下载辰思小说免费APP
Chapter55
HEwastakentothePoliceCourtnextday，andwouldhavebeenimmediatelycommittedfortrial，butthatitwasnecessarytosenddownforanoldofficeroftheprison-shipfromwhichhehadonceescaped，tospeaktohisidentity。Nobodydoubtedit；but，Compeyson，whohadmeanttodeposetoit，wastumblingonthetides，dead，andithappenedthattherewasnotatthattimeanyprisonofficerinLondonwhocouldgivetherequiredevidence。IhadgonedirecttoMrJaggersathisprivatehouse，onmyarrivalovernight，toretainhisassistance，andMrJaggersontheprisoner\'sbehalfwouldadmitnothing。Itwasthesoleresource，forhetoldmethatthecasemustbeoverinfiveminuteswhenthewitnesswasthere，andthatnopoweronearthcouldpreventitsgoingagainstus。
IimpartedtoMrJaggersmydesignofkeepinghiminignoranceofthefateofhiswealth。MrJaggerswasquerulousandangrywithmeforhaving`letitslipthroughmyfingers，\'andsaidwemustmemorializeby-and-by，andtryatalleventsforsomeofit。But，hedidnotconcealfrommethatalthoughtheremightbemanycasesinwhichtheforfeiturewouldnotbeexacted，therewerenocircumstancesinthiscasetomakeitoneofthem。
Iunderstoodthat，verywell。Iwasnotrelatedtotheoutlaw，orconnectedwithhimbyanyrecognizabletie；hehadputhishandtonowritingorsettlementinmyfavourbeforehisapprehension，andtodosonowwouldbeidle。Ihadnoclaim，andIfinallyresolved，andeverafterwardsabidedbytheresolution，thatmyheartshouldneverbesickenedwiththehopelesstaskofattemptingtoestablishone。
Thereappearedtobereasonforsupposingthatthedrownedinformerhadhopedforarewardoutofthisforfeiture，andhadobtainedsomeaccurateknowledgeofMagwitch\'saffairs。Whenhisbodywasfound，manymilesfromthesceneofhisdeath，andsohorriblydisfiguredthathewasonlyrecognizablebythecontentsofhispockets，noteswerestilllegible，foldedinacasehecarried。Amongthese，werethenameofabanking-houseinNewSouthWaleswhereasumofmoneywas，andthedesignationofcertainlandsofconsiderablevalue。BoththeseheadsofinformationwereinalistthatMagwitch，whileinprison，gavetoMrJaggers，ofthepossessionshesupposedIshouldinherit。Hisignorance，poorfellow，atlastservedhim；henevermistrustedbutthatmyinheritancewasquitesafe，withMrJaggers\'said。
Afterthreedays\'delay，duringwhichthecrownprosecutionstoodoverfortheproductionofthewitnessfromtheprison-ship，thewitnesscame，andcompletedtheeasycase。HewascommittedtotakehistrialatthenextSessions，whichwouldcomeoninamonth。
ItwasatthisdarktimeofmylifethatHerbertreturnedhomeoneevening，agooddealcastdown，andsaid:
`MydearHandel，IfearIshallsoonhavetoleaveyou。\'
Hispartnerhavingpreparedmeforthat，Iwaslesssurprisedthanhethought。
`WeshallloseafineopportunityifIputoffgoingtoCairo，andI
amverymuchafraidImustgo，Handel，whenyoumostneedme。\'
`Herbert，Ishallalwaysneedyou，becauseIshallalwaysloveyou；
butmyneedisnogreaternow，thanatanothertime。\'
`Youwillbesolonely。\'
`Ihavenotleisuretothinkofthat，\'saidI。`YouknowthatIamalwayswithhimtothefullextentofthetimeallowed，andthatIshouldbewithhimalldaylong，ifIcould。AndwhenIcomeawayfromhim，youknowthatmythoughtsarewithhim。\'
Thedreadfulconditiontowhichhewasbrought，wassoappallingtobothofus，thatwecouldnotrefertoitinplainerwords。
`Mydearfellow，\'saidHerbert，`letthenearprospectofourseparation-for，itisverynear-bemyjustificationfortroublingyouaboutyourself。
Haveyouthoughtofyourfuture？\'
`No，forIhavebeenafraidtothinkofanyfuture。\'
`Butyourscannotbedismissed；indeed，mydeardearHandel，itmustnotbedismissed。Iwishyouwouldenteronitnow，asfarasafewfriendlywordsgo，withme。\'
`Iwill，\'saidI。
`Inthisbranchhouseofours，Handel，wemusthavea——\'
Isawthathisdelicacywasavoidingtherightword，soIsaid，`Aclerk。\'
`Aclerk。AndIhopeitisnotatallunlikelythathemayexpand(asaclerkofyouracquaintancehasexpanded)intoapartner。Now，Handel-inshort，mydearboy，willyoucometome？\'
Therewassomethingcharminglycordialandengaginginthemannerinwhichaftersaying`Now，Handel，\'asifitwerethegravebeginningofaportentousbusinessexordium，hehadsuddenlygivenupthattone，stretchedouthishonesthand，andspokenlikeaschoolboy。
`ClaraandIhavetalkedaboutitagainandagain，\'Herbertpursued，`andthedearlittlethingbeggedmeonlythisevening，withtearsinhereyes，tosaytoyouthatifyouwilllivewithuswhenwecometogether，shewilldoherbesttomakeyouhappy，andtoconvinceherhusband\'sfriendthatheisherfriendtoo。Weshouldgetonsowell，Handel！\'
Ithankedherheartily，andIthankedhimheartily，butsaidIcouldnotyetmakesureofjoininghimashesokindlyoffered。Firstly，mymindwastoopreoccupiedtobeabletotakeinthesubjectclearly。Secondly-Yes！Secondly，therewasavaguesomethinglingeringinmythoughtsthatwillcomeoutveryneartheendofthisslightnarrative。
`Butifyouthought，Herbert，thatyoucould，withoutdoinganyinjurytoyourbusiness，leavethequestionsopenforalittlewhile——\'
`Foranywhile，\'criedHerbert。`Sixmonths，ayear！\'
`Notsolongasthat，\'saidI。`Twoorthreemonthsatmost。\'
Herbertwashighlydelightedwhenweshookhandsonthisarrangement，andsaidhecouldnowtakecouragetotellmethathebelievedhemustgoawayattheendoftheweek。
`AndClara？\'saidI。
`Thedearlittlething，\'returnedHerbert，`holdsdutifullytoherfatheraslongashelasts；buthewon\'tlastlong。MrsWhimpleconfidestomethattheiscertainlygoing。\'
`Nottosayanunfeelingthing，\'saidI，`hecannotdobetterthango。\'
`Iamafraidthatmustbeadmitted，\'saidHerbert:`andthenIshallcomebackforthedearlittlething，andthedearlittlethingandIwillwalkquietlyintothenearestchurch。Remember！Theblesseddarlingcomesofnofamily，mydearHandel，andneverlookedintotheredbook，andhasn\'tanotionabouthergrandpapa。Whatafortuneforthesonofmymother！\'
OntheSaturdayinthatsameweek，ItookmyleaveofHerbert-fullofbrighthope，butsadandsorrytoleaveme-ashesatononeoftheseaportmailcoaches。Iwentintoacoffee-housetowritealittlenoteaClara，tellingherhehadgoneoff，sendinghislovetoheroverandoveragain，andthenwenttomylonelyhome-ifitdeservedthename，foritwasnownohometome，andIhadnohomeanywhere。
OnthestairsIencounteredWemmick，whowascomingdown，afteranunsuccessfulapplicationofhisknucklestomydoor。Ihadnotseenhimalone，sincethedisastrousissueoftheattemptedflight；andhehadcome，inhisprivateandpersonalcapacity，tosayafewwordsofexplanationinreferencetothatfailure。
`ThelateCompeyson，\'saidWemmick，`hadbylittleandlittlegotatthebottomofhalfoftheregularbusinessnowtransacted，anditwasfromthetalkofsomeofhispeopleintrouble(someofhispeoplebeingalwaysintrouble)thatIheardwhatIdid。Ikeptmyearsopen，seemingtohavethemshut，untilIheardthathewasabsent，andIthoughtthatwouldbethebesttimeformakingtheattempt。Icanonlysupposenow，thatitwasapartofhispolicy，asaverycleverman，habituallytodeceivehisowninstruments。Youdon\'tblameme，Ihope，MrPip？IamsureItriedtoserveyou，withallmyheart。\'
`Iamassureofthat，Wemmick，asyoucanbe，andIthankyoumostearnestlyforallyourinterestandfriendship。\'
`Thankyou，thankyouverymuch。It\'sabadjob，\'saidWemmick，scratchinghishead，`andIassureyouIhaven\'tbeensocutupforalongtime。WhatIlookat，isthesacrificeofsomuchportableproperty。Dearme！\'
`WhatIthinkof，Wemmick，isthepoorowneroftheproperty。\'
`Yes，tobesure，\'saidWemmick。`Ofcoursetherecanbenoobjectiontoyourbeingsorryforhim，andI\'dputdownafive-poundnotemyselftogethimoutofit。ButwhatIlookat，isthis。ThelateCompeysonhavingbeenbeforehandwithhiminintelligenceofhisreturn，andbeingsodeterminedtobringhimtobook，Idonotthinkhecouldhavebeensaved。Whereas，theportablepropertycertainlycouldhavebeensaved。That\'sthedifferencebetweenthepropertyandtheowner，don\'tyousee？\'
IinvitedWemmicktocomeup-stairs，andrefreshhimselfwithaglassofgrogbeforewalkingtoWalworth。Heacceptedtheinvitation。Whilehewasdrinkinghismoderateallowance，hesaid，withnothingtoleaduptoit，andafterhavingappearedratherfidgety:
`WhatdoyouthinkofmymeaningtotakeaholidayonMonday，MrPip？\'
`Why，Isupposeyouhavenotdonesuchathingthesetwelvemonths。\'
`Thesetwelveyears，morelikely，\'saidWemmick。`Yes。I\'mgoingtotakeaholiday。Morethanthat；I\'mgoingtotakeawalk。Morethanthat；
I\'mgoingtoaskyoutotakeawalkwithme。\'
Iwasabouttoexcusemyself，asbeingbutabadcompanionjustthan，whenWemmickanticipatedme。
`Iknowyourengagements，\'saidhe，`andIknowyouareoutofsorts，MrPip。Butifyoucouldobligeme，Ishouldtakeitasakindness。
Itain\'talongwalk，andit\'sanearlyone。Sayitmightoccupyyou(includingbreakfastonthewalk)fromeighttotwelve。Couldn\'tyoustretchapointandmanageit？\'
Hehaddonesomuchformeatvarioustimes，thatthiswasverylittletodoforhim。IsaidIcouldmanageit-wouldmanageit-andhewassoverymuchpleasedbymyacquiescence，thatIwaspleasedtoo。Athisparticularrequest，IappointedtocallforhimattheCastleathalf-pasteightonMondaymorning，andsowepartedforthetime。
Punctualtomyappointment，IrangattheCastlegateontheMondaymorning，andwasreceivedbyWemmickhimself:whostruckmeaslookingtighterthanusual，andhavingasleekerhaton。Within，thereweretwoglassesofrum-and-milkprepared，andtwobiscuits。TheAgedmusthavebeenstirringwiththelark，for，glancingintotheperspectiveofhisbedroom，Iobservedthathisbedwasempty。
Whenwehadfortifiedourselveswiththerum-and-milkandbiscuits，andweregoingoutforthewalkwiththattrainingpreparationonus，I
wasconsiderablysurprisedtoseeWemmicktakeupafishing-rod，andputitoverhisshoulder。`Why，wearenotgoingfishing！\'saidI。`No，\'returnedWemmick，`butIliketowalkwithone。\'
Ithoughtthisodd；however，Isaidnothing，andwesetoff。WewenttowardsCamberwellGreen，andwhenwewerethereabouts，Wemmicksaidsuddenly:
`Halloa！Here\'sachurch！\'
Therewasnothingverysurprisinginthat；butagain，Iwasrathersurprised，whenhesaid，asifhewereanimatedbyabrilliantidea:
`Let\'sgoin！\'
Wewentin，Wemmickleavinghisfishing-rodintheporch，andlookedallround。Inthemeantime，Wemmickwasdivingintohishiscoat-pockets，andgettingsomethingoutofpaperthere。
`Halloa！\'saidhe。`Here\'sacoupleofpairofgloves！Let\'sput\'emon！\'
Asthegloveswerewhitekidgloves，andasthepost-officewaswidenedtoitsutmostextent，Inowbegantohavemystrongsuspicions。TheywerestrengthenedintocertaintywhenIbeheldtheAgedenteratasidedoor，escortingalady。
`Halloa！\'saidWemmick。`Here\'sMissSkiffins！Let\'shaveawedding。\'
Thatdiscreetdamselwasattiredasusual，exceptthatshewasnowengagedinsubstitutingforhergreenkidgloves，apairofwhite。TheAgedwaslikewiseoccupiedinpreparingasimilarsacrificeforthealtarofHymen。
Theoldgentleman，however，experiencedsomuchdifficultyingettinghisgloveson，thatWemmickfounditnecessarytoputhimwithhisbackagainstapillar，andthentogetbehindthepillarhimselfandpullawayatthem，whileIformypartheldtheoldgentlemanroundthewaist，thathemightpresentandequalandsaferesistance。BydintofthisingeniousScheme，hisglovesweregotontoperfection。
Theclerkandclergymanthenappearing，wewererangedinorderatthosefatalrails。Truetohisnotionofseemingtodoitallwithoutpreparation，IheardWemmicksaytohimselfashetooksomethingoutofhiswaistcoat-pocketbeforetheservicebegan，`Halloa！Here\'saring！\'
Iactedinthecapacityofbacker，orbest-man，tothebridegroom；whilealittlelimppewopenerinasoftbonnetlikeababy\'s，madeafeintofbeingthebosomfriendofMissSkiffins。Theresponsibilityofgivingtheladyaway，devolvedupontheAged，whichledtotheclergyman\'sbeingunintentionallyscandalized，andithappenedthus。Whenhesaid，`Whogiveththiswomantobemarriedtothisman？\'theoldgentlemen，notintheleastknowingwhatpointoftheceremonywehadarrivedat，stoodmostamiablybeamingatthetencommandments。Uponwhich，theclergymansaidagain，`WHOgiveththiswomantobemarriedtothisman？\'Theoldgentlemanbeingstillinastateofmostestimableunconsciousness，thebridegroomcriedoutinhisaccustomedvoice，`NowAgedP。youknow；whogiveth？\'TowhichtheAgedrepliedwithgreatbriskness，beforesayingthathegave，`Allright，John，allright，myboy！\'Andtheclergymancametosogloomyapauseuponit，thatIhaddoubtsforthemomentwhetherweshouldgetcompletelymarriedthatday。
Itwascompletelydone，however，andwhenweweregoingoutofchurch，Wemmicktookthecoveroffthefont，andputhiswhiteglovesinit，andputthecoveronagain。MrsWemmick，moreheedfulofthefuture，putherwhiteglovesinherpocketandassumedhergreen。`Now，MrPip，\'
saidWemmick，triumphantlyshoulderingthefishing-rodaswecameout，`letmeaskyouwhetheranybodywouldsupposethistobeawedding-party！\'
Breakfasthadbeenorderedatapleasantlittletavern，amileorsoawayupontherisinggroundbeyondtheGreen，andtherewasabagatelleboardintheroom，incaseweshoulddesiretounbendourmindsafterthesolemnity。ItwaspleasanttoobservethatMrsWemmicknolongerunwoundWemmick\'sarmwhenitadapteditselftoherfigure，butsatinahigh-backedchairagainstthewall，likeavioloncelloinitscase，andsubmittedtobeembracedasthatmelodiousinstrumentmighthavedone。
Wehadanexcellentbreakfast，andwhenanyonedeclinedanythingontable，Wemmicksaid，`Providedbycontract，youknow；don\'tbeafraidofit！\'Idranktothenewcouple，dranktotheAged，dranktotheCastle，salutedthebrideatparting，andmademyselfasagreeableasIcould。
Wemmickcamedowntothedoorwithme，andIagainshookhandswithhim，andwishedhimjoy。
`Thankee！\'saidWemmick，rubbinghishands。`She\'ssuchamanageroffowls，youhavenoidea。Youshallhavesomeeggs，andjudgeforyourself。
Isay，MrPip！\'callingmeback，andspeakinglow。`ThisisaltogetheraWalworthsentiment，please。\'
`Iunderstand。NottobementionedinLittleBritain，\'saidI。
Wemmicknodded。`Afterwhatyouletouttheotherday，MrJaggersmayaswellnotknowofit。Hemightthinkmybrainwassoftening，orsomethingofthekind。\'
Chapter56
HElayinprisonveryill，duringthewholeintervalbetweenhiscommittalfortrial，andthecomingroundoftheSessions。Hehadbrokentworibs，theyhadwoundedoneofhislungs，andhebreathedwithgreatpainanddifficulty，whichincreaseddaily。Itwasaconsequenceofhishurt，thathespokesolowastobescarcelyaudible；therefore，hespokeverylittle。
But，hewaseverreadytolistentome，anditbecamethefirstdutyofmylifetosaytohim，andreadtohim，whatIknewheoughttohear。
Beingfartooilltoremaininthecommonprison，hewasremoved，afterthefirstdayorso，intotheinfirmary。ThisgavemeopportunitiesofbeingwithhimthatIcouldnototherwisehavehad。Andbutforhisillnesshewouldhavebeenputinirons，forhewasregardedasadeterminedprison-breaker，andIknownotwhatelse。
AlthoughIsawhimeveryday，itwasforonlyashorttime；hence，theregularlyrecurringspacesofourseparationwerelongenoughtorecordonhisfaceanyslightchangesthatoccurredinhisphysicalstate。IdonotrecollectthatIoncesawanychangeinitforthebetter；hewasted，andbecameslowlyweakerandworse，daybyday，fromthedaywhentheprisondoorcloseduponhim。
Thekindofsubmissionorresignationthatheshowed，wasthatofamanwhowastiredout。Isometimesderivedanimpression，fromhismannerorfromawhisperedwordortwowhichescapedhim，thatheponderedoverthequestionwhetherhemighthavebeenabettermanunderbettercircumstances。
But，heneverjustifiedhimselfbyahinttendingthatway，ortriedtobendthepastoutofitseternalshape。
Ithappenedortwoorthreeoccasionsinmypresence，thathisdesperatereputationwasalludedtobyoneorotherofthepeopleinattendanceonhim。Asmilecrossedhisfacethen，andheturnedhiseyesonmewithatrustfullook，asifhewereconfidentthatIhadseesomesmallredeemingtouchinhim，evensolongagoaswhenIwasalittlechild。Astoalltherest，hewashumbleandcontrite，andIneverknewhimcomplain。
WhentheSessionscameround，MrJaggerscausedanapplicationtobemadeforthepostponementofhistrialuntilthefollowingSessions。Itwasobviouslymadewiththeassurancethathecouldnotlivesolong，andwasrefused。Thetrialcameonatonce，and，whenhewasputtothebar，hewasseatedinachair。Noobjectionwasmadetomygettingclosetothedock，ontheoutsideofit，andholdingthehandthathestretchedforthtome。
Thetrialwasveryshortandveryclear。Suchthingsascouldbesaidforhim，weresaid-howhehadtakentoindustrioushabits，andhadthrivenlawfullyandreputably。But，nothingcouldunsaythefactthathehadreturned，andwasthereinpresenceoftheJudgeandJury。Itwasimpossibletotryhimforthat，anddootherwisethanfindhimguilty。
Atthattime，itwasthecustom(asIlearntfrommyterribleexperienceofthatSessions)todevoteaconcludingdaytothepassingofSentences，andtomakeafinishingeffectwiththeSentenceofDeath。Butfortheindeliblepicturethatmyremembrancenowholdsbeforeme，Icouldscarcelybelieve，evenasIwritethesewords，thatIsawtwo-and-thirtymenandwomenputbeforetheJudgetoreceivethatsentencetogether。Foremostamongthetwo-and-thirty，washe；seated，thathemightgetbreathenoughtokeeplifeinhim。
Thewholescenestartsoutagaininthevividcoloursofthemoment，downtothedropsofAprilrainonthewindowsofthecourt，glitteringintheraysofAprilsun。Pennedinthedock，asIagainstoodoutsideitatthecornerwithhishandinmine，werethetwo-and-thirtymenandwomen；somedefiant，somestrickenwithterror，somesobbingandweeping，somecoveringtheirfaces，somestaringgloomilyabout。Therehadbeenshrieksfromamongthewomenconvicts，buttheyhadbeenstilled，ahushhadsucceeded。Thesheriffswiththeirgreatchainsandnosegays，othercivicgewgawsandmonsters，criers，ushers，agreatgalleryfullofpeople-alargetheatricalaudience-lookedon，asthetwo-and-thirtyandtheJudgeweresolemnlyconfronted。Then，theJudgeaddressedthem。Amongthewretchedcreaturesbeforehimwhomhemustsingleoutforspecialaddress，wasonewhoalmostfromhisinfancyhadbeenanoffenderagainstthelaws；
who，afterrepeatedimprisonmentsandpunishments，hadbeenatlengthsentencedtoexileforatermofyears；andwho，undercircumstancesofgreatviolenceanddaringhadmadehisescapeandbeenre-sentencedtoexileforlife。
Thatmiserablemanwouldseemforatimetohavebecomeconvincedofhiserrors，whenfarremovedfromthescenesofhisoldoffences，andtohavelivedapeaceableandhonestlife。Butinafatalmoment，yieldingtothosepropensitiesandpassions，theindulgenceofwhichhadsolongrenderedhimascourgetosociety，hehadquittedhishavenofrestandrepentance，andhadcomebacktothecountrywherehewasproscribed。Beingherepresentlydenounced，hehadforatimesucceededinevadingtheofficersofJustice，butbeingatlengthseizedwhileintheactofflight，hehadresistedthem，andhad-hebestknewwhetherbyexpressdesign，orintheblindnessofhishardihood-causedthedeathofhisdenouncer，towhomhiswholecareerwasknown。Theappointedpunishmentforhisreturntothelandthathadcasthimout，beingDeath，andhiscasebeingthisaggravatedcase，hemustpreparehimselftoDie。
Thesunwasstrikinginatthegreatwindowsofthecourt，throughtheglitteringdropsofrainupontheglass，anditmadeabroadshaftoflightbetweenthetwo-and-thirtyandtheJudge，linkingbothtogether，andperhapsremindingsomeamongtheaudience，howbothwerepassingon，withabsoluteequality，tothegreaterJudgmentthatknowethallthingsandcannoterr。
Risingforamoment，adistinctspeckoffaceinthiswayoflight，theprisonersaid，`MyLord，IhavereceivedmysentenceofDeathfromtheAlmighty，butIbowtoyours，\'andsatdownagain。Therewassomehushing，andtheJudgewentonwithwhathehadtosaytotherest。Then，theywereallformallydoomed，andsomeofthemweresupportedout，andsomeofthemsaunteredoutwithahaggardlookofbravery，andafewnoddedtothegallery，andtwoorthreeshookhands，andotherswentoutchewingthefragmentsofherbtheyhadtakenfromthesweetherbslyingabout。Hewentlastofall，becauseofhavingtobehelpedfromhischairandtogoveryslowly；
andheheldmyhandwhilealltheotherswereremoved，andwhiletheaudiencegotup(puttingtheirdressesright，astheymightatchurchorelsewhere)
andpointeddownatthiscriminaloratthat，andmostofallathimandme。
IearnestlyhopedandprayedthathemightdiebeforetheRecorder\'sReportwasmade，but，inthedreadofhislingeringon，IbeganthatnighttowriteoutapetitiontotheHomeSecretaryofState，settingforthmyknowledgeofhim，andhowitwasthathehadcomebackformysake。IwroteitasferventlyandpatheticallyasIcould，andwhenIhadfinisheditandsentitin，IwroteoutotherpetitionstosuchmeninauthorityasIhopedwerethemostmerciful，anddrewuponetotheCrownitself。ForseveraldaysandnightsafterhewassentencedItooknorestexceptwhenIfellasleepinmychair，butwaswhollyabsorbedintheseappeals。AndafterIhadsentthemin，Icouldnotkeepawayfromtheplaceswheretheywere，butfeltasiftheyweremorehopefulandlessdesperatewhenIwasnearthem。Inthisunreasonablerestlessnessandpainofmind，Iwouldroamthestreetsofanevening，wanderingbythoseofficesandhouseswhereIhadleftthepetitions。Tothepresenthour，thewearywesternstreetsofLondononacolddustyspringnight，withtheirrangesofsternshut-upmansionsandtheirlongrowsoflamps，aremelancholytomefromthisassociation。
ThedailyvisitsIcouldmakehimwereshortenednow，andhewasmorestrictlykept。Seeing，orfancying，thatIwassuspectedofanintentionofcarryingpoisontohim，IaskedtobesearchedbeforeIsatdownathisbedside，andtoldtheofficerwhowasalwaysthere，thatIwaswillingtodoanythingthatwouldassurehimofthesinglenessofmydesigns。Nobodywashardwithhim，orwithme。Therewasdutytobedone，anditwasdone，butnotharshly。Theofficeralwaysgavemetheassurancethathewasworse，andsomeothersickprisonersintheroom，andsomeotherprisonerswhoattendedonthemassicknurses(malefactors，butnotincapableofkindness，GODbethanked！)，alwaysjoinedinthesamereport。
Asthedayswenton，Inoticedmoreandmorethathewouldlieplacidlylookingatthewhiteceiling，withanabsenceoflightinhisface，untilsomewordofminebrighteneditforaninstant，andthenitwouldsubsideagain。Sometimeshewasalmost，orquite，unabletospeak；then，hewouldanswermewithslightpressuresonmyhand，andIgrewtounderstandhismeaningverywell。
Thenumberofthedayshadrisentoten，whenIsawagreaterchangeinhimthanIhadseenyet。Hiseyeswereturnedtowardsthedoor，andlightedupasIentered。
`Dearboy，\'hesaid，asIsatdownbyhisbed:`Ithoughtyouwaslate。
ButIknowedyoucouldn\'tbethat。\'
`Itisjustthetime，\'saidI。`Iwaitedforitatthegate。\'
`Youalwayswaitsatthegate；don\'tyou，dearboy？\'
`Yes。Nottoloseamomentofthetime。\'
`Thank\'eedearboy，thank\'ee。Godblessyou！You\'veneverdesertedme，dearboy。\'
Ipressedhishandinsilence，forIcouldnotforgetthatIhadoncemeanttodeserthim。
`Andwhat\'sthebestofall，\'hesaid，`you\'vebeenmorecomfortablealongerme，sinceIwasunderadarkcloud，thanwhenthesunshone。That\'sbestofall。\'
Helayonhisback，breathingwithgreatdifficulty。Dowhathewould，andlovemethoughhedid，thelightlefthisfaceeverandagain，andafilmcameovertheplacidlookatthewhiteceiling。
`Areyouinmuchpainto-day？\'
`Idon\'tcomplainofnone，dearboy。\'
`Youneverdocomplain。\'
Hehadspokenhislastwords。Hesmiled，andIunderstoodhistouchtomeanthathewishedtoliftmyhand，andlayitonhisbreast。Ilaiditthere，andhesmiledagain，andputbothhishandsuponit。
Theallottedtimeranout，whilewewerethus；but，lookinground，I
foundthegovernoroftheprisonstandingnearme，andhewhispered，`Youneedn\'tgoyet。\'Ithankedhimgratefully，andasked，`MightIspeaktohim，ifhecanhearme？\'
Thegovernorsteppedaside，andbeckonedtheofficeraway。Thechange，thoughitwasmadewithoutnoise，drewbackthefilmfromtheplacidlookatthewhiteceiling，andhelookedmostaffectionatelyatme。
`DearMagwitch，Imusttellyou，nowatlast。YouunderstandwhatI
say？\'
Agentlepressureonmyhand。
`Youhadachildonce，whomyoulovedandlost。\'
Astrongerpressureonmyhand。
`Shelivedandfoundpowerfulfriends。Sheislivingnow。Sheisaladyandverybeautiful。AndIloveher！\'
Withalastfainteffort，whichwouldhavebeenpowerlessbutformyyieldingtoitandassistingit，heraisedmyhandtohislips。Then，hegentlyletitsinkuponhisbreastagain，withhisownhandslyingonit。
Theplacidlookatthewhiteceilingcameback，andpassedaway，andhisheaddroppedquietlyonhisbreast。
Mindful，then，ofwhatwehadreadtogether，IthoughtofthetwomenwhowentupintotheTempletopray，andIknewtherewerenobetterwordsthatIcouldsaybesidehisbed，than`OLord，bemercifultohim，asinner！\'
Chapter57
NOWthatIwasleftwhollytomyself，IgavenoticeofmyintentiontoquitthechambersintheTempleassoonasmytenancycouldlegallydetermine，andinthemeanwhiletounderletthem。AtonceIputbillsupinthewindows；for，Iwasindebt，andhadscarcelyanymoney，andbegantobeseriouslyalarmedbythestateofmyaffairs。IoughtrathertowritethatIshouldhavebeenalarmedifIhadenergyandconcentrationenoughtohelpmetotheclearperceptionofanytruthbeyondthefactthatI
wasfallingveryill。Thelatestressuponmehadenabledmetoputoffillness，butnottoputitaway；Iknewthatitwascomingonmenow，andIknewverylittleelse，andwasevencarelessastothat。
Foradayortwo，Ilayonthesofa，oronthefloor-anywhere，accordingasIhappenedtosinkdown-withaheavyheadandachinglimbs，andnopurpose，andnopower。Thentherecameonenightwhichappearedofgreatduration，andwhichteemedwithanxietyandhorror；andwheninthemorningItriedtositupinmybedandthinkofit，IfoundIcouldnotdoso。
WhetherIreallyhadbeendowninGarden-courtinthedeadofthenight，gropingaboutfortheboatthatIsupposedtobethere；whetherIhadtwoorthreetimescometomyselfonthestaircasewithgreatterror，notknowinghowIhadgotoutofbed；whetherIhadfoundmyselflightingthelamp，possessedbytheideathathewascomingupthestairs，andthatthelightswereblownout；whetherIhadbeeninexpressiblyharassedbythedistractedtalking，laughing，andgroaning，ofsomeone，andhadhalfsuspectedthosesoundstobeofmyownmaking；whethertherehadbeenaclosedironfurnaceinadarkcorneroftheroom，andavoicehadcalledoutoverandoveragainthatMissHavishamwasconsumingwithinit；thesewerethingsthatItriedtosettlewithmyselfandgetintosomeorder，asIlaythatmorningonmybed。But，thevapourofalimekilnwouldcomebetweenmeandthem，disorderingthemall，anditwasthroughthevapouratlastthatIsawtwomenlookingatme。
`Whatdoyouwant？\'Iasked，starting；`Idon\'tknowyou。\'
`Well，sir，\'returnedoneofthem，bendingdownandtouchingmeontheshoulder，`thisisamatterthatyou\'llsoonarrange，Idaresay，butyou\'rearrested。\'
`Whatisthedebt？\'
`Hundredandtwenty-threepound，fifteen，six。Jeweller\'saccount，I
think。\'
`Whatistobedone？\'
`Youhadbettercometomyhouse，\'saidtheman。`Ikeepaverynicehouse。\'
Imadesomeattempttogetupanddressmyself。WhenInextattendedtothem，theywerestandingalittleofffromthebed，lookingatme。I
stilllaythere。
`Youseemystate，\'saidI。`IwouldcomewithyouifIcould；butindeedIamquiteunable。Ifyoutakemefromhere，IthinkIshalldiebytheway。\'
Perhapstheyreplied，orarguedthepoint，ortriedtoencouragemetobelievethatIwasbetterthanIthought。Forasmuchastheyhanginmymemorybyonlythisoneslenderthread，Idon\'tknowwhattheydid，exceptthattheyforboretoremoveme。
ThatIhadafeverandwasavoided，thatIsufferedgreatly，thatI
oftenlostmyreason，thatthetimeseemedinterminable，thatIconfoundedimpossibleexistenceswithmyownidentity；thatIwasabrickinthehousewall，andyetentreatingtobereleasedfromthegiddyplacewherethebuildershadsetme；thatIwasasteelbeamofavastengine，clashingandwhirlingoveragulf，andyetthatIimploredinmyownpersontohavetheenginestopped，andmypartinithammeredoff；thatIpassedthroughthesephasesofdisease，Iknowofmyownremembrance，anddidinsomesortknowatthetime。ThatIsometimesstruggledwithrealpeople，inthebeliefthattheyweremurderers，andthatIwouldallatoncecomprehendthattheymeanttodomegood，andwouldthensinkexhaustedintheirarms，andsufferthemtolaymedown，Ialsoknewatthetime。But，aboveall，Iknewthattherewasconstanttendencyinallthesepeople-who，whenIwasveryill，wouldpresentallkindsofextraordinarytransformationsofthehumanface，andwouldbemuchdilatedinsize-aboveall，Isay，Iknewthattherewasanextraordinarytendencyinallthesepeople，soonerorlatertosettledownintothelikenessofJoe。
AfterIhadturnedtheworstpointofmyillness，Ibegantonoticethatwhileallitsotherfeatureschanged，thisoneconsistentfeaturedidnotchange。Whoevercameaboutme，stillsettleddownintoJoe。Iopenedmyeyesinthenight，andIsawinthegreatchairatthebedside，Joe。
Iopenedmyeyesintheday，and，sittingonthewindow-seat，smokinghispipeintheshadedopenwindow，stillIsawJoe。Iaskedforcoolingdrink，andthedearhandthatgaveitmewasJoe\'s。Isankbackonmypillowafterdrinking，andthefacethatlookedsohopefullyandtenderlyuponmewasthefaceofJoe。
Atlast，oneday，Itookcourage，andsaid，`IsitJoe？\'
Andthedearoldhome-voiceanswered，`Whichitair，oldchap。\'
`OJoe，youbreakmyheart！Lookangryatme，Joe。Strikeme，Joe。Tellmeofmyingratitude。Don\'tbesogoodtome！\'
For，Joehadactuallylaidhisheaddownonthepillowatmysideandputhisarmroundmyneck，inhisjoythatIknewhim。
`WhichdearoldPip，oldchap，\'saidJoe，`youandmewaseverfriends。
Andwhenyou\'rewellenoughtogooutforaride-whatlarks！\'
Afterwhich，Joewithdrewtothewindow，andstoodwithhisbacktowardsme，wipinghiseyes。Andasmyextremeweaknesspreventedmefromgettingupandgoingtohim，Ilaythere，penitentlywhispering，`OGodblesshim！
OGodblessthisgentleChristianman！\'
Joe\'seyeswereredwhenInextfoundhimbesideme；but，Iwasholdinghishand，andwebothfelthappy。
`Howlong，dearJoe？\'
`Whichyoumeantersay，Pip，howlonghaveyourillnesslasted，dearoldchap？\'
`Yes，Joe。\'
`It\'stheendofMay，Pip。To-morrowisthefirstofJune。\'
`Andhaveyoubeenhereallthetime，dearJoe？\'
`Prettynigh，oldchap。For，asIsaystoBiddywhenthenewsofyourbeingillwerebroughtbyletter，whichitwerebroughtbythepostandbeingformerlysingleheisnowmarriedthoughunderpaidforadealofwalkingandshoe-leather，butwealthwerenotaobjectonhispart，andmarriagewerethegreatwishofhishart——\'
`Itissodelightfultohearyou，Joe！ButIinterruptyouinwhatyousaidtoBiddy。\'
`Whichitwere，\'saidJoe，`thathowyoumightbeamongststrangers，andthathowyouandmehavingbeeneverfriends，awisitatsuchamomentmightnotproveunacceptabobble。AndBiddy，herwordwere，"Gotohim，withoutlossoftime。"That，\'saidJoe，summingupwithhisjudicialair，`werethewordofBiddy。"Gotohim，"Biddysay，"withoutlossoftime。"
Inshort，Ishouldn\'tgreatlydeceiveyou，\'Joeadded，afteralittlegravereflection，`ifIrepresentedtoyouthatthewordofthatyoungwomanwere，"withoutaminute\'slossoftime。"\'
ThereJoecuthimselfshort，andinformedmethatIwastobetalkedtoingreatmoderation，andthatIwastotakealittlenourishmentatstatedfrequenttimes，whetherIfeltinclinedforitornot，andthatIwastosubmitmyselftoallhisorders。So，Ikissedhishand，andlayquiet，whileheproceededtoinditeanotetoBiddy，withmyloveinit。
Evidently，BiddyhadtaughtJoetowrite。AsIlayinbedlookingathim，itmademe，inmyweakstate，cryagainwithpleasuretoseethepridewithwhichhesetabouthisletter。Mybedstead，divestedofitscurtains，hadbeenremoved，withmeuponit，intothesittingroom，astheairiestandlargest，andthecarpethadbeentakenaway，andtheroomkeptalwaysfreshandwholesomenightandday。Atmyownwriting-table，pushedintoacornerandcumberedwithlittlebottles，Joenowsatdowntohisgreatwork，firstchoosingapenfromthepen-trayasifitwereachestoflargetools，andtuckinguphissleevesasifheweregoingtowieldacrowbarorsledgehammer。ItwasnecessaryforJoetoholdonheavilytothetablewithhisleftelbow，andtogethisrightlegwelloutbehindhim，beforehecouldbegin，andwhenhedidbegin，hemadeeverydown-strokesoslowlythatitmighthavebeensixfeetlong，whileateveryup-strokeIcouldhearhispensplutteringextensively。Hehadacuriousideathattheinkstandwasonthesideofhimwhereitwasnot，andconstantlydippedhispenintospace，andseemedquitesatisfiedwiththeresult。Occasionally，hewastrippedupbysomeorthographicalstumbling-block，butonthewholehegotonverywellindeed，andwhenhehadsignedhisname，andhadremovedafinishingblotfromthepapertothecrownofhisheadwithhistwoforefingers，hegotupandhoveredaboutthetable，tryingtheeffectofhisperformancefromvariouspointsofviewasitlaythere，withunboundedsatisfaction。
NottomakeJoeuneasybytalkingtoomuch，evenifIhadbeenabletotalkmuch，IdeferredaskinghimaboutMissHavishamuntilnextday。
HeshookhisheadwhenIthenaskedhimifshehadrecovered。
`Isshedead，Joe？\'
`Whyyousee，oldchap，\'saidJoe，inatoneofremonstrance，andbywayofgettingatitbydegrees，`Iwouldn\'tgosofarastosaythat，forthat\'sadealtosay；butsheain\'t——\'
`Living，Joe？\'
`That\'snigherwhereitis，\'saidJoe；`sheain\'tliving。\'
`Didshelingerlong，Joe？\'
`Arteryouwastookill，prettymuchaboutwhatyoumightcall(ifyouwasputtoit)aweek，\'saidJoe；stilldetermined，onmyaccount，tocomeateverythingbydegrees。
`DearJoe，haveyouheardwhatbecomesofherproperty？\'
`Well，oldchap，\'saidJoe，`itdoappearthatshehadsettledthemostofit，whichImeantersaytieditup，onMissEstella。Butshehadwroteoutalittlecoddleshellinherownhandadayortwoaforetheaccident，leavingacoolfourthousandtoMrMatthewPocket。Andwhy，doyousuppose，aboveallthings，Pip，sheleftthatcoolfourthousanduntohim？"BecauseofPip\'saccountofhimthesaidMatthew。"IamtoldbyBiddy，thatairthewriting，\'saidJoe，repeatingthelegalturnasifitdidhiminfinitegood，`"accountofhimthesaidMatthew。"Andacoolfourthousand，Pip！\'
IneverdiscoveredfromwhomJoederivedtheconventionaltemperatureofthefourthousandpounds，butitappearedtomakethesumofmoneymoretohim，andhehadamanifestrelishininsistingonitsbeingcool。
Thisaccountgavemegreatjoy，asitperfectedtheonlygoodthingIhaddone。IaskedJoewhetherhehadheardifanyoftheotherrelationshadanylegacies？
`MissSarah，\'saidJoe，`shehavetwenty-fivepoundperanniumfurtobuypills，onaccountofbeingbilious。MissGeorgiana，shehavetwentypounddown。Mrs-what\'sthenameofthemwildbeastswithhumps，oldchap？\'
`Camels？\'saidI，wonderingwhyhecouldpossiblywanttoknow。
Joenodded。`MrsCamels，\'bywhichIpresentlyunderstoodhemeantCamilla，`shehavefivepoundfurtobuyrushlightstoputherinspiritswhenshewakeupinthenight。\'
Theaccuracyoftheserecitalswassufficientlyobvioustome，togivemegreatconfidenceinJoe\'sinformation。`Andnow，\'saidJoe，`youain\'tthatstrongyet，oldchap，thatyoucantakeinmorenoroneadditionalshovel-fullto-day。OldOrlickhe\'sbeenabustin\'openadwelling-ouse。\'
`Whose？\'saidI。
`Not，Igrant，you，butwhathismannersisgiventoblusterous，\'saidJoe，apologetically；`still，aEnglishman\'souseishisCastle，andcastlesmustnotbebusted\'ceptwhendoneinwartime。Andwotsume\'erthefailingsonhispart，hewereacornandseedsmaninhishart。\'
`IsitPumblechook\'shousethathasbeenbrokeninto，then？\'
`That\'sit，Pip，\'saidJoe；`andtheytookhistill，andtheytookhiscash-box，andtheydrinkedhiswine，andtheypartookofhiswittles，andtheyslappedhisface，andtheypulledhisnose，andtheytiedhimuptohisbedpust，andtheygiv\'himadozen，andtheystuffedhismouthfulloffloweringannualstoprewenthiscryingout。ButheknowedOrlick，andOrlick\'sinthecountryjail。\'
Bytheseapproacheswearrivedatunrestrictedconversation。Iwasslowtogainstrength，butIdidslowlyandsurelybecomelessweak，andJoestayedwithme，andIfanciedIwaslittlePipagain。
For，thetendernessofJoewassobeautifullyproportionedtomyneed，thatIwaslikeachildinhishands。Hewouldsitandtalktomeintheoldconfidence，andwiththeoldsimplicity，andintheoldunassertiveprotectingway，sothatIwouldhalfbelievethatallmylifesincethedaysoftheoldkitchenwasoneofthementaltroublesofthefeverthatwasgone。Hedideverythingformeexceptthehouseholdwork，forwhichhehadengagedaverydecentwoman，afterpayingoffthelaundressonhisfirstarrival。`WhichIdoassureyou，Pip，\'hewouldoftensay，inexplanationofthatliberty；`Ifoundheratappingthesparebed，likeacaskofbeer，anddrawingoffthefeathersinabucket，forsale。Whichshewouldhavetappedyournnext，anddraw\'ditoffwithyoualayingonit，andwasthenacarryingawaythecoalsgradiwallyinthesouptureenandwegetable-dishes，andthewineandspiritsinyourWellingtonboots。\'
WelookedforwardtothedaywhenIshouldgooutforaride，aswehadoncelookedforwardtothedayofmyapprenticeship。Andwhenthedaycame，andanopencarriagewasgotintotheLane，Joewrappedmeup，tookmeinhisarms，carriedmedowntoit，andputmein，asifIwerestillthesmallhelplesscreaturetowhomhehadsoabundantlygivenofthewealthofhisgreatnature。
AndJoegotinbedsideme，andwedroveawaytogetherintothecountry，wheretherichsummergrowthwasalreadyonthetreesandonthegrass，andsweetsummerscentsfilledalltheair。ThedayhappenedtobeSunday，andwhenIlookedonthelovelinessaroundme，andthoughthowithadgrownandchanged，andhowthelittlewildflowershadbeenforming，andthevoicesofthebirdshadbeenstrengthening，bydayandbynight，underthesunandunderthestars，whilepoorIlayburningandtossingonmybed，themereremembranceofhavingburnedandtossedthere，camelikeacheckuponmypeace。But，whenIheardtheSundaybells，andlookedaroundalittlemoreupontheoutspreadbeauty，IfeltthatIwasnotnearlythankfulenough-thatIwastooweakyet，tobeeventhat-andIlaidmyheadonJoe\'sshoulder，asIhadlaiditlongagowhenhehadtakenmetotheFairorwherenot，anditwastoomuchformyyoungsenses。
Morecomposurecametomeafterawhile，andwetalkedasweusedtotalk，lyingonthegrassattheoldBattery。TherewasnochangewhateverinJoe。Exactlywhathehadbeeninmyeyesthen，hewasinmyeyesstill；
justassimplyfaithful，andassimplyright。
Whenwegotbackagainandheliftedmeout，andcarriedme-soeasily-acrossthecourtandupthestairs，IthoughtofthateventfulChristmasDaywhenhehadcarriedmeoverthemarshes。Wehadnotyetmadeanyallusiontomychangeoffortune，nordidIknowhowmuchofmylatehistoryhewasacquaintedwith。Iwassodoubtfulofmyselfnow，andputsomuchtrustinhim，thatIcouldnotsatisfymyselfwhetherIoughttorefertoitwhenhedidnot。
`Haveyouheard，Joe，\'Iaskedhimthatevening，uponfurtherconsideration，ashesmokedhispipeatthewindow，`whomypatronwas？\'
`Iheerd，\'returnedJoe，`asitwerenotMissHavisham，oldchap。\'
`Didyouhearwhoitwas，Joe？\'
`Well！Iheerdasitwereapersonwhatsentthepersonwhatgiv\'youthebank-notesattheJollyBargemen，Pip。\'
`Soitwas。\'
`Astonishing！\'saidJoe，intheplacidestway。
`Didyouhearthathewasdead，Joe？\'Ipresentlyasked，withincreasingdiffidence。
`Which？Himassentthebank-notes，Pip？\'
`Yes。\'
`Ithink，\'saidJoe，aftermeditatingalongtime，andlookingratherevasivelyatthewindow-seat，`asIdidheartellthathowheweresomethingoranotherinageneralwayinthatdirection。\'
`Didyouhearanythingofhiscircumstances，Joe？\'
`Notpartickler，Pip。\'
`Ifyouwouldliketohear，Joe——\'Iwasbeginning，whenJoegotupandcametomysofa。
`Lookeehere，oldchap，\'saidJoe，bendingoverme。`Everthebestoffriends；ain\'tus，Pip？\'
Iwasashamedtoanswerhim。
`Werygood，then，\'saidJoe，asifIhadanswered；`that\'sallright，that\'sagreedupon。Thenwhygointosubjects，oldchap，whichasbetwixttwosechmustbeforeveronnecessary？There\'ssubjectsenoughasbetwixttwosech，withoutonnecessaryones。Lord！TothinkofyourpoorsisterandherRampages！Anddon\'tyourememberTickler？\'
`Idoindeed，Joe。\'
`Lookeehere，oldchap，\'saidJoe。`IdonewhatIcouldtokeepyouandTicklerinsunders，butmypowerwerenotalwaysfullyequaltomyinclinations。Forwhenyourpoorsisterhadamindtodropintoyou，itwerenotsomuch，\'saidJoe，inhisfavouriteargumentativeway，`thatshedroppedintometoo，ifIputmyselfinoppositiontoherbutthatshedroppedintoyoualwaysheavierforit。Inoticedthat。Itain\'tagrabataman\'swhisker，notyetashakeortwoofaman(towhichyoursisterwasquitewelcome)，that\'udputamanofffromgettingalittlechildoutofpunishment。Butwhenthatlittlechildisdroppedinto，heavier，forthatgrabofwhiskerorshaking，thenthatmannaterallyupandsaystohimself，"Whereisthegoodasyouareadoing？IgrantyouIseethe\'arm，"saystheman，"butIdon\'tseethegood。Icalluponyou，sir，theerfore，topintoutthegood。"\'
`Themansays？\'Iobserved，asJoewaitedformetospeak。
`Themansays，\'Joeassented。`Isheright，thatman？\'
`DearJoe，heisalwaysright。\'
`Well，oldchap，\'saidJoe，`thenabidebyyourwords。Ifhe\'salwaysright(whichingeneralhe\'smorelikelywrong)，he\'srightwhenhesaysthis:-Supposingeveryoukepanylittlemattertoyourself，whenyouwasalittlechild，youkepitmostlybecauseyouknow\'dasJ。Gargery\'spowertopartyouandTicklerinsunders，werenotfullyequaltohisinclinations。
Theerfore，thinknomoreofitasbetwixttwosech，anddonotletuspassremarksupononnecessarysubjects。Biddygiv\'herselfadealo\'troublewithmeaforeIleft(forIamalmostawfuldull)，asIshouldviewitinthislight，and，viewingitinthislight，asIshouldsoputit。Bothofwhich，\'saidJoe，quitecharmedwithhislogicalarrangement，`beingdone，nowthistoyouatruefriend，say。Namely。Youmustn\'tgoaover-doingonit，butyoumusthaveyoursupperandyourwine-and-water，andyoumustbeputbetwixtthesheets。\'
ThedelicacywithwhichJoedismissedthistheme，andthesweettactandkindnesswithwhichBiddy-whowithherwoman\'swithadfoundmeoutsosoon-hadpreparedhimforit，madeadeepimpressiononmymind。ButwhetherJoeknewhowpoorIwas，andhowmygreatexpectationshadalldissolved，likeourownmarshmistsbeforethesun，Icouldnotunderstand。
AnotherthinginJoethatIcouldnotunderstandwhenitfirstbegantodevelopitself，butwhichIsoonarrivedatasorrowfulcomprehensionof，wasthis:AsIbecamestrongerandbetter，Joebecamealittlelesseasywithme。Inmyweaknessandentiredependenceonhim，thedearfellowhadfallenintotheoldtone，andcalledmebytheoldnames，thedear`oldPip，oldchap，\'thatnowweremusicinmyears。Itoohadfallenintotheoldways，onlyhappyandthankfulthatheletme。But，imperceptibly，thoughIheldbythemfast，Joe\'sholduponthembegantoslacken；andwhereasIwonderedatthis，atfirst，Isoonbegantounderstandthatthecauseofitwasinme，andthatthefaultofitwasallmine。
Ah！HadIgivenJoenoreasontodoubtmyconstancy，andtothinkthatinprosperityIshouldgrowcoldtohimandcasthimoff？HadIgivenJoe\'sinnocentheartnocausetofeelinstinctivelythatasIgotstronger，hisholduponmewouldbeweaker，andthathehadbetterloosenitintimeandletmego，beforeIpluckedmyselfaway？
ItwasonthethirdorfourthoccasionofmygoingoutwalkingintheTempleGardensleaningonJoe\'sarm，thatIsawthischangeinhimveryplainly。Wehadbeensittinginthebrightwarmsunlight，lookingattheriver，andIchancedtosayaswegotup:
`See，Joe！Icanwalkquitestrongly。Now，youshallseemewalkbackbymyself。\'
`Whichdonotover-doit，Pip，\'saidJoe；`butIshallbehappyfurtoseeyouable，sir。\'
Thelastwordgratedonme；buthowcouldIremonstrate！Iwalkednofurtherthanthegateofthegardens，andthenpretendedtobeweakerthanIwas，andaskedJoeforhisarm。Joegaveitme，butwasthoughtful。
I，formypart，wasthoughtfultoo；for，howbesttocheckthisgrowingchangeinJoe，wasagreatperplexitytomyremorsefulthoughts。ThatI
wasashamedtotellhimexactlyhowIwasplaced，andwhatIhadcomedownto，Idonotseektoconceal；but，Ihopemyreluctancewasnotquiteanunworthyone。Hewouldwanttohelpmeoutofhislittlesavings，Iknew，andIknewthatheoughtnottohelpme，andthatImustnotsufferhimtodoit。
Itwasathoughtfuleveningwithbothofus。But，beforewewenttobed，IhadresolvedthatIwouldwaitoverto-morrow，to-morrowbeingSunday，andwouldbeginmynewcoursewiththenewweek。OnMondaymorningIwouldspeaktoJoeaboutthischange，Iwouldlayasidethislastvestigeofreverse，IwouldtellhimwhatIhadinmythoughts(thatSecondly，notyetarrivedat)，andwhyIhadnotdecidedtogoouttoHerbert，andthenthechangewouldbeconqueredforever。AsIcleared，Joecleared，anditseemedasthoughhehadsympatheticallyarrivedataresolutiontoo。
WehadaquitedayontheSunday，andwerodeoutintothecountry，andthenwalkedinthefields。
`IfeelthankfulthatIhavebeenill，Joe，\'Isaid。
`DearoldPip，oldchap，you\'rea\'mostcomeround，sir。\'
`Ithasbeenamemorabletimeforme，Joe。\'
`Likewaysformyself，sir，\'Joereturned。
`Wehavehadatimetogether，Joe，thatIcanneverforget。Thereweredaysonce，Iknow，thatIdidforawhileforget；butInevershallforgetthese。\'
`Pip，\'saidJoe，appearingalittlehurriedandtroubled，`therehasbeenlarks，And，dearsir，whathavebeenbetwixtus-havebeen。\'
Atnight，whenIhadgonetobed，Joecameintomyroom，ashehaddoneallthroughmyrecovery。HeaskedmeifIfeltsurethatIwasaswellasinthemorning？
`Yes，dearJoe，quite。\'
`Andarealwaysagettingstronger，oldchap？\'
`Yes，dearJoe，steadily。\'
Joepattedthecoverletonmyshoulderwithhisgreatgoodhand，andsaid，inwhatIthoughtahuskyvoice，`Goodnight！\'
WhenIgotupinthemorning，refreshedandstrongeryet，IwasfullofmyresolutiontotellJoeall，withoutdelay。Iwouldtellhimbeforebreakfast。Iwoulddressatonceandgotohisroomandsurprisehim；for，itwasthefirstdayIhadbeenupearly。Iwenttohisroom，andhewasnotthere。Notonlywashenotthere，buthisboxwasgone。
Ihurriedthentothebreakfast-table，andonitfoundaletter。Thesewereitsbriefcontents。`NotwishfultointrudeIhavedeparturedfuryouarewellagaindearPipandwilldobetterwithout`JO。
`P。S。Everthebestoffriends。\'Enclosedintheletter，wasareceiptforthedebtandcostsonwhichI
hadbeenarrested。DowntothatmomentIhadvainlysupposedthatmycreditorhadwithdrawnorsuspendedproceedingsuntilIshouldbequiterecovered。
IhadneverdreamedofJoe\'shavingpaidthemoney；but，Joehadpaidit，andthereceiptwasinhisname。
Whatremainedformenow，buttofollowhimtothedearoldforge，andtheretohaveoutmydisclosuretohim，andmypenitentremonstrancewithhim，andtheretorelievemymindandheartofthatreservedSecondly，whichhadbegunasavaguesomethinglingeringinmythoughts，andhadformedintoasettledpurpose？
Thepurposewas，thatIwouldgotoBiddy，thatIwouldshowherhowhumbledandrepentantIcameback，thatIwouldtellherhowIhadlostallIoncehopedfor，thatIwouldremindherofouroldconfidencesinmyfirstunhappytime。Then，Iwouldsaytoher，`Biddy，Ithinkyouoncelikedmeverywell，whenmyerrantheart，evenwhileitstrayedawayfromyou，wasquieterandbetterwithyouthaniteverhasbeensince。Ifyoucanlikemeonlyhalfaswelloncemore，ifyoucantakemewithallmyfaultsanddisappointmentsonmyhead，ifyoucanreceivemelikeaforgivenchild(andindeedIamassorry，Biddy，andhaveasmuchneedofahushingvoiceandasoothinghand)，IhopeIamalittleworthierofyouthatI
was-notmuch，butalittle。And，Biddy，itshallrestwithyoutosaywhetherIshallworkattheforgewithJoe，orwhetherIshalltryforanydifferentoccupationdowninthiscountry，orwhetherweshallgoawaytoadistantplacewhereanopportunityawaitsme，whichIsetasidewhenitwasoffered，untilIknewyouranswer。Andnow，dearBiddy，ifyoucantellmethatyouwillgothroughtheworldwithme，youwillsurelymakeitabetterworldforme，andmeabettermanforit，andIwilltryhardtomakeitabetterworldforyou。\'
Suchwasmypurpose。Afterthreedaysmoreofrecovery，Iwentdowntotheoldplace，toputitinexecution；andhowIspedinit，isallIhavelefttotell。
Chapter58
THEtidingsofmyhighfortuneshavinghadaheavyfall，hadgotdowntomynativeplaceanditsneighbourhood，beforeIgotthere。IfoundtheBlueBoarinpossessionoftheintelligence，andIfoundthatitmadeagreatchangeintheBoar\'sdemeanour。WhereastheBoarhadcultivatedmygoodopinionwithwarmassiduitywhenIwascomingintoproperty，theBoarwasexceedinglycoolonthesubjectnowthatIwasgoingoutofproperty。
ItwaseveningwhenIarrived，muchfatiguedbythejourneyIhadsooftenmadesoeasily。TheBoarcouldnotputmeintomyusualbedroom，whichwasengaged(probablybysomeonewhohadexpectations)，andcouldonlyassignmeaveryindifferentchamberamongthepigeonsandpost-chaisesuptheyard。But，IhadassoundasleepinthatlodgingasinthemostsuperioraccommodationtheBoarcouldhavegivenme，andthequalityofmydreamswasaboutthesameasinthebestbedroom。
Earlyinthemorningwhilemybreakfastwasgettingready，IstrolledroundbySatisHouse。Therewereprintedbillsonthegate，andonbitsofcarpethangingoutofthewindows，announcingasalebyauctionoftheHouseholdFurnitureandEffects，nextweek。TheHouseitselfwastobesoldasoldbuildingmaterialsandpulleddown。LOT1wasmarkedinwhitewashedknock-kneelettersonthebrewhouse；LOT2onthatpartofthemainbuildingwhichhadbeensolongshutup。Otherlotsweremarkedoffonotherpartsofthestructure，andtheivyhadbeentorndowntomakeroomfortheinscriptions，andmuchofittrailedlowinthedustandwaswitheredalready。Steppinginforamomentattheopengateandlookingaroundmewiththeuncomfortableairofastrangerwhohadnobusinessthere，Isawtheauctioneer\'sclerkwalkingonthecasksandtellingthemofffortheinformationofacataloguecompiler，peninhand，whomadeatemporarydeskofthewheeledchairI
hadsooftenpushedalongtothetuneofOldClem。
WhenIgotbacktomybreakfastintheBoar\'scoffee-room，IfoundMrPumblechookconversingwiththelandlord。MrPumblechook(notimprovedinappearancebyhislatenocturnaladventure)waswaitingforme，andaddressedmeinthefollowingterms。
`Youngman，Iamsorrytoseeyoubroughtlow。Butwhatelsecouldbeexpected！Whatelsecouldbeexpected！\'
Asheextendedhishandwithamagnificentlyforgivingair，andasI
wasbrokenbyillnessandunfittoquarrel，Itookit。
`William，\'saidMrPumblechooktothewaiter，`putamuffinontable。
Andhasitcometothis！Hasitcometothis！\'
Ifrowninglysatdowntmybreakfast。MrPumblechookstoodovermeandpouredoutmytea-beforeIcouldtouchtheteapot-withtheairofabenefactorwhowasresolvedtobetruetothelast。
`William，\'saidMrPumblechook，mournfully，`putthesalton。Inhappiertimes，\'addressingme，`Ithinkyoutoosugar。Anddidyoutakemilk？Youdid。Sugarandmilk。William，bringawatercress。\'
`Thankyou，\'saidI，shortly，`butIdon\'teatwatercresses。\'
`Youdon\'teat\'em，\'returnedMrPumblechook，sighingandnoddinghisheadseveraltimes，asifhemighthaveexpectedthat，andasifabstinencefromwatercresseswereconsistentwithmydownfall。`True。Thesimplefruitsoftheearth。No。Youneedn\'tbringany，William。\'
Iwentonwithmybreakfast，andMrPumblechookcontinuedtostandoverme，staringfishilyandbreathingnoisily，ashealwaysdid。
`Littlemorethanskinandbone！\'musedMrPumblechook，aloud。`Andyetwhenhewentfromhere(Imaysaywithmyblessing)，andIspreadaforehimmyhumblestore，liketheBee，hewasasplumpasaPeach！\'
Thisremindedmeofthewonderfuldifferencebetweentheservilemannerinwhichhehadofferedhishandinmynewprosperity，saying，`MayI？\'
andtheostentatiousclemencywithwhichhehadjustnowexhibitedthesamefatfivefingers。
`Hah！\'hewenton，handingmethebread-and-butter。`AndairyouagoingtoJoseph？\'
`Inheaven\'sname，\'saidI，firinginspiteofmyself，`whatdoesitmattertoyouwhereIamgoing？Leavethatteapotalone。\'
ItwastheworstcourseIcouldhavetaken，becauseitgavePumblechooktheopportunityhewanted。
`Yes，youngman，\'saidhe，releasingthehandleofthearticleinquestion，retiringasteportwofrommytable，andspeakingforthebehoofofthelandlordandwaiteratthedoor，`Iwillleavethatteapotalone。
Youareright，youngman。Foronce，youareright。IforgitmyselfwhenItakesuchaninterestinyourbreakfast，astowishyourframe，exhaustedbythedebilitatingeffectsofprodigygality，tobestimilatedbythe\'olesomenourishmentofyourforefathers。Andyet，\'saidPumblechook，turningtothelandlordandwaiter，andpointingmeoutatarm\'slength，`thisishimasIeversportedwithinhisdaysofhappyinfancy！Tellmenotitcannotbe；Itellyouthisishim！\'
Alowmurmurfromthetworeplied。Thewaiterappearedtobeparticularlyaffected。
`Thisishim，\'saidPumblechook，`asIhaverodeinmyshaycart。ThisishimasIhaveseenbroughtupbyhand。ThisishimuntoethesisterofwhichIwasunclebymarriage，ashernamewasGeorgianaM\'riafromherownmother，lethimdenyitifhecan！\'
ThewaiterseemedconvincedthatIcouldnotdenyit，andthatitgavethecaseablacklook。
`Youngman，\'saidPumblechook，screwinghisheadatmeintheoldfashion，`youairagoingtoJoseph。Whatdoesitmattertome，youaskme，whereyouairgoing？Isaytoyou，Sir，youairagoingtoJoseph。\'
Thewaitercoughed，asifhemodestlyinvitedtogetoverthat。
`Now，\'saidPumblechook，andallthiswithamostexasperatingairofsayinginthecauseofvirtuewhatwasperfectlyconvincingandconclusive，`IwilltellyouwhattosaytoJoseph。HereisSquiresoftheBoarpresent，knownandrespectedinthistown，andhereisWilliam，whichhisfather\'snamewasPotkinsifIdonotdeceivemyself。\'
`Youdonot，sir，\'saidWilliam。
`Intheirpresence，\'pursuedPumblechook，`Iwilltellyou，youngman，whattosaytoJoseph。Saysyou，"Joseph，Ihavethisdayseenmyearliestbenefactorandthefounderofmyfortun\'s。Iwillnamenonames，Joseph，butsotheyarepleasedtocallhimup-town，andIhaveseenthatman。"
`IswearIdon\'tseehimhere，\'saidI。
`Saythatlikewise，\'retortedPumblechook。`Sayyousaidthat，andevenJosephwillprobablybetraysurprise。\'
`Thereyouquitemistakehim，\'saidI。`Iknowbetter。\'
`Saysyou，\'Pumblechookwenton，`"Joseph，Ihaveseenthatman，andthatmanbearsyounomaliceandbearsmenomalice。Heknowsyourcharacter，Joseph，andiswellacquaintedwithyourpig-headednessandignorance；
andheknowsmycharacter，Joseph，andheknowsmywantofgratitoode。
Yes，Joseph，"saysyou，\'herePumblechookshookhisheadandhandatme，`"heknowsmytotaldeficiencyofcommonhumangratitoode。Heknowsit，Joseph，asnonecan。Youdonotknowit，Joseph，havingnocalltoknowit，butthatmando。"\'
Windydonkeyashewas，itreallyamazedmethathecouldhavethefacetotalkthustomine。
`Saysyou，"Joseph，hegavemealittlemessage，whichIwillnowrepeat。
Itwas，thatinmybeingbroughtlow，hesawthefingerofProvidence。
Heknowedthatfingerwhenhesawit，Joseph，andhesawitplain。Itpintedoutthiswriting，Joseph。Rewardofingratitoodetohisearliestbenefactor，andfounderoffortun\'s。Butthatmansaidhedidnotrepentofwhathehaddone，Joseph。Notatall。Itwasrighttodoit，itwaskindtodoit，itwasbenevolenttodoit，andhewoulddoitagain。"\'
`It\'spity，\'saidI，scornfully，asIfinishedmyinterruptedbreakfast，`thatthemandidnotsaywhathehaddoneandwoulddoagain。\'
`SquiresoftheBoar！\'Pumblechookwasnowaddressingthelandlord，`andWilliam！Ihavenoobjectionstoyourmentioning，eitherup-townordown-town，ifsuchshouldbeyourwishes，thatitwasrighttodoit，kindtodoit，benevolenttodoit，andthatIwoulddoitagain。\'
WiththosewordstheImpostorshookthembothbythehand，withanair，andleftthehouse；leavingmemuchmoreastonishedthandelightedbythevirtuesofthatsameindefinite`it。\'`Iwasnotlongafterhiminleavingthehousetoo，andwhenIwentdowntheHigh-streetIsawhimholdingforth(nodoubttothesameeffect)athisshopdoortoaselectgroup，whohonouredmewithveryunfavourableglancesasIpassedontheoppositesideoftheway。
But，itwasonlythepleasantertoturntoBiddyandtoJoe，whosegreatforbearanceshonemorebrightlythanbefore，ifthatcouldbe，contrastedwiththisbrazenpretender。Iwenttowardsthemslowly，formylimbswereweak，butwithasenseofincreasingreliefasIdrewnearertothem，andasenseofleavingarroganceanduntruthfulnessfurtherandfurtherbehind。
TheJuneweatherwasdelicious。Theskywasblue，thelarksweresoaringhighoverthegreencorn，Ithoughtallthatcountry-sidemorebeautifulandpeacefulbyfarthanIhadeverknownittobeyet。ManypleasantpicturesofthelifethatIwouldleadthere，andofthechangeforthebetterthatwouldcomeovermycharacterwhenIhadaguidingspiritatmysidewhosesimplefaithandclearhome-wisdomIhadproved，beguiledmyway。Theyawakenedatenderemotioninme；for，myheartwassoftenedbymyreturn，andsuchachangehadcometopass，thatIfeltlikeonewhowastoilinghomebarefootfromdistanttravel，andwhosewanderingshadlastedmanyyears。
TheschoolhousewhereBiddywasmistress，Ihadneverseen；but，thelittleroundaboutlanebywhichIenteredthevillageforquietness\'sake，tookmepastit。Iwasdisappointedtofindthatthedaywasaholiday；
nochildrenwerethere，andBiddy\'shousewasclosed。Somehopefulnotionofseeingherbusilyengagedinherdailyduties，beforeshesawme，hadbeeninmymindandwasdefeated。
But，theforgewasaveryshortdistanceoff，andIwenttowardsitunderthesweetgreenlimes，listeningfortheclinkofJoe\'shammer。LongafterIoughttohaveheardit，andlongafterIhadfanciedIhearditandfounditbutafancy，allwasstill。Thelimeswerethere，andthewhitethornswerethere，andthechestnut-treeswerethere，andtheirleavesrustledharmoniouslywhenIstoppedtolisten；but，theclinkofJoe\'shammerwasnotinthemidsummerwind。
Almostfearing，withoutknowingwhy，tocomeinviewoftheforge，I
sawitatlast，andsawthatitwasclosed。Nogleamoffire，noglitteringshowerofsparks，noroarofbellows；allshutup，andstill。
But，thehousewasnotdeserted，andthebestparlourseemedtobeinuse，fortherewerewhitecurtainsflutteringinitswindow，andthewindowwasopenandgaywithflowers。Iwentsoftlytowardsit，meaningtopeepovertheflowers，whenJoeandBiddystoodbeforeme，arminarm。
AtfirstBiddygaveacry，asifshethoughtitwasmyapparition，butinanothermomentshewasinmyembrace。Iwepttoseeher，andshewepttoseeme；I，becauseshelookedsofreshandpleasant；she，becauseI
lookedsowornandwhite。
`ButdearBiddy，howsmartyouare！\'
`Yes，dearPip。\'
`AndJoe，howsmartyouare！\'
`Yes，dearoldPip，oldchap。\'
Ilookedatbothofthem，fromonetotheother，andthen——
`It\'smywedding-day，\'criedBiddy，inaburstofhappiness，`andI
ammarriedtoJoe！\'
Theyhadtakenmeintothekitchen，andIhadlaidmyheaddownontheolddealtable。Biddyheldoneofmyhandstoherlips，andJoe\'srestoringtouchwasonmyshoulder。`Whichhewarn\'tstrongenough，mydear，furtobesurprised，\'saidJoe。AndBiddysaid，`Ioughttohavethoughtofit，dearJoe，butIwastoohappy。\'Theywerebothsooverjoyedtoseeme，soproudtoseeme，sotouchedbymycomingtothem，sodelightedthatIshouldhavecomebyaccidenttomaketheirdaycomplete！
MyfirstthoughtwasoneofgreatthankfulnessthatIhadneverbreathedthislastbaffledhopetoJoe。Howoften，whilehewaswithmeinmyillness，haditrisentomylips。Howirrevocablewouldhavebeenhisknowledgeofit，ifhehadremainedwithmebutanotherhour！
`DearBiddy，\'saidI，`youhavethebesthusbandinthewholeworld，andifyoucouldhaveseenhimbymybedyouwouldhave-Butno，youcouldn\'tlovehimbetterthanyoudo。\'
`No，Icouldn\'tindeed，\'saidBiddy。
`And，dearJoe，youhavethebestwifeinthewholeworld，andshewillmakeyouashappyasevenyoudeservetobe，youdear，good，nobleJoe！\'
Joelookedatmewithaquiveringlip，andfairlyputhissleevebeforehiseyes。
`AndJoeandBiddyboth，asyouhavebeentochurchto-day，andareincharityandlovewithallmankind，receivemyhumblethanksforallyouhavedoneformeandallIhavesoillrepaid！AndwhenIsaythatI
amgoingawaywithinthehour，forIamsoongoingabroad，andthatIshallneverrestuntilIhaveworkedforthemoneywithwhichyouhavekeptmeoutofprison，andhavesentittoyou，don\'tthink，dearJoeandBiddy，thatifIcouldrepayitathousandtimesover，IsupposeIcouldcancelafarthingofthedebtIoweyou，orthatIwoulddosoifIcould！\'
Theywerebothmeltedbythesewords，andbothentreatedmetosaynomore。
`ButImustsaymore。DearJoe，Ihopeyouwillhavechildrentolove，andthatsomelittlefellowwillsitinthischimneycornerofawinternight，whomayremindyouofanotherlittlefellowgoneoutofitforever。
Don\'ttellhim，Joe，thatIwasthankless；don\'ttellhim，Biddy，thatIwasungenerousandunjust；onlytellhimthatIhonouredyouboth，becauseyouwerebothsogoodandtrue，andthat，asyourchild，IsaiditwouldnaturaltohimtogrowupamuchbettermanthanIdid。\'
`Iain\'tagoing，\'saidJoe，frombehindhissleeve，`totellhimnothinko\'thatnatur，Pip。NorBiddyain\'t。Noryetnooneain\'t。\'
`Andnow，thoughIknowyouhavealreadydoneitinyourownkindhearts，praytellme，both，thatyouforgiveme！Prayletmehearyousaythewords，thatImaycarrythesoundofthemawaywithme，andthenIshallbeabletobelievethatyoucantrustme，andthinkbetterofme，inthetimetocome！\'
`OdearoldPip，oldchap，\'saidJoe。`GodknowsasIforgiveyou，ifIhaveanythinktoforgive！\'
`Amen！AndGodknowsIdo！\'echoedBiddy。
Nowletmegoandlookatmyoldlittleroom，andrestthereafewminutesbymyself，andthenwhenIhaveeatenanddrunkwithyou，gowithmeasfarasthefinger-post，dearJoeandBiddy，beforewesaygood-bye！\'
IsoldallIhad，andputasideasmuchasIcould，foracompositionwithmycreditors-whogavemeampletimetopaytheminfull-andI
wentoutandjoinedHerbert。Withinamonth，IhadquittedEngland，andwithintwomonthsIwasclerktoClarrikerandCo。，andwithinfourmonthsIassumedmyfirstundividedresponsibility。For，thebeamacrosstheparlourceilingatMillPondBank，hadthenceasedtotrembleunderoldBillBarley\'sgrowlsandwasatpeace，andHerberthadgoneawaytomarryClara，andIwasleftinsolechargeoftheEasternBranchuntilhebroughtherback。
Manyayearwentround，beforeIwasapartnerintheHouse；but，IivedhappilywithHerbertandhiswife，andlivedfrugally，andpaidmydebts，andmaintainedaconstantcorrespondencewithBiddyandJoe。ItwasnotuntilIbecomethirdintheFirm，thatClarrikerbetrayedmetoHerbert；
but，hethendeclaredthatthesecretofHerbert\'spartnershiphadbeenlongenoughuponhisconscience，andhemusttellit。So，hetoldit，andHerbertwasasmuchmovedasamazed，andthedearfellowandIwerenottheworsefriendsforthelongconcealment。Imustnotleaveittobesupposedthatwewereeveragreathouse，orthatwemademintsofmoney。Wewerenotinagrandwayofbusiness，butwehadagoodname，andworkedforourprofits，anddidverywell。WeowedsomuchtoHerbert\'severcheerfulindustryandreadiness，thatIoftenwonderedhowIhadconceivedthatoldideaofhisinaptitude，untilIwasonedayenlightenedbythereflection，thatperhapstheinaptitudehadneverbeeninhimatall，buthadbeeninme。
Chapter59
FORelevenyears，IhadnotseenJoenorBiddywithmybodilyeyes-thoughtheyhadbothbeenoftenbeforemyfancyintheEast-when，uponaneveninginDecember，anhourortwoafterdark，Ilaidmyhandsoftlyonthelatchoftheoldkitchendoor。ItoucheditsosoftlythatIwasnotheard，andlookedinunseen。There，smokinghispipeintheoldplacebythekitchenfirelight，ashaleandasstrongaseverthoughalittlegrey，satJoe；
andthere，fencedintothecornerwithJoe\'sleg，andsittingonmyownlittlestoollookingatthefire，was-Iagain！
`Wegiv\'himthenameofPipforyoursake，dearoldchap，\'saidJoe，delightedwhenItookanotherstoolbythechild\'sside(butIdidnotrumplehishair)，`andwehopedhemightgrowalittlebitlikeyou，andwethinkhedo。\'
Ithoughtsotoo，andItookhimoutforawalknextmorning，andwetalkedimmensely，understandingoneanothertoperfection。AndItookhimdowntothechurchyard，andsethimonacertaintombstonethere，andheshowedmefromthatelevationwhichstonewassacredtothememoryofPhilipPirrip，lateofthisParish，andAlsoGeorgiana，WifeoftheAbove。
`Biddy，\'saidI，whenItalkedwithherafterdinner，asherlittlegirllaysleepinginherlap，`youmustgivePiptome，oneofthesedays；
orlendhim，atallevents。\'
`No，no，\'saidBiddy，gently。`Youmustmarry。\'
`SoHerbertandClarasay，butIdon\'tthinkIshall，Biddy。Ihavesosettleddownintheirhome，thatit\'snotatalllikely。Iamalreadyquiteanoldbachelor。\'
Biddylookeddownatherchild，andputitslittlehandtoherlips，andthenputthegoodmatronlyhandwithwhichshehadtouchedit，intomine。TherewassomethingintheactionandinthelightpressureofBiddy\'swedding-ring，thathadaveryprettyeloquenceinit。
`DearPip，\'saidBiddy，`youaresureyoudon\'tfretforher？\'
`Ono-Ithinknot，Biddy。\'
`Tellmeasanold，oldfriend。Haveyouquiteforgottenher？
`MydearBiddy，Ihaveforgottennothinginmylifethateverhadaforemostplacethere，andlittlethateverhadanyplacethere。Butthatpoordream，asIonceusedtocallit，hasallgoneby，Biddy，allgoneby！\'
Nevertheless，IknewwhileIsaidthosewords，thatIsecretlyintendedtorevisitthesiteofthehousethatevening，alone，forhersake。Yesevenso。ForEstella\'ssake。
Ihadheardofherasleadingamostunhappylife，andasbeingseparatedfromherhusband，whohadusedherwithgreatcruelty，andwhohadbecomequiterenownedasacompoundofpride，avarice，brutality，andmeanness。
AndIhadheardofthedeathofherhusband，fromanaccidentconsequentonhisill-treatmentofahorse。Thisreleasehadbefallenhersometwoyearsbefore；foranythingIknew，shewasmarriedagain。
Theearlydinner-houratJoe\'s，leftmeabundanceoftime，withouthurryingmytalkwithBiddy，towalkovertotheoldspotbeforedark。But，whatwithloiteringontheway，tolookatoldobjectsandtothinkofoldtimes，thedayhadquitedeclinedwhenIcametotheplace。
Therewasnohousenow，nobrewery，nobuildingwhateverleft，butthewalloftheoldgarden。Theclearedspacehadbeenenclosedwitharoughfence，and，lookingoverit，Isawthatsomeoftheoldivyhadstruckrootanew，andwasgrowinggreenonlowquietmoundsofruin。Agateinthefencestandingajar，Ipusheditopen，andwentin。
Acoldsilverymisthadveiledtheafternoon，andthemoonwasnotyetuptoscatterit。But，thestarswereshiningbeyondthemist，andthemoonwascoming，andtheeveningwasnotdark。Icouldtraceoutwhereeverypartoftheoldhousehadbeen，andwherethebreweryhadbeen，andwherethegates，andwherethecasks。Ihaddoneso，andwaslookingalongthedesolategardenwalk，whenIbeheldasolitaryfigureinit。
Thefigureshoweditselfawareofme，asIadvanced。Ithadbeenmovingtowardsme，butitstoodstill。AsIdrewnearer，Isawittobethefigureofawoman。AsIdrewneareryet，itwasabouttoturnaway，whenitstopped，andletmecomeupwithit。Then，itfalteredasifmuchsurprised，andutteredmyname，andIcriedout:
`Estella！\'
`Iamgreatlychanged。Iwonderyouknowme。\'
Thefreshnessofherbeautywasindeedgone，butitsindescribablemajestyanditsindescribablecharmremained。Thoseattractionsinit，Ihadseenbefore；whatIhadneverseenbefore，wasthesaddenedsoftenedlightoftheonceproudeyes；whatIhadneverfeltbefore，wasthefriendlytouchoftheonceinsensiblehand。
Wesatdownonabenchthatwasnear，andIsaid，`Aftersomanyyears，itisstrangethatweshouldthusmeetagain，Estella，herewhereourfirstmeetingwas！Doyouoftencomeback？\'
`Ihaveneverbeenheresince。\'
`NorI。\'
Themoonbegantorise，andIthoughtoftheplacidlookatthewhiteceiling，whichhadpassedaway。Themoonbegantorise，andIthoughtofthepressureonmyhandwhenIhadspokenthelastwordshehadheardonearth。
Estellawasthenexttobreakthesilencethatensuedbetweenus。
`Ihaveveryoftenhopedandintendedtocomeback，buthavebeenpreventedbymanycircumstances。Poor，pooroldplace！\'
Thesilverymistwastouchedwiththefirstraysofthemoonlight，andthesameraystouchedthetearsthatdroppedfromhereyes。NotknowingthatIsawthem，andsettingherselftogetthebetterofthem，shesaidquietly:
`Wereyouwondering，asyouwalkedalong，howitcametobeleftinthiscondition？\'
`Yes，Estella。\'
`Thegroundbelongstome。ItistheonlypossessionIhavenotrelinquished。
Everythingelsehasgonefromme，littlebylittle，butIhavekeptthis。
ItwasthesubjectoftheonlydeterminedresistanceImadeinallthewretchedyears。\'
`Isittobebuilton？\'
`Atlastitis。Icameheretotakeleaveofitbeforeitschange。Andyou，\'shesaid，inavoiceoftouchinginteresttoawanderer，`youliveabroadstill？\'
`Still。\'
`Anddowell，Iamsure？\'
`Iworkprettyhardforasufficientliving，andtherefore-Yes，I
dowell。\'
`Ihaveoftenthoughtofyou，\'saidEstella。
`Haveyou？\'
`Oflate，veryoften。TherewasalonghardtimewhenIkeptfarfromme，theremembrance，ofwhatIhadthrownawaywhenIwasquiteignorantofitsworth。But，sincemydutyhasnotbeenincompatiblewiththeadmissionofthatremembrance，Ihavegivenitaplaceinmyheart。\'
`Youhavealwaysheldyourplaceinmyheart，\'Ianswered。
Andweweresilentagain，untilshespoke。
`Ilittlethought，\'saidEstella，`thatIshouldtakeleaveofyouintakingleaveofthisspot。Iamverygladtodoso。\'
`Gladtopartagain，Estella？Tome，partingisapainfulthing。Tome，theremembranceofourlastpartinghasbeenevermournfulandpainful。\'
`Butyousaidtome，\'returnedEstella，veryearnestly，`"Godblessyou，Godforgiveyou！"Andifyoucouldsaythattomethen，youwillnothesitatetosaythattomenow-now，whensufferinghasbeenstrongerthanallotherteaching，andhastaughtmetounderstandwhatyourheartusedtobe。Ihavebeenbentandbroken，but-Ihope-intoabettershape。
Beasconsiderateandgoodtomeasyouwere，andtellmewearefriends。\'
`Wearefriends，\'saidI，risingandbendingoverher，assherosefromthebench。
`Andwillcontinuefriendsapart，\'saidEstella。
Itookherhandinmine，andwewentoutoftheruinedplace；and，asthemorningmistshadrisenlongagowhenIfirstlefttheforge，so，theeveningmistswererisingnow，andinallthebroadexpanseoftranquillighttheyshowedtome，Isawnoshadowofanotherpartingfromher。
