下载辰思小说免费APP
Chapter48
THEsecondofthetwomeetingsreferredtointhelastchapter，occurredaboutaweekafterthefirst。IhadagainleftmyboatatthewharfbelowBridge；thetimewasanhourearlierintheafternoon；and，undecidedwheretodine，IhadstrolledupintoCheapside，andwasstrollingalongit，surelythemostunsettledpersoninallthebusyconcourse，whenalargehandwaslaiduponmyshoulder，bysomeoneovertakingme。ItwasMrJaggers\'shand，andhepasseditthroughmyarm。
`Aswearegoinginthesamedirection，Pip，wemaywalktogether。Whereareyouboundfor？\'
`FortheTemple，Ithink，\'saidI。
`Don\'tyouknow？\'saidMrJaggers。
`Well，\'Ireturned，gladforoncetogetthebetterofhimincross-examination，`Idonotknow，forIhavenotmadeupmnmind。\'
`Youaregoingtodine？\'saidMrJaggers。`Youdon\'tmindadmittingthat，Isuppose？\'
`No，\'Ireturned，`Idon\'tmindadmittingthat。\'
`Andarenotengaged？\'
`Idon\'tmindadmittingalso，thatIamnotengaged。\'
`Then，\'saidMrJaggers，`comeanddinewithme。\'
Iwasgoingtoexcusemyself，whenheadded，`Wemmick\'scoming。\'So，Ichangedmyexcuseintoanacceptance-thefewwordsIhaduttered，servingforthebeginningofeither-andwewentalongCheapsideandslantedofftoLittleBritain，whilethelightswerespringingupbrilliantlyintheshopwindows，andthestreetlamp-lighters，scarcelyfindinggroundenoughtoplanttheirladdersoninthemidstoftheafternoon\'sbustle，wereskippingupanddownandrunninginandout，openingmoreredeyesinthegatheringfogthanmyrushlighttowerattheHummumshadopenedwhiteeyesintheghostlywall。
AttheofficeinLittleBritaintherewastheusualletter-writing，hand-washing，candle-snuffing，andsafe-locking，thatclosedthebusinessoftheday。AsIstoodidlebyMrJagger\'sfire，itsrisingandfallingflamemadethetwocastsontheshelflookasiftheywereplayingadiabolicalgameatbo-peepwithme；whilethepairofcoarsefatofficecandlesthatdimlylightedMrJaggersashewroteinacorner，weredecoratedwithdirtywinding-sheets，asifinremembranceofahostofhangedclients。
WewenttoGerrard-street，allthreetogether，inahackneycoach:andassoonaswegotthere，dinnerwasserved。AlthoughIshouldnothavethoughtofmaking，inthatplace，themostdistantreferencebysomuchasalooktoWemmick\'sWalworthsentiments，yetIshouldhavehadnoobjectiontocatchinghiseyenowandtheninafriendlyway。Butitwasnottobedone。HeturnedhiseyesonMrJaggerswheneverheraisedthemfromthetable，andwasasdryanddistanttomeasifthereweretwinWemmicksandthiswasthewrongone。
`DidyousendthatnoteofMissHavisham\'stoMrPip，Wemmick？\'MrJaggersasked，soonafterwebegandinner。
`No，sir，\'returnedWemmick；`itwasgoingbypost，whenyoubroughtMrPipintotheoffice。Hereitis。\'Hehandedittohisprincipal，insteadoftome。
`It\'sanoteoftwolines，Pip，\'saidMrJaggers，handingiton，`sentuptomebyMissHavisham，onaccountofhernotbeingsureofyouraddress。
Shetellsmethatshewantstoseeyouonalittlematterofbusinessyoumentionedtoher。You\'llgodown？\'
`Yes，\'saidI，castingmyeyesoverthenote，whichwasexactlyinthoseterms。
`Whendoyouthinkofgoingdown？\'
`Ihaveanimpendingengagement，\'saidI，glancingatWemmick，whowasputtingfishintothepost-office，`thatrendersmeratheruncertainofmytime。Atonce，Ithink。\'
`IfMrPiphastheintentionofgoingatonce，\'saidWemmicktoMrJaggers，`heneedn\'twriteananswer，youknow。\'
Receivingthisasanintimationthatitwasbestnottodelay，IsettledthatIwouldgoto-morrow，andsaidso。WemmickdrankaglassofwineandlookedwithagrimlysatisfiedairatMrJaggers，butnotatme。
`So，Pip！OurfriendtheSpider，\'saidMrJaggers，`hasplayedhiscards。
Hehaswonthepool。\'
ItwasasmuchasIcoulddotoassent。
`Hah！Heisapromisingfellow-inhisway-buthemaynothaveitallhisownway。Thestrongerwillwinintheend，butthestrongerhastobefoundoutfirst。Ifheshouldturnto，andbeather——\'
`Surely，\'Iinterrupted，withaburningfaceandheart，`youdonotseriouslythinkthatheisscoundrelenoughforthat，MrJaggers？\'
`Ididn\'tsayso，Pip。Iamputtingacase。Ifheshouldturntoandbeather，hemaypossiblygetthestrengthonhisside；ifitshouldbeaquestionofintellect，hecertainlywillnot。Itwouldbechanceworktogiveanopinionhowafellowofthatsortwillturnoutinsuchcircumstances，becauseit\'satoss-upbetweentworesults。\'
`MayIaskwhattheyare？\'
`AfellowlikeourfriendtheSpider，\'answeredMrJaggers，`eitherbeats，orcringes。Hemaycringeandgrowl，orcringeandnotgrowl；butheeitherbeatsorcringes。AskWemmickhisopinion。\'
`Eitherbeatsorcringes，\'saidWemmick，notatalladdressinghimselftome。
`So，here\'stoMrsBentleyDrummle，\'saidMrJaggers，takingadecanterofchoicerwinefromhisdumb-waiter，andfilingforeachofusandforhimself，`andmaythequestionofsupremacybesettledtothelady\'ssatisfaction！
Tothesatisfactionoftheladyandthegentleman，itneverwillbe。Now，Molly，Molly，Molly，Molly，howslowyouareto-day！\'
Shewasathiselbowwhenheaddressedher，puttingadishuponthetable。Asshewithdrewherhandsfromit，shefellbackasteportwo，nervouslymutteringsomeexcuse。Andacertainactionofherfingersasshespokearrestedmyattention。
`What\'sthematter？\'saidMrJaggers。
`Nothing。Onlythesubjectwewerespeakingof，\'saidI，`wasratherpainfultome。\'
Theactionofherfingerswasliketheactionofknitting。Shestoodlookingathermaster，notunderstandingwhethershewasfreetogo，orwhetherhehadmoretosaytoherandwouldcallherbackifshedidgo。
Herlookwasveryintent。Surely，Ihadseenexactlysucheyesandsuchhands，onamemorableoccasionverylately！
Hedismissedher，andsheglidedoutoftheroom。Butsheremainedbeforeme，asplainlyasifshewerestillthere。Ilookedatthosehands，Ilookedatthoseeyes，Ilookedatthatflowinghair；andIcomparedthemwithotherhands，othereyes，otherhair，thatIknewof，andwithwhatthosemightbeaftertwentyyearsofabrutalhusbandandastormylife。Ilookedagainatthosehandsandeyesofthehousekeeper，andthoughtoftheinexplicablefeelingthathadcomeovermewhenIlastwalked-notalone-intheruinedgarden，andthroughthedesertedbrewery。IthoughthowthesamefeelinghadcomebackwhenIsawafacelookingatme，andahandwavingtome，fromastage-coachwindow；andhowithadcomebackagainandhadflashedaboutmelikeLightning，whenIhadpassedinacarriage-notalone-
throughasuddenglareoflightinadarkstreet。Ithoughthowonelinkofassociationhadhelpedthatidentificationinthetheatre，andhowsuchalink，wantingbefore，hadbeenrivetedformenow，whenIhadpassedbyachanceswiftfromEstella\'snametothefingerswiththeirknittingaction，andtheattentiveeyes。AndIfeltabsolutelycertainthatthiswomanwasEstella\'smother。
MrJaggershadseenmewithEstella，andwasnotlikelytohavemissedthesentimentsIhadbeenatnopainstoconceal。HenoddedwhenIsaidthesubjectwaspainfultome，clappedmeontheback，putroundthewineagain，andwentonwithhisdinner。
Onlytwicemore，didthehousekeeperreappear，andthenherstayintheroomwasveryshort，andMrJaggerswassharpwithher。ButherhandswereEstella\'shands，andhereyeswereEstella\'seyes，andifshehadreappearedahundredtimesIcouldhavebeenneithermoresurenorlesssurethatmyconvictionwasthetruth。
Itwasadullevening，forWemmickdrewhiswinewhenitcameround，quiteasamatterofbusiness-justashemighthavedrawnhissalarywhenthatcameround-andwithhiseyesonhischief，satinastateofperpetualreadinessforcross-examination。Astothequantityofwine，hispost-officewasasindifferentandreadyasandotherpost-officeforitsquantityofletters。Frommypointofview，hewasthewrongtwinallthetime，andonlyexternallyliketheWemmickofWalworth。
Wetookourleaveearly，andlefttogether。EvenwhenweweregropingamongMrJaggers\'sstockofbootsforourhats，Ifeltthattherighttwinwasonhiswayback；andwehadnotgonehalfadozenyardsdownGerrard-streetintheWalworthdirectionbeforeIfoundthatIwaswalkingarm-in-armwiththerighttwin，andthatthewrongtwinhadevaporatedintotheeveningair。
`Well！\'saidWemmick，`that\'sover！He\'sawonderfulman，withouthislivinglikeness；butIfeelthatIhavetoscrewmyselfupwhenIdinewithhim-andIdinemorecomfortablyunscrewed。\'
Ifeltthatthiswasagoodstatementofthecase，andtoldhimso。
`Wouldn\'tsayittoanybodybutyourself，\'heanswered。`Iknowthatwhatissaidbetweenyouandme，goesnofurther。\'
IaskedhimifhehadeverseenMissHavisham\'sadopteddaughter，MrsBentleyDrummle？Hesaidno。Toavoidbeingtooabrupt，IthenspokeoftheAged，andofMissSkiffins。HelookedratherslywhenImentionedMissSkiffins，andstoppedinthestreettoblowhisnose，witharolloftheheadandaflourishnotquitefreefromlatentboastfulness。
`Wemmick，\'saidI，`doyouremembertellingmebeforeIfirstwenttoMrJaggers\'sprivatehouse，tonoticethathousekeeper？\'
`DidI？\'hereplied。`Ah，IdaresayIdid。Deucetakeme，\'headded，suddenly，`IknowIdid。IfindIamnotquiteunscrewedyet。\'
`Awildbeasttamed，youcalledher。\'
`Andwhatdoyoucallher？\'
`Thesame。HowdidMrJaggerstameher，Wemmick？\'
`That\'shissecret。Shehasbeenwithhimmanyalongyear。\'
`Iwishyouwouldtellmeherstory。Ifeelaparticularinterestinbeingacquaintedwithit。Youknowthatwhatissaidbetweenyouandmegoesnofurther。\'
`Well！\'Wemmickreplied，`Idon\'tknowherstory-thatis，Idon\'tknowallofit。ButwhatIdoknow，I\'lltellyou。Weareinourprivateandpersonalcapacities，ofcourse。\'
`Ofcourse。\'
`Ascoreorsoofyearsago，thatwomanwastriedattheOldBaileyformurder，andwasacquitted。Shewasaveryhandsomeyoungwoman，andIbelievehadsomegipsybloodinher。Anyhow，iwashotenoughwhenitwasup，asyoumaysuppose。\'
`Butshewasacquitted。\'
`MrJaggerswasforher，\'pursuedWemmick，withalookfullofmeaning，`andworkedthecaseinawayquiteastonishing。Itwasadesperatecase，anditwascomparativelyearlydayswithhimthen，andheworkedittogeneraladmiration；infact，itmayalmostbesaidtohavemadehim。Heworkedithimselfatthepolice-office，dayafterdayformanydays，contendingagainstevenacommittal；andatthetrialwherehecouldn\'tworkithimself，satunderCounsel，and-everyoneknew-putinallthesaltandpepper。
Themurderedpersonwasawoman；awoman，agoodtenyearsolder，verymuchlarger，andverymuchstronger。Itwasacaseofjealousy。Theybothledtrampinglives，andthiswomaninGerrard-streetherehadbeenmarriedveryyoung，overthebroomstick(aswesay)，toatrampingman，andwasaperfectfuryinpointofjealousy。Themurderedwoman-moreamatchfortheman，certainly，inpointofyears-wasfounddeadinabarnnearHounslowHeath。Therehadbeenaviolentstruggle，perhapsafight。Shewasbruisedandscratchedandtorn，andhadbeenheldbythethroatatlastandchoked。Now，therewasnoreasonableevidencetoimplicateanypersonbutthiswoman，and，ontheimprobabilitiesofherhavingbeenabletodoit，MrJaggersprincipallyrestedhiscase。Youmaybesure，\'saidWemmick，touchingmeonthesleeve，`thatheneverdweltuponthestrengthofherhandsthen，thoughhesometimesdoesnow。\'
IhadtoldWemmickofhisshowingusherwrists，thatdayofthedinnerparty。
`Well，sir！\'Wemmickwenton；`ithappened-happened，don\'tyousee？-
thatthiswomanwassoveryartfullydressedfromthetimeofherapprehension，thatshelookedmuchslighterthanshereallywas；inparticular，hersleevesarealwaysrememberedtohavebeensoskilfullycontrivedthatherarmshadquiteadelicatelook。Shehadonlyabruiseortwoabouther-nothingforatramp-butthebacksofherhandswerelacerated，andthequestionwas，wasitwithfinger-nails？Now，MrJaggersshowedthatshehadstruggledthroughagreatlotofbrambleswhichwerenotashighasherface；butwhichshecouldnothavegotthroughandkeptherhandsoutof；andbitsofthosebrambleswereactuallyfoundinherskinandputinevidence，aswellasthefactthatthebramblesinquestionwerefoundonexaminationtohavebeenbrokenthrough，andtohavelittleshredsofherdressandlittlespotsofblooduponthemhereandthere。Buttheboldestpointhemade，wasthis。Itwasattemptedtobesetupinproofofherjealousy，thatshewasunderstrongsuspicionofhaving，ataboutthetimeofthemurder，franticallydestroyedherchildbythisman-somethreeyearsold-torevengeherselfuponhim。MrJaggersworkedthat，inthisway。
"Wesaythesearenotmarksoffinger-nails，butmarksofbrambles，andweshowyouthebrambles。Yousaytheyaremarksoffinger-nails，andyousetupthehypothesisthatshedestroyedherchild。Youmustacceptallconsequencesofthathypothesis。Foranythingweknow，shemayhavedestroyedherchild，andthechildinclingingtohermayhavescratchedherhands。
Whatthen？Youarenottryingherforthemurderofherchild；whydon\'tyou？Astothiscase，ifyouwillhavescratches，wesaythat，foranythingweknow，youmayhaveaccountedforthem，assumingforthesakeofargumentthatyouhavenotinventedthem？"Tosumup，sir，\'saidWemmick，`MrJaggerswasaltogethertoomanyfortheJury，andtheygavein。\'
`Hasshebeeninhisserviceeversince？\'
`Yes；butnotonlythat，\'saidWemmick。`Shewentintohisserviceimmediatelyafterheracquittal，tamedassheisnow。Shehassincebeentaughtonethingandanotherinthewayofherduties，butshewastamedfromthebeginning。\'
`Doyourememberthesexofthechild？\'
`Saidtohavebeenagirl。\'
`Youhavenothingmoretosaytometo-night？\'
`Nothing。Igotyourletteranddestroyedit。Nothing。\'
WeexchangedacordialGoodNight，andIwenthome，withnewmatterformythoughts，thoughwithnorelieffromtheold。
Chapter49
PUTTINGMissHavisham\'snoteinmypocket，thatitmightserveasmycredentialsforsosoonreappearingatSatisHouse，incaseherwaywardnessshouldleadhertoexpressanysurpriseatseeingme，Iwentdownagainbythecoachnextday。ButIalightedattheHalfwayHouse，andbreakfastedthere，andwalkedtherestofthedistance；for，Isoughttogetintothetownquietlybytheunfrequentedways，andtoleaveitinthesamemanner。
ThebestlightofthedaywasgonewhenIpassedalongthequietechoingcourtsbehindtheHigh-street。Thenooksofruinwheretheoldmonkshadoncehadtheirrefectoriesandgardens，andwherethestrongwallswerenowpressedintotheserviceofhumbleshedsandstables，werealmostassilentastheoldmonksintheirgraves。Thecathedralchimeshadatonceasadderandamoreremotesoundtome，asIhurriedonavoidingobservation，thantheyhadeverhadbefore；so，theswelloftheoldorganwasbornetomyearslikefuneralmusic；andtherooks，astheyhoveredaboutthegreytowerandswunginthebarehightreesofthepriory-garden，seemedtocalltomethattheplacewaschanged，andthatEstellawasgoneoutofitforever。
AnelderlywomanwhomIhadseenbeforeasoneoftheservantswholivedinthesupplementaryhouseacrossthebackcourt-yard，openedthegate。
Thelightedcandlestoodinthedarkpassagewithin，asofold，andItookitupandascendedthestaircasealone。MissHavishamwasnotinherownroom，butwasinthelargerroomacrossthelanding。Lookinginatthedoor，afterknockinginvain，Isawhersittingonthehearthinaraggedchair，closebefore，andlostinthecontemplationof，theashyfire。
DoingasIhadoftendone，Iwentin，andstood，touchingtheoldchimney-piece，whereshecouldseemewhensheraisedhereyes。Therewasanairorutterlonelinessuponher，thatwouldhavemovedmetopitythoughshehadwilfullydonemeadeeperinjurythanIcouldchargeherwith。AsIstoodcompassionatingher，andthinkinghowintheprogressoftimeItoohadcometobeapartofthewreckedfortunesofthathouse，hereyesrestedonme。Shestared，andsaidinalowvoice，`Isitreal？\'
`ItisI，Pip。MrJaggersgavemeyournoteyesterday，andIhavelostnotime。\'
`Thankyou。Thankyou。\'
AsIbroughtanotheroftheraggedchairstothehearthandsatdown，Iremarkedanewexpressiononherface，asifshewereafraidofme。
`Iwant，\'shesaid，`topursuethatsubjectyoumentionedtomewhenyouwerelasthere，andtoshowyouthatIamnotallstone。Butperhapsyoucanneverbelieve，now，thatthereisanythinghumaninmyheart？\'
WhenIsaidsomereassuringwords，shestretchedouthertremulousrighthand，asthoughshewasgoingtotouchme；butsherecalleditagainbeforeIunderstoodtheaction，orknewhowtoreceiveit。
`Yousaid，speakingforyourfriend，thatyoucouldtellmehowtodosomethingusefulandgood。Somethingthatyouwouldlikedone，isitnot？\'
`SomethingthatIwouldlikedoneverymuch。\'
`Whatisit？\'
Ibeganexplainingtoherthatsecrethistoryofthepartnership。I
hadnotgotfarintoit，whenIjudgedfromherlooksthatshewasthinkinginadiscursivewayofme，ratherthanofwhatIsaid。Itseemedtobeso，for，whenIstoppedspeaking，manymomentspassedbeforesheshowedthatshewasconsciousofthefact。
`Doyoubreakoff，\'sheaskedthen，withherformerairofbeingafraidofme，`becauseyouhatemetoomuchtobeartospeaktome？\'
`No，no，\'Ianswered，`howcanyouthinkso，MissHavisham！IstoppedbecauseIthoughtyouwerenotfollowingwhatIsaid。\'
`PerhapsIwasnot，\'sheanswered，puttingahandtoherhead。`Beginagain，andletmelookatsomethingelse。Stay！Nowtellme。\'
Shesetherhanduponherstick，intheresolutewaythatsometimeswashabitualtoher，andlookedatthefirewithastrongexpressionofforcingherselftoattend。Iwentonwithmyexplanation，andtoldherhowIhadhopedtocompletethetransactionoutofmymeans，buthowinthisIwasdisappointed。Thatpartofthesubject(Iremindedher)involvedmatterswhichcouldformnopartofmyexplanation，fortheyweretheweightysecretsofanother。
`So！\'saidshe，assentingwithherhead，butnotlookingatme。`Andhowmuchmoneyiswantingtocompletethepurchase？\'
Iwasratherafraidofstatingit，foritsoundedalargesum。`Ninehundredpounds。\'
`IfIgiveyouthemoneyforthispurpose，willyoukeepmysecretasyouhavekeptyourown？\'
`Quiteasfaithfully。\'
`Andyourmindwillbemoreatrest？\'
`Muchmoreatrest。\'
`Areyouveryunhappynow？\'
Sheaskedthisquestion，stillwithoutlookingatme，butinanunwontedtoneofsympathy。Icouldnotreplyatthemoment，formyvoicefailedme。Sheputherleftarmacrosstheheadofherstick，andsoftlylaidherforeheadonit。
`Iamfarfromhappy，MissHavisham；butIhaveothercausesofdisquietthananyyouknowof。TheyarethesecretsIhavementioned。\'
Afteralittlewhile，sheraisedherheadandlookedatthefireagain。
`Itisnobleinyoutotellmethatyouhaveothercausesofunhappiness，Isittrue？\'
`Tootrue。\'
`CanIonlyserveyou，Pip，byservingyourfriend？Regardingthatasdone，istherenothingIcandoforyouyourself？\'
`Nothing。Ithankyouforthequestion。Ithankyouevenmoreforthetoneofthequestion。But，thereisnothing。\'
Shepresentlyrosefromherseat，andlookedabouttheblightedroomforthemeansofwriting。Therewerenonthere，andshetookfromherpocketayellowsetofivorytablets，mountedintarnishedgold，andwroteuponthemwithapencilinacaseoftarnishedgoldthathungfromherneck。
`YouarestillonfriendlytermswithMrJaggers？\'
`Quite。Idinedwithhimyesterday。\'
`Thisisanauthoritytohimtopayyouthatmoney，tolayoutatyourirresponsiblediscretionforyourfriend。Ikeepnomoneyhere；butifyouwouldratherMrJaggersknewnothingofthematter，Iwillsendittoyou。\'
`Thankyou，MissHavisham；Ihavenottheleastobjectiontoreceivingitfromhim。\'
Shereadmewhatshehadwritten，anditwasdirectandclear，andevidentlyintendedtoabsolvemefromanysuspicionofprofitingbythereceiptofthemoney。Itookthetabletsfromherhand，andittrembledagain，andittrembledmoreasshetookoffthechaintowhichthepencilwasattached，andputitinmine。Allthisshedid，withoutlookingatme。
`Mynameisonthefirstleaf。Ifyoucaneverwriteundermyname，"Iforgiveher，"thougheversolongaftermybrokenheartisdust-praydoit！\'
`OMissHavisham，\'saidI，`Icandoitnow。Therehavebeensoremistakes；
andmylifehasbeenablindandthanklessone；andIwantforgivenessanddirectionfartoomuch，tobebitterwithyou。\'
Sheturnedherfacetomeforthefirsttimesinceshehadavertedit，and，tomyamazement，Imayevenaddtomyterror，droppedonherkneesatmyfeet；withherfoldedhandsraisedtomeinthemannerinwhich，whenherpoorheartwasyoungandfreshandwhole，theymustoftenhavebeenraisedtoheavenfromhermother\'sside。
Toseeherwithherwhitehairandherwornfacekneelingatmyfeet，gavemeashockthroughallmyframe。Ientreatedhertorise，andgotmyarmsabouthertohelpherup；butsheonlypressedthathandofminewhichwasnearesttohergrasp，andhungherheadoveritandwept。Ihadneverseenhershedatearbefore，and，inthehopethatthereliefmightdohergood，Ibentoverherwithoutspeaking。Shewasnotkneelingnow，butwasdownupontheground。
`O！\'shecried，despairingly。`WhathaveIdone！WhathaveIdone！\'
`Ifyoumean，MissHavisham，whathaveyoudonetoinjureme，letmeanswer。Verylittle。Ishouldhavelovedherunderanycircumstances-
Isshemarried？\'
`Yes。\'
Itwasaneedlessquestion，foranewdesolationinthedesolatehousehadtoldmeso。
`WhathaveIdone！WhathaveIdone！\'Shewrungherhands，andcrushedherwhitehair，andreturnedtothiscryoverandoveragain。`WhathaveIdone！\'
Iknewnothowtoanswer，orhowtocomforther。Thatshehaddoneagrievousthingintakinganimpressionablechildtomouldintotheformthatherwildresentment，spurnedaffection，andwoundedpride，foundvengeancein，Iknewfullwell。Butthat，inshuttingoutthelightofday，shehadshutoutinfinitelymore；that，inseclusion，shehadsecludedherselffromathousandnaturalandhealinginfluences；that，hermind，broodingsolitary，hadgrowndiseased，asallmindsdoandmustandwillthatreversetheappointedorderoftheirMaker；Iknewequallywell。AndcouldIlookuponherwithoutcompassion，seeingherpunishmentintheruinshewas，inherprofoundunfitnessforthisearthonwhichshewasplaced，inthevanityofsorrowwhichhadbecomeamastermania，likethevanityofpenitence，thevanityofremorse，thevanityofunworthiness，andothermonstrousvanitiesthathavebeencursesinthisworld？
`Untilyouspoketohertheotherday，anduntilIsawinyoualooking-glassthatshowedmewhatIoncefeltmyself，IdidnotknowwhatIhaddone。
WhathaveIdone！WhathaveIdone！\'Andsoagain，twenty，fiftytimesover，Whathadshedone！
`MissHavisham，\'Isaid，whenhercryhaddiedaway，`youmaydismissmefromyourmindandconscience。ButEstellaisadifferentcase，andifyoucaneverundoanyscrapofwhatyouhavedoneamissinkeepingapartofherrightnatureawayfromher，itwillbebettertodothat，thantobemoanthepastthroughahundredyears。\'
`Yes，yes，Iknowit。But，Pip-myDear！\'Therewasanearnestwomanlycompassionformeinhernewaffection。`MyDear！Believethis:whenshefirstcametome，Imeanttosaveherfrommiserylikemyown。AtfirstImeantnomore。\'
`Well，well！\'saidI。`Ihopeso。\'
`Butasshegrew，andpromisedtobeverybeautiful，Igraduallydidworse，andwithmypraises，andwithmyjewels，andwithmyteachings，andwiththisfigureofmyselfalwaysbeforeherawarningtobackandpointmylessons，Istoleherheartawayandputiceinitsplace。\'
`Better，\'Icouldnothelpsaying，`tohaveleftheranaturalheart，eventobebruisedorbroken。\'
Withthat，MissHavishamlookeddistractedlyatmeforawhile，andthenburstoutagain，Whathadshedone！
`Ifyouknewallmystory，\'shepleaded，`youwouldhavesomecompassionformeandabetterunderstandingofme。\'
`MissHavisham，\'Ianswered，asdelicatelyasIcould，`IbelieveI
maysaythatIdoknowyourstory，andhaveknowniteversinceIfirstleftthisneighbourhood。Ithasinspiredmewithgreatcommiseration，andIhopeIunderstanditanditsinfluences。DoeswhathaspassedbetweenusgivemeanyexcuseforaskingyouaquestionrelativetoEstella？Notassheis，butasshewaswhenshefirstcamehere？\'
Shewasseatedontheground，withherarmsontheraggedchair，andherheadleaningonthem。ShelookedfullatmewhenIsaidthis，andreplied，`Goon。\'
`WhosechildwasEstella？\'
Sheshookherhead。
`Youdon\'tknow？\'
Sheshookherheadagain。
`ButMrJaggersbroughtherhere，orsentherhere？\'
`Broughtherhere。\'
`Willyoutellmehowthatcameabout？\'
Sheansweredinalowwhisperandwithcaution:`Ihadbeenshutupintheseroomsalongtime(Idon\'tknowhowlong；youknowwhattimetheclockskeephere)，whenItoldhimthatIwantedalittlegirltorearandlove，andsavefrommyfate。IhadfirstseenhimwhenIsentforhimtolaythisplacewasteforme；havingreadofhiminthenewspapers，beforeIandtheworldparted。Hetoldmethathewouldlookabouthimforsuchanorphanchild。Onenighthebroughtherhereasleep，andIcalledherEstella。\'
`MightIaskheragethen？\'
`Twoorthree。Sheherselfknowsnothing，butthatshewasleftanorphanandIadoptedher。\'
SoconvincedIwasofthatwoman\'sbeinghermother，thatIwantednoevidencetoestablishthefactinmyownmind。But，toanymind，Ithought，theconnectionherewasclearandstraight。
WhatmorecouldIhopetodobyprolongingtheinterview？IhadsucceededonbehalfofHerbert，MissHavishamhadtoldmeallsheknewofEstella，IhadsaidanddonewhatIcouldtoeasehermind。Nomatterwithwhatotherwordsweparted；weparted。
TwilightwasclosinginwhenIwentdownstairsintothenaturalair。
IcalledtothewomanwhohadopenedthegatewhenIentered，thatIwouldnottroubleherjustyet，butwouldwalkroundtheplacebeforeleaving。
For，IhadapresentimentthatIshouldneverbethereagain，andIfeltthatthedyinglightwassuitedtomylastviewofit。
BythewildernessofcasksthatIhadwalkedonlongago，andonwhichtherainofyearshadfallensince，rottingtheminmanyplaces，andleavingminiatureswampsandpoolsofwateruponthosethatstoodonend，Imademywaytotheruinedgarden。Iwentallroundit；roundbythecornerwhereHerbertandIhadfoughtourbattle；roundbythepathswhereEstellaandIhadwalked。Socold，solonely，sodrearyall！
Takingthebreweryonmywayback，Iraisedtherustylatchofalittledooratthegardenendofit，andwalkedthrough。Iwasgoingoutattheoppositedoor-noteasytoopennow，forthedampwoodhadstartedandswelled，andthehingeswereyielding，andthethresholdwasencumberedwithagrowthoffungus-whenIturnedmyheadtolookback。Achildishassociationrevivedwithwonderfulforceinthemomentoftheslightaction，andIfanciedthatIsawMissHavishamhangingtothebeam。Sostrongwastheimpression，thatIstoodunderthebeamshudderingfromheadtofootbeforeIknewitwasafancy-thoughtobesureIwasthereinaninstant。
Themournfulnessoftheplaceandtime，andthegreatterrorofthisillusion，thoughitwasbutmomentary，causedmetofeelanindescribableaweasIcameoutbetweentheopenwoodengateswhereIhadoncewrungmyhairafterEstellahadwrungmyheart。Passingonintothefrontcourt-yard，Ihesitatedwhethertocallthewomantoletmeoutatthelockedgateofwhichshehadthekey，orfirsttogoup-stairsandassuremyselfthatMissHavishamwasassafeandwellasIhadlefther。Itookthelattercourseandwentup。
IlookedintotheroomwhereIhadlefther，andIsawherseatedintheraggedchairuponthehearthclosetothefire，withherbacktowardsme。InthemomentwhenIwaswithdrawingmyheadtogoquietlyaway，I
sawagreatflaminglightspringup。Inthesamemoment，Isawherrunningatme，shrieking，withawhirloffireblazingallabouther，andsoaringatleastasmanyfeetaboveherheadasshewashigh。
Ihadadouble-capedgreat-coaton，andovermyarmanotherthickcoat。
ThatIgotthemoff，closedwithher，threwherdown，andgotthemoverher；thatIdraggedthegreatclothfromthetableforthesamepurpose，andwithitdraggeddowntheheapofrottennessinthemidst，andalltheuglythingsthatshelteredthere；thatwewereonthegroundstrugglinglikedesperateenemies，andthatthecloserIcoveredher，themorewildlysheshriekedandtriedtofreeherself；thatthisoccurredIknewthroughtheresult，butnotthroughanythingIfelt，orthought，orknewIdid。
IknewnothinguntilIknewthatwewereonthefloorbythegreattable，andthatpatchesoftinderyetalightwerefloatinginthesmokyair，which，amomentago，hadbeenherfadedbridaldress。
Then，Ilookedroundandsawthedisturbedbeetlesandspidersrunningawayoverthefloor，andtheservantscominginwithbreathlesscriesatthedoor。Istillheldherforciblydownwithallmystrength，likeaprisonerwhomightescape；andIdoubtifIevenknewwhoshewas，orwhywehadstruggled，orthatshehadbeeninflames，orthattheflameswereout，untilIsawthepatchesoftinderthathadbeenhergarments，nolongeralightbutfallinginablackshoweraroundus。
Shewasinsensible，andIwasafraidtohavehermoved，oreventouched。
AssistancewassentforandIheldheruntilitcame，asifIunreasonablyfancied(IthinkIdid)thatifIlethergo，thefirewouldbreakoutagainandconsumeher。WhenIgotup，onthesurgeon\'scomingtoherwithotheraid，Iwasastonishedtoseethatbothmyhandswereburnt；for，Ihadnoknowledgeofitthroughthesenseoffeeling。
Onexaminationitwaspronouncedthatshehadreceivedserioushurts，butthattheyofthemselveswerefarfromhopeless；thedangerlaymainlyinthenervousshock。Bythesurgeon\'sdirections，herbedwascarriedintothatroomandlaiduponthegreattable:whichhappenedtobewellsuitedtothedressingofherinjuries。WhenIsawheragain，anhourafterwards，shelayindeedwhereIhadseenherstrikeherstick，andhadheardhersaythatshewouldlieoneday。
Thougheveryvestigeofherdresswasburnt，astheytoldme，shestillhadsomethingofheroldghastlybridalappearance；for，theyhadcoveredhertothethroatwithwhitecotton-wool，andasshelaywithawhitesheetlooselyoverlyingthat，thephantomairofsomethingthathadbeenandwaschanged，wasstilluponher。
Ifound，onquestioningtheservants，thatEstellawasinParis，andIgotapromisefromthesurgeonthathewouldwritetoherbythenextpost。MissHavisham\'sfamilyItookuponmyself；intendingtocommunicatewithMrMatthewPocketonly，andleavehimtodoashelikedaboutinformingtherest。ThisIdidnextday，throughHerbert，assoonasIreturnedtotown。
Therewasastage，thatevening，whenshespokecollectedlyofwhathadhappened，thoughwithacertainterriblevivacity。Towardsmidnightshebegantowanderinherspeech，andafterthatitgraduallysetinthatshesaidinnumerabletimesinalowsolemnvoice，`WhathaveIdone！\'Andthen，`Whenshefirstcame，Imeanttosaveherfrommiserylikemine。\'
Andthen，`Takethepencilandwriteundermyname，"Iforgiveher！"\'Sheneverchangedtheorderofthesethreesentences，butshesometimesleftoutawordinoneorotherofthem；neverputtinginanotherword，butalwaysleavingablankandgoingontothenextword。
AsIcoulddonoservicethere，andasIhad，nearerhome，thatpressingreasonforanxietyandfearwhichevenherwanderingscouldnotdriveoutofmymind，IdecidedinthecourseofthenightthatIwouldreturnbytheearlymorningcoach:walkingonamileorso，andbeingtakenupclearofthetown。Ataboutsixo\'clockofthemorning，therefore，Ileanedoverherandtouchedherlipswithmine，justastheysaid，notstoppingforbeingtouched，`Takethepencilandwriteundermyname，"Iforgiveher。"\'
Chapter50
MYhandshadbeendressedtwiceorthriceinthenight，andagaininthemorning。Myleftarmwasagooddealburnedtotheelbow，and，lessseverely，ashighastheshoulder；itwasverypainful，buttheflameshadsetinthatdirection，andIfeltthankfulitwasnoworse。MyrighthandwasnotsobadlyburntbutthatIcouldmovethefingers。Itwasbandaged，ofcourse，butmuchlessinconvenientlythanmylefthandandarm；thoseIcarriedinasling；andIcouldonlywearmycoatlikeacloak，looseovermyshouldersandfastenedattheneck。Myhairhadbeencaughtbythefire，butnotmyheadorface。
WhenHerberthadbeendowntoHammersmithandseenhisfather，hecamebackmeatourchambers，anddevotedthedaytoattendingonme。Hewasthekindestofnurses，andatstatedtimestookoffthebandages，andsteepedtheminthecoolingliquidthatwaskeptready，andputthemonagain，withapatienttendernessthatIwasdeeplygratefulfor。
Atfirst，asIlayquietonthesofa，Ifounditpainfullydifficult，Imightsayimpossible，togetridoftheimpressionoftheglareoftheflames，theirhurryandnoise，andthefierceburningsmell。IfIdozedforaminute，IwasawakenedbyMissHavisham\'scries，andbyherrunningatmewithallthatheightoffireaboveherhead。ThispainofthemindwasmuchhardertostriveagainstthananybodilypainIsuffered；andHerbert，seeingthat，didhisutmosttoholdmyattentionengaged。
Neitherofusspokeoftheboat，butweboththoughtofit。Thatwasmadeapparentbyouravoidanceofthesubject，andbyouragreeing-withoutagreement-tomakemyrecoveryoftheuseofmyhands，aquestionofsomanyhours，notofsomanyweeks。
MyfirstquestionwhenIsawHerberthadbeenofcourse，whetherallwaswelldowntheriver？Asherepliedintheaffirmative，withperfectconfidenceandcheerfulness，wedidnotresumethesubjectuntilthedaywaswearingaway。Butthen，asHerbertchangedthebandages，morebythelightofthefirethanbytheouterlight，hewentbacktoitspontaneously。
`IsatwithProvislastnight，Handel，twogoodhours。\'
`WherewasClara？\'
`Dearlittlething！\'saidHerbert。`ShewasupanddownwithGruffandgrimalltheevening。Hewasperpetuallypeggingatthefloor，themomentshelefthissight。Idoubtifhecanholdoutlongthough。Whatwithrumandpepper-andpepperandrum-Ishouldthinkhispeggingmustbenearlyover。\'
`Andthenyouwillbemarried，Herbert？\'
`HowcanItakecareofthedearchildotherwise？-Layyourarmoutuponthebackofthesofa，mydearboy，andI\'llsitdownhere，andgetthebandageoffsograduallythatyoushallnotknowwhenitcomes。IwasspeakingofProvis。Doyouknow，Handel，heimproves？\'
`IsaidtoyouIthoughthewassoftenedwhenIlastsawhim。\'
`Soyoudid。Andsoheis。Hewasverycommunicativelastnight，andtoldmemoreofhislife。Yourememberhisbreakingoffhereaboutsomewomanthathehadhadgreattroublewith-DidIhurtyou？\'
Ihadstarted，butnotunderhistouch。Hiswordshadgivenmeastart。
`Ihadforgottenthat，Herbert，butIrememberitnowyouspeakofit。\'
`Well！Hewentintothatpartofhislife，andadarkwildpartitis。
ShallItellyou？Orwoulditworryyoujustnow？\'
`Tellmebyallmeans。Everyword。\'
Herbertbentforwardtolookatmemorenearly，asifmyreplyhadbeenrathermorehurriedormoreeagerthanhecouldquiteaccountfor。`Yourheadiscool？\'hesaid，touchingit。
`Quite，\'saidI。`TellmewhatProvissaid，mydearHerbert。\'
`Itseems，\'saidHerbert，`-there\'sabandageoffmostcharmingly，andnowcomesthecoolone-makesyoushrinkatfirst，mypoordearfellow，don\'tit？butitwillbecomfortablepresently-itseemsthatthewomanwasayoungwoman，andajealouswoman，andarevengefulwoman；revengeful，Handel，tothelastdegree。\'
`Towhatlastdegree？\'
`Murder-Doesitstriketoocoldonthatsensitiveplace？\'
`Idon\'tfeelit。Howdidshemurder？Whomdidshemurder？\'`Why，thedeedmaynothavemeritedquitesoterribleaname，\'saidHerbert，`but，shewastriedforit，andMrJaggersdefendedher，andthereputationofthatdefencefirstmadehisnameknowntoProvis。Itwasanotherandastrongerwomanwhowasthevictim，andtherehadbeenastruggle-inabarn。Whobeganit，orhowfairitwas，orhowunfair，maybedoubtful；
buthowitended，iscertainlynotdoubtful，forthevictimwasfoundthrottled。\'
`Wasthewomanbroughtinguilty？\'
`No；shewasacquitted-MypoorHandel，Ihurtyou！\'
`Itisimpossibletobegentler，Herbert。Yes？Whatelse？\'
`ThisacquittedyoungwomanandProvishadalittlechild:alittlechildofwhomProviswasexceedinglyfond。OntheeveningoftheverynightwhentheobjectofherjealousywasstrangledasItellyou，theyoungwomanpresentedherselfbeforeProvisforonemoment，andsworethatshewoulddestroythechild(whichwasinherpossession)，andheshouldneverseeitagain；then，shevanished-There\'stheworstarmcomfortablyintheslingoncemore，andnowthereremainsbuttherighthand，whichisafareasierjob。Icandoitbetterbythislightthanbyastronger，formyhandissteadiestwhenIdon\'tseethepoorblisteredpatchestoodistinctly-Youdon\'tthinkyourbreathingisaffected，mydearboy？
Youseemtobreathequickly。\'
`PerhapsIdo，Herbert。Didthewomankeepheroath？\'
`TherecomesthedarkestpartofProvis\'slife。Shedid。\'
`Thatis，hesaysshedid。\'
`Why，ofcourse，mydearboy，\'returnedHerbert，inatoneofsurprise，andagainbendingforwardtogetanearerlookatme。`Hesaysitall。
Ihavenootherinformation。\'
`No，tobesure。\'
`Now，whether，\'pursuedHerbert，`hehadusedthechild\'smotherill，orwhetherhehadusedthechild\'smotherwell，Provisdoesn\'tsay；but，shehadsharedsomefourorfiveyearsofthewretchedlifehedescribedtousatthisfireside，andheseemstohavefeltpityforher，andforbearancetowardsher。Therefore，fearingheshouldbecalledupontodeposeaboutthisdestroyedchild，andsobethecauseofherdeath，hehidhimself(muchashegrievedforthechild)，kepthimselfdark，ashesays，outofthewayandoutofthetrial，andwasonlyvaguelytalkedofasacertainmancalledAbel，outofwhomthejealousyarose。Aftertheacquittalshedisappeared，andthushelostthechildandthechild\'smother。\'
`Iwanttoask——\'
`Amoment，mydearboy，andIhavedone。Thatevilgenius，Compeyson，theworstofscoundrelsamongmanyscoundrels，knowingofhiskeepingoutofthewayatthattime，andofhisreasonsfordoingso，ofcourseafterwardsheldtheknowledgeoverhisheadasameansofkeepinghimpoorer，andworkinghimharder。ItwasclearlastnightthatthisbarbedthepointofProvis\'sanimosity。\'
`Iwanttoknow，\'saidI，`andparticularly，Herbert，whetherhetoldyouwhenthishappened？\'
`Particularly？Letmeremember，then，whathesaidastothat。Hisexpressionwas，"aroundscoreo\'yearago，anda\'mostdirectlyafterItookupwi\'
Compeyson。"Howoldwereyouwhenyoucameuponhiminthelittlechurchyard？\'
`Ithinkinmyseventhyear。\'
`Ay。Ithadhappenedsomethreeorfouryearsthen，hesaid，andyoubroughtintohismindthelittlegirlsotragicallylost，whowouldhavebeenaboutyourage。\'
`Herbert，\'saidI，afterashortsilence，inahurriedway，`canyouseemebestbythelightofthewindow，orthelightofthefire？\'
`Bythefirelight，\'answeredHerbert，comingcloseagain。
`Lookatme。\'
`Idolookatyou，mydearboy。\'
`Touchme。\'
`Idotouchyou，mydearboy。\'
`YouarenotafraidthatIaminanyfever，orthatmyheadismuchdisorderedbytheaccidentoflastnight？\'
`N-no，mydearboy，\'saidHerbert，aftertakingtimetoexamineme。
`Youareratherexcited，butyouarequiteyourself。\'
`IknowIamquitemyself。Andthemanwehaveinhidingdowntheriver，isEstella\'sFather。\'
Chapter51
WHATpurposeIhadinviewwhenIwashotontracingoutandprovingEstella\'sparentage，Icannotsay。Itwillpresentlybeseenthatthequestionwasnotbeforemeinadistinctshape，untilitwasputbeforemebyawiserheadthanmyown。
But，whenHerbertandIhadheldourmomentousconversation，IwasseizedwithafeverishconvictionthatIoughttohuntthematterdown-thatIoughtnottoletitrest，butthatIoughttoseeMrJaggers，andcomeatthebaretruth。IreallydonotknowwhetherIfeltthatIdidthisforEstella\'ssake，orwhetherIwasgladtotransfertothemaninwhosepreservationIwassomuchconcerned，someraysoftheromanticinterestthathadsolongsurroundedher。Perhapsthelatterpossibilitymaybethenearertothetruth。
Anyway，IcouldscarcelybewithheldfromgoingouttoGerrard-streetthatnight。Herbert\'srepresentationsthatifIdid，Ishouldprobablybelaidupandstrickenuseless，whenourfugitive\'ssafetywoulddependuponme，alonerestrainedmyimpatience。Ontheunderstanding，againandagainreiterated，thatcomewhatwould，IwastogotoMrJaggersto-morrow，Iatlengthsubmittedtokeepquiet，andtohavemyhurtslookedafter，andtostayathome。Earlynextmorningwewentouttogether，andatthecornerofGiltspur-streetbySmithfield，IleftHerberttogohiswayintotheCity，andtookmywaytoLittleBritain。
TherewereperiodicaloccasionswhenMrJaggersandWemmickwentovertheofficeaccounts，andcheckedoffthevouchers，andputallthingsstraight。
OntheseoccasionsWemmicktookhisbooksandpapersintoMrJaggers\'sroom，andoneoftheup-stairsclerkscamedownintotheouteroffice。
FindingsuchclerkonWemmick\'spostthatmorning，Iknewwhatwasgoingon；but，IwasnotsorrytohaveMrJaggersandWemmicktogether，asWemmickwouldthenhearforhimselfthatIsaidnothingtocompromisehim。
Myappearancewithmyarmbandagedandmycoatlooseovermyshoulders，favouredmyobject。AlthoughIhadsentMrJaggersabriefaccountoftheaccidentassoonasIhadarrivedintown，yetIhadtogivehimallthedetailsnow；andthespecialityoftheoccasioncausedourtalktobelessdryandhard，andlessstrictlyregulatedbytherulesofevidence，thanithadbeenbefore。WhileIdescribedthedisaster，MrJaggersstood，accordingtohiswont，beforethefire。Wemmickleanedbackinhischair，staringatme，withhishandsinthepocketsofhistrousers，andhispenputhorizontallyintothepost。Thetwobrutalcasts，alwaysinseparableinmymindfromtheofficialproceedings，seemedtobecongestivelyconsideringwhethertheydidn\'tsmellfireatthepresentmoment。
Mynarrativefinished，andtheirquestionsexhausted，IthenproducedMissHavisham\'sauthoritytoreceivetheninehundredpoundsforHerbert。
MrJaggers\'seyesretiredalittledeeperintohisheadwhenIhandedhimthetablets，buthepresentlyhandedthemovertoWemmick，withinstructionstodrawthechequeforhissignature。Whilethatwasincourseofbeingdone，IlookedonatWemmickashewrote，andMrJaggers，poisingandswayinghimselfonhiswell-polishedboots，lookedonatme。`Iamsorry，Pip，\'
saidhe，asIputthechequeinmypocket，whenhehadsignedit，`thatwedonothingforyou。\'
`MissHavishamwasgoodenoughtoaskme，\'Ireturned，`whethershecoulddonothingforme，andItoldherNo。\'
`Everybodyshouldknowhisownbusiness，\'saidMrJaggers。AndIsawWemmick\'slipsformthewords`portableproperty。\'
`IshouldnothavetoldherNo，ifIhadbeenyou，\'saidMrJaggers；
`buteverymanoughttoknowhisownbusinessbest。\'
`Everyman\'sbusiness，\'saidWemmick，ratherreproachfullytowardsme，`isportableproperty。\'
AsIthoughtthetimewasnowcomeforpursuingthethemeIhadatheart，Isaid，turningonMrJaggers:
`IdidasksomethingofMissHavisham，however，sir。Iaskedhertogivemesomeinformationrelativetoheradopteddaughter，andshegavemeallshepossessed。\'
`Didshe？\'saidMrJaggers，bendingforwardtolookathisbootsandthenstraighteninghimself。`Hah！Idon\'tthinkIshouldhavedoneso，ifIhadbeenMissHavisham。Butsheoughttoknowherownbusinessbest。\'
`IknowmoreofthehistoryofMissHavisham\'sadoptedchild，thanMissHavishamherselfdoes，sir。Iknowhermother。\'
MrJaggerslookedatmeinquiringly，andrepeated`Mother？\'
`Ihaveseenhermotherwithinthesethreedays。\'
`Yes？\'saidMrJaggers。
`Andsohaveyou，sir。Andyouhaveseenherstillmorerecently。\'
`Yes？\'saidMrJaggers。
`PerhapsIknowmoreofEstella\'shistorythanevenyoudo，\'saidI。
`Iknowherfathertoo。\'
AcertainstopthatMrJaggerscametoinhismanner-hewastooself-possessedtochangehismanner，buthecouldnothelpitsbeingbroughttoanindefinablyattentivestop-assuredmethathedidnotknowwhoherfatherwas。ThisIhadstronglysuspectedfromProvis\'saccount(asHerberthadrepeatedit)ofhishavingkepthimselfdark；whichIpiecedontothefactthathehimselfwasnotMrJaggers\'sclientuntilsomefouryearslater，andwhenhecouldhavenoreasonforclaiminghisidentity。But，IcouldnotbesureofthisunconsciousnessonMrJaggers\'spartbefore，thoughIwasquitesureofitnow。
`So！Youknowtheyounglady\'sfather，Pip？\'saidMrJaggers。
`Yes，\'Ireplied，`andhisnameisProvis-fromNewSouthWales。\'
EvenMrJaggersstartedwhenIsaidthosewords。Itwastheslighteststartthatcouldescapeaman，themostcarefullyrepressedandthesoonestchecked，buthedidstart，thoughhemadeitapartoftheactionoftakingouthispocket-handkerchief。HowWemmickreceivedtheannouncementIamunabletosay，forIwasafraidtolookathimjustthen，lestMrJaggers\'ssharpnessshoulddetectthattherehadbeensomecommunicationunknowntohimbetweenus。
`Andonwhatevidence，Pip，\'askedMr。Jaggers，verycoolly，ashepausedwithhishandkerchiefhalfwaytohisnose，`doesProvismakethisclaim？\'
`Hedoesnotmakeit，\'saidI，`andhasnevermadeit，andhasnoknowledgeorbeliefthathisdaughterisinexistence。\'
Foronce，thepowerfulpocket-handkerchieffailed。MyreplywassounexpectedthatMrJaggersputthehandkerchiefbackintohispocketwithoutcompletingtheusualperformance，foldedhisarms，andlookedwithsternattentionatme，thoughwithanimmovableface。
ThenItoldhimallIknew，andhowIknewit；withtheonereservationthatIlefthimtoinferthatIknewfromMissHavishamwhatIinfactknewfromWemmick。Iwasverycarefulindeedastothat。Nor，didIlooktowardsWemmickuntilIhadfinishedallIhadtotell，andhadbeenforsometimesilentlymeetingMrJaggers\'slook。WhenIdidatlastturnmyeyesinWemmick\'sdirection，Ifoundthathehadunpostedhispen，andwasintentuponthetablebeforehim。
`Hah！\'saidMrJaggersatlast，ashemovedtowardsthepapersonthetable，`-Whatitemwasityouwereat，Wemmick，whenMr。Pipcamein？\'
ButIcouldnotsubmittobethrownoffinthatway，andImadeapassionate，almostanindignant，appealtohimtobemorefrankandmanlywithme。
IremindedhimofthefalsehopesintowhichIhadlapsed，thelengthoftimetheyhadlasted，andthediscoveryIhadmade:andIhintedatthedangerthatweigheduponmyspirits。Irepresentedmyselfasbeingsurelyworthyofsomelittleconfidencefromhim，inreturnfortheconfidenceIhadjustnowimparted。IsaidthatIdidnotblamehim，orsuspecthim，ormistrusthim，butIwantedassuranceofthetruthfromhim。AndifheaskedmewhyIwanteditandwhyIthoughtIhadanyrighttoit，Iwouldtellhim，littleashecaredforsuchpoordreams，thatIhadlovedEstelladearlyandlong，andthat，althoughIhadlostherandmustliveabereavedlife，whateverconcernedherwasstillneareranddearertomethananythingelseintheworld。AndseeingthatMrJaggersstoodquitestillandsilent，andapparentlyquiteobdurate，underthisappeal，IturnedtoWemmick，andsaid，`Wemmick，Iknowyoutobeamanwithagentleheart。Ihaveseenyourpleasanthome，andyouroldfather，andalltheinnocentcheerfulplayfulwayswithwhichyourefreshyourbusinesslife。AndIentreatyoutosayawordformetoMrJaggers，andtorepresenttohimthat，allcircumstancesconsidered，heoughttobemoreopenwithme！\'
IhaveneverseentwomenlookmoreoddlyatoneanotherthanMrJaggersandWemmickdidafterthisapostrophe。Atfirst，amisgivingcrossedmethatWemmickwouldbeinstantlydismissedfromhisemployment；but，itmeltedasIsawMrJaggersrelaxintosomethinglikeasmile，andWemmickbecomebolder。
`What\'sallthis？\'saidMrJaggers。`Youwithanoldfather，andyouwithpleasantandplayfulways？\'
`Well！\'returnedWemmick。`IfIdon\'tbring\'emhere，whatdoesitmatter？\'
`Pip，\'saidMrJaggers，layinghishanduponmyarm，andsmilingopenly，`thismanmustbethemostcunningimpostorinallLondon。\'
`Notabitofit，\'returnedWemmick，growingbolderandbolder。`Ithinkyou\'reanother。\'
Againtheyexchangedtheirformeroddlooks，eachapparentlystilldistrustfulthattheotherwastakinghimin。
`Youwithapleasanthome？\'saidMrJaggers。
`Sinceitdon\'tinterferewithbusiness，\'returnedWemmick，`letitbeso。Now，Ilookatyou，sir，Ishouldn\'twonderifyoumightbeplanningandcontrivingtohaveapleasanthomeofyourown，oneofthesedays，whenyou\'retiredofallthiswork。\'
MrJaggersnoddedhisheadretrospectivelytwoorthreetimes，andactuallydrewasigh。`Pip，\'saidhe，`wewon\'ttalkabout"poordreams；"youknowmoreaboutsuchthingsthanI，havingmuchfresherexperienceofthatkind。
Butnow，aboutthisothermatter。I\'llputacasetoyou。Mind！Iadmitnothing。\'
HewaitedformetodeclarethatIquiteunderstoodthatheexpresslysaidthatheadmittednothing。
`Now，Pip，\'saidMrJaggers，`putthiscase。Putthecasethatawoman，undersuchcircumstancesasyouhavementioned，heldherchildconcealed，andwasobligedtocommunicatethefacttoherlegaladviser，onhisrepresentingtoherthathemustknow，withaneyetothelatitudeofhisdefence，howthefactstoodaboutthatchild。Putthecasethatatthesametimeheheldatrusttofindachildforaneccentricrichladytoadoptandbringup。\'
`Ifollowyou，sir。\'
`Putthecasethathelivedinanatmosphereofevil，andthatallhesawofchildren，was，theirbeinggeneratedingreatnumbersforcertaindestruction。Putthecasethatheoftensawchildrensolemnlytriedatacriminalbar，wheretheywerehelduptobeseen；putthecasethathehabituallyknewoftheirbeingimprisoned，whipped，transported，neglected，castout，qualifiedinallwaysforthehangman，andgrowinguptobehanged。
Putthecasethatprettynighallthechildrenhesawinhisdailybusinesslife，hehadreasontolookuponassomuchspawn，todevelopintothefishthatweretocometohisnet-tobeprosecuted，defended，forsworn，madeorphans，bedevilledsomehow。\'
`Ifollowyou，sir。\'
`Putthecase，Pip，thatherewasoneprettylittlechildoutoftheheap，whocouldbesaved；whomthefatherbelieveddead，anddaredmakenostirabout；astowhom，overthemother，thelegaladviserhadthispower:"Iknowwhatyoudid，andhowyoudidit。Youcamesoandso，thiswasyourmannerofattackandthisthemannerofresistance，youwentsoandso，youdidsuchandsuchthingstodivertsuspicion。Ihavetrackedyouthroughitall，andItellityouall。Partwiththechild，unlessitshouldbenecessarytoproduceittoclearyou，andthenitshallbeproduced。Givethechildintomyhands，andIwilldomybesttobringyouoff。Ifyouaresaved，yourchildissavedtoo；ifyouarelost，yourchildisstillsaved。"Putthecasethatthiswasdone，andthatthewomanwascleared。\'
`Iunderstandyouperfectly。\'
`ButthatImakenoadmissions？\'
`Thatyoumakenoadmissions。\'AndWemmickrepeated，`Noadmissions。\'
`Putthecase，Pip，thatpassionandtheterrorofdeathhadalittleshakenthewoman\'sintellects，andthatwhenshewassetatliberty，shewasscaredoutofthewaysoftheworldandwenttohimtobesheltered。
Putthecasethathetookherin，andthathekeptdowntheoldwildviolentnaturewheneverhesawaninklingofitsbreakingout，byassertinghispoweroverherintheoldway。Doyoucomprehendtheimaginarycase？\'
`Quite。\'
`Putthecasethatthechildgrewup，andwasmarriedformoney。Thatthemotherwasstillliving。Thatthefatherwasstillliving。Thatthemotherandfatherunknowntooneanother，weredwellingwithinsomanymiles，furlongs，yardsifyoulike，ofoneanother。Thatthesecretwasstillasecret，exceptthatyouhadgotwindofit。Putthatlastcasetoyourselfverycarefully。\'
`Ido。\'
`IaskWemmicktoputittohimselfverycarefully。\'
AndWemmicksaid，`Ido。\'
`Forwhosesakewouldyourevealthesecret？Forthefather\'s？Ithinkhewouldnotbemuchthebetterforthemother。Forthemother\'s？Ithinkifshehaddonesuchadeedshewouldbesaferwhereshewas。Forthedaughter\'s？
Ithinkitwouldhardlyserveher，toestablishherparentagefortheinformationofherhusband，andtodragherbacktodisgrace，afteranescapeoftwentyyears，prettysecuretolastforlife。But，addthecasethatyouhadlovedher，Pip，andhadmadeherthesubjectofthose"poordreams"whichhave，atonetimeoranother，beenintheheadsofmorementhanyouthinklikely，thenItellyouthatyouhadbetter-andwouldmuchsoonerwhenyouhadthoughtwellofit-chopoffthatbandagedlefthandofyourswithyourbandagedrighthand，andthenpassthechopperontoWemmickthere，tocutthatoff，too。\'
IlookedatWemmick，whosefacewasverygrave。Hegravelytouchedhislipswithhisforefinger。Ididthesame。MrJaggersdidthesame。`Now，Wemmick，\'saidthelatterthen，resuminghisusualmanner，`whatitemwasityouwereat，whenMrPipcamein？\'
Standingbyforalittle，whiletheywereatwork，Iobservedthattheoddlookstheyhadcastatoneanotherwererepeatedseveraltimes:withthisdifferencenow，thateachofthemseemedsuspicious，nottosayconscious，ofhavingshownhimselfinaweakandunprofessionallighttotheother。
Forthisreason，Isuppose，theywerenowinflexiblewithoneanother；
MrJaggersbeinghighlydictatorial，andWemmickobstinatelyjustifyinghimselfwhenevertherewasthesmallestpointinabeyanceforamoment。
Ihadneverseenthemonsuchillterms；forgenerallytheygotonverywellindeedtogether。
But，theywerebothhappilyrelievedbytheopportuneappearanceofMike，theclientwiththefurcapandthehabitofwipinghisnoseonhissleeve，whomIhadseenontheveryfirstdayofmyappearancewithinthosewalls。Thisindividual，who，eitherinhisownpersonorinthatofsomememberofhisfamily，seemedtobealwaysintrouble(whichinthatplacemeantNewgate)，calledtoannouncethathiseldestdaughterwastakenuponsuspicionofshop-lifting。AsheimpartedthismelancholycircumstancetoWemmick，MrJaggersstandingmagisteriallybeforethefireandtakingnoshareintheproceedings，Mike\'seyehappenedtotwinklewithatear。
`Whatareyouabout？\'demandedWemmick，withtheutmostindignation。
`Whatdoyoucomesnivellingherefor？\'
`Ididn\'tgotodoit，MrWemmick。\'
`Youdid，\'saidWemmick。`Howdareyou？You\'renotinafitstatetocomehere，ifyoucan\'tcomeherewithoutsplutteringlikeabadpen。Whatdoyoumeanbyit？\'
`Amancan\'thelphisfeelings，MrWemmick，\'pleadedMike。
`Hiswhat？\'demandedWemmick，quitesavagely。`Saythatagain！\'
`Now，lookheremyman，\'saidMrJaggers，advancingastep，andpointingtothedoor。`Getoutofthisoffice。I\'llhavenofeelingshere。Getout。\'
`Itservesyouright，\'saidWemmick，`Getout。\'
SotheunfortunateMikeveryhumblywithdrew，andMrJaggersandWemmickappearedtohavere-establishedtheirgoodunderstanding，andwenttoworkagainwithanairofrefreshmentuponthemasiftheyhadjusthadlunch。
Chapter52
FROMLittleBritain，Iwent，withmychequeinmypocket，toMissSkiffins\'sbrother，theaccountant；andMissSkiffins\'sbrother，theaccountant，goingstraighttoClarriker\'sandbringingClarrikertome，Ihadthegreatsatisfactionofconcludingthatarrangement。ItwastheonlygoodthingIhaddone，andtheonlycompletedthingIhaddone，sinceIwasfirstapprisedofmygreatexpectations。
ClarrikerinformingmeonthatoccasionthattheaffairsoftheHouseweresteadilyprogressing，thathewouldnowbeabletoestablishasmallbranch-houseintheEastwhichwasmuchwantedfortheextensionofthebusiness，andthatHerbertinhisnewpartnershipcapacitywouldgooutandtakechargeofit，IfoundthatImusthavepreparedforaseparationfrommyfriend，eventhoughmyownaffairshadbeenmoresettled。AndnowindeedIfeltasifmylastanchorwerelooseningitshold，andIshouldsoonbedrivingwiththewindsandwaves。
