下载辰思小说免费APP
AlthoughIwaslookingatBiddyasIspoke，andalthoughsheopenedhereyesverywidewhenIhadspoken，shedidnotlookatme。
`Oh，hismanners！won\'thismannersdo，then？\'askedBiddy，pluckingablack-currantleaf。
`MydearBiddy，theydoverywellhere——\'
`Oh！theydoverywellhere？\'interruptedBiddy，lookingcloselyattheleafinherhand。
`Hearmeout-butifIweretoremoveJoeintoahighersphere，asIshallhopetoremovehimwhenIfullycomeintomyproperty，theywouldhardlydohimjustice。\'
`Anddon\'tyouthinkheknowsthat？\'askedBiddy。
Itwassuchaveryprovokingquestion(forithadneverinthemostdistantmanneroccurredtome)，thatIsaid，snappishly，`Biddy，whatdoyoumean？\'
Biddyhavingrubbedtheleaftopiecesbetweenherhands-andthesmellofablack-currantbushhaseversincerecalledtomethateveninginthelittlegardenbythesideofthelane-said，`Haveyouneverconsideredthathemaybeproud？\'
`Proud？\'Irepeated，withdisdainfulemphasis。
`Oh！therearemanykindsofpride，\'saidBiddy，lookingfullatmeandshakingherhead；`prideisnotallofonekind——\'
`Well？Whatareyoustoppingfor？\'saidI。
`Notallofonekind，\'resumedBiddy。`Hemaybetooproudtoletanyonetakehimoutofaplacethatheiscompetenttofill，andfillswellandwithrespect。Totellyouthetruth，Ithinkheis:thoughitsoundsboldinmetosayso，foryoumustknowhimfarbetterthanIdo。\'
`Now，Biddy，\'saidI，`Iamverysorrytoseethisinyou。Ididnotexpecttoseethisinyou。Youareenvious，Biddy，andgrudging。Youaredissatisfiedonaccountofmyriseinfortune，andyoucan\'thelpshowingit。\'
`Ifyouhavethehearttothinkso，\'returnedBiddy，`sayso。Saysooverandoveragain，ifyouhavethehearttothinkso。\'
`Ifyouhavethehearttobeso，youmean，Biddy，\'saidI，inavirtuousandsuperiortone；`don\'tputitoffuponme。Iamverysorrytoseeit，andit\'sa-it\'sabadsideofhumannature。IdidintendtoaskyoutouseanylittleopportunitiesyoumighthaveafterIwasgone，ofimprovingdearJoe。Butafterthis，Iaskyounothing。Iamextremelysorrytoseethisinyou，Biddy，\'Irepeated。`It\'sa-it\'sabadsideofhumannature。\'
`Whetheryouscoldmeorapproveofme，\'returnedpoorBiddy，`youmayequallydependuponmytryingtodoallthatliesinmypower，here，atalltimes。Andwhateveropinionyoutakeawayofme，shallmakenodifferenceinmyremembranceofyou。Yetagentlemanshouldnotbeunjustneither，\'
saidBiddy，turningawayherhead。
Iagainwarmlyrepeatedthatitwasabadsideofhumannature(inwhichsentiment，waivingitsapplication，IhavesinceseenreasontothinkI
wasright)，andIwalkeddownthelittlepathawayfromBiddy，andBiddywentintothehouse，andIwentoutatthegardengateandtookadejectedstrolluntilsupper-time；againfeelingitverysorrowfulandstrangethatthis，thesecondnightofmybrightfortunes，shouldbeaslonelyandunsatisfactoryasthefirst。
But，morningoncemorebrightenedmyview，andIextendedmyclemencytoBiddy，andwedroppedthesubject。PuttingonthebestclothesIhad，IwentintotownasearlyasIcouldhopetofindtheshopsopen，andpresentedmyselfbeforeMrTrabb，thetailor:whowashavinghisbreakfastintheparlourbehindhisshop，andwhodidnotthinkitworthhiswhiletocomeouttome，butcalledmeintohim。
`Well！\'saidMrTrabb，inahail-fellow-well-metkindofway。`Howareyou，andwhatcanIdoforyou？\'
MrTrabbhadslicedhishotrollintothreefeatherbeds，andwasslippingbutterinbetweentheblankets，andcoveringitup。Hewasaprosperousoldbachelor，andhisopenwindowlookedintoaprosperouslittlegardenandorchard，andtherewasaprosperousironsafeletintothewallatthesideofhisfireplace，andIdidnotdoubtthatheapsofhisprosperitywereputawayinitinbags。
`MrTrabb，\'saidI，`it\'sanunpleasantthingtohavetomention，becauseitlookslikeboasting；butIhavecomeintoahandsomeproperty。\'
AchangepassedoverMrTrabb。Heforgotthebutterinbed，gotupfromthebedside，andwipedhisfingersonthetable-cloth，exclaiming，`Lordblessmysoul！\'
`IamgoinguptomyguardianinLondon，\'saidI，casuallydrawingsomeguineasoutofmypocketandlookingatthem；`andIwantafashionablesuitofclothestogoin。Iwishtopayforthem，\'Iadded-otherwiseIthoughthemightonlypretendtomakethem-`withreadymoney。\'
`Mydearsir，\'saidMrTrabb，asherespectfullybenthisbody，openedhisarms，andtookthelibertyoftouchingmeontheoutsideofeachelbow，`don\'thurtmebymentioningthat。MayIventuretocongratulateyou？Wouldyoudomethefavourofsteppingintotheshop？\'
MrTrabb\'sboywasthemostaudaciousboyinallthatcountryside。WhenIhadenteredhewassweepingtheshop，andhehadsweetenedhislaboursbysweepingoverme。HewasstillsweepingwhenIcameoutintotheshopwithMrTrabb，andheknockedthebroomagainstallpossiblecornersandobstacles，toexpress(asIunderstoodit)equalitywithanyblacksmith，aliveordead。
`Holdthatnoise，\'saidMrTrabb，withthegreateststernness，`orI\'llknockyourheadoff！Domethefavourtobeseated，sir。Now，this，\'saidMrTrabb，takingdownarollofcloth，andtidingitoutinaflowingmanneroverthecounter，preparatorytogettinghishandunderittoshowthegloss，`isaverysweetarticle。Icanrecommenditforyourpurpose，sir，becauseitreallyisextrasuper。Butyoushallseesomeothers。GivemeNumberFour，you！\'(Totheboy，andwithadreadfullyseverestare:foreseeingthedangerofthatmiscreant\'sbrushingmewithit，ormakingsomeothersignoffamiliarity。)
MrTrabbneverremovedhissterneyefromtheboyuntilhehaddepositednumberfouronthecounterandwasatasafedistanceagain。Then，hecommandedhimtobringnumberfive，andnumbereight。`Andletmehavenoneofyourtrickshere，\'saidMrTrabb，`oryoushallrepentit，youyoungscoundrel，thelongestdayyouhavetolive。\'
MrTrabbthenbentovernumberfour，andinasortofdeferentialconfidencerecommendedittomeasalightarticleforsummerwear，anarticlemuchinvogueamongthenobilityandgentry，andarticlethatitwouldeverbeanhonourtohimtoreflectuponadistinguishedfellow-townsman\'s(ifhemightclaimmeforafellowtownsman)havingworn。`Areyoubringingnumbersfiveandeight，youvagabond，\'saidMrTrabbtotheboyafterthat，`orshallIkickyououtoftheshopandbringthemmyself？\'
Iselectedthematerialsforasuit，withtheassistanceofMrTrabb\'sjudgment，andre-enteredtheparlourtobemeasured。For，althoughMrTrabbhadmymeasurealready，andhadpreviouslybeenquitecontentedwithit，hesaidapologeticallythatit`wouldn\'tdounderexistingcircumstances，sir-wouldn\'tdoatall。\'So，MrTrabbmeasuredandcalculatedme，intheparlour，asifIwereanestateandhethefinestspeciesofsurveyor，andgavehimselfsuchaworldoftroublethatIfeltthatnosuitofclothescouldpossiblyremuneratehimforhispains。WhenhehadatlastdoneandhadappointedtosendthearticlestoMrPumblechook\'sontheThursdayevening，hesaid，withhishandupontheparlourlock，`Iknow，sir，thatLondongentlemencannotbeexpectedtopatronizelocalwork，asarule；
butifyouwouldgivemeaturnnowandtheninthequalityofatownsman，Ishouldgreatlyesteemit。Goodmorning，sir，muchobliged-Door！\'
Thelastwordwasflungattheboy，whohadnottheleastnotionwhatitmeant。ButIsawhimcollapseashismasterrubbedmeoutwithhishands，andmyfirstdecidedexperienceofthestupendouspowerofmoney，was，thatithadmorallylaiduponhisback，Trabb\'sboy。
Afterthismemorableevent，Iwenttothehatter\'s，andthebootmaker\'s，andthehosier\'s，andfeltratherlikeMotherHubbard\'sdogwhoseoutfitrequiredtheservicesofsomanytrades。Ialsowenttothecoach-officeandtookmyplaceforseveno\'clockonSaturdaymorning。ItwasnotnecessarytoexplaineverywherethatIhadcomeintoahandsomeproperty；butwheneverIsaidanythingtothateffect，itfollowedthattheofficiatingtradesmanceasedtohavehisattentiondivertedthroughthewindowbytheHigh-street，andconcentratedhisminduponme。WhenIhadorderedeverythingIwanted，IdirectedmystepstowardsPumblechook\'s，and，asIapproachedthatgentleman\'splaceofbusiness，Isawhimstandingathisdoor。
Hewaswaitingformewithgreatimpatience。Hehadbeenoutearlywiththechaise-cart，andhadcalledattheforgeandheardthenews。HehadpreparedacollationformeintheBarnwellparlour，andhetooorderedhisshopmanto`comeoutofthegangway\'asmysacredpersonpassed。
`Mydearfriend，\'saidMrPumblechook，takingmebybothhands，whenheandIandthecollationwerealone，`Igiveyoujoyofyourgoodfortune。
Welldeserved，welldeserved！\'
Thiswascomingtothepoint，andIthoughtitasensiblewayofexpressinghimself。
`Tothink，\'saidMrPumblechook，aftersnortingadmirationatmeforsomemoments，`thatIshouldhavebeenthehumbleinstrumentofleadinguptothis，isaproudreward。\'
IbeggedMrPumblechooktorememberthatnothingwastobeeversaidorhinted，onthatpoint。
`Mydearyoungfriend，\'saidMrPumblechook，`ifyouwillallowmetocallyouso——\'
Imurmured`Certainly，\'andMrPumblechooktookmebybothhandsagain，andcommunicatedamovementtohiswaistcoat，whichhadanemotionalappearance，thoughitwasratherlowdown，`Mydearyoungfriend，relyuponmydoingmylittleallinyourabsence，bykeepingthefactbeforethemindofJoseph-
Joseph！\'saidMrPumblechook，inthewayofacompassionateadjuration。
`Joseph！！Joseph！！！\'Thereuponheshookhisheadandtappedit，expressinghissenseofdeficiencyinJoseph。
`Butmydearyoungfriend，\'saidMrPumblechook，`youmustbehungry，youmustbeexhausted。Beseated。HereisachickenhadroundfromtheBoar，hereisatonguehadroundfromtheBoar，here\'soneortwolittlethingshadroundfromtheBoar，thatIhopeyoumaynotdespise。ButdoI，\'saidMrPumblechook，gettingupagainthemomentafterhehadsatdown，`seeaforeme，himasIeversportedwithinhistimesofhappyinfancy？
AndmayI-mayI-？\'
ThisMayI，meantmightheshakehands？Iconsented，andhewasfervent，andthensatdownagain。
`Hereiswine，\'saidMrPumblechook。`Letusdrink，ThankstoFortune，andmaysheeverpickoutherfavouriteswithequaljudgment！AndyetI
cannot，\'saidMrPumblechook，gettingupagain，`seeaforemeOne-andlikewisedrinktoOne-withoutagainexpressing-MayI-mayI-？\'
Isaidhemight，andheshookhandswithmeagain，andemptiedhisglassandturneditupsidedown。Ididthesame；andifIhadturnedmyselfupsidedownbeforedrinking，thewinecouldnothavegonemoredirecttomyhead。
MrPumblechookhelpedmetotheliverwing，andtothebestsliceoftongue(noneofthoseout-of-the-wayNoThoroughfaresofPorknow)，andtook，comparativelyspeaking，nocareofhimselfatall。`Ah！poultry，poultry！Youlittlethought，\'saidMrPumblechook，apostrophizingthefowlinthedish，`whenyouwasayoungfledgling，whatwasinstoreforyou。
Youlittlethoughtyouwastoberefreshmentbeneaththishumbleroofforoneas-Callitaweakness，ifyouwill，\'saidMrPumblechook，gettingupagain，`butmayI？mayI-？\'
Itbegantobeunnecessarytorepeattheformofsayinghemight，sohediditatonce。Howheeverdiditsooftenwithoutwoundinghimselfwithmyknife，Idon\'tknow。
`Andyoursister，\'heresumed，afteralittlesteadyeating，`whichhadthehonourofbringingyouupbyhand！It\'sasadpicter，toreflectthatshe\'snolongerequaltofullyunderstandingthehonour。May——\'
Isawhewasabouttocomeatmeagain，andIstoppedhim。
`We\'lldrinkherhealth，\'saidI。
`Ah！\'criedMrPumblechook，leaningbackinhischair，quiteflaccidwithadmiration，`that\'sthewayyouknow\'em，sir！\'(Idon\'tknowwhoSirwas，buthecertainlywasnotI，andtherewasnothirdpersonpresent)；
`that\'sthewayyouknowthenobleminded，sir！Everforgivingandeveraffable。Itmight，\'saidtheservilePumblechook，puttingdownhisuntastedglassinahurryandgettingupagain，`toacommonperson，havetheappearanceofrepeating-butmayI-？\'
Whenhehaddoneit，heresumedhisseatanddranktomysister。`Letusneverbeblind，\'saidMrPumblechook，`toherfaultsoftemper，butitistobehopedshemeantwell。\'
Ataboutthistime，Ibegantoobservethathewasgettingflushedintheface；astomyself，Ifeltallface，steepedinwineandsmarting。
ImentionedtoMrPumblechookthatIwishedtohavemynewclothessenttohishouse，andhewasecstaticonmysodistinguishinghim。Imentionedmyreasonfordesiringtoavoidobservationinthevillage，andhelaudedittotheskies。Therewasnobodybuthimself，heintimated，worthyofmyconfidence，and-inshort，mighthe？ThenheaskedmetenderlyifI
rememberedourboyishgamesatsums，andhowwehadgonetogethertohavemeboundapprentice，and，ineffect，howhehadeverbeenmyfavouritefancyandmychosenfriend？IfIhadtakententimesasmanyglassesofwineasIhad，Ishouldhaveknownthatheneverhadstoodinthatrelationtowardsme，andshouldinmyheartofheartshaverepudiatedtheidea。
Yetforallthat，IrememberfeelingconvincedthatIhadbeenmuchmistakeninhim，andthathewasasensiblepracticalgood-heartedprimefellow。
Bydegreeshefelltoreposingsuchgreatconfidenceinme，astoaskmyadviceinreferencetohisownaffairs。Hementionedthattherewasanopportunityforagreatamalgamationandmonopolyofthecornandseedtradeonthosepremises，ifenlarged，suchashadneveroccurredbeforeinthat，oranyotherneighbourhood。Whatalonewaswantingtotherealizationofavastfortune，heconsideredtobeMoreCapital。Thosewerethetwolittlewords，morecapital。Nowitappearedtohim(Pumblechook)thatifthatcapitalweregotintothebusiness，throughasleepingpartner，sir-whichsleepingpartnerwouldhavenothingtodobutwalkin，byselfordeputy，wheneverhepleased，andexaminethebooks-andwalkintwiceayearandtakehisprofitsawayinhispocket，tothetuneoffiftypercent-itappearedtohimthatthatmightbeanopeningforayounggentlemanofspiritcombinedwithproperty，whichwouldbeworthyofhisattention。
ButwhatdidIthink？Hehadgreatconfidenceinmyopinion，andwhatdidIthink？Igaveitasmyopinion。`Waitabit！\'Theunitedvastnessanddistinctnessofthisviewsostruckhim，thathenolongeraskedifhemightshakehandswithme，butsaidhereallymust-anddid。
Wedrankallthewine，andMrPumblechookpledgedhimselfoverandoveragaintokeepJosephuptothemark(Idon\'tknowwhatmark)，andtorendermeefficientandconstantservice(Idon\'tknowwhatservice)。Healsomadeknowntomeforthefirsttimeinmylife，andcertainlyafterhavingkepthissecretwonderfullywell，thathehadalwayssaidofme，`Thatboyisnocommonboy，andmarkme，hisfortun\'willbenocommonfortun\'。\'
Hesaidwithatearfulsmilethatitwasasingularthingtothinkofnow，andIsaidsotoo。Finally，Iwentoutintotheair，withadimperceptionthattherewassomethingunwontedintheconductofthesunshine，andfoundthatIhadslumberouslygottotheturn-pikewithouthavingtakenanyaccountoftheroad。
There，IwasrousedbyMrPumblechook\'shailingme。Hewasalongwaydownthesunnystreet，andwasmakingexpressivegesturesformetostop。
Istopped，andhecameupbreathless。
`No，mydearfriend，\'saidhe，whenhehadrecoveredwindforspeech。
`NotifIcanhelpit。Thisoccasionshallnotentirelypasswithoutthataffabilityonyourpart-MayI，asanoldfriendandwell-wisher？MayI？\'
Weshookhandsforthehundredthtimeatleast，andheorderedayoungcarteroutofmywaywiththegreatestindignation。Then，heblessedmeandstoodwavinghishandtomeuntilIhadpassedthecrookintheroad；
andthenIturnedintoafieldandhadalongnapunderahedgebeforeIpursuedmywayhome。
IhadscantluggagetotakewithmetoLondon，forlittleofthelittleIpossessedwasadaptedtomynewstation。But，Ibeganpackingthatsameafternoon，andwildlypackedupthingsthatIknewIshouldwantnextmorning，inafictionthattherewasnotamomenttobelost。
So，Tuesday，Wednesday，andThursday，passed；andonFridaymorningIwenttoMrPumblechook\'s，toputonmynewclothesandpaymyvisittoMissHavisham。MrPumblechook\'sownroomwasgivenuptometodressin，andwasdecoratedwithcleantowelsexpresslyfortheevent。Myclotheswereratheradisappointment，ofcourse。Probablyeverynewandeagerlyexpectedgarmenteverputonsinceclothescamein，fellatrifleshortofthewearer\'sexpectation。ButafterIhadhadmynewsuiton，somehalfanhour，andhadgonethroughanimmensityofposturingwithMrPumblechook\'sverylimiteddressing-glass，inthefutileendeavourtoseemylegs，itseemedtofitmebetter。Itbeingmarketmorningataneighbouringtownsometenmilesoff，MrPumblechookwasnotathome。IhadnottoldhimexactlywhenImeanttoleave，andwasnotlikelytoshakehandswithhimagainbeforedeparting。Thiswasallasitshouldbe，andIwentoutinmynewarray:fearfullyashamedofhavingtopasstheshopman，andsuspiciousafterallthatIwasatapersonaldisadvantage，somethinglikeJoe\'sinhisSundaysuit。
IwentcircuitouslytoMissHavisham\'sbyallthebackways，andrangatthebellconstrainedly，onaccountofthestifflongfingersofmygloves。
SarahPocketcametothegate，andpositivelyreeledbackwhenshesawmesochanged；herwalnut-shellcountenancelikewise，turnedfrombrowntogreenandyellow。
`You？\'saidshe。`You，goodgracious！Whatdoyouwant？\'
`IamgoingtoLondon，MissPocket，\'saidI，`andwanttosaygood-byetoMissHavisham。\'
Iwasnotexpected，forsheleftmelockedintheyard，whileshewenttoaskifIweretobeadmitted。Afteraveryshortdelay，shereturnedandtookmeup，staringatmealltheway。
MissHavishamwastakingexerciseintheroomwiththelongspreadtable，leaningonhercrutchstick。Theroomwaslightedasofyore，andatthesoundofourentrance，shestoppedandturned。Shewasthenjustabreastoftherottedbride-cake。
`Don\'tgo，Sarah，\'shesaid。`Well，Pip？\'
`IstartforLondon，MissHavisham，to-morrow，\'IwasexceedinglycarefulwhatIsaid，`andIthoughtyouwouldkindlynotmindmytakingleaveofyou。\'
`Thisisagayfigure，Pip，\'saidshe，makinghercrutchstickplayroundme，asifshe，thefairygodmotherwhohadchangedme，werebestowingthefinishinggift。
`IhavecomeintosuchgoodfortunesinceIsawyoulast，MissHavisham，\'
Imurmured。`AndIamsogratefulforit，MissHavisham！\'
`Ay，ay！\'saidshe，lookingatthediscomfitedandenviousSarah，withdelight。`IhaveseenMrJaggers。Ihaveheardaboutit，Pip。Soyougoto-morrow？\'
`Yes，MissHavisham。\'
`Andyouareadoptedbyarichperson？\'
`Yes，MissHavisham。\'
`Notnamed？\'
`No，MissHavisham。\'
`AndMrJaggersismadeyourguardian？\'
`Yes，MissHavisham。\'
Shequitegloatedonthesequestionsandanswers，sokeenwasherenjoymentofSarahPocket\'sjealousdismay。`Well！\'shewenton；`youhaveapromisingcareerbeforeyou。Begood-deserveit-andabidebyMrJaggers\'sinstructions。\'
Shelookedatme，andlookedatSarah，andSarah\'scountenancewrungoutofherwatchfulfaceacruelsmile。`Good-bye，Pip！-youwillalwayskeepthenameofPip，youknow。\'
`Yes，MissHavisham。\'
`Good-bye，Pip！\'
Shestretchedoutherhand，andIwentdownonmykneeandputittomylips。IhadnotconsideredhowIshouldtakeleaveofher；itcamenaturallytomeatthemoment，todothis。ShelookedatSarahPocketwithtriumphinherweirdeyes，andsoIleftmyfairygodmother，withbothherhandsonhercrutchstick，standinginthemidstofthedimlylightedroombesidetherottenbridecakethatwashiddenincobwebs。
SarahPocketconductedmedown，asifIwereaghostwhomustbeseenout。Shecouldnotgetovermyappearance，andwasinthelastdegreeconfounded。
Isaid`Good-bye，MissPocket；\'butshemerelystared，anddidnotseemcollectedenoughtoknowthatIhadspoken。Clearofthehouse，ImadethebestofmywaybacktoPumblechook\'s，tookoffmynewclothes，madethemintoabundle，andwentbackhomeinmyolderdress，carryingit-
tospeakthetruth-muchmoreatmyeasetoo，thoughIhadthebundletocarry。
Andnow，thosesixdayswhichweretohaverunoutsoslowly，hadrunoutfastandweregone，andto-morrowlookedmeinthefacemoresteadilythanIcouldlookatit。Asthesixeveningshaddwindledaway，tofive，tofour，tothree，totwo，IhadbecomemoreandmoreappreciativeofthesocietyofJoeandBiddy。Onthislastevening，Idressedmyselfoutinmynewclothes，fortheirdelight，andsatinmysplendouruntilbedtime。
Wehadahotsupperontheoccasion，gracedbytheinevitableroastfowl，andwehadsomefliptofinishwith。Wewereallverylow，andnonethehigherforpretendingtobeinspirits。
Iwastoleaveourvillageatfiveinthemorning，carryingmylittlehand-portmanteau，andIhadtoldJoethatIwishedtowalkawayallalone。
Iamafraid-soreafraid-thatthispurposeoriginatedinmysenseofthecontrasttherewouldbebetweenmeandJoe，ifwewenttothecoachtogether。Ihadpretendedwithmyselfthattherewasnothingofthistaintinthearrangement；butwhenIwentuptomylittleroomonthislastnight，Ifeltcompelledtoadmitthatitmightbeso，andhadanimpulseuponmetogodownagainandentreatJoetowalkwithmeinthemorning。Ididnot。
Allnighttherewerecoachesinmybrokensleep，goingtowrongplacesinsteadoftoLondon，andhavinginthetraces，nowdogs，nowcats，nowpigs，nowmen-neverhorses。Fantasticfailuresofjourneysoccupiedmeuntilthedaydawnedandthebirdsweresinging。Then，Igotupandpartlydressed，andsatatthewindowtotakealastlookout，andintakingitfellasleep。
Biddywasastirsoearlytogetmybreakfast，that，althoughIdidnotsleepatthewindowanhour，IsmeltthesmokeofthekitchenfirewhenIstartedupwithaterribleideathatitmustbelateintheafternoon。
Butlongafterthat，andlongafterIhadheardtheclinkingoftheteacupsandwasquiteready，Iwantedtheresolutiontogodownstairs。Afterall，Iremainedupthere，repeatedlyunlockingandunstrappingmysmallportmanteauandlockingandstrappingitupagain，untilBiddycalledtomethatI
waslate。
Itwasahurriedbreakfastwithnotasteinit。Igotupfromthemeal，sayingwithasortofbriskness，asifithadonlyjustoccurredtome，`Well！IsupposeImustbeoff！\'andthenIkissedmysisterwhowaslaughingandnoddingandshakinginherusualchair，andkissedBiddy，andthrewmyarmsaroundJoe\'sneck。ThenItookupmylittleportmanteauandwalkedout。ThelastIsawofthemwas，whenIpresentlyheardascufflebehindme，andlookingback，sawJoethrowinganoldshoeaftermeandBiddythrowinganotheroldshoe。Istoppedthen，towavemyhat，anddearoldJoewavedhisstrongrightarmabovehishead，cryinghuskily`Hooroar！\'andBiddyputheraprontoherface。
Iwalkedawayatagoodpace，thinkingitwaseasiertogothanIhadsupposeditwouldbe，andreflectingthatitwouldneverhavedonetohavehadanoldshoethrownafterthecoach，insightofalltheHigh-street。
Iwhistledandmadenothingofgoing。Butthevillagewasverypeacefulandquiet，andthelightmistsweresolemnlyrising，asiftoshowmetheworld，andIhadbeensoinnocentandlittlethere，andallbeyondwassounknownandgreat，thatinamomentwithastrongheaveandsobIbrokeintotears。Itwasbythefinger-postattheendofthevillage，andI
laidmyhanduponit，andsaid，`Good-byeOmydear，dearfriend！\'
Heavenknowsweneedneverbeashamedofourtears，fortheyarerainupontheblindingdustofearth，overlyingourhardhearts。IwasbetterafterIhadcried，thanbefore-moresorry，moreawareofmyowningratitude，moregentle。IfIhadcriedbefore，IshouldhavehadJoewithmethen。
SosubduedIwasbythosetears，andbytheirbreakingoutagaininthecourseofthequietwalk，thatwhenIwasonthecoach，anditwasclearofthetown，IdeliberatedwithanachingheartwhetherIwouldnotgetdownwhenwechangedhorsesandwalkback，andhaveanothereveningathome，andabetterparting。Wechanged，andIhadnotmadeupmymind，andstillreflectedformycomfortthatitwouldbequitepracticabletogetdownandwalkback，whenwechangedagain。AndwhileIwasoccupiedwiththesedeliberations，IwouldfancyanexactresemblancetoJoeinsomemancomingalongtheroadtowardsus，andmyheartwouldbeathigh-
Asifhecouldpossiblybethere！
Wechangedagain，andyetagain，anditwasnowtoolateandtoofartogoback，andIwenton。Andthemistshadallsolemnlyrisennow，andtheworldlayspreadbeforeme。
THISISTHEENDOFTHEFIRSTSTAGEOFPIP\'SEXPECTATIONS。
Chapter20
THEjourneyfromourtowntothemetropolis，wasajourneyofaboutfivehours。Itwasalittlepastmid-daywhenthefourhorsestage-coachbywhichIwasapassenger，gotintotheraveloftrafficfrayedoutabouttheCrossKeys，Wood-street，Cheapside，London。
WeBritonshadatthattimeparticularlysettledthatitwastreasonabletodoubtourhavingandourbeingthebestofeverything:otherwise，whileIwasscaredbytheimmensityofLondon，IthinkImighthavehadsomefaintdoubtswhetheritwasnotratherugly，crooked，narrow，anddirty。
MrJaggershaddulysentmehisaddress；itwas，LittleBritain，andhehadwrittenafteritonhiscard，`justoutofSmithfield，andclosebythecoach-office。\'Nevertheless，ahackney-coachman，whoseemedtohaveasmanycapestohisgreasygreat-coatashewasyearsold，packedmeupinhiscoachandhemmedmeinwithafoldingandjinglingbarrierofsteps，asifheweregoingtotakemefiftymiles。Hisgettingonhisbox，whichIremembertohavebeendecoratedwithanoldweather-stainedpea-greenhammerclothmoth-eatenintorags，wasquiteaworkoftime。Itwasawonderfulequipage，withsixgreatcoronetsoutside，andraggedthingsbehindforIdon\'tknowhowmanyfootmentoholdonby，andaharrowbelowthem，topreventamateurfootmenfromyieldingtothetemptation。
Ihadscarcelyhadtimetoenjoythecoachandtothinkhowlikeastraw-yarditwas，andyethowlikearag-shop，andtowonderwhythehorses\'nose-bagswerekeptinside，whenIobservedthecoachmanbeginningtogetdown，asifweweregoingtostoppresently。Andstopwepresentlydid，inagloomystreet，atcertainofficeswithanopendoor，whereonwaspaintedMR。JAGGERS。
`Howmuch？\'Iaskedthecoachman。
Thecoachmananswered，`Ashilling-unlessyouwishtomakeitmore。\'
InaturallysaidIhadnowishtomakeitmore。
`Thenitmustbeashilling，\'observedthecoachman。`Idon\'twanttogetintotrouble。Iknowhim！\'HedarklyclosedaneyeatMrJaggers\'sname，andshookhishead。
Whenhehadgothisshilling，andhadincourseoftimecompletedtheascenttohisbox，andhadgotaway(whichappearedtorelievehismind)，Iwentintothefrontofficewithmylittleportmanteauinmyhandandasked，WasMrJaggersathome？
`Heisnot，\'returnedtheclerk。`HeisinCourtatpresent。AmIaddressingMrPip？\'
IsignifiedthathewasaddressingMrPip。
`MrJaggersleftwordwouldyouwaitinhisroom。Hecouldn\'tsayhowlonghemightbe，havingacaseon。Butitstandstoreason，histimebeingvaluable，thathewon\'tbelongerthanhecanhelp。\'
Withthosewords，theclerkopenedadoor，andusheredmeintoaninnerchamberattheback。Here，wefoundagentlemanwithoneeye，inavelveteensuitandknee-breeches，whowipedhisnosewithhissleeveonbeinginterruptedintheperusalofthenewspaper。
`Goandwaitoutside，Mike，\'saidtheclerk。
IbegantosaythatIhopedIwasnotinterrupting-whentheclerkshovedthisgentlemanoutwithaslittleceremonyasIeversawused，andtossinghisfurcapoutafterhim，leftmealone。
MrJaggers\'sroomwaslightedbyaskylightonly，andwasamostdismalplace；theskylight，eccentricallypatchedlikeabrokenhead，andthedistortedadjoininghouseslookingasiftheyhadtwistedthemselvestopeepdownatmethroughit。Therewerenotsomanypapersabout，asIshouldhaveexpectedtosee；andthereweresomeoddobjectsabout，thatIshouldnothaveexpectedtosee-suchasanoldrustypistol，aswordinascabbard，severalstrange-lookingboxesandpackages，andtwodreadfulcastsonashelf，offacespeculiarlyswollen，andtwitchyaboutthenose。MrJaggers\'sownhigh-backedchairwasofdeadlyblackhorse-hair，withrowsofbrassnailsroundit，likeacoffin；andIfanciedIcouldseehowheleanedbackinit，andbithisforefingerattheclients。Theroomwasbutsmall，andtheclientsseemedtohavehadahabitofbackingupagainstthewall:
thewall，especiallyoppositetoMrJaggers\'schair，beinggreasywithshoulders。Irecalled，too，thattheone-eyedgentlemanhadshuffledforthagainstthewallwhenIwastheinnocentcauseofhisbeingturnedout。
IsatdownintheclientalchairplacedoveragainstMrJaggers\'schair，andbecamefascinatedbythedismalatmosphereoftheplace。Icalledtomindthattheclerkhadthesameairofknowingsomethingtoeverybodyelse\'sdisadvantage，ashismasterhad。Iwonderedhowmanyotherclerkstherewereup-stairs，andwhethertheyallclaimedtohavethesamedetrimentalmasteryoftheirfellow-creatures。Iwonderedwhatwasthehistoryofalltheoddlitterabouttheroom，andhowitcamethere。IwonderedwhetherthetwoswollenfaceswereofMrJaggers\'sfamily，and，ifheweresounfortunateastohavehadapairofsuchill-lookingrelations，whyhestuckthemonthatdustyperchfortheblacksandfliestosettleon，insteadofgivingthemaplaceathome。OfcourseIhadnoexperienceofaLondonsummerday，andmyspiritsmayhavebeenoppressedbythehotexhaustedair，andbythedustandgritthatlaythickoneverything。ButIsatwonderingandwaitinginMrJaggers\'scloseroom，untilIreallycouldnotbearthetwocastsontheshelfaboveMrJaggers\'schair，andgotupandwentout。
WhenItoldtheclerkthatIwouldtakeaturnintheairwhileIwaited，headvisedmetogoroundthecornerandIshouldcomeintoSmithfield。
So，IcameintoSmithfield；andtheshamefulplace，beingallasmearwithfilthandfatandbloodandfoam，seemedtosticktome。So，IrubbeditoffwithallpossiblespeedbyturningintoastreetwhereIsawthegreatblackdomeofSaintPaul\'sbulgingatmefrombehindagrimstonebuildingwhichabystandersaidwasNewgatePrison。Followingthewallofthejail，Ifoundtheroadwaycoveredwithstrawtodeadenthenoiseofpassingvehicles；
andfromthis，andfromthequantityofpeoplestandingabout，smellingstronglyofspiritsandbeer，Iinferredthatthetrialswereon。
WhileIlookedaboutmehere，anexceedinglydirtyandpartiallydrunkministerofjusticeaskedmeifIwouldliketostepinandhearatrialorso:informingmethathecouldgivemeafrontplaceforhalf-a-crown，whenceIshouldcommandafullviewoftheLordChiefJusticeinhiswigandrobes-mentioningthatawfulpersonagelikewaxwork，andpresentlyofferinghimatthereducedpriceofeighteenpence。AsIdeclinedtheproposalonthepleaofanappointment，hewassogoodastotakemeintoayardandshowmewherethegallowswaskept，andalsowherepeoplewerepubliclywhipped，andthenheshowedmetheDebtors\'Door，outofwhichculpritscametobehanged:heighteningtheinterestofthatdreadfulportalbygivingmetounderstandthat`fouron\'em\'wouldcomeoutatthatdoorthedayafterto-morrowateightinthemorning，tobekilledinarow。
Thiswashorrible，andgavemeasickeningideaofLondon:themoresoastheLordChiefJustice\'sproprietorwore(fromhishatdowntohisbootsandupagaintohispocket-handkerchiefinclusive)mildewedclothes，whichhadevidentlynotbelongedtohimoriginally，andwhich，Itookitintomyhead，hehadboughtcheapoftheexecutioner。UnderthesecircumstancesIthoughtmyselfwellridofhimforashilling。
IdroppedintotheofficetoaskifMrJaggershadcomeinyet，andIfoundhehadnot，andIstrolledoutagain。Thistime，ImadethetourofLittleBritain，andturnedintoBartholomewClose；andnowIbecameawarethatotherpeoplewerewaitingaboutforMrJaggers，aswellasI。
ThereweretwomenofsecretappearancelounginginBartholomewClose，andthoughtfullyfittingtheirfeetintothecracksofthepavementastheytalkedtogether，oneofwhomsaidtotheotherwhentheyfirstpassedme，that`Jaggerswoulddoitifitwastobedone。\'Therewasaknotofthreemenandtwowomenstandingatacorner，andoneofthewomenwascryingonherdirtyshawl，andtheothercomfortedherbysaying，asshepulledherownshawloverhershoulders，`Jaggersisforhim，\'Melia，andwhatmorecouldyouhave？\'Therewasared-eyedlittleJewwhocameintotheClosewhileIwasloiteringthere，incompanywithasecondlittleJewwhomhesentuponanerrand；andwhilethemessengerwasgone，IremarkedthisJew，whowasofahighlyexcitabletemperament，performingajigofanxietyunderalamp-postandaccompanyinghimself，inakindoffrenzy，withthewords，`OhJaggerth，Jaggerth，Jaggerth！allotherthithCag-Maggerth，givemeJaggerth！\'Thesetestimoniestothepopularityofmyguardianmadeadeepimpressiononme，andIadmiredandwonderedmorethanever。
Atlength，asIwaslookingoutattheirongateofBartholomewCloseintoLittleBritain，IsawMrJaggerscomingacrosstheroadtowardsme。
Alltheotherswhowerewaiting，sawhimatthesametime，andtherewasquitearushathim。MrJaggers，puttingahandonmyshoulderandwalkingmeonathissidewithoutsayinganythingtome，addressedhimselftohisfollowers。
First，hetookthetwosecretmen。
`Now，Ihavenothingtosaytoyou，\'saidMrJaggers，throwinghisfingeratthem。`IwanttoknownomorethanIknow。Astotheresult，it\'satoss-up。Itoldyoufromthefirstitwastoss-up。HaveyoupaidWemmick？\'
`Wemadethemoneyupthismorning，sir，\'saidoneofthemen，submissively，whiletheotherperusedMrJaggers\'sface。
`Idon\'taskyouwhenyoumadeitup，orwhere，orwhetheryoumadeitupatall。HasWemmickgotit？\'
`Yes，sir，\'saidboththementogether。
`Verywell；thenyoumaygo。Now，Iwon\'thaveit！\'saidMrJaggers，wavinghishandatthemtoputthembehindhim。`Ifyousayawordtome，I\'llthrowupthecase。\'
`Wethought，MrJaggers——\'oneofthemenbegan，pullingoffhishat。
`That\'swhatItoldyounottodo，\'saidMrJaggers。`Youthought！
Ithinkforyou；that\'senoughforyou。IfIwantyou，Iknowwheretofindyou；Idon\'twantyoutofindme。NowIwon\'thaveit。Iwon\'thearaword。\'
ThetwomenlookedatoneanotherasMrJaggerswavedthembehindagain，andhumblyfellbackandwereheardnomore。
`Andnowyou！\'saidMrJaggers，suddenlystopping，andturningonthetwowomenwiththeshawls，fromwhomthethreemenhadmeeklyseparated-
`Oh！Amelia，isit？\'
`Yes，MrJaggers。\'
`Anddoyouremember，\'retortedMrJaggers，`thatbutformeyouwouldn\'tbehereandcouldn\'tbehere？\'
`Ohyes，sir！\'exclaimedbothwomentogether。`Lordblessyou，sir，wellweknowsthat！\'
`Thenwhy，\'saidMrJaggers，`doyoucomehere？\'
`MyBill，sir！\'thecryingwomanpleaded。
`Now，Itellyouwhat！\'saidMrJaggers。`Onceforall。Ifyoudon\'tknowthatyourBill\'singoodhands，Iknowit。Andifyoucomehere，botheringaboutyourBill，I\'llmakeanexampleofbothyourBillandyou，andlethimslipthroughmyfingers。HaveyoupaidWemmick？\'
`Ohyes，sir！Everyfarden。\'
`Verywell。Thenyouhavedoneallyouhavegottodo。Sayanotherword-onesingleword-andWemmickshallgiveyouyourmoneyback。\'
Thisterriblethreatcausedthetwowomentofalloffimmediately。NooneremainednowbuttheexcitableJew，whohadalreadyraisedtheskirtsofMrJaggers\'scoattohislipsseveraltimes。
`Idon\'tknowthisman！\'saidMrJaggers，inthesamedevastatingstrain:
`Whatdoesthisfellowwant？\'
`MathearMithterJaggerth。HownbrothertoHabrahamLatharuth？\'
`Who\'she？\'saidMrJaggers。`Letgoofmycoat。\'
Thesuitor，kissingthehemofthegarmentagainbeforerelinquishingit，replied，`HabrahamLatharuth，onthuthpithionofplate。\'
`You\'retoolate，\'saidMrJaggers。`Iamovertheway。\'
`Holyfather，MithterJaggerth！\'criedmyexcitableacquaintance，turningwhite，`don\'tthayyou\'reagainHabrahamLatharuth！\'
`Iam，\'saidMrJaggers，`andthere\'sanendofit。Getoutoftheway。\'
`MithterJaggerth！Halfamoment！Myhowncuthen\'thgonetoMithterWemmickatthithprethentminute，tohofferhimhanytermth。MithterJaggerth！
Halfaquarterofamoment！Ifyou\'dhavethecondethenthuntobeboughtofffromthet\'otherthide-athanythuperiorprithe！-moneynoobject！-
MithterJaggerth-Mithter-！\'
Myguardianthrewhissupplicantoffwithsupremeindifference，andlefthimdancingonthepavementasifitwerered-hot。Withoutfurtherinterruption，wereachedthefrontoffice，wherewefoundtheclerkandthemaninvelveteenwiththefurcap。
`Here\'sMike，\'saidtheclerk，gettingdownfromhisstool，andapproachingMrJaggersconfidentially。
`Oh！\'saidMrJaggers，turningtotheman，whowaspullingalockofhairinthemiddleofhisforehead，liketheBullinCockRobinpullingatthebell-rope；`yourmancomesonthisafternoon。Well？\'
`Well，Mas\'rJaggers，\'returnedMike，inthevoiceofasuffererfromaconstitutionalcold；`arteradealo\'trouble，I\'vefoundone，sir，asmightdo。\'
`Whatishepreparedtoswear？\'
`Well，Mas\'rJaggers，\'saidMike，wipinghisnoseonhisfurcapthistime；`inageneralway，anythink。\'
MrJaggerssuddenlybecamemostirate。`Now，Iwarnedyoubefore，\'saidhe，throwinghisforefingerattheterrifiedclient，`thatifyoueverpresumedtotalkinthatwayhere，I\'dmakeanexampleofyou。Youinfernalscoundrel，howdareyoutellMEthat？\'
Theclientlookedscared，butbewilderedtoo，asifhewereunconsciouswhathehaddone。
`Spooney！\'saidtheclerk，inalowvoice，givinghimastirwithhiselbow。`SoftHead！Needyousayitfacetoface？\'
`Now，Iaskyou，youblunderingbooby，\'saidmyguardian，verysternly，`oncemoreandforthelasttime，whatthemanyouhavebroughthereispreparedtoswear？\'
Mikelookedhardatmyguardian，asifheweretryingtolearnalessonfromhisface，andslowlyreplied，`Aythertocharacter，ortohavingbeeninhiscompanyandneverlefthimallthenightinquestion。\'
`Now，becareful。Inwhatstationoflifeisthisman？\'
Mikelookedathiscap，andlookedatthefloor，andlookedattheceiling，andlookedattheclerk，andevenlookedatme，beforebeginningtoreplyinanervousmanner，`We\'vedressedhimuplike——\'whenmyguardianblusteredout:
`What？YouWILL，willyou？\'
(`Spooney！\'addedtheclerkagain，withanotherstir。)
Aftersomehelplesscastingabout，Mikebrightenedandbeganagain:
`Heisdressedlikea\'spectablepieman。Asortofapastry-cook。\'
`Ishehere？\'askedmyguardian。
`Ilefthim，\'saidMike，`asettinonsomedoorstepsroundthecorner。\'
`Takehimpastthatwindow，andletmeseehim。\'
Thewindowindicated，wastheofficewindow。Weallthreewenttoit，behindthewireblind，andpresentlysawtheclientgobyinanaccidentalmanner，withamurderous-lookingtallindividual，inashortsuitofwhitelinenandapapercap。Thisguilelessconfectionerwasnotbyanymeanssober，andhadablackeyeinthegreenstageofrecovery，whichwaspaintedover。
`Tellhimtotakehiswitnessawaydirectly，\'saidmyguardiantotheclerk，inextremedisgust，`andaskhimwhathemeansbybringingsuchafellowasthat。\'
Myguardianthentookmeintohisownroom，andwhilehelunched，standing，fromasandwich-boxandapocketflaskofsherry(heseemedtobullyhisverysandwichasheateit)，informedmewhatarrangementshehadmadeforme。Iwastogoto`Barnard\'sInn，\'toyoungMrPocket\'srooms，whereabedhadbeensentinformyaccommodation；IwastoremainwithyoungMrPocketuntilMonday；onMondayIwastogowithhimtohisfather\'shouseonavisit，thatImighttryhowIlikedit。Also，Iwastoldwhatmyallowancewastobe-itwasaveryliberalone-andhadhandedtomefromoneofmyguardian\'sdrawers，thecardsofcertaintradesmenwithwhomIwastodealforallkindsofclothes，andsuchotherthingsasI
couldinreasonwant。`Youwillfindyourcreditgood，MrPip，\'saidmyguardian，whoseflaskofsherrysmeltlikeawholecask-full，ashehastilyrefreshedhimself，`butIshallbythismeansbeabletocheckyourbills，andtopullyouupifIfindyououtrunningtheconstable。Ofcourseyou\'llgowrongsomehow，butthat\'snofaultofmine。\'
AfterIhadponderedalittleoverthisencouragingsentiment，IaskedMrJaggersifIcouldsendforacoach？Hesaiditwasnotworthwhile，Iwassonearmydestination；Wemmickshouldwalkroundwithme，ifIpleased。
IthenfoundthatWemmickwastheclerkinthenextroom。Anotherclerkwasrungdownfromup-stairstotakehisplacewhilehewasout，andI
accompaniedhimintothestreet，aftershakinghandswithmyguardian。
Wefoundanewsetofpeoplelingeringoutside，butWemmickmadeawayamongthembysayingcoollyyetdecisively，`Itellyouit\'snouse；hewon\'thaveawordtosaytooneofyou；\'andwesoongotclearofthem，andwentonsidebyside。
Chapter21
CASTINGmyeyesonMrWemmickaswewentalong，toseewhathewaslikeinthelightofday，Ifoundhimtobeadryman，rathershortinstature，withasquarewoodenface，whoseexpressionseemedtohavebeenimperfectlychippedoutwithadull-edgedchisel。Thereweresomemarksinitthatmighthavebeendimples，ifthematerialhadbeensofterandtheinstrumentfiner，butwhich，asitwas，wereonlydints。Thechiselhadmadethreeorfouroftheseattemptsatembellishmentoverhisnose，buthadgiventhemupwithoutanefforttosmooththemoff。Ijudgedhimtobeabachelorfromthefrayedconditionofhislinen，andheappearedtohavesustainedagoodmanybereavements；for，heworeatleastfourmourningrings，besidesabroochrepresentingaladyandaweepingwillowatatombwithanurnonit。Inoticed，too，thatseveralringsandsealshungathiswatchchain，asifhewerequiteladenwithremembrancesofdepartedfriends。Hehadglitteringeyes-small，keen，andblack-andthinwidemottledlips。Hehadhadthem，tothebestofmybelief，fromfortytofiftyyears。
`SoyouwereneverinLondonbefore？\'saidMrWemmicktome。
`No，\'saidI。
`Iwasnewhereonce，\'saidMrWemmick。`Rumtothinkofnow！\'
`Youarewellacquaintedwithitnow？\'
`Why，yes，\'saidMrWemmick。`Iknowthemovesofit。\'
`Isitaverywickedplace？\'Iasked，moreforthesakeofsayingsomethingthanforinformation。
`Youmaygetcheated，robbed，andmurdered，inLondon。Butthereareplentyofpeopleanywhere，who\'lldothatforyou。\'
`Ifthereisbadbloodbetweenyouandthem，\'saidI，tosoftenitoffalittle。
`Oh！Idon\'tknowaboutbadblood，\'returnedMrWemmick；`there\'snotmuchbadbloodabout。They\'lldoit，ifthere\'sanythingtobegotbyit。\'
`Thatmakesitworse。\'
`Youthinkso？\'returnedMrWemmick。`Muchaboutthesame，Ishouldsay。\'
Heworehishatonthebackofhishead，andlookedstraightbeforehim:walkinginaself-containedwayasiftherewerenothinginthestreetstoclaimhisattention。Hismouthwassuchapostofficeofamouththathehadamechanicalappearanceofsmiling。WehadgottothetopofHolbornHillbeforeIknewthatitwasmerelyamechanicalappearance，andthathewasnotsmilingatall。
`DoyouknowwhereMrMatthewPocketlives？\'IaskedMrWemmick。
`Yes，\'saidhe，noddinginthedirection。`AtHammersmith，westofLondon。\'
`Isthatfar？\'
`Well！Sayfivemiles。\'
`Doyouknowhim？\'
`Why，you\'rearegularcross-examiner！\'saidMrWemmick，lookingatmewithanapprovingair。`Yes，Iknowhim。Iknowhim！\'
Therewasanairoftolerationordepreciationabouthisutteranceofthesewords，thatratherdepressedme；andIwasstilllookingsidewaysathisblockofafaceinsearchofanyencouragingnotetothetext，whenhesaidherewewereatBarnard\'sInn。Mydepressionwasnotalleviatedbytheannouncement，for，IhadsupposedthatestablishmenttobeanhotelkeptbyMrBarnard，towhichtheBlueBoarinourtownwasamerepublic-house。
WhereasInowfoundBarnardtobeadisembodiedspirit，orafiction，andhisinnthedingiestcollectionofshabbybuildingseversqueezedtogetherinarankcornerasaclubforTom-cats。
Weenteredthishaventhroughawicket-gate，andweredisgorgedbyanintroductorypassageintoamelancholylittlesquarethatlookedtomelikeaflatburying-ground。Ithoughtithadthemostdismaltreesinit，andthemostdismalsparrows，andthemostdismalcats，andthemostdismalhouses(innumberhalfadozenorso)，thatIhadeverseen。Ithoughtthewindowsofthesetsofchambersintowhichthosehousesweredivided，wereineverystageofdilapidatedblindandcurtain，crippledflower-pot，crackedglass，dustydecay，andmiserablemakeshift；whileToLetToLetToLet，glaredatmefromemptyrooms，asifnonewwretchesevercamethere，andthevengeanceofthesoulofBarnardwerebeingslowlyappeasedbythegradualsuicideofthepresentoccupantsandtheirunholyintermentunderthegravel。AfrouzymourningofsootandsmokeattiredthisforlorncreationofBarnard，andithadstrewnashesonitshead，andwasundergoingpenanceandhumiliationasameredust-hole。Thusfarmysenseofsight；
whiledryrotandwetrotandallthesilentrotsthatrotinneglectedroofandcellar-rotofratandmouseandbugandcoaching-stablesnearathandbesides-addressedthemselvesfaintlytomysenseofsmell，andmoaned，`TryBarnard\'sMixture。\'
Soimperfectwasthisrealizationofthefirstofmygreatexpectations，thatIlookedindismayatMrWemmick。`Ah！\'saidhe，mistakingme；`theretirementremindsyouofthecountry。Soitdoesme。\'
Heledmeintoacornerandconductedmeupaflightofstairs-whichappearedtometobeslowlycollapsingintosawdust，sothatoneofthosedaystheupperlodgerswouldlookoutattheirdoorsandfindthemselveswithoutthemeansofcomingdown-toasetofchambersonthetopfloor。
MR。POCKET，JUN。，waspaintedonthedoor，andtherewasalabelontheletter-box，`Returnshortly。\'
`Hehardlythoughtyou\'dcomesosoon，\'MrWemmickexplained。`Youdon\'twantmeanymore？\'
`No，thankyou，\'saidI。
`AsIkeepthecash，\'MrWemmickobserved，`weshallmostlikelymeetprettyoften。Goodday。\'
`Goodday。\'
Iputoutmyhand，andMrWemmickatfirstlookedatitasifhethoughtIwantedsomething。Thenhelookedatme，andsaid，correctinghimself，`Tobesure！Yes。You\'reinthehabitofshakinghands？\'
Iwasratherconfused，thinkingitmustbeoutoftheLondonfashion，butsaidyes。
`Ihavegotsooutofit！\'saidMrWemmick-`exceptatlast。Veryglad，I\'msure，tomakeyouracquaintance。Goodday！\'
Whenwehadshakenhandsandhewasgone，Iopenedthestaircasewindowandhadnearlybeheadedmyself，for，thelineshadrottedaway，anditcamedownliketheguillotine。HappilyitwassoquickthatIhadnotputmyheadout。Afterthisescape，IwascontenttotakeafoggyviewoftheInnthroughthewindow\'sencrustingdirt，andtostanddolefullylookingout，sayingtomyselfthatLondonwasdecidedlyoverrated。
MrPocket，Junior\'s，ideaofShortlywasnotmine，forIhadnearlymaddenedmyselfwithlookingoutforhalfanhour，andhadwrittenmynamewithmyfingerseveraltimesinthedirtofeverypaneinthewindow，beforeIheardfootstepsonthestairs。Graduallytherearosebeforemethehat，head，neckcloth，waistcoat，trousers，boots，ofamemberofsocietyofaboutmyownstanding。Hehadapaper-bagundereacharmandapottleofstrawberriesinonehand，andwasoutofbreath。
`MrPip？\'saidhe。
`MrPocket？\'saidI。
`Dearme！\'heexclaimed。`Iamextremelysorry；butIknewtherewasacoachfromyourpartofthecountryatmidday，andIthoughtyouwouldcomebythatone。Thefactis，Ihavebeenoutonyouraccount-notthatthatisanyexcuse-forIthought，comingfromthecountry，youmightlikealittlefruitafterdinner，andIwenttoConventGardenMarkettogetitgood。\'
ForareasonthatIhad，Ifeltasifmyeyeswouldstartoutofmyhead。Iacknowledgedhisattentionincoherently，andbegantothinkthiswasadream。
`Dearme！\'saidMrPocket，Junior。`Thisdoorsticksso！\'
Ashewasfastmakingjamofhisfruitbywrestlingwiththedoorwhilethepaper-bagswereunderhisarms，Ibeggedhimtoallowmetoholdthem。
Herelinquishedthemwithanagreeablesmile，andcombatedwiththedoorasifitwereawildbeast。Ityieldedsosuddenlyatlast，thathestaggeredbackuponme，andIstaggeredbackupontheoppositedoor，andwebothlaughed。ButstillIfeltasifmyeyesmuststartoutofmyhead，andasifthismustbeadream。
`Praycomein，\'saidMrPocket，Junior。`Allowmetoleadtheway。I
amratherbarehere，butIhopeyou\'llbeabletomakeouttolerablywelltillMonday。Myfatherthoughtyouwouldgetonmoreagreeablythroughto-morrowwithmethanwithhim，andmightliketotakeawalkaboutLondon。
IamsureIshallbeveryhappytoshowLondontoyou。Astoourtable，youwon\'tfindthatbad，Ihope，foritwillbesuppliedfromourcoffee-househere，and(itisonlyrightIshouldadd)atyourexpense，suchbeingMrJaggers\'sdirections。AStoourlodging，it\'snotbyanymeanssplendid，becauseIhavemyownbreadtoearn，andmyfatherhasn\'tanythingtogiveme，andIshouldn\'tbewillingtotakeit，ifhehad。Thisisoursitting-room-justsuchchairsandtablesandcarpetandsoforth，yousee，astheycouldsparefromhome。Youmustn\'tgivemecreditforthetableclothandspoonsandcastors，becausetheycomeforyoufromthecoffee-house。Thisismylittlebedroom；rathermusty，butBarnard\'sismusty。Thisisyourbed-room；thefurniture\'shiredfortheoccasion，butItrustitwillanswerthepurpose；ifyoushouldwantanything，I\'llgoandfetchit。Thechambersareretired，andweshallbealonetogether，butweshan\'tfight，Idaresay。But，dearme，Ibegyourpardon，you\'reholdingthefruitallthistime。Prayletmetakethesebagsfromyou。Iamquiteashamed。\'
AsIstoodoppositetoMrPocket，Junior，deliveringhimthebags，One，Two，IsawthestartingappearancecomeintohisowneyesthatIknewtobeinmine，andhesaid，fallingback:
`Lordblessme，you\'retheprowlingboy！\'
`Andyou，\'saidI，`arethepaleyounggentleman！\'
Chapter22
THEpaleyounggentlemanandIstoodcontemplatingoneanotherinBarnard\'sInn，untilwebothburstoutlaughing。`Theideaofitsbeingyou！\'saidhe。`Theideaofitsbeingyou！\'saidI。Andthenwecontemplatedoneanotherafresh，andlaughedagain。`Well！\'saidthepaleyounggentleman，reachingouthishandgoodhumouredly，`it\'sallovernow，Ihope，anditwillbemagnanimousinyouifyou\'llforgivemeforhavingknockedyouaboutso。\'
IderivedfromthisspeechthatMrHerbertPocket(forHerbertwasthepaleyounggentleman\'sname)stillratherconfoundedhisintentionwithhisexecution。ButImadeamodestreply，andweshookhandswarmly。
`Youhadn\'tcomeintoyourgoodfortuneatthattime？\'saidHerbertPocket。
`No，\'saidI。
`No，\'heacquiesced:`Iheardithadhappenedverylately。Iwasratheronthelook-outforgood-fortunethen。\'
`Indeed？\'
`Yes。MissHavishamhadsentforme，toseeifshecouldtakeafancytome。Butshecouldn\'t-atallevents，shedidn\'t。\'
IthoughtitpolitetoremarkthatIwassurprisedtohearthat。
`Badtaste，\'saidHerbert，laughing，`butafact。Yes，shehadsentformeonatrialvisit，andifIhadcomeoutofitsuccessfully，IsupposeIshouldhavebeenprovidedfor；perhapsIshouldhavebeenwhat-you-may-calledittoEstella。\'
`What\'sthat？\'Iasked，withsuddengravity。
Hewasarranginghisfruitinplateswhilewetalked，whichdividedhisattention，andwasthecauseofhishavingmadethislapseofaword。
`Affianced，\'heexplained，stillbusywiththefruit。`Betrothed。Engaged。
What\'s-his-named。Anywordofthatsort。\'
`Howdidyoubearyourdisappointment？\'Iasked。
`Pooh！\'saidhe，`Ididn\'tcaremuchforit。She\'saTartar。\'
`MissHavisham？\'
`Idon\'tsaynotothat，butImeantEstella。Thatgirl\'shardandhaughtyandcapricioustothelastdegree，andhasbeenbroughtupbyMissHavishamtowreakrevengeonallthemalesex。\'
`WhatrelationisshetoMissHavisham？\'
`None，\'saidhe。`Onlyadopted。\'
`Whyshouldshewreakrevengeonallthemalesex？Whatrevenge？\'
`Lord，MrPip！\'saidhe。`Don\'tyouknow？\'
`No，\'saidI。
`Dearme！It\'squiteastory，andshallbesavedtilldinner-time。
Andnowletmetakethelibertyofaskingyouaquestion。Howdidyoucomethere，thatday？\'
Itoldhim，andhewasattentiveuntilIhadfinished，andthenburstoutlaughingagain，andaskedmeifIwassoreafterwards？Ididn\'taskhimifhewas，formyconvictiononthatpointwasperfectlyestablished。
`MrJaggersisyourguardian，Iunderstand？\'hewenton。
`Yes。\'
`YouknowheisMissHavisham\'smanofbusinessandsolicitor，andhasherconfidencewhennobodyelsehas？\'
Thiswasbringingme(Ifelt)towardsdangerousground。IansweredwithaconstraintImadenoattempttodisguise，thatIhadseenMrJaggersinMissHavisham\'shouseontheverydayofourcombat，butneveratanyothertime，andthatIbelievedhehadnorecollectionofhavingeverseenmethere。
`Hewassoobligingastosuggestmyfatherforyourtutor，andhecalledonmyfathertoproposeit。OfcourseheknewaboutmyfatherfromhisconnexionwithMissHavisham。MyfatherisMissHavisham\'scousin；notthatthatimpliesfamiliarintercoursebetweenthem，forheisabadcourtierandwillnotpropitiateher。\'
HerbertPockethadafrankandeasywaywithhimthatwasverytaking。
Ihadneverseenanyonethen，andIhaveneverseenanyonesince，whomorestronglyexpressedtome，ineverylookandtone，anaturalincapacitytodoanythingsecretandmean。Therewassomethingwonderfullyhopefulabouthisgeneralair，andsomethingthatatthesametimewhisperedtomehewouldneverbeverysuccessfulorrich。Idon\'tknowhowthiswas。
