Ibecameimbuedwiththenotiononthatfirstoccasionbeforewesatdowntodinner，butIcannotdefinebywhatmeans。
Hewasstillapaleyounggentleman，andhadacertainconqueredlanguorabouthiminthemidstofhisspiritsandbriskness，thatdidnotseemindicativeofnaturalstrength。Hehadnotahandsomeface，butitwasbetterthanhandsome:beingextremelyamiableandcheerful。Hisfigurewasalittleungainly，asinthedayswhenmyknuckleshadtakensuchlibertieswithit，butitlookedasifitwouldalwaysbelightandyoung。WhetherMrTrabb\'slocalworkwouldhavesatmoregracefullyonhimthanonme，maybeaquestion；butIamconsciousthathecarriedoffhisratheroldclothes，muchbetterthanIcarriedoffmynewsuit。
Ashewassocommunicative，Ifeltthatreserveonmypartwouldbeabadreturnunsuitedtoouryears。Ithereforetoldhimmysmallstory，andlaidstressonmybeingforbiddentoinquirewhomybenefactorwas。
IfurthermentionedthatasIhadbeenbroughtupablacksmithinacountryplace，andknewverylittleofthewaysofpoliteness，Iwouldtakeitasagreatkindnessinhimifhewouldgivemeahintwheneverhesawmeatalossorgoingwrong。
`Withpleasure，\'saidhe，`thoughIventuretoprophesythatyou\'llwantveryfewhints。Idaresayweshallbeoftentogether，andIshouldliketobanishanyneedlessrestraintbetweenus。Willyoudomethefavourtobeginatoncetocallmebymychristianname，Herbert？\'
Ithankedhim，andsaidIwould。IinformedhiminexchangethatmychristiannamewasPhilip。
`Idon\'ttaketoPhilip，\'saidhe，smiling，`foritsoundslikeamoralboyoutofthespelling-book，whowassolazythathefellintoapond，orsofatthathecouldn\'tseeoutofhiseyes，orsoavariciousthathelockeduphiscaketillthemiceateit，orsodeterminedtogoabird\'s-nestingthathegothimselfeatenbybearswholivedhandyintheneighbourhood。
ItellyouwhatIshouldlike。Wearesoharmonious，andyouhavebeenablacksmith-wouldyoumindit？\'
`Ishouldn\'tmindanythingthatyoupropose，\'Ianswered，`butIdon\'tunderstandyou。\'
`WouldyoumindHandelforafamiliarname？There\'sacharmingpieceofmusicbyHandel，calledtheHarmoniousBlacksmith。\'
`Ishouldlikeitverymuch。\'
`Then，mydearHandel，\'saidhe，turningroundasthedooropened，`hereisthedinner，andImustbegofyoutotakethetopofthetable，becausethedinnerisofyourproviding。\'
ThisIwouldnothearof，sohetookthetop，andIfacedhim。Itwasanicelittledinner-seemedtomethen，averyLordMayor\'sFeast-anditacquiredadditionalrelishfrombeingeatenunderthoseindependentcircumstances，withnooldpeopleby，andwithLondonallaroundus。Thisagainwasheightenedbyacertaingipsycharacterthatsetthebanquetoff；for，whilethetablewas，asMrPumblechookmighthavesaid，thelapofluxury-beingentirelyfurnishedforthfromthecoffee-house-thecircumjacentregionofsitting-roomwasofacomparativelypasturelessandshiftycharacter:imposingonthewaiterthewanderinghabitsofputtingthecoversonthefloorwherehefelloverthem，themeltedbutterinthearmchair，thebreadonthebookshelves，thecheeseinthecoalscuttle，andtheboiledfowlintomybedinthenextroom-whereIfoundmuchofitsparsleyandbutterinastateofcongelationwhenIretiredforthenight。Allthismadethefeastdelightful，andwhenthewaiterwasnottheretowatchme，mypleasurewaswithoutalloy。
Wehadmadesomeprogressinthedinner，whenIremindedHerbertofhispromisetotellmeaboutMissHavisham。
`True，\'hereplied。`I\'llredeemitatonce。Letmeintroducethetopic，Handel，bymentioningthatinLondonitisnotthecustomtoputtheknifeinthemouth-forfearofaccidents-andthatwhiletheforkisreservedforthatuse，itisnotputfurtherinthannecessary。Itisscarcelyworthmentioning，onlyit\'saswelltodoasotherpeopledo。Also，thespoonisnotgenerallyusedover-hand，butunder。Thishastwoadvantages。Yougetatyourmouthbetterwhichafterallistheobject，andyousaveagooddealoftheattitudeofopeningoysters，onthepartoftherightelbow。\'
Heofferedthesefriendlysuggestionsinsuchalivelyway，thatwebothlaughedandIscarcelyblushed。
`Now，\'hepursued，`concerningMissHavisham。MissHavisham，youmustknow，wasaspoiltchild。Hermotherdiedwhenshewasababy，andherfatherdeniedhernothing。Herfatherwasacountrygentlemandowninyourpartoftheworld，andwasabrewer。Idon\'tknowwhyitshouldbeacrackthingtobeabrewer；butitisindisputablethatwhileyoucannotpossiblybegenteelandbake，youmaybeasgenteelasneverwasandbrew。Youseeiteveryday。\'
`Yetagentlemanmaynotkeepapublic-house；mayhe？\'saidI。
`Notonanyaccount，\'returnedHerbert；`butapublic-housemaykeepagentleman。Well！MrHavishamwasveryrichandveryproud。Sowashisdaughter。\'
`MissHavishamwasanonlychild？\'Ihazarded。
`Stopamoment，Iamcomingtothat。No，shewasnotanonlychild；
shehadahalf-brother。Herfatherprivatelymarriedagain-hiscook，Iratherthink。\'
`Ithoughthewasproud，\'saidI。
`MygoodHandel，sohewas。Hemarriedhissecondwifeprivately，becausehewasproud，andincourseoftimeshedied。Whenshewasdead，Iapprehendhefirsttoldhisdaughterwhathehaddone，andthenthesonbecameapartofthefamily，residinginthehouseyouareacquaintedwith。
Asthesongrewayoungman，heturnedoutriotous，extravagant，undutiful-altogetherbad。Atlasthisfatherdisinheritedhim；buthesoftenedwhenhewasdying，andlefthimwelloff，thoughnotnearlysowelloffasMissHavisham-Takeanotherglassofwine，andexcusemymentioningthatsocietyasabodydoesnotexpectonetobesostrictlyconscientiousinemptyingone\'sglass，astoturnitbottomupwardswiththerimonone\'snose。\'
Ihadbeendoingthis，inanexcessofattentiontohisrecital。Ithankedhim，andapologized。Hesaid，`Notatall，\'andresumed。
`MissHavishamwasnowanheiress，andyoumaysupposewaslookedafterasagreatmatch。Herhalf-brotherhadnowamplemeansagain，butwhatwithdebtsandwhatwithnewmadnesswastedthemmostfearfullyagain。
Therewerestrongerdifferencesbetweenhimandher，thantherehadbeenbetweenhimandhisfather，anditissuspectedthathecherishedadeepandmortalgrudgeagainsther，ashavinginfluencedthefather\'sanger。
Now，Icometothecruelpartofthestory-merelybreakingoff，mydearHandel，toremarkthatadinner-napkinwillnotgointoatumbler。\'
WhyIwastryingtopackmineintomytumbler，Iamwhollyunabletosay。IonlyknowthatIfoundmyself，withaperseveranceworthyofamuchbettercause，makingthemoststrenuousexertionstocompressitwithinthoselimits。AgainIthankedhimandapologized，andagainhesaidinthecheerfullestmanner，`Notatall，Iamsure！\'andresumed。
`Thereappeareduponthescene-sayattheraces，orthepublicballs，oranywhereelseyoulike-acertainman，whomadelovetoMissHavisham。
Ineversawhim，forthishappenedfive-and-twentyyearsagobeforeyouandIwere，Handel，butIhaveheardmyfathermentionthathewasashowy-man，andthekindofmanforthepurpose。Butthathewasnottobe，withoutignoranceorprejudice，mistakenforagentleman，myfathermoststronglyasseverates；becauseitisaprincipleofhisthatnomanwhowasnotatruegentlemanatheart，everwas，sincetheworldbegan，atruegentlemaninmanner。Hesays，novarnishcanhidethegrainofthewood；andthatthemorevarnishyouputon，themorethegrainwillexpressitself。Well！
ThismanpursuedMissHavishamclosely，andprofessedtobedevotedtoher。Ibelieveshehadnotshownmuchsusceptibilityuptothattime；butallthesusceptibilityshepossessed，certainlycameoutthen，andshepassionatelylovedhim。Thereisnodoubtthatsheperfectlyidolizedhim。
Hepractisedonheraffectioninthatsystematicway，thathegotgreatsumsofmoneyfromher，andheinducedhertobuyherbrotheroutofashareinthebrewerywhichhadbeenweaklylefthimbyhisfatheratanimmenseprice，onthepleathatwhenhewasherhusbandhemustholdandmanageitall。YourguardianwasnotatthattimeinMissHavisham\'scouncils，andshewastoohaughtyandtoomuchinlove，tobeadvisedbyanyone。Herrelationswerepoorandscheming，withtheexceptionofmyfather；hewaspoorenough，butnottime-servingorjealous。Theonlyindependentoneamongthem，hewarnedherthatshewasdoingtoomuchforthisman，andwasplacingherselftoounreservedlyinhispower。Shetookthefirstopportunityofangrilyorderingmyfatheroutofthehouse，inhispresence，andmyfatherhasneverseenhersince。\'
Ithoughtofherhavingsaid，`MatthewwillcomeandseemeatlastwhenIamlaiddeaduponthattable；\'andIaskedHerbertwhetherhisfatherwassoinveterateagainsther？
`It\'snotthat，\'saidhe，`butshechargedhim，inthepresenceofherintendedhusband，withbeingdisappointedinthehopeoffawninguponherforhisownadvancement，and，ifheweretogotohernow，itwouldlooktrue-eventohim-andeventoher。Toreturntothemanandmakeanendofhim。Themarriagedaywasfixed，theweddingdresseswerebought，theweddingtourwasplannedout，theweddingguestswereinvited。Thedaycame，butnotthebridegroom。Hewroteheraletter——\'
`Whichshereceived，\'Istruckin，`whenshewasdressingforhermarriage？
Attwentyminutestonine？\'
`Atthehourandminute，\'saidHerbert，nodding，`atwhichsheafterwardsstoppedalltheclocks。Whatwasinit，furtherthanthatitmostheartlesslybrokethemarriageoff，Ican\'ttellyou，becauseIdon\'tknow。Whensherecoveredfromabadillnessthatshehad，shelaidthewholeplacewaste，asyouhaveseenit，andshehasneversincelookeduponthelightofday。\'
`Isthatallthestory？\'Iasked，afterconsideringit。
`AllIknowofit；andindeedIonlyknowsomuch，throughpiecingitoutformyself；formyfatheralwaysavoidsit，and，evenwhenMissHavishaminvitedmetogothere，toldmenomoreofitthanitwasabsolutelyrequisiteIshouldunderstand。ButIhaveforgottenonething。Ithasbeensupposedthatthemantowhomshegavehermisplacedconfidence，actedthroughoutinconcertwithherhalf-brother；thatitwasaconspiracybetweenthem；
andthattheysharedtheprofits。\'
`Iwonderhedidn\'tmarryherandgetalltheproperty，\'saidI。
`Hemayhavebeenmarriedalready，andhercruelmortificationmayhavebeenapartofherhalf-brother\'sscheme，\'saidHerbert。
`Mind！Idon\'tknowthat。\'
`Whatbecameofthetwomen？\'Iasked，afteragainconsideringthesubject。
`Theyfellintodeepershameanddegradation-iftherecanbedeeper-andruin。\'
`Aretheyalivenow？\'
`Idon\'tknow。\'
`Yousaidjustnow，thatEstellawasnotrelatedtoMissHavisham，butadopted。Whenadopted？\'
Herbertshruggedhisshoulders。`TherehasalwaysbeenanEstella，sinceIhaveheardofaMissHavisham。Iknownomore。Andnow，Handel，\'saidhe，finallythrowingoffthestoryasitwere，`thereisaperfectlyopenunderstandingbetweenus。AllthatIknowaboutMissHavisham，youknow。\'
`AndallthatIknow，\'Iretorted，`youknow。\'
`Ifullybelieveit。Sotherecanbenocompetitionorperplexitybetweenyouandme。Andastotheconditiononwhichyouholdyouradvancementinlife-namely，thatyouarenottoinquireordiscusstowhomyouoweit-youmaybeverysurethatitwillneverbeencroachedupon，orevenapproached，byme，orbyanyonebelongingtome。\'
Intruth，hesaidthiswithsomuchdelicacy，thatIfeltthesubjectdonewith，eventhoughIshouldbeunderhisfather\'sroofforyearsandyearstocome。Yethesaiditwithsomuchmeaning，too，thatIfeltheasperfectlyunderstoodMissHavishamtobemybenefactress，asIunderstoodthefactmyself。
Ithadnotoccurredtomebefore，thathehadleduptothethemeforthepurposeofclearingitoutofourway；butweweresomuchthelighterandeasierforhavingbroachedit，thatInowperceivedthistobethecase。Wewereverygayandsociable，andIaskedhim，inthecourseofconversation，whathewas？Hereplied，`Acapitalist-anInsurerofShips。\'
IsupposehesawmeglancingabouttheroominsearchofsometokensofShipping，orcapital，forheadded，`IntheCity。\'
IhadgrandideasofthewealthandimportanceofInsurersofShipsintheCity，andIbegantothinkwithawe，ofhavinglaidayoungInsureronhisback，blackenedhisenterprisingeye，andcuthisresponsibleheadopen。But，again，therecameuponme，formyrelief，thatoddimpressionthatHerbertPocketwouldneverbeverysuccessfulorrich。
`Ishallnotrestsatisfiedwithmerelyemployingmycapitalininsuringships。IshallbuyupsomegoodLifeAssuranceshares，andcutintotheDirection。Ishallalsodoalittleintheminingway。Noneofthesethingswillinterferewithmycharteringafewthousandtonsonmyownaccount。
IthinkIshalltrade，\'saidhe，leaningbackinhischair，`totheEastIndies，forsilks，shawls，spices，dyes，drugs，andpreciouswoó；ds。
It\'saninterestingtrade。\'
`Andtheprofitsarelarge？\'saidI。
`Tremendous！\'saidhe。
Iwaveredagain，andbegantothinkhereweregreaterexpectationsthanmyown。
`IthinkIshalltrade，also，\'saidhe，puttinghisthumbsinhiswaistcoatpockets，`totheWestIndies，forsugar，tobacco，andrum。AlsotoCeylon，speciallyforelephants\'tusks。\'
`Youwillwantagoodmanyships，\'saidI。
`Aperfectfleet，\'saidhe。
Quiteoverpoweredbythemagnificenceofthesetransactions，Iaskedhimwheretheshipsheinsuredmostlytradedtoatpresent？
`Ihaven\'tbeguninsuringyet，\'hereplied。`Iamlookingaboutme。\'
Somehow，thatpursuitseemedmoreinkeepingwithBarnard\'sInn。Isaidinatoneofconviction，`Ah-h！\'
`Yes。Iaminacounting-house，andlookingaboutme。\'
`Isacounting-houseprofitable？\'Iasked。
`To-doyoumeantotheyoungfellowwho\'sinit？\'heasked，inreply。
`Yes；toyou。\'
`Why，n-no:nottome。\'Hesaidthiswiththeairofonecarefullyreckoningupandstrikingabalance。`Notdirectlyprofitable。Thatis，itdoesn\'tpaymeanything，andIhaveto-keepmyself。\'
Thiscertainlyhadnotaprofitableappearance，andIshookmyheadasifIwouldimplythatitwouldbedifficulttolaybymuchaccumulativecapitalfromsuchasourceofincome。
`Butthethingis，\'saidHerbertPocket，`thatyoulookaboutyou。That\'sthegrandthing。Youareinacounting-house，youknow，andyoulookaboutyou。\'
Itstruckmeasasingularimplicationthatyoucouldn\'tbeoutofacounting-house，youknow，andlookaboutyou；butIsilentlydeferredtohisexperience。
`Thenthetimecomes，\'saidHerbert，`whenyouseeyouropening。Andyougoin，andyouswoopuponitandyoumakeyourcapital，andthenthereyouare！Whenyouhaveoncemadeyourcapital，youhavenothingtodobutemployit。\'
Thiswasverylikehiswayofconductingthatencounterinthegarden；
verylike。Hismannerofbearinghispoverty，too，exactlycorrespondedtohismannerofbearingthatdefeat。Itseemedtomethathetookallblowsandbuffetsnow，withjustthesameairashehadtakenminethen。
Itwasevidentthathehadnothingaroundhimbutthesimplestnecessaries，foreverythingthatIremarkeduponturnedouttohavebeensentinonmyaccountfromthecoffee-houseorsomewhereelse。
Yet，havingalreadymadehisfortuneinhisownmind，hewassounassumingwithitthatIfeltquitegratefultohimfornotbeingpuffedup。Itwasapleasantadditiontohisnaturallypleasantways，andwegotonfamously。
Intheeveningwewentoutforawalkinthestreets，andwenthalf-pricetotheTheatre；andnextdaywewenttochurchatWestminsterAbbey，andintheafternoonwewalkedintheParks；andIwonderedwhoshodallthehorsesthere，andwishedJoedid。
Onamoderatecomputation，itwasmanymonths，thatSunday，sinceI
hadleftJoeandBiddy。Thespaceinterposedbetweenmyselfandthem，partookofthatexpansion，andourmarsheswereanydistanceoff。ThatIcouldhavebeenatouroldchurchinmyoldchurch-goingclothes，ontheverylastSundaythateverwas，seemedacombinationofimpossibilities，geographicalandsocial，solarandlunar。YetintheLondonstreets，socrowdedwithpeopleandsobrilliantlylightedintheduskofevening，thereweredepressinghintsofreproachesforthatIhadputthepooroldkitchenathomesofaraway；andinthedeadofnight，thefootstepsofsomeincapableimpostorofaportermooningaboutBarnard\'sInn，underpretenceofwatchingit，fellhollowonmyheart。
OntheMondaymorningataquarterbeforenine，Herbertwenttothecounting-housetoreporthimself-tolookabouthim，too，Isuppose-
andIborehimcompany。HewastocomeawayinanhourortwotoattendmetoHammersmith，andIwastowaitaboutforhim。ItappearedtomethattheeggsfromwhichyoungInsurerswerehatched，wereincubatedindustandheat，liketheeggsofostriches，judgingfromtheplacestowhichthoseincipientgiantsrepairedonaMondaymorning。Nordidthecounting-housewhereHerbertassisted，showinmyeyesasatallagoodObservatory；beingabacksecondfloorupayard，ofagrimypresenceinallparticulars，andwithalookintoanotherbacksecondfloor，ratherthanalookout。
Iwaitedaboutuntilitwasnoon，andIwentupon\'Change，andIsawflueymensittingthereunderthebillsaboutshipping，whomItooktobegreatmerchants，thoughIcouldn\'tunderstandwhytheyshouldallbeoutofspirits。WhenHerbertcame，wewentandhadlunchatacelebratedhousewhichIthenquitevenerated，butnowbelievetohavebeenthemostabjectsuperstitioninEurope，andwhereIcouldnothelpnoticing，eventhen，thattherewasmuchmoregravyonthetableclothsandknivesandwaiters\'clothes，thaninthesteaks。Thiscollationdisposedofatamoderatepriceconsideringthegrease:whichwasnotchargedfor，wewentbacktoBarnard\'sInnandgotmylittleportmanteau，andthentookcoachforHammersmith。Wearrivedthereattwoorthreeo\'clockintheafternoon，andhadverylittlewaytowalktoMrPocket\'shouse。Liftingthelatchofagate，wepasseddirectintoalittlegardenoverlookingtheriver，whereMrPocket\'schildrenwereplayingabout。AndunlessIdeceivemyselfonapointwheremyinterestsorprepossessionsarecertainlynotconcerned，IsawthatMrandMrsPocket\'schildrenwerenotgrowinguporbeingbroughtup，butweretumblingup。
MrsPocketwassittingonagardenchairunderatree，reading，withherlegsuponanothergardenchair；andMrsPocket\'stwonursemaidswerelookingaboutthemwhilethechildrenplayed。`Mamma，\'saidHerbert，`thisisyoungMrPip。\'UponwhichMrsPocketreceivedmewithanappearanceofamiabledignity。
`MasterAlickandMissJane，\'criedoneofthenursestotwoofthechildren，`ifyougoabouncingupagainstthembushesyou\'llfalloverintotheriverandbedrownded，andwhat\'llyourpasaythen？\'
AtthesametimethisnursepickedupMrsPocket\'shandkerchief，andsaid，`Ifthatdon\'tmakesixtimesyou\'vedroppedit，Mum！\'UponwhichMrsPocketlaughedandsaid，`Thankyou，Flopson，\'andsettlingherselfinonechaironly，resumedherbook。Hercountenanceimmediatelyassumedaknittedandintentexpressionasifshehadbeenreadingforaweek，butbeforeshecouldhavereadhalfadozenlines，shefixedhereyesuponme，andsaid，`Ihopeyourmammaisquitewell？\'ThisunexpectedinquiryputmeintosuchadifficultythatIbegansayingintheabsurdestwaythatiftherehadbeenanysuchpersonIhadnodoubtshewouldhavebeenquitewellandwouldhavebeenverymuchobligedandwouldhavesenthercompliments，whenthenursecametomyrescue。
`Well！\'shecried，pickingupthepockethandkerchief，`ifthatdon\'tmakeseventimes！WhatAREyouadoingofthisafternoon，Mum！\'MrsPocketreceivedherproperty，atfirstwithalookofunutterablesurpriseasifshehadneverseenitbefore，andthenwithalaughofrecognition，andsaid，`Thankyou，Flopson，\'andforgotme，andwentonreading。
Ifound，nowIhadleisuretocountthem，thattherewerenofewerthansixlittlePocketspresent，invariousstagesoftumblingup。Ihadscarcelyarrivedatthetotalwhenaseventhwasheard，asintheregionofair，wailingdolefully。
`Ifthereain\'tBaby！\'saidFlopson，appearingtothinkitmostsurprising。
`Makehasteup，Millers。\'
Millers，whowastheothernurse，retiredintothehouse，andbydegreesthechild\'swailingwashushedandstopped，asifitwereayoungventriloquistwithsomethinginitsmouth。MrsPocketreadallthetime，andIwascurioustoknowwhatthebookcouldbe。
Wewerewaiting，Isupposed，forMrPockettocomeouttous；atanyratewewaitedthere，andsoIhadanopportunityofobservingtheremarkablefamilyphenomenonthatwheneveranyofthechildrenstrayednearMrsPocketintheirplay，theyalwaystrippedthemselvesupandtumbledoverher-
alwaysverymuchtohermomentaryastonishment，andtheirownmoreenduringlamentation。Iwasatalosstoaccountforthissurprisingcircumstance，andcouldnothelpgivingmymindtospeculationsaboutit，untilby-and-byMillerscamedownwiththebaby，whichbabywashandedtoFlopson，whichFlopsonwashandingittoMrsPocket，whenshetoowentfairlyheadforemostoverMrsPocket，babyandall，andwascaughtbyHerbertandmyself。
`Graciousme，Flopson！\'saidMrsPocket，lookingoffherbookforamoment，`everybody\'stumbling！\'
`Graciousyou，indeed，Mum！\'returnedFlopson，veryredintheface；
`whathaveyougotthere？\'
`Igothere，Flopson？\'askedMrsPocket。
`Why，ifitain\'tyourfootstool！\'criedFlopson。`Andifyoukeepitunderyourskirtslikethat，who\'stohelptumbling？Here！Takethebaby，Mum，andgivemeyourbook。\'
MrsPocketactedontheadvice，andinexpertlydancedtheinfantalittleinherlap，whiletheotherchildrenplayedaboutit。Thishadlastedbutaveryshorttime，whenMrsPocketissuedsummaryordersthattheywerealltobetakenintothehouseforanap。ThusImadetheseconddiscoveryonthatfirstoccasion，thatthenurtureofthelittlePocketsconsistedofalternatelytumblingupandlyingdown。
Underthesecircumstances，whenFlopsonandMillershadgotthechildrenintothehouse，likealittleflockofsheep，andMrPocketcameoutofittomakemyacquaintance，IwasnotmuchsurprisedtofindthatMrPocketwasagentlemanwitharatherperplexedexpressionofface，andwithhisverygreyhairdisorderedonhishead，asifhedidn\'tquiteseehiswaytoputtinganythingstraight。
Chapter23
MRPOCKETsaidhewasgladtoseeme，andhehopedIwasnotsorrytoseehim。`For，Ireallyamnot，\'headded，withhisson\'ssmile，`analarmingpersonage。\'Hewasayoung-lookingman，inspiteofhisperplexitiesandhisverygreyhair，andhismannerseemedquitenatural。Iusethewordnatural，inthesenseofitsbeingunaffected；therewassomethingcomicinhisdistraughtway，asthoughitwouldhavebeendownrightludicrousbutforhisownperceptionthatitwasverynearbeingso。Whenhehadtalkedwithmealittle，hesaidtoMrsPocket，witharatheranxiouscontractionofhiseyebrows，whichwereblackandhandsome，`Belinda，IhopeyouhavewelcomedMrPip？\'Andshelookedupfromherbook，andsaid，`Yes。\'Shethensmileduponmeinanabsentstateofmind，andaskedmeifIlikedthetasteoforange-flowerwater？Asthequestionhadnobearing，nearorremote，onanyforegoneorsubsequenttransaction，Iconsiderittohavebeenthrownout，likeherpreviousapproaches，ingeneralconversationalcondescension。
Ifoundoutwithinafewhours，andmaymentionatonce，thatMrsPocketwastheonlydaughterofacertainquiteaccidentaldeceasedKnight，whohadinventedforhimselfaconvictionthathisdeceasedfatherwouldhavebeenmadeaBaronetbutforsomebody\'sdeterminedoppositionarisingoutofentirelypersonalmotives-Iforgetwhose，ifIeverknew-theSovereign\'s，thePrimeMinister\'s，theLordChancellor\'s，theArchbishopofCanterbury\'s，anybody\'s-andhadtackedhimselfontothenoblesoftheearthinrightofthisquitesupposititiousfact。IbelievehehadbeenknightedhimselfforstormingtheEnglishgrammaratthepointofthepen，inadesperateaddressengrossedonvellum，ontheoccasionofthelayingofthefirststoneofsomebuildingorother，andforhandingsomeRoyalPersonageeitherthetrowelorthemortar。Bethatasitmay，hehaddirectedMrsPockettobebroughtupfromhercradleasonewhointhenatureofthingsmustmarryatitle，andwhowastobeguardedfromtheacquisitionofplebeiandomesticknowledge。
Sosuccessfulawatchandwardhadbeenestablishedovertheyoungladybythisjudiciousparent，thatshehadgrownuphighlyornamental，butperfectlyhelplessanduseless。Withhercharacterthushappilyformed，inthefirstbloomofheryouthshehadencounteredMrPocket:whowasalsointhefirstbloomofyouth，andnotquitedecidedwhethertomounttotheWoolsack，ortoroofhimselfinwithamitre。Ashisdoingtheoneortheotherwasamerequestionoftime，heandMrsPockethadtakenTimebytheforelockwhen，tojudgefromitslength，itwouldseemtohavewantedcutting，andhadmarriedwithouttheknowledgeofthejudiciousparent。Thejudiciousparent，havingnothingtobestoworwithholdbuthisblessing，hadhandsomelysettledthatdoweruponthemafterashortstruggle，andhadinformedMrPocketthathiswifewas`atreasureforaPrince。\'MrPockethadinvestedthePrince\'streasureinthewaysoftheworldeversince，anditwassupposedtohavebroughthiminbutindifferentinterest。Still，MrsPocketwasingeneraltheobjectofaqueersortofrespectfulpity，becauseshehadnotmarriedatitle；whileMrPocketwastheobjectofaqueersortofforgivingreproach，becausehehadnevergotone。
MrPockettookmeintothehouseandshowedmemyroom:whichwasapleasantone，andsofurnishedasthatIcoulduseitwithcomfortformyownprivatesitting-room。Hethenknockedatthedoorsoftwoothersimilarrooms，andintroducedmetotheiroccupants，bynameDrummleandStartop。Drummle，anold-lookingyoungmanofaheavyorderofarchitecture，waswhistling。Startop，youngerinyearsandappearance，wasreadingandholdinghishead，asifhethoughthimselfindangerofexplodingitwithtoostrongachargeofknowledge。
BothMrandMrsPockethadsuchanoticeableairofbeinginsomebodyelse\'shands，thatIwonderedwhoreallywasinpossessionofthehouseandletthemlivethere，untilIfoundthisunknownpowertobetheservants。
Itwasasmoothwayofgoingon，perhaps，inrespectofsavingtrouble；
butithadtheappearanceofbeingexpensive，fortheservantsfeltitadutytheyowedtothemselvestobeniceintheireatinganddrinking，andtokeepadealofcompanydownstairs。TheyallowedaveryliberaltabletoMrandMrsPocket，yetitalwaysappearedtomethatbyfarthebestpartofthehousetohaveboardedin，wouldhavebeenthekitchen-alwayssupposingtheboardercapableofself-defence，for，beforeIhadbeenthereaweek，aneighbouringladywithwhomthefamilywerepersonallyunacquainted，wroteintosaythatshehadseenMillersslappingthebaby。
ThisgreatlydistressedMrsPocket，whoburstintotearsonreceivingthenote，andsaidthatitwasanextraordinarythingthattheneighbourscouldn\'tmindtheirownbusiness。
BydegreesIlearnt，andchieflyfromHerbert，thatMrPockethadbeeneducatedatHarrowandatCambridge，wherehehaddistinguishedhimself；
butthatwhenhehadhadthehappinessofmarryingMrsPocketveryearlyinlife，hehadimpairedhisprospectsandtakenupthecallingofaGrinder。
Aftergrindinganumberofdullblades-ofwhomitwasremarkablethattheirfathers，wheninfluential，werealwaysgoingtohelphimtopreferment，butalwaysforgottodoitwhenthebladeshadlefttheGrindstone-hehadweariedofthatpoorworkandhadcometoLondon。Here，aftergraduallyfailinginloftierhopes，hehad`read\'withdiverswhohadlackedopportunitiesorneglectedthem，andhadrefurbisheddiversothersforspecialoccasions，andhadturnedhisacquirementstotheaccountofliterarycompilationandcorrection，andonsuchmeans，addedtosomeverymoderateprivateresources，stillmaintainedthehouseIsaw。
MrandMrsPockethadatoadyneighbour；awidowladyofthathighlysympatheticnaturethatsheagreedwitheverybody，blessedeverybody，andshedsmilesandtearsoneverybody，accordingtocircumstances。Thislady\'snamewasMrsCoiler，andIhadthehonouroftakingherdowntodinneronthedayofmyinstallation。Shegavemetounderstandonthestairs，thatitwasablowtodearMrsPocketthatdearMrPocketshouldbeunderthenecessityofreceivinggentlementoreadwithhim。Thatdidnotextendtome，shetoldmeinagushofloveandconfidenceatthattime，Ihadknownhersomethinglessthanfiveminutes；iftheywerealllikeMe，itwouldbequiteanotherthing。
`ButdearMrsPocket，\'saidMrsCoiler，`afterherearlydisappointmentnotthatdearMrPocketwastoblameinthat，requiressomuchluxuryandelegance——\'
`Yes，ma\'am，\'Isaid，tostopher，forIwasafraidshewasgoingtocry。
`Andsheisofsoaristocraticadisposition——\'
`Yes，ma\'am，\'Isaidagain，withthesameobjectasbefore。
`-thatitishard，\'saidMrsCoiler，`tohavedearMrPocket\'stimeandattentiondivertedfromdearMrsPocket。\'
Icouldnothelpthinkingthatitmightbeharderifthebutcher\'stimeandattentionweredivertedfromdearMrsPocket；butIsaidnothing，andindeedhadenoughtodoinkeepingabashfulwatchuponmycompany-manners。
Itcametomyknowledge，throughwhatpassedbetweenMrsPocketandDrummlewhileIwasattentivetomyknifeandfork，spoon，glasses，andotherinstrumentsofself-destruction，thatDrummle，whosechristiannamewasBentley，wasactuallythenextheirbutonetoabaronetcy。ItfurtherappearedthatthebookIhadseenMrsPocketreadinginthegarden，wasallabouttitles，andthatsheknewtheexactdateatwhichhergrandpapawouldhavecomeintothebook，ifheeverhadcomeatall。Drummledidn\'tsaymuch，butinhislimitedwayhestruckmeasasulkykindoffellow
hespokeasoneoftheelect，andrecognizedMrsPocketasawomanandasister。NoonebutthemselvesandMrsCoilerthetoadyneighbourshowedanyinterestinthispartoftheconversation，anditappearedtomethatitwaspainfultoHerbert；butitpromisedtolastalongtime，whenthepagecameinwiththeannouncementofadomesticaffliction。Itwas，ineffect，thatthecookhadmislaidthebeef。Tomyunutterableamazement，Inow，forthefirsttime，sawMrPocketrelievehismindbygoingthroughaperformancethatstruckmeasveryextraordinary，butwhichmadenoimpressiononanybodyelse，andwithwhichIsoonbecameasfamiliarastherest。
Helaiddownthecarving-knifeandfork-beingengagedincarving，atthemoment-puthistwohandsintohisdisturbedhair，andappearedtomakeanextraordinaryefforttolifthimselfupbyit。Whenhehaddonethis，andhadnotliftedhimselfupatall，hequietlywentonwithwhathewasabout。
MrsCoilerthenchangedthesubject，andbegantoflatterme。Ilikeditforafewmoments，butsheflatteredmesoverygrosslythatthepleasurewassoonover。ShehadaserpentinewayofcomingcloseatmewhenshepretendedtobevitallyinterestedinthefriendsandlocalitiesIhadleft，whichwasaltogethersnakyandfork-tongued；andwhenshemadeanoccasionalbounceuponStartopwhosaidverylittletoher，oruponDrummlewhosaidless，Iratherenviedthemforbeingontheoppositesideofthetable。
Afterdinnerthechildrenwereintroduced，andMrsCoilermadeadmiringcommentsontheireyes，noses，andlegs-asagaciouswayofimprovingtheirminds。Therewerefourlittlegirls，andtwolittleboys，besidesthebabywhomighthavebeeneither，andthebaby\'snextsuccessorwhowasasyetneither。TheywerebroughtinbyFlopsonandMillers，muchasthoughthosetwononcommissionedofficershadbeenrecruitingsomewhereforchildrenandhadenlistedthese:whileMrsPocketlookedattheyoungNoblesthatoughttohavebeen，asifsheratherthoughtshehadhadthepleasureofinspectingthembefore，butdidn\'tquiteknowwhattomakeofthem。
`Here！Givemeyourfork，Mum，andtakethebaby，\'saidFlopson。`Don\'ttakeitthatway，oryou\'llgetitsheadunderthetable。\'
Thusadvised，MrsPockettookittheotherway，andgotitsheaduponthetable；whichwasannouncedtoallpresentbyaprodigiousconcussion。
`Dear，dear！Giveitmeback，Mum，\'saidFlopson；`andMissJane，comeanddancetobaby，do！\'
Oneofthelittlegirls，ameremitewhoseemedtohaveprematurelytakenuponherselfsomechargeoftheothers，steppedoutofherplacebyme，anddancedtoandfromthebabyuntilitleftoffcrying，andlaughed。
Then，allthechildrenlaughed，andMrPocketwhointhemeantimehadtwiceendeavouredtolifthimselfupbythehairlaughed，andwealllaughedandwereglad。
Flopson，bydintofdoublingthebabyatthejointslikeaDutchdoll，thengotitsafelyintoMrsPocket\'slap，andgaveitthenutcrackerstoplaywith:atthesametimerecommendingMrsPockettotakenoticethatthehandlesofthatinstrumentwerenotlikelytoagreewithitseyes，andsharplychargingMissJanetolookafterthesame。Then，thetwonurseslefttheroom，andhadalivelyscuffleonthestaircasewithadissipatedpagewhohadwaitedatdinner，andwhohadclearlylosthalfhisbuttonsatthegamingtable。
IwasmadeveryuneasyinmymindbyMrsPocket\'sfallingintoadiscussionwithDrummlerespectingtwobaronetcies，whilesheateaslicedorangesteepedinsugarandwine，andforgettingallaboutthebabyonherlap:
whodidmostappallingthingswiththenutcrackers。Atlength，littleJaneperceivingitsyoungbrainstobeimperilled，softlyleftherplace，andwithmanysmallartificescoaxedthedangerousweaponaway。MrsPocketfinishingherorangeataboutthesametime，andnotapprovingofthis，saidtoJane:
`Younaughtychild，howdareyou？Goandsitdownthisinstant！\'
`Mammadear，\'lispedthelittlegirl，`babyoodhaveputhitheyethout。\'
`Howdareyoutellmeso？\'retortedMrsPocket。`Goandsitdowninyourchairthismoment！\'
MrsPocket\'sdignitywassocrushing，thatIfeltquiteabashed:asifImyselfhaddonesomethingtorouseit。
`Belinda，\'remonstratedMrPocket，fromtheotherendofthetable，`howcanyoubesounreasonable？Janeonlyinterferedfortheprotectionofbaby。\'
`Iwillnotallowanybodytointerfere，\'saidMrsPocket。`Iamsurprised，Matthew，thatyoushouldexposemetotheaffrontofinterference。\'
`GoodGod！\'criedMrPocket，inanoutbreakofdesolatedesperation。
`Areinfantstobenutcrackeredintotheirtombs，andisnobodytosavethem？\'
`IwillnotbeinterferedwithbyJane，\'saidMrsPocket，withamajesticglanceatthatinnocentlittleoffender。`IhopeIknowmypoorgrandpapa\'sposition。Jane，indeed！\'
MrPocketgothishandsinhishairagain，andthistimereallydidlifthimselfsomeinchesoutofhischair。`Hearthis！\'hehelplesslyexclaimedtotheelements。`Babiesaretobenutcrackereddead，forpeople\'spoorgrandpapa\'spositions！\'Thenhelethimselfdownagain，andbecamesilent。
Wealllookedawkwardlyatthetable-clothwhilethiswasgoingon。
Apausesucceeded，duringwhichthehonestandirrepressiblebabymadeaseriesofleapsandcrowsatlittleJane，whoappearedtometobetheonlymemberofthefamilyirrespectiveofservantswithwhomithadanydecidedacquaintance。
`MrDrummle，\'saidMrsPocket，`willyouringforFlopson？Jane，youundutifullittlething，goandliedown。Now，babydarling，comewithma！\'
Thebabywasthesoulofhonour，andprotestedwithallitsmight。ItdoubleditselfupthewrongwayoverMrsPocket\'sarm，exhibitedapairofknittedshoesanddimpledanklestothecompanyinlieuofitssoftface，andwascarriedoutinthehigheststateofmutiny。Anditgaineditspointafterall，forIsawitthroughthewindowwithinafewminutes，beingnursedbylittleJane。
Ithappenedthattheotherfivechildrenwereleftbehindatthedinner-table，throughFlopson\'shavingsomeprivateengagement，andtheirnotbeinganybodyelse\'sbusiness。IthusbecameawareofthemutualrelationsbetweenthemandMrPocket，whichwereexemplifiedinthefollowingmanner。MrPocket，withthenormalperplexityofhisfaceheightenedandhishairrumpled，lookedatthemforsomeminutes，asifhecouldn\'tmakeouthowtheycametobeboardingandlodginginthatestablishment，andwhytheyhadn\'tbeenbilletedbyNatureonsomebodyelse。Then，inadistant，Missionarywayheaskedthemcertainquestions-aswhylittleJoehadthatholeinhisfrill:whosaid，Pa，Flopsonwasgoingtomenditwhenshehadtime-andhowlittleFannycamebythatwhitlow:whosaid，Pa，Millerswasgoingtopoulticeitwhenshedidn\'tforget。Then，hemeltedintoparentaltenderness，andgavethemashillingapieceandtoldthemtogoandplay；andthenastheywentout，withoneverystrongefforttolifthimselfupbythehairhedismissedthehopelesssubject。
Intheeveningtherewasrowingontheriver。AsDrummleandStartophadeachaboat，Iresolvedtosetupmine，andtocutthembothout。I
wasprettygoodatmostexercisesinwhichcountryboysareadepts，but，asIwasconsciousofwantingeleganceofstylefortheThames-nottosayforotherwaters-Iatonceengagedtoplacemyselfunderthetuitionofthewinnerofaprizewherrywhopliedatourstairs，andtowhomIwasintroducedbymynewallies。Thispracticalauthorityconfusedmeverymuch，bysayingIhadthearmofablacksmith。Ifhecouldhaveknownhownearlythecomplimentlosthimhispupil，Idoubtifhewouldhavepaidit。
Therewasasupper-trayafterwegothomeatnight，andIthinkweshouldallhaveenjoyedourselves，butforaratherdisagreeabledomesticoccurrence。
MrPocketwasingoodspirits，whenahousemaidcamein，andsaid，`Ifyouplease，sir，Ishouldwishtospeaktoyou。\'
`Speaktoyourmaster？\'saidMrsPocket，whosedignitywasrousedagain。
`Howcanyouthinkofsuchathing？GoandspeaktoFlopson。Orspeaktome-atsomeothertime。\'
`Beggingyourpardon，ma\'am，\'returnedthehousemaid，`Ishouldwishtospeakatonce，andtospeaktomaster。\'
Hereupon，MrPocketwentoutoftheroom，andwemadethebestofourselvesuntilhecameback。
`Thisisaprettything，Belinda！\'saidMrPocket，returningwithacountenanceexpressiveofgriefanddespair。`Here\'sthecooklyinginsensiblydrunkonthekitchenfloor，withalargebundleoffreshbuttermadeupinthecupboardreadytosellforgrease！\'
MrsPocketinstantlyshowedmuchamiableemotion，andsaid，`ThisisthatodiousSophia\'sdoing！\'
`Whatdoyoumean，Belinda？\'demandedMrPocket。
`Sophiahastoldyou，\'saidMrsPocket。`DidInotseeherwithmyowneyesandhearherwithmyownears，comeintotheroomjustnowandasktospeaktoyou？\'
`Buthasshenottakenmedownstairs，Belinda，\'returnedMrPocket，`andshownmethewoman，andthebundletoo？\'
`Anddoyoudefendher，Matthew，\'saidMrsPocket，`formakingmischief？\'
MrPocketutteredadismalgroan。
`AmI，grandpapa\'sgranddaughter，tobenothinginthehouse？\'saidMrsPocket。`Besides，thecookhasalwaysbeenaverynicerespectfulwoman，andsaidinthemostnaturalmannerwhenshecametolookafterthesituation，thatshefeltIwasborntobeaDuchess。\'
TherewasasofawhereMrPocketstood，andhedroppeduponitintheattitudeoftheDyingGladiator。Stillinthatattitudehesaid，withahollowvoice，`Goodnight，MrPip，\'whenIdeemeditadvisabletogotobedandleavehim。
Chapter24
AFTERtwoorthreedays，whenIhadestablishedmyselfinmyroomandhadgonebackwardsandforwardstoLondonseveraltimes，andhadorderedallIwantedofmytradesmen，MrPocketandIhadalongtalktogether。
HeknewmoreofmyintendedcareerthanIknewmyself，forthereferredtohishavingbeentoldbyMrJaggersthatIwasnotdesignedforanyprofession，andthatIshouldbewellenougheducatedformydestinyifIcould`holdmyown\'withtheaverageofyoungmeninprosperouscircumstances。Iacquiesced，ofcourse，knowingnothingtothecontrary。
HeadvisedmyattendingcertainplacesinLondon，fortheacquisitionofsuchmererudimentsasIwanted，andmyinvestinghimwiththefunctionsofexplaineranddirectorofallmystudies。HehopedthatwithintelligentassistanceIshouldmeetwithlittletodiscourageme，andshouldsoonbeabletodispensewithanyaidbuthis。Throughhiswayofsayingthis，andmuchmoretosimilarpurpose，heplacedhimselfonconfidentialtermswithmeinanadmirablemanner；andImaystateatoncethathewasalwayssozealousandhonourableinfulfillinghiscompactwithme，thathemademezealousandhonourableinfulfillingminewithhim。Ifhehadshownindifferenceasamaster，IhavenodoubtIshouldhavereturnedthecomplimentasapupil；hegavemenosuchexcuse，andeachofusdidtheotherjustice。
Nor，didIeverregardhimashavinganythingludicrousabouthim-oranythingbutwhatwasserious，honest，andgood-inhistutorcommunicationwithme。
Whenthesepointsweresettled，andsofarcarriedoutasthatIhadbeguntoworkinearnest，itoccurredtomethatifIcouldretainmybedroominBarnard\'sInn，mylifewouldbeagreeablyvaried，whilemymannerswouldbenonetheworseforHerbert\'ssociety。MrPocketdidnotobjecttothisarrangement，buturgedthatbeforeanystepcouldpossiblybetakeninit，itmustbesubmittedtomyguardian。IfeltthatthisdelicacyaroseoutoftheconsiderationthattheplanwouldsaveHerbertsomeexpense，soIwentofftoLittleBritainandimpartedmywishtoMrJaggers。
`IfIcouldbuythefurniturenowhiredforme，\'saidI，`andoneortwootherlittlethings，Ishouldbequiteathomethere。\'
`Goit！\'saidMrJaggers，withashortlaugh。`Itoldyouyou\'dgeton。Well！Howmuchdoyouwant？\'
IsaidIdidn\'tknowhowmuch。
`Come！\'retortedMrJaggers。`Howmuch？Fiftypounds？\'
`Oh，notnearlysomuch。\'
`Fivepounds？\'saidMrJaggers。
Thiswassuchagreatfall，thatIsaidindiscomfiture，`Oh！morethanthat。\'
`Morethanthat，eh！\'retortedMrJaggers，lyinginwaitforme，withhishandsinhispockets，hisheadononeside，andhiseyesonthewallbehindme；`howmuchmore？\'
`Itissodifficulttofixasum，\'saidI，hesitating。
`Come！\'saidMrJaggers。`Let\'sgetatit。Twicefive；willthatdo？
Threetimesfive；willthatdo？Fourtimesfive；willthatdo？\'
IsaidIthoughtthatwoulddohandsomely。
`Fourtimesfivewilldohandsomely，willit？\'saidMrJaggers，knittinghisbrows。`Now，whatdoyoumakeoffourtimesfive？\'
`WhatdoImakeofit？\'
`Ah！\'saidMrJaggers；`howmuch？\'
`Isupposeyoumakeittwentypounds，\'saidI，smiling。
`NevermindwhatImakeit，myfriend，\'observedMrJaggers，withaknowingandcontradictorytossofhishead。`Iwanttoknowwhatyoumakeit。\'
`Twentypounds，ofcourse。\'
`Wemmick！\'saidMrJaggers，openinghisofficedoor。`TakeMrPip\'swrittenorder，andpayhimtwentypounds。\'
Thisstronglymarkedwayofdoingbusinessmadeastronglymarkedimpressiononme，andthatnotofanagreeablekind。MrJaggersneverlaughed；butheworegreatbrightcreakingboots，and，inpoisinghimselfontheseboots，withhislargeheadbentdownandhiseyebrowsjoinedtogether，awaitingananswer，hesometimescausedthebootstocreak，asiftheylaughedinadryandsuspiciousway。Ashehappenedtogooutnow，andasWemmickwasbriskandtalkative，IsaidtoWemmickthatIhardlyknewwhattomakeofMrJaggers\'smanner。
`Tellhimthat，andhe\'lltakeitasacompliment，\'answeredWemmick；
`hedon\'tmeanthatyoushouldknowwhattomakeofit-Oh！\'forIlookedsurprised，`it\'snotpersonal；it\'sprofessional:onlyprofessional。\'
Wemmickwasathisdesk，lunching-andcrunching-onadryhardbiscuit；
piecesofwhichhethrewfromtimetotimeintohisslitofamouth，asifhewerepostingthem。
`Alwaysseemstome，\'saidWemmick，`asifhehadsetamantrapandwaswatchingit。Suddenly-click-you\'recaught！\'
Withoutremarkingthatman-trapswerenotamongtheamenitiesoflife，IsaidIsupposedhewasveryskilful？
`Deep，\'saidWemmick，`asAustralia。\'Pointingwithhispenattheofficefloor，toexpressthatAustraliawasunderstood，forthepurposesofthefigure，tobesymmetricallyontheoppositespotoftheglobe。`Iftherewasanythingdeeper，\'addedWemmick，bringinghispentopaper，`he\'dbeit。\'
Then，IsaidIsupposedhehadafinebusiness，andWemmicksaid，`Ca-pi-tal！\'
ThenIaskedifthereweremanyclerks？towhichhereplied:
`Wedon\'trunmuchintoclerks，becausethere\'sonlyoneJaggers，andpeoplewon\'thavehimatsecond-hand。Thereareonlyfourofus。Wouldyouliketosee\'em？Youareoneofus，asImaysay。\'
Iacceptedtheoffer。WhenMrWemmickhadputallthebiscuitintothepost，andhadpaidmemymoneyfromacash-boxinasafe，thekeyofwhichsafehekeptsomewheredownhisbackandproducedfromhiscoat-collarlikeanironpigtail，wewentup-stairs。Thehousewasdarkandshabby，andthegreasyshouldersthathadlefttheirmarkinMrJaggers\'sroom，seemedtohavebeenshufflingupanddownthestaircaseforyears。Inthefrontfirstfloor，aclerkwholookedsomethingbetweenapublicanandarat-catcher-alargepalepuffedswollenman-wasattentivelyengagedwiththreeorfourpeopleofshabbyappearance，whomhetreatedasunceremoniouslyaseverybodyseemedtobetreatedwhocontributedtoMrJaggers\'scoffers。
`Gettingevidencetogether，\'saidMrWemmick，aswecameout，`fortheBailey。\'Intheroomoverthat，alittleflabbyterrierofaclerkwithdanglinghairhiscroppingseemedtohavebeenforgottenwhenhewasapuppywassimilarlyengagedwithamanwithweakeyes，whomMrWemmickpresentedtomeasasmelterwhokepthispotalwaysboiling，andwhowouldmeltmeanythingIpleased-andwhowasinanexcessivewhite-perspiration，asifhehadbeentryinghisartonhimself。Inabackroom，ahigh-shoulderedmanwithafaceachetiedupindirtyflannel，whowasdressedinoldblackclothesthatboretheappearanceofhavingbeenwaxed，wasstoopingoverhisworkofmakingfaircopiesofthenotesoftheothertwogentlemen，forMrJaggers\'sownuse。
Thiswasalltheestablishment。Whenwewentdown-stairsagain，Wemmickledmeintomyguardian\'sroom，andsaid，`Thisyou\'veseenalready。\'
`Pray，\'saidI，asthetwoodiouscastswiththetwitchyleeruponthemcaughtmysightagain，`whoselikenessesarethose？\'
`These？\'saidWemmick，gettinguponachair，andblowingthedustoffthehorribleheadsbeforebringingthemdown。`Thesearetwocelebratedones。Famousclientsofoursthatgotusaworldofcredit。Thischapwhyyoumusthavecomedowninthenightandbeenpeepingintotheinkstand，togetthisblotuponyoureyebrow，youoldrascal！murderedhismaster，and，consideringthathewasn\'tbroughtuptoevidence，didn\'tplanitbadly。\'
`Isitlikehim？\'Iasked，recoilingfromthebrute，asWemmickspatuponhiseyebrowandgaveitarubwithhissleeve。
`Likehim？It\'shimself，youknow。ThecastwasmadeinNewgate，directlyafterhewastakendown。Youhadaparticularfancyforme，hadn\'tyou，OldArtful？\'saidWemmick。Hethenexplainedthisaffectionateapostrophe，bytouchinghisbroochrepresentingtheladyandtheweepingwillowatthetombwiththeurnuponit，andsaying，`Haditmadeforme，express！\'
`Istheladyanybody？\'saidI。
`No，\'returnedWemmick。`Onlyhisgame。Youlikedyourbitofgame，didn\'tyou？No；deuceabitofaladyinthecase，MrPip，exceptone-andshewasn\'tofthisslenderladylikesort，andyouwouldn\'thavecaughtherlookingafterthisurn-unlesstherewassomethingtodrinkinit。\'Wemmick\'sattentionbeingthusdirectedtohisbrooch，heputdownthecast，andpolishedthebroochwithhispocket-handkerchief。
`Didthatothercreaturecometothesameend？\'Iasked。`Hehasthesamelook。\'
`You\'reright，\'saidWemmick；`it\'sthegenuinelook。Muchasifonenostrilwascaughtupwithahorsehairandalittlefish-hook。Yes，hecametothesameend；quitethenaturalendhere，Iassureyou。Heforgedwills，thisbladedid，ifhedidn\'talsoputthesupposedtestatorstosleeptoo。YouwereagentlemanlyCove，though\'MrWemmickwasagainapostrophizing，`andyousaidyoucouldwriteGreek。Yah，Bounceable！Whataliaryouwere！I
nevermetsuchaliarasyou！\'Beforeputtinghislatefriendonhisshelfagain，Wemmicktouchedthelargestofhismourningringsandsaid，`Sentouttobuyitforme，onlythedaybefore。\'
Whilehewasputtinguptheothercastandcomingdownfromthechair，thethoughtcrossedmymindthatallhispersonaljewellerywasderivedfromlikesources。Ashehadshownnodiffidenceonthesubject，Iventuredonthelibertyofaskinghimthequestion，whenhestoodbeforeme，dustinghishands。
`Ohyes，\'hereturned，`theseareallgiftsofthatkind。Onebringsanother，yousee；that\'sthewayofit。Ialwaystake\'em。They\'recuriosities。
Andthey\'reproperty。Theymaynotbeworthmuch，but，afterall，they\'repropertyandportable。Itdon\'tsignifytoyouwithyourbrilliantlook-out，butastomyself，myguidingstaralwaysis，\"Getholdofportableproperty\"。\'
WhenIhadrenderedhomagetothislight，hewentontosay，inafriendlymanner:
`Ifatanyoddtimewhenyouhavenothingbettertodo，youwouldn\'tmindcomingovertoseemeatWalworth，Icouldofferyouabed，andI
shouldconsideritanhonour。Ihavenotmuchtoshowyou；butsuchtwoorthreecuriositiesasIhavegot，youmightliketolookover；andI
amfondofabitofgardenandasummer-house。\'
IsaidIshouldbedelightedtoaccepthishospitality。
`Thankee，\'saidhe；`thenwe\'llconsiderthatit\'stocomeoff，whenconvenienttoyou。HaveyoudinedwithMrJaggersyet？\'
`Notyet。\'
`Well，\'saidWemmick，`he\'llgiveyouwine，andgoodwine。I\'llgiveyoupunch，andnotbadpunch。andnowI\'lltellyousomething。WhenyougotodinewithMrJaggers，lookathishousekeeper。\'
`ShallIseesomethingveryuncommon？\'
`Well，\'saidWemmick，`you\'llseeawildbeasttamed。Notsoveryuncommon，you\'lltellme。Ireply，thatdependsontheoriginalwildnessofthebeast，andtheamountoftaming。Itwon\'tloweryouropinionofMrJaggers\'spowers。
Keepyoureyeonit。\'
ItoldhimIwoulddoso，withalltheinterestandcuriositythathispreparationawakened。AsIwastakingmydeparture，heaskedmeifIwouldliketodevotefiveminutestoseeingMrJaggers`atit？\'
Forseveralreasons，andnotleastbecauseIdidn\'tclearlyknowwhatMrJaggerswouldbefoundtobe`at，\'Irepliedintheaffirmative。WedivedintotheCity，andcameupinacrowdedpolicecourt，whereablood-relationinthemurderoussenseofthedeceasedwiththefancifultasteinbrooches，wasstandingatthebar，uncomfortablychewingsomething；whilemyguardianhadawomanunderexaminationorcross-examination-Idon\'tknowwhich-andwasstrikingher，andthebench，andeverybodypresent，withawe。
Ifanybody，ofwhatsoeverdegree，saidawordthathedidn\'tapproveof，heinstantlyrequiredtohaveit`takendown。\'Ifanybodywouldn\'tmakeanadmission，hesaid，`I\'llhaveitoutofyou！\'andifanybodymadeanadmission，hesaid，`NowIhavegotyou！\'themagistratesshiveredunderasinglebiteofhisfinger。Thievesandthieftakershungindreadraptureonhiswords，andshrankwhenahairofhiseyebrowsturnedintheirdirection。
Whichsidehewason，Icouldn\'tmakeout，forheseemedtometobegrindingthewholeplaceinamill；IonlyknowthatwhenIstoleoutontiptoe，hewasnotonthesideofthebench；for，hewasmakingthelegsoftheoldgentlemanwhopresided，quiteconvulsiveunderthetable，byhisdenunciationsofhisconductastherepresentativeofBritishlawandjusticeinthatchairthatday。
Chapter25
BENTLEYDRUMMLE，whowassosulkyafellowthatheeventookupabookasifitswriterhaddonehimaninjury，didnottakeupanacquaintanceinamoreagreeablespirit。Heavyinfigure，movement，andcomprehension-inthesluggishcomplexionofhisface，andinthelargeawkwardtonguethatseemedtolollaboutinhismouthashehimselflolledaboutinaroom-hewasidle，proud，niggardly，reserved，andsuspicious。HecameofrichpeopledowninSomersetshire，whohadnursedthiscombinationofqualitiesuntiltheymadethediscoverythatitwasjustofageandablockhead。
Thus，BentleyDrummlehadcometoMrPocketwhenhewasaheadtallerthanthatgentleman，andhalfadozenheadsthickerthanmostgentlemen。
Startophadbeenspoiltbyaweakmotherandkeptathomewhenheoughttohavebeenatschool，buthewasdevotedlyattachedtoher，andadmiredherbeyondmeasure。Hehadawoman\'sdelicacyoffeature，andwas-`asyoumaysee，thoughyouneversawher，\'saidHerberttome-exactlylikehismother。ItwasbutnaturalthatIshouldtaketohimmuchmorekindlythantoDrummle，andthat，evenintheearliesteveningsofourboating，heandIshouldpullhomewardabreastofoneanother，conversingfromboattoboat，whileBentleyDrummlecameupinourwakealone，undertheoverhangingbanksandamongtherushes。Hewouldalwayscreepin-shorelikesomeuncomfortableamphibiouscreature，evenwhenthetidewouldhavesenthimfastuponhisway；andIalwaysthinkofhimascomingafterusinthedarkorbytheback-water，whenourowntwoboatswerebreakingthesunsetorthemoonlightinmid-stream。
Herbertwasmyintimatecompanionandfriend。Ipresentedhimwithahalf-shareinmyboat，whichwastheoccasionofhisoftencomingdowntoHammersmith；andmypossessionofahalfshareinhischambersoftentookmeuptoLondon。Weusedtowalkbetweenthetwoplacesatallhours。
Ihaveanaffectionfortheroadyetthoughitisnotsopleasantaroadasitwasthen，formedintheimpressibilityofuntriedyouthandhope。
WhenIhadbeeninMrPocket\'sfamilyamonthortwo，MrandMrsCamillaturnedup。CamillawasMrPocket\'ssister。Georgiana，whomIhadseenatMissHavisham\'sonthesameoccasion，alsoturnedup。shewasacousin-anindigestivesinglewoman，whocalledherrigidityreligion，andherliverlove。Thesepeoplehatedmewiththehatredofcupidityanddisappointment。
Asamatterofcourse，theyfawneduponmeinmyprosperitywiththebasestmeanness。TowardsMrPocket，asagrown-upinfantwithnonotionofhisowninterests，theyshowedthecomplacentforbearanceIhadheardthemexpress。MrsPockettheyheldincontempt；buttheyallowedthepoorsoultohavebeenheavilydisappointedinlife，becausethatshedafeeblereflectedlightuponthemselves。
ThesewerethesurroundingsamongwhichIsettleddown，andappliedmyselftomyeducation。Isooncontractedexpensivehabits，andbegantospendanamountofmoneythatwithinafewshortmonthsIshouldhavethoughtalmostfabulous；butthroughgoodandevilIstucktomybooks。Therewasnoothermeritinthis，thanmyhavingsenseenoughtofeelmydeficiencies。
BetweenMrPocketandHerbertIgotonfast；and，withoneortheotheralwaysatmyelbowtogivemethestartIwanted，andclearobstructionsoutofmyroad，ImusthavebeenasgreatadoltasDrummleifIhaddoneless。
IhadnotseenMrWemmickforsomeweeks，whenIthoughtIwouldwritehimanoteandproposetogohomewithhimonacertainevening。Herepliedthatitwouldgivehimmuchpleasure，andthathewouldexpectmeattheofficeatsixo\'clock。ThitherIwent，andthereIfoundhim，puttingthekeyofhissafedownhisbackastheclockstruck。
`DidyouthinkofwalkingdowntoWalworth？\'saidhe。
`Certainly，\'saidI，`ifyouapprove。\'
`Verymuch，\'wasWemmick\'sreply，`forIhavehadmylegsunderthedeskallday，andshallbegladtostretchthem。Now，I\'lltellyouwhatIhavegotforsupper，MrPip。Ihavegotastewedsteak-whichisofhomepreparation-andacoldroastfowl-whichisfromthecook\'s-shop。
Ithinkit\'stender，becausethemasteroftheshopwasaJurymaninsomecasesofourstheotherday，andwelethimdowneasy。IremindedhimofitwhenIboughtthefowl，andIsaid，\"Pickusoutagoodone，oldBriton，becauseifwehadchosentokeepyouintheboxanotherdayortwo，wecouldeasilyhavedoneit。\"Hesaidtothat，\"Letmemakeyouapresentofthebestfowlintheshop。\"Ilethim，ofcourse。Asfarasitgoes，it\'spropertyandportable。Youdon\'tobjecttoanagedparent，Ihope？\'
Ireallythoughthewasstillspeakingofthefowl，untilheadded，`BecauseIhavegotanagedparentatmyplace。\'Ithensaidwhatpolitenessrequired。
`So，youhaven\'tdinedwithMrJaggersyet？\'hepursued，aswewalkedalong。
`Notyet。\'
`Hetoldmesothisafternoonwhenheheardyouwerecoming。Iexpectyou\'llhaveaninvitationto-morrow。He\'sgoingtoaskyourpals，too。
Threeof\'em；ain\'tthere？\'
AlthoughIwasnotinthehabitofcountingDrummleasoneofmyintimateassociates，Ianswered，`Yes。\'
`Well，he\'sgoingtoaskthewholegang；\'Ihardlyfeltcomplimentedbytheword；`andwhateverhegivesyou，he\'llgiveyougood。Don\'tlookforwardtovariety，butyou\'llhaveexcellence。Andthere\'sanotherrumthinginhishouse，\'proceededWemmick，afteramoment\'spause，asiftheremarkfollowedonthehousekeeperunderstood；`heneverletsadoororwindowbefastenedatnight。\'
`Isheneverrobbed？\'
`That\'sit！\'returnedWemmick。`Hesays，andgivesitoutpublicly，\"Iwanttoseethemanwho\'llrobme。\"Lordblessyou，Ihaveheardhim，ahundredtimesifIhaveheardhimonce，saytoregularcracksmeninourfrontoffice，\"YouknowwhereIlive；now，noboltiseverdrawnthere；whydon\'tyoudoastrokeofbusinesswithme？Come；can\'tItemptyou？\"Notamanofthem，sir，wouldbeboldenoughtotryiton，forloveormoney。\'
`Theydreadhimsomuch？\'saidI。
`Dreadhim，\'saidWemmick。`Ibelieveyoutheydreadhim。Notbutwhathe\'sartful，eveninhisdefianceofthem。Nosilver，sir。Britanniametal，everyspoon。\'
`Sotheywouldn\'thavemuch，\'Iobserved，`evenifthey——\'
`Ah！Buthewouldhavemuch，\'saidWemmick，cuttingmeshort，`andtheyknowit。He\'dhavetheirlives，andthelivesofscoresof\'em。
He\'dhaveallhecouldget。Andit\'simpossibletosaywhathecouldn\'tget，ifhegavehismindtoit。\'
Iwasfallingintomeditationonmyguardian\'sgreatness，whenWemmickremarked:
`Astotheabsenceofplate，that\'sonlyhisnaturaldepth，youknow。
Ariver\'sitsnaturaldepth，andhe\'shisnaturaldepth。Lookathiswatch-chain。
That\'srealenough。\'
`It\'sverymassive，\'saidI。
`Massive？\'repeatedWemmick。`Ithinkso。Andhiswatchisagoldrepeater，andworthahundredpoundifit\'sworthapenny。MrPip，thereareaboutsevenhundredthievesinthistownwhoknowallaboutthatwatch；there\'snotaman，awoman，orachild，amongthem，whowouldn\'tidentifythesmallestlinkinthatchain，anddropitasifitwasred-hot，ifinveigledintotouchingit。\'
Atfirstwithsuchdiscourse，andafterwardswithconversationofamoregeneralnature，didMrWemmickandIbeguilethetimeandtheroad，untilhegavemetounderstandthatwehadarrivedinthedistrictofWalworth。
Itappearedtobeacollectionofbacklanes，ditches，andlittlegardens，andtopresenttheaspectofaratherdullretirement。Wemmick\'shousewasalittlewoodencottageinthemidstofplotsofgarden，andthetopofitwascutoutandpaintedlikeabatterymountedwithguns。
`Myowndoing，\'saidWemmick。`Lookspretty；don\'tit？\'
Ihighlycommendedit，IthinkitwasthesmallesthouseIeversaw；
withthequeerestgothicwindowsbyfarthegreaterpartofthemsham，andagothicdoor，almosttoosmalltogetinat。
`That\'sarealflagstaff，yousee，\'saidWemmick，`andonSundaysI
runuparealflag。Thenlookhere。AfterIhavecrossedthisbridge，I
hoistitup-so-andcutoffthecommunication。\'
Thebridgewasaplank，anditcrossedachasmaboutfourfeetwideandtwodeep。Butitwasverypleasanttoseethepridewithwhichhehoisteditupandmadeitfast；smilingashedidso，witharelishandnotmerelymechanically。
`Atnineo\'clockeverynight，Greenwichtime，\'saidWemmick，`thegunfires。Thereheis，yousee！Andwhenyouhearhimgo，Ithinkyou\'llsayhe\'saStinger。\'
Thepieceofordnancereferredto，wasmountedinaseparatefortress，constructedoflattice-work。Itwasprotectedfromtheweatherbyaningeniouslittletarpaulincontrivanceinthenatureofanumbrella。
`Then，attheback，\'saidWemmick，`outofsight，soasnottoimpedetheideaoffortifications-forit\'saprinciplewithme，ifyouhaveanidea，carryitoutandkeepitup-Idon\'tknowwhetherthat\'syouropinion——\'
Isaid，decidedly。
`-Attheback，there\'sapig，andtherearefowlsandrabbits；then，Iknocktogethermyownlittleframe，yousee，andgrowcucumbers；andyou\'lljudgeatsupperwhatsortofasaladIcanraise。So，sir，\'saidWemmick，smilingagain，butseriouslytoo，asheshookhishead，`ifyoucansupposethelittleplacebesieged，itwouldholdoutadevilofatimeinpointofprovisions。\'
Then，heconductedmetoaboweraboutadozenyardsoff，butwhichwasapproachedbysuchingenioustwistsofpaththatittookquitealongtimetogetat；andinthisretreatourglasseswerealreadysetforth。
Ourpunchwascoolinginanornamentallake，onwhosemarginthebowerwasraised。Thispieceofwaterwithanislandinthemiddlewhichmighthavebeenthesaladforsupperwasofacircularform，andhehadconstructedafountaininit，which，whenyousetalittlemillgoingandtookacorkoutofapipe，playedtothatpowerfulextentthatitmadethebackofyourhandquitewet。