those bright plans, I felt that proposed to myself to get him well
Herbert's way was clearing fast, and down the river in the boat; certainly
that old Bill Barley had but to stick well beyond Gravesend, which was a
to his pepper and rum, and his daughter critical place for search or inquiry if
would soon be happily provided for. suspicion were afoot. As foreign
We had now got into the month of steamers would leave London at about
March. My left arm, though it pre the time of high-water, our plan would
sented no bad symptoms, took in the be to get down the river by a previous
natural course so long to heal that I ebb-tide, and lie by in some quiet spot
was still unable to get a coat on. My until we could pull off to one. The
right arm was tolerably restored;— time when one would be due where we
disfigured, but fairly serviceable. lay, wherever that might be, could be
On a Monday morning, when Her calculated pretty nearly, if we made
bert and I were at breakfast, I received inquiries beforehand.
the following letter from Wemmick by Herbert assented to all this, and we
the post. -
went out immediately after breakfast to
pursue our investigations. We found
“Walworth. Burn this as soon as read. that a steamer for Hamburg was likely
Early in the week, or say Wednesday, you to suit our purpose best, and we
might do what you know of, if you felt
disposed to try it. Now burn.” directed our thoughts chiefly to that
vessel. But we noted down what other
foreign steamers would leave London
When I had shown this to Herbert with the same tide, and we satisfied
and had put it in the fire—but not ourselves that we knew the build and
before we had both got it by heart— colour of each. We then separated for
we considered what to do. For, of a few hours; I to get at once such
course, my being disabled could now be passports as were necessary ; Herbert,
no longer kept out of view. to see Startop at his lodgings. We
“I have thought it over, again and both did what we had to do without
again,” said Herbert, “and I think I any hindrance, and when we met again
at one o'clock reported it done. I, for sideration—my watch showing me that

my part, was prepared with passports; the coach started within half an hour—
Herbert had seen Startop, and he was I resolved to go. I should certainly
more than ready to join. not have gone, but for the reference to
Those two would pull a pair of oars, my Uncle Provis. That, coming on
we settled, and I would steer : our Wemmick's letter and the morning's
charge would be sitter, and keep quiet; busy preparation, turned the scale.
as speed was not our object, we should It is so difficult to become clearly pos
make way enough. We arranged that sessed of the contents of almost any
Herbert should not come home to din letter, in a violent hurry, that I had to
ner before going to Mill Pond Bank read this mysterious epistle again, twice,
that evening ; that he should not go before its injunction to me to be secret
there at all, to-morrow evening, Tues got mechanically into my mind. Yield
day ; that he should prepare Provis to ing to it in the same mechanical kind of
come down to some Stairs hard by the way, I left a note in pencil for Herbert,
house, on Wednesday, when he saw us telling him that as I should be so soon
approach, and not sooner; that all the going away, I knew not for how long,
arrangements with him should be con I had decided to hurry down and back,
cluded that Monday night ; and that to ascertain for myself how Miss Havi
he should be communicated with no sham was faring. I had then barely
more in any way, until we took him on time to get my great-coat, lock up the
board. chambers, and make for the coach-office
These precautions well understood by by the short by-ways. If I had taken
both of us, I went home. a hackney-chariot and gone by the
On opening the outer door of our streets, I should have missed my aim ;
chambers with my key, I found a letter going as I did, I caught the coach just
in the box, directed to me; a very as it came out of the yard. I was the
dirty letter, though not ill-written. It only inside passenger, jolting away
had been delivered by hand (of course knee-deep in straw, when I came to
since I left home), and its contents myself.
were these : For, I really had not been myself
since the receipt of the letter; it had
“If you are not afraid to come to the old
marshes to-night or to-morrow night at so bewildered me, ensuing on the hurry
Nine, and to come to the little sluice-house of the morning. The morning hurry
by the limekiln, you had better come. If and flutter had been great, for, long
you want information regarding your &ncle and anxiously as I had waited for
Provis, you had much better come and tell
no one and lose no time. Yow, must come Wemmick, his hint had come like a
alone. Bring this with you.” surprise at last. And now, I began to
wonder at myself for being in the coach,
I had had load enough upon my and to doubt whether I had sufficient
mind before the receipt of this strange reason for being there, and to consider
letter. What to do now, I could not whether I should get out presently and
tell. And the worst was, that I must go back, and to argue against ever
decide quickly, or I should miss the heeding an anonymous communication,
afternoon coach, which would take me and, in short, to pass through all those
down in time for to-night. To-morrow phases of contradiction and indecision
night I could not think of going, for it to which I suppose very few hurried
would be too close upon the time of the people are strangers. Still, the refer
flight. And again, for anything I ence to Provis by name, mastered
knew, the proffered information might everything. I reasoned as I had rea
have some important bearing on the soned already without knowing it—if
flight itself. that be reasoning—in case any harm
If I had had ample time for conside should befal him through my not
ration, I believe I should still have going, how could I ever forgive my
gone. Having hardly any time for con self |
232 º GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
It was dark before we got down, and “Does Pumblechook say so *"
the journey seemed long and dreary to “Say so I’’ replied the landlord.
me who could see little of it inside, and “He han’t no call to say so.”
who could not go outside in my disabled “But does he say so *"
state. Avoiding the Blue Boar, I put “It would turn a man's blood to
up at an inn of minor reputation down white wine winegar to hear him tell of
the town, and ordered some dinner. it, sir,” said the landlord.
While it was preparing, I went to Satis I thought, “Yet Joe, dear Joe, you
House and inquired for Miss Havi never tell of it. Long-suffering and
sham; she was still very ill, though loving Joe, you never complain. Nor
considered something better. you, sweet-tempered Biddy 1"
My inn had once been a part of an “Your appetite's been touched like,
ancient ecclesiastical house, and I dined by your accident,” said the landlord,
in a little octagonal common-room, like glancing at the bandaged arm under
a font. As I was not able to cut my my coat. “Try a tenderer bit.”
dinner, the old landlord with a shining “No thank you,” I replied, turning
bald head did it for me. This bring from the table to brood over the fire.
ing us into conversation, he was so good “I can eat no more, Please take it
as to entertain me with my own story away.”
—of course with the popular feature I had never been struck at so keenly,
that Pumblechook was my earliest bene for my thanklessness to Joe, as through
factor and the founder of my fortunes. the brazen impostor Pumblechook. The
“Do you know the young man?” falser he, the truer Joe; the meaner
said I. he, the nobler Joe.
“Know him #" repeated the land My heart was deeply and most de
lord. “Ever since he was—no height servedly humbled as I mused over the
at all.” fire for an hour or more. The striking
“Does he ever come back to this of the clock aroused me, but not from
neighbourhood 2" my dejection or remorse, and I got up
“Ay, he comes back,” said the land and had my coat fastened round my
lord, “to his great friends, now and neck, and went out. I had previously
again, and gives the cold shoulder to sought in my pockets for the letter,
the man that made him.” that I might refer to it again, but I
“What man is that ?” could not find it, and was uneasy to
“Him that I speak of,” said the think that it must have been dropped
landlord. “Mr. Pumblechook.” in the straw of the coach. I knew
“Is he ungrateful to no one else?” very well, however, that the appointed
“No doubt he would be, if he could,” place was the little sluice-house by the
returned the landlord, “but he can’t. limekiln on the marshes, and the hour
And why? Because Pumblechook done nine. Towards the marshes I now
everything for him.” went straight, having no time to spare.
CHAPTER TITI,
IT was a dark night, though the full clear field, in among the piled moun
moon rose as I left the enclosed lands, tains of cloud.
and passed out upon the marshes. Be There was a melancholy wind, and
yond their dark line there was a ribbon the marshes were very dismal. A
of clear sky, hardly broad enough to stranger would have found them in
hold the red large moon. In a few supportable, and even to me they were
minutes she had ascended out of that so oppressive that I hesitated, half in
clined to go back. But, I knew them yielded. Looking in, I saw a lighted
well, and could have found my way on candle on a table, a bench, and a mat
a far darker night, and had no excuse tress on a truckle bedstead. As there
for returning, being there. So, having was a loft above, I called, “Is there
come there against my inclination, I any one here ?” but no voice answered.
went on against it. Then, I looked at my watch, and, find
The direction that I took, was not ing that it was past nine, called again,
that in which my old home lay, nor “Is there any one here?” There being
that in which we had pursued the con still no answer, I went out at the door,
victs. My back was turned towards irresolute what to do.
the distant Hulks as I walked on, and, It was beginning to rain fast. Seeing
though I could see the old lights away nothing save what I had seen already,
on the spits of sand, I saw them over I turned back into the house, and stood
my shoulder. I knew the limekiln as just within the shelter of the doorway,
well as I knew the old Battery, but looking out into the night. While I
they were miles apart; so that if a was considering that some one must
light had been burning at each point have been there lately and must soon
that night, there would have been a be coming back, or the candle would
long strip of the blank horizon between not be burning, it came into my head
the two bright specks. to look if the wick were long. I turned
At first, I had to shut some gates round to do so, and had taken up the
after me, and now and then to stand candle in my hand, when it was extin
still while the cattle that were lying guished by some violent shock, and the
in the banked-up pathway, arose and next thing I comprehended was, that
blundered down among the grass and I had been caught in a strong running
reeds. But after a little while, I noose, thrown over my head from be
seemed to have the whole flats to my hind.
self. “Now,” said a suppressed voice
It was another half-hour before I with an oath, “I’ve got you !”
drew near to the kiln. The lime was “What is this " I cried, struggling.
burning with a sluggish stifling smell, “Who is it? Help, help, help !”
but the fires were made up and left, Not only were my arms pulled close
and no workmen were visible. Hard to my sides, but the pressure on my
by, was a small stone-quarry. It lay bad arm caused me exquisite pain.
directly in my way, and had been Sometimes, a strong man's hand, some
worked that day, as I saw by the tools
times a strong man's breast, was set
and barrows that were lying about. against my mouth to deaden my cries,
Coming up again to the marsh level
and with a hot breath always close to
out of this excavation—for the rude me, I struggled ineffectually in the
path lay through it—I saw a light in dark, while I was fastened tight to the
the old sluice-house. I quickened my wall. “And now,” said the suppressed
pace, and knocked at the door with my voice with another oath, “call out
hand. Waiting for some reply, I looked again, and I'll make short work of
about me, noticing how the sluice was you !”
abandoned and broken, and how the Faint and sick with the pain of my
house—of wood with a tiled roof– injured arm, bewildered by the sur
would not be proof against the weather prise, and yet conscious how easily this
much longer, if it were so even now, threat could be put in execution, I de
and how the mud and ooze were coated sisted, and tried to ease my arm were
with lime, and how the choking vapour it ever so little. But, it was bound
of the kiln crept in a ghostly way too tight for that. I felt as if, having
towards me. Still there was no answer, been burnt before, it were now being
and I knocked again. No answer still, boiled.
and I tried the latch. The sudden exclusion of the night
It rose under my hand, and the door and the substitution of black darkness
- ** * * .
in its place, warned me that the man His enjoyment of the spectacle I fur
had closed a shutter. After groping nished, as he sat with his arms folded
about for a little, he found the flint on the table, shaking his head at me
and steel he wanted, and began to and hugging himself, had a malignity
strike a light. I strained my sight in it that made me tremble. As I
upon the sparks that fell among the watched him in silence, he put his
tinder, and upon which he breathed hand into the corner at his side, and
and breathed, match in hand, but I took up a gun with a brass-bound
could only see his lips, and the blue stock.
point of the match; even those but “Do you know this?” said he,
fitfully. The tinder was damp—no making as if he would take aim at me.
wonder there—and one after another “Do you know where you saw it afore ?
the sparks died out. Speak, wolf "
The man was in no hurry, and struck “Yes,” I answered.
again with the flint and steel. As the “You cost me that place. You did.
sparks fell thick and bright'about him, Speak l’”
I could see his hands, and touches of “What else could I do 2°
his face, and could make out that he “You did that, and that would be
was seated and bending over the table; enough, without more. How dared you
but nothing more. Presently I saw his come betwixt me and a young woman I
blue lips again, breathing on the tinder, liked 7”
and then a flare of light flashed up, and “When did I ?”
showed me Orlick. “When didn't you? It was you as
Whom I had looked for, I don't always give Old Orlick a bad name to
know. I had not looked for him. her.”
Seeing him, I felt that I was in a dan “You gave it to yourself; you
gerous strait indeed, and I kept my gained it for yourself. I could have
eyes upon him. done you no harm, if you had done
He lighted the candle from the flaring yourself none.”
match with great deliberation, and “You’re a liar. And you'll take
dropped the match, and trod it out. any pains, and spend any money, to
Then, he put the candle away from drive me out of this country, will
him on the table, so that he could see you ?” said he, repeating my words to
me, and sat with his arms folded on Biddy in the last interview I had with
the table and looked at me. I made her. “Now, I’ll tell you a piece of
out that I was fastened to a stout per information. It was never so worth
pendicular ladder a few inches from the your while to get me out of this coun
wall—a fixture there—the means of try, as it is to-night. Ah If it was
ascent to the loft above. all your money twenty times told, to
“Now,” said he, when we had sur the last brass farden l’” As he shook
veyed one another for some time, “I’ve his heavy hand at me, with his mouth
got you.” snarling like a tiger's, I felt that it was
“Unbind me. Let me go ''' true.
“Ah !” he returned, “I’ll let you “What are you going to do to me?”
go. I'll let you go to the moon, I’ll “I’m a going,” said he, bringing his
let you go to the stars. All in good fist down upon the table with a heavy
time.” blow, and rising as the blow fell, to give
“Why have you lured me here?” it greater force, “I’m a going to have
“Don’t you know %" said he, with a your life l’”
deadly look. He leaned forward staring at me,
“Why have you set upon me in the slowly unclenched his hand and drew it
dark 2'? across his mouth as if his mouth watered
“Because I mean to do it all myself. for me, and sat down again.
One keeps a secret better than two. “You was always in Old Orlick's
Oh you enemy, you enemy l’” way since ever you was a child. You
goes out of his way this present night, tremity; humbly beseeching pardon,
He'll have no more on you. You're as I did, of Heaven; melted at heart,
dead.” as I was, by the thought that I had
I felt that I had come to the brink taken no farewell, and never now could
of my grave. For a moment I looked take farewell, of those who were dear
to me, or could explain myself to them,
wildly round my trap for any chance of
escape; but there was none. or ask for their compassion on my
“More than that,” said he, folding miserable errors; still, if I could have
his arms on the table again, “I won't killed him, even in dying, I would have
have a rag of you, I won't have a bone done it.
of you, left on earth. I’ll put your He had been drinking, and his eyes
body in the kiln—I’d carry two such to were red and bloodshot. Around his
it, on my shoulders—and, let people neck was slung a tin bottle, as I had
suppose what they may of you, they often seen his meat and drink slung
shall never know nothing.” about him in other days. He brought
My mind, with inconceivable rapidity, the bottle to his lips, and took a fiery
followed out all the consequences of drink from it ; and I smelt the strong
such a death. Estella's father would spirits that I saw flash into his face.
believe I had deserted him, would be “Wolf l’” said he, folding his arms
taken, would die accusing me ; even again, “Old Orlick's a going to tell you
Herbert would doubt me, when he com somethink. It was you as did for your
pared the letter I had left for him, shrew sister.”
with the fact that I had called at Miss Again my mind, with its former
Havisham's gate for only a moment ; inconceivable rapidity, had exhausted
Joe and Biddy would never know how the whole subject of the attack upon
sorry I had been that night, none would my sister, her illness, and her death,
ever know what I had suffered, how before his slow and hesitating speech
true I had meant to be, what an agony had formed those words.
I had passed through. The death close “It was you, villain,” said I.
before me was terrible, but far more “I tell you it was your doing—I tell
terrible than death was the dread of you it was done through you,” he re
being misremembered after death. And torted, catching up the gun, and mak
so quick were my thoughts, that I saw ing a blow with the stock at the vacant
myself despised by unborn generations air between us. “I come upon her
—Estella's children, and their children from behind, as I come upon you to
—while the wretch's words were yet on night. I giv' it her I left her for
his lips. dead, and if there had been a lime-kiln
“Now, wolf,” said he, “afore I as nigh her as there is now nigh you,
kill you like any other beast—which is she shouldn't have come to life again.
wot I mean to do and wot I have tied But it warn’t Old Orlick as did it ; it
you up for—I’ll have a good look at was you. You was favoured, and he
you and a good goad at you. Oh, you was bullied and beat. Old Orlick
enemy . " bullied and beat, eh? Now you pays
It had passed through my thoughts for it. You done it ; now you pays
to cry out for help again ; though few for it.”
could know better than I, the solitary He drank again, and became more
nature of the spot, and the hopelessness ferocious. I saw by his tilting of the
of aid. But as he sat gloating over bottle that there was no great quantity
me, I was supported by a scornful de left in it. I distinctly understood that
testation of him that sealed my lips. he was working himself up with its
Above all things, I resolved that I would contents, to make an end of me. I
not entreat him, and that I would die knew that every drop it held, was a
making some last poor resistance to drop of my life. I knew that when I
him. Softened as my thoughts of all was changed into a part of the vapour
the rest of men were in that dire ex that had crept towards me but a little
while before, like my own warning firm mind and a firm will to have your
ghost, he would do as he had done in life, since you was down here at your
my sister's case—make all haste to the sister's burying. I han’t seen a way to
town, and be seen slouching about get you safe, and I’ve looked arter you
there, drinking at the ale-houses. My to know your ins and outs. For, says
rapid mind pursued him to the town, Old Orlick to himself, “Somehow or
made a picture of the street with him another I’ll have him 1' What ' When
in it, and contrasted its lights and life I looks for you, I finds your uncle
with the lonely marsh and the white Provis, eh?”
vapour creeping over it, into which I Mill Pond Bank, and Chinks's Basin,
should have dissolved. and the Old Green Copper Rope-Walk,
It was not only that I could have all so clear and plain | Provis in his
summed up years and years and years rooms, the signal whose use was over,
while he said a dozen words, but that pretty Clara, the good motherly woman,
what he did say, presented pictures to old Bill Barley on his back, all drifting
me, and not mere words. In the ex by, as on the swift stream of my life
cited and exalted state of my brain, I fast running out to sea l
could not think of a place without “You with a uncle too ! Why, I
seeing it, or of persons without seeing knowed you at Gargery's when you was
them. It is impossible to over-state so small a wolf that I could have took
the vividness of these images, and yet I your weazen betwixt this finger and
was so intent, all the time, upon him thumb and chucked you away dead (as
himself—who would not be intent on I'd thoughts o' doing, odd times, when
the tiger crouching to spring !—that I I saw you a loitering among the pollards
knew of the slightest action of his on a Sunday), and you hadn't found no
fingers. - - uncles then. No, not you ! But when
When he had drunk this second time, Old Orlick come for to hear that your
he rose from the bench on which he sat, uncle Provis had mostlike wore the leg
and pushed the table aside. Then, he iron wot Old Orlick had picked up,
took up the candle, and shading it with filed asunder, on these meshes ever so
his murderous hand so as to throw its many year ago, and wot he kep by him
light on me, stood before me, looking at till he dropped your sister with it, like
me and enjoying the sight. a bullock, as he means to drop you–
“Wolf, I'll tell you something more. hey —when he come for to hear that
It was Old Orlick as you tumbled over —hey —”
on your stairs that night.” In his savage taunting, he flared the
I saw the staircase with its extin candle so close at me, that I turned my
guished lamps. I saw the shadows of face aside to save it from the flame.
the heavy stair-rails, thrown by the “Ah !” he cried, laughing, after
watchman's lantern on the wall. I saw doing it again, “the burnt child dreads
the rooms that I was never to see again; the fire | Old Orlick knowed you was
here, a door half open ; there, a door burnt, Old Orlick knowed you was a
closed ; all the articles of furniture smuggling your uncle Provis away, Old
around. Orlick's a match for you and knowed
“And why was Old Orlick there? you’d come to-night ! Now I'll tell
I'll tell you something more, wolf. you something more, wolf, and this ends
You and her have pretty well hunted it. There's them that's as good a
me out of this country, so far as getting match for your uncle Provis as Old
a easy living in it goes, and I’ve took Orlick has been for you. Let him
up with new companions and new mas 'ware them, when he's lost his nevvy.
ters. Some of 'em writes my letters Let him 'ware them, when no man can't
when I wants’em wrote—do you mind 7 find a rag of his dear relation's clothes,
—writes my letters, wolf They writes nor yet a bone of his body. There's
fifty hands; they're not like sneaking them that can't and that won't have
you, as writes but one, I've had a Magwitch—yes, I know the name !
alive in the same land with them, and was within me. In the same instant I
that's had such sure information of him heard responsive shouts, saw figures
when he was alive in another land, as and a gleam of light dash in at the
that he couldn’t and shouldn't leave it door, heard voices and tumult, and saw
unbeknown and put them in danger. Orlick emerge from a struggle of men,
Praps it's them that writes fifty hands, as if it were tumbling water, clear the
and that's not like sneaking you as table at a leap, and fly out into the
writes but one. 'Ware Compeyson, night !
Magwitch, and the gallows l’” After a blank, I found that I was
He flared the candle at me again, lying unbound, on the floor, in the
smoking my face and hair, and for an same place, with my head on some
instant blinding me, and turned his one's knee. My eyes were fixed on
powerful back as he replaced the light the ladder against the wall, when I
on the table. I had thought a prayer, came to myself—had opened on it
and had been with Joe and Biddy and before my mind saw it—and thus as
Herbert, before he turned towards me I recovered consciousness, I knew that
again. I was in the place where I had lost
There was a clear space of a few feet it.
between the table and the opposite wall. Too indifferent at first, even to look
Within this space, he now slouched round and ascertain who supported me,
backwards and forwards. His great I was lying looking at the ladder, when
strength seemed to sit. stronger upon there came between me and it, a face.
him than ever before, as he did this The face of Trabb's boy
with his hands hanging loose and heavy “I think he's all right !” said
at his sides, and with his eyes scowl Trabb's boy, in a sober voice; “but
ing at me. I had no grain of hope left. ain’t he just pale though !”
Wild as my inward hurry was, and At these words, the face of him who
wonderful the force of the pictures that supported me looked over into mine,
rushed by me instead of thoughts, I and I saw my supporter to be—
could yet clearly understand that unless “Herbert | Great Heaven l’”
he had resolved that I was within a few “Softly,” said Herbert. “Gently,
moments of surely perishing out of all Handel. Don’t be too eager.”
human knowledge, he would never have “And our old comrade, Startop !”
told me what he had told. I cried, as he too bent over me.
Of a sudden, he stopped, took the “Remember what he is going to
cork out of his bottle, and tossed it assist us in,” said Herbert, “and be
away. Light as it was, I heard it fall calm.”
like a plummet. He swallowed slowly, The allusion made me spring up ;
tilting up the bottle by little and little, though I dropped again from the pain
and now he looked at me no more. in my arm. “The time has not gone
The last few drops of liquor he poured by, Herbert, has it ! What night is
into the palm of his hand, and licked to-night ! How long have I been
up. Then with a sudden hurry of vio here?” For, I had a strange and
lence and swearing horribly, he threw strong misgiving that I had been lying
the bottle from him, and stooped; and there a long time—a day and a night—
I saw in his hand a stone-hammer with two days and nights—more.
a long heavy handle. “The time has not gone by. It is
The resolution I had made did not still Monday night.”
desert me, for, without uttering one **Thank God l’”
vain word of appeal to him, I shouted “And you have all to-morrow,
out with all my might, and struggled: Tuesday, to rest in,” said Herbert.
with all my might. It was only my “But you can’t help groaning, my
head and my legs that I could move, dear Handel. What hurt have you
but to that extent I struggled with all got ? Can you stand **
the force, until then unknown, that “Yes, yes,” said I, “I can walk.
I have no hurt but in this throbbing the popular local version of my own
arm.” story), to refresh themselves and to get
They laid it bare, and did what some one to guide them out upon the
they could. It was violently swollen marshes. Among the loungers under
and inflamed, and I could scarcely en the Boar's archway, happened to be
dure to have it touched. But, they Trabb's boy—true to his ancient habit
tore up their handkerchiefs to make of happening to be everywhere where he
fresh bandages, and carefully replaced had no business—and Trabb's boy had
it in the sling, until we could get to the seen me passing from Miss Havisham's,
town and obtain some cooling lotion to in the direction of my dining-place.
put upon it. In a little while we had Thus, Trabb's boy became their guide,
shut the door of the dark and empty and with him they went out to the
sluice-house, and were passing through sluice-house : though by the town way
the quarry on our way back. Trabb's to the marshes, which I had avoided.
boy—Trabb's overgrown young man Now, as they went along, Herbert
now—went before us with a lantern, reflected, that I might, after all, have
which was the light I had seen come in been brought there on some genuine
at the door. But, the moon was a and serviceable errand tending to Pro
good two hours higher than when I had vis's safety, and, bethinking himself
last seen the sky, and the night though that in that case interruption might be
rainy was much lighter. The white mischievous, left his guide and Startop
vapour of the kiln was passing from us on the edge of the quarry, and went on
as we went by, and, as I had thought by himself, and stole round the house
a prayer before, I thought a thanks two or three times, endeavouring to
giving now. ascertain whether all was right within.
Entreating Herbert to tell me how As he could hear nothing but indistinct
he had come to my rescue—which at sounds of one deep rough voice (this
first, he had flatly refused to do, but was while my mind was so busy), he
had insisted on my remaining quiet— even at last began to doubt whether
I learnt that I had in my hurry dropped I was there, when suddenly I cried out
the letter, open, in our chambers, loudly, and he answered the cries, and
where he, coming home to bring with rushed in, closely followed by the other
him Startop, whom he had met in the two.
street on his way to me, found it, very When I told Herbert what had
soon after I was gone. Its tone made passed within the house, he was for
him uneasy, and the more so because our immediately going before a magis
of the inconsistency between it and the trate in the town, late at night as it
hasty letter I had left for him. His was, and getting out a warrant. But,
uneasiness increasing instead of sub I had already considered that such
siding after a quarter of an hour's a course, by detaining us there, or
consideration, he set off for the coach binding us to come back, might be
office, with Startop, who volunteered fatal to Provis. There was no gain
his company, to make inquiry when saying this difficulty, and we relin
the next coach went down. Finding quished all thoughts of pursuing Orlick
that the afternoon coach was gone, and at that time. For the present, under
finding that his uneasiness grew into the circumstances, we deemed it pru
positive alarm, as obstacles came in dent to make rather light of the matter
his way, he resolved to follow in a to Trabb's boy; who I am convinced
post-chaise. So, he and Startop arrived would have been much affected by
at the Blue Boar, fully expecting there disappointment, if he had known that
to find me, or tidings of me; but, his intervention saved me from the
finding neither, went on to Miss Havi limekiln. Not that Trabb's boy was
sham's, where they lost me. Hereupon of a malignant nature, but that he had
they went back to the hotel (doubtless too much spare vivacity, and that it
at about the time when I was hearing was in his constitution to want variety
and excitement at anybody's expense. I counted up to high numbers, to make

When we parted, I presented him with sure of myself, and repeated passages
two guineas (which seemed to meet his that I knew in prose and verse. It
views), and told him that I was sorry happened sometimes that in the mere
ever to have had an ill opinion of him escape of a fatigued mind, I dozed for
(which made no impression on him at some moments or forgot; then I would
all). say to myself with a start, “Now it
Wednesday being so close upon us, has come and I am turning delirious !”
we determined to go back to London They kept me very quiet all day, and
kept my arm constantly dressed, and
that night, three in the post-chaise;
the rather, as we should then be clear gave me cooling drinks. Whenever I
away, before the night's adventure be fell asleep, I awoke with the notion I
gan to be talked of. Herbert got a had had in the sluice-house, that a long
large bottle of stuff for my arm, and by time had elapsed" and the opportunity
dint of having this stuff dropped over to save him was gone. About midnight
it all the night through, I was just I got out of bed and went to Herbert,
able to bear its pain on the journey. with the conviction that I had been
It was daylight when we reached the asleep for four-and-twenty hours, and
Temple, and I went at once to bed, that Wednesday was past. It was the
and lay in bed all day. last self-exhausting effort of my fretful
My terror, as I lay there, of falling ness, for after that, I slept soundly.
ill and being unfitted for to-morrow, Wednesday morning was dawning
was so besetting, that I wonder it did when I looked out of window. The
not disable me of itself. It would winking lights upon the bridges were
have done so, pretty surely, in con already pale, the coming sun was like a
junction with the mental wear and marsh of fire on "the horizon. The
tear I had suffered, but for the un river, still dark and mysterious, was
natural strain upon me that to-morrow spanned by bridges that were turning
was. So anxiously looked forward to, coldly grey, with here and there at top
charged with such consequences, its a warm touch from the burning in the
results so impenetrably hidden though sky. As I looked along the clustered
80 near. roofs, with church towers and spires
No precaution could have been more shooting into the unusually clear air,
obvious than our refraining from com the sun rose up, and a veil seemed to
munication with him that day; yet this be drawn from the river, and millions
again increased myrestlessness. Istarted of sparkles burst out upon its waters.
at every footstep and every sound, be From me, too, a veil seemed to be drawn,
lieving that he was discovered and and I felt strong and well.
taken, and this was the messenger to Herbert lay asleep in his bed, and
tell me so. I persuaded myself that our old fellow-student lay asleep on the
I knew he was taken; that there was sofa. I could not dress myself without
something more upon my mind than help, but I made up the fire which was
a fear or a presentiment; that the fact still burning, and got some coffee ready
had occurred, and I had a mysterious for them. In good time they too started
knowledge of it. As the day wore on up strong and well, and we admitted
and no ill news came, as the day closed the sharp morning air..at the windows
in and darkness fell, my overshadowing and looked at the tide that was still
dread of being disabled by illness be flowing towards us.
foreto-morrow morning, altogether mas “When it turns at nine o'clock,”
tered me. My burning arm throbbed, said Herbert, cheerfully, “look out for
and my burning head throbbed, and us, and stand ready, you over there at
I fancied I was beginning to wander. Mill Pond Bank l’”
CHAPTER LIV.
IT was one of those March days when that if by any accident we were not
the sun shines hot and the wind blows taken aboard, we should have another
cold : when it is summer in the light, chance. We knew the distinguishing
and winter in the shade. We had our marks of each vessel.
pea-coats with us, and I took a bag. Of The relief of being at last engaged in
all my worldly possessions I took no the execution of the purpose, was so
more than the few necessaries that filled great to me that I felt it difficult to
the bag. Where I might go, what I realise the condition in which I had
might do, or when I might return, were been in a few hours before. The crisp
questions utterly unknown to me ; nor air, the sunlight, the movement on the
did I vex my mind with them, for it.' river, and the moving river itself—the
was wholly set on Provis's safety. I road that ran with us, seeming to sym
only wondered for the passing moment, pathise with us, animate us, and encou
as I stopped at the door and looked rage us on—freshened me with new
back, under what altered circumstances hope. I felt mortified to be of so little
I should next see those rooms, if ever. use in the boat; but, there were few
We loitered down to the Temple better oarsmen than my two friends,
stairs, and stood loitering there, as if we and they rowed with a steady stroke
were not quite decided to go upon the that was to last all day.
water at all. Of course I had taken At that time, the steam-traffic on the
care that the boat should be ready, and Thames was far below its presentextent,
everything in order. After a little and watermen’s boats were far more
show of indecision, which there were numerous. Of barges, sailing colliers,
none to see but the two or three am and coasting traders, there were per
phibious creatures belonging to our haps as many as now ; but, of steam
Temple stairs, we went on board and ships, great and small, not a tithe or a
cast off; Herbert in the bow, I steering. twentieth part so many. Early as it
It was then about high-water—half was, there were plenty of scullers going
past eight. here and there that morning, and plenty
Our plan was this. The tide, begin of barges dropping down with the tide;
ning to run down at nine, and being the navigation of the river between
with us until three, we intended still bridges, in an open boat was a much
to creep on after it had turned, and row easier and commoner matter in those
against it until dark. We should then days than it is in these ; and we went
be well in those long reaches below ahead among many skiffs and wherries,
Gravesend, between Kent and Essex, briskly.
where the river is broad and solitary, Old London Bridge was soon passed,
where the water-side inhabitants are and old Billingsgate market with its
very few, and where lone public-houses oyster-boats and Dutchmen, and the
are scattered here and there, of which White Tower and Traitor's Gate, and
we could choose one for a resting-place. we were in among the tiers of shipping.
There, we meant to lie by, all night. Here, were the Leith, Aberdeen, and
The steamer for Hamburg, and the Glasgow steamers, loading and unloading
steamer for Rotterdam, would start goods, and looking immensely high out
from London at about nine on Thursday of the water as we passed alongside ;
morning. We should know at what here, were colliers by the score and
time to expect them, according to where score, with the coal-whippers plunging
we were, and would hail the first ; so off stages on deck, as counterweights to
measures of coal swinging up, which warily for any token of our being sus
were then rattled over the side into pected. I had seen none. We certainly
barges; here, at her moorings, was to had not been, and at that time as cer
morrow's steamer for Rotterdam, of tainly we were not, either attended or
which we took good notice ; and here followed by any boat. If we had been
to-morrow's for Hamburg, under whose waited on by any boat, I should have
bowsprit we crossed. And now I, sit run into shore, and have obliged her to
ting in the stern, could see with a faster go on, or to make her purpose evident.
beating heart, Mill Pond Bank and Mill But, we held our own, without any
Pond stairs. appearance of molestation.
“Is he there 7” said Herbert. He had his boat-cloak on him, and
“Not yet.” looked, as I have said, a natural part of
“Right ! He was not to come the scene. It was remarkable (but per
down till he saw us. Can you see his haps the wretched life he had led ac
signal ** counted for it), that he was the least
“Not well from here; but I think anxious of any of us. He was not in
I see it.—Now I see him | Pull both. different, for he told me that he hoped
Easy, Herbert. Oars 1" to live to see his gentleman one of the
We touched the stairs lightly for a best of gentlemen in a foreign country;
single moment, and he was on board he was not disposed to be passive or
and we were off again. He had a boat resigned, as I understood it ; but he had
cloak with him, and a black canvas no notion of meeting danger half way.
bag, and he looked as like a river-pilot When it came upon him, he confronted
as my heart could have wished. it, but it must come before he troubled
“Dear boy l’” he said, putting his himself.
arm on my shoulder, as he took his “If you knowed, dear boy,” he said
seat. “Faithful dear boy, well done. to me, “what it is to sit here alonger
Thankye, thankye l’” my dear boy and have my smoke, arter
Again among the tiers of shipping, in having been day by day betwixt four
and out, avoiding rusty chain-cables, walls, you'd envy me. But you don't
frayed hempen hawsers, and bobbing know what it is.”
buoys, sinking for the moment floating “I think I know the delights of free
broken baskets, scattering floating chips dom,” I answered.
of wood and shaving, cleaving floating “Ah,” said he, shaking his head
scum of coal, in and out, under the gravely. “But you don't know it
figure-head of the John of Sunderland equal to me. You must have been
making a speech to the winds (as is done under lock and key, dear boy, to know
by many Johns), and the Betsy of Yar it equal to me—but I ain't a going to
mouth with a firm formality of bosom be low.”
and her knobby eyes starting two inches It occurred to meas inconsistent, that
out of her head; in and out, hammers for any mastering idea, he should have
going in ship-builders' yards, saws going endangered his freedom and even his
at timber, clashing engines going at life. But I reflected that perhaps free
things unknown, pumps going in leaky dom without danger was too much apart
ships, capstans going, ships going out from all the habit of his existence to be
to sea, and unintelligible sea-creatures to him what it would be to another
roaring curses over the bulwarks at man. I was not far out, since he said,
respondent lightermen ; in and out— after smoking a little :
out at last upon the clearer river, where “You see, dear boy, when I was over
the ships' boys might take their fenders yonder, t'other side the world, I was
in, no longer fishing in troubled waters always a looking to this side ; and it
with them over the side, and where the come flat to be there, for all I was a
festooned sails might fly out to the wind. growing rich. Everybody knowed Mag
At the Stairs where we had taken him witch, and Magwitch could come, and
aboard, and ever since, I had looked Magwitch could go, and nobody's head
R.
would be troubled about him. They lower and lower between the muddy
ain't so easy concerning me here, dear banks, but the tide was yet with us
boy—wouldn't be, leastwise, if they when we were off Gravesend. As our
knowed where I was.” charge was wrapped in his cloak, I
“If all goes well,” said I, “you will purposely passed within a boat or two's
be perfectly free and safe again, within length of the floating Custom House,
a few hours.” -
and so out to catch the stream, along
“Well,” he returned, drawing a long side of two emigrant ships, and under
breath, “I hope so.” the bows of a large transport with
“And think so 7” troops on the forecastle looking down
He dipped his hand in the water over at us. And soon the tide began to
the boat's gunwale, and said, smiling slacken, and the craft lying at anchor
with that softened air upon him which to swing, and presently they had all
was not new to me : swung round, and the ships that Were
“Ay, I spose I think so, dear boy. taking advantage of the new tide to get
We'd be puzzled to be more quiet and up to the Pool, began to crowd upon us
easy-going than we are at present. But in a fleet, and we kept under the shore,
—it's a flowing so soft and pleasant as much out of the strength of the tide
through the water, p'raps, as makes me now as we could, standing carefully off
think it—I was a thinking through my from low shallows and mud-banks.
smoke just then, that we can no more Our oarsmen were so fresh, by dint
see to the bottom of the next few hours, of having occasionally let her drive with
than we can see to the bottom of this the tide for a minute or two, that a
river what I catches hold of Nor yet quarter of an hour's rest proved full
we can't no more hold their tide than I. as much as they wanted. We got
can hold this. And it's run through ashore among some slippery stones while
my fingers and gone, you see l’ holding we ate and drank what we had with us,
up his dripping hand. and looked about. It was like my own
“But for your face, I should think marsh country, flat and monotonous,
you were a little despondent,” said I. and with a dim horizon ; while the
“Not a bit on it, dear boy! It winding river turned and turned, and
comes of flowing on so quiet, and of that the great floating buoys upon it turned
there rippling at the boat's head making and turned, and everything else seemed
a sort of a Sunday tune. Maybe I'm a stranded and still. For, now, the last
growing a trifle old besides.” of the fleet of ships was round the last
He put his pipe back in his mouth low point we had headed ; and the last
with an undisturbed expression of face, green barge, straw-laden, with a brown
and sat as composed and contented as if sail, had followed ; and some ballast
we were already out of England. Yet lighters, shaped like a child's first rude
he was as submissive to a word of advice imitation of a boat, lay low in the
as if he had been in constant terror, for, mud; and a little squat shoal-light
when we ran ashore to get some bottles house on open piles, stood crippled in
of beer into the boat, and he was step the mud on stilts and crutches; and
ping out, I hinted that I thought he slimy stakes stuck out of the mud, and
would be safest where he was, and he slimy stones stuck out of the mud, and
said, “Do you, dear boy 7" and quietly red landmarks and tidemarks stuck out
sat down again. of the mud, and an old landing-stage
The air felt cold upon the river, but and an old roofless building slipped into
it was a bright day, and the sunshine the mud, and all about us was 'stagna
was very cheering. The tide ran strong, tion and mud.
I took care to lose none of it, and our We pushed off again, and made what
steady stroke carried us on thoroughly way we could. It was much harder work
well. By imperceptible degrees, as the now, but Herbert and Startop perse
tide ran out, we lost more and more of vered, and rowed, and rowed, and rowed,
the nearer woods and hills, and dropped until the sun went down. By that time
the river had lifted us a little, so that say not unknown to smuggling adven
we could see above the bank. There turers ; but there was a good fire in
was the red sun, on the low level of the the kitchen, and there were eggs and
shore, in a purple haze, fast deepening bacon to eat, and various liquors to
into black; and there was the solitary drink. Also, there were two double
flat marsh; and far away there were bedded rooms—“such as they were,”
the rising grounds, between which and the landlord said. No other company
us there seemed to be no life, save here was in the house than the landlord, his
and there in the foreground a melan wife, and a grizzled male creature, the
choly gull, “Jack” of the little causeway, who
As the night was fast falling, and as was as slimy and smeary as if he had
the moon, being past the full, would been low water-mark too.
not rise early, we held a little council : With this assistant, I went down to
a short one, for clearly our course was the boat again, and we all came ashore,
to lie by at the first lonely tavern we and brought out the oars, and rudder,
could find. So, they plied their oars and boat-hook, and all else, and hauled
once more, and I looked out for any her up for the night. We made a very
thing like a house. Thus we held on, good meal by the kitchen fire, and then
speaking little, for four or five dull apportioned the bedrooms: Herbert
miles. It was very cold, and, a collier and Startop were to occupy one ; I and
coming by us, with her galley-fire our charge the other. We found the
smoking and flaring, looked like a com air as carefully excluded from both as
fortable home. The night was dark by if air were fatal to life; and there were
this time as it would be until morning;more dirty clothes and bandboxes under
what light we had, seemed to come more the beds, than I should have thought
from the river than the sky, as the the family possessed. But, we con
oars in their dipping struck at a few sidered ourselves well off, notwithstand
reflected stars. -
ing, for a more solitary place we could
At this dismal time we were evi not have found.
dently all possessed by the idea that we While we were comforting ourselves
were followed. As the tide made, it by the fire after our meal, the Jack—
flapped heavily at irregular intervals who was sitting in a corner, and who
against the shore; and whenever such had a bioated pair of shoes on, which
a sound came, one or other of us was he had exhibited while we were eating
sure to start and look in that direction. our eggs and bacon, as interesting relics
Here and there, the set of the current that he had taken a few days ago from
had worn down the bank into a little the feet of a drowned seaman washed
creek, and we were all suspicious of ashore—asked me if we had seen a
such places, and eyed them nervously. four-oared galley going up with the
Sometimes, “What was that ripple !” tide 7 When I told him. No, he said
one of us would say in a low voice. Or she must have gone down then, and yet
another, “Is that a boat yonder ?” she “took up too,” when she left there.
And afterwards, we would fall into a “They must ha’ thought better on't
dead silence, and I would sit im for some reason or another,” said the
patiently thinking with what an un Jack, “and gone down.”
usual amount of noise the oars worked “A four-oared galley, did you say ?”
in the thowels. said I.
At length we descried a light and “A four,” said the Jack, “and two
a roof, and presently afterwards ran sitters.”
alongside a little causeway made of “Did they come ashore here?”
stones that had been picked up hard “They put in with a stone two
by. Leaving the rest in the boat, I gallon jar, for some beer. I'd ha’ been
stepped ashore, and found the light to glad to pison the beer myself,” said tºe
be in the window of a public-house. Jack, “ or put some rattling physiº ºn
It was a dirty place enough, and I dare li. R 2
“Why ?” threatened. A four-oared galley hover

“I know why,” said the Jack. He ing about in so unusual a way as to
spoke in a slushy voice, as if much mud attract this notice, was an ugly circum
had washed into his throat. stance that I could not get rid of.
“He thinks,” said the landlord : a When I had induced Provis to go up to
weakly meditative man with a pale eye, bed, I went outside with my two com
who seemed to rely greatly on his panions (Startop by this time knew the
Jack: “he thinks they was, what they state of the case), and held another
wasn't.” council. Whether we should remain at
“I knows what I thinks,” observed the house until near the steamer's time,
the Jack. which would be about one in the after
“You thinks Custom 'Us, Jack?” noon; or whether we should put off
said the landlord. early in the morning ; was the question
“I do,” said the Jack. we discussed. On the whole we deemed
“Then you're wrong, Jack.” it the better course to lie where we
44 AM I !” were, until within an hour or so of the
In the infinite meaning of his reply steamer's time, and then to get out in
and his boundless confidence in his her track, and drift easily with the
views, the Jack took one of his bloated tide. Having settled to do this, we
shoes off, looked into it, knocked a few returned into the house and went to
stones out of it on the kitchen floor, bed.
and put it on again. He did this with I lay down with the greater part of
the air of a Jack who was so right that my clothes on, and slept well for a few
he could afford to do anything. hours. When I awoke, the wind had
“Why, what do you make out that risen, and the sign of the house (the
they done with their buttons, then, Ship) was creaking and banging about,
Jack º’’ asked the landlord, vacillating with noises that startled me. Rising
weakly. softly, for my charge lay fast asleep, I
“Done with their buttons !” re looked out of the window. It com
turned the Jack. “Chucked 'em over manded the causeway where we had
board. Swallered 'em.Sowed 'em, to hauled up our boat, and, as my eyes
come up small salad. Done with their adapted themselves to the light of the
buttons !” clouded moon, I saw two men looking
“Don’t be cheeky, Jack,” remon into her. They passed by under the
strated the landlord, in a melancholy window, looking at nothing else, and
and pathetic way. they did not go down to the landing
“A Custom 'Us officer knows what place which I could discern to be empty,
to do with his Buttons,” said the Jack, but struck across the marsh in the di
rection of the Nore.
repeating the obnoxious word with the
greatest contempt, “when they comes My first impulse was to call up
betwixt him and his own light. A Herbert, and show him the two men
Four and two sitters don't go hanging going away. But, reflecting before I
and hovering, up with one tide and got into his room, which was at the
down with another, and both with and back of the house and adjoined mine,
against another, without there being that he and Startop had had a harder
Custom 'Us at the bottom of day than I, and were fatigued, I for
it.”
Saying which he went out in disdain; bore. Going back to my window I
and the landlord, having no one to rely could see the two men moving over the
upon, found it impracticable to pursue marsh. In that light, however, I soon
the subject. lost them, and feeling very cold, lay
This dialogue made us all uneasy, down to think of the matter, and fell
and me very uneasy. The dismal wind asleep again. -
was muttering round the house, the We were up early. As we walked

tide was flapping at the shore, and I to and fro, all four together, before
breakfast, I deemed it right to recount
had a feeling that we were caged and
what I had seen. Again our charge quite dry, when I saw a four-oared
was the least anxious of the party. It galley shoot out from under the bank
was very likely that the men belonged but a little way ahead of us, and row
to the Custom House, he said quietly, out into the same track.
and that they had no thought of us. I A stretch of shore had been as yet
tried to persuade myself that it was so between us and the steamer's smoke,
—as, indeed, it might easily be. How by reason of the bend and wind of the
ever, I proposed that he and I should river; but now she was visible coming
walk away together to a distant point we head on. I called to Herbert and Star
could see, and that the boat should take top to keep before the tide, that she
us aboard there, or as near there as might see us lying by for her, and I
might prove feasible, at about noon. adjured Provis to sit quite still, wrap
This being considered a good precau ped in his cloak. He answered cheerily,
tion, soon after breakfast he and I set “Trust to me, dear boy,” and sat like
forth, without saying anything at the a statue. Meantime the galley, which
tavern. was skilfully handled, had crossed us,
He smoked his pipe as we went let us come up with her, and fallen
along, and sometimes stopped to clap alongside. Leaving just room enough for
me on the shoulder. One would have the play of the oars, she kept alongside,
supposed that it was I who was in drifting when we drifted, and pulling a
danger, not he, and that he was re stroke or two when we pulled. Of the
assuring me. We spoke very little. two sitters, one held the rudder lines,
As we approached the point, I begged and looked at us attentively—as did
him to remain in a sheltered place, all the rowers; the other sitter was
while I went on to reconnoitre; for, it wrapped up, much as Provis was, and
was towards it that the men had passed seemed to shrink, and whisper some
in the night. He complied, and I went instruction to the steerer as he looked
on alone. There was no boat off the at us. Not a word was spoken in either
point, nor any boat drawn up anywhere boat.
near it, nor were there any signs of the Startop could make out, after a few
men having embarked there. But, to minutes, which steamer was first, and
be sure the tide was high, and there gave me the word “Hamburg,” in a low
might have been some footprints under voice as we sat face to face. She was
Water. nearing us very fast, and the beating of
When he looked out from his shelter her paddles grew louder and louder. I
in the distance, and saw that I waved felt as if her shadow were absolutely
my hat to him to come up, he rejoined upon us, when the galley hailed us. I
me, and there we waited ; sometimes answered.
lying on the bank wrapped in our “You have a returned Transport
coats, and sometimes moving about to there,” said the man who held the
warm ourselves: until we saw our boat lines. “That's the man, wrapped in
coming round. We got aboard easily, the cloak. His name is Abel Magwitch,
and rowed out into the track of the otherwise Provis. I apprehend that
steamer. By that time it wanted but man, and call upon him to surrender,
ten minutes of one o'clock, and we be and you to assist.”
gan to look out for her smoke. At the same moment, without giving
But, it was half-past one before we any audible direction to his crew, he ran
saw her smoke, and soon afterwards we the galley aboard of us. They had
saw behind it the smoke of another pulled one sudden stroke ahead, had
steamer. As they were coming on at got their oars in, had run athwart
full speed, we got the two bags ready, us, and were holding on to our gun
and took that opportunity of saying wale, before we knew what they were
good-by to Herbert and Startop. We doing. This caused great confusion on
had all shaken hands cordially, and board of the steamer, and I heard them
neither Herbert's eyes nor mine were calling to us, and heard the order given
to stop the paddles, and heard them hailed and stopped, both steamers were
stop, but felt her driving down upon us drifting away from us, and we were
irresistibly. In the same moment, I rising and falling in a troubled wake of
saw the steersman of the galley lay his water. The look-out was kept, long
hand on his prisoner's shoulder, and after all was still again and the two
saw that both boats were swinging steamers were gone; but, everybody
round with the force of the tide, and knew that it was hopeless now.
saw that all hands on board the steamer At length we gave it up, and pulled
were running forward quite frantically. under the shore towards the tavern we
Still in the same moment, I saw the had lately left, where we were received
prisoner start up, lean across his captor, with no little surprise. Here, I was
and pull the cloak from the neck of the able to get some comforts for Magwitch
shrinking sitter in the galley. Still in —Provis no longer—who had received
the same moment, I saw that the face some very severe injury in the chest
disclosed, was the face of the other con and a deep cut in the head.
vict of long ago. Still in the same He told me that he believed himself
moment, I saw the face tilt backward to have gone under the keel of the
with a white terror on it that I shall steamer, and to have been struck on the
never forget, and heard a great cry on head in rising. The injury to his
board the steamer and a loud splash in chest (which rendered his breathing
the water, and felt the boat sink from extremely painful) he thought he had
under me. received against the side of the galley.
It was but for an instant that I He added that he did not pretend to
seemed to struggle with a thousand say what he might or might not have
mill-weirs and a thousand flashes of done to Compeyson, but, that in the
light; that instant past, I was taken on moment of his laying his hand on his
board the galley. Herbert was there, cloak to identify him, that villain had
and Startop was there; but our boat was staggered up and staggered back, and
gone, and the two convicts were gone. they had both gone overboard together;
What with the cries aboard the when the sudden wrenching of him
steamer, and the furious blowing off of (Magwitch) out of our boat, and the
her steam, and her driving on, and our endeavour of his captor to keep him in
driving on, I could not at first distin it, had capsized us. He told me in a
guish sky from water or shore from whisper that they had gone down,
shore; but, the crew of the galley fiercely locked in each other's arms, and
righted her with great speed, and, that there had been a struggle under
pulling certain swift strong strokes water, and that he had disengaged him
ahead, lay upon their oars, every man self, struck out, and swum away.
looking silently and eagerly at the water I never had any reason to doubt the
astern. Presently a dark object was exact truth of what he thus told me.
seen in it, bearing towards us on the The officer who steered the galley gave
tide. No man spoke, but the steersman the same account of their going over
held up his hand, and all softly backed board.
water, and kept the boat straight and When I asked this officer's permission
true before it. As it came nearer, I to change the prisoner's wet clothes by
saw it to be Magwitch, swimming, but purchasing any spare garments I could
not swimming freely. He was taken get at the public-house, he gave it
on board, and instantly manacled at readily : merely observing that he must
the wrists and ancles. take charge of everything his prisoner
The galley was kept steady, and the had about him. So the pocket-book
silent eager look-out at the water was which had once been in my hands,
resumed. But, the Rotterdam steamer passed into the officer's. He further
now came up, and apparently not un gave me leave to accompany the prisoner
derstanding what had happened, came to London; but, declined to accord that
cn at speed. By the time she had been grace to my two friends.
The Jack at the Ship was instructed trial, who had since broken prison and
where the drowned man had gone down, been tried again, who had returned
and undertook to search for the body from transportation under a life sen
in the places where it was likeliest to tence, and who had occasioned the death
come ashore. His interest in its re of the man who was the cause of his
covery seemed to me to be much heigh arrest.
tened when he heard that it had As we returned towards the setting
stockings on. Probably, it took about sun we had yesterday left behind us,
a dozen drowned men to fit him out and as the stream of our hopes seemed
completely ; and that may have been all running back, I told him how grieved
the reason why the different articles of I was to think he had come home for
his dress were in various stages of my sake.
decay. “Dear boy,” he answered, “I’m
We remained at the public-house quite content to take my chance. I've
until the tide turned, and then Mag seen my boy, and he can be a gentleman
witch was carried down to the galley without me.”
and put on board. Herbert and Star No. I had thought about that while
top were to get to London by land, as we had been there side by side. No.
soon as they could. We had a doleful Apart from any inclinations of my own,
parting, and when I took my place by I understand Wemmick’s hint now. I
Magwitch's side, I felt that that was foresaw that, being convicted, his pos
my place henceforth while he lived. sessions would be forfeited to the
For now, my repugnance to him had Crown.
all melted away, and in the hunted “Lookee here, dear boy,” said he.
wounded shackled creature who held ‘‘It’s best as a gentleman should not
my hand in his, I only saw a man who be knowed to belong to me now. Only
had meant to be my benefactor, and come to see me as if you come by chance
who had felt affectionately, gratefully,alonger Wemmick. Sit where I can
and generously, towards me with great see you when I am swore to, for the last
constancy through a series of years. I o’ many times, and I don’t ask no
only saw in him a much better man than more.”
I had been to Joe. “I will never stir from your side,”
His breathing became more difficult said I, “when I am suffered to be near
and painful as the night drew on, and you. Please God, I will be as true to
often he could not repress a groan. I you as you have been to me !”
tried to rest him on the arm I could I felt his hand tremble as it held
use, in any easy position ; but, it was mine, and he turned his face away as he
dreadful to think that I could not be lay in the bottom of the boat, and I
Sorry at heart for his being badly hurt, heard that old sound in his throat—
since it was unquestionably best that softened now, like all the rest of him.
he should die. That there were, still It was a good thing that he had touched
living, people enough who were able and this point, for it put into my mind what
willing to identify him, I could not I might not otherwise have thought of
doubt. That he would be leniently until too late : that he need never
treated, I could not hope. He who had know how his hopes of enriching me
been presented in the worst light at his had perished. -
CHAPTER LV.
HE was taken to the Police Court his body was found, many miles from
next day, and would have been imme the scene of his death, and so horribly
diately committed for trial, but that it disfigured that he was only recognisable
was necessary to send down for an old by the contents of his pockets, notes
officer of the prison-ship from which he were still legible, folded in a case he
had once escaped, to speak to his carried. Among these were the name
identity. Nobody doubted it ; but, of a banking-house in New South Wales
Compeyson, who had meant to depose where a sum of money was, and the
to it, was tumbling on the tides, dead, designation of certain lands of consi
and it happened that there was not at derable value. Both those heads of
that time any prison officer in London information were in a list that Mag
who could give the required evidence. witch, while in prison, gave to Mr.
I had gone direct to Mr. Jaggers at his Jaggers, of the possessions he supposed
private house, on my arrival over-night, I should inherit. His ignorance, poor
to retain his assistance, and Mr. Jaggers fellow, at last served him ; he never
on the prisoner's behalf would admit mistrusted but that my inheritance was
nothing. It was the sole resource, for quite safe, with Mr. Jaggers's aid.
he told me that the case must be over After three days' delay, during which
in five minutes when the witness was the crown prosecution stood over for the
there, and that no power on earth could production of the witness from the
prevent its going against us. prison-ship, the witness came, and com
I imparted to Mr. Jaggers my design pleted the easy case. He was committed
of keeping him in ignorance of the fate to take his trial at the next Sessions,
of his wealth. Mr. Jaggers was que which would come on in a month.
rulous and angry with me for having It was at this dark time of my life
“let it slip through my fingers,” and that Herbert returned home one evening,
said we must memorialise by-and-by, a good deal cast down, and said:
and try at all events for some of it. “My dear Handel, I fear I shall
But, he did not conceal from me that soon have to leave you.”
although there might be many cases in His partner having prepared me for
which forfeiture would not be exacted, that, I was less surprised than he
there were no circumstances in this case thought.
to make it one of them. I understood “We shall lose a fine opportunity if
that very well. I was not related to I put off going to Cairo, and I am very
the outlaw, or connected with him by much afraid I must go, Handel, when
any recognisable tie ; he had put his you most need me.”
hand to no writing or settlement in my “Herbert, I shall always need you,
favour before his apprehension, and to because I shall always love you ; but
do so now would be idle. I had no my need is no greater now, than at
claim, and I finally resolved, and ever another time.”
afterwards abided by the resolution, “You will be so lonely.”
that my heart should never be sickened “I have not leisure to think of
with the hopeless task of attempting to that,” said I. “You know that I am
establish one. always with him to the full extent of
There appeared to be reason for sup the time allowed, and that I should be
posing that the drowned informer had with him all day long, if I could. And
hoped for a reward out of this for when I come away from him, you know
feiture, and had obtained some accurate that my thoughts are with him.”
knowledge of Magwitch's affairs. When The dreadful condition to which he
was brought, was so appalling to both you could, without doing any injury to
of us, that we could not refer to it in your business, leave the question open
plainer words. for a little while—”
“My dear fellow,” said Herbert, “For any while,” cried Herbert.
“let the near prospect of our separa “Six months, a year !”
tion—for, it is very near—be my justi “Not so long as that,” said I,
fication for troubling you about yourself. “Two or three months at most.”
Have you thought of your future?” Herbert was highly delighted when
“No, for I have been afraid to think we shook hands on this arrangement,
of any future.” and said he could now take courage to
“But yours cannot be dismissed ; tell me that he believed he must go
indeed, my dear, dear Handel, it must away at the end of the week.
not be dismissed. I wish you would **And Clara 7" said I.
enter on it now, as far as a few friendly “The dear little thing,” returned
words go, with me.” Herbert, “holds dutifully to her father
“I will,” said I. as long as he lasts ; but he won't last
“In this branch house of ours, long. Mrs. Whimple confides to me
Handel, we must have a—” that he is certainly going.”
I saw that his delicacy was avoiding “Not to say an unfeeling thing,”
the right word, so I said, “A clerk.” said I, “he cannot do better than go.”
“A clerk. And I hope it is not at “I am afraid that must be admit
all unlikely that he may expand (as a ted,” said Herbert : “and then I shall
clerk of your acquaintance has ex come back for the dear little thing, and
panded) into a partner. Now, Handel the dear little thing and I will walk
—-in short, my dear boy will you quietly into the nearest church. Re
come to me?” Inember 1 The blessed darling comes of
There was something charmingly no family, my dear Handel, and never
cordial and engaging in the manner in looked into the red book, and hasn’t a
which after saying “Now, Handel,” as notion about her grandpapa. What a
if it were the grave beginning of a fortune for the son of my mother "
portentous business exordium, he had On the Saturday in that same week,
suddenly given up that tone, stretched I took my leave of Herbert—full of
out his honest hand, and spoken like a bright hope, but sad and sorry to leave
schoolboy. me—as he sat on one of the seaport
“Clara and I have talked about it mail coaches. I went into a coffee
again and again,” Herbert pursued, house to write a little note to Clara,
“and the dear little thing begged me telling her he had gone off, sending his
only this evening, with tears in her love to her over and over again, and
eyes, to say to you that if you will live then went to my lonely home—if it
with us when we come together, she deserved the name, for it was now no
will do her best to make you happy, home to me, and I had no home any
and to convince her husband's friend where.
that he is her friend too. We should On the stairs I encountered Wem
get on so well, Handel !” mick, who was coming down, after an
I thanked her heartily, and I thanked unsuccessful application of his knuckles
him heartily, but said I could not yet to my door. I had not seen him alone,
make sure of joining him as he so since the disastrous issue of the at
kindly offered. Firstly, my mind was tempted flight ; and he had come, in
too preoccupied to be able to take in his private and personal capacity, to
the subject clearly. Secondly—Yes! say a few words of explanation in
Secondly, there was a vague something reference to that failure.
lingering in my thoughts that will come “The late Compeyson,” said Wem
out very near the end of this slight mick, “had by little and little got at
narrative. the bottom of half of the regular busi
“But if you thought, Herbert, that ness now transacted, and it was from
250 GREAT ExPECTATIONS.
the talk of some of his people in I was about to excuse myself, as
trouble (some of his people being being but a bad companion just then,
always in trouble) that I heard what I when Wemmick anticipated me.
did. I kept my ears open, seeming to “I know your engagements,” said
have them shut, until I heard that he he, “and I know you are out of sorts,
was absent, and I thought that would Mr. Pip. But if you could oblige me,
be the best time for making the at I should take it as a kindness. It ain't
tempt. I can only suppose now, that a long walk, and it's an early one. Say
it was a part of his policy, as a very it might occupy you (including break
clever man, habitually to deceive his fast on the walk) from eight to twelve.
own instruments. You don’t blame Couldn't you stretch a point and manage
me, I hope, Mr. Pip ! I am sure I it 7”
tried to serve you, with all my heart.” He had done so much for me at
“I am as sure of that, Wemmick, various times, that this was very little
as you can be, and I thank you most to do for him. I said I could manage
earnestly for all your interest and it—would manage it—and he was so
friendship.” very much pleased by my acquiescence,
“Thank you, thank you very much. that I was pleased too. At his parti
It's a bad job,” said Wemmick, scratch cular request, I appointed to call for
ing his head, “and I assure you I him at the Castle at half-past eight on
haven’t been so cut up for a long time. Monday morning, and so we parted for
What I look at, is the sacrifice of so the time.
much portable property. Dear me !” Punctual to my appointment, I rang
“What I think of, Wemmick, is the at the Castle gate on the Monday
poor owner of the property.” morning, and was received by Wem
“Yes, to be stºre,” said Wemmick. mick himself: who struck me as look
“Of course there can be no objection ing tighter than usual, and having a
to your being sorry for him, and I’d sleeker hat on. Within, there were
put down a five-pound note, myself to two glasses of rum-and-milk prepared,
get him out of it. But what I look at, and two biscuits. The Aged must have
is this. The late Compeyson having been stirring with the lark, for, glancing
been beforehand with him in intelli into the perspective of his bedroom, I
gence of his return, and being so de observed that his bed was empty.
termined to bring him to book, I do When we had fortified ourselves with
not think he could have been saved. the rum-and-milk and biscuits, and
Whereas, the portable property cer were going out for the walk with that
tainly could have been saved. That's training preparation on us, I was con
the difference between the property and siderably surprised to see Wemmick
the owner, don't you see ?” take up a fishing-rod, and put it over
I invited Wemmick to come up-stairs, his shoulder. “Why, we are not going
and refresh himself with a glass of fishing !” said I. “No,” returned
grog before walking to Walworth. He Wemmick, “but I like to walk with
accepted the invitation. While he was one.”
drinking his moderate allowance, he I thought this odd; however, I
said, with nothing to lead up to it, and said nothing, and we set off. We went
after having appeared rather fidgety : towards Camberwell Green, and when
“What do you think of my meaning we were thereabouts, Wemmick said
to take a holiday on Monday, Mr. Pip !” suddenly:
“Why, I suppose you have not done “Halloa Here's a church !”
such a thing these twelve months.” There was nothing very surprising
“These twelve years, more likely,” in that ; but again, I was rather sur
said Wemmick. “Yes. I'm going to take prised, when he said, as if he were
a holiday. More than that ; I’m going to animated by a brilliant idea :
take a walk. More than that; I’m going “Let's go in 1”
to ask you to take a walk with me.” We went in, Wemmick leaving his
fishing-rod in the porch, and looked all beaming at the ten commandments.
round. In the mean time, Wemmick Upon which, the clergyman said again,
was diving into his coat-pockets, and “WHo giveth this woman to be married
getting something out of paper there. to this man º' The old gentleman being
“Halloa l’” said he. “Here's a still in a state of most estimable un
couple of pair of gloves | Let's put consciousness, the bridegroom cried out
'em on 1’’ in his accustomed voice, “Now Aged P.
As the gloves were white kid gloves, you know ; who giveth 2'' To which
and as the post-office was widened to the Aged replied with great briskness,
its utmost extent, I now began to before saying that he gave, “All right,
have my strong suspicions. They were John, all right, my boy l’” And the
strengthened into certainty when I clergyman came to so gloomy a pause
beheld the Aged enter at a side door, upon it, that I had doubts for the
escorting a lady. moment whether we should get com
“Halloa | * said Wemmick. “Here's pletely married that day.
Miss Skiffins ! Let's have a wedding.” It was completely done, however,
That discreet damsel was attired as and when we were going out of church,
usual, except that she was now engaged Wemmick took the cover off the font,
in substituting for her green kid gloves, and put his white gloves in it, and put
a pair of white. The Aged was like the cover on again. Mrs. Wemmick,
wise occupied in preparing a similar more heedful of the future, put her
sacrifice for the altar of Hymen. The white gloves in her pocket and assumed
old gentleman,—however, experienced so her green. “Now, Mr. Pip,” said
much difficulty in getting his gloves on, Wemmick, triumphantly shouldering
that Wemmick found it necessary to put the fishing-rod as we came out, “let
him with his back against a pillar, and me ask you whether anybody would
then to get behind the pillar himself suppose this to be a wedding party l’”
and pull away at them, while I for my Breakfast had been ordered at a
part held the old gentleman round the pleasant little tavern, a mile or so
waist, that he might present an equal away upon the rising ground beyond
and safe resistance. By dint of this the green; and there was a bagatelle
ingenious scheme, his gloves were got board in the room, in case we should
on to perfection. desire to unbend our minds after the
The clerk and clergyman then ap Solemnity. It was pleasant to observe
pearing, we were ranged in order at that Mrs. Wemmick no longer unwound
those fatal rails. True to his notion of Wemmick's arm when it adapted itself
seeming to do it all without preparation, to her figure, but sat in a high-backed
I heard Wemmick say to himself as he chair against the wall, like a violoncello
took something out of his waistcoat in its case, and submitted to be em
pocket before the service began, “Hal braced as that melodious instrument
loa | Here's a ring !” might have done.
I acted in the capacity of backer, or We had an excellent breakfast, and
best-man, to the bridegroom; while a when any one declined anything on
little limp pew opener in a soft bonnet table, Wemmick said, “Provided by
like a baby's, made a feint of being the contract, you know ; don’t be afraid of
bosom friend of Miss Skiffins. The it !” I drank to the new couple,
responsibility of giving the lady away, drank to the Aged, drank to the Castle,
devolved upon the Aged, which led to Saluted the bride at parting, and made
the clergyman's being unintentionally myself as agreeable as I could.
scandalised, and it happened thus. Wemmick came down to the door
When he said, “Who giveth this with me, and I again shook hands with
woman to be married to this man 7" him, and wished him joy.
the old gentleman, not in the least “Thankee l’” said Wemmick, rub
knowing what point of the ceremony bing his hands. “She’s such a ma
we had arrived at, stood most amiably nager of fowls you have no idea. You
shall have some eggs and judge for Wemmick nodded. “After what you
yourself. I say, Mr. Pip !” calling me let out the other day, Mr. Jaggers may
back and speaking low. “This is alto- as well not know of it. He might
gether a Walworth sentiment, please.” think my brain was softening, or some
“I understand. Not to be men-|thing of the kind.”
tioned in Little Britain,” said I.
CHAPTER LVI.
HR lay in prison very ill, during the hint tending that way, or tried to bend
whole interval between his committal the past out of its eternal shape.
for trial, and the coming round of the It happened on two or three occa
Sessions. He had broken two ribs, sions in my presence, that his desperate
they had wounded one of his lungs, and reputation was alluded to by one or
he breathed with great pain and diffi other of the people in attendance on
culty, which increased daily. It was a him. A smile crossed his face then,
consequence of his hurt that he spoke and he turned his eyes on me with a
so low as to be scarcely audible; there trustful look, as if he were confident
fore, he spoke very little. But, he was that I had seen some small redeeming
ever ready to listen to me, and it be touch in him, even so long ago as when
came the first duty of my life to say to I was a little child. As to all the rest,
him, and read to him, what I knew he he was humble and contrite, and I
ought to hear. never knew him complain.
Being far too ill to remain in the When the Sessions came round, Mr.
common prison, he was removed, after Jaggers caused an application to be
the first day or so, into the infirmary. made for the postponement of his trial
This gave me opportunities of being until the following Sessions. It was
with him that I could not otherwise obviously made with the assurance that
have had. And but for his illness he he could not live so long, and was
would have been put in irons, for he refused. The trial came on at once,
was regarded as a determined prison and when he was put to the bar, he
breaker, and I know not what else. was seated in a chair. No objection
Although I saw him every day, it was made to my getting close to the
was for only a short time; hence the dock, on the outside of it, and holding
regularly recurring spaces of our sepa the hand that he stretched forth to me.
ration were long enough to record on The trial was very short and very
his face any slight changes that oc clear. Such things as could be said for
curred in his physical state. I do not him, were said—how he had taken to
recollect that I once saw any change in industrious habits, and had thriven
it for the better; he wasted, and be lawfully and reputably. But, nothing
came slowly weaker and worse, day by could unsay the fact that he had
day from the day when the prison door returned, and was there in presence
closed upon him. of the Judge and Jury. It was im
The kind of submission or resignation possible to try him for that, and do
that he showed, was that of a man who otherwise than find him guilty.
was tired out. I sometimes derived an At that time, it was the custom (as
impression, from his manner or from a I learnt from my terrible experience of
whispered word or two which escaped that Sessions) to devote a concluding
him, that he pondered over the ques day to the passing of Sentences, and to
tion whether he might have been a make a finishing effect with the Sen
better man under better circumstances. tence of Death. But for the indelible
But, he never justified himself by a picture that my remembrance now
holds before me, I could scarcely be sisted them, and had—he best knew
lieve, even as I write these words, that whether by express design, or in the
I saw two-and-thirty men and women blindness of his hardihood—caused the
put before the Judge to receive that death of his denouncer, to whom his
sentence together. Foremost among whole career was known. The ap
the two-and-thirty, was he ; seated, pointed punishment for his return to
that he might get breath enough to the land that had cast him out, being
keep life in him. Death, and his case being this aggra
The whole scene starts out again in
the vivid colours of the moment, down
*
case, he must prepare himself to
16.
to the drops of April rain on the win The sun was striking in at the great
dows of the court, glittering in the rays windows of the court, through the glit
of April sun. Penned in the dock, as tering drops of rain upon the glass, and
I again stood outside it at the corner it made a broad shaft of light between
with his hand in mine, were the two the two-and-thirty and the Judge, link
and-thirty men and women; some de ing both together, and perhaps remind
fiant, some stricken with terror, some ing some among the audience, how both
sobbing and weeping, some covering were passing on, with absolute equality,
their faces, some staring gloomily about. to the greater Judgment that knoweth
There had been shrieks from among all things and cannot err. Rising for a
the women convicts, but they had been moment, a distinct speck of face in this
stilled, and a hush had succeeded. The way of light, the prisoner said, “My
sheriffs with their great chains and Lord, I have received my sentence of
nosegays, other civic gewgaws and mon Death from the Almighty, but I bow to
sters, criers, ushers, a great gallery yours,” and sat down again. There
full of people—a large theatrical audi was some hushing, and the Judge went
ence—looked on, as the two-and-thirty on with what he had to say to the rest.
and the Judge were solemnly con Then, they were all formally doomed,
fronted. Then, the Judge addressed and some of them were supported out,
them. Among the wretched creatures and some of them sauntered out with a
before him whom he must single out haggard look of bravery, and a few
for special address, was one who almost nodded to the gallery, and two or three
from his infancy had been an offender shook hands, and others went out
against the laws; who, after repeated chewing the fragments of herb they
imprisonments and punishments, had had taken from the sweet herbs lying
been at length sentenced to exile for a about. He went last of all, because of
term of years; and who, under circum having to be helped from his chair and
stances of great violence and daring, to go very slowly ; and he held my
had made his escape and been re-sen hand while all the others were removed,
tenced to exile for life. That miserable and while the audience got up (putting
man would seem for a time to have their dresses right, as they might at
become convinced of his errors, when church or elsewhere) and pointed down
far removed from the scenes of his old at this criminal or at that, and most of
offences, and to have lived a peaceable all at him and me.
and honest life. But in a fatal moment, I earnestly hoped and prayed that he
yielding to those propensities and pas might die before the Recorder's Report
sions, the indulgence of which had so was made, but, in the dread of his
long rendered him a scourge to society, lingering on, I began that night to
he had quitted his haven of rest and write out a petition to the Home Secre
repentance, and had come back to the tary of State, setting forth my know
country where he was proscribed. Being ledge of him, and how it was that he
here presently denounced, he had for a had come back for my sake. I wrote
time succeeded in evading the officers of it as fervently and pathetically as I
Justice, but being at length seized could, and when I had finished it and
while in the act of flight, he had re sent it in, I wrote out other petitions
to such men in authority as I hoped were turned towards the door, and
were the most merciful, and drew up lighted up as I entered.
one to the Crown itself. For several “Dear boy,” he said, as I sat down
days and nights after he was sentenced by his bed: “I thought you was late.
I took no rest except when I fell asleep But I knowed you couldn’t be that.”
in my chair, but was wholly absorbed “It is just the time,” said I. “I
in these appeals. And after I had sent waited for it at the gate.”
them in, I could not keep away from “You always waits at the gate ;
the places where they were, but felt as don’t you, dear boy #"
if they were more hopeful and less “Yes. Not to lose a moment of the
desperate when I was near them. In time.”
this unreasonable restlessness and pain “Thank’ee, dear boy, thank’ee. God
of mind, I would roam the streets of bless you ! You've never deserted me,
an evening, wandering by those offices dear boy.”
and houses where I had left the pe I pressed his hand in silence, for I
titions. To the present hour, the could not forget that I had once meant
weary western streets of London on a to desert him.
cold dusty spring night, with their “And what's the best of all,” he
ranges of stern shut-up mansions and said, “you’ve been more comfortable
their long rows of lamps, are melancholy alonger me, since I was under a dark
to me from this association. cloud, than when the sun shone. That's
The daily visits I could make him best of all.” -
were shortened now, and he was more He lay on his back, breathing with
strictly kept. Seeing, or fancying, that great difficulty. Do what he would,
I was suspected of an intention of carry and love me though he did, the light
ing poison to him, I asked to be searched left his face ever and again, and a film
before I sat down at his bedside, and came over the placid look at the white
told the officer who was always there, ceiling.
that I was willing to do anything that “Are you in much pain to-day ?”
would assure him of the singleness of “I don't complain of none, dear
my designs. Nobody was hard with boy.”
him or with me. There was duty to be “You never do complain.” … .
done, and it was done, but not harshly. He had spoken his last words. He
The officer always gave me the as smiled, and I understood his touch to
surance that he was worse, and some mean that he wished to lift my hand,
other sick prisoners in the room, and and lay it on his breast. I laid it there,
some other prisoners who attended on and he smiled again, and put both his
them as sick nurses (malefactors, but hands upon it.
not incapable of kindness, GoD be The allotted time ran out, while we
thanked (), always joined in the same were thus; but, looking round, I found
report. the governor of the prison standing near
As the days went on, I noticed more me, and he whispered, “You needn't
and more that he would lie placidly go yet.” I thanked him gratefully, and
looking at the white ceiling, with an asked, “Might I speak to him, if he
absence of light in his face, until some can hear me !”
word of mine brightened it for an in • The governor stepped aside, and
stant, and then it would subside again. beckoned the officer away. The change,
Sometimes he was almost, or quite, though it was made without noise, drew
unable to speak; then, he would answer back the film from the placid look at
me with slight pressures on my hand, the white ceiling, and he looked most
and I grew to understand his meaning affectionately at me.
very well. “Dear Magwitch, I must tell you,
The number of the days had risen to now at last. You understand what I
ten, when I saw a greater change in say ?”
him than I had seen yet. His eyes A gentle pressure on my hand.
…"
“You had a child once, whom you sink upon his breast again, with his
loved and lost.” own hands lying on it. The placid
A stronger pressure on my hand. look at the white ceiling came back,
“She lived and found powerful and passed away, and his head dropped
friends. She is living now. She is a quietly on his breast.
lady and very beautiful. And I love Mindful, then, of what we had read
her ” together, I thought of the two men who
With a last faint effort, which would went up into the Temple to pray, and I
have been powerless but for my yield knew there were no better words that I
ing to it and assisting it, he raised my could say beside his bed, than “O Lord,
hand to his lips. Then he gently let it be merciful to him a sinner l’’
CHAPTER LVII.
Now that I was left wholly to myself possessed by the idea that he was
I gave notice of my intention to quit the coming up the stairs, and that the
chambers in the Temple as soon as my lights were blown out ; whether I had
tenancy could legally determine, and in been inexpressibly harassed by the dis
the mean while to underlet them. At tracted talking, laughing, and groaning,
once I put bills up in the windows; of some one, and had half suspected
for, I was in debt, and had scarcely those sounds to be of my own making ;
any money, and began to be seriously whether there had been a closed iron
alarmed by the state of my affairs. I furnace in a dark corner of the room,
ought rather to write that I should and a voice had called out over and over
have been alarmed if I had had energy again that Miss Havisham was con
and concentration enough to help me to suming within it ; these were things
the clear perception of any truth be that I tried to settle with myself and
yond the fact that I was falling very get into some order, as I lay that morn
ill. The late stress upon me had en ing on my bed. But, the vapour of a
abled me to put off illness, but not to limekiln would come between me and
put it away ; I knew that it was coming them, disordering them all, and it was
on me now, and I knew very little else, through the vapour at last that I saw
and was even careless as to that. two men looking at me.
For a day or two, I lay on the sofa, “What do you want " I asked,
or on the floor—anywhere, according as starting; “I don’t know you.”
I happened to sink down—with a heavy “Well, sir,” returned one of them,
head and aching limbs, and no purpose, bending down and touching me on the
and no power. Then there came, one shoulder, “this is a matter that you’ll
night which appeared of great duration, Soon arrange, I dare say, but you’re
and which teemed with anxiety and arrested.”
horror ; and when in the morning I “What is the debt, ..."
tried to sit up in my bed and think of “Hundred and twenty-three pound,
it, I found I could not do so. fifteen, six. Jeweller's account, I_
Whether I really had been down in think.”
Garden-court in the dead of the night, “What is to be done 2*
groping about for the boat that I sup “You had better come to my house,”
posed to be there; whether I had two said the man. “I keep a very nice
or three times come to myself on the house.”
staircase with great terror, not knowing I made some attempt to get up and
how I had got out of bed ; whether I dress myself. When I next attended to
had found myself lighting the lamp, them, they were standing a little off
from the bed, looking at me. I still in the day, and, sitting on the window
lay there. seat, smoking his pipe in the shaded
“You see my state,” said I. “I open window, still I saw Joe. I asked
would come with you if I could; but for cooling drink, and the dear hand
indeed I am quite unable. If you take that gave it me was Joe's. I sank
me from here, I think I shall die by back on my pillow after drinking, and
the way.” the face that looked so hopefully and
Perhaps they replied, or argued the tenderly upon me was the face of
point, or tried to encourage me to be Joe.
lieve that I was better than I thought. At last, one day, Itook courage, and
Forasmuch as they hang in my memory said “Is it Joe . "
by only this one slender thread, I don’t And the dear old home-voice an
know what they did, except that they swered, “Which it air, old chap.”
forbore to remove me. “O Joe, you break my heart | Look
That I had a fever and was avoided, angry at me, Joe. Strike me, Joe. Tell
that I suffered greatly, that I often lost me of my ingratitude. Don't be so good
my reason, that the time seemed in to me !”
terminable, that I confounded impossi For, Joe had actually laid his head
ble existences with my own identity; down on the pillow at my side, and put
that I was a brick in the house wall, his arm round my neck, in his joy that
and yet entreating to be released from I knew him.
the giddy place where the builders had “Which dear old Pip, old chap,”
set me; that I was a steel beam of a said Joe, “you and me was ever friends.
vast engine, clashing and whirling over And when you’re well enough to go out
a gulf, and yet that I implored in my for a ride—what larks l’”
own person to have the engine stopped, After which, Joe withdrew to the
and my part in it hammered off; that window, and stood with his back to
I passed through these phases of dis wards me, wiping his eyes. And as
ease, I know of my own remembrance, my extreme weakness prevented me
and did in some sort know at the time. from getting up and going to him, I lay
That I sometimes struggled with real there, penitently whispering, “O God
people, in the belief that they were bless him O God bless this gentle
murderers, and that I would all at once Christian man l’”
comprehend that they meant to do me Joe's eyes were red when I next found
good, and would then sink exhausted him beside me; but, I was holding his
in their arms, and suffer them to lay hand and we both felt happy.
me down, I also knew at the time. “How long, dear Joe 7"
But, above all, I knew that there was “Which you meantersay, Pip, how
a constant tendency in all these people long have your illness lasted, dear old
—who, when I was very ill, would pre chap * *
sent all kinds of extraordinary trans “Yes, Joe.”
formations of the human face, and would “It's the end of May, Pip. To
be much dilated in size—above alſ, I morrow is the first of June.”
say, I knew that there was an extra “And have you been here all the
ordinary tendency in all these people, time, dear Joe 7”
sooner or later to settle down into the “Pretty nigh, old chap. For, as I
likeness of Joe. says to Biddy when the news of your
After I had turned the worst point being ill were brought by letter, which
of my illness, I began to notice that it were brought by the post, and being
while all its other features changed, this formerly single he is now married though
one consistent feature did not change. underpaid for a deal of walking and
Whoever came about me, still settled shoe-leather, but wealth were not a
down into Joe. I opened my eyes in object on his part, and marriage were
the night, and I saw in the great chair the great wish of his hart *:
at the bedside, Joe, I opened my eyes “It is so delightful to hear you, Joe :
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. 25?
But I interrupt you in what you said to was not, and constantly dipped his pen
Biddy.” into space, and seemed quite satisfied
“Which it were,” said Joe, “that with the result. Occasionally, he was
how you might be amongst strangers, tripped up by some orthographical
and that how you and me having been stumbling-block, but on the whole he
ever friends, a wisit at such a moment got on very well indeed, and when he
might not prove unacceptabobble. And had signed his name, and had removed
Biddy, her word were, “Go to him, with a finishing blot from the paper to the
out loss of time.” That,” said Joe, sum crown of his head with his two fore
ming up with his judicial air, “were fingers, he got up and hovered about
the word of Biddy. “Go to him,” the table, trying the effect of his per
Tiddy say, “without loss of time.” In formance from various points of view as
short, I shouldn't greatly deceive you,” it lay there, with unbounded satisfac
Joe added, after a little grave reflec tion.
tion, “if I represented to you that the Not to make Joe uneasy by talking
word of that young woman were, “with too much, even if I had been able to
out a minute's loss of time.’” talk much, I deferred asking him about
There Joe cut himself short, and in Miss Havisham until next day. He
formed me that I was to be talked to shook his head when I then asked him
in great moderation, and that I was to if she had recovered
take a little nourishment at stated fre “Is she dead, Joe 7"
quent times, whether I felt inclined for “Why, you see, old chap,” said Joe,
it or not, and that I was to submit my in a tone of remonstrance, and by way
self to all his orders. So, I kissed his of getting at it by degrees, “I wouldn’t
hand, and lay quiet, while he proceeded go so far as to say that, for that's a
to indite a note to Biddy, with my love deal to say; but she ain't—”
in it. “Living, Joe 3’’
Evidently Biddy had taught Joe to “That's nigher where it is,” said
write. As I lay in bed looking at him, Joe ; “she ain’t living.”
it made me, in my weak state, cry “Did she linger long, Joe 7"
again with pleasure to see the pride “Arter you was took ill, pretty
with which he set about his letter. much about what you might call (if
My bedstead, divested of its curtains, you was put to it) a week,” said Joe ;
had been removed, with me upon it, still determined, on my account, to
into the sitting-room, as the airiest and come at everything by degrees.
largest, and the carpet had been taken “Dear Joe, have you heard what
away, and the room kept always fresh becomes of her property 7 °
and wholesome night and day. At my “Well, old chap,” said Joe, “it do
own writing-table, pushed into a corner appear that she had settled the most of
and cumbered with little bottles, Joe it, which I meantersay tied it up, on
now sat down to his great work, first Miss Estella. But she had wrote out a
choosing a pen from the pen-tray as if little coddleshell in her own hand a day
it were a chest of large tools, and tuck or two afore the accident, leaving a cool
ing up his sleeves as if he were going to four thousand to Mr. Matthew Pocket.
wield a crowbar or sledge-hammer. It And why, do you suppose, above all
was necessary for Joe to hold on heavily things, Pip, she left that cool four thou
to the table with his left elbow, and to sand unto him “Because of Pip's ac
get his right leg well out behind him, count of him the said Matthew.” I am
before he could begin, and when he did told by Biddy, that air the writing,”
begin he made every down-stroke so said Joe, repeating the legal turn as if
slowly that it might have been six feet it did him infinite good, “‘account of
long, while at every up-stroke I could him the said Matthew.’ And a cool
hear his pen spluttering extensively. four thousand, Pip !”
He had a curious idea that the ink I never discovered from whom Joe
stand was on the side of him where it derived the conventional temperature
S
of the four thousand pounds, but it ap to gain strength, but I did slowly and
peared to make the sum of money more surely become less weak, and Joe stayed
to him, and he had a manifest relish in with me, and I fancied I was little Pip
insisting on its being cool. again.
This account gave me great joy, as it For, the tenderness of Joe was so
perfected the only good thing I had beautifully proportioned to my need,
done. I asked Joe whether he had that I was like a child in his hands.
heard if any of the other relations had He would sit and talk to me in the old
any legacies? confidence, and with the old simplicity,
“Miss Sarah,” said Joe, “she have and in the old unassertive protecting
twenty-five pound perannium fur to way, so that I would half believe that
buy pills, on account of being bilious. all my life since the days of the old
kitchen was one of the mental troubles
Miss Georgiana, she have twenty pound
down. Mrs. — what's the name of of the fever that was gone. He did
them wild beasts with humps, old everything for me except the household
chap 2" work, for which he had engaged a very
“Camels?” said I, wondering why decent woman, after paying off the
he could possibly want to know. laundress on his first arrival. “Which
Joe nodded. “Mrs. Camels,” by I do assure you, Pip,” he would often
which I presently understood he meant say, in explanation of that liberty; “I
Camilla, “she have five pound fur to found her a tapping the spare bed, like
buy rushlights to put her in spirits a cask of beer, and drawing off the
when she wake up in the night.” feathers in a bucket, for sale. Which
The accuracy of these recitals was she would have tapped yourn next, and
sufficiently obvious to me, to give me draw’d it off with you a laying on it,
great confidence in Joe's information. and was then a carrying away the coals
“And now,” said Joe, “you ain't that gradiwally in the soup-tureen and wege
strong yet, old chap, that you can take table-dishes, and the wine and spirits
in more nor one additional shovel-full in your Wellington boots.”
to-day. Old Orlick he’s been a bustin' We looked forward to the day when
open a dwelling-ouse.” I should go out for a ride, as we had
“Whose ?” said I. once looked forward to the day of my
“Not, I grant you, but what his apprenticeship. And when the day
manners is given to blusterous,” said came, and an open carriage was got
Joe, apologetically; “still, a English into the Lane, Joe wrapped me up,
man's ouse is his Castle, and castles took me in his arms, carried me down
must not be busted 'cept when done in to it, and put me in, as if I were still
war time. And wotsume'er the failings the small helpless creature to whom he
on his part, he were a corn and seeds had so abundantly given of the wealth
man in his hart.” of his great nature.
“Is it Pumblechook's house that has And Joe got in beside me, and we
been broken into, then 7° drove away together into the country,
“That's it, Pip,” said Joe: “and where the rich summer growth was
they took his till, and they took his already on the trees and on the grass,
cash-box, and they drinked his wine, and sweet summer scents filled all the
and they partook of his wittles, and air. The day happened to be Sunday,
they slapped his face, and they pulled and when I looked on the loveliness
his nose, and they tied him up to his around me, and thought how it had
bedpust, and they giv' him a dozen, and grown and changed, and how the little
they stuffed his mouth full of flowering wild flowers had been forming, and the
annuals to perwent his crying out. But voices of the birds had been strengthen
he knowed Orlick, and Orlick's in the ing, by day and by night, under the
county jail.” sun and under the stars, while poor I
By these approaches we arrived at lay burning and tossing on my bed, the
‘unrestricted conversation. I was slow mere remembrance of having burned
and tossed there, came like a check did hear tell that how he were some
upon my peace. . But, when I heard thing or another in a general way in
the Sunday bells, and looked around a that direction.”
little more upon the outspread beauty, “Did you hear anything of his cir
I felt that I was not nearly thankful cumstances, Joe '''
enough—that I was too weak yet, to be “Not partickler, Pip.”
even that—and I laid my head on Joe's “If you would like to hear, Joe—”
shoulder, as I had laid it long ago I was beginning, when Joe got up and
when he had taken me to the Fair or came to my sofa.
where not, and it was too much for my “Lookee here, old chap,” said Joe,
young senses. bending over me. “Ever the best of
More composure came to me after a friends; ain't us, Pip?”
while, and we talked as we used to I was ashamed to answer him.
talk, lying on the grass at the old Bat “Werry good, then,” said Joe, as if
tery. There was no change whatever I had answered; “that's all right;
in Joe. Exactly what he had been in that's agreed upon. Then why go into
my eyes then, he was in my eyes still ; subjects, old chap, which as betwixt
just as simply faithful, just as simply two sech must be for ever onnecessary {
right. There's subjects enough as betwixt two
When we got back again and he lifted sech, without onnecessary ones. Lord 1
me out, and carried me—so easily l— To think of your poor sister and her
across the court and up the stairs, I Rampages And don't you remember
thought of that eventful Christmas Day Tickler # *
when he had carried me over the “I do indeed, Joe.”
marshes. We had not yet made any “Lookee here, old chap,” said Joe.
allusion to my change of fortune, nor “I done what I could to keep you and
did I know how much of my late his Tickler in sunders, but my power were
tory he was acquainted with. I was not always fully equal to my inclina
so doubtful of myself now, and put so tions. For when your poor sister had
much trust in him, that I could not a mind to drop into you, it were not so
satisfy myself whether I ought to refer much,” said Joe, in his favourite argu
to it when he did not. mentative way, “that she dropped into
“Have you heard, Joe,” I asked me too, if I put myself in opposition to
him that evening, upon further con her but that she dropped into you
sideration, as he smoked his pipe at the always heavier for it. I noticed that.
window, “who my patron was #" It ain't a grab at a man's whisker, nor
“I heerd,” returned Joe, “as it yet a shake or two of a man (to which
were not Miss Havisham, old chap.” your sister was quite welcome), that
“Did you hear who it was, Joe #" 'ud put a man off from getting a little
“Well I heerd as it were a person child out of punishment. But when
what sent the person what giv' you the that little child is dropped into, heavier,
bank-notes at the Jolly Bargemen, for that grab of whisker or shaking,
Pip.” then that man naterally up and says to
“So it was.” himself, ‘Where is the good as you are
“Astonishing !” said Joe, in the pla a doing? I grant you I see the 'arm,”
cidest way. says the man, “but I don’t see the good.
“Did you hear that he was dead, I call upon you, sir, therefore, to pint
Joe " I presently asked, with increas out the good.’”
ing diffidence. “The man says?” I observed, as
“Which 2 Him as sent the bank Joe waited for me to speak.
notes, Pip !” “The man says,” Joe assented. “Is
&4 Yes.” he right, that man #"
“I think,” said Joe, after medi “Dear Joe, he is always right.”
tating a long time, and looking rather “Well, old chap,” said Joe, “then
evasively at the window-seat, “as I abide by your words. If he's always
right (which in general he's more likely in prosperity I should grow cold to him
wrong), he's right when he says this : and cast him off Had I given Joe's
—Supposing ever you kep any little innocent heart no cause to feel instinc
matter to yourself, when you was a tively that as I got stronger, his hold
little child, you kep it mostly because upon me would be weaker, and that he
you know’d as J. Gargery's power to had better loosen it in time and let me
part you and Tickler in sunders, were go, before I plucked myself away ?
not fully equal to his inclinations. It was on the third or fourth occa
Theerfore, think no more of it as be sion of my going out walking in the
twixt two sech, and do not let us pass Temple Gardens leaning on Joe's arm,
remarks upon onnecessary subjects. that I saw this change in him very
Biddy giv' herself a deal o' trouble with plainly. We had been sitting in the
me afore I left (for I am most awful bright warm sunlight, looking at the
dull), as I should view it in this light, river, and I chanced to say as we got
. . and, viewing it in this light, as I should up :
ser put it. Both of which,” said Joe, “See, Joe I can walk quite strongly.
quite charmed with his logical arrange Now, you shall see me walk back by
ment, “being done, now this to you myself.”
a true friend, say. Namely. You “Which do not over-do it, Pip,”
mustn't go a over-doing on it, but you said Joe ; “but I shall be happy fur
must have your supper and your wine to see you able, sir.”
and-water, and you must be put be The last word grated on me ; but
twixt the sheets.” how could I remonstrate | I walked
The delicacy with which Joe dis no further than the gate of the gardens,
missed this theme, and the sweet tact and then pretended to be weaker than
and kindness with which Biddy—who I was, and asked Joe for his arm.
with her woman's wit had found me Joe gave it me, but was thoughtful.
out so soon—had prepared him for it, I, for my part, was thoughtful too;
made. a deep impression on my mind. for how best to check this growing
But whether Joe knew how poor I was, change in Joe, was a great perplexity
and how my great expectations had all to my remorseful thoughts. That I
dissolved, like our own marsh mists was ashamed to tell him exactly how
before the sun, I could not under I was placed, and what I had come
stand. down to, I do not seek to conceal : but,
Another thing in Joe that I could I hope my reluctance was not quite an
not understand when it first began to unworthy one. He would want to help
develop itself, but which I soon arrived me out of his little savings, I knew,
at a sorrowful comprehension of, was and I knew that he ought not to help
this: As I became stronger and better, me, and that I must not suffer him to
Joe became a little less easy with me. do it.
In my weakness and entire dependence It was a thoughtful evening with
on him, the dear fellow had fallen into both of us. But, before we went to
the old tone, and called me by the old bed, I had resolved that I would wait
names, the dear “old Pip, old chap,” over to-morrow, to-morrow being Sun
that now were music in my ears. I day, and would begin my new course
too had fallen into the old ways, only with the new week. On Monday morn
happy and thankful that he let me. ing I would speak to Joe about this
But, imperceptibly, though I held by change, I would lay aside this last
them fast, Joe's hold upon them began vestige of reserve, I would tell him
to slacken ; and whereas I wondered what I had in my thoughts (that
at this, at first, I soon began to under Secondly, not yet arrived at), and why
stand that the cause of it was in me, I had not decided to go out to Herbert,
and that the fault of it was all mine. and then the change would be con
Ah ! Had I given Joe no reason to quered for ever. As I cleared, Joe
doubt my constancy, and to think that cleared, and it seemed as though he
had sympathetically arrived at a reso I had vainly supposed that my creditor

lution too. had withdrawn or suspended proceed
We had a quiet day on the Sunday, ings until I should be quite recovered.
and we rode out into the country, and I had never dreamed of Joe's having
then walked in the fields. paid the money; but, Joe had paid it,
“I feel thankful that I have been and the receipt was in his name.
ill, Joe,” I said. What remained for me now, but to
“Dear old Pip, old chap, you're follow him to the dear old forge, and
a'most come round, sir.” there to have out my disclosure to him,
“It has been a memorable time for and my penitent remonstrance with
me, Joe.” him, and there to relieve my mind and
“Likeways for myself, sir,” Joe re heart of that reserved Secondly, which
turned. had begun as a vague something lin
“We have had a time together, Joe, gering in my thoughts, and had formed
that I can never forget. There were into a settled purpose ?
days once, I know, that I did for a The purpose was, that I would go
while forget ; but I never shall forget to Biddy, that I would show her how
these.” humbled and repentant I came back,
“Pip,” said Joe, appearing a little that I would tell her how I had lost
hurried and troubled, “there has been all I once hoped for, that I would
larks. And, dear sir, what have been remind her of our old confidences in
betwixt us—have been.” my first unhappy time. Then, I would
At night, when I had gone to bed, say to her, “Biddy, I think you once
Joe came into my room, as he had liked me very well, when my errant
done all through my recovery. He heart, even while it strayed away from
asked me if I felt sure that I was you, was quieter and better with you
as well as in the morning than it ever has been since. If you
“Yes, dear Joe, quite.” can like me only half as well once
“And are always a getting stronger, more, if you can take me with all my
old chap 2" faults and disappointments on my head,
“Yes, dear Joe, steadily.” if you can receive me like a forgiven
Joe patted the coverlet on my shoul child (and indeed I am as sorry, Biddy,
der with his great good hand, and said, and have as much need of a hushing
in what I thought a husky voice, voice and a soothing hand), I hope I
“Good night !” am a little worthier of you than I was
When I got up in the morning, re —not much, but a little. And, Biddy,
freshed and stronger yet, I was full of it shall rest with you to say whether I
my resolution to tell Joe all, without shall work at the forge with Joe, or
delay. I would tell him before break whether I shall try for any different
fast. I would dress at once and go to occupation down in this country, or
his room and surprise him ; for, it was whether we shall go away to a distant
the first day I had been up early. I place where an opportunity awaits me
went to his room, and he was not which I set aside when it was offered,
there. Not only was he not there, until I knew your answer. And now,
but his box was gone. dear Biddy, if you can tell me that you
I hurried then to the breakfast will go through the world with me,
table, and on it found a letter. These you will surely make it a better world
were its brief contents. for me, and me a better man for it,
“Not wishful to intrude I have depar and I will try hard to make it a better
tured fur you are well again dear Pip and world for you.”
will do better without “Jo.
“P.S. Ever the best of friends.”
Such was my purpose. After three
days more of recovery, I went down to
Enclosed in the letter, was a receipt the old place, to put it in execution.
for the debt and costs on which I had And how I sped in it, is all I have left
been arrested. Down to that moment to tell.
262 3REAT EXPECTATIONS.
CHAPTER LVIII.
THE tidings of my high fortunes the casks and telling them off for the
having had a heavy fall, had got down information of a catalogue compiler,
to my native place and its neighbour pen in hand, who made a temporary
hood, before I got there. I found the desk of the wheeled chair I had so
Blue Boar in possession of the intel often pushed along to the tune of Old
ligence, and I found that it made a Clem.
great change in the Boar's demeanour. When I got back to my breakfast in
Whereas the Boar had cultivated my the Boar's coffee-room, I found Mr.
good opinion with warm assiduity when Pumblechook conversing with the land
I was coming into property, the Boar lord. Mr. Pumblechook (not improved
was exceedingly cool on the subject now in appearance by his late nocturnal
that I was going out of property. adventure) was waiting for me, and
It was evening when I arrived, much addressed me in the following terms.
fatigued by the journey I had so often “Young man, I am sorry to see you
made so easily. The Boar could not brought low. But what else could be
put me into my usual bedroom, which expected what else could be ex
was engaged (probably by some one pected 1’’
who had expectations), and could only As he extended his hand with a
assign me a very indifferent chamber magnificently forgiving air, and as I
among the pigeons and post-chaises was broken by illness and unfit to
up the yard. But, I had as sound quarrel, I took it.
a sleep in that lodging as in the most “William,” said Mr. Pumblechook
superior accommodation the Boar could to the waiter, “put a muffin on
have given me, and the quality of my table. And has it come to this Has
dreams was about the same as in the it come to this "
best bedroom. I frowningly sat down to my break
Early in the morning while my fast. Mr. Pumblechook stood over me
breakfast was getting ready, I strolled and poured out my tea—before I could
round by Satis House. There were touch the teapot—with the air of a
printed bills on the gate and on bits of benefactor who was resolved to be true
carpet hanging out of the windows, to the last.
announcing a sale by auction of the “William,” said Mr. Pumblechook,
Household Furniture and Effects, next mournfully, “put the salt on. In
week. The House itself was to be happier times,” addressing me, “I
sold as old building materials, and think you took sugar And did you
pulled down. Lot 1 was marked in take milk? You did. Sugar and milk.
whitewashed knock-knee letters on the William, bring a wartercress.”
brewhouse; LoT 2 on that part of the “Thank you,” said I, shortly, “but
main building which had been so long I don't eat watercresses.”
shut up. Other lots were marked off “You don't eat 'em,” returned Mr.
on other parts of the structure, and Pumblechools, sighing and nodding his
the ivy had been torn down to make head several times, as if he might have
room for the inscriptions, and much of expected that, and as if abstinence
it trailed low in the dust and was from watercresses were consistent with
withered already. Stepping in for a my downfall. “True. The simple
moment at the open gate and looking fruits of the earth. No. You needn't
around me with the uncomfortable air bring any, William.”
of a stranger who had no business there, I, went on with my breakfast, and
I saw the auctioneer's clerk walking on Mr. Pumblechook continued to stand
over me, staring fishily and breathing could not deny it, and that it gave the
noisily, as he always did. case a black look.
“Little more than skin and bone !” “Young man,” said Pumblechook,
mused Mr. Pumblechook, aloud. “And screwing his head at me in the old
yet when he went away from here (I fashion, “you air a going to Joseph.
may say with my blessing), and I What does it matter to me, you ask me,
spread afore him my humble store, like where you air a going? I say to you,
the Bee, he was as plump as a Peach 1” Sir, you air a going to Joseph.”
This reminded me of the wonderful The waiter coughed, as if he modestly
difference between the servile manner invited me to get over that.
in which he had offered his hand in my “Now,” said Pumblechook, and all
new prosperity, saying, “May I ?” and this with a most exasperating air of
the ostentatious clemency with which saying in the cause of virtue what was
he had just now exhibited the same fat perfectly convincing and conclusive, “I
five fingers. will tell you what to say to Joseph.
“Hah!” he went on, handing me Here is Squires of the Boar present,
the bread-and-butter. “And air you known and respected in this town, and
a going to Joseph ** here is William, which his father's
“In Heaven's name,” said I, firing name was Potkins if I do not deceive
in spite of myself, “what does it matter myself.”
to you where I am going Leave that “You do not, sir,” said William.
teapot alone.” - - “In their presence,” pursued Pum
It was the worst course I could have blechook, “I will tell you, young man,
taken, because it gave Pumblechook the what to say to Joseph. Says you,
opportunity he wanted. “Joseph, I have this day seen my ear
“Yes, young man,” said he, releas liest benefactor and the founder of my
ing the handle of the article in question, fortun's. I will name no names, Joseph,
retiring a step or two from my table, but so they are pleased to call him up
and speaking for the behoof of the land town, and I have seen that man.’”
lord and waiter at the door, “I will “I swear I don’t see him here,”
leave that teapot alone. You are right, said I.
young man. For once, you are right. “Say that likewise,” retorted Pum
I forgit myself when I take such an in blechook. “Say you said that, and
terest in your breakfast, as to wish your even Joseph will probably betray sur
frame, exhausted by the debilitating prise.”
effects of prodigygality, to be stimilated “There you quite mistake him,” said
by the 'olesome nourishment of your I. “I know better.”
forefathers. And yet,” said Pumble “Says you,” Pumblechook went on,
chook, turning to the landlord and “‘Joseph, I have seen that man, and
waiter, and pointing me out at arm's that man bears you no malice and bears
length, “this is him as I ever sported me no malice. He knows your cha
with in his days of happy infancy Tell racter, Joseph, and is well acquainted
me not it cannot be ; I tell you this is with your pig-headedness and igno
him l’” rance; and he knows my character,
A low murmur from the two replied. Joseph, and he knows my want of
The waiter appeared to be particularly gratitoode. Yes, Joseph,” says you,”
affected. here Pumblechook shook his head
“This is him,” said Pumblechook, and hand at me, “‘he knows my total
“as I have rode in my shay-cart. This deficiency of common human gratitoode.
is him as I have seen brought up by He knows it, Joseph, as none can. You.
hand. This is him untoe the sister of do not know it, Joseph, having no call
which I was uncle by marriage, as her to know it, but that man do.’”
name was Georgiana M’ria from her own Windy donkey as he was, it really
mother, let him deny it if he can " amazed me that he could have the face
The waiter seemed convinced that I to talk thus to mine.
“Says you, “Joseph, he gave me a life that I would lead there, and of the
little message, which I will now repeat. change for the better that would come
It was, that in my being brought low, over my character when I had a guid
he saw the finger of Providence. He ing spirit at my side whose simple faith
knowed that finger when. he saw it, and clear home-wisdom I had proved,
Joseph, and he saw it plain. It pinted beguiled my way. They awakened a
out this writing, Joseph. Reward of tender emotion in me ; for, my heart
wngratitoode to earliest benefactor, and was softened by my return, and such a
founder of fortun's. But that man change had come to pass, that I felt
said that he did not repent of what he like one who was toiling home barefoot
had done, Joseph. Not at all. It was from distant travel, and whose wander
right to do it, it was kind to do it, it ings had lasted many years.
was benevolent to do it, and he would The schoolhouse where Biddy was
do it again.’” mistress, I had never seen ; but, the
“It’s a pity,” said I, scornfully, as little roundabout lane by which I entered
I finished my interrupted breakfast, the village for quietness' sake, took me
“that the man did not say what he past it. I was disappointed to find that
had done and would do again.” the day was a holiday; no children were
“Squires of the Boar !” Pumble there, and Biddy's house was closed.
chook was now addressing the landlord, Some hopeful motion of seeing her,
“and William | I have no objections to busily engaged in her daily duties, be
your mentioning, either up-town or fore she saw me, had been in my mind
down-town, if such should be your and was defeated.
wishes, that it was right to do it, kind But, the forge was a very short
to do it, benevolent to do it, and that I distance off, and I went towards it
would do it again.” under the sweet green limes, listening
With those words the Impostor shook for the clink of Joe's hammer. Long
them both by the hand, with an air, after I ought to have heard it, and
and left the house; leaving me much long after I had fancied I heard it and
more astonished than delighted by the found it but a fancy, all was still. The
virtues of that same indefinite “it.” limes were there, and the white thorns
I was not long after him in leaving the were there, and the chesnut-trees were
house too, and when I went down the there, and their leaves rustled har
High-street I saw him holding forth (no moniously when I stopped to listen ;
doubt to the same effect) at his shop but, the clink of Joe's hammer was not
door to a select group, who honoured in the midsummer wind.
me with very unfavourable glances as Almost fearing, without knowing
I passed on the opposite side of the why, to come in view of the forge, I
Way. saw it at last, and saw that it was
But, it was only the pleasanter to closed. No gleam of fire, no glittering
turn to Biddy and to Joe, whose great shower of sparks, no roar of bellows;
forbearance shone more brightly than all shut up, and still.
before, if that could be, contrasted with But, the house was not deserted, and
this brazen pretender. I went towards the best parlour seemed to be in use,
them slowly, for my limbs were weak, for there were white curtains fluttering
but with a sense of increasing relief asin its window and the window was open
I drew nearer to them, and a sense of and gay with flowers. I went softly
leaving arrogance and untruthfulness towards it meaning to peep over the
further and further behind. flowers, when Joe and Biddy stood be
The June weather was delicious. The fore me, arm in arm.
sky was blue, the larks were soaring At first Biddy gave a cry, as if she
high over the green corn, I thought all thought it was my apparition, but in
that countryside more beautiful and another moment she was in my em
peaceful by far than I had ever known it brace. I wept to see her, and she
to be yet. Many pleasant pictures of the wept to see me ; I, because she looked
so fresh and pleasant ; she, because I repaid ' And when I say that I am
looked so worn and white. going away within the hour, for I am
“But, dear Biddy, how smart you soon going abroad, and that I shall
are l’” never rest until I have worked for the
“Yes, dear Pip.” money with which you have kept me
“And Joe, how smart you are l’” out of prison, and have sent it to you,
“Yes, dear old Pip, old chap.” don’t think, dear Joe and Biddy, that
I looked at both of them, from one if I could repay it a thousand times
to the other, and then over, I suppose I could cancel a farthing
“It's my wedding-day,” cried Biddy, of the debt I owe you, or that I would
in a burst of happiness, “and I am do so if I coll! !”
married to Joe l’”
+ + + +
They were both melted by these
words, and both entreated me to say
They had taken me into the kitchen, no in Ore.
and I had laid my head down on the “But I must say more. Dear Joe,
old deal table. Biddy held one of my I hope you will have children to love,
hands to her lips, and Joe’s restoring and that some little fellow will sit in
touch was on my shoulder. “Which this chimney corner of twinter night,
he warn’t strong enough, my dear, fur who may remind you of another little
to be surprised,” said Joe. And Biddy fellow gone out of it for ever. Don't
said, “I ought to have thought of it, tell him, Joe, that I was thankless;
dear Joe, but I was too happy.” They don't tell him, Biddy, that I was un
were both so overjoyed to see me, so generous and unjust ; only tell him that
proud to see me, so touched by my I honoured you both, because you were
coming to them, so delighted that I both so good and true, and that, as your
should have come by accident to make child, I said it would be natural to him
their day complete to grow up a much better man than I
My first thought was one of great did.”
thankfulness that I had never breathed “I ain't a going,” said Joe, from
this last baffled hope to Joe. How behind his sleeve, “to tell him nothink
often, while he was with me in my o' that natur, Pip. Nor Biddy ain’t.
illness, had it risen to my lips. How Nor yet no one ain't.”
irrevocable would have been his know “And now, though I know you have
ledge of it, if he had remained with me already done it in your own kind hearts,
but another hour ! pray tell me, both, that you forgive me !
“Dear Biddy,” said I, “you have Pray let me hear you say the words,
the best husband in the whole world, that I may carry the sound of them
and if you could have seen him by my away with me and then I shall be able
bed you would have But no, you to believe that you can trust me, and
couldn't love him better than you do.” think better of me, in the time to
“No, I couldn't indeed,” said Biddy. come !”
“And, dear Joe, you have the best “O dear old Pip, old chap,” said
wife in the whole world, and she will Joe. “God knows as I forgive you, if
make you as happy as even you deserve I have any think to forgive l’’
to be, you dear, good, noble Joe l’” “Amen | And God knows I do | *
Joe looked at me with a quivering echoed Biddy.
lip, and fairly put his sleeve before his “Now let me go up and look at my
eyes. old little room, and rest there a few
“And Joe and Biddy both, as you minutes by myself. And then when I
have been to church to-day and are in have eaten and drunk with you, go
charity and love with all mankind, re with me as far as the finger-post, dear
ceive my humble thanks for all you Joe and Biddy, before we say good
have done for me, and all I have so ill by !”
I sold all I had, and put aside as I became third in the Firm, that Clar
much as I could, for a composition with riker betrayed me to Herbert ; but, he
my creditors—who gave me ample time then declared that the secret of Herbert's
to pay them in full—and I went out partnership had been long enough upon
and joined Herbert. Within a month, his conscience, and he must tell it. So,
I had quitted England, and within two he told it, and Herbert was as much
months I was clerk to Clarriker and moved as amazed, and the dear fellow
Co., and within four months I assumed and I were not the worse friends for the
my first undivided responsibility. For, long concealment. I must not leave it
the beam across the parlour ceiling at Mill to be supposed that we were ever a great
Pond Bank, had then ceased to tremble House, or that we made mints of money.
under old Bill Barley’s growls and was We were not in a grand way of business,
at peace, and Herbert had gone away to but we had a good name, and worked
marry Clara, and I was left in sole for our profits, and did very well. We
charge of the Eastern Branch until he owed so much to Herbert's ever cheerful
brought her back. - industry and readiness, that I often
Many a year went round, before I was wondered how I had conceived that old
a partner in the House; but, I lived idea of his inaptitude, until I was one
happily with Herbert and his wife, and day enlightened by the reflection, that
lived frugally, and paid my debts, and perhaps the inaptitude had never been
maintained a constant correspondence in him at all, but had been in me.
with Biddy and Joe. It was not until
CHAPTER LIX.
For eleven years, I had not seen Joe tombstone there, and he showed me
nor liddy with my bodily eyes—though from that elevation which stone was
they had both been often before my sacred to the memory of Philip Pirrip,
fancy in the East—when, upon an late of this Parish, and Also Georgiana,
evening in December, an hour or two Wife of the Above.
after dark, I laid my hand softly on the “Biddy,” said I, when I talked with
latch of the old kitchen door. I touched her after dinner, as her little girl lay
it so softly that I was not heard, and I sleeping in her lap, “you must give Pip
looked in unseen. There, smoking his to me, one of these days; or lend him,
pipe in the old place by the kitchen at all events.”
firelight, as hale and as strong as ever, “No, no,” said Biddy, gently. “You
though a little grey, sat Joe ; and must marry.” -
there, fenced into the corner with Joe's “So Herbert and Clara say, but I
leg, and sitting on my own little stool don’t think I shall, Biddy. I have so
looking at the fire, was—I againſ settled down in their home, that it's
“We giv' him the name of Pip for not at all likely. I am already quite an
your sake, dear old chap,” said Joe, old bachelor.”
delighted when I took another stool by Biddy looked down at her child, and
the child's side (but I did not rumple put its little hand to her lips, and then
his hair), “and we hoped he might put the good matronly hand with which
grow a little bit like you, and we think she had touched it, into mine. There
he do.” was something in the action and in
I thought so too, and I took him out the light pressure of Biddy's wedding
for a walk next morning, and we talked ring, that had a very pretty eloquence
immensely, understanding one another in it.
to perfection. And I took him down to “Dear Pip,” said Biddy, “you are
the churchyard, and set him on a certain sure you don't fret for her ?”
:
“O no—I think not, Biddy.” The figure showed itself aware of me

“Tell me as an old friend. Have as I advanced. It had been moving
you quite forgotten her?” towards me, but it stood still. As I
“My dear Biddy, I have forgotten drew nearer, I saw it to be the figure of
nothing in my life that ever had a fore a woman. As I drew nearer yet, it was
most place there, and little that ever about to turn away, when it stopped,
had any place there. But that poor and let me come up with it. Then, it
dream, as I once used to call it, has all faltered as if much surprised, and
gone by, Biddy, all gone by 1" uttered my name, and I cried out :
Nevertheless, I knew while I said “ Estella | *
those words, that I secretly intended to “I am greatly changed. I wonder
revisit the site of the old house that you know me.” -
evening, alone, for her sake. Yes, even The freshness of her beauty was in
so. For Estella's sake. deed gone, but its indescribable majesty
I had heard of her as leading a most and its indescribable charm remained.
unhappy life, and as being separated Those attractions in it, I had seen
from her husband, who had used her before; what I had never seen before,
with great cruelty, and who had become was the saddened softened light of the
quite renowned as a compound of pride, once proud eyes; what I had never felt
avarice, brutality, and meanness. And before, was the friendly touch of the
I had heard of the death of her hus once insensible hand.
band, from an accident consequent on We sat down on a bench that was
his ill-treatment of a horse. This near, and I said, “After so many years,
release had befallen her some two years it is strange that we should thus meet
before ; for anything I knew, she was again, Estella, here where our first
married again. meeting was . Do you often come
The early dinner-hour at J.J.'s left back º’”
me abundance of time, without hurrying “I have never been here since.”
my talk with Biddy, to walk over to the “Nor I.”
old spot before dark. But, what with The moon began to rise, and I thought
loitering on the way, to look at old of the placid look at the white ceiling,
objects and to think of old times, the which had passed away. The moon
day had quite declined when I came to began to rise, and I thought of the
the place. pressure on my hand when I had spoken
There was no house now, no brewery, the last words he had heard on earth. "
no building whatever left, but the wall Estella was the next to break the
of the old garden. The cleared space silence that ensued between us.
had been enclosed with a rough fence, “I have very often hoped and in
and looking over it, I saw that some of tended to come back, but have been
the old ivy had struck root anew, and prevented by many circumstances. Poor,
was growing green on low quiet mounds poor old place l’”
of ruin. A gate in the fence standing The silvery mist was touched with
ajar, I pushed it open, and went in. the first rays of the moonlight, and the
A cold silvery mist had veiled the same rays touched the tears that dropped
afternoon, and the moon was not yet up from her eyes. Not knowing that I saw
to scatter it. But, the stars were them, and setting herself to get the
shining beyond the mist, and the moon better of them, she said quietly :
was coming, and the evening was not “Were you wondering, as you walked
dark. I could trace out where every along, how it caine to be left in this
part of the old house had been, and condition ?”
where the brewery had been, and where “Yes, Estella.”
the gates, and where the casks. I had “The ground belongs to me. It is
done so, and was looking along the deso the only possession I have not relin
late garden-walk, when I beheld a soli quished. Everything else has gone from
tary figure in it. me, little by little, but I have kept
this. It was the subject of the only taking leave of this spot. I am very
determined resistance I made in all the
glad to do so.”
wretched years.” “Glad to part again, Estella? To
“Is it to be built on ?” me, parting is a painful thing. To me,
“At last it is. I came here to take the remembrance of our last parting has
leave of it before its change. And been ever mournful and painful.”
you,” she said, in a voice of touching “But you said to me,” returned
interest to a wanderer, “you live abroad Estella, very earnestly, “‘God bless
still.” you, God forgive you !’ And if you
“Still.” could say that to me then, you will not
“And do well, I am sure ?” hesitate to say that to me now—now,
“I work pretty hard for a suffi when suffering has been stronger than
cient living, and therefore—Yes, I do all other teaching, and has taught me
well | * to understand what your heart used to
“I have often thought of you,” said be. I have been bent and broken, but
Estella. —I hope—into a better shape. Be as
“Have you?” considerate and good to me as you were,
“Of late, very often. There was a and tell me we are friends.”
long hard time when I kept far from me, “We are friends,” said I, rising
the remembrance of what I had thrown and bending over her, as she rose from
away when I was quite ignorant of its the bench.
worth. But, since my duty has not “And will continue friends apart,”
been incompatible with the admission said Estella.
of that remembrance, I have given it a I took her hand in mine, and we went
place in my heart.” out of the ruined place; and, as the
“You have always held your place morning mists had risen long ago when
in my heart,” I answered. I first left the forge, so, the evening
And we were silent again until she mists were rising now, and in all the
spoke. broad expanse of tranquil light they
“I little thought,” said Estella, showed to me, I saw no shadow of
‘that I should take leave of you in another parting from her.
THE END,
VIRTUE AND Co., PRINTERS, CITY ROAD, LONDON.

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This is a reproduction of a library book that was digitized

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TAKING LEAVE OF JOE.

It's bad enough to be a blacksmith's reserve for my dreadful acquaintance,

evident to escape my sister's observa water in those days as a fine medicine,

indeed, if at your time of life you “Looked # When º’”

These extensive arrangements occasioned against the dissuading arguments of

fits; he himself confessed that if the Hubble as a little curly sharp-edged

THE apparition of a file of soldiers fine wife's acquaintance; speaking for

After an hour or so of this travelling, “It was some broken wittles—that's

wooden bedstead, like an overgrown “So,” said my convict, turning his

up-stairs, where we students used to selves and baffle recognition. But, at

born ?” Before she spoke again, she turned

the spot from which she had taken it “Anything else ?”

My sister's bringing up had made and in this respect I remember those

chap. And as to being common, I can’t get to be oncommon through going

THE felicitous idea occurred to me a by several single combats between Biddy

I thanked him, staring at him far been on terms of the warmestintimacy

AT the appointed time I returned to basement of the Manor House. We

watch, it had stopped at twenty minutes much reminded me of my sister, with

do as you like.” Thank Goodness it as false a declaration as ever was made;

astonished, that I followed where he —having pimples on his face, and a

be wondered at if my thoughts were by the sleeve : a spectacle of imbecility

‘‘Well!” said Miss Havisham. “And “Pip,” returned Joe, cutting me

present—have—conweyed—to be—for “Miss Havisham,” said Joe, with a

“Good-by, Pip !” said Miss Ha “Much good they'll do me !” ob

IT is a most miserable thing to feel a sacrifice of roast fowls; I had believed

thought concerning them that had been

“Which I meantersay, Pip, it might “My dear Joe,” I cried, in despera

'prentice, Orlick was perhaps confirmed

Joe, “giving holidays to great idle husband standing by O ! O !” Here

with him. So did Orlick, at my there was a group of women, all on

IT was in the fourth year of my committed, and Mr. Wopsle was im

He gave the medical testimony, in “Certainly I know it,” replied Mr.

gentleman—the better. Let it stand tight, as if he had private information

MoRNING made a considerable dif something allied to shame, of my com

necessary to get it well round in a Although I was looking at Biddy as

didn’t it; ?” “Oh, his manners won't his man

“How helping him on ?” asked “Now, Biddy,” said I, “I am very

together to have me bound apprentice, having kept his secret wonderfully

I was not expected, for she left me “Yes, Miss Havisham.”

“Ayther to character, or to having me what arrangements he had made for

CASTING my eyes on Mr. Wemmick pression seemed to have been imper

at least four mourning rings, besides a “Is that far ”

and coaching-stables near at hand be Mr. Pocket, Junior's, idea of Shortly

gaged. What's-his-named.Any word between them, for he is a bad courtier

in the dusk of evening, there were de unless I deceive myself on a point

Mum,” said Flopson; “and Miss Jane, “I will notallowanybodytointerfere,”

elements. “Babies are to be nut In the evening there was rowing on

said to Wemmick that I hardly knew ance, whom he treated as unceremo

perspiration, as if he had been trying 'mick's attention being thus directed to

“Not yet.” natural depth. Look at his watch

able to you, you'll oblige me by doing bacco-stoppers carved by the Aged.

“Master,” she again murmured. In our boyish want of discretion I

anything, Drummle, without any threat “But I am not a fortune-teller,” he

“My DeAR MR. PIP, worst weaknesses and meannesses are

of them in the capacity of outside pas he knew me no more than if he had

him with an air of injury. “Now, do “I am expected, I believe?”

day: but I did, and I enjoyed it very

“How do you know it !” said I. no means recognised the analysis, but

ON our arrival in Denmark, we found circled by another, and each of her

“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Wopsle, “I last Hamlet as I dressed, made the

In her furred travelling-dress, Es purse, and you are to pay my charges