Estella，forherpart，likewisetreatedmeasbefore；exceptthatshedidnotcondescendtospeak。Whenwehadplayedsomehalfdozengames，adaywasappointedformyreturn，andIwastakendownintotheyardtobefedintheformerdog-likemanner。There，too，IwasagainlefttowanderaboutasIliked。
ItisnotmuchtothepurposewhetheragateinthatgardenwallwhichIhadscrambleduptopeepoveronthelastoccasionwas，onthatlastoccasion，openorshut。EnoughthatIsawnogatethem，andthatIsawonenow。Asitstoodopen，andasIknewthatEstellahadletthevisitorsout-for，shehadreturnedwiththekeysinherhand-Istrolledintothegardenandstrolledalloverit。Itwasquiteawilderness，andtherewereoldmelon-framesandcucumber-framesinit，whichseemedintheirdeclinetohaveproducedaspontaneousgrowthofweakattemptsatpiecesofoldhatsandboots，withnowandthenaweedyoffshootintothelikenessofabatteredsaucepan。
WhenIhadexhaustedthegarden，andagreenhousewithnothinginitbutafallen-downgrape-vineandsomebottles，IfoundmyselfinthedismalcorneruponwhichIhadlookedoutofwindow。Neverquestioningforamomentthatthehousewasnowempty，Ilookedinatanotherwindow，andfoundmyself，tomygreatsurprise，exchangingabroadstarewithapaleyounggentlemanwithredeyelidsandlighthair。
Thispaleyounggentlemanquicklydisappeared，andre-appearedbesideme。HehadbeenathisbookswhenIhadfoundmyselfstaringathim，andInowsawthathewasinky。
`Halloa！\'saidhe，`youngfellow！\'
HalloabeingageneralobservationwhichIhadusuallyobservedtobebestansweredbyitself，Isaid，`Halloa！\'politelyomittingyoungfellow。
`Wholetyouin？\'saidhe。
`MissEstella。\'
`Whogaveyouleavetoprowlabout？\'
`MissEstella。\'
`Comeandfight，\'saidthepaleyounggentleman。
WhatcouldIdobutfollowhim？Ihaveoftenaskedmyselfthequestionsince:but，whatelsecouldIdo？HismannerwassofinalandIwassoastonished，thatIfollowedwhereheled，asifIhadbeenunderaspell。
`Stopaminute，though，\'hesaid，wheelingroundbeforewehadgonemanypaces。`Ioughttogiveyouareasonforfighting，too。Thereitis！\'
Inamostirritatingmannerheinstantlyslappedhishandsagainstoneanother，daintilyflungoneofhislegsupbehindhim，pulledmyhair，slappedhishandsagain，dippedhishead，andbutteditintomystomach。
Thebull-likeproceedinglastmentioned，besidesthatitwasunquestionablytoberegardedinthelightofaliberty，wasparticularlydisagreeablejustafterbreadandmeat。Ithereforehitoutathimandwasgoingtohitoutagain，whenhesaid，`Aha！Wouldyou？\'andbegandancingbackwardsandforwardsinamannerquiteunparalleledwithinmylimitedexperience。
`Lawsofthegame！\'saidhe。Here，heskippedfromhisleftlegontohisright。`Regularrules！\'Here，heskippedfromhisrightlegontohisleft。`Cometotheground，andgothroughthepreliminaries！\'Here，hedodgedbackwardsandforwards，anddidallsortsofthingswhileIlookedhelplesslyathim。
IwassecretlyafraidofhimwhenIsawhimsodexterous；but，Ifeltmorallyandphysicallyconvincedthathislightheadofhaircouldhavehadnobusinessinthepitofmystomach，andthatIhadarighttoconsideritirrelevantwhensoobtrudedonmyattention。Therefore，Ifollowedhimwithoutaword，toaretirednookofthegarden，formedbythejunctionoftwowallsandscreenedbysomerubbish。OnhisaskingmeifIwassatisfiedwiththeground，andonmyreplyingYes，hebeggedmyleavetoabsenthimselfforamoment，andquicklyreturnedwithabottleofwaterandaspongedippedinvinegar。`Availableforboth，\'hesaid，placingtheseagainstthewall。Andthenfelltopullingoff，notonlyhisjacketandwaistcoat，buthisshirttoo，inamanneratoncelight-hearted，businesslike，andbloodthirsty。
Althoughhedidnotlookveryhealthy-havingpimplesonhisface，andabreakingoutathismouth-thesedreadfulpreparationsquiteappalledme。Ijudgedhimtobeaboutmyownage，buthewasmuchtaller，andhehadawayofspinninghimselfaboutthatwasfullofappearance。Fortherest，hewasayounggentlemaninagreysuitwhennotdenudedforbattle，withhiselbows，knees，wrists，andheels，considerablyinadvanceoftherestofhimastodevelopment。
MyheartfailedmewhenIsawhimsquaringatmewitheverydemonstrationofmechanicalnicety，andeyeingmyanatomyasifhewereminutelychoosinghisbone。Ineverhavebeensosurprisedinmylife，asIwaswhenIletoutthefirstblow，andsawhimlyingonhisback，lookingupatmewithabloodynoseandhisfaceexceedinglyfore-shortened。
But，hewasonhisfeetdirectly，andaftersponginghimselfwithagreatshowofdexteritybegansquaringagain。ThesecondgreatestsurpriseIhaveeverhadinmylifewasseeinghimonhisbackagain，lookingupatmeoutofablackeye。
Hisspiritinspiredmewithgreatrespect。Heseemedtohavenostrength，andheneveroncehitmehard，andhewasalwaysknockeddown；but，hewouldbeupagaininamoment，sponginghimselfordrinkingoutofthewater-bottle，withthegreatestsatisfactioninsecondinghimselfaccordingtoform，andthencameatmewithanairandashowthatmademebelievehereallywasgoingtodoformeatlast。Hegotheavilybruised，forI
amsorrytorecordthatthemoreIhithim，theharderIhithim；but，hecameupagainandagainandagain，untilatlasthegotabadfallwiththebackofhisheadagainstthewall。Evenafterthatcrisisinouraffairs，hegotupandturnedroundandroundconfusedlyafewtimes，notknowingwhereIwas；butfinallywentonhiskneestohisspongeandthrewitup:
atthesametimepantingout，`Thatmeansyouhavewon。\'
Heseemedtobraveandinnocent，thatalthoughIhadnotproposedthecontestIfeltbutagloomysatisfactioninmyvictory。Indeed，IgosofarastohopethatIregardedmyselfwhiledressing，asaspeciesofsavageyoungwolf，orotherwildbeast。However，Igotdressed，darklywipingmysanguinaryfaceatintervals，andIsaid，`CanIhelpyou？\'andhesaid`Nothankee，\'andIsaid`Goodafternoon，\'andhesaid`Sametoyou。\'
WhenIgotintothecourt-yard，IfoundEstellawaitingwiththekeys。
But，sheneitheraskedmewhereIhadbeen，norwhyIhadkeptherwaiting；
andtherewasabrightflushuponherface，asthoughsomethinghadhappenedtodelighther。Insteadofgoingstraighttothegate，too，shesteppedbackintothepassage，andbeckonedme。
`Comehere！Youmaykissme，ifyoulike。\'
Ikissedhercheekassheturnedittome。IthinkIwouldhavegonethroughagreatdealtokisshercheek。But，Ifeltthatthekisswasgiventothecoarsecommonboyasapieceofmoneymighthavebeen，andthatitwasworthnothing。
Whatwiththebirthdayvisitors，andwhatwiththecards，andwhatwiththefight，mystayhadlastedsolong，thatwhenInearedhomethelightonthespitofsandoffthepointonthemarsheswasgleamingagainstablacknight-sky，andJoe\'sfurnacewasflingingapathoffireacrosstheroad。
Chapter12
MYmindgrewveryuneasyonthesubjectofthepaleyounggentleman。
ThemoreIthoughtofthefight，andrecalledthepaleyounggentlemanonhisbackinvariousstagesofpuffyandincrimsonedcountenance，themorecertainitappearedthatsomethingwouldbedonetome。Ifeltthatthepaleyounggentleman\'sbloodwasonmyhead，andthattheLawwouldavengeit。WithouthavinganydefiniteideaofthepenaltiesIhadincurred，itwascleartomethatvillageboyscouldnotgostalkingaboutthecountry，ravagingthehousesofgentlefolksandpitchingintothestudiousyouthofEngland，withoutlayingthemselvesopentoseverepunishment。Forsomedays，Ievenkeptcloseathome，andlookedoutatthekitchendoorwiththegreatestcautionandtrepidationbeforegoingonanerrand，lesttheofficersoftheCountyJailshouldpounceuponme。Thepaleyounggentleman\'snosehadstainedmytrousers，andItriedtowashoutthatevidenceofmyguiltinthedeadofnight。Ihadcutmyknucklesagainstthepaleyounggentleman\'steeth，andItwistedmyimaginationintoathousandtangles，asIdevisedincrediblewaysofaccountingforthatdamnatorycircumstancewhenIshouldbehaledbeforetheJudges。
Whenthedaycameroundformyreturntothesceneofthedeedofviolence，myterrorsreachedtheirheight。WhethermyrmidonsofJustice，speciallysentdownfromLondon，wouldbelyinginambushbehindthegate？WhetherMissHavisham，preferringtotakepersonalvengeanceforanoutragedonetoherhouse，mightriseinthosegrave-clothesofhers，drawapistol，andshootmedead？Whethersubornedboys-anumerousbandofmercenaries-mightbeengagedtofalluponmeinthebrewery，andcuffmeuntilI
wasnomore？Itwashightestimonytomyconfidenceinthespiritofthepaleyounggentleman，thatIneverimaginedhimaccessorytotheseretaliations；theyalwayscameintomymindastheactsofinjudiciousrelativesofhis，goadedonbythestateofhisvisageandanindignantsympathywiththefamilyfeatures。
However，gotoMissHavisham\'sImust，andgoIdid。Andbehold！nothingcameofthelatestruggle。Itwasnotalludedtoinanyway，andnopaleyounggentlemanwastobediscoveredonthepremises。Ifoundthesamegateopen，andIexploredthegarden，andevenlookedinatthewindowsofthedetachedhouse；but，myviewwassuddenlystoppedbytheclosedshutterswithin，andallwaslifeless。Onlyinthecornerwherethecombathadtakenplace，couldIdetectanyevidenceoftheyounggentleman\'sexistence。
Thereweretracesofhisgoreinthatspot，andIcoveredthemwithgarden-mouldfromtheeyeofman。
OnthebroadlandingbetweenMissHavisham\'sownroomandthatotherroominwhichthelongtablewaslaidout，Isawagarden-chair-alightchaironwheels，thatyoupushedfrombehind。Ithadbeenplacedtheresincemylastvisit，andIentered，thatsameday，onaregularoccupationofpushingMissHavishaminthischairwhenshewastiredofwalkingwithherhanduponmyshoulderroundherownroom，andacrossthelanding，androundtheotherroom。Overandoverandoveragain，wewouldmakethesejourneys，andsometimestheywouldlastaslongasthreehoursatastretch。
Iinsensiblyfallintoageneralmentionofthesejourneysasnumerous，becauseitwasatoncesettledthatIshouldreturneveryalternatedayatnoonforthesepurposes，andbecauseIamnowgoingtosumupaperiodofatleasteightortenmonths。
Aswebegantobemoreusedtooneanother，MissHavishamtalkedmoretome，andaskedmesuchquestionsaswhathadIlearntandwhatwasI
goingtobe？ItoldherIwasgoingtobeapprenticedtoJoe，Ibelieved；
andIenlargeduponmyknowingnothingandwantingtoknoweverything，inthehopethatshemightoffersomehelptowardsthatdesirableend。
But，shedidnot；onthecontrary，sheseemedtoprefermybeingignorant。
Neitherdidsheevergivemeanymoney-oranythingbutmydailydinner-norevenstipulatethatIshouldbepaidformyservices。
Estellawasalwaysabout，andalwaysletmeinandout，butnevertoldmeImightkissheragain。Sometimes，shewouldcoldlytolerateme；sometimes，shewouldcondescendtome；sometimes，shewouldbequitefamiliarwithme；sometimes，shewouldtellmeenergeticallythatshehatedme。MissHavishamwouldoftenaskmeinawhisper，orwhenwewerealone，`Doesshegrowprettierandprettier，Pip？\'AndwhenIsaidyesforindeedshedid，wouldseemtoenjoyitgreedily。Also，whenweplayedatcardsMissHavishamwouldlookon，withamiserlyrelishofEstella\'smoods，whatevertheywere。Andsometimes，whenhermoodsweresomanyandsocontradictoryofoneanotherthatIwaspuzzledwhattosayordo，MissHavishamwouldembraceherwithlavishfondness，murmuringsomethinginherearthatsoundedlike`Breaktheirheartsmyprideandhope，breaktheirheartsandhavenomercy！\'
TherewasasongJoeusedtohumfragmentsofattheforge，ofwhichtheburdenwasOldClem。Thiswasnotaveryceremoniouswayofrenderinghomagetoapatronsaint；but，IbelieveOldClemstoodinthatrelationtowardssmiths。Itwasasongthatimitatedthemeasureofbeatinguponiron，andwasamerelyricalexcusefortheintroductionofOldClem\'srespectedname。Thus，youweretohammerboysround-OldClem！Withathumpandasound-OldClem！Beatitout，beatitout-OldClem！Withaclinkforthestout-OldClem！Blowthefire，blowthefire-OldClem！
Roaringdryer，soaringhigher-OldClem！Onedaysoonaftertheappearanceofthechair，MissHavishamsuddenlysayingtome，withtheimpatientmovementofherfingers，`There，there，there！Sing！\'IwassurprisedintocrooningthisdittyasIpushedheroverthefloor。Ithappenedsotocatchherfancy，thatshetookitupinalowbroodingvoiceasifsheweresinginginhersleep。Afterthat，itbecamecustomarywithustohaveitaswemovedabout，andEstellawouldoftenjoinin；thoughthewholestrainwassosubdued，evenwhentherewerethreeofus，thatitmadelessnoiseinthegrimoldhousethanthelightestbreathofwind。
WhatcouldIbecomewiththesesurroundings？Howcouldmycharacterfailtobeinfluencedbythem？Isittobewonderedatifmythoughtsweredazed，asmyeyeswere，whenIcameoutintothenaturallightfromthemistyyellowrooms？
Perhaps，ImighthavetoldJoeaboutthepaleyounggentleman，ifI
hadnotpreviouslybeenbetrayedintothoseenormousinventionstowhichIhadconfessed。Underthecircumstances，IfeltthatJoecouldhardlyfailtodiscerninthepaleyounggentleman，anappropriatepassengertobeputintotheblackvelvetcoach；therefore，Isaidnothingofhim。Besides:
thatshrinkingfromhavingMissHavishamandEstelladiscussed，whichhadcomeuponmeinthebeginning，grewmuchmorepotentastimewenton。I
reposedcompleteconfidenceinnoonebutBiddy；but，ItoldpoorBiddyeverything。Whyitcamenaturaltometodoso，andwhyBiddyhadadeepconcernineverythingItoldher，Ididnotknowthen，thoughIthinkI
knownow。
Meanwhile，councilswentoninthekitchenathome，fraughtwithalmostinsupportableaggravationtomyexasperatedspirit。Thatass，Pumblechook，usedoftentocomeoveranightforthepurposeofdiscussingmyprospectswithmysister；andIreallydobelievetothishourwithlesspenitencethanIoughttofeel，thatifthesehandscouldhavetakenalinchpinoutofhischaise-cart，theywouldhavedoneit。Themiserablemanwasamanofthatconfinedstolidityofmind，thathecouldnotdiscussmyprospectswithouthavingmebeforehim-asitwere，tooperateupon-
andhewoulddragmeupfrommystoolusuallybythecollarwhereIwasquietinacorner，and，puttingmebeforethefireasifIweregoingtobecooked，wouldbeginbysaying，`Now，Mum，hereisthisboy！Hereisthisboywhichyoubroughtupbyhand。Holdupyourhead，boy，andbeforevergratefuluntothemwhichsodiddo。Now，Mum，withrespectionstothisboy！\'Andthenhewouldrumplemyhairthewrongway-whichfrommyearliestremembrance，asalreadyhinted，Ihaveinmysouldeniedtherightofanyfellow-creaturetodo-andwouldholdmebeforehimbythesleeve:aspectacleofimbecilityonlytobeequalledbyhimself。
Then，heandmysisterwouldpairoffinsuchnonsensicalspeculationsaboutMissHavisham，andaboutwhatshewoulddowithmeandforme，thatIusedtowant-quitepainfully-toburstintospitefultears，flyatPumblechook，andpummelhimallover。Inthesedialogues，mysisterspoketomeasifsheweremorallywrenchingoneofmyteethoutateveryreference；
whilePumblechookhimself，self-constitutedmypatron，wouldsitsupervisingmewithadepreciatoryeye，likethearchitectofmyfortuneswhothoughthimselfengagedonaveryunremunerativejob。
Inthesediscussions，Joeborenopart。Buthewasoftentalkedat，whiletheywereinprogress，byreasonofMrsJoe\'sperceivingthathewasnotfavourabletomybeingtakenfromtheforge。Iwasfullyoldenoughnow，tobeapprenticedtoJoe；andwhenJoesatwiththepokeronhiskneesthoughtfullyrakingouttheashesbetweenthelowerbars，mysisterwouldsodistinctlyconstruethatinnocentactionintooppositiononhispart，thatshewoulddiveathim，takethepokeroutofhishands，shakehim，andputitaway。Therewasamostirritatingendtoeveryoneofthesedebates。Allinamoment，withnothingtoleaduptoit，mysisterwouldstopherselfinayawn，andcatchingsightofmeasitwereincidentally，wouldswoopuponmewith，`Come！there\'senoughofyou！Yougetalongtobed；you\'vegiventroubleenoughforonenight，Ihope！\'
AsifIhadbesoughtthemasafavourtobothermylifeout。
Wewentoninthiswayforalongtime，anditseemedlikelythatweshouldcontinuetogooninthiswayforalongtime，when，oneday，MissHavishamstoppedshortassheandIwerewalking，sheleaningonmyshoulder；
andsaidwithsomedispleasure:
`Youaregrowingtall，Pip！\'
Ithoughtitbesttohint，throughthemediumofameditativelook，thatthismightbeoccasionedbycircumstancesoverwhichIhadnocontrol。
Shesaidnomoreatthetime；but，shepresentlystoppedandlookedatmeagain；andpresentlyagain；andafterthat，lookedfrowningandmoody。
Onthenextdayofmyattendancewhenourusualexercisewasover，andIhadlandedheratherdressingtable，shestayedmewithamovementofherimpatientfingers:
`Tellmethenameagainofthatblacksmithofyours。\'
`JoeGargery，ma\'am。\'
`Meaningthemasteryouweretobeapprenticedto？\'
`Yes，MissHavisham。\'
`Youhadbetterbeapprenticedatonce。WouldGargerycomeherewithyou，andbringyourindentures，doyouthink？\'
IsignifiedthatIhadnodoubthewouldtakeitasanhonourtobeasked。
`Thenlethimcome。\'
`Atanyparticulartime，MissHavisham？\'
`There，there！Iknownothingabouttimes。Lethimcomesoon，andcomealonewithyou。\'
WhenIgothomeatnight，anddeliveredthismessageforJoe，mysister`wentontheRampage，\'inamorealarmingdegreethanatanypreviousperiod。
SheaskedmeandJoewhetherwesupposedshewasdoor-matsunderourfeet，andhowwedaredtouseherso，andwhatcompanywegraciouslythoughtshewasfitfor？Whenshehadexhaustedatorrentofsuchinquiries，shethrewacandlestickatJoe，burstintoaloudsobbing，gotoutthedustpan-whichwasalwaysaverybadsign-putonhercoarseapron，andbegancleaninguptoaterribleextent。Notsatisfiedwithadrycleaning，shetooktoapailandscrubbing-brush，andcleanedusoutofhouseandhome，sothatwestoodshiveringintheback-yard。Itwasteno\'clockatnightbeforeweventuredtocreepinagain，andthensheaskedJoewhyhehadn\'tmarriedaNegressSlaveatonce？Joeofferednoanswer，poorfellow，butstoodfeelinghiswhiskerandlookingdejectedlyatme，asifhethoughtitreallymighthavebeenabetterspeculation。
Chapter13
ITwasatrialtomyfeelings，onthenextdaybutone，toseeJoearrayinghimselfinhisSundayclothestoaccompanymetoMissHavisham\'s。
However，ashethoughthiscourt-suitnecessarytotheoccasion，itwasnotformetellhimthathelookedfarbetterinhisworkingdress；therather，becauseIknewhemadehimselfsodreadfullyuncomfortable，entirelyonmyaccount，andthatitwasformehepulleduphisshirt-collarsoveryhighbehind，thatitmadethehaironthecrownofhisheadstanduplikeatuftoffeathers。
Atbreakfasttimemysisterdeclaredherintentionofgoingtotownwithus，andbeingleftatUnclePumblechook\'sandcalledfor`whenwehaddonewithourfineladies\'-awayofputtingthecase，fromwhichJoeappearedinclinedtoaugurtheworst。Theforgewasshutupfortheday，andJoeinscribedinchalkuponthedoorasitwashiscustomtodoontheveryrareoccasionswhenhewasnotatworkthemonosyllableHOUT，accompaniedbyasketchofanarrowsupposedtobeflyinginthedirectionhehadtaken。
Wewalkedtotown，mysisterleadingthewayinaverylargebeaverbonnet，andcarryingabasketliketheGreatSealofEnglandinplaitedstraw，apairofpattens，aspareshawl，andanumbrella，thoughitwasafinebrightday。Iamnotquiteclearwhetherthesearticleswerecarriedpenitentiallyorostentatiously；but，Iratherthinktheyweredisplayedasarticlesofproperty-muchasCleopatraoranyothersovereignladyontheRampagemightexhibitherwealthinapageantorprocession。
WhenwecametoPumblechook\'s，mysisterbouncedinandleftus。Asitwasalmostnoon，JoeandIheldstraightontoMissHavisham\'shouse。
Estellaopenedthegateasusual，and，themomentsheappeared，Joetookhishatoffandstoodweighingitbythebriminbothhishands:asifhehadsomeurgentreasoninhismindforbeingparticulartohalfaquarterofanounce。
Estellatooknonoticeofeitherofus，butledusthewaythatIknewsowell。Ifollowednexttoher，andJoecamelast。WhenIlookedbackatJoeinthelongpassage，hewasstillweighinghishatwiththegreatestcare，andwascomingafterusinlongstridesonthetipsofhistoes。
Estellatoldmewewerebothtogoin，soItookJoebythecoat-cuffandconductedhimintoMissHavisham\'spresence。Shewasseatedatherdressing-table，andlookedroundatusimmediately。
`Oh！\'saidshetoJoe。`Youarethehusbandofthesisterofthisboy？\'
IcouldhardlyhaveimagineddearoldJoelookingsounlikehimselforsolikesomeextraordinarybird；standing，ashedid，speechless，withhistuftoffeathersruffled，andhismouthopen，asifhewantedaworm。
`Youarethehusband，\'repeatedMissHavisham，`ofthesisterofthisboy？\'
Itwasveryaggravating；but，throughouttheinterviewJoepersistedinaddressingMeinsteadofMissHavisham。
`WhichImeantersay，Pip，\'Joenowobservedinamannerthatwasatonceexpressiveofforcibleargumentation，strictconfidence，andgreatpoliteness，`asIhupandmarriedyoursister，andIwereatthetimewhatyoumightcallifyouwasanywaysinclinedasingleman。\'
`Well！\'saidMissHavisham。`Andyouhaverearedtheboy，withtheintentionoftakinghimforyourapprentice；isthatso，MrGargery？\'
`Youknow，Pip，\'repliedJoe，`asyouandmewereeverfriends，anditwerelookedfor\'ardtobetwixtus，asbeingcalc\'latedtoleadtolarks。
Notbutwhat，Pip，ifyouhadevermadeobjectionstothebusiness-suchasitsbeingopentoblackandsut，orsuch-like-notbutwhattheywouldhavebeenattendedto，don\'tyousee？\'
`Hastheboy，\'saidMissHavisham，`evermadeanyobjection？Doeshelikethetrade？\'
`Whichitiswellbeknowntoyourself，Pip，\'returnedJoe，strengtheninghisformermixtureofargumentation，confidence，andpoliteness，`thatitwerethewishofyourownhart。\'Isawtheideasuddenlybreakuponhimthathewouldadapthisepitaphtotheoccasion，beforehewentontosay`Andthereweren\'tnoobjectiononyourpart，andPipitwerethegreatwishofyourhart！\'
ItwasquiteinvainformetoendeavourtomakehimsensiblethatheoughttospeaktoMissHavisham。ThemoreImadefacesandgesturestohimtodoit，themoreconfidential，argumentative，andpolite，hepersistedinbeingtoMe。
`Haveyoubroughthisindentureswithyou？\'askedMissHavisham。
`Well，Pip，youknow，\'repliedJoe，asifthatwerealittleunreasonable，`youyourselfseemeput\'eminmy\'at，andthereforeyouknowastheyarehere。\'Withwhichhetookthemout，andgavethem，nottoMissHavisham，buttome。IamafraidIwasashamedofthedeargoodfellow-IknowIwasashamedofhim-whenIsawthatEstellastoodatthebackofMissHavisham\'schair，andthathereyeslaughedmischievously。ItooktheindenturesoutofhishandandgavethemtoMissHavisham。
`Youexpected，\'saidMissHavisham，asshelookedthemover，`nopremiumwiththeboy？\'
`Joe！\'Iremonstrated；forhemadenoreplyatall。`Whydon\'tyouanswer——\'
`Pip，\'returnedJoe，cuttingmeshortasifhewerehurt，`whichImeantersaythatwerenotaquestionrequiringaanswerbetwixtyourselfandme，andwhichyouknowtheanswertobefullwellNo。YouknowittobeNo，Pip，andwhereforeshouldIsayit？\'
MissHavishamglancedathimasifsheunderstoodwhathereallywas，betterthanIhadthoughtpossible，seeingwhathewasthere；andtookupalittlebagfromthetablebesideher。
`Piphasearnedapremiumhere，\'shesaid，`andhereitis。Therearefive-and-twentyguineasinthisbag。Giveittoyourmaster，Pip。\'
Asifhewereabsolutelyoutofhismindwiththewonderawakenedinhimbyherstrangefigureandthestrangeroom，Joe，evenatthispass，persistedinaddressingme。
`Thisisweryliberalonyourpart，Pip，\'saidJoe，`anditisassuchreceivedandgratefulwelcome，thoughneverlookedfor，farnornearnornowheres。Andnow，oldchap，\'saidJoe，conveyingtomeasensation，firstofburningandthenoffreezing，forIfeltasifthatfamiliarexpressionwereappliedtoMissHavisham；`andnow，oldchap，maywedoourduty！
Mayyouandmedoourduty，bothonusbyoneandanother，andbythemwhichyourliberalpresent-have-conweyed-tobe-forthesatisfactionofmind-of-themasnever——\'hereJoeshowedthathefelthehadfallenintofrightfuldifficulties，untilhetriumphantlyrescuedhimselfwiththewords，`andfrommyselffarbeit！\'Thesewordshadsucharoundandconvincingsoundforhimthathesaidthemtwice。
`Good-bye，Pip！\'saidMissHavisham。`Letthemout，Estella。\'
`AmItocomeagain，MissHavisham？\'Iasked。
`No。Gargeryisyourmasternow。Gargery！Oneword！\'
ThuscallinghimbackasIwentoutofthedoor，IheardhersaytoJoe，inadistinctemphaticvoice，`Theboyhasbeenagoodboyhere，andthatishisreward。Ofcourse，asanhonestman，youwillexpectnootherandnomore。\'
HowJoegotoutoftheroom，Ihaveneverbeenabletodetermine；but，Iknowthatwhenhedidgetouthewassteadilyproceedingup-stairsinsteadofcomingdown，andwasdeaftoallremonstrancesuntilIwentafterhimandlaidholdofhim。Inanotherminutewewereoutsidethegate，anditwaslocked，andEstellawasgone。
Whenwestoodinthedaylightaloneagain，Joebackedupagainstawall，andsaidtome，`Astonishing！\'Andthereheremainedsolong，saying`Astonishing\'
atintervals，sooften，thatIbegantothinkhissenseswerenevercomingback。Atlengthheprolongedhisremarkinto`Pip，Idoassureyouthisisas-TONishing！\'andso，bydegrees，becameconversationalandabletowalkaway。
IhavereasontothinkthatJoe\'sintellectswerebrightenedbytheencountertheyhadpassedthrough，andthatonourwaytoPumblechook\'sheinventedasubtleanddeepdesign。MyreasonistobefoundinwhattookplaceinMrPumblechook\'sparlour:where，onourpresentingourselves，mysistersatinconferencewiththatdetestedseedsman。
`Well？\'criedmysister，addressingusbothatonce。`Andwhat\'shappenedtoyou？Iwonderyoucondescendtocomebacktosuchpoorsocietyasthis，IamsureIdo！\'
`MissHavisham，\'saidJoe，withafixedlookatme，likeaneffortofremembrance，`madeitwerypartick\'lerthatweshouldgiveher-wereitcomplimentsorrespects，Pip？\'
`Compliments，\'Isaid。
`Whichthatweremyownbelief，\'answeredJoe-`hercomplimentstoMrsJ。Gargery——\'
`Muchgoodthey\'lldome！\'observedmysister；butrathergratifiedtoo。
`Andwishing，\'pursuedJoe，withanotherfixedlookatme，likeanotherefforttoremembrance，`thatthestateofMissHavisham\'selthweresitchaswouldhave-allowed，wereit，Pip？\'
`Ofherhavingthepleasure，\'Iadded。
`Ofladies\'company，\'saidJoe。Anddrewalongbreath。
`Well！\'criedmysister，withamollifiedglanceatMrPumblechook。
`Shemighthavehadthepolitenesstosendthatmessageatfirst，butit\'sbetterlatethannever。AndwhatdidshegiveyoungRantipolehere？\'
`Shegiv\'him，\'saidJoe，`nothing。\'
MrsJoewasgoingtobreakout，butJoewenton。
`Whatshegiv\'，\'saidJoe，`shegiv\'tohisfriends。\"Andbyhisfriends，\"
wereherexplanation，\"ImeanintothehandsofhissisterMrsJ。Gargery。\"
Themwereherwords；\"MrsJ。Gargery。\"Shemayn\'thaveknow\'d，\'addedJoe，withanappearanceofreflection，`whetheritwereJoe，orJorge。\'
MysisterlookedatPumblechook:whosmoothedtheelbowsofhiswoodenarmchair，andnoddedatherandatthefire，asifhehadknownallaboutitbeforehand。
`Andhowmuchhaveyougot？\'askedmysister，laughing。Positively，laughing！
`Whatwouldpresentcompanysaytotenpound？\'demandedJoe。
`They\'dsay，\'returnedmysister，curtly，`prettywell。Nottoomuch，butprettywell。\'
`It\'smorethanthat，then，\'saidJoe。
ThatfearfulImpostor，Pumblechook，immediatelynodded，andsaid，asherubbedthearmsofhischair:`It\'smorethanthat，Mum。\'
`Why，youdon\'tmeantosay——\'beganmysister。
`YesIdo，Mum，\'saidPumblechook；`butwaitabit。Goon，Joseph。Goodinyou！Goon！\'
`Whatwouldpresentcompanysay，\'proceededJoe，`totwentypound？\'
`Handsomewouldbetheword，\'returnedmysister。
`Well，then，\'saidJoe，`It\'smorethantwentypound。\'
Thatabjecthypocrite，Pumblechook，noddedagain，andsaid，withapatronizinglaugh，`It\'smorethanthat，Mum。Goodagain！Followherup，Joseph！\'
`Thentomakeanendofit，\'saidJoe，delightedlyhandingthebagtomysister；`it\'sfive-and-twentypound。\'
`It\'sfive-and-twentypound，Mum，\'echoedthatbasestofswindlers，Pumblechook，risingtoshakehandswithher；`andit\'snomorethanyourmeritsasIsaidwhenmyopinionwasasked，andIwishyoujoyofthemoney！\'
Ifthevillainhadstoppedhere，hiscasewouldhavebeensufficientlyawful，butheblackenedhisguiltbyproceedingtotakemeintocustody，witharightofpatronagethatleftallhisformercriminalityfarbehind。
`Nowyousee，Josephandwife，\'saidPumblechook，ashetookmebythearmabovetheelbow，`Iamoneofthemthatalwaysgorightthroughwithwhatthey\'vebegun。Thisboymustbebound，outofhand。That\'smyway。Boundoutofhand。\'
`Goodnessknows，UnclePumblechook，\'saidmysistergraspingthemoney，`we\'redeeplybeholdentoyou。\'
`Nevermindme，Mum，returnedthatdiabolicalcorn-chandler。`Apleasure\'sapleasure，alltheworldover。Butthisboy，youknow；wemusthavehimbound。IsaidI\'dseetoit-totellyouthetruth。\'
TheJusticesweresittingintheTownHallnearathand，andweatoncewentovertohavemeboundapprenticetoJoeintheMagisterialpresence。
Isay，wewentover，butIwaspushedoverbyPumblechook，exactlyasifIhadthatmomentpickedapocketorfiredarick；indeed，itwasthegeneralimpressioninCourtthatIhadbeentakenred-handed，for，asPumblechookshovedmebeforehimthroughthecrowd，Iheardsomepeoplesay，`What\'shedone？\'andothers，`He\'sayoung\'un，too，butlooksbad，don\'the？
Onepersonofmildandbenevolentaspectevengavemeatractornamentedwithawoodcutofamalevolentyoungmanfittedupwithaperfectsausage-shopoffetters，andentitled，TOBEREADINMYCELL。
TheHallwasaqueerplace，Ithought，withhigherpewsinitthanachurch-andwithpeoplehangingoverthepewslookingon-andwithmightyJusticesonewithapowderedheadleaningbackinchairs，withfoldedarms，ortakingsnuff，orgoingtosleep，orwriting，orreadingthenewspapers-andwithsomeshiningblackportraitsonthewalls，whichmyunartisticeyeregardedasacompositionofhardbakeandsticking-plaister。Here，inacorner，myindenturesweredulysignedandattested，andIwas`bound；\'
MrPumblechookholdingmeallthewhileasifwehadlookedinonourwaytothescaffold，tohavethoselittlepreliminariesdisposedof。
Whenwehadcomeoutagain，andhadgotridoftheboyswhohadbeenputintogreatspiritsbytheexpectationofseeingmepubliclytortured，andwhoweremuchdisappointedtofindthatmyfriendsweremerelyrallyingroundme，wewentbacktoPumblechook\'s。Andtheremysisterbecamesoexcitedbythetwenty-fiveguineas，thatnothingwouldserveherbutwemusthaveadinneroutofthatwindfall，attheBlueBoar，andthatPumblechookmustgooverinhischaise-cart，andbringtheHubblesandMrWopsle。
Itwasagreedtobedone；andamostmelancholydayIpassed。For，itinscrutablyappearedtostandtoreason，inthemindsofthewholecompany，thatIwasanexcrescenceontheentertainment。Andtomakeitworse，theyallaskedmefromtimetotime-inshort，whenevertheyhadnothingelsetodo-whyIdidn\'tenjoymyself。AndwhatcouldIpossiblydothen，butsayIwasenjoyingmyself-whenIwasn\'t？
However，theyweregrownupandhadtheirownway，andtheymadethemostofit。ThatswindlingPumblechook，exaltedintothebeneficentcontriverofthewholeoccasion，actuallytookthetopofthetable；and，whenheaddressedthemonthesubjectofmybeingbound，andhadfiendishlycongratulatedthemonmybeingliabletoimprisonmentifIplayedatcards，drankstrongliquors，keptlatehoursorbadcompany，orindulgedinothervagarieswhichtheformofmyindenturesappearedtocontemplateasnexttoinevitable，heplacedmestandingonachairbesidehim，toillustratehisremarks。
Myonlyotherremembrancesofthegreatfestivalare，Thattheywouldn\'tletmegotosleep，butwhenevertheysawmedroppingoff，wokemeupandtoldmetoenjoymyself。That，ratherlateintheeveningMrWopslegaveusCollins\'sode，andthrewhisbloodstain\'dswordinthunderdown，withsucheffect，thatawaitercameinandsaid，`TheCommercialsunderneathsentuptheircompliments，anditwasn\'ttheTumblers\'Arms。\'That，theywereallinexcellentspiritsontheroadhome，andsangOLadyFair！MrWopsletakingthebass，andassertingwithatremendouslystrongvoiceinreplytotheinquisitiveborewholeadsthatpieceofmusicinamostimpertinentmanner，bywantingtoknowallabouteverybody\'sprivateaffairs
thathewasthemanwithhiswhitelocksflowing，andthathewasuponthewholetheweakestpilgrimgoing。
Finally，IrememberthatwhenIgotintomylittlebedroomIwastrulywretched，andhadastrongconvictiononmethatIshouldneverlikeJoe\'strade。Ihadlikeditonce，butoncewasnotnow。
Chapter14
ITisamostmiserablethingtofeelashamedofhome。Theremaybeblackingratitudeinthething，andthepunishmentmayberetributiveandwelldeserved；but，thatitisamiserablething，Icantestify。
Homehadneverbeenaverypleasantplacetome，becauseofmysister\'stemper。But，Joehadsanctifiedit，andIhadbelievedinit。Ihadbelievedinthebestparlourasamostelegantsaloon；Ihadbelievedinthefrontdoor，asamysteriousportaloftheTempleofStatewhosesolemnopeningwasattendedwithasacrificeofroastfowls；Ihadbelievedinthekitchenasachastethoughnotmagnificentapartment；Ihadbelievedintheforgeastheglowingroadtomanhoodandindependence。Withinasingleyear，allthiswaschanged。Now，itwasallcoarseandcommon，andIwouldnothavehadMissHavishamandEstellaseeitonanyaccount。
Howmuchofmyungraciousconditionofmindmayhavebeenmyownfault，howmuchMissHavisham\'s，howmuchmysister\'s，isnowofnomomenttomeortoanyone。Thechangewasmadeinme；thethingwasdone。Wellorilldone，excusablyorinexcusably，itwasdone。
Once，ithadseemedtomethatwhenIshouldatlastrollupmyshirt-sleevesandgointotheforge，Joe\'s\'prentice，Ishouldbedistinguishedandhappy。
Nowtherealitywasinmyhold，IonlyfeltthatIwasdustywiththedustofsmallcoal，andthatIhadaweightuponmydailyremembrancetowhichtheanvilwasafeather。TherehavebeenoccasionsinmylaterlifeI
supposeasinmostliveswhenIhavefeltforatimeasifathickcurtainhadfallenonallitsinterestandromance，toshutmeoutfromanythingsavedullenduranceanymore。Neverhasthatcurtaindroppedsoheavyandblank，aswhenmywayinlifelaystretchedoutstraightbeforemethroughthenewly-enteredroadofapprenticeshiptoJoe。
Irememberthatatalaterperiodofmy`time，\'IusedtostandaboutthechurchyardonSundayeveningswhennightwasfalling，comparingmyownperspectivewiththewindymarshview，andmakingoutsomelikenessbetweenthembythinkinghowflatandlowbothwere，andhowonboththerecameanunknownwayandadarkmistandthenthesea。Iwasquiteasdejectedonthefirstworking-dayofmyapprenticeshipasinthatafter-time；butIamgladtoknowthatIneverbreathedamurmurtoJoewhilemyindentureslasted。ItisabouttheonlythingIamgladtoknowofmyselfinthatconnection。
For，thoughitincludeswhatIproceedtoadd，allthemeritofwhatIproceedtoaddwasJoe\'s。ItwasnotbecauseIwasfaithful，butbecauseJoewasfaithful，thatIneverranawayandwentforasoldierorasailor。
ItwasnotbecauseIhadastrongsenseofthevirtueofindustry，butbecauseJoehadastrongsenseofthevirtueofindustry，thatIworkedwithtolerablezealagainstthegrain。Itisnotpossibletoknowhowfartheinfluenceofanyamiablehonest-heartedduty-doingmanfliesoutintotheworld；butitisverypossibletoknowhowithastouchedone\'sselfingoingby，andIknowrightwell，thatanygoodthatintermixeditselfwithmyapprenticeshipcameofplaincontentedJoe，andnotofrestlesslyaspiringdiscontentedme。
WhatIwanted，whocansay？HowcanIsay，whenIneverknew？
WhatIdreadedwas，thatinsomeunluckyhourI，beingatmygrimiestandcommonest，shouldliftupmyeyesandseeEstellalookinginatoneofthewoodenwindowsoftheforge。Iwashauntedbythefearthatshewould，soonerorlater，findmeout，withablackfaceandhands，doingthecoarsestpartofmywork，andwouldexultovermeanddespiseme。Oftenafterdark，whenIwaspullingthebellowsforJoe，andweweresingingOldClem，andwhenthethoughthowweusedtosingitatMissHavisham\'swouldseemtoshowmeEstella\'sfaceinthefire，withherprettyhairflutteringinthewindandhereyesscorningme，-oftenatsuchatimeIwouldlooktowardsthosepanelsofblacknightinthewallwhichthewoodenwindowsthenwere，andwouldfancythatIsawherjustdrawingherfaceaway，andwouldbelievethatshehadcomeatlast。
Afterthat，whenwewentintosupper，theplaceandthemealwouldhaveamorehomelylookthanever，andIwouldfeelmoreashamedofhomethanever，inmyownungraciousbreast。
Chapter15
ASIwasgettingtoobigforMrWopsle\'sgreat-aunt\'sroom，myeducationunderthatpreposterousfemaleterminated。Not，however，untilBiddyhadimpartedtomeeverythingsheknew，fromthelittlecatalogueofprices，toacomicsongshehadonceboughtforahalfpenny。Althoughtheonlycoherentpartofthelatterpieceofliteratureweretheopeninglines，WhenIwenttoLunnontownsirs，ToorulloorulToorulloorulWasn\'tIdoneverybrownsirs？
ToorulloorulToorulloorul-still，inmydesiretobewiser，Igotthiscompositionbyheartwiththeutmostgravity；nordoIrecollectthatIquestioneditsmerit，exceptthatIthoughtasIstilldotheamountofToorulsomewhatinexcessofthepoetry。Inmyhungerforinformation，ImadeproposalstoMrWopsletobestowsomeintellectualcrumbsuponme；withwhichhekindlycomplied。
Asitturnedout，however，thatheonlywantedmeforadramaticlay-figure，tobecontradictedandembracedandweptoverandbulliedandclutchedandstabbedandknockedaboutinavarietyofways，Isoondeclinedthatcourseofinstruction；thoughnotuntilMrWopsleinhispoeticfuryhadseverelymauledme。
WhateverIacquired，ItriedtoimparttoJoe。Thisstatementsoundssowell，thatIcannotinmyconscienceletitpassunexplained。IwantedtomakeJoelessignorantandcommon，thathemightbeworthierofmysocietyandlessopentoEstella\'sreproach。
TheoldBatteryoutonthemarsheswasourplaceofstudy，andabrokenslateandashortpieceofslatepencilwereoureducationalimplements:
towhichJoealwaysaddedapipeoftobacco。IneverknewJoetorememberanythingfromoneSundaytoanother，ortoacquire，undermytuition，anypieceofinformationwhatever。YethewouldsmokehispipeattheBatterywithafarmoresagaciousairthananywhereelse-evenwithalearnedair-asifheconsideredhimselftobeadvancingimmensely。Dearfellow，Ihopehedid。
Itwaspleasantandquiet，outtherewiththesailsontheriverpassingbeyondtheearthwork，andsometimes，whenthetidewaslow，lookingasiftheybelongedtosunkenshipsthatwerestillsailingonatthebottomofthewater。WheneverIwatchedthevesselsstandingouttoseawiththeirwhitesailsspread，IsomehowthoughtofMissHavishamandEstella；andwheneverthelightstruckaslant，afaroff，uponacloudorsailorgreenhill-sideorwater-line，itwasjustthesame-MissHavishamandEstellaandthestrangehouseandthestrangelifeappearedtohavesomethingtodowitheverythingthatwaspicturesque。
OneSundaywhenJoe，greatlyenjoyinghispipe，hadsoplumedhimselfonbeing`mostawfuldull，\'thatIhadgivenhimupfortheday，Ilayontheearthworkforsometimewithmychinonmyhand，descryingtracesofMissHavishamandEstellaallovertheprospect，intheskyandinthewater，untilatlastIresolvedtomentionathoughtconcerningthemthathadbeenmuchinmyhead。
`Joe，\'saidI；`don\'tyouthinkIoughttomakeMissHavishamavisit？\'
`Well，Pip，\'returnedJoe，slowlyconsidering。`Whatfor？\'
`Whatfor，Joe？Whatisanyvisitmadefor？\'
`Thereissomewisits，p\'r\'aps，\'saidJoe，`asforeverremainsopentothequestion，Pip。ButinregardtowisitingMissHavisham。Shemightthinkyouwantedsomething-expectedsomethingofher。\'
`Don\'tyouthinkImightsaythatIdidnot，Joe？\'
`Youmight，oldchap，\'saidJoe。`Andshemightcreditit。Similarlyshemightn\'t。\'
Joefelt，asIdid，thathehadmadeapointthere，andhepulledhardathispipetokeephimselffromweakeningitbyrepetition。
`Yousee，Pip，\'Joepursued，assoonashewaspastthatdanger，`MissHavishamdonethehandsomethingbyyou。WhenMissHavishamdonethehandsomethingbyyou，shecalledmebacktosaytomeasthatwereall。\'
`Yes，Joe。Iheardher。\'
`ALL，\'Joerepeated，veryemphatically。
`Yes，Joe。Itellyou，Iheardher。\'
`WhichImeantersay，Pip，itmightbethathermeaningwere-Makeaendonit！-Asyouwas！-MetotheNorth，andyoutotheSouth！-Keepinsunders！\'
Ihadthoughtofthattoo，anditwasveryfarfromcomfortingtometofindthathehadthoughtofit；foritseemedtorenderitmoreprobable。
`But，Joe。\'
`Yes，oldchap。\'
`HereamI，gettingoninthefirstyearofmytime，and，sincethedayofmybeingbound，IhaveneverthankedMissHavisham，oraskedafterher，orshownthatIrememberher。\'
`That\'strue，Pip；andunlessyouwastoturnheroutasetofshoesallfourround-andwhichImeantersayasevenasetofshoesallfourroundmightnotactacceptableasapresent，inatotalwacancyofhoofs——\'
`Idon\'tmeanthatsortofremembrance，Joe；Idon\'tmeanapresent。\'
ButJoehadgottheideaofapresentinhisheadandmustharpuponit。`Oreven，\'saidhe，`ifyouwashelpedtoknockingherupanewchainforthefrontdoor-orsayagrossortwoofsharkheadedscrewsforgeneraluse-orsomelightfancyarticle，suchasatoasting-forkwhenshetookhermuffins-oragridironwhenshetookaspratorsuchlike——\'
`Idon\'tmeananypresentatall，Joe，\'Iinterposed。
`Well，\'saidJoe，stillharpingonitasthoughIhadparticularlypressedit，`ifIwasyourself，Pip，Iwouldn\'t。No，Iwouldnot。Forwhat\'sadoor-chainwhenshe\'sgotonealwaysup？Andsharkheadersisopentomisrepresentations。Andifitwasatoasting-fork，you\'dgointobrassanddoyourselfnocredit。Andtheoncommonestworkmancan\'tshowhimselfoncommoninagridiron-foragridironISagridiron，\'saidJoe，steadfastlyimpressingituponme，asifhewereendeavouringtorousemefromafixeddelusion，`andyoumayhaimatwhatyoulike，butagridironitwillcomeout，eitherbyyourleaveoragainyourleave，andyoucan\'thelpyourself——\'
`MydearJoe，\'Icried，indesperation，takingholdofhiscoat，`don\'tgooninthatway。IneverthoughtofmakingMissHavishamanypresent。\'
`No，Pip，\'Joeassented，asifhehadbeencontendingforthat，allalong；`andwhatIsaytoyouis，youareright，Pip。\'
`Yes，Joe；butwhatIwantedtosay，was，thatasweareratherslackjustnow，ifyouwouldgivemeahalf-holidayto-morrow，IthinkIwouldgoup-townandmakeacallonMissEst-Havisham。\'
`Whichhername，\'saidJoe，gravely，`ain\'tEstavisham，Pip，unlessshehavebeenrechris\'ened。\'
`Iknow，Joe，Iknow。Itwasslipofmine。Whatdoyouthinkofit，Joe？\'
Inbrief，JoethoughtthatifIthoughtwellofit，hethoughtwellofit。But，hewasparticularinstipulatingthatifIwerenotreceivedwithcordiality，orifIwerenotencouragedtorepeatmyvisitasavisitwhichhadnoulteriorobjectbutwassimplyoneofgratitudeforafavourreceived，thenthisexperimentaltripshouldhavenosuccessor。BytheseconditionsIpromisedtoabide。
Now，JoekeptajourneymanatweeklywageswhosenamewasOrlick。HepretendedthathischristiannamewasDolge-aclearimpossibility-buthewasafellowofthatobstinatedispositionthatIbelievehimtohavebeenthepreyofnodelusioninthisparticular，butwilfullytohaveimposedthatnameuponthevillageasanaffronttoitsunderstanding。Hewasabroadshoulderedloose-limbedswarthyfellowofgreatstrength，neverinahurry，andalwaysslouching。Heneverevenseemedtocometohisworkonpurpose，butwouldslouchinasifbymereaccident；andwhenhewenttotheJollyBargementoeathisdinner，orwentawayatnight，hewouldslouchout，likeCainortheWanderingJew，asifhehadnoideawherehewasgoingandnointentionofevercomingback。Helodgedatasluice-keeper\'soutonthemarshes，andonworkingdayswouldcomeslouchingfromhishermitage，withhishandsinhispocketsandhisdinnerlooselytiedinabundleroundhisneckanddanglingonhisback。OnSundayshemostlylayalldayonsluice-gates，orstoodagainstricksandbarns。Healwaysslouched，locomotively，withhiseyesontheground；and，whenaccostedorotherwiserequiredtoraisethem，helookedupinahalfresentful，halfpuzzledway，asthoughtheonlythoughtheeverhad，was，thatitwasratheranoddandinjuriousfactthatheshouldneverbethinking。
Thismorosejourneymanhadnolikingforme。WhenIwasverysmallandtimid，hegavemetounderstandthattheDevillivedinablackcorneroftheforge，andthatheknewthefiendverywell:alsothatitwasnecessarytomakeupthefire，onceinsevenyears，withaliveboy，andthatImightconsidermyselffuel。WhenIbecameJoe\'s\'prentice，OrlickwasperhapsconfirmedinsomesuspicionthatIshoulddisplacehim；howbeit，helikedmestillless。Notthatheeversaidanything，ordidanything，openlyimportinghostility；Ionlynoticedthathealwaysbeathissparksinmydirection，andthatwheneverIsangOldClem，hecameinoutoftime。
DolgeOrlickwasatworkandpresent，nextday，whenIremindedJoeofmyhalf-holiday。Hesaidnothingatthemoment，forheandJoehadjustgotapieceofhotironbetweenthem，andIwasatthebellows；butby-and-byhesaid，leaningonhishammer:
`Now，master！Sureyou\'renotagoingtofavouronlyoneofus。IfYoungPiphasahalf-holiday，doasmuchforOldOrlick。\'Isupposehewasaboutfive-and-twenty，butheusuallyspokeofhimselfasanancientperson。
`Why，what\'llyoudowithahalf-holiday，ifyougetit？\'saidJoe。
`What\'llIdowithit！What\'llhedowithit？I\'lldoasmuchwithitashim，\'saidOrlick。
`AstoPip，he\'sgoingup-town，\'saidJoe。
`Wellthen，astoOldOrlick，he\'sagoingup-town，\'retortedthatworthy。`Twocangoup-town。Tan\'tonlyonewotcangoup-town。
`Don\'tloseyourtemper，\'saidJoe。
`ShallifIlike，\'growledOrlick。`Someandtheirup-towning！Now，master！
Come。Nofavouringinthisshop。Beaman！\'
Themasterrefusingtoentertainthesubjectuntilthejourneymanwasinabettertemper，Orlickplungedatthefurnace，drewoutared-hotbar，madeatmewithitasifheweregoingtorunitthroughmybody，whiskeditroundmyhead，laiditontheanvil，hammereditout-asifitwereI，Ithought，andthesparksweremyspirtingblood-andfinallysaid，whenhehadhammeredhimselfhotandtheironcold，andheagainleanedonhishammer:
`Now，master！\'
`Areyouallrightnow？\'demandedJoe。
`Ah！Iamallright，\'saidgruffOldOrlick。
`Then，asingeneralyousticktoyourworkaswellasmostmen，\'saidJoe，`letitbeahalf-holidayforall。\'
Mysisterhadbeenstandingsilentintheyard，withinhearing-shewasamostunscrupulousspyandlistener-andsheinstantlylookedinatoneofthewindows。
`Likeyou，youfool！\'saidshetoJoe，`givingholidaystogreatidlehulkerslikethat。Youarearichman，uponmylife，towastewagesinthatway。IwishIwashismaster！\'
`You\'dbeeverybody\'smaster，ifyoudurst，\'retortedOrlick，withanill-favouredgrin。
`Letheralone，\'saidJoe。
`I\'dbeamatchforallnoodlesandallrogues，\'returnedmysister，beginningtoworkherselfintoamightyrage。`AndIcouldn\'tbeamatchforthenoodles，withoutbeingamatchforyourmaster，who\'sthedunder-headedkingofthenoodles。AndIcouldn\'tbeamatchfortherogues，withoutbeingamatchforyou，whoaretheblackest-lookingandtheworstroguebetweenthisandFrance。Now！\'
`You\'reafoulshrew，MotherGargery，growledthejourneyman。`Ifthatmakesajudgeofrogues，yououghttobeagood\'un。\'
`Letheralone，willyou？\'saidJoe。
`Whatdidyousay？\'criedmysister，beginningtoscream。`Whatdidyousay？WhatdidthatfellowOrlicksaytome，Pip？Whatdidhecallme，withmyhusbandstandingby？O！O！O！\'Eachoftheseexclamationswasashriek；andImustremarkofmysister，whatisequallytrueofalltheviolentwomenIhaveeverseen，thatpassionwasnoexcuseforher，becauseitisundeniablethatinsteadoflapsingintopassion，sheconsciouslyanddeliberatelytookextraordinarypainstoforceherselfintoit，andbecameblindlyfuriousbyregularstages；`whatwasthenamehegavemebeforethebasemanwhosworetodefendme？O！Holdme！O！\'
`Ah-h-h！\'growledthejourneyman，betweenhisteeth，`I\'dholdyou，ifyouwasmywife。I\'dholdyouunderthepump，andchokeitoutofyou。\'
`Itellyou，letheralone，\'saidJoe。
`Oh！Tohearhim！\'criedmysister，withaclapofherhandsandascreamtogether-whichwashernextstage。`Tohearthenameshe\'sgivingme！
ThatOrlick！Inmyownhouse！Me，amarriedwoman！Withmyhusbandstandingby！O！O！\'Heremysister，afterafitofclappingsandscreamings，beatherhandsuponherbosomanduponherknees，andthrewhercapoff，andpulledherhairdown-whichwerethelaststagesonherroadtofrenzy。
BeingbythistimeaperfectFuryandacompletesuccess，shemadeadashatthedoor，whichIhadfortunatelylocked。
WhatcouldthewretchedJoedonow，afterhisdisregardedparentheticalinterruptions，butstanduptohisjourneyman，andaskhimwhathemeantbyinterferingbetwixthimselfandMrsJoe；andfurtherwhetherhè；
wasmanenoughtocomeon？OldOrlickfeltthatthesituationadmittedofnothinglessthancomingon，andwasonhisdefencestraightway；so，withoutsomuchaspullingofftheirsingedandburntaprons，theywentatoneanother，liketwogiants。But，ifanymaninthatneighbourhoodcouldstanduplongagainstJoe，Ineversawtheman。Orlick，asifhehadbeenofnomoreaccountthanthepaleyounggentleman，wasverysoonamongthecoal-dust，andinnohurrytocomeoutofit。Then，Joeunlockedthedoorandpickedupmysister，whohaddroppedinsensibleatthewindowbutwhohadseenthefightfirst，Ithink，andwhowascarriedintothehouseandlaiddown，andwhowasrecommendedtorevive，andwoulddonothingbutstruggleandclenchherhandsinJoe\'shair。Then，camethatsingularcalmandsilencewhichsucceedalluproars；andthen，withthevaguesensationwhichIhavealwaysconnectedwithsuchalull-namely，thatitwasSunday，andsomebodywasdead-Iwentup-stairstodressmyself。
WhenIcamedownagain，IfoundJoeandOrlicksweepingup，withoutanyothertracesofdiscomposurethanaslitinoneofOrlick\'snostrils，whichwasneitherexpressivenorornamental。ApotofbeerhadappearedfromtheJollyBargemen，andtheyweresharingitbyturnsinapeaceablemanner。ThelullhadasedativeandphilosophicalinfluenceonJoe，whofollowedmeoutintotheroadtosay，asapartingobservationthatmightdomegood，`OntheRampage，Pip，andofftheRampage，Pip-suchisLife！\'
Withwhatabsurdemotionsfor，wethinkthefeelingsthatareveryseriousinamanquitecomicalinaboyIfoundmyselfagaingoingtoMissHavisham\'s，matterslittlehere。Nor，howIpassedandrepassedthegatemanytimesbeforeIcouldmakeupmymindtoring。Nor，howIdebatedwhetherIshouldgoawaywithoutringing；nor，howIshouldundoubtedlyhavegone，ifmytimehadbeenmyown，tocomeback。
MissSarahPocketcametothegate。NoEstella。
`How，then？Youhereagain？\'saidMissPocket。`Whatdoyouwant？\'
WhenIsaidthatIonlycametoseehowMissHavishamwas，Sarahevidentlydeliberatedwhetherornosheshouldsendmeaboutmybusiness。But，unwillingtohazardtheresponsibility，sheletmein，andpresentlybroughtthesharpmessagethatIwasto`comeup。\'
Everythingwasunchanged，andMissHavishamwasalone。
`Well？\'saidshe，fixinghereyesuponme。`Ihopeyouwantnothing？
You\'llgetnothing。\'
`No，indeed，MissHavisham。IonlywantedyoutoknowthatIamdoingverywellinmyapprenticeship，andamalwaysmuchobligedtoyou。\'
`There，there！\'withtheoldrestlessfingers。`Comenowandthen；comeonyourbirthday-Ay！\'shecriedsuddenly，turningherselfandherchairtowardsme，`YouarelookingroundforEstella？Hey？\'
Ihadbeenlookinground-infact，forEstella-andIstammeredthatIhopedshewaswell。
`Abroad，\'saidMissHavisham；`educatingforalady；faroutofreach；
prettierthanever；admiredbyallwhoseeher。Doyoufeelthatyouhavelosther？\'
Therewassuchamalignantenjoymentinherutteranceofthelastwords，andshebrokeintosuchadisagreeablelaugh，thatIwasatalosswhattosay。Shesparedmethetroubleofconsidering，bydismissingme。WhenthegatewascloseduponmebySarahofthewalnut-shellcountenance，I
feltmorethaneverdissatisfiedwithmyhomeandwithmytradeandwitheverything；andthatwasallItookbythatmotion。
AsIwasloiteringalongtheHigh-street，lookingindisconsolatelyattheshopwindows，andthinkingwhatIwouldbuyifIwereagentleman，whoshouldcomeoutofthebookshopbutMrWopsle。MrWopslehadinhishandtheaffectingtragedyofGeorgeBarnwell，inwhichhehadthatmomentinvestedsixpence，withtheviewofheapingeverywordofitontheheadofPumblechook，withwhomhewasgoingtodrinktea。Nosoonerdidheseeme，thanheappearedtoconsiderthataspecialProvidencehadputa\'prenticeinhiswaytobereadat；andhelaidholdofme，andinsistedonmyaccompanyinghimtothePumblechookianparlour。AsIknewitwouldbemiserableathome，andasthenightsweredarkandthewaywasdreary，andalmostanycompanionshipontheroadwasbetterthannone，Imadenogreatresistance；consequently，weturnedintoPumblechook\'sjustasthestreetandtheshopswerelightingup。
AsIneverassistedatanyotherrepresentationofGeorgeBarnwell，Idon\'tknowhowlongitmayusuallytake；butIknowverywellthatittookuntilhalf-pastnineo\'clockthatnight，andthatwhenMrWopslegotintoNewgate，Ithoughtheneverwouldgotothescaffold，hebecamesomuchslowerthanatanyformerperiodofhisdisgracefulcareer。Ithoughtitalittletoomuchthatheshouldcomplainofbeingcutshortinhisflowerafterall，asifhehadnotbeenrunningtoseed，leafafterleaf，eversincehiscoursebegan。This，however，wasamerequestionoflengthandwearisomeness。Whatstungme，wastheidentificationofthewholeaffairwithmyunoffendingself。WhenBarnwellbegantogowrong，IdeclarethatIfeltpositivelyapologetic，Pumblechook\'sindignantstaresotaxedmewithit。Wopsle，too，tookpainstopresentmeintheworstlight。Atonceferociousandmaudlin，Iwasmadetomurdermyunclewithnoextenuatingcircumstanceswhatever；Millwoodputmedowninargument，oneveryoccasion；
itbecamesheermonomaniainmymaster\'sdaughtertocareabuttonforme；andallIcansayformygaspingandprocrastinatingconductonthefatalmorning，is，thatitwasworthyofthegeneralfeeblenessofmycharacter。
EvenafterIwashappilyhangedandWopslehadclosedthebook，Pumblechooksatstaringatme，andshakinghishead，andsaying，`Takewarning，boy，takewarning！\'asifitwereawell-knownfactthatIcontemplatedmurderinganearrelation，providedIcouldonlyinduceonetohavetheweaknesstobecomemybenefactor。
Itwasaverydarknightwhenitwasallover，andwhenIsetoutwithMr。Wopsleonthewalkhome。Beyondtown，wefoundaheavymistout，anditfellwetandthick。Theturnpikelampwasablur，quiteoutofthelamp\'susualplaceapparently，anditsrayslookedsolidsubstanceonthefog。
Wewerenoticingthis，andsayinghowthatthemistrosewithachangeofwindfromacertainquarterofourmarshes，whenwecameuponaman，slouchingundertheleeoftheturnpikehouse。
`Halloa！\'wesaid，stopping。`Orlick，there？\'
`Ah！\'heanswered，slouchingout。`Iwasstandingby，aminute，onthechanceofcompany。\'
`Youarelate，\'Iremarked。
Orlicknotunnaturallyanswered，`Well？Andyou\'relate。\'
`Wehavebeen，\'saidMrWopsle，exaltedwithhislateperformance，`wehavebeenindulging，MrOrlick，inanintellectualevening。\'
OldOrlickgrowled，asifhehadnothingtosayaboutthat，andweallwentontogether。Iaskedhimpresentlywhetherhehadbeenspendinghishalf-holidayupanddowntown？
`Yes，\'saidhe，`allofit。Icomeinbehindyourself。Ididn\'tseeyou，butImusthavebeenprettyclosebehindyou。By-the-bye，thegunsisgoingagain。\'
`AttheHulks？\'saidI。
`Ay！There\'ssomeofthebirdsflownfromthecages。Thegunshavebeengoingsincedark，about。You\'llhearonepresently。\'
Ineffect，wehadnotwalkedmanyyardsfurther，whenthewellrememberedboomcametowardsus，deadenedbythemist，andheavilyrolledawayalongthelowgroundsbytheriver，asifitwerepursuingandthreateningthefugitives。
`Agoodnightforcuttingoffin，\'saidOrlick。`We\'dbepuzzledhowtobringdownajail-birdonthewing，to-night。\'
Thesubjectwasasuggestiveonetome，andIthoughtaboutitinsilence。
MrWopsle，astheill-requiteduncleoftheevening\'stragedy，felltomeditatingaloudinhisgardenatCamberwell。Orlick，withhishandsinhispockets，slouchedheavilyatmyside。Itwasverydark，verywet，verymuddy，andsowesplashedalong。Nowandthen，thesoundofthesignalcannonbrokeuponusagain，andagainrolledsulkilyalongthecourseoftheriver。Ikeptmyselftomyselfandmythoughts。MrWopslediedamiablyatCamberwell，andexceedinglygameonBosworthField，andinthegreatestagoniesatGlastonbury。Orlicksometimesgrowled，`Beatitout，beatitout-OldClem！Withaclinkforthestout-OldClem！\'Ithoughthehadbeendrinking，buthewasnotdrunk。
Thus，wecametothevillage。Thewaybywhichweapproachedit，tookuspasttheThreeJollyBargemen，whichweweresurprisedtofind-itbeingeleveno\'clock-inastateofcommotion，withthedoorwideopen，andunwontedlightsthathadbeenhastilycaughtupandputdown，scatteredabout。MrWopsledroppedintoaskwhatwasthemattersurmisingthataconvicthadbeentaken，butcamerunningoutinagreathurry。
`There\'ssomethingwrong，\'saidhe，withoutstopping，`upatyourplace，Pip。Runall！\'
`Whatisit？\'Iasked，keepingupwithhim。SodidOrlick，atmyside。
`Ican\'tquiteunderstand。ThehouseseemstohavebeenviolentlyenteredwhenJoeGargerywasout。Supposedbyconvicts。Somebodyhasbeenattackedandhurt。\'
Wewererunningtoofasttoadmitofmorebeingsaid，andwemadenostopuntilwegotintoourkitchen。Itwasfullofpeople；thewholevillagewasthere，orintheyard；andtherewasasurgeon，andtherewasJoe，andtherewasagroupofwomen，allonthefloorinthemidstofthekitchen。
Theunemployedbystandersdrewbackwhentheysawme，andsoIbecameawareofmysister-lyingwithoutsenseormovementonthebareboardswhereshehadbeenknockeddownbyatremendousblowonthebackofthehead，dealtbysomeunknownhandwhenherfacewasturnedtowardsthefire-
destinednevertobeontheRampageagain，whileshewasthewifeofJoe。