第8章

`Iammyownengineer，andmyowncarpenter，andmyownplumber，andmyowngardener，andmyownJackofallTrades，\'saidWemmick，inacknowledgingmycompliments。`Well；it\'sagoodthing，youknow。ItbrushestheNewgatecobwebsaway，andpleasestheAged。Youwouldn\'tmindbeingatonceintroducedtotheAged，wouldyou？Itwouldn\'tputyouout？\'

IexpressedthereadinessIfelt，andwewentintothecastle。There，wefound，sittingbyafire，averyoldmaninaflannelcoat:clean，cheerful，comfortable，andwellcaredfor，butintenselydeaf。

`Wellagedparent，\'saidWemmick，shakinghandswithhiminacordialandjocoseway，`howamyou？\'

`Allright，John；allright！\'repliedtheoldman。

`Here\'sMrPip，agedparent，\'saidWemmick，`andIwishyoucouldhearhisname。Nodawayathim，MrPip；that\'swhathelikes。Nodawayathim，ifyouplease，likewinking！\'

`Thisisafineplaceofmyson\'s，sir，\'criedtheoldman，whileI

noddedashardasIpossiblycould。`Thisisaprettypleasureground，sir。

ThisspotandthesebeautifulworksuponitoughttobekepttogetherbytheNation，aftermyson\'stime，forthepeople\'senjoyment。\'

`You\'reasproudofitasPunch；ain\'tyou，Aged？\'saidWemmick，contemplatingtheoldman，withhishardfacereallysoftened；`there\'sanodforyou；\'givinghimatremendousone；`there\'sanotherforyou；\'

givinghimastillmoretremendousone；`youlikethat，don\'tyou？Ifyou\'renottired，MrPip-thoughIknowit\'stiringtostrangers-willyoutiphimonemore？Youcan\'tthinkhowitpleaseshim。\'

Itippedhimseveralmore，andhewasingreatspirits。Welefthimbestirringhimselftofeedthefowls，andwesatdowntoourpunchinthearbour；whereWemmicktoldmeashesmokedapipethatithadtakenhimagoodmanyyearstobringthepropertyuptoitspresentpitchofperfection。

`Isityourown，MrWemmick？\'

`Oyes，\'saidWemmick，`Ihavegotholdofit，abitatatime。It\'safreehold，byGeorge！\'

`Isit，indeed？IhopeMrJaggersadmiresit？\'

`Neverseenit，\'saidWemmick。`Neverheardofit。NeverseentheAged。

Neverheardofhim。No；theofficeisonething，andprivatelifeisanother。

WhenIgointotheoffice，IleavetheCastlebehindme，andwhenIcomeintotheCastle，Ileavetheofficebehindme。Ifit\'snotinanywaydisagreeabletoyou，you\'llobligemebydoingthesame。Idon\'twishitprofessionallyspokenabout。\'

OfcourseIfeltmygoodfaithinvolvedintheobservanceofhisrequest。

Thepunchbeingverynice，wesattheredrinkingitandtalking，untilitwasalmostnineo\'clock。`Gettingneargun-fire，\'saidWemmickthen，ashelaiddownhispipe；`it\'stheAged\'streat。\'

ProceedingintotheCastleagain，wefoundtheAgedheatingthepoker，withexpectanteyes，asapreliminarytotheperformanceofthisgreatnightlyceremony。Wemmickstoodwithhiswatchinhishand，untilthemomentwascomeforhimtotakethered-hotpokerfromtheAged，andrepairofthebattery。Hetookit，andwentout，andpresentlytheStingerwentoffwithaBangthatshookthecrazylittleboxofacottageasifitmustfalltopieces，andmadeeveryglassandteacupinitring。Uponthis，theAged-whoIbelievewouldhavebeenblownoutofhisarm-chairbutforholdingonbytheelbows-criedoutexultingly，`He\'sfired！Iheerdhim！\'andInoddedattheoldgentlemanuntilitisnofigureofspeechtodeclarethatIabsolutelycouldnotseehim。

Theintervalbetweenthattimeandsupper，Wemmickdevotedtoshowingmehiscollectionofcuriosities。Theyweremostlyofafeloniouscharacter；

comprisingthepenwithwhichacelebratedforgeryhadbeencommitted，adistinguishedrazorortwo，somelocksofhair，andseveralmanuscriptconfessionswrittenundercondemnation-uponwhichMrWemmicksetparticularvalueasbeing，tousehisownwords，`everyoneof\'emLies，sir。\'Thesewereagreeablydispersedamongsmallspecimensofchinaandglass，variousneattriflesmadebytheproprietorofthemuseum，andsometobacco-stopperscarvedbytheAged。TheywerealldisplayedinthatchamberoftheCastleintowhichIhadbeenfirstinducted，andwhichserved，notonlyasthegeneralsitting-roombutasthekitchentoo，ifImightjudgefromasaucepanonthehob，andabrazenbijouoverthefireplacedesignedforthesuspensionofaroasting-jack。

Therewasaneatlittlegirlinattendance，wholookedaftertheAgedintheday。Whenshehadlaidthesupper-cloth，thebridgewasloweredtogivehermeansofegress，andshewithdrewforthenight。Thesupperwasexcellent；andthoughtheCastlewasrathersubjecttodry-rotinsomuchthatittastedlikeabadnut，andthoughthepigmighthavebeenfartheroff，Iwasheartilypleasedwithmywholeentertainment。Norwasthereanydrawbackonmylittleturretbedroom，beyondtherebeingsuchaverythinceilingbetweenmeandtheflagstaff，thatwhenIlaydownonmybackinbed，itseemedasifIhadtobalancethatpoleonmyforeheadallnight。

Wemmickwasupearlyinthemorning，andIamafraidIheardhimcleaningmyboots。Afterthat，hefelltogardening，andIsawhimfrommygothicwindowpretendingtoemploytheAged，andnoddingathiminamostdevotedmanner。Ourbreakfastwasasgoodasthesupper，andathalf-pasteightpreciselywestartedforLittleBritain。Bydegrees，Wemmickgotdryerandharderaswewentalong，andhismouthtightenedintoapost-officeagain。Atlast，whenwegottohisplaceofbusinessandhepulledouthiskeyfromhiscoat-collar，helookedasunconsciousofhisWalworthpropertyasiftheCastleandthedrawbridgeandthearbourandthelakeandthefountainandtheAged，hadallbeenblownintospacetogetherbythelastdischargeoftheStinger。

Chapter26

ITfelloutasWemmickhadtoldmeitwould，thatIhadanearlyopportunityofcomparingmyguardian\'sestablishmentwiththatofhiscashierandclerk。

Myguardianwasinhisroom，washinghishandswithhisscentedsoap，whenIwentintotheofficefromWalworth；andhecalledmetohim，andgavemetheinvitationformyselfandfriendswhichWemmickhadpreparedmetoreceive。`Noceremony，\'hestipulated，`andnodinnerdress，andsaytomorrow。\'Iaskedhimwhereweshouldcometo(forIhadnoideawherehelived)，andIbelieveitwasinhisgeneralobjectiontomakeanythinglikeanadmission，thathereplied，`Comehere，andI\'lltakeyouhomewithme。\'Iembracethisopportunityofremarkingthathewashedhisclientsoff，asifhewereasurgeonoradentist。Hehadaclosetinhisroom，fittedupforthepurpose，whichsmeltofthescentedsoaplikeaperfumer\'sshop。Ithadanunusuallylargejack-towelonarollerinsidethedoor，andhewouldwashhishands，andwipethemanddrythemalloverthistowel，wheneverhecameinfromapolice-courtordismissedaclientfromhisroom。WhenIandmyfriendsrepairedtohimatsixo\'clocknextday，heseemedtohavebeenengagedonacaseofadarkercomplexionthanusual，for，wefoundhimwithhisheadbuttedintothiscloset，notonlywashinghishands，butlavinghisfaceandgarglinghisthroat。Andevenwhenhehaddoneallthat，andhadgoneallroundthejack-towel，hetookouthispenknifeandscrapedthecaseoutofhisnailsbeforeheputhiscoaton。

Thereweresomepeopleslinkingaboutasusualwhenwepassedoutintothestreet，whowereevidentlyanxioustospeakwithhim；buttherewassomethingsoconclusiveinthehaloofscentedsoapwhichencircledhispresence，thattheygaveitupforthatday。Aswewalkedalongwestward，hewasrecognizedeverandagainbysomefaceinthecrowdofthestreets，andwheneverthathappenedhetalkedloudertome；butheneverotherwiserecognizedanybody，ortooknoticethatanybodyrecognizedhim。

HeconductedustoGerrard-street，Soho，toahouseonthesouthsideofthatstreet。Ratherastatelyhouseofitskind，butdolefullyinwantofpainting，andwithdirtywindows。Hetookouthiskeyandopenedthedoor，andweallwentintoastonehall，bare，gloomy，andlittleused。

So，upadarkbrownstaircaseintoaseriesofthreedarkbrownroomsonthefirstfloor。Therewerecarvedgarlandsonthepanelledwalls，andashestoodamongthemgivinguswelcome，IknowwhatkindofloopsIthoughttheylookedlike。

Dinnerwaslaidinthebestoftheserooms；thesecondwashisdressing-room；

thethird，hisbedroom。Hetoldusthatheheldthewholehouse，butrarelyusedmoreofitthanwesaw。Thetablewascomfortablylaid-nosilverintheservice，ofcourse-andatthesideofhischairwasacapaciousdumb-waiter，withavarietyofbottlesanddecantersonit，andfourdishesoffruitfordessert。Inoticedthroughout，thathekepteverythingunderhisownhand，anddistributedeverythinghimself。

Therewasabookcaseintheroom；Isaw，fromthebacksofthebooks，thattheywereaboutevidence，criminallaw，criminalbiography，trials，actsofparliament，andsuchthings。Thefurniturewasallverysolidandgood，likehiswatch-chain。Ithadanofficiallook，however，andtherewasnothingmerelyornamentaltobeseen。Inacorner，wasalittletableofpaperswithashadedlamp:sothatheseemedtobringtheofficehomewithhiminthatrespecttoo，andtowheelitoutofaneveningandfalltowork。

Ashehadscarcelyseenmythreecompanionsuntilnow-for，heandIhadwalkedtogether-hestoodonthehearth-rug，afterringingthebell，andtookasearchinglookatthem。Tomysurprise，heseemedatoncetobeprincipallyifnotsolelyinterestedinDrummle。

`Pip，\'saidhe，puttinghislargehandonmyshoulderandmovingmetothewindow，`Idon\'tknowonefromtheother。Who\'stheSpider？\'

`Thespider？\'saidI。

`Theblotchy，sprawly，sulkyfellow。\'

`That\'sBentleyDrummle，\'Ireplied；`theonewiththedelicatefaceisStartop。\'

Notmakingtheleastaccountof`theonewiththedelicateface，\'hereturned，`BentleyDrummleishisname，isit？Ilikethelookofthatfellow。\'

HeimmediatelybegantotalktoDrummle:notatalldeterredbyhisreplyinginhisheavyreticentway，butapparentlyledonbyittoscrewdiscourseoutofhim。Iwaslookingatthetwo，whentherecamebetweenmeandthem，thehousekeeper，withthefirstdishforthetable。

Shewasawomanofaboutforty，Isupposed-butImayhavethoughtheryoungerthanshewas。Rathertall，ofalithenimblefigure，extremelypale，withlargefadedeyes，andaquantityofstreaminghair。Icannotsaywhetheranydiseasedaffectionoftheheartcausedherlipstobepartedasifshewerepanting，andherfacetobearacuriousexpressionofsuddennessandflutter；butIknowthatIhadbeentoseeMacbethatthetheatre，anightortwobefore，andthatherfacelookedtomeasifitwerealldisturbedbyfieryair，likethefacesIhadseenriseoutoftheWitches\'

caldron。

Shesetthedishon，touchedmyguardianquietlyonthearmwithafingertonotifythatdinnerwasready，andvanished。Wetookourseatsattheroundtable，andmyguardiankeptDrummleononesideofhim，whileStartopsatontheother。Itwasanobledishoffishthatthehousekeeperhadputontable，andwehadajointofequallychoicemuttonafterwards，andthenanequallychoicebird。Sauces，wines，alltheaccessorieswewanted，andallofthebest，weregivenoutbyourhostfromhisdumb-waiter；andwhentheyhadmadethecircuitofthetable，healwaysputthembackagain。

Similarly，hedealtuscleanplatesandknivesandforks，foreachcourse，anddroppedthosejustdisusedintotwobasketsonthegroundbyhischair。

Nootherattendantthanthehousekeeperappeared。Shesetoneverydish；

andIalwayssawinherface，afacerisingoutofthecaldron。Yearsafterwards，Imadeadreadfullikenessofthatwoman，bycausingafacethathadnoothernaturalresemblancetoitthanitderivedfromflowinghair，topassbehindabowlofflamingspiritsinadarkroom。

Inducedtotakeparticularnoticeofthehousekeeper，bothbyherownstrikingappearanceandbyWemmick\'spreparation，Iobservedthatwhenevershewasintheroom，shekepthereyesattentivelyonmyguardian，andthatshewouldremoveherhandsfromanydishsheputbeforehim，hesitatingly，asifshedreadedhiscallingherback，andwantedhimtospeakwhenshewasnigh，ifhehadanythingtosay。IfanciedthatIcoulddetectinhismanneraconsciousnessofthis，andapurposeofalwaysholdingherinsuspense。

Dinnerwentoffgaily，and，althoughmyguardianseemedtofollowratherthanoriginatesubjects，Iknewthathewrenchedtheweakestpartofourdispositionsoutofus。Formyself，IfoundthatIwasexpressingmytendencytolavishexpenditure，andtopatronizeHerbert，andtoboastofmygreatprospects，beforeIquiteknewthatIhadopenedmylips。Itwassowithallofus，butwithnoonemorethanDrummle:thedevelopmentofwhoseinclinationtogirdinagrudgingandsuspiciouswayattherest，wasscrewedoutofhimbeforethefishwastakenoff。

Itwasnotthen，butwhenwehadgottothecheese，thatourconversationturneduponourrowingfeats，andthatDrummlewasralliedforcomingupbehindofanightinthatslowamphibiouswayofhis。Drummleuponthis，informedourhostthathemuchpreferredourroomtoourcompany，andthatastoskillhewasmorethanourmaster，andthatastostrengthhecouldscatteruslikechaff。Bysomeinvisibleagency，myguardianwoundhimuptoapitchlittleshortofferocityaboutthistrifle；andhefelltobaringandspanninghisarmtoshowhowmuscularitwas，andweallfelltobaringandspanningourarmsinaridiculousmanner。

Now，thehousekeeperwasatthattimeclearingthetable；myguardian，takingnoheedofher，butwiththesideofhisfaceturnedfromher，wasleaningbackinhischairbitingthesideofhisforefingerandshowinganinterestinDrummle，that，tome，wasquiteinexplicable。Suddenly，heclappedhislargehandonthehousekeeper\'s，likeatrap，asshestretcheditacrossthetable。Sosuddenlyandsmartlydidhedothis，thatweallstoppedinourfoolishcontention。

`Ifyoutalkofstrength，\'saidMrJaggers，`I\'llshowyouawrist。Molly，letthemseeyourwrist。\'

Herentrappedhandwasonthetable，butshehadalreadyputherotherhandbehindherwaist。`Master，\'shesaid，inalowvoice，withhereyesattentivelyandentreatinglyfixeduponhim。`Don\'t。\'

`I\'llshowyouawrist，\'repeatedMrJaggers，withanimmovabledeterminationtoshowit。`Molly，letthemseeyourwrist。\'

`Master，\'sheagainmurmured。`Please！\'

`Molly，\'saidMrJaggers，notlookingather，butobstinatelylookingattheoppositesideoftheroom，`letthemseebothyourwrists。

Showthem。Come！\'

Hetookhishandfromhers，andturnedthatwristuponthetable。Shebroughtherotherhandfrombehindher，andheldthetwooutsidebyside。

Thelastwristwasmuchdisfigured-deeplyscarredandscarredacrossandacross。Whensheheldherhandsout，shetookhereyesfromMrJaggers，andturnedthemwatchfullyoneveryoneoftherestofusinsuccession。

`There\'spowerhere，\'saidMrJaggers，coollytracingoutthesinewswithhisforefinger。`Veryfewmenhavethepowerofwristthatthiswomanhas。It\'sremarkablewhatmereforceofgripthereisinthesehands。I

havehadoccasiontonoticemanyhands；butIneversawstrongerinthatrespect，man\'sorwoman\'s，thanthese。\'

Whilehesaidthesewordsinaleisurelycriticalstyle，shecontinuedtolookateveryoneofusinregularsuccessionaswesat。Themomentheceased，shelookedathimagain。`That\'lldo，Molly，\'saidMrJaggers，givingheraslightnod；`youhavebeenadmired，andcango。\'Shewithdrewherhandsandwentoutoftheroom，andMrJaggers，puttingthedecantersonfromhisdumbwaiter，filledhisglassandpassedroundthewine。

`Athalf-pastnine，gentlemen，\'saidhe，`wemustbreakup。Praymakethebestuseofyourtime。Iamgladtoseeyouall。MrDrummle，Idrinktoyou。\'

IfhisobjectinsinglingoutDrummleweretobringhimoutstillmore，itperfectlysucceeded。Inasulkytriumph，Drummleshowedhismorosedepreciationoftherestofus，inamoreandmoreoffensivedegreeuntilhebecamedownrightintolerable。Throughallhisstages，MrJaggersfollowedhimwiththesamestrangeinterest。HeactuallyseemedtoserveasazesttoMrJaggers\'swine。

InourboyishwantofdiscretionIdaresaywetooktoomuchtodrink，andIknowwetalkedtoomuch。webecameparticularlyhotuponsomeboorishsneerofDrummle\'s，totheeffectthatweweretoofreewithourmoney。

Itledtomyremarking，withmorezealthandiscretion，thatitcamewithabadgracefromhim，towhomStartophadlentmoneyinmypresencebutaweekorsobefore。

`Well，\'retortedDrummle；`he\'llbepaid。\'

`Idon\'tmeantoimplythathewon\'t，\'saidI，`butitmightmakeyouholdyourtongueaboutusandourmoney，Ishouldthink。\'

`Youshouldthink！\'retortedDrummle。`OhLord！\'

\'Idaresay，\'Iwenton，meaningtobeverysevere，`thatyouwouldn\'tlendmoneytoanyofus，ifwewantedit。\'

`Youareright，\'saidDrummle。`Iwouldn\'tlendoneofyouasixpence。

Iwouldn\'tlendanybodyasixpence。\'

`Rathermeantoborrowunderthosecircumstances，Ishouldsay。\'

`Youshouldsay，\'repeatedDrummle。`OhLord！\'

Thiswassoveryaggravating-themoreespeciallyasIfoundmyselfmakingnowayagainsthissurlyobtuseness-thatIsaid，disregardingHerbert\'seffortstocheckme:

`Come，MrDrummle，sinceweareonthesubject，I\'lltellyouwhatpassedbetweenHerberthereandme，whenyouborrowedthatmoney。\'

`Idon\'twanttoknowwhatpassedbetweenHerbertthereandyou，\'

growledDrummle。AndIthinkheaddedinalowergrowl，thatwemightbothgotothedevilandshakeourselves。

`I\'lltellyou，however，\'saidI，`whetheryouwanttoknowornot。

Wesaidthatasyouputitinyourpocketverygladtogetit，youseemedtobeimmenselyamusedathisbeingsoweakastolendit。\'

Drummlelaughedoutright，andsatlaughinginourfaces，withhishandsinhispocketsandhisroundshouldersraised:plainlysignifyingthatitwasquitetrue，andthathedespisedus，asassesall。

HereuponStartoptookhiminhand，thoughwithamuchbettergracethanIhadshown，andexhortedhimtobealittlemoreagreeable。Startop，beingalivelybrightyoungfellow，andDrummlebeingtheexactopposite，thelatterwasalwaysdisposedtoresenthimasadirectpersonalaffront。

Henowretortedinacoarselumpishway，andStartoptriedtoturnthediscussionasidewithsomesmallpleasantrythatmadeusalllaugh。Resentingthislittlesuccessmorethananything，Drummle，withoutanythreatorwarning，pulledhishandsoutofhispockets，droppedhisroundshoulders，swore，tookupalargeglass，andwouldhaveflungitathisadversary\'shead，butforourentertainer\'sdexterouslyseizingitattheinstantwhenitwasraisedforthatpurpose。

`Gentlemen，\'saidMrJaggers，deliberatelyputtingdowntheglass，andhaulingouthisgoldrepeaterbyitsmassivechain，`Iamexceedinglysorrytoannouncethatit\'shalf-pastnine。\'

Onthishintweallrosetodepart。Beforewegottothestreetdoor，StartopwascheerilycallingDrummle`oldboy，\'asifnothinghadhappened。

Buttheoldboywassofarfromresponding，thathewouldnotevenwalktoHammersmithonthesamesideoftheway；so，HerbertandI，whoremainedintown，sawthemgoingdownthestreetonoppositesides；Startopleading，andDrummlelaggingbehindintheshadowofthehouses，muchashewaswonttofollowinhisboat。

Asthedoorwasnotyetshut，IthoughtIwouldleaveHerbertthereforamoment，andrunup-stairsagaintosayawordtomyguardian。Ifoundhiminhisdressing-roomsurroundedbyhisstockofboots，alreadyhardatit，washinghishandsofus。

ItoldhimIhadcomeupagaintosayhowsorryIwasthatanythingdisagreeableshouldhaveoccurred，andthatIhopedhewouldnotblamememuch。

`Pooh！\'saidhe，sluicinghisface，andspeakingthroughthewater-drops；

`it\'snothing，Pip。IlikethatSpiderthough。\'

Hehadturnedtowardsmenow，andwasshakinghishead，andblowing，andtowellinghimself。

`Iamgladyoulikehim，sir，\'saidI-`butIdon\'t。\'

`No，no，\'myguardianassented；`don\'thavetoomuchtodowithhim。

Keepasclearofhimasyoucan。ButIlikethefellow，Pip；heisoneofthetruesort。Why，ifIwasafortune-teller——\'

Lookingoutofthetowel，hecaughtmyeye。

`ButIamnotafortune-teller，\'hesaid，lettinghisheaddropintoafestoonoftowel，andtowellingawayathistwoears。`YouknowwhatIam，don\'tyou？Good-night，Pip。\'

`Good-night，sir。\'

Inaboutamonthafterthat，theSpider\'stimewithMrPocketwasupforgood，and，tothegreatreliefofallthehousebutMrsPocket，hewenthometothefamilyhole。

Chapter27`MYDEARMRPIP，`IwritethisbyrequestofMrGargery，fortoletyouknowthatheisgoingtoLondonincompanywithMrWopsleandwouldbegladifagreeabletobeallowedtoseeyou。HewouldcallatBarnard\'sHotelTuesdaymorningatnineo\'clock，whenifnotagreeablepleaseleaveword。Yourpoorsisterismuchthesameaswhenyouleft。Wetalkofyouinthekitcheneverynight，andwonderwhatyouaresayinganddoing。Ifnowconsideredinthelightofaliberty，excuseitfortheloveofpoorolddays。Nomore，dearMrPip，from`Youreverobliged，andaffectionateservant，`BIDDY。\'

`P。S。Hewishesmemostparticulartowritewhatlarks。Hesaysyouwillunderstand。Ihopeanddonotdoubtitwillbeagreeabletoseehimeventhoughagentleman，foryouhadeveragoodheart，andheisaworthyworthyman。Ihavereadhimallexceptingonlythelastlittlesentence，andhewishesmemostparticulartowriteagainwhatlarks。\'IreceivedthisletterbypostonMondaymorning，andthereforeitsappointmentwasfornextday。Letmeconfessexactly，withwhatfeelingsIlookedforwardtoJoe\'scoming。

Notwithpleasure，thoughIwasboundtohimbysomanyties；no；withconsiderabledisturbance，somemortification，andakeensenseofincongruity。

IfIcouldhavekepthimawaybypayingmoney，Icertainlywouldhavepaidmoney。Mygreatestreassurancewas，thathewascomingtoBarnard\'sInn，nottoHammersmith，andconsequentlywouldnotfallinBentleyDrummle\'sway。IhadlittleobjectiontohisbeingseenbyHerbertorhisfather，forbothofwhomIhadarespect；butIhadthesharpestsensitivenessastohisbeingseenbyDrummle，whomIheldincontempt。So，throughoutlife，ourworstweaknessesandmeannessesareusuallycommittedforthesakeofthepeoplewhomwemostdespise。

Ihadbeguntobealwaysdecoratingthechambersinsomequiteunnecessaryandinappropriatewayorother，andveryexpensivethosewrestleswithBarnardprovedtobe。Bythistime，theroomswerevastlydifferentfromwhatIhadfoundthem，andIenjoyedthehonourofoccupyingafewprominentpagesinthebooksofaneighbouringupholsterer。Ihadgotonsofastoflate，thatIhadevenstartedaboyinboots-topboots-inbondageandslaverytowhomImighthavebeensaidtopassmydays。For，afterIhadmadethemonster(outoftherefuseofmywasherwoman\'sfamily)andhadclothedhimwithabluecoat，canarywaistcoat，whitecravat，creamybreeches，andthebootsalreadymentioned，Ihadtofindhimalittletodoandagreatdealtoeat；andwithbothofthosehorriblerequirementshehauntedmyexistence。

ThisavengingphantomwasorderedtobeondutyateightonTuesdaymorninginthehall(itwastwofeetsquare，aschargedforfloorcloth)，andHerbertsuggestedcertainthingsforbreakfastthathethoughtJoewouldlike。WhileIfeltsincerelyobligedtohimforbeingsointerestedandconsiderate，Ihadanoddhalf-provokedsenseofsuspicionuponme，thatifJoehadbeencomingtoseehim，hewouldn\'thavebeenquitesobriskaboutit。

However，IcameintotownontheMondaynighttobereadyforJoe，andIgotupearlyinthemorning，andcausedthesittingroomandbreakfast-tabletoassumetheirmostsplendidappearance。Unfortunatelythemorningwasdrizzly，andanangelcouldnothaveconcealedthefacttheBarnardwassheddingsootytearsoutsidethewindow，likesomeweakgiantofaSweep。

AsthetimeapproachedIshouldhavelikedtorunaway，buttheAvengerpursuanttoorderswasinthehall，andpresentlyIheardJoeonthestaircase。

IknewitwasJoe，byhisclumsymannerofcomingup-stairs-hisstatebootsbeingalwaystoobigforhim-andbythetimeittookhimtoreadthenamesontheotherfloorsinthecourseofhisascent。Whenatlasthestoppedoutsideourdoor，Icouldhearhisfingertracingoverthepaintedlettersofmyname，andIafterwardsdistinctlyheardhimbreathinginatthekeyhole。Finallyhegaveafaintsinglerap，andPepper-suchwasthecompromisingnameoftheavengingboy-announced`MrGargery！\'Ithoughtheneverwouldhavedonewipinghisfeet，andthatImusthavegoneouttolifthimoffthemat，butatlasthecamein。

`Joe，howareyou，Joe？\'

`Pip，howAIRyou，Pip？\'

Withhisgoodhonestfaceallglowingandshining，andhishatputdownonthefloorbetweenus，hecaughtbothmyhandsandworkedthemstraightupanddown，asifIhadbeenthelastpatentedPump。

`Iamgladtoseeyou，Joe。Givemeyourhat。\'

ButJoe，takingitupcarefullywithbothhands，likeabird\'s-nestwitheggsinit，wouldn\'thearofpartingwiththatpieceofproperty，andpersistedinstandingtalkingoveritinamostuncomfortableway。

`Whichyouhavethatgrowed，\'saidJoe，`andthatswelled，andthatgentle-folked；\'Joeconsideredalittlebeforehediscoveredthisword；

`astobesureyouareahonourtoyourkingandcountry。\'

`Andyou，Joe，lookwonderfullywell。\'

`ThankGod，\'saidJoe，`I\'mekervaltomost。Andyoursister，she\'snoworsethanshewere。AndBiddy，she\'severrightandready。Andallfriendsisnobackerder，ifnotnoforarder。\'Ceptin\'Wopsle；he\'shadadrop。\'

Allthistime(stillwithbothhandstakinggreatcareofthebird\'s-nest)，Joewasrollinghiseyesroundandroundtheroom，androundandroundthefloweredpatternofmydressing-gown。

`Hadadrop，Joe？\'

`Whyyes，\'saidJoe，loweringhisvoice，`he\'slefttheChurch，andwentintotheplayacting。WhichtheplayactinghavelikewaysbroughthimtoLondonalongwithme。Andhiswishwere，\'saidJoe，gettingthebird\'s-nestunderhisleftarmforthemomentandgropinginitforaneggwithhisright；`ifnooffence，asIwould\'andyouthat。\'

ItookwhatJoegaveme，andfoundittobethecrumpledplaybillofasmallmetropolitantheatre，announcingthefirstappearance，inthatveryweek，of`thecelebratedProvincialAmateurofRoscianrenown，whoseuniqueperformanceinthehighesttragicwalkofourNationalBardhaslatelyoccasionedsogreatasensationinlocaldramaticcircles。\'

`Wereyouathisperformance，Joe？\'Iinquired。

`Iwere，\'saidJoe，withemphasisandsolemnity。

`Wasthereagreatsensation？\'

`Why，\'saidJoe，`yes，therecertainlywereapeckoforangepeel。Partickler，whenheseetheghost。ThoughIputittoyourself，sir，whetheritwerecalc\'latedtokeepamanuptohisworkwithagoodhart，tobecontiniwallycuttinginbetwixthimandtheGhostwithMqq>Amen！"Amanmayhavehadamisfortun\'andbeenintheChurch，\'saidJoe，loweringhisvoicetoanargumentativeandfeelingtone，`butthatisnoreasonwhyyoushouldputhimoutatsuchatime。WhichImeantersay，iftheghostofaman\'sownfathercannotbeallowedtoclaimhisattention，whatcan，Sir？Stillmore，whenhismourning`atisunfortunatelymadesosmallasthattheweightoftheblackfeathersbringsitoff，trytokeepitonhowyoumay。\'

Aghost-seeingeffectinJoe\'sowncountenanceinformedmethatHerberthadenteredtheroom。So，IpresentedJoetoHerbert，whoheldouthishand；butJoebackedfromit，andheldonbythebird\'s-nest。

`Yourservant，Sir，\'saidJoe，`whichIhopeasyouandPip\'-herehiseyefellontheAvenger，whowasputtingsometoastontable，andsoplainlydenotedanintentiontomakethatyounggentlemanoneofthefamily，thatIfrowneditdownandconfusedhimmore-`Imeantersay，youtwogentlemen-whichIhopeasyougetyourelthsinthisclosespot？Forthepresentmaybeawerrygoodinn，accordingtoLondonopinions，\'saidJoe，confidentially，`andIbelieveitscharacterdostandi；butIwouldn\'tkeepapiginitmyself-notinthecasethatIwishedhimtofattenwholesomeandtoeatwithamellerflavouronhim。\'

Havingbornethisflatteringtestimonytothemeritsofourdwelling-place，andhavingincidentallyshownthistendencytocallme`sir，\'Joe，beinginvitedtositdowntotable，lookedallroundtheroomforasuitablespotonwhichtodeposithishat-asifitwereonlyonsomeveryfewraresubstancesinnaturethatitcouldfindarestingplace-andultimatelystooditonanextremecornerofthechimney-piece，fromwhichiteverafterwardsfelloffatintervals。

`Doyoutaketea，orcoffee，MrGargery？\'askedHerbert，whoalwayspresidedofamorning。

`Thankee，Sir，\'saidJoe，stifffromheadtofoot，`I\'lltakewhicheverismostagreeabletoyourself。\'

`Whatdoyousaytocoffee？\'

`Thankee，Sir，\'returnedJoe，evidentlydispiritedbytheproposal，`sinceyouaresokindasmakechiceofcoffee，Iwillnotruncontrairytoyourownopinions。Butdon\'tyouneverfinditalittle\'eating？\'

`Sayteathen，\'saidHerbert，pouringitout。

HereJoe\'shattumbledoffthemantel-piece，andhestartedoutofhischairandpickeditup，andfittedittothesameexactspot。Asifitwereanabsolutepointofgoodbreedingthatitshouldtumbleoffagainsoon。

`Whendidyoucometotown，MrGargery？\'

`Wereityesterdayafternoon？\'saidJoe，aftercoughingbehindhishand，asifhehadhadtimetocatchthewhooping-coughsincehecame。`Noitwerenot。Yesitwere。Yes。Itwereyesterdayafternoon\'(withanappearanceofmingledwisdom，relief，andstrictimpartiality)。

`HaveyouseenanythingofLondon，yet？\'

`Why，yes，Sir，\'saidJoe，`meandWopslewentoffstraighttolookattheBlackingWare\'us。Butwedidn\'tfindthatitcomeuptoitslikenessintheredbillsattheshopdoors；whichImeantersay，\'addedJoe，inanexplanatorymanner，`asitistheredrawdtooarchitectooralooral。\'

IreallybelieveJoewouldhaveprolongedthisword(mightilyexpressivetomymindofsomearchitecturethatIknow)intoaperfectChorus，butforhisattentionbeingprovidentiallyattractedbyhishat，whichwastoppling。Indeed，itdemandedfromhimaconstantattention，andaquicknessofeyeandhand，verylikethatexactedbywicket-keeping。Hemadeextraordinaryplaywithit，andshowedthegreatestskill；now，rushingatitandcatchingitneatlyasitdropped；now，merelystoppingitmidway，beatingitup，andhumouringitinvariouspartsoftheroomandagainstagooddealofthepatternofthepaperonthewall，beforehefeltitsafetoclosewithit；finally，splashingitintotheslop-basin，whereItookthelibertyoflayinghandsuponit。

Astohisshirt-collar，andhiscoat-collar，theywereperplexingtoreflectupon-insolublemysteriesboth。Whyshouldamanscrapehimselftothatextent，beforehecouldconsiderhimselffulldressed？Whyshouldhesupposeitnecessarytobepurifiedbysufferingforhisholidayclothes？

Thenhefellintosuchunaccountablefitsofmeditation，withhisforkmidwaybetweenhisplateandhismouth；hadhiseyesattractedinsuchstrangedirections；wasafflictedwithsuchremarkablecoughs；satsofarfromthetable，anddroppedsomuchmorethanheate，andpretendedthathehadn\'tdroppedit；thatIwasheartilygladwhenHerbertleftusforthecity。

Ihadneitherthegoodsensenorthegoodfeelingtoknowthatthiswasallmyfault，andthatifIhadbeeneasierwithJoe，Joewouldhavebeeneasierwithme。Ifeltimpatientofhimandoutoftemperwithhim；

inwhichconditionheheapedcoalsoffireonmyhead。

`Ustwobeingnowalone，Sir，\'-beganJoe。

`Joe，\'Iinterrupted，pettishly，`howcanyoucallme，Sir？\'

Joelookedatmeforasingleinstantwithsomethingfaintlylikereproach。

Utterlypreposterousashiscravatwas，andashiscollarswere，Iwasconsciousofasortofdignityinthelook。

`Ustwobeingnowalone，\'resumedJoe，`andmehavingtheintentionsandabilitiestostaynotmanyminutesmore，Iwillnowconclude-leastwaysbegin-tomentionwhathaveledtomyhavinghadthepresenthonour。Forwasitnot，\'saidJoe，withhisoldairoflucidexposition，`thatmyonlywishweretobeusefultoyou，Ishouldnothavehadthehonourofbreakingwittlesinthecompanyandabodeofgentlemen。\'

Iwassounwillingtoseethelookagain，thatImadenoremonstranceagainstthistone。

`Well，Sir，\'pursuedJoe，`thisishowitwere。IwereattheBargement\'othernight，Pip；\'wheneverhesubsidedintoaffection，hecalledmePip，andwheneverherelapsedintopolitenesshecalledmeSir；`whentherecomeupinhisshay-cart，Pumblechook。Whichthatsameidentical，\'saidJoe，goingdownanewtrack，`docombmy\'airthewrongwaysometimes，awful，bygivingoutupanddowntownasitwerehimwhicheverhadyourinfantcompanionationandwerelookeduponasaplayfellowbyyourself。\'

`Nonsense。Itwasyou，Joe。\'

`WhichIfullybelieveditwere，Pip，\'saidJoe，slightlytossinghishead，`thoughitsignifylittlenow，Sir。Well，Pip；thissameidentical，whichhismannersisgiventoblusterous，cometomeattheBargemen(wotapipeandapintofbeerdogiverefreshmenttotheworking-man，Sir，anddonotoverstimilate)，andhiswordwere，"Joseph，MissHavishamshewishtospeaktoyou。"\'

`MissHavisham，Joe？\'

`"Shewish，"werePumblechook\'sword，"tospeaktoyou。"\'Joesatandrolledhiseyesattheceiling。

`Yes，Joe？Goon，please。\'

`Nextday，Sir，\'saidJoe，lookingatmeasifIwerealongwayoff，`havingcleanedmyself，IgoandIseeMissA。\'

`MissA。，Joe？MissHavisham？\'

`WhichIsay，Sir，\'repliedJoe，withanairoflegalformality，asifheweremakinghiswill，`MissA。，orotherwaysHavisham。Herexpressionairthenasfollering:"MrGargery。YouairincorrespondencewithMrPip？"

Havinghadaletterfromyou，Iwereabletosay"Iam。"(WhenImarriedyoursister，Sir，Isaid"Iwill；"andwhenIansweredyourfriend，Pip，Isaid"Iam。")"Wouldyoutellhim，then，"saidshe，"thatwhichEstellahascomehomeandwouldbegladtoseehim。"\'

IfeltmyfacefireupasIlookedatJoe。Ihopeoneremotecauseofitsfiring，mayhavebeenmyconsciousnessthatifIhadknownhiserrand，Ishouldhavegivenhimmoreencouragement。

`Biddy，\'pursuedJoe，`whenIgothomeandaskedherfurtowritethemessagetoyou，alittlehungback。Biddysays，"Iknowhewillbeverygladtohaveitbywordofmouth，itisholidaytime，youwanttoseehim，go！"Ihavenowconcluded，Sir，\'saidJoe，risingfromhischair，`and，Pip，Iwishyoueverwellandeverprosperingtoagreaterandagreaterheighth。\'

`Butyouarenotgoingnow，Joe？\'

`YesIam，\'saidJoe。

`Butyouarecomingbacktodinner，Joe？\'

`NoIamnot，\'saidJoe。

Oureyesmet，andallthe`Sir\'meltedoutofthatmanlyheartashegavemehishand。

`Pip，dearoldchap，lifeismadeofeversomanypartingsweldedtogether，asImaysay，andoneman\'sablacksmith，andone\'sawhitesmith，andone\'sagoldsmith，andone\'sacoppersmith。Diwisionsamongsuchmustcome，andmustbemetastheycome。Ifthere\'sbeenanyfaultatallto-day，it\'smine。YouandmeisnottwofigurestobetogetherinLondon；noryetanywhereselsebutwhatisprivate，andbeknown，andunderstoodamongfriends。Itain\'tthatIamproud，butthatIwanttoberight，asyoushallneverseemenomoreintheseclothes。I\'mwrongintheseclothes。I\'mwrongoutoftheforge，thekitchen，oroffth\'meshes。Youwon\'tfindhalfsomuchfaultinmeifyouthinkofmeinmyforgedress，withmyhammerinmyhand，orevenmypipe。Youwon\'tfindhalfsomuchfaultinmeif，supposingasyoushouldeverwishtoseeme，youcomeandputyourheadinattheforgewindowandseeJoetheblacksmith，there，attheoldanvil，intheoldburntapron，stickingtotheoldwork。I\'mawfuldull，butIhopeI\'vebeatoutsomethingnightherightsofthisatlast。AndsoGODblessyou，dearoldPip，oldchap，GODblessyou！\'

Ihadnotbeenmistakeninmyfancythattherewasasimpledignityinhim。Thefashionofhisdresscouldnomorecomeinitswaywhenhespokethesewords，thanitcouldcomeinitswayinHeaven。Hetouchedmegentlyontheforehead，andwentout。AssoonasIcouldrecovermyselfsufficiently，Ihurriedoutafterhimandlookedforhimintheneighbouringstreets；buthewasgone。

Chapter28

ItwasclearthatImustrepairtoourtownnextday，andinthefirstflowofmyrepentanceitwasequallyclearthatImuststayatJoe\'s。But，whenIhadsecuredmybox-placebyto-morrow\'scoachandhadbeendowntoMrPocket\'sandback，Iwasnotbyanymeansconvincedonthelastpoint，andbegantoinventreasonsandmakeexcusesforputtingupattheBlueBoar。IshouldbeaninconvenienceatJoe\'s；Iwasnotexpected，andmybedwouldnotbeready；IshouldbetoofarfromMissHavisham\'s，andshewasexactingandmightn\'tlikeit。Allotherswindlersuponeartharenothingtotheself-swindlers，andwithsuchpretencesdidIcheatmyself。Surelyacuriousthing。ThatIshouldinnocentlytakeabadhalf-crownofsomebodyelse\'smanufacture，isreasonableenough；butthatIshouldknowinglyreckonthespuriouscoinofmyownmake，asgoodmoney！Anobligingstranger，underpretenceofcompactlyfoldingupmybank-notesforsecurity\'ssake，abstractsthenotesandgivesmenutshells；butwhatishissleightofhandtomine，whenIfoldupmyownnutshellsandpassthemonmyselfasnotes！

HavingsettledthatImustgototheBlueBoar，mymindwasmuchdisturbedbyindecisionwhetherornototaketheAvenger。ItwastemptingtothinkofthatexpensiveMercenarypubliclyairinghisbootsinthearchwayoftheBlueBoar\'sposting-yard；itwasalmostsolemntoimaginehimcasuallyproducedinthetailor\'sshopandconfoundingthedisrespectfulsensesofTrabb\'sboy。Ontheotherhand，Trabb\'sboymightwormhimselfintohisintimacyandtellhimthings；or，recklessanddesperatewretchasIknewhecouldbe，mighthoothimintheHigh-street，Mypatroness，too，mighthearofhim，andnotapprove。Onthewhole，IresolvedtoleavetheAvengerbehind。

ItwastheafternooncoachbywhichIhadtakenmyplace，and，aswinterhadnowcomeround，Ishouldnotarriveatmydestinationuntiltwoorthreehoursafterdark。OurtimeofstartingfromtheCrossKeyswastwoo\'clock。Iarrivedonthegroundwithaquarterofanhourtospare，attendedbytheAvenger-ifImayconnectthatexpressionwithonewhoneverattendedonmeifhecouldpossiblyhelpit。

AtthattimeitwascustomarytocarryConvictsdowntothedockyardsbystage-coach。AsIhadoftenheardoftheminthecapacityofoutsidepassengers，andhadmorethanonceseenthemonthehighroaddanglingtheirironedlegsoverthecoachroof，IhadnocausetobesurprisedwhenHerbert，meetingmeintheyard，cameupandtoldmethereweretwoconvictsgoingdownwithme。ButIhadareasonthatwasanoldreasonnow，forconstitutionallyfalteringwheneverIheardtheworldconvict。

`Youdon\'tmindthem，Handel？\'saidHerbert。

`Ohno！\'

`Ithoughtyouseemedasifyoudidn\'tlikethem？\'

`Ican\'tpretendthatIdolikethem，andIsupposeyoudon\'tparticularly。

ButIdon\'tmindthem。\'

`See！Theretheyare，\'saidHerbert，`comingoutoftheTap。Whatadegradedandvilesightitis！\'

Theyhadbeentreatingtheirguard，Isuppose，fortheyhadagaolerwiththem，andallthreecameoutwipingtheirmouthsontheirhands。Thetwoconvictswerehandcuffedtogether，andhadironsontheirlegs-ironsofapatternthatIknewwell。TheyworethedressthatIlikewiseknewwell。Theirkeeperhadabraceofpistols，andcarriedathick-knobbedbludgeonunderhisarm；buthewasontermsofgoodunderstandingwiththem，andstood，withthembesidehim，lookingonattheputting-toofthehorses，ratherwithanairasiftheconvictswereaninterestingExhibitionnotformallyopenatthemoment，andhetheCurator。Onewasatallerandstoutermanthantheother，andappearedasamatterofcourse，accordingtothemysteriouswaysoftheworldbothconvictandfree，tohavehadallottedtohimthesmallersuitofclothes。Hisarmsandlegswerelikegreatpincushionsofthoseshapes，andhisattiredisguisedhimabsurdly；

butIknewhishalf-closedeyeatoneglance。TherestoodthemanwhomIhadseenonthesettleattheThreeJollyBargemenonaSaturdaynight，andwhohadbroughtmedownwithhisinvisiblegun！

Itwaseasytomakesurethatasyetheknewmenomorethanifhehadneverseenmeinhislife。Helookedacrossatme，andhiseyeappraisedmywatch-chain，andthenheincidentallyspatandsaidsomethingtotheotherconvict，andtheylaughedandsluedthemselvesroundwithaclinkoftheircouplingmanacle，andlookedatsomethingelse。Thegreatnumbersontheirbacks，asiftheywerestreetdoors；theircoarsemangyungainlyoutersurface，asiftheywereloweranimals；theirironedlegs，apologeticallygarlandedwithpocket-handkerchiefs；andthewayinwhichallpresentlookedatthemandkeptfromthem；madethem(asHerberthadsaid)amostdisagreeableanddegradedspectacle。

Butthiswasnottheworstofit。ItcameoutthatthewholeofthebackofthecoachhadbeentakenbyafamilyremovingfromLondon，andthattherewerenoplacesforthetwoprisonersbutontheseatinfront，behindthecoachman。Hereupon，acholericgentleman，whohadtakenthefourthplaceonthatseat，flewintoamostviolentpassion，andsaidthatitwasabreachofcontracttomixhimupwithsuchvillainouscompany，andthatitwaspoisonousandperniciousandinfamousandshameful，andIdon\'tknowwhatelse。Atthistimethecoachwasreadyandthecoachmanimpatient，andwewereallpreparingtogetup，andtheprisonershadcomeoverwiththeirkeeper-bringingwiththemthatcuriousflavourofbread-poultice，baize，rope-yarn，andhearthstone，whichattendstheconvictpresence。

`Don\'ttakeitsomuchamiss。sir，\'pleadedthekeepertotheangrypassenger；`I\'llsitnextyoumyself。I\'llput\'emontheoutsideoftherow。Theywon\'tinterferewithyou，sir。Youneedn\'tknowthey\'rethere。\'

`Anddon\'tblameme，\'growledtheconvictIhadrecognized。`Idon\'twanttogo。Iamquitereadytostaybehind。AsfurasIamconcernedanyone\'swelcometomyplace。\'

`Ormine，\'saidtheother，gruffly。`Iwouldn\'thaveincommodednoneofyou，ifI\'dhadmyway。\'Then，theybothlaughed，andbegancrackingnuts，andspittingtheshellsabout-AsIreallythinkIshouldhavelikedtodomyself，ifIhadbeenintheirplaceandsodespised。

Atlength，itwasvotedthattherewasnohelpfortheangrygentleman，andthathemusteithergoinhischancecompanyorremainbehind。So，hegotintohisplace，stillmakingcomplaints，andthekeepergotintotheplacenexthim，andtheconvictshauledthemselvesupaswellastheycould，andtheconvictIhadrecognizedsatbehindmewithhisbreathonthehairofmyhead。

`Good-bye，Handel！\'Herbertcalledoutaswestarted。Ithoughtwhatablessedfortuneitwas，thathehadfoundanothernameformethanPip。

ItisimpossibletoexpresswithwhatacutenessIfelttheconvict\'sbreathing，notonlyonthebackofmyhead，butallalongmyspine。Thesensationwaslikebeingtouchedinthemarrowwithsomepungentandsearchingacid，itsetmyveryteethonedge。Heseemedtohavemorebreathingbusinesstodothananotherman，andtomakemorenoiseindoingit；andIwasconsciousofgrowinghigh-shoulderdononeside，inmyshrinkingendeavourstofendhimoff。

Theweatherwasmiserablyraw，andthetwocursedthecold。Itmadeusalllethargicbeforewehadgonefar，andwhenwehadlefttheHalf-wayHousebehind，wehabituallydozedandshiveredandweresilent。Idozedoff，myself，inconsideringthequestionwhetherIoughttorestoreacoupleofpoundssterlingtothiscreaturebeforelosingsightofhim，andhowitcouldbestbedone。IntheactofdippingforwardasifIweregoingtobatheamongthehorses，Iwokeinafrightandtookthequestionupagain。

ButImusthavelostitlongerthanIhadthought，since，althoughI

couldrecognizenothinginthedarknessandthefitfullightsandshadowsofourlamps，Itracedmarshcountryinthecolddampwindthatblewatus。Coweringforwardforwarmthandtomakemeascreenagainstthewind，theconvictswereclosertomethanbefore。TheyveryfirstwordsIheardtheminterchangeasIbecameconsciouswerethewordsofmyownthought，`TwoOnePoundnotes。\'

`Howdidheget\'em？\'saidheconvictIhadneverseen。

`HowshouldIknow？\'returnedtheother。`Hehad\'emstowedawaysomehows。

Givhimbyfriends，Iexpect。\'

`Iwish，\'saidtheother，withabittercurseuponthecold，`thatI

had\'emhere。\'

`Twoonepoundnotes，orfriends？\'

`Twoonepoundnotes。I\'dsellallthefriendsIeverhad，forone，andthinkitablessedgoodbargain。Well？Sohesays-？\'

`Sohesays，\'resumedtheconvictIhadrecognized-`itwasallsaidanddoneinhalfaminute，behindapileoftimberintheDockyard-"You\'reagoingtobedischarged？"Yes，Iwas。WouldIfindoutthatboythathadfedhimandkephissecret，andgivehimthemtwoonepoundnotes？Yes，Iwould。AndIdid。\'

`Morefoolyou，\'growledtheother。`I\'dhavespent\'emonaMan，inwittlesanddrink。Hemusthavebeenagreenone。Meantosayheknowednothingofyou？\'

`Notaha\'porth。Differentgangsanddifferentships。Hewastriedagainforprisonbreaking，andgotmadeaLifer。\'

`Andwasthat-Honour！-theonlytimeyouworkedout，inthispartofthecountry？\'

`Theonlytime。\'

`Whatmighthavebeenyouropinionoftheplace？\'

`Amostbeastlyplace。Mudbank，mist，swamp，andwork；work，swamp，mist，andmudbank。\'

Theybothexecratedtheplaceinverystronglanguage，andgraduallygrowledthemselvesout，andhadnothinglefttosay。

Afteroverhearingthisdialogue，Ishouldassuredlyhavegotdownandbeenleftinthesolitudeanddarknessofthehighway，butforfeelingcertainthatthemanhadnosuspicionofmyidentity。Indeed，Iwasnotonlysochangedinthecourseofnature，butsodifferentlydressedandsodifferentlycircumstanced，thatitwasnotatalllikelyhecouldhaveknownmewithoutaccidentalhelp。Still，thecoincidenceofourbeingtogetheronthecoach，wassufficientlystrangetofillmewithadreadthatsomeothercoincidencemightatanymomentconnectme，inhishearing，withmyname。Forthisreason，Iresolvedtoalightassoonaswetouchedthetown，andputmyselfoutofhishearing。ThisdeviceIexecutedsuccessfully。

Mylittleportmanteauwasinthebootundermyfeet；Ihadbuttoturnahingetogetitout:Ithrewitdownbeforeme，gotdownafterit，andwasleftatthefirstlamponthefirststonesofthetownpavement。Astotheconvicts，theywenttheirwaywiththecoach，andIknewatwhatpointtheywouldbespiritedofftotheriver。Inmyfancy，Isawtheboatwithitsconvictcrewwaitingforthemattheslime-washedstairs，-againheardthegruff`Giveway，you！\'likeandordertodogs-againsawthewickedNoah\'sArklyingoutontheblackwater。

IcouldnothavesaidwhatIwasafraidof，formyfearwasaltogetherundefinedandvague，buttherewasgreatfearuponme。AsIwalkedontothehotel，Ifeltthatadread，muchexceedingthemereapprehensionofapainfulofdisagreeablerecognition，mademetremble。Iamconfidentthatittooknodistinctnessofshape，andthatitwastherevivalforafewminutesoftheterrorofchildhood。

Thecoffee-roomattheBlueBoarwasempty，andIhadnotonlyorderedmydinnerthere，buthadsatdowntoit，beforethewaiterknewme。Assoonashehadapologizedfortheremissnessofhismemory，heaskedmeifheshouldsendBootsforMrPumblechook？

`No，\'saidI，`certainlynot。\'

Thewaiter(itwashewhohadbroughtuptheGreatRemonstrancefromtheCommercials，onthedaywhenIwasbound)appearedsurprised，andtooktheearliestopportunityofputtingadirtyoldcopyofalocalnewspapersodirectlyinmyway，thatItookitupandreadthisparagraph:

Ourreaderswilllearn，notaltogetherwithoutinterest，inreferencetotherecentromanticriseinfortuneofayoungartificerinironofthisneighbourhood(whatatheme，bytheway，forthemagicpenofourasyetnotuniversallyacknowledgedtownsmanTOOBY，thepoetofourcolumns！)

thattheyouth\'searliestpatron，companion，andfriend，wasahighly-respectedindividualnotentirelyunconnectedwiththecornandseedtrade，andwhoseeminentlyconvenientandcommodiousbusinesspremisesaresituatewithinahundredmilesoftheHigh-street。ItisnotwhollyirrespectiveofourpersonalfeelingsthatwerecordHIMastheMentorofouryoungTelemachus，foritisgoodtoknowthatourtownproducedthefounderofthelatter\'sfortunes。DoesthethoughtcontractedbrowofthelocalSageorthelustrouseyeoflocalBeautyinquirewhosefortunes？WebelievethatQuintinMatsyswastheBLACKSMITHofAntwerp。VERB。SAP。

Ientertainaconviction，baseduponlargeexperience，thatifinthedaysofmyprosperityIhadgonetotheNorthPole，Ishouldhavemetsomebodythere，wanderingEsquimauxorcivilizedman，whowouldhavetoldmethatPumblechookwasmyearliestpatronandthefounderofmyfortunes。

Chapter29

BETIMESinthemorningIwasupandout。ItwastooearlyyettogotoMissHavisham\'s，soIloiteredintothecountryonMissHavisham\'ssideoftown-whichwasnotJoe\'sside；Icouldgothereto-morrow-thinkingaboutmypatroness，andpaintingbrilliantpicturesofherplansforme。

ShehadadoptedEstella，shehasasgoodasadoptedme，anditcouldnotfailtobeherintentiontobringustogether。Shereserveditformetorestorethedesolatehouse，admitthesunshineintothedarkrooms，settheclocksagoingandthecoldhearthsablazing，teardownthecobwebs，destroythevermin-inshort，doalltheshiningdeedsoftheyoungKnightofromance，andmarrythePrincess。IhadstoppedtolookatthehouseasIpassed；anditssearedredbrickwalls，blockedwindows，andstronggreenivyclaspingeventhestacksofchimneyswithitstwigsandtendons，asifwithsinewyoldarms，hadmadeuparichattractivemystery，ofwhichIwasthehero。Estellawastheinspirationofit，andtheheartofit，ofcourse。But，thoughshehadtakensuchstrongpossessionofme，thoughmyfancyandmyhopeweresosetuponher，thoughherinfluenceonmyboyishlifeandcharacterhadbeenall-powerful，Ididnot，eventhatromanticmorning，investherwithanyattributessavethoseshepossessed。Imentionthisinthisplace，ofafixedpurpose，becauseitisthecluebywhichIamtobefollowedintomypoorlabyrinth。Accordingtomyexperience，theconventionalnotionofalovercannotbealwaystrue。Theunqualifiedtruthis，thatwhenIlovedEstellawiththeloveofman，IlovedhersimplybecauseIfoundherirresistible。Onceforall；Iknewtomysorrow，oftenandoften，ifnotalways，thatIlovedheragainstreason，againstpromise，againstpeace，againsthope，againsthappiness，againstalldiscouragementthatcouldbe。Onceforall；IlovedhernonethelessbecauseIknewit，andithadnomoreinfluenceinrestrainingme，thanifIhaddevoutlybelievedhertobehumanperfection。

Isoshapedoutmywalkastoarriveatthegateatmyoldtime。WhenIhadrungatthebellwithanunsteadyhand，Iturnedmybackuponthegate，whileItriedtogetmybreathandkeepthebeatingofmyheartmoderatelyquiet。Iheardthesidedooropen，andstepscomeacrossthecourt-yard；

butIpretendednottohear，evenwhenthegateswungonitsrustyhinges。

Beingatlasttouchedontheshoulder，Istartedandturned。Istartedmuchmorenaturallythen，tofindmyselfconfrontedbyamaninasobergreydress。ThelastmanIshouldhaveexpectedtoseeinthatplaceofporteratMissHavisham\'sdoor。

`Orlick！\'

`Ah，youngmaster，there\'smorechangesthanyours。Butcomein，comein。It\'sopposedtomyorderstoholdthegateopen。\'

Ienteredandheswungit，andlockedit，andtookthekeyout。`Yes！\'

saidhe，facinground，afterdoggedlyprecedingmeafewstepstowardsthehouse。`HereIam！\'

`Howdidyoucomehere？\'

`Icomeher，\'heretorted，`onmylegs。Ihadmyboxbroughtalongsidemeinabarrow。\'

`Areyouhereforgood？\'

`Iain\'therforharm，youngmaster，Isuppose？\'

Iwasnotsosureofthat。Ihadleisuretoentertaintheretortinmymind，whileheslowlyliftedhisheavyglancefromthepavement，upmylegsandarms，tomyface。

`Thenyouhavelefttheforge？\'Isaid。

`Dothislooklikeaforge？\'repliedOrlick，sendinghisglanceallroundhimwithanairofinjury。`Now，doitlooklikeit？\'

IaskedhimhowlonghehadleftGargery\'sforge？

`Onedayissolikeanotherhere，\'hereplied，`thatIdon\'tknowwithoutcastingitup。However，Icomehersometimesinceyouleft。\'

`Icouldhavetoldyouthat，Orlick。\'

`Ah！\'saidhe，drily。`Butthenyou\'vegottobeascholar。\'

Bythistimewehadcometothehouse，whereIfoundhisroomtobeonejustwithinthesidedoor，withalittlewindowinitlookingonthecourt-yard。Initssmallproportions，itwasnotunlikethekindofplaceusuallyassignedtoagate-porterinParis。Certainkeyswerehangingonthewall，towhichhenowaddedthegatekey；andhispatchwork-coveredbedwasinalittleinnerdivisionorrecess。Thewholehadaslovenlyconfinedandsleepylook，likeacageforahumandormouse:whilehe，loomingdarkandheavyintheshadowofacornerbythewindow，lookedlikethehumandormouseforwhomitwasfittedup-asindeedhewas。

`Ineversawthisroombefore，\'Iremarked；`butthereusedtobenoPorterhere。\'

`No，\'saidhe；`nottillitgotaboutthattherewasnoprotectiononthepremises，anditcometobeconsidereddangerous，withconvictsandTagandRagandBobtailgoingupanddown。AndthenIwasrecommendedtotheplà；ceasamanwhocouldgiveanothermanasgoodashebrought，andItookit。It\'seasierthanbellowsingandhammering-That\'sloaded，thatis。\'

Myeyehadbeencaughtbyagunwithabrassboundstockoverthechimney-piece，andhiseyehadfollowedmine。

`Well，\'saidI，notdesirousofmoreconversation，`shallIgouptoMissHavisham？\'

`Burnme，ifIknow！\'heretorted，firststretchinghimselfandthenshakinghimself；`myordersendshere，youngmaster。Igivethisherebellarapwiththisherehammer，andyougoonalongthepassagetillyoumeetsomebody。\'

`Iamexpected，Ibelieve？\'

`Burnmetwiceover，ifIcansay！\'saidhe。

Uponthat，IturneddownthelongpassagewhichIhadfirsttroddeninmythickboots，andhemadehisbellsound。Attheendofthepassage，whilethebellwasstillreverberating，IfoundSarahPocket:whoappearedtohavenowbecomeconstitutionallygreenandyellowbyreasonofme。

`Oh！\'saidshe。`You，isit，MrPip？\'

`Itis，MissPocket。IamgladtotellyouthatMrPocketandfamilyareallwell。\'

`Aretheyanywiser？\'saidSarah，withadismalshakeofthehead；`theyhadbetterbewiser，thanwell。Ah，Matthew，Matthew！Youknowyourway，sir？\'

Tolerably，forIhadgoneupthestaircaseinthedark，manyatime。

Iascendeditnow，inlighterbootsthanofyore，andtappedinmyoldwayatthedoorofMissHavisham\'sroom。`Pip\'srap，\'Iheardhersay，immediately；`comein，Pip。\'

Shewasinherchairneartheoldtable，intheolddress，withhertwohandscrossedonherstick，herchinrestingonthem，andhereyesonthefire。Sittingnearher，withthewhiteshoethathadneverbeenworn，inherhand，andherheadbentasshelookedatit，wasanelegantladywhomIhadneverseen。

`Comein，Pip，\'MissHavishamcontinuedtomutter，withoutlookingroundorup；`comein，Pip，howdoyoudo，Pip？soyoukissmyhandasifIwereaqueen，eh？-Well？\'

Shelookedupatmesuddenly，onlymovinghereyes，andrepeatedinagrimlyplayfulmanner，`Well？\'

`Iheard，MissHavisham，\'saidI，ratherataloss，`thatyouweresokindastowishmetocomeandseeyou，andIcamedirectly。\'

`Well？\'

TheladywhomIhadneverseenbefore，lifteduphereyesandlookedarchlyatme，andthenIsawthattheeyeswereEstella\'seyes。Butshewassomuchchanged，wassomuchmorebeautiful，somuchmorewomanly，inallthingswinningadmirationhadmadesuchwonderfuladvance，thatIseemedtohavemadenone。Ifancied，asIlookedather，thatIslippedhopelesslybackintothecoarseandcommonboyagain。Othesenseofdistanceanddisparitythatcameuponme，andtheinaccessibilitythatcameabouther！

Shegavemeherhand。IstammeredsomethingaboutthepleasureIfeltinseeingheragain，andaboutmyhavinglookedforwardtoitforalong，longtime。

`Doyoufindhermuchchanged，Pip？\'askedMissHavisham，withhergreedylook，andstrikingherstickuponachairthatstoodbetweenthem，asasigntometositdownthere。

`WhenIcamein，MissHavisham，IthoughttherewasnothingofEstellainthefaceorfigure；butnowitallsettlesdownsocuriouslyintotheold——\'

`What？YouarenotgoingtosayintotheoldEstella？\'MissHavishaminterrupted。`Shewasproudandinsulting，andyouwantedtogoawayfromher。Don\'tyouremember？\'

Isaidconfusedlythatthatwaslongago，andthatIknewnobetterthen，andthelike。Estellasmiledwithperfectcomposure，andsaidshehadnodoubtofmyhavingbeenquiteright，andofherhavingbeenverydisagreeable。

`Ishechanged？\'MissHavishamaskedher。

`Verymuch，\'saidEstella，lookingatme。

`Lesscoarseandcommon？\'saidMissHavisham，playingwithEstella\'shair。

Estellalaughed，andlookedattheshoeinherhand，andlaughedagain，andlookedatme，andputtheshoedown。Shetreatedmeasaboystill，butsheluredmeon。

Wesatinthedreamyroomamongtheoldstrangeinfluenceswhichhadsowroughtuponme，andIlearntthatshehadbutjustcomehomefromFrance，andthatshewasgoingtoLondon。Proudandwilfulasofold，shehadbroughtthosequalitiesintosuchsubjectiontoherbeautythatitwasimpossibleandoutofnature-orIthoughtso-toseparatethemfromherbeauty。

Trulyitwasimpossibletodissociateherpresencefromallthosewretchedhankeringsaftermoneyandgentilitythathaddisturbedmyboyhood-fromallthoseill-regulatedaspirationsthathadfirstmademeashamedofhomeandJoe-fromallthosevisionsthathadraisedherfaceintheglowingfire，struckinoutoftheironontheanvil，extracteditfromthedarknessofnighttolookinatthewoodenwindowoftheforgeandflitaway。Inaword，itwasimpossibleformetoseparateher，inthepastorinthepresent，fromtheinnermostlifeofmylife。

ItwassettledthatIshouldstaytherealltherestoftheday，andreturntothehotelatnight，andtoLondonto-morrow。Whenwehadconversedforawhile，MissHavishamsentustwoouttowalkintheneglectedgarden:

onourcominginby-and-by，shesaid，Ishouldwheelheraboutalittleasintimesofyore。

So，EstellaandIwentoutintothegardenbythegatethroughwhichIhadstrayedtomyencounterwiththepaleyounggentleman，nowHerbert；

I，tremblinginspiritandworshippingtheveryhemofherdress；she，quitecomposedandmostdecidedlynotworshippingthehemofmine。Aswedrewneartotheplaceofencounter，shestoppedandsaid:

`Imusthavebeenasingularlittlecreaturetohideandseethatfightthatday:butIdid，andIenjoyeditverymuch。\'

`Yourewardedmeverymuch。\'

`DidI？\'shereplied，inanincidentalandforgetfulway。`IrememberIentertainedagreatobjectiontoyouradversary，becauseItookitillthatheshouldbebroughtheretopestermewithhiscompany。\'

`HeandIaregreatfriendsnow。\'

`Areyou？IthinkIrecollectthough，thatyoureadwithhisfather？\'

`Yes。\'

Imadetheadmissionwithreluctance，foritseemedtohaveaboyishlook，andshealreadytreatedmemorethanenoughlikeaboy。

`Sinceyourchangeoffortuneandprospects，youhavechangedyourcompanions，\'

saidEstella。

`Naturally，\'saidI。

`Andnecessarily，\'sheadded，inahaughtytone；`whatwasfitcompanyforyouonce，wouldbequiteunfitcompanyforyounow。\'

Inmyconscience，IdoubtverymuchwhetherIhadanylingeringintentionleft，ofgoingtoseeJoe；butifIhad，thisobservationputittoflight。

`Youhadnoideaofyourimpendinggoodfortune，inthosetimes？\'saidEstella，withaslightwaveofherhand，signifyinginthefightingtimes。

`Nottheleast。\'