第4章

Estella，forherpart，likewisetreatedmeasbefore；exceptthatshedidnotcondescendtospeak。Whenwehadplayedsomehalfdozengames，adaywasappointedformyreturn，andIwastakendownintotheyardtobefedintheformerdog-likemanner。There，too，IwasagainlefttowanderaboutasIliked。

ItisnotmuchtothepurposewhetheragateinthatgardenwallwhichIhadscrambleduptopeepoveronthelastoccasionwas，onthatlastoccasion，openorshut。EnoughthatIsawnogatethem，andthatIsawonenow。Asitstoodopen，andasIknewthatEstellahadletthevisitorsout-for，shehadreturnedwiththekeysinherhand-Istrolledintothegardenandstrolledalloverit。Itwasquiteawilderness，andtherewereoldmelon-framesandcucumber-framesinit，whichseemedintheirdeclinetohaveproducedaspontaneousgrowthofweakattemptsatpiecesofoldhatsandboots，withnowandthenaweedyoffshootintothelikenessofabatteredsaucepan。

WhenIhadexhaustedthegarden，andagreenhousewithnothinginitbutafallen-downgrape-vineandsomebottles，IfoundmyselfinthedismalcorneruponwhichIhadlookedoutofwindow。Neverquestioningforamomentthatthehousewasnowempty，Ilookedinatanotherwindow，andfoundmyself，tomygreatsurprise，exchangingabroadstarewithapaleyounggentlemanwithredeyelidsandlighthair。

Thispaleyounggentlemanquicklydisappeared，andre-appearedbesideme。HehadbeenathisbookswhenIhadfoundmyselfstaringathim，andInowsawthathewasinky。

`Halloa！\'saidhe，`youngfellow！\'

HalloabeingageneralobservationwhichIhadusuallyobservedtobebestansweredbyitself，Isaid，`Halloa！\'politelyomittingyoungfellow。

`Wholetyouin？\'saidhe。

`MissEstella。\'

`Whogaveyouleavetoprowlabout？\'

`MissEstella。\'

`Comeandfight，\'saidthepaleyounggentleman。

WhatcouldIdobutfollowhim？Ihaveoftenaskedmyselfthequestionsince:but，whatelsecouldIdo？HismannerwassofinalandIwassoastonished，thatIfollowedwhereheled，asifIhadbeenunderaspell。

`Stopaminute，though，\'hesaid，wheelingroundbeforewehadgonemanypaces。`Ioughttogiveyouareasonforfighting，too。Thereitis！\'

Inamostirritatingmannerheinstantlyslappedhishandsagainstoneanother，daintilyflungoneofhislegsupbehindhim，pulledmyhair，slappedhishandsagain，dippedhishead，andbutteditintomystomach。

Thebull-likeproceedinglastmentioned，besidesthatitwasunquestionablytoberegardedinthelightofaliberty，wasparticularlydisagreeablejustafterbreadandmeat。Ithereforehitoutathimandwasgoingtohitoutagain，whenhesaid，`Aha！Wouldyou？\'andbegandancingbackwardsandforwardsinamannerquiteunparalleledwithinmylimitedexperience。

`Lawsofthegame！\'saidhe。Here，heskippedfromhisleftlegontohisright。`Regularrules！\'Here，heskippedfromhisrightlegontohisleft。`Cometotheground，andgothroughthepreliminaries！\'Here，hedodgedbackwardsandforwards，anddidallsortsofthingswhileIlookedhelplesslyathim。

IwassecretlyafraidofhimwhenIsawhimsodexterous；but，Ifeltmorallyandphysicallyconvincedthathislightheadofhaircouldhavehadnobusinessinthepitofmystomach，andthatIhadarighttoconsideritirrelevantwhensoobtrudedonmyattention。Therefore，Ifollowedhimwithoutaword，toaretirednookofthegarden，formedbythejunctionoftwowallsandscreenedbysomerubbish。OnhisaskingmeifIwassatisfiedwiththeground，andonmyreplyingYes，hebeggedmyleavetoabsenthimselfforamoment，andquicklyreturnedwithabottleofwaterandaspongedippedinvinegar。`Availableforboth，\'hesaid，placingtheseagainstthewall。Andthenfelltopullingoff，notonlyhisjacketandwaistcoat，buthisshirttoo，inamanneratoncelight-hearted，businesslike，andbloodthirsty。

Althoughhedidnotlookveryhealthy-havingpimplesonhisface，andabreakingoutathismouth-thesedreadfulpreparationsquiteappalledme。Ijudgedhimtobeaboutmyownage，buthewasmuchtaller，andhehadawayofspinninghimselfaboutthatwasfullofappearance。Fortherest，hewasayounggentlemaninagreysuit(whennotdenudedforbattle)，withhiselbows，knees，wrists，andheels，considerablyinadvanceoftherestofhimastodevelopment。

MyheartfailedmewhenIsawhimsquaringatmewitheverydemonstrationofmechanicalnicety，andeyeingmyanatomyasifhewereminutelychoosinghisbone。Ineverhavebeensosurprisedinmylife，asIwaswhenIletoutthefirstblow，andsawhimlyingonhisback，lookingupatmewithabloodynoseandhisfaceexceedinglyfore-shortened。

But，hewasonhisfeetdirectly，andaftersponginghimselfwithagreatshowofdexteritybegansquaringagain。ThesecondgreatestsurpriseIhaveeverhadinmylifewasseeinghimonhisbackagain，lookingupatmeoutofablackeye。

Hisspiritinspiredmewithgreatrespect。Heseemedtohavenostrength，andheneveroncehitmehard，andhewasalwaysknockeddown；but，hewouldbeupagaininamoment，sponginghimselfordrinkingoutofthewater-bottle，withthegreatestsatisfactioninsecondinghimselfaccordingtoform，andthencameatmewithanairandashowthatmademebelievehereallywasgoingtodoformeatlast。Hegotheavilybruised，forI

amsorrytorecordthatthemoreIhithim，theharderIhithim；but，hecameupagainandagainandagain，untilatlasthegotabadfallwiththebackofhisheadagainstthewall。Evenafterthatcrisisinouraffairs，hegotupandturnedroundandroundconfusedlyafewtimes，notknowingwhereIwas；butfinallywentonhiskneestohisspongeandthrewitup:

atthesametimepantingout，`Thatmeansyouhavewon。\'

Heseemedtobraveandinnocent，thatalthoughIhadnotproposedthecontestIfeltbutagloomysatisfactioninmyvictory。Indeed，IgosofarastohopethatIregardedmyselfwhiledressing，asaspeciesofsavageyoungwolf，orotherwildbeast。However，Igotdressed，darklywipingmysanguinaryfaceatintervals，andIsaid，`CanIhelpyou？\'andhesaid`Nothankee，\'andIsaid`Goodafternoon，\'andhesaid`Sametoyou。\'

WhenIgotintothecourt-yard，IfoundEstellawaitingwiththekeys。

But，sheneitheraskedmewhereIhadbeen，norwhyIhadkeptherwaiting；

andtherewasabrightflushuponherface，asthoughsomethinghadhappenedtodelighther。Insteadofgoingstraighttothegate，too，shesteppedbackintothepassage，andbeckonedme。

`Comehere！Youmaykissme，ifyoulike。\'

Ikissedhercheekassheturnedittome。IthinkIwouldhavegonethroughagreatdealtokisshercheek。But，Ifeltthatthekisswasgiventothecoarsecommonboyasapieceofmoneymighthavebeen，andthatitwasworthnothing。

Whatwiththebirthdayvisitors，andwhatwiththecards，andwhatwiththefight，mystayhadlastedsolong，thatwhenInearedhomethelightonthespitofsandoffthepointonthemarsheswasgleamingagainstablacknight-sky，andJoe\'sfurnacewasflingingapathoffireacrosstheroad。

Chapter12

MYmindgrewveryuneasyonthesubjectofthepaleyounggentleman。

ThemoreIthoughtofthefight，andrecalledthepaleyounggentlemanonhisbackinvariousstagesofpuffyandincrimsonedcountenance，themorecertainitappearedthatsomethingwouldbedonetome。Ifeltthatthepaleyounggentleman\'sbloodwasonmyhead，andthattheLawwouldavengeit。WithouthavinganydefiniteideaofthepenaltiesIhadincurred，itwascleartomethatvillageboyscouldnotgostalkingaboutthecountry，ravagingthehousesofgentlefolksandpitchingintothestudiousyouthofEngland，withoutlayingthemselvesopentoseverepunishment。Forsomedays，Ievenkeptcloseathome，andlookedoutatthekitchendoorwiththegreatestcautionandtrepidationbeforegoingonanerrand，lesttheofficersoftheCountyJailshouldpounceuponme。Thepaleyounggentleman\'snosehadstainedmytrousers，andItriedtowashoutthatevidenceofmyguiltinthedeadofnight。Ihadcutmyknucklesagainstthepaleyounggentleman\'steeth，andItwistedmyimaginationintoathousandtangles，asIdevisedincrediblewaysofaccountingforthatdamnatorycircumstancewhenIshouldbehaledbeforetheJudges。

Whenthedaycameroundformyreturntothesceneofthedeedofviolence，myterrorsreachedtheirheight。WhethermyrmidonsofJustice，speciallysentdownfromLondon，wouldbelyinginambushbehindthegate？WhetherMissHavisham，preferringtotakepersonalvengeanceforanoutragedonetoherhouse，mightriseinthosegrave-clothesofhers，drawapistol，andshootmedead？Whethersubornedboys-anumerousbandofmercenaries-mightbeengagedtofalluponmeinthebrewery，andcuffmeuntilI

wasnomore？Itwashightestimonytomyconfidenceinthespiritofthepaleyounggentleman，thatIneverimaginedhimaccessorytotheseretaliations；theyalwayscameintomymindastheactsofinjudiciousrelativesofhis，goadedonbythestateofhisvisageandanindignantsympathywiththefamilyfeatures。

However，gotoMissHavisham\'sImust，andgoIdid。Andbehold！nothingcameofthelatestruggle。Itwasnotalludedtoinanyway，andnopaleyounggentlemanwastobediscoveredonthepremises。Ifoundthesamegateopen，andIexploredthegarden，andevenlookedinatthewindowsofthedetachedhouse；but，myviewwassuddenlystoppedbytheclosedshutterswithin，andallwaslifeless。Onlyinthecornerwherethecombathadtakenplace，couldIdetectanyevidenceoftheyounggentleman\'sexistence。

Thereweretracesofhisgoreinthatspot，andIcoveredthemwithgarden-mouldfromtheeyeofman。

OnthebroadlandingbetweenMissHavisham\'sownroomandthatotherroominwhichthelongtablewaslaidout，Isawagarden-chair-alightchaironwheels，thatyoupushedfrombehind。Ithadbeenplacedtheresincemylastvisit，andIentered，thatsameday，onaregularoccupationofpushingMissHavishaminthischair(whenshewastiredofwalkingwithherhanduponmyshoulder)roundherownroom，andacrossthelanding，androundtheotherroom。Overandoverandoveragain，wewouldmakethesejourneys，andsometimestheywouldlastaslongasthreehoursatastretch。

Iinsensiblyfallintoageneralmentionofthesejourneysasnumerous，becauseitwasatoncesettledthatIshouldreturneveryalternatedayatnoonforthesepurposes，andbecauseIamnowgoingtosumupaperiodofatleasteightortenmonths。

Aswebegantobemoreusedtooneanother，MissHavishamtalkedmoretome，andaskedmesuchquestionsaswhathadIlearntandwhatwasI

goingtobe？ItoldherIwasgoingtobeapprenticedtoJoe，Ibelieved；

andIenlargeduponmyknowingnothingandwantingtoknoweverything，inthehopethatshemightoffersomehelptowardsthatdesirableend。

But，shedidnot；onthecontrary，sheseemedtoprefermybeingignorant。

Neitherdidsheevergivemeanymoney-oranythingbutmydailydinner-norevenstipulatethatIshouldbepaidformyservices。

Estellawasalwaysabout，andalwaysletmeinandout，butnevertoldmeImightkissheragain。Sometimes，shewouldcoldlytolerateme；sometimes，shewouldcondescendtome；sometimes，shewouldbequitefamiliarwithme；sometimes，shewouldtellmeenergeticallythatshehatedme。MissHavishamwouldoftenaskmeinawhisper，orwhenwewerealone，`Doesshegrowprettierandprettier，Pip？\'AndwhenIsaidyes(forindeedshedid)，wouldseemtoenjoyitgreedily。Also，whenweplayedatcardsMissHavishamwouldlookon，withamiserlyrelishofEstella\'smoods，whatevertheywere。Andsometimes，whenhermoodsweresomanyandsocontradictoryofoneanotherthatIwaspuzzledwhattosayordo，MissHavishamwouldembraceherwithlavishfondness，murmuringsomethinginherearthatsoundedlike`Breaktheirheartsmyprideandhope，breaktheirheartsandhavenomercy！\'

TherewasasongJoeusedtohumfragmentsofattheforge，ofwhichtheburdenwasOldClem。Thiswasnotaveryceremoniouswayofrenderinghomagetoapatronsaint；but，IbelieveOldClemstoodinthatrelationtowardssmiths。Itwasasongthatimitatedthemeasureofbeatinguponiron，andwasamerelyricalexcusefortheintroductionofOldClem\'srespectedname。Thus，youweretohammerboysround-OldClem！Withathumpandasound-OldClem！Beatitout，beatitout-OldClem！Withaclinkforthestout-OldClem！Blowthefire，blowthefire-OldClem！

Roaringdryer，soaringhigher-OldClem！Onedaysoonaftertheappearanceofthechair，MissHavishamsuddenlysayingtome，withtheimpatientmovementofherfingers，`There，there，there！Sing！\'IwassurprisedintocrooningthisdittyasIpushedheroverthefloor。Ithappenedsotocatchherfancy，thatshetookitupinalowbroodingvoiceasifsheweresinginginhersleep。Afterthat，itbecamecustomarywithustohaveitaswemovedabout，andEstellawouldoftenjoinin；thoughthewholestrainwassosubdued，evenwhentherewerethreeofus，thatitmadelessnoiseinthegrimoldhousethanthelightestbreathofwind。

WhatcouldIbecomewiththesesurroundings？Howcouldmycharacterfailtobeinfluencedbythem？Isittobewonderedatifmythoughtsweredazed，asmyeyeswere，whenIcameoutintothenaturallightfromthemistyyellowrooms？

Perhaps，ImighthavetoldJoeaboutthepaleyounggentleman，ifI

hadnotpreviouslybeenbetrayedintothoseenormousinventionstowhichIhadconfessed。Underthecircumstances，IfeltthatJoecouldhardlyfailtodiscerninthepaleyounggentleman，anappropriatepassengertobeputintotheblackvelvetcoach；therefore，Isaidnothingofhim。Besides:

thatshrinkingfromhavingMissHavishamandEstelladiscussed，whichhadcomeuponmeinthebeginning，grewmuchmorepotentastimewenton。I

reposedcompleteconfidenceinnoonebutBiddy；but，ItoldpoorBiddyeverything。Whyitcamenaturaltometodoso，andwhyBiddyhadadeepconcernineverythingItoldher，Ididnotknowthen，thoughIthinkI

knownow。

Meanwhile，councilswentoninthekitchenathome，fraughtwithalmostinsupportableaggravationtomyexasperatedspirit。Thatass，Pumblechook，usedoftentocomeoveranightforthepurposeofdiscussingmyprospectswithmysister；andIreallydobelieve(tothishourwithlesspenitencethanIoughttofeel)，thatifthesehandscouldhavetakenalinchpinoutofhischaise-cart，theywouldhavedoneit。Themiserablemanwasamanofthatconfinedstolidityofmind，thathecouldnotdiscussmyprospectswithouthavingmebeforehim-asitwere，tooperateupon-

andhewoulddragmeupfrommystool(usuallybythecollar)whereIwasquietinacorner，and，puttingmebeforethefireasifIweregoingtobecooked，wouldbeginbysaying，`Now，Mum，hereisthisboy！Hereisthisboywhichyoubroughtupbyhand。Holdupyourhead，boy，andbeforevergratefuluntothemwhichsodiddo。Now，Mum，withrespectionstothisboy！\'Andthenhewouldrumplemyhairthewrongway-whichfrommyearliestremembrance，asalreadyhinted，Ihaveinmysouldeniedtherightofanyfellow-creaturetodo-andwouldholdmebeforehimbythesleeve:aspectacleofimbecilityonlytobeequalledbyhimself。

Then，heandmysisterwouldpairoffinsuchnonsensicalspeculationsaboutMissHavisham，andaboutwhatshewoulddowithmeandforme，thatIusedtowant-quitepainfully-toburstintospitefultears，flyatPumblechook，andpummelhimallover。Inthesedialogues，mysisterspoketomeasifsheweremorallywrenchingoneofmyteethoutateveryreference；

whilePumblechookhimself，self-constitutedmypatron，wouldsitsupervisingmewithadepreciatoryeye，likethearchitectofmyfortuneswhothoughthimselfengagedonaveryunremunerativejob。

Inthesediscussions，Joeborenopart。Buthewasoftentalkedat，whiletheywereinprogress，byreasonofMrsJoe\'sperceivingthathewasnotfavourabletomybeingtakenfromtheforge。Iwasfullyoldenoughnow，tobeapprenticedtoJoe；andwhenJoesatwiththepokeronhiskneesthoughtfullyrakingouttheashesbetweenthelowerbars，mysisterwouldsodistinctlyconstruethatinnocentactionintooppositiononhispart，thatshewoulddiveathim，takethepokeroutofhishands，shakehim，andputitaway。Therewasamostirritatingendtoeveryoneofthesedebates。Allinamoment，withnothingtoleaduptoit，mysisterwouldstopherselfinayawn，andcatchingsightofmeasitwereincidentally，wouldswoopuponmewith，`Come！there\'senoughofyou！Yougetalongtobed；you\'vegiventroubleenoughforonenight，Ihope！\'

AsifIhadbesoughtthemasafavourtobothermylifeout。

Wewentoninthiswayforalongtime，anditseemedlikelythatweshouldcontinuetogooninthiswayforalongtime，when，oneday，MissHavishamstoppedshortassheandIwerewalking，sheleaningonmyshoulder；

andsaidwithsomedispleasure:

`Youaregrowingtall，Pip！\'

Ithoughtitbesttohint，throughthemediumofameditativelook，thatthismightbeoccasionedbycircumstancesoverwhichIhadnocontrol。

Shesaidnomoreatthetime；but，shepresentlystoppedandlookedatmeagain；andpresentlyagain；andafterthat，lookedfrowningandmoody。

Onthenextdayofmyattendancewhenourusualexercisewasover，andIhadlandedheratherdressingtable，shestayedmewithamovementofherimpatientfingers:

`Tellmethenameagainofthatblacksmithofyours。\'

`JoeGargery，ma\'am。\'

`Meaningthemasteryouweretobeapprenticedto？\'

`Yes，MissHavisham。\'

`Youhadbetterbeapprenticedatonce。WouldGargerycomeherewithyou，andbringyourindentures，doyouthink？\'

IsignifiedthatIhadnodoubthewouldtakeitasanhonourtobeasked。

`Thenlethimcome。\'

`Atanyparticulartime，MissHavisham？\'

`There，there！Iknownothingabouttimes。Lethimcomesoon，andcomealonewithyou。\'

WhenIgothomeatnight，anddeliveredthismessageforJoe，mysister`wentontheRampage，\'inamorealarmingdegreethanatanypreviousperiod。

SheaskedmeandJoewhetherwesupposedshewasdoor-matsunderourfeet，andhowwedaredtouseherso，andwhatcompanywegraciouslythoughtshewasfitfor？Whenshehadexhaustedatorrentofsuchinquiries，shethrewacandlestickatJoe，burstintoaloudsobbing，gotoutthedustpan-whichwasalwaysaverybadsign-putonhercoarseapron，andbegancleaninguptoaterribleextent。Notsatisfiedwithadrycleaning，shetooktoapailandscrubbing-brush，andcleanedusoutofhouseandhome，sothatwestoodshiveringintheback-yard。Itwasteno\'clockatnightbeforeweventuredtocreepinagain，andthensheaskedJoewhyhehadn\'tmarriedaNegressSlaveatonce？Joeofferednoanswer，poorfellow，butstoodfeelinghiswhiskerandlookingdejectedlyatme，asifhethoughtitreallymighthavebeenabetterspeculation。

Chapter13

ITwasatrialtomyfeelings，onthenextdaybutone，toseeJoearrayinghimselfinhisSundayclothestoaccompanymetoMissHavisham\'s。

However，ashethoughthiscourt-suitnecessarytotheoccasion，itwasnotformetellhimthathelookedfarbetterinhisworkingdress；therather，becauseIknewhemadehimselfsodreadfullyuncomfortable，entirelyonmyaccount，andthatitwasformehepulleduphisshirt-collarsoveryhighbehind，thatitmadethehaironthecrownofhisheadstanduplikeatuftoffeathers。

Atbreakfasttimemysisterdeclaredherintentionofgoingtotownwithus，andbeingleftatUnclePumblechook\'sandcalledfor`whenwehaddonewithourfineladies\'-awayofputtingthecase，fromwhichJoeappearedinclinedtoaugurtheworst。Theforgewasshutupfortheday，andJoeinscribedinchalkuponthedoor(asitwashiscustomtodoontheveryrareoccasionswhenhewasnotatwork)themonosyllableHOUT，accompaniedbyasketchofanarrowsupposedtobeflyinginthedirectionhehadtaken。

Wewalkedtotown，mysisterleadingthewayinaverylargebeaverbonnet，andcarryingabasketliketheGreatSealofEnglandinplaitedstraw，apairofpattens，aspareshawl，andanumbrella，thoughitwasafinebrightday。Iamnotquiteclearwhetherthesearticleswerecarriedpenitentiallyorostentatiously；but，Iratherthinktheyweredisplayedasarticlesofproperty-muchasCleopatraoranyothersovereignladyontheRampagemightexhibitherwealthinapageantorprocession。

WhenwecametoPumblechook\'s，mysisterbouncedinandleftus。Asitwasalmostnoon，JoeandIheldstraightontoMissHavisham\'shouse。

Estellaopenedthegateasusual，and，themomentsheappeared，Joetookhishatoffandstoodweighingitbythebriminbothhishands:asifhehadsomeurgentreasoninhismindforbeingparticulartohalfaquarterofanounce。

Estellatooknonoticeofeitherofus，butledusthewaythatIknewsowell。Ifollowednexttoher，andJoecamelast。WhenIlookedbackatJoeinthelongpassage，hewasstillweighinghishatwiththegreatestcare，andwascomingafterusinlongstridesonthetipsofhistoes。

Estellatoldmewewerebothtogoin，soItookJoebythecoat-cuffandconductedhimintoMissHavisham\'spresence。Shewasseatedatherdressing-table，andlookedroundatusimmediately。

`Oh！\'saidshetoJoe。`Youarethehusbandofthesisterofthisboy？\'

IcouldhardlyhaveimagineddearoldJoelookingsounlikehimselforsolikesomeextraordinarybird；standing，ashedid，speechless，withhistuftoffeathersruffled，andhismouthopen，asifhewantedaworm。

`Youarethehusband，\'repeatedMissHavisham，`ofthesisterofthisboy？\'

Itwasveryaggravating；but，throughouttheinterviewJoepersistedinaddressingMeinsteadofMissHavisham。

`WhichImeantersay，Pip，\'Joenowobservedinamannerthatwasatonceexpressiveofforcibleargumentation，strictconfidence，andgreatpoliteness，`asIhupandmarriedyoursister，andIwereatthetimewhatyoumightcall(ifyouwasanywaysinclined)asingleman。\'

`Well！\'saidMissHavisham。`Andyouhaverearedtheboy，withtheintentionoftakinghimforyourapprentice；isthatso，MrGargery？\'

`Youknow，Pip，\'repliedJoe，`asyouandmewereeverfriends，anditwerelookedfor\'ardtobetwixtus，asbeingcalc\'latedtoleadtolarks。

Notbutwhat，Pip，ifyouhadevermadeobjectionstothebusiness-suchasitsbeingopentoblackandsut，orsuch-like-notbutwhattheywouldhavebeenattendedto，don\'tyousee？\'

`Hastheboy，\'saidMissHavisham，`evermadeanyobjection？Doeshelikethetrade？\'

`Whichitiswellbeknowntoyourself，Pip，\'returnedJoe，strengtheninghisformermixtureofargumentation，confidence，andpoliteness，`thatitwerethewishofyourownhart。\'(Isawtheideasuddenlybreakuponhimthathewouldadapthisepitaphtotheoccasion，beforehewentontosay)`Andthereweren\'tnoobjectiononyourpart，andPipitwerethegreatwishofyourhart！\'

ItwasquiteinvainformetoendeavourtomakehimsensiblethatheoughttospeaktoMissHavisham。ThemoreImadefacesandgesturestohimtodoit，themoreconfidential，argumentative，andpolite，hepersistedinbeingtoMe。

`Haveyoubroughthisindentureswithyou？\'askedMissHavisham。

`Well，Pip，youknow，\'repliedJoe，asifthatwerealittleunreasonable，`youyourselfseemeput\'eminmy\'at，andthereforeyouknowastheyarehere。\'Withwhichhetookthemout，andgavethem，nottoMissHavisham，buttome。IamafraidIwasashamedofthedeargoodfellow-IknowIwasashamedofhim-whenIsawthatEstellastoodatthebackofMissHavisham\'schair，andthathereyeslaughedmischievously。ItooktheindenturesoutofhishandandgavethemtoMissHavisham。

`Youexpected，\'saidMissHavisham，asshelookedthemover，`nopremiumwiththeboy？\'

`Joe！\'Iremonstrated；forhemadenoreplyatall。`Whydon\'tyouanswer——\'

`Pip，\'returnedJoe，cuttingmeshortasifhewerehurt，`whichImeantersaythatwerenotaquestionrequiringaanswerbetwixtyourselfandme，andwhichyouknowtheanswertobefullwellNo。YouknowittobeNo，Pip，andwhereforeshouldIsayit？\'

MissHavishamglancedathimasifsheunderstoodwhathereallywas，betterthanIhadthoughtpossible，seeingwhathewasthere；andtookupalittlebagfromthetablebesideher。

`Piphasearnedapremiumhere，\'shesaid，`andhereitis。Therearefive-and-twentyguineasinthisbag。Giveittoyourmaster，Pip。\'

Asifhewereabsolutelyoutofhismindwiththewonderawakenedinhimbyherstrangefigureandthestrangeroom，Joe，evenatthispass，persistedinaddressingme。

`Thisisweryliberalonyourpart，Pip，\'saidJoe，`anditisassuchreceivedandgratefulwelcome，thoughneverlookedfor，farnornearnornowheres。Andnow，oldchap，\'saidJoe，conveyingtomeasensation，firstofburningandthenoffreezing，forIfeltasifthatfamiliarexpressionwereappliedtoMissHavisham；`andnow，oldchap，maywedoourduty！

Mayyouandmedoourduty，bothonusbyoneandanother，andbythemwhichyourliberalpresent-have-conweyed-tobe-forthesatisfactionofmind-of-themasnever——\'hereJoeshowedthathefelthehadfallenintofrightfuldifficulties，untilhetriumphantlyrescuedhimselfwiththewords，`andfrommyselffarbeit！\'Thesewordshadsucharoundandconvincingsoundforhimthathesaidthemtwice。

`Good-bye，Pip！\'saidMissHavisham。`Letthemout，Estella。\'

`AmItocomeagain，MissHavisham？\'Iasked。

`No。Gargeryisyourmasternow。Gargery！Oneword！\'

ThuscallinghimbackasIwentoutofthedoor，IheardhersaytoJoe，inadistinctemphaticvoice，`Theboyhasbeenagoodboyhere，andthatishisreward。Ofcourse，asanhonestman，youwillexpectnootherandnomore。\'

HowJoegotoutoftheroom，Ihaveneverbeenabletodetermine；but，Iknowthatwhenhedidgetouthewassteadilyproceedingup-stairsinsteadofcomingdown，andwasdeaftoallremonstrancesuntilIwentafterhimandlaidholdofhim。Inanotherminutewewereoutsidethegate，anditwaslocked，andEstellawasgone。

Whenwestoodinthedaylightaloneagain，Joebackedupagainstawall，andsaidtome，`Astonishing！\'Andthereheremainedsolong，saying`Astonishing\'

atintervals，sooften，thatIbegantothinkhissenseswerenevercomingback。Atlengthheprolongedhisremarkinto`Pip，Idoassureyouthisisas-TONishing！\'andso，bydegrees，becameconversationalandabletowalkaway。

IhavereasontothinkthatJoe\'sintellectswerebrightenedbytheencountertheyhadpassedthrough，andthatonourwaytoPumblechook\'sheinventedasubtleanddeepdesign。MyreasonistobefoundinwhattookplaceinMrPumblechook\'sparlour:where，onourpresentingourselves，mysistersatinconferencewiththatdetestedseedsman。

`Well？\'criedmysister，addressingusbothatonce。`Andwhat\'shappenedtoyou？Iwonderyoucondescendtocomebacktosuchpoorsocietyasthis，IamsureIdo！\'

`MissHavisham，\'saidJoe，withafixedlookatme，likeaneffortofremembrance，`madeitwerypartick\'lerthatweshouldgiveher-wereitcomplimentsorrespects，Pip？\'

`Compliments，\'Isaid。

`Whichthatweremyownbelief，\'answeredJoe-`hercomplimentstoMrsJ。Gargery——\'

`Muchgoodthey\'lldome！\'observedmysister；butrathergratifiedtoo。

`Andwishing，\'pursuedJoe，withanotherfixedlookatme，likeanotherefforttoremembrance，`thatthestateofMissHavisham\'selthweresitchaswouldhave-allowed，wereit，Pip？\'

`Ofherhavingthepleasure，\'Iadded。

`Ofladies\'company，\'saidJoe。Anddrewalongbreath。

`Well！\'criedmysister，withamollifiedglanceatMrPumblechook。

`Shemighthavehadthepolitenesstosendthatmessageatfirst，butit\'sbetterlatethannever。AndwhatdidshegiveyoungRantipolehere？\'

`Shegiv\'him，\'saidJoe，`nothing。\'

MrsJoewasgoingtobreakout，butJoewenton。

`Whatshegiv\'，\'saidJoe，`shegiv\'tohisfriends。"Andbyhisfriends，"

wereherexplanation，"ImeanintothehandsofhissisterMrsJ。Gargery。"

Themwereherwords；"MrsJ。Gargery。"Shemayn\'thaveknow\'d，\'addedJoe，withanappearanceofreflection，`whetheritwereJoe，orJorge。\'

MysisterlookedatPumblechook:whosmoothedtheelbowsofhiswoodenarmchair，andnoddedatherandatthefire，asifhehadknownallaboutitbeforehand。

`Andhowmuchhaveyougot？\'askedmysister，laughing。Positively，laughing！

`Whatwouldpresentcompanysaytotenpound？\'demandedJoe。

`They\'dsay，\'returnedmysister，curtly，`prettywell。Nottoomuch，butprettywell。\'

`It\'smorethanthat，then，\'saidJoe。

ThatfearfulImpostor，Pumblechook，immediatelynodded，andsaid，asherubbedthearmsofhischair:`It\'smorethanthat，Mum。\'

`Why，youdon\'tmeantosay——\'beganmysister。

`YesIdo，Mum，\'saidPumblechook；`butwaitabit。Goon，Joseph。Goodinyou！Goon！\'

`Whatwouldpresentcompanysay，\'proceededJoe，`totwentypound？\'

`Handsomewouldbetheword，\'returnedmysister。

`Well，then，\'saidJoe，`It\'smorethantwentypound。\'

Thatabjecthypocrite，Pumblechook，noddedagain，andsaid，withapatronizinglaugh，`It\'smorethanthat，Mum。Goodagain！Followherup，Joseph！\'

`Thentomakeanendofit，\'saidJoe，delightedlyhandingthebagtomysister；`it\'sfive-and-twentypound。\'

`It\'sfive-and-twentypound，Mum，\'echoedthatbasestofswindlers，Pumblechook，risingtoshakehandswithher；`andit\'snomorethanyourmerits(asIsaidwhenmyopinionwasasked)，andIwishyoujoyofthemoney！\'

Ifthevillainhadstoppedhere，hiscasewouldhavebeensufficientlyawful，butheblackenedhisguiltbyproceedingtotakemeintocustody，witharightofpatronagethatleftallhisformercriminalityfarbehind。

`Nowyousee，Josephandwife，\'saidPumblechook，ashetookmebythearmabovetheelbow，`Iamoneofthemthatalwaysgorightthroughwithwhatthey\'vebegun。Thisboymustbebound，outofhand。That\'smyway。Boundoutofhand。\'

`Goodnessknows，UnclePumblechook，\'saidmysister(graspingthemoney)，`we\'redeeplybeholdentoyou。\'

`Nevermindme，Mum，returnedthatdiabolicalcorn-chandler。`Apleasure\'sapleasure，alltheworldover。Butthisboy，youknow；wemusthavehimbound。IsaidI\'dseetoit-totellyouthetruth。\'

TheJusticesweresittingintheTownHallnearathand，andweatoncewentovertohavemeboundapprenticetoJoeintheMagisterialpresence。

Isay，wewentover，butIwaspushedoverbyPumblechook，exactlyasifIhadthatmomentpickedapocketorfiredarick；indeed，itwasthegeneralimpressioninCourtthatIhadbeentakenred-handed，for，asPumblechookshovedmebeforehimthroughthecrowd，Iheardsomepeoplesay，`What\'shedone？\'andothers，`He\'sayoung\'un，too，butlooksbad，don\'the？

Onepersonofmildandbenevolentaspectevengavemeatractornamentedwithawoodcutofamalevolentyoungmanfittedupwithaperfectsausage-shopoffetters，andentitled，TOBEREADINMYCELL。

TheHallwasaqueerplace，Ithought，withhigherpewsinitthanachurch-andwithpeoplehangingoverthepewslookingon-andwithmightyJustices(onewithapowderedhead)leaningbackinchairs，withfoldedarms，ortakingsnuff，orgoingtosleep，orwriting，orreadingthenewspapers-andwithsomeshiningblackportraitsonthewalls，whichmyunartisticeyeregardedasacompositionofhardbakeandsticking-plaister。Here，inacorner，myindenturesweredulysignedandattested，andIwas`bound；\'

MrPumblechookholdingmeallthewhileasifwehadlookedinonourwaytothescaffold，tohavethoselittlepreliminariesdisposedof。

Whenwehadcomeoutagain，andhadgotridoftheboyswhohadbeenputintogreatspiritsbytheexpectationofseeingmepubliclytortured，andwhoweremuchdisappointedtofindthatmyfriendsweremerelyrallyingroundme，wewentbacktoPumblechook\'s。Andtheremysisterbecamesoexcitedbythetwenty-fiveguineas，thatnothingwouldserveherbutwemusthaveadinneroutofthatwindfall，attheBlueBoar，andthatPumblechookmustgooverinhischaise-cart，andbringtheHubblesandMrWopsle。

Itwasagreedtobedone；andamostmelancholydayIpassed。For，itinscrutablyappearedtostandtoreason，inthemindsofthewholecompany，thatIwasanexcrescenceontheentertainment。Andtomakeitworse，theyallaskedmefromtimetotime-inshort，whenevertheyhadnothingelsetodo-whyIdidn\'tenjoymyself。AndwhatcouldIpossiblydothen，butsayIwasenjoyingmyself-whenIwasn\'t？

However，theyweregrownupandhadtheirownway，andtheymadethemostofit。ThatswindlingPumblechook，exaltedintothebeneficentcontriverofthewholeoccasion，actuallytookthetopofthetable；and，whenheaddressedthemonthesubjectofmybeingbound，andhadfiendishlycongratulatedthemonmybeingliabletoimprisonmentifIplayedatcards，drankstrongliquors，keptlatehoursorbadcompany，orindulgedinothervagarieswhichtheformofmyindenturesappearedtocontemplateasnexttoinevitable，heplacedmestandingonachairbesidehim，toillustratehisremarks。

Myonlyotherremembrancesofthegreatfestivalare，Thattheywouldn\'tletmegotosleep，butwhenevertheysawmedroppingoff，wokemeupandtoldmetoenjoymyself。That，ratherlateintheeveningMrWopslegaveusCollins\'sode，andthrewhisbloodstain\'dswordinthunderdown，withsucheffect，thatawaitercameinandsaid，`TheCommercialsunderneathsentuptheircompliments，anditwasn\'ttheTumblers\'Arms。\'That，theywereallinexcellentspiritsontheroadhome，andsangOLadyFair！MrWopsletakingthebass，andassertingwithatremendouslystrongvoice(inreplytotheinquisitiveborewholeadsthatpieceofmusicinamostimpertinentmanner，bywantingtoknowallabouteverybody\'sprivateaffairs)

thathewasthemanwithhiswhitelocksflowing，andthathewasuponthewholetheweakestpilgrimgoing。

Finally，IrememberthatwhenIgotintomylittlebedroomIwastrulywretched，andhadastrongconvictiononmethatIshouldneverlikeJoe\'strade。Ihadlikeditonce，butoncewasnotnow。

Chapter14

ITisamostmiserablethingtofeelashamedofhome。Theremaybeblackingratitudeinthething，andthepunishmentmayberetributiveandwelldeserved；but，thatitisamiserablething，Icantestify。

Homehadneverbeenaverypleasantplacetome，becauseofmysister\'stemper。But，Joehadsanctifiedit，andIhadbelievedinit。Ihadbelievedinthebestparlourasamostelegantsaloon；Ihadbelievedinthefrontdoor，asamysteriousportaloftheTempleofStatewhosesolemnopeningwasattendedwithasacrificeofroastfowls；Ihadbelievedinthekitchenasachastethoughnotmagnificentapartment；Ihadbelievedintheforgeastheglowingroadtomanhoodandindependence。Withinasingleyear，allthiswaschanged。Now，itwasallcoarseandcommon，andIwouldnothavehadMissHavishamandEstellaseeitonanyaccount。

Howmuchofmyungraciousconditionofmindmayhavebeenmyownfault，howmuchMissHavisham\'s，howmuchmysister\'s，isnowofnomomenttomeortoanyone。Thechangewasmadeinme；thethingwasdone。Wellorilldone，excusablyorinexcusably，itwasdone。

Once，ithadseemedtomethatwhenIshouldatlastrollupmyshirt-sleevesandgointotheforge，Joe\'s\'prentice，Ishouldbedistinguishedandhappy。

Nowtherealitywasinmyhold，IonlyfeltthatIwasdustywiththedustofsmallcoal，andthatIhadaweightuponmydailyremembrancetowhichtheanvilwasafeather。Therehavebeenoccasionsinmylaterlife(I

supposeasinmostlives)whenIhavefeltforatimeasifathickcurtainhadfallenonallitsinterestandromance，toshutmeoutfromanythingsavedullenduranceanymore。Neverhasthatcurtaindroppedsoheavyandblank，aswhenmywayinlifelaystretchedoutstraightbeforemethroughthenewly-enteredroadofapprenticeshiptoJoe。

Irememberthatatalaterperiodofmy`time，\'IusedtostandaboutthechurchyardonSundayeveningswhennightwasfalling，comparingmyownperspectivewiththewindymarshview，andmakingoutsomelikenessbetweenthembythinkinghowflatandlowbothwere，andhowonboththerecameanunknownwayandadarkmistandthenthesea。Iwasquiteasdejectedonthefirstworking-dayofmyapprenticeshipasinthatafter-time；butIamgladtoknowthatIneverbreathedamurmurtoJoewhilemyindentureslasted。ItisabouttheonlythingIamgladtoknowofmyselfinthatconnection。

For，thoughitincludeswhatIproceedtoadd，allthemeritofwhatIproceedtoaddwasJoe\'s。ItwasnotbecauseIwasfaithful，butbecauseJoewasfaithful，thatIneverranawayandwentforasoldierorasailor。

ItwasnotbecauseIhadastrongsenseofthevirtueofindustry，butbecauseJoehadastrongsenseofthevirtueofindustry，thatIworkedwithtolerablezealagainstthegrain。Itisnotpossibletoknowhowfartheinfluenceofanyamiablehonest-heartedduty-doingmanfliesoutintotheworld；butitisverypossibletoknowhowithastouchedone\'sselfingoingby，andIknowrightwell，thatanygoodthatintermixeditselfwithmyapprenticeshipcameofplaincontentedJoe，andnotofrestlesslyaspiringdiscontentedme。

WhatIwanted，whocansay？HowcanIsay，whenIneverknew？

WhatIdreadedwas，thatinsomeunluckyhourI，beingatmygrimiestandcommonest，shouldliftupmyeyesandseeEstellalookinginatoneofthewoodenwindowsoftheforge。Iwashauntedbythefearthatshewould，soonerorlater，findmeout，withablackfaceandhands，doingthecoarsestpartofmywork，andwouldexultovermeanddespiseme。Oftenafterdark，whenIwaspullingthebellowsforJoe，andweweresingingOldClem，andwhenthethoughthowweusedtosingitatMissHavisham\'swouldseemtoshowmeEstella\'sfaceinthefire，withherprettyhairflutteringinthewindandhereyesscorningme，-oftenatsuchatimeIwouldlooktowardsthosepanelsofblacknightinthewallwhichthewoodenwindowsthenwere，andwouldfancythatIsawherjustdrawingherfaceaway，andwouldbelievethatshehadcomeatlast。

Afterthat，whenwewentintosupper，theplaceandthemealwouldhaveamorehomelylookthanever，andIwouldfeelmoreashamedofhomethanever，inmyownungraciousbreast。

Chapter15

ASIwasgettingtoobigforMrWopsle\'sgreat-aunt\'sroom，myeducationunderthatpreposterousfemaleterminated。Not，however，untilBiddyhadimpartedtomeeverythingsheknew，fromthelittlecatalogueofprices，toacomicsongshehadonceboughtforahalfpenny。Althoughtheonlycoherentpartofthelatterpieceofliteratureweretheopeninglines，WhenIwenttoLunnontownsirs，ToorulloorulToorulloorulWasn\'tIdoneverybrownsirs？

ToorulloorulToorulloorul-still，inmydesiretobewiser，Igotthiscompositionbyheartwiththeutmostgravity；nordoIrecollectthatIquestioneditsmerit，exceptthatIthought(asIstilldo)theamountofToorulsomewhatinexcessofthepoetry。Inmyhungerforinformation，ImadeproposalstoMrWopsletobestowsomeintellectualcrumbsuponme；withwhichhekindlycomplied。

Asitturnedout，however，thatheonlywantedmeforadramaticlay-figure，tobecontradictedandembracedandweptoverandbulliedandclutchedandstabbedandknockedaboutinavarietyofways，Isoondeclinedthatcourseofinstruction；thoughnotuntilMrWopsleinhispoeticfuryhadseverelymauledme。

WhateverIacquired，ItriedtoimparttoJoe。Thisstatementsoundssowell，thatIcannotinmyconscienceletitpassunexplained。IwantedtomakeJoelessignorantandcommon，thathemightbeworthierofmysocietyandlessopentoEstella\'sreproach。

TheoldBatteryoutonthemarsheswasourplaceofstudy，andabrokenslateandashortpieceofslatepencilwereoureducationalimplements:

towhichJoealwaysaddedapipeoftobacco。IneverknewJoetorememberanythingfromoneSundaytoanother，ortoacquire，undermytuition，anypieceofinformationwhatever。YethewouldsmokehispipeattheBatterywithafarmoresagaciousairthananywhereelse-evenwithalearnedair-asifheconsideredhimselftobeadvancingimmensely。Dearfellow，Ihopehedid。

Itwaspleasantandquiet，outtherewiththesailsontheriverpassingbeyondtheearthwork，andsometimes，whenthetidewaslow，lookingasiftheybelongedtosunkenshipsthatwerestillsailingonatthebottomofthewater。WheneverIwatchedthevesselsstandingouttoseawiththeirwhitesailsspread，IsomehowthoughtofMissHavishamandEstella；andwheneverthelightstruckaslant，afaroff，uponacloudorsailorgreenhill-sideorwater-line，itwasjustthesame-MissHavishamandEstellaandthestrangehouseandthestrangelifeappearedtohavesomethingtodowitheverythingthatwaspicturesque。

OneSundaywhenJoe，greatlyenjoyinghispipe，hadsoplumedhimselfonbeing`mostawfuldull，\'thatIhadgivenhimupfortheday，Ilayontheearthworkforsometimewithmychinonmyhand，descryingtracesofMissHavishamandEstellaallovertheprospect，intheskyandinthewater，untilatlastIresolvedtomentionathoughtconcerningthemthathadbeenmuchinmyhead。

`Joe，\'saidI；`don\'tyouthinkIoughttomakeMissHavishamavisit？\'

`Well，Pip，\'returnedJoe，slowlyconsidering。`Whatfor？\'

`Whatfor，Joe？Whatisanyvisitmadefor？\'

`Thereissomewisits，p\'r\'aps，\'saidJoe，`asforeverremainsopentothequestion，Pip。ButinregardtowisitingMissHavisham。Shemightthinkyouwantedsomething-expectedsomethingofher。\'

`Don\'tyouthinkImightsaythatIdidnot，Joe？\'

`Youmight，oldchap，\'saidJoe。`Andshemightcreditit。Similarlyshemightn\'t。\'

Joefelt，asIdid，thathehadmadeapointthere，andhepulledhardathispipetokeephimselffromweakeningitbyrepetition。

`Yousee，Pip，\'Joepursued，assoonashewaspastthatdanger，`MissHavishamdonethehandsomethingbyyou。WhenMissHavishamdonethehandsomethingbyyou，shecalledmebacktosaytomeasthatwereall。\'

`Yes，Joe。Iheardher。\'

`ALL，\'Joerepeated，veryemphatically。

`Yes，Joe。Itellyou，Iheardher。\'

`WhichImeantersay，Pip，itmightbethathermeaningwere-Makeaendonit！-Asyouwas！-MetotheNorth，andyoutotheSouth！-Keepinsunders！\'

Ihadthoughtofthattoo，anditwasveryfarfromcomfortingtometofindthathehadthoughtofit；foritseemedtorenderitmoreprobable。

`But，Joe。\'

`Yes，oldchap。\'

`HereamI，gettingoninthefirstyearofmytime，and，sincethedayofmybeingbound，IhaveneverthankedMissHavisham，oraskedafterher，orshownthatIrememberher。\'

`That\'strue，Pip；andunlessyouwastoturnheroutasetofshoesallfourround-andwhichImeantersayasevenasetofshoesallfourroundmightnotactacceptableasapresent，inatotalwacancyofhoofs——\'

`Idon\'tmeanthatsortofremembrance，Joe；Idon\'tmeanapresent。\'

ButJoehadgottheideaofapresentinhisheadandmustharpuponit。`Oreven，\'saidhe，`ifyouwashelpedtoknockingherupanewchainforthefrontdoor-orsayagrossortwoofsharkheadedscrewsforgeneraluse-orsomelightfancyarticle，suchasatoasting-forkwhenshetookhermuffins-oragridironwhenshetookaspratorsuchlike——\'

`Idon\'tmeananypresentatall，Joe，\'Iinterposed。

`Well，\'saidJoe，stillharpingonitasthoughIhadparticularlypressedit，`ifIwasyourself，Pip，Iwouldn\'t。No，Iwouldnot。Forwhat\'sadoor-chainwhenshe\'sgotonealwaysup？Andsharkheadersisopentomisrepresentations。Andifitwasatoasting-fork，you\'dgointobrassanddoyourselfnocredit。Andtheoncommonestworkmancan\'tshowhimselfoncommoninagridiron-foragridironISagridiron，\'saidJoe，steadfastlyimpressingituponme，asifhewereendeavouringtorousemefromafixeddelusion，`andyoumayhaimatwhatyoulike，butagridironitwillcomeout，eitherbyyourleaveoragainyourleave，andyoucan\'thelpyourself——\'

`MydearJoe，\'Icried，indesperation，takingholdofhiscoat，`don\'tgooninthatway。IneverthoughtofmakingMissHavishamanypresent。\'

`No，Pip，\'Joeassented，asifhehadbeencontendingforthat，allalong；`andwhatIsaytoyouis，youareright，Pip。\'

`Yes，Joe；butwhatIwantedtosay，was，thatasweareratherslackjustnow，ifyouwouldgivemeahalf-holidayto-morrow，IthinkIwouldgoup-townandmakeacallonMissEst-Havisham。\'

`Whichhername，\'saidJoe，gravely，`ain\'tEstavisham，Pip，unlessshehavebeenrechris\'ened。\'

`Iknow，Joe，Iknow。Itwasslipofmine。Whatdoyouthinkofit，Joe？\'

Inbrief，JoethoughtthatifIthoughtwellofit，hethoughtwellofit。But，hewasparticularinstipulatingthatifIwerenotreceivedwithcordiality，orifIwerenotencouragedtorepeatmyvisitasavisitwhichhadnoulteriorobjectbutwassimplyoneofgratitudeforafavourreceived，thenthisexperimentaltripshouldhavenosuccessor。BytheseconditionsIpromisedtoabide。

Now，JoekeptajourneymanatweeklywageswhosenamewasOrlick。HepretendedthathischristiannamewasDolge-aclearimpossibility-buthewasafellowofthatobstinatedispositionthatIbelievehimtohavebeenthepreyofnodelusioninthisparticular，butwilfullytohaveimposedthatnameuponthevillageasanaffronttoitsunderstanding。Hewasabroadshoulderedloose-limbedswarthyfellowofgreatstrength，neverinahurry，andalwaysslouching。Heneverevenseemedtocometohisworkonpurpose，butwouldslouchinasifbymereaccident；andwhenhewenttotheJollyBargementoeathisdinner，orwentawayatnight，hewouldslouchout，likeCainortheWanderingJew，asifhehadnoideawherehewasgoingandnointentionofevercomingback。Helodgedatasluice-keeper\'soutonthemarshes，andonworkingdayswouldcomeslouchingfromhishermitage，withhishandsinhispocketsandhisdinnerlooselytiedinabundleroundhisneckanddanglingonhisback。OnSundayshemostlylayalldayonsluice-gates，orstoodagainstricksandbarns。Healwaysslouched，locomotively，withhiseyesontheground；and，whenaccostedorotherwiserequiredtoraisethem，helookedupinahalfresentful，halfpuzzledway，asthoughtheonlythoughtheeverhad，was，thatitwasratheranoddandinjuriousfactthatheshouldneverbethinking。

Thismorosejourneymanhadnolikingforme。WhenIwasverysmallandtimid，hegavemetounderstandthattheDevillivedinablackcorneroftheforge，andthatheknewthefiendverywell:alsothatitwasnecessarytomakeupthefire，onceinsevenyears，withaliveboy，andthatImightconsidermyselffuel。WhenIbecameJoe\'s\'prentice，OrlickwasperhapsconfirmedinsomesuspicionthatIshoulddisplacehim；howbeit，helikedmestillless。Notthatheeversaidanything，ordidanything，openlyimportinghostility；Ionlynoticedthathealwaysbeathissparksinmydirection，andthatwheneverIsangOldClem，hecameinoutoftime。

DolgeOrlickwasatworkandpresent，nextday，whenIremindedJoeofmyhalf-holiday。Hesaidnothingatthemoment，forheandJoehadjustgotapieceofhotironbetweenthem，andIwasatthebellows；butby-and-byhesaid，leaningonhishammer:

`Now，master！Sureyou\'renotagoingtofavouronlyoneofus。IfYoungPiphasahalf-holiday，doasmuchforOldOrlick。\'Isupposehewasaboutfive-and-twenty，butheusuallyspokeofhimselfasanancientperson。

`Why，what\'llyoudowithahalf-holiday，ifyougetit？\'saidJoe。

`What\'llIdowithit！What\'llhedowithit？I\'lldoasmuchwithitashim，\'saidOrlick。

`AstoPip，he\'sgoingup-town，\'saidJoe。

`Wellthen，astoOldOrlick，he\'sagoingup-town，\'retortedthatworthy。`Twocangoup-town。Tan\'tonlyonewotcangoup-town。

`Don\'tloseyourtemper，\'saidJoe。

`ShallifIlike，\'growledOrlick。`Someandtheirup-towning！Now，master！

Come。Nofavouringinthisshop。Beaman！\'

Themasterrefusingtoentertainthesubjectuntilthejourneymanwasinabettertemper，Orlickplungedatthefurnace，drewoutared-hotbar，madeatmewithitasifheweregoingtorunitthroughmybody，whiskeditroundmyhead，laiditontheanvil，hammereditout-asifitwereI，Ithought，andthesparksweremyspirtingblood-andfinallysaid，whenhehadhammeredhimselfhotandtheironcold，andheagainleanedonhishammer:

`Now，master！\'

`Areyouallrightnow？\'demandedJoe。

`Ah！Iamallright，\'saidgruffOldOrlick。

`Then，asingeneralyousticktoyourworkaswellasmostmen，\'saidJoe，`letitbeahalf-holidayforall。\'

Mysisterhadbeenstandingsilentintheyard，withinhearing-shewasamostunscrupulousspyandlistener-andsheinstantlylookedinatoneofthewindows。

`Likeyou，youfool！\'saidshetoJoe，`givingholidaystogreatidlehulkerslikethat。Youarearichman，uponmylife，towastewagesinthatway。IwishIwashismaster！\'

`You\'dbeeverybody\'smaster，ifyoudurst，\'retortedOrlick，withanill-favouredgrin。

(`Letheralone，\'saidJoe。)

`I\'dbeamatchforallnoodlesandallrogues，\'returnedmysister，beginningtoworkherselfintoamightyrage。`AndIcouldn\'tbeamatchforthenoodles，withoutbeingamatchforyourmaster，who\'sthedunder-headedkingofthenoodles。AndIcouldn\'tbeamatchfortherogues，withoutbeingamatchforyou，whoaretheblackest-lookingandtheworstroguebetweenthisandFrance。Now！\'

`You\'reafoulshrew，MotherGargery，growledthejourneyman。`Ifthatmakesajudgeofrogues，yououghttobeagood\'un。\'

(`Letheralone，willyou？\'saidJoe。)

`Whatdidyousay？\'criedmysister，beginningtoscream。`Whatdidyousay？WhatdidthatfellowOrlicksaytome，Pip？Whatdidhecallme，withmyhusbandstandingby？O！O！O！\'Eachoftheseexclamationswasashriek；andImustremarkofmysister，whatisequallytrueofalltheviolentwomenIhaveeverseen，thatpassionwasnoexcuseforher，becauseitisundeniablethatinsteadoflapsingintopassion，sheconsciouslyanddeliberatelytookextraordinarypainstoforceherselfintoit，andbecameblindlyfuriousbyregularstages；`whatwasthenamehegavemebeforethebasemanwhosworetodefendme？O！Holdme！O！\'

`Ah-h-h！\'growledthejourneyman，betweenhisteeth，`I\'dholdyou，ifyouwasmywife。I\'dholdyouunderthepump，andchokeitoutofyou。\'

(`Itellyou，letheralone，\'saidJoe。)

`Oh！Tohearhim！\'criedmysister，withaclapofherhandsandascreamtogether-whichwashernextstage。`Tohearthenameshe\'sgivingme！

ThatOrlick！Inmyownhouse！Me，amarriedwoman！Withmyhusbandstandingby！O！O！\'Heremysister，afterafitofclappingsandscreamings，beatherhandsuponherbosomanduponherknees，andthrewhercapoff，andpulledherhairdown-whichwerethelaststagesonherroadtofrenzy。

BeingbythistimeaperfectFuryandacompletesuccess，shemadeadashatthedoor，whichIhadfortunatelylocked。

WhatcouldthewretchedJoedonow，afterhisdisregardedparentheticalinterruptions，butstanduptohisjourneyman，andaskhimwhathemeantbyinterferingbetwixthimselfandMrsJoe；andfurtherwhetherhè；

wasmanenoughtocomeon？OldOrlickfeltthatthesituationadmittedofnothinglessthancomingon，andwasonhisdefencestraightway；so，withoutsomuchaspullingofftheirsingedandburntaprons，theywentatoneanother，liketwogiants。But，ifanymaninthatneighbourhoodcouldstanduplongagainstJoe，Ineversawtheman。Orlick，asifhehadbeenofnomoreaccountthanthepaleyounggentleman，wasverysoonamongthecoal-dust，andinnohurrytocomeoutofit。Then，Joeunlockedthedoorandpickedupmysister，whohaddroppedinsensibleatthewindow(butwhohadseenthefightfirst，Ithink)，andwhowascarriedintothehouseandlaiddown，andwhowasrecommendedtorevive，andwoulddonothingbutstruggleandclenchherhandsinJoe\'shair。Then，camethatsingularcalmandsilencewhichsucceedalluproars；andthen，withthevaguesensationwhichIhavealwaysconnectedwithsuchalull-namely，thatitwasSunday，andsomebodywasdead-Iwentup-stairstodressmyself。

WhenIcamedownagain，IfoundJoeandOrlicksweepingup，withoutanyothertracesofdiscomposurethanaslitinoneofOrlick\'snostrils，whichwasneitherexpressivenorornamental。ApotofbeerhadappearedfromtheJollyBargemen，andtheyweresharingitbyturnsinapeaceablemanner。ThelullhadasedativeandphilosophicalinfluenceonJoe，whofollowedmeoutintotheroadtosay，asapartingobservationthatmightdomegood，`OntheRampage，Pip，andofftheRampage，Pip-suchisLife！\'

Withwhatabsurdemotions(for，wethinkthefeelingsthatareveryseriousinamanquitecomicalinaboy)IfoundmyselfagaingoingtoMissHavisham\'s，matterslittlehere。Nor，howIpassedandrepassedthegatemanytimesbeforeIcouldmakeupmymindtoring。Nor，howIdebatedwhetherIshouldgoawaywithoutringing；nor，howIshouldundoubtedlyhavegone，ifmytimehadbeenmyown，tocomeback。

MissSarahPocketcametothegate。NoEstella。

`How，then？Youhereagain？\'saidMissPocket。`Whatdoyouwant？\'

WhenIsaidthatIonlycametoseehowMissHavishamwas，Sarahevidentlydeliberatedwhetherornosheshouldsendmeaboutmybusiness。But，unwillingtohazardtheresponsibility，sheletmein，andpresentlybroughtthesharpmessagethatIwasto`comeup。\'

Everythingwasunchanged，andMissHavishamwasalone。

`Well？\'saidshe，fixinghereyesuponme。`Ihopeyouwantnothing？

You\'llgetnothing。\'

`No，indeed，MissHavisham。IonlywantedyoutoknowthatIamdoingverywellinmyapprenticeship，andamalwaysmuchobligedtoyou。\'

`There，there！\'withtheoldrestlessfingers。`Comenowandthen；comeonyourbirthday-Ay！\'shecriedsuddenly，turningherselfandherchairtowardsme，`YouarelookingroundforEstella？Hey？\'

Ihadbeenlookinground-infact，forEstella-andIstammeredthatIhopedshewaswell。

`Abroad，\'saidMissHavisham；`educatingforalady；faroutofreach；

prettierthanever；admiredbyallwhoseeher。Doyoufeelthatyouhavelosther？\'

Therewassuchamalignantenjoymentinherutteranceofthelastwords，andshebrokeintosuchadisagreeablelaugh，thatIwasatalosswhattosay。Shesparedmethetroubleofconsidering，bydismissingme。WhenthegatewascloseduponmebySarahofthewalnut-shellcountenance，I

feltmorethaneverdissatisfiedwithmyhomeandwithmytradeandwitheverything；andthatwasallItookbythatmotion。

AsIwasloiteringalongtheHigh-street，lookingindisconsolatelyattheshopwindows，andthinkingwhatIwouldbuyifIwereagentleman，whoshouldcomeoutofthebookshopbutMrWopsle。MrWopslehadinhishandtheaffectingtragedyofGeorgeBarnwell，inwhichhehadthatmomentinvestedsixpence，withtheviewofheapingeverywordofitontheheadofPumblechook，withwhomhewasgoingtodrinktea。Nosoonerdidheseeme，thanheappearedtoconsiderthataspecialProvidencehadputa\'prenticeinhiswaytobereadat；andhelaidholdofme，andinsistedonmyaccompanyinghimtothePumblechookianparlour。AsIknewitwouldbemiserableathome，andasthenightsweredarkandthewaywasdreary，andalmostanycompanionshipontheroadwasbetterthannone，Imadenogreatresistance；consequently，weturnedintoPumblechook\'sjustasthestreetandtheshopswerelightingup。

AsIneverassistedatanyotherrepresentationofGeorgeBarnwell，Idon\'tknowhowlongitmayusuallytake；butIknowverywellthatittookuntilhalf-pastnineo\'clockthatnight，andthatwhenMrWopslegotintoNewgate，Ithoughtheneverwouldgotothescaffold，hebecamesomuchslowerthanatanyformerperiodofhisdisgracefulcareer。Ithoughtitalittletoomuchthatheshouldcomplainofbeingcutshortinhisflowerafterall，asifhehadnotbeenrunningtoseed，leafafterleaf，eversincehiscoursebegan。This，however，wasamerequestionoflengthandwearisomeness。Whatstungme，wastheidentificationofthewholeaffairwithmyunoffendingself。WhenBarnwellbegantogowrong，IdeclarethatIfeltpositivelyapologetic，Pumblechook\'sindignantstaresotaxedmewithit。Wopsle，too，tookpainstopresentmeintheworstlight。Atonceferociousandmaudlin，Iwasmadetomurdermyunclewithnoextenuatingcircumstanceswhatever；Millwoodputmedowninargument，oneveryoccasion；

itbecamesheermonomaniainmymaster\'sdaughtertocareabuttonforme；andallIcansayformygaspingandprocrastinatingconductonthefatalmorning，is，thatitwasworthyofthegeneralfeeblenessofmycharacter。

EvenafterIwashappilyhangedandWopslehadclosedthebook，Pumblechooksatstaringatme，andshakinghishead，andsaying，`Takewarning，boy，takewarning！\'asifitwereawell-knownfactthatIcontemplatedmurderinganearrelation，providedIcouldonlyinduceonetohavetheweaknesstobecomemybenefactor。

Itwasaverydarknightwhenitwasallover，andwhenIsetoutwithMr。Wopsleonthewalkhome。Beyondtown，wefoundaheavymistout，anditfellwetandthick。Theturnpikelampwasablur，quiteoutofthelamp\'susualplaceapparently，anditsrayslookedsolidsubstanceonthefog。

Wewerenoticingthis，andsayinghowthatthemistrosewithachangeofwindfromacertainquarterofourmarshes，whenwecameuponaman，slouchingundertheleeoftheturnpikehouse。

`Halloa！\'wesaid，stopping。`Orlick，there？\'

`Ah！\'heanswered，slouchingout。`Iwasstandingby，aminute，onthechanceofcompany。\'

`Youarelate，\'Iremarked。

Orlicknotunnaturallyanswered，`Well？Andyou\'relate。\'

`Wehavebeen，\'saidMrWopsle，exaltedwithhislateperformance，`wehavebeenindulging，MrOrlick，inanintellectualevening。\'

OldOrlickgrowled，asifhehadnothingtosayaboutthat，andweallwentontogether。Iaskedhimpresentlywhetherhehadbeenspendinghishalf-holidayupanddowntown？

`Yes，\'saidhe，`allofit。Icomeinbehindyourself。Ididn\'tseeyou，butImusthavebeenprettyclosebehindyou。By-the-bye，thegunsisgoingagain。\'

`AttheHulks？\'saidI。

`Ay！There\'ssomeofthebirdsflownfromthecages。Thegunshavebeengoingsincedark，about。You\'llhearonepresently。\'

Ineffect，wehadnotwalkedmanyyardsfurther，whenthewellrememberedboomcametowardsus，deadenedbythemist，andheavilyrolledawayalongthelowgroundsbytheriver，asifitwerepursuingandthreateningthefugitives。

`Agoodnightforcuttingoffin，\'saidOrlick。`We\'dbepuzzledhowtobringdownajail-birdonthewing，to-night。\'

Thesubjectwasasuggestiveonetome，andIthoughtaboutitinsilence。

MrWopsle，astheill-requiteduncleoftheevening\'stragedy，felltomeditatingaloudinhisgardenatCamberwell。Orlick，withhishandsinhispockets，slouchedheavilyatmyside。Itwasverydark，verywet，verymuddy，andsowesplashedalong。Nowandthen，thesoundofthesignalcannonbrokeuponusagain，andagainrolledsulkilyalongthecourseoftheriver。Ikeptmyselftomyselfandmythoughts。MrWopslediedamiablyatCamberwell，andexceedinglygameonBosworthField，andinthegreatestagoniesatGlastonbury。Orlicksometimesgrowled，`Beatitout，beatitout-OldClem！Withaclinkforthestout-OldClem！\'Ithoughthehadbeendrinking，buthewasnotdrunk。

Thus，wecametothevillage。Thewaybywhichweapproachedit，tookuspasttheThreeJollyBargemen，whichweweresurprisedtofind-itbeingeleveno\'clock-inastateofcommotion，withthedoorwideopen，andunwontedlightsthathadbeenhastilycaughtupandputdown，scatteredabout。MrWopsledroppedintoaskwhatwasthematter(surmisingthataconvicthadbeentaken)，butcamerunningoutinagreathurry。

`There\'ssomethingwrong，\'saidhe，withoutstopping，`upatyourplace，Pip。Runall！\'

`Whatisit？\'Iasked，keepingupwithhim。SodidOrlick，atmyside。

`Ican\'tquiteunderstand。ThehouseseemstohavebeenviolentlyenteredwhenJoeGargerywasout。Supposedbyconvicts。Somebodyhasbeenattackedandhurt。\'

Wewererunningtoofasttoadmitofmorebeingsaid，andwemadenostopuntilwegotintoourkitchen。Itwasfullofpeople；thewholevillagewasthere，orintheyard；andtherewasasurgeon，andtherewasJoe，andtherewasagroupofwomen，allonthefloorinthemidstofthekitchen。

Theunemployedbystandersdrewbackwhentheysawme，andsoIbecameawareofmysister-lyingwithoutsenseormovementonthebareboardswhereshehadbeenknockeddownbyatremendousblowonthebackofthehead，dealtbysomeunknownhandwhenherfacewasturnedtowardsthefire-

destinednevertobeontheRampageagain，whileshewasthewifeofJoe。