`Iammyownengineer，andmyowncarpenter，andmyownplumber，andmyowngardener，andmyownJackofallTrades，\'saidWemmick，inacknowledgingmycompliments。`Well；it\'sagoodthing，youknow。ItbrushestheNewgatecobwebsaway，andpleasestheAged。Youwouldn\'tmindbeingatonceintroducedtotheAged，wouldyou？Itwouldn\'tputyouout？\'
IexpressedthereadinessIfelt，andwewentintothecastle。There，wefound，sittingbyafire，averyoldmaninaflannelcoat:clean，cheerful，comfortable，andwellcaredfor，butintenselydeaf。
`Wellagedparent，\'saidWemmick，shakinghandswithhiminacordialandjocoseway，`howamyou？\'
`Allright，John；allright！\'repliedtheoldman。
`Here\'sMrPip，agedparent，\'saidWemmick，`andIwishyoucouldhearhisname。Nodawayathim，MrPip；that\'swhathelikes。Nodawayathim，ifyouplease，likewinking！\'
`Thisisafineplaceofmyson\'s，sir，\'criedtheoldman，whileI
noddedashardasIpossiblycould。`Thisisaprettypleasureground，sir。
ThisspotandthesebeautifulworksuponitoughttobekepttogetherbytheNation，aftermyson\'stime，forthepeople\'senjoyment。\'
`You\'reasproudofitasPunch；ain\'tyou，Aged？\'saidWemmick，contemplatingtheoldman，withhishardfacereallysoftened；`there\'sanodforyou；\'givinghimatremendousone；`there\'sanotherforyou；\'
givinghimastillmoretremendousone；`youlikethat，don\'tyou？Ifyou\'renottired，MrPip-thoughIknowit\'stiringtostrangers-willyoutiphimonemore？Youcan\'tthinkhowitpleaseshim。\'
Itippedhimseveralmore，andhewasingreatspirits。Welefthimbestirringhimselftofeedthefowls，andwesatdowntoourpunchinthearbour；whereWemmicktoldmeashesmokedapipethatithadtakenhimagoodmanyyearstobringthepropertyuptoitspresentpitchofperfection。
`Isityourown，MrWemmick？\'
`Oyes，\'saidWemmick，`Ihavegotholdofit，abitatatime。It\'safreehold，byGeorge！\'
`Isit，indeed？IhopeMrJaggersadmiresit？\'
`Neverseenit，\'saidWemmick。`Neverheardofit。NeverseentheAged。
Neverheardofhim。No；theofficeisonething，andprivatelifeisanother。
WhenIgointotheoffice，IleavetheCastlebehindme，andwhenIcomeintotheCastle，Ileavetheofficebehindme。Ifit\'snotinanywaydisagreeabletoyou，you\'llobligemebydoingthesame。Idon\'twishitprofessionallyspokenabout。\'
OfcourseIfeltmygoodfaithinvolvedintheobservanceofhisrequest。
Thepunchbeingverynice，wesattheredrinkingitandtalking，untilitwasalmostnineo\'clock。`Gettingneargun-fire，\'saidWemmickthen，ashelaiddownhispipe；`it\'stheAged\'streat。\'
ProceedingintotheCastleagain，wefoundtheAgedheatingthepoker，withexpectanteyes，asapreliminarytotheperformanceofthisgreatnightlyceremony。Wemmickstoodwithhiswatchinhishand，untilthemomentwascomeforhimtotakethered-hotpokerfromtheAged，andrepairofthebattery。Hetookit，andwentout，andpresentlytheStingerwentoffwithaBangthatshookthecrazylittleboxofacottageasifitmustfalltopieces，andmadeeveryglassandteacupinitring。Uponthis，theAged-whoIbelievewouldhavebeenblownoutofhisarm-chairbutforholdingonbytheelbows-criedoutexultingly，`He\'sfired！Iheerdhim！\'andInoddedattheoldgentlemanuntilitisnofigureofspeechtodeclarethatIabsolutelycouldnotseehim。
Theintervalbetweenthattimeandsupper，Wemmickdevotedtoshowingmehiscollectionofcuriosities。Theyweremostlyofafeloniouscharacter；
comprisingthepenwithwhichacelebratedforgeryhadbeencommitted，adistinguishedrazorortwo，somelocksofhair，andseveralmanuscriptconfessionswrittenundercondemnation-uponwhichMrWemmicksetparticularvalueasbeing，tousehisownwords，`everyoneof\'emLies，sir。\'Thesewereagreeablydispersedamongsmallspecimensofchinaandglass，variousneattriflesmadebytheproprietorofthemuseum，andsometobacco-stopperscarvedbytheAged。TheywerealldisplayedinthatchamberoftheCastleintowhichIhadbeenfirstinducted，andwhichserved，notonlyasthegeneralsitting-roombutasthekitchentoo，ifImightjudgefromasaucepanonthehob，andabrazenbijouoverthefireplacedesignedforthesuspensionofaroasting-jack。
Therewasaneatlittlegirlinattendance，wholookedaftertheAgedintheday。Whenshehadlaidthesupper-cloth，thebridgewasloweredtogivehermeansofegress，andshewithdrewforthenight。Thesupperwasexcellent；andthoughtheCastlewasrathersubjecttodry-rotinsomuchthatittastedlikeabadnut，andthoughthepigmighthavebeenfartheroff，Iwasheartilypleasedwithmywholeentertainment。Norwasthereanydrawbackonmylittleturretbedroom，beyondtherebeingsuchaverythinceilingbetweenmeandtheflagstaff，thatwhenIlaydownonmybackinbed，itseemedasifIhadtobalancethatpoleonmyforeheadallnight。
Wemmickwasupearlyinthemorning，andIamafraidIheardhimcleaningmyboots。Afterthat，hefelltogardening，andIsawhimfrommygothicwindowpretendingtoemploytheAged，andnoddingathiminamostdevotedmanner。Ourbreakfastwasasgoodasthesupper，andathalf-pasteightpreciselywestartedforLittleBritain。Bydegrees，Wemmickgotdryerandharderaswewentalong，andhismouthtightenedintoapost-officeagain。Atlast，whenwegottohisplaceofbusinessandhepulledouthiskeyfromhiscoat-collar，helookedasunconsciousofhisWalworthpropertyasiftheCastleandthedrawbridgeandthearbourandthelakeandthefountainandtheAged，hadallbeenblownintospacetogetherbythelastdischargeoftheStinger。
Chapter26
ITfelloutasWemmickhadtoldmeitwould，thatIhadanearlyopportunityofcomparingmyguardian\'sestablishmentwiththatofhiscashierandclerk。
Myguardianwasinhisroom，washinghishandswithhisscentedsoap，whenIwentintotheofficefromWalworth；andhecalledmetohim，andgavemetheinvitationformyselfandfriendswhichWemmickhadpreparedmetoreceive。`Noceremony，\'hestipulated，`andnodinnerdress，andsaytomorrow。\'IaskedhimwhereweshouldcometoforIhadnoideawherehelived，andIbelieveitwasinhisgeneralobjectiontomakeanythinglikeanadmission，thathereplied，`Comehere，andI\'lltakeyouhomewithme。\'Iembracethisopportunityofremarkingthathewashedhisclientsoff，asifhewereasurgeonoradentist。Hehadaclosetinhisroom，fittedupforthepurpose，whichsmeltofthescentedsoaplikeaperfumer\'sshop。Ithadanunusuallylargejack-towelonarollerinsidethedoor，andhewouldwashhishands，andwipethemanddrythemalloverthistowel，wheneverhecameinfromapolice-courtordismissedaclientfromhisroom。WhenIandmyfriendsrepairedtohimatsixo\'clocknextday，heseemedtohavebeenengagedonacaseofadarkercomplexionthanusual，for，wefoundhimwithhisheadbuttedintothiscloset，notonlywashinghishands，butlavinghisfaceandgarglinghisthroat。Andevenwhenhehaddoneallthat，andhadgoneallroundthejack-towel，hetookouthispenknifeandscrapedthecaseoutofhisnailsbeforeheputhiscoaton。
Thereweresomepeopleslinkingaboutasusualwhenwepassedoutintothestreet，whowereevidentlyanxioustospeakwithhim；buttherewassomethingsoconclusiveinthehaloofscentedsoapwhichencircledhispresence，thattheygaveitupforthatday。Aswewalkedalongwestward，hewasrecognizedeverandagainbysomefaceinthecrowdofthestreets，andwheneverthathappenedhetalkedloudertome；butheneverotherwiserecognizedanybody，ortooknoticethatanybodyrecognizedhim。
HeconductedustoGerrard-street，Soho，toahouseonthesouthsideofthatstreet。Ratherastatelyhouseofitskind，butdolefullyinwantofpainting，andwithdirtywindows。Hetookouthiskeyandopenedthedoor，andweallwentintoastonehall，bare，gloomy，andlittleused。
So，upadarkbrownstaircaseintoaseriesofthreedarkbrownroomsonthefirstfloor。Therewerecarvedgarlandsonthepanelledwalls，andashestoodamongthemgivinguswelcome，IknowwhatkindofloopsIthoughttheylookedlike。
Dinnerwaslaidinthebestoftheserooms；thesecondwashisdressing-room；
thethird，hisbedroom。Hetoldusthatheheldthewholehouse，butrarelyusedmoreofitthanwesaw。Thetablewascomfortablylaid-nosilverintheservice，ofcourse-andatthesideofhischairwasacapaciousdumb-waiter，withavarietyofbottlesanddecantersonit，andfourdishesoffruitfordessert。Inoticedthroughout，thathekepteverythingunderhisownhand，anddistributedeverythinghimself。
Therewasabookcaseintheroom；Isaw，fromthebacksofthebooks，thattheywereaboutevidence，criminallaw，criminalbiography，trials，actsofparliament，andsuchthings。Thefurniturewasallverysolidandgood，likehiswatch-chain。Ithadanofficiallook，however，andtherewasnothingmerelyornamentaltobeseen。Inacorner，wasalittletableofpaperswithashadedlamp:sothatheseemedtobringtheofficehomewithhiminthatrespecttoo，andtowheelitoutofaneveningandfalltowork。
Ashehadscarcelyseenmythreecompanionsuntilnow-for，heandIhadwalkedtogether-hestoodonthehearth-rug，afterringingthebell，andtookasearchinglookatthem。Tomysurprise，heseemedatoncetobeprincipallyifnotsolelyinterestedinDrummle。
`Pip，\'saidhe，puttinghislargehandonmyshoulderandmovingmetothewindow，`Idon\'tknowonefromtheother。Who\'stheSpider？\'
`Thespider？\'saidI。
`Theblotchy，sprawly，sulkyfellow。\'
`That\'sBentleyDrummle，\'Ireplied；`theonewiththedelicatefaceisStartop。\'
Notmakingtheleastaccountof`theonewiththedelicateface，\'hereturned，`BentleyDrummleishisname，isit？Ilikethelookofthatfellow。\'
HeimmediatelybegantotalktoDrummle:notatalldeterredbyhisreplyinginhisheavyreticentway，butapparentlyledonbyittoscrewdiscourseoutofhim。Iwaslookingatthetwo，whentherecamebetweenmeandthem，thehousekeeper，withthefirstdishforthetable。
Shewasawomanofaboutforty，Isupposed-butImayhavethoughtheryoungerthanshewas。Rathertall，ofalithenimblefigure，extremelypale，withlargefadedeyes，andaquantityofstreaminghair。Icannotsaywhetheranydiseasedaffectionoftheheartcausedherlipstobepartedasifshewerepanting，andherfacetobearacuriousexpressionofsuddennessandflutter；butIknowthatIhadbeentoseeMacbethatthetheatre，anightortwobefore，andthatherfacelookedtomeasifitwerealldisturbedbyfieryair，likethefacesIhadseenriseoutoftheWitches\'
caldron。
Shesetthedishon，touchedmyguardianquietlyonthearmwithafingertonotifythatdinnerwasready，andvanished。Wetookourseatsattheroundtable，andmyguardiankeptDrummleononesideofhim，whileStartopsatontheother。Itwasanobledishoffishthatthehousekeeperhadputontable，andwehadajointofequallychoicemuttonafterwards，andthenanequallychoicebird。Sauces，wines，alltheaccessorieswewanted，andallofthebest，weregivenoutbyourhostfromhisdumb-waiter；andwhentheyhadmadethecircuitofthetable，healwaysputthembackagain。
Similarly，hedealtuscleanplatesandknivesandforks，foreachcourse，anddroppedthosejustdisusedintotwobasketsonthegroundbyhischair。
Nootherattendantthanthehousekeeperappeared。Shesetoneverydish；
andIalwayssawinherface，afacerisingoutofthecaldron。Yearsafterwards，Imadeadreadfullikenessofthatwoman，bycausingafacethathadnoothernaturalresemblancetoitthanitderivedfromflowinghair，topassbehindabowlofflamingspiritsinadarkroom。
Inducedtotakeparticularnoticeofthehousekeeper，bothbyherownstrikingappearanceandbyWemmick\'spreparation，Iobservedthatwhenevershewasintheroom，shekepthereyesattentivelyonmyguardian，andthatshewouldremoveherhandsfromanydishsheputbeforehim，hesitatingly，asifshedreadedhiscallingherback，andwantedhimtospeakwhenshewasnigh，ifhehadanythingtosay。IfanciedthatIcoulddetectinhismanneraconsciousnessofthis，andapurposeofalwaysholdingherinsuspense。
Dinnerwentoffgaily，and，althoughmyguardianseemedtofollowratherthanoriginatesubjects，Iknewthathewrenchedtheweakestpartofourdispositionsoutofus。Formyself，IfoundthatIwasexpressingmytendencytolavishexpenditure，andtopatronizeHerbert，andtoboastofmygreatprospects，beforeIquiteknewthatIhadopenedmylips。Itwassowithallofus，butwithnoonemorethanDrummle:thedevelopmentofwhoseinclinationtogirdinagrudgingandsuspiciouswayattherest，wasscrewedoutofhimbeforethefishwastakenoff。
Itwasnotthen，butwhenwehadgottothecheese，thatourconversationturneduponourrowingfeats，andthatDrummlewasralliedforcomingupbehindofanightinthatslowamphibiouswayofhis。Drummleuponthis，informedourhostthathemuchpreferredourroomtoourcompany，andthatastoskillhewasmorethanourmaster，andthatastostrengthhecouldscatteruslikechaff。Bysomeinvisibleagency，myguardianwoundhimuptoapitchlittleshortofferocityaboutthistrifle；andhefelltobaringandspanninghisarmtoshowhowmuscularitwas，andweallfelltobaringandspanningourarmsinaridiculousmanner。
Now，thehousekeeperwasatthattimeclearingthetable；myguardian，takingnoheedofher，butwiththesideofhisfaceturnedfromher，wasleaningbackinhischairbitingthesideofhisforefingerandshowinganinterestinDrummle，that，tome，wasquiteinexplicable。Suddenly，heclappedhislargehandonthehousekeeper\'s，likeatrap，asshestretcheditacrossthetable。Sosuddenlyandsmartlydidhedothis，thatweallstoppedinourfoolishcontention。
`Ifyoutalkofstrength，\'saidMrJaggers，`I\'llshowyouawrist。Molly，letthemseeyourwrist。\'
Herentrappedhandwasonthetable，butshehadalreadyputherotherhandbehindherwaist。`Master，\'shesaid，inalowvoice，withhereyesattentivelyandentreatinglyfixeduponhim。`Don\'t。\'
`I\'llshowyouawrist，\'repeatedMrJaggers，withanimmovabledeterminationtoshowit。`Molly，letthemseeyourwrist。\'
`Master，\'sheagainmurmured。`Please！\'
`Molly，\'saidMrJaggers，notlookingather，butobstinatelylookingattheoppositesideoftheroom，`letthemseebothyourwrists。
Showthem。Come！\'
Hetookhishandfromhers，andturnedthatwristuponthetable。Shebroughtherotherhandfrombehindher，andheldthetwooutsidebyside。
Thelastwristwasmuchdisfigured-deeplyscarredandscarredacrossandacross。Whensheheldherhandsout，shetookhereyesfromMrJaggers，andturnedthemwatchfullyoneveryoneoftherestofusinsuccession。
`There\'spowerhere，\'saidMrJaggers，coollytracingoutthesinewswithhisforefinger。`Veryfewmenhavethepowerofwristthatthiswomanhas。It\'sremarkablewhatmereforceofgripthereisinthesehands。I
havehadoccasiontonoticemanyhands；butIneversawstrongerinthatrespect，man\'sorwoman\'s，thanthese。\'
Whilehesaidthesewordsinaleisurelycriticalstyle，shecontinuedtolookateveryoneofusinregularsuccessionaswesat。Themomentheceased，shelookedathimagain。`That\'lldo，Molly，\'saidMrJaggers，givingheraslightnod；`youhavebeenadmired，andcango。\'Shewithdrewherhandsandwentoutoftheroom，andMrJaggers，puttingthedecantersonfromhisdumbwaiter，filledhisglassandpassedroundthewine。
`Athalf-pastnine，gentlemen，\'saidhe，`wemustbreakup。Praymakethebestuseofyourtime。Iamgladtoseeyouall。MrDrummle，Idrinktoyou。\'
IfhisobjectinsinglingoutDrummleweretobringhimoutstillmore，itperfectlysucceeded。Inasulkytriumph，Drummleshowedhismorosedepreciationoftherestofus，inamoreandmoreoffensivedegreeuntilhebecamedownrightintolerable。Throughallhisstages，MrJaggersfollowedhimwiththesamestrangeinterest。HeactuallyseemedtoserveasazesttoMrJaggers\'swine。
InourboyishwantofdiscretionIdaresaywetooktoomuchtodrink，andIknowwetalkedtoomuch。webecameparticularlyhotuponsomeboorishsneerofDrummle\'s，totheeffectthatweweretoofreewithourmoney。
Itledtomyremarking，withmorezealthandiscretion，thatitcamewithabadgracefromhim，towhomStartophadlentmoneyinmypresencebutaweekorsobefore。
`Well，\'retortedDrummle；`he\'llbepaid。\'
`Idon\'tmeantoimplythathewon\'t，\'saidI，`butitmightmakeyouholdyourtongueaboutusandourmoney，Ishouldthink。\'
`Youshouldthink！\'retortedDrummle。`OhLord！\'
\'Idaresay，\'Iwenton，meaningtobeverysevere，`thatyouwouldn\'tlendmoneytoanyofus，ifwewantedit。\'
`Youareright，\'saidDrummle。`Iwouldn\'tlendoneofyouasixpence。
Iwouldn\'tlendanybodyasixpence。\'
`Rathermeantoborrowunderthosecircumstances，Ishouldsay。\'
`Youshouldsay，\'repeatedDrummle。`OhLord！\'
Thiswassoveryaggravating-themoreespeciallyasIfoundmyselfmakingnowayagainsthissurlyobtuseness-thatIsaid，disregardingHerbert\'seffortstocheckme:
`Come，MrDrummle，sinceweareonthesubject，I\'lltellyouwhatpassedbetweenHerberthereandme，whenyouborrowedthatmoney。\'
`Idon\'twanttoknowwhatpassedbetweenHerbertthereandyou，\'
growledDrummle。AndIthinkheaddedinalowergrowl，thatwemightbothgotothedevilandshakeourselves。
`I\'lltellyou，however，\'saidI，`whetheryouwanttoknowornot。
Wesaidthatasyouputitinyourpocketverygladtogetit，youseemedtobeimmenselyamusedathisbeingsoweakastolendit。\'
Drummlelaughedoutright，andsatlaughinginourfaces，withhishandsinhispocketsandhisroundshouldersraised:plainlysignifyingthatitwasquitetrue，andthathedespisedus，asassesall。
HereuponStartoptookhiminhand，thoughwithamuchbettergracethanIhadshown，andexhortedhimtobealittlemoreagreeable。Startop，beingalivelybrightyoungfellow，andDrummlebeingtheexactopposite，thelatterwasalwaysdisposedtoresenthimasadirectpersonalaffront。
Henowretortedinacoarselumpishway，andStartoptriedtoturnthediscussionasidewithsomesmallpleasantrythatmadeusalllaugh。Resentingthislittlesuccessmorethananything，Drummle，withoutanythreatorwarning，pulledhishandsoutofhispockets，droppedhisroundshoulders，swore，tookupalargeglass，andwouldhaveflungitathisadversary\'shead，butforourentertainer\'sdexterouslyseizingitattheinstantwhenitwasraisedforthatpurpose。
`Gentlemen，\'saidMrJaggers，deliberatelyputtingdowntheglass，andhaulingouthisgoldrepeaterbyitsmassivechain，`Iamexceedinglysorrytoannouncethatit\'shalf-pastnine。\'
Onthishintweallrosetodepart。Beforewegottothestreetdoor，StartopwascheerilycallingDrummle`oldboy，\'asifnothinghadhappened。
Buttheoldboywassofarfromresponding，thathewouldnotevenwalktoHammersmithonthesamesideoftheway；so，HerbertandI，whoremainedintown，sawthemgoingdownthestreetonoppositesides；Startopleading，andDrummlelaggingbehindintheshadowofthehouses，muchashewaswonttofollowinhisboat。
Asthedoorwasnotyetshut，IthoughtIwouldleaveHerbertthereforamoment，andrunup-stairsagaintosayawordtomyguardian。Ifoundhiminhisdressing-roomsurroundedbyhisstockofboots，alreadyhardatit，washinghishandsofus。
ItoldhimIhadcomeupagaintosayhowsorryIwasthatanythingdisagreeableshouldhaveoccurred，andthatIhopedhewouldnotblamememuch。
`Pooh！\'saidhe，sluicinghisface，andspeakingthroughthewater-drops；
`it\'snothing，Pip。IlikethatSpiderthough。\'
Hehadturnedtowardsmenow，andwasshakinghishead，andblowing，andtowellinghimself。
`Iamgladyoulikehim，sir，\'saidI-`butIdon\'t。\'
`No，no，\'myguardianassented；`don\'thavetoomuchtodowithhim。
Keepasclearofhimasyoucan。ButIlikethefellow，Pip；heisoneofthetruesort。Why，ifIwasafortune-teller——\'
Lookingoutofthetowel，hecaughtmyeye。
`ButIamnotafortune-teller，\'hesaid，lettinghisheaddropintoafestoonoftowel，andtowellingawayathistwoears。`YouknowwhatIam，don\'tyou？Good-night，Pip。\'
`Good-night，sir。\'
Inaboutamonthafterthat，theSpider\'stimewithMrPocketwasupforgood，and，tothegreatreliefofallthehousebutMrsPocket，hewenthometothefamilyhole。
Chapter27`MYDEARMRPIP，`IwritethisbyrequestofMrGargery，fortoletyouknowthatheisgoingtoLondonincompanywithMrWopsleandwouldbegladifagreeabletobeallowedtoseeyou。HewouldcallatBarnard\'sHotelTuesdaymorningatnineo\'clock，whenifnotagreeablepleaseleaveword。Yourpoorsisterismuchthesameaswhenyouleft。Wetalkofyouinthekitcheneverynight，andwonderwhatyouaresayinganddoing。Ifnowconsideredinthelightofaliberty，excuseitfortheloveofpoorolddays。Nomore，dearMrPip，from`Youreverobliged，andaffectionateservant，`BIDDY。\'
`P。S。Hewishesmemostparticulartowritewhatlarks。Hesaysyouwillunderstand。Ihopeanddonotdoubtitwillbeagreeabletoseehimeventhoughagentleman，foryouhadeveragoodheart，andheisaworthyworthyman。Ihavereadhimallexceptingonlythelastlittlesentence，andhewishesmemostparticulartowriteagainwhatlarks。\'IreceivedthisletterbypostonMondaymorning，andthereforeitsappointmentwasfornextday。Letmeconfessexactly，withwhatfeelingsIlookedforwardtoJoe\'scoming。
Notwithpleasure，thoughIwasboundtohimbysomanyties；no；withconsiderabledisturbance，somemortification，andakeensenseofincongruity。
IfIcouldhavekepthimawaybypayingmoney，Icertainlywouldhavepaidmoney。Mygreatestreassurancewas，thathewascomingtoBarnard\'sInn，nottoHammersmith，andconsequentlywouldnotfallinBentleyDrummle\'sway。IhadlittleobjectiontohisbeingseenbyHerbertorhisfather，forbothofwhomIhadarespect；butIhadthesharpestsensitivenessastohisbeingseenbyDrummle，whomIheldincontempt。So，throughoutlife，ourworstweaknessesandmeannessesareusuallycommittedforthesakeofthepeoplewhomwemostdespise。
Ihadbeguntobealwaysdecoratingthechambersinsomequiteunnecessaryandinappropriatewayorother，andveryexpensivethosewrestleswithBarnardprovedtobe。Bythistime，theroomswerevastlydifferentfromwhatIhadfoundthem，andIenjoyedthehonourofoccupyingafewprominentpagesinthebooksofaneighbouringupholsterer。Ihadgotonsofastoflate，thatIhadevenstartedaboyinboots-topboots-inbondageandslaverytowhomImighthavebeensaidtopassmydays。For，afterIhadmadethemonsteroutoftherefuseofmywasherwoman\'sfamilyandhadclothedhimwithabluecoat，canarywaistcoat，whitecravat，creamybreeches，andthebootsalreadymentioned，Ihadtofindhimalittletodoandagreatdealtoeat；andwithbothofthosehorriblerequirementshehauntedmyexistence。
ThisavengingphantomwasorderedtobeondutyateightonTuesdaymorninginthehallitwastwofeetsquare，aschargedforfloorcloth，andHerbertsuggestedcertainthingsforbreakfastthathethoughtJoewouldlike。WhileIfeltsincerelyobligedtohimforbeingsointerestedandconsiderate，Ihadanoddhalf-provokedsenseofsuspicionuponme，thatifJoehadbeencomingtoseehim，hewouldn\'thavebeenquitesobriskaboutit。
However，IcameintotownontheMondaynighttobereadyforJoe，andIgotupearlyinthemorning，andcausedthesittingroomandbreakfast-tabletoassumetheirmostsplendidappearance。Unfortunatelythemorningwasdrizzly，andanangelcouldnothaveconcealedthefacttheBarnardwassheddingsootytearsoutsidethewindow，likesomeweakgiantofaSweep。
AsthetimeapproachedIshouldhavelikedtorunaway，buttheAvengerpursuanttoorderswasinthehall，andpresentlyIheardJoeonthestaircase。
IknewitwasJoe，byhisclumsymannerofcomingup-stairs-hisstatebootsbeingalwaystoobigforhim-andbythetimeittookhimtoreadthenamesontheotherfloorsinthecourseofhisascent。Whenatlasthestoppedoutsideourdoor，Icouldhearhisfingertracingoverthepaintedlettersofmyname，andIafterwardsdistinctlyheardhimbreathinginatthekeyhole。Finallyhegaveafaintsinglerap，andPepper-suchwasthecompromisingnameoftheavengingboy-announced`MrGargery！\'Ithoughtheneverwouldhavedonewipinghisfeet，andthatImusthavegoneouttolifthimoffthemat，butatlasthecamein。
`Joe，howareyou，Joe？\'
`Pip，howAIRyou，Pip？\'
Withhisgoodhonestfaceallglowingandshining，andhishatputdownonthefloorbetweenus，hecaughtbothmyhandsandworkedthemstraightupanddown，asifIhadbeenthelastpatentedPump。
`Iamgladtoseeyou，Joe。Givemeyourhat。\'
ButJoe，takingitupcarefullywithbothhands，likeabird\'s-nestwitheggsinit，wouldn\'thearofpartingwiththatpieceofproperty，andpersistedinstandingtalkingoveritinamostuncomfortableway。
`Whichyouhavethatgrowed，\'saidJoe，`andthatswelled，andthatgentle-folked；\'Joeconsideredalittlebeforehediscoveredthisword；
`astobesureyouareahonourtoyourkingandcountry。\'
`Andyou，Joe，lookwonderfullywell。\'
`ThankGod，\'saidJoe，`I\'mekervaltomost。Andyoursister，she\'snoworsethanshewere。AndBiddy，she\'severrightandready。Andallfriendsisnobackerder，ifnotnoforarder。\'Ceptin\'Wopsle；he\'shadadrop。\'
Allthistimestillwithbothhandstakinggreatcareofthebird\'s-nest，Joewasrollinghiseyesroundandroundtheroom，androundandroundthefloweredpatternofmydressing-gown。
`Hadadrop，Joe？\'
`Whyyes，\'saidJoe，loweringhisvoice，`he\'slefttheChurch，andwentintotheplayacting。WhichtheplayactinghavelikewaysbroughthimtoLondonalongwithme。Andhiswishwere，\'saidJoe，gettingthebird\'s-nestunderhisleftarmforthemomentandgropinginitforaneggwithhisright；`ifnooffence，asIwould\'andyouthat。\'
ItookwhatJoegaveme，andfoundittobethecrumpledplaybillofasmallmetropolitantheatre，announcingthefirstappearance，inthatveryweek，of`thecelebratedProvincialAmateurofRoscianrenown，whoseuniqueperformanceinthehighesttragicwalkofourNationalBardhaslatelyoccasionedsogreatasensationinlocaldramaticcircles。\'
`Wereyouathisperformance，Joe？\'Iinquired。
`Iwere，\'saidJoe，withemphasisandsolemnity。
`Wasthereagreatsensation？\'
`Why，\'saidJoe，`yes，therecertainlywereapeckoforangepeel。Partickler，whenheseetheghost。ThoughIputittoyourself，sir，whetheritwerecalc\'latedtokeepamanuptohisworkwithagoodhart，tobecontiniwallycuttinginbetwixthimandtheGhostwithMqq>Amen！\"Amanmayhavehadamisfortun\'andbeenintheChurch，\'saidJoe，loweringhisvoicetoanargumentativeandfeelingtone，`butthatisnoreasonwhyyoushouldputhimoutatsuchatime。WhichImeantersay，iftheghostofaman\'sownfathercannotbeallowedtoclaimhisattention，whatcan，Sir？Stillmore，whenhismourning`atisunfortunatelymadesosmallasthattheweightoftheblackfeathersbringsitoff，trytokeepitonhowyoumay。\'
Aghost-seeingeffectinJoe\'sowncountenanceinformedmethatHerberthadenteredtheroom。So，IpresentedJoetoHerbert，whoheldouthishand；butJoebackedfromit，andheldonbythebird\'s-nest。
`Yourservant，Sir，\'saidJoe，`whichIhopeasyouandPip\'-herehiseyefellontheAvenger，whowasputtingsometoastontable，andsoplainlydenotedanintentiontomakethatyounggentlemanoneofthefamily，thatIfrowneditdownandconfusedhimmore-`Imeantersay，youtwogentlemen-whichIhopeasyougetyourelthsinthisclosespot？Forthepresentmaybeawerrygoodinn，accordingtoLondonopinions，\'saidJoe，confidentially，`andIbelieveitscharacterdostandi；butIwouldn\'tkeepapiginitmyself-notinthecasethatIwishedhimtofattenwholesomeandtoeatwithamellerflavouronhim。\'
Havingbornethisflatteringtestimonytothemeritsofourdwelling-place，andhavingincidentallyshownthistendencytocallme`sir，\'Joe，beinginvitedtositdowntotable，lookedallroundtheroomforasuitablespotonwhichtodeposithishat-asifitwereonlyonsomeveryfewraresubstancesinnaturethatitcouldfindarestingplace-andultimatelystooditonanextremecornerofthechimney-piece，fromwhichiteverafterwardsfelloffatintervals。
`Doyoutaketea，orcoffee，MrGargery？\'askedHerbert，whoalwayspresidedofamorning。
`Thankee，Sir，\'saidJoe，stifffromheadtofoot，`I\'lltakewhicheverismostagreeabletoyourself。\'
`Whatdoyousaytocoffee？\'
`Thankee，Sir，\'returnedJoe，evidentlydispiritedbytheproposal，`sinceyouaresokindasmakechiceofcoffee，Iwillnotruncontrairytoyourownopinions。Butdon\'tyouneverfinditalittle\'eating？\'
`Sayteathen，\'saidHerbert，pouringitout。
HereJoe\'shattumbledoffthemantel-piece，andhestartedoutofhischairandpickeditup，andfittedittothesameexactspot。Asifitwereanabsolutepointofgoodbreedingthatitshouldtumbleoffagainsoon。
`Whendidyoucometotown，MrGargery？\'
`Wereityesterdayafternoon？\'saidJoe，aftercoughingbehindhishand，asifhehadhadtimetocatchthewhooping-coughsincehecame。`Noitwerenot。Yesitwere。Yes。Itwereyesterdayafternoon\'withanappearanceofmingledwisdom，relief，andstrictimpartiality。
`HaveyouseenanythingofLondon，yet？\'
`Why，yes，Sir，\'saidJoe，`meandWopslewentoffstraighttolookattheBlackingWare\'us。Butwedidn\'tfindthatitcomeuptoitslikenessintheredbillsattheshopdoors；whichImeantersay，\'addedJoe，inanexplanatorymanner，`asitistheredrawdtooarchitectooralooral。\'
IreallybelieveJoewouldhaveprolongedthiswordmightilyexpressivetomymindofsomearchitecturethatIknowintoaperfectChorus，butforhisattentionbeingprovidentiallyattractedbyhishat，whichwastoppling。Indeed，itdemandedfromhimaconstantattention，andaquicknessofeyeandhand，verylikethatexactedbywicket-keeping。Hemadeextraordinaryplaywithit，andshowedthegreatestskill；now，rushingatitandcatchingitneatlyasitdropped；now，merelystoppingitmidway，beatingitup，andhumouringitinvariouspartsoftheroomandagainstagooddealofthepatternofthepaperonthewall，beforehefeltitsafetoclosewithit；finally，splashingitintotheslop-basin，whereItookthelibertyoflayinghandsuponit。
Astohisshirt-collar，andhiscoat-collar，theywereperplexingtoreflectupon-insolublemysteriesboth。Whyshouldamanscrapehimselftothatextent，beforehecouldconsiderhimselffulldressed？Whyshouldhesupposeitnecessarytobepurifiedbysufferingforhisholidayclothes？
Thenhefellintosuchunaccountablefitsofmeditation，withhisforkmidwaybetweenhisplateandhismouth；hadhiseyesattractedinsuchstrangedirections；wasafflictedwithsuchremarkablecoughs；satsofarfromthetable，anddroppedsomuchmorethanheate，andpretendedthathehadn\'tdroppedit；thatIwasheartilygladwhenHerbertleftusforthecity。
Ihadneitherthegoodsensenorthegoodfeelingtoknowthatthiswasallmyfault，andthatifIhadbeeneasierwithJoe，Joewouldhavebeeneasierwithme。Ifeltimpatientofhimandoutoftemperwithhim；
inwhichconditionheheapedcoalsoffireonmyhead。
`Ustwobeingnowalone，Sir，\'-beganJoe。
`Joe，\'Iinterrupted，pettishly，`howcanyoucallme，Sir？\'
Joelookedatmeforasingleinstantwithsomethingfaintlylikereproach。
Utterlypreposterousashiscravatwas，andashiscollarswere，Iwasconsciousofasortofdignityinthelook。
`Ustwobeingnowalone，\'resumedJoe，`andmehavingtheintentionsandabilitiestostaynotmanyminutesmore，Iwillnowconclude-leastwaysbegin-tomentionwhathaveledtomyhavinghadthepresenthonour。Forwasitnot，\'saidJoe，withhisoldairoflucidexposition，`thatmyonlywishweretobeusefultoyou，Ishouldnothavehadthehonourofbreakingwittlesinthecompanyandabodeofgentlemen。\'
Iwassounwillingtoseethelookagain，thatImadenoremonstranceagainstthistone。
`Well，Sir，\'pursuedJoe，`thisishowitwere。IwereattheBargement\'othernight，Pip；\'wheneverhesubsidedintoaffection，hecalledmePip，andwheneverherelapsedintopolitenesshecalledmeSir；`whentherecomeupinhisshay-cart，Pumblechook。Whichthatsameidentical，\'saidJoe，goingdownanewtrack，`docombmy\'airthewrongwaysometimes，awful，bygivingoutupanddowntownasitwerehimwhicheverhadyourinfantcompanionationandwerelookeduponasaplayfellowbyyourself。\'
`Nonsense。Itwasyou，Joe。\'
`WhichIfullybelieveditwere，Pip，\'saidJoe，slightlytossinghishead，`thoughitsignifylittlenow，Sir。Well，Pip；thissameidentical，whichhismannersisgiventoblusterous，cometomeattheBargemenwotapipeandapintofbeerdogiverefreshmenttotheworking-man，Sir，anddonotoverstimilate，andhiswordwere，\"Joseph，MissHavishamshewishtospeaktoyou。\"\'
`MissHavisham，Joe？\'
`\"Shewish，\"werePumblechook\'sword，\"tospeaktoyou。\"\'Joesatandrolledhiseyesattheceiling。
`Yes，Joe？Goon，please。\'
`Nextday，Sir，\'saidJoe，lookingatmeasifIwerealongwayoff，`havingcleanedmyself，IgoandIseeMissA。\'
`MissA。，Joe？MissHavisham？\'
`WhichIsay，Sir，\'repliedJoe，withanairoflegalformality，asifheweremakinghiswill，`MissA。，orotherwaysHavisham。Herexpressionairthenasfollering:\"MrGargery。YouairincorrespondencewithMrPip？\"
Havinghadaletterfromyou，Iwereabletosay\"Iam。\"WhenImarriedyoursister，Sir，Isaid\"Iwill；\"andwhenIansweredyourfriend，Pip，Isaid\"Iam。\"\"Wouldyoutellhim，then，\"saidshe，\"thatwhichEstellahascomehomeandwouldbegladtoseehim。\"\'
IfeltmyfacefireupasIlookedatJoe。Ihopeoneremotecauseofitsfiring，mayhavebeenmyconsciousnessthatifIhadknownhiserrand，Ishouldhavegivenhimmoreencouragement。
`Biddy，\'pursuedJoe，`whenIgothomeandaskedherfurtowritethemessagetoyou，alittlehungback。Biddysays，\"Iknowhewillbeverygladtohaveitbywordofmouth，itisholidaytime，youwanttoseehim，go！\"Ihavenowconcluded，Sir，\'saidJoe，risingfromhischair，`and，Pip，Iwishyoueverwellandeverprosperingtoagreaterandagreaterheighth。\'
`Butyouarenotgoingnow，Joe？\'
`YesIam，\'saidJoe。
`Butyouarecomingbacktodinner，Joe？\'
`NoIamnot，\'saidJoe。
Oureyesmet，andallthe`Sir\'meltedoutofthatmanlyheartashegavemehishand。
`Pip，dearoldchap，lifeismadeofeversomanypartingsweldedtogether，asImaysay，andoneman\'sablacksmith，andone\'sawhitesmith，andone\'sagoldsmith，andone\'sacoppersmith。Diwisionsamongsuchmustcome，andmustbemetastheycome。Ifthere\'sbeenanyfaultatallto-day，it\'smine。YouandmeisnottwofigurestobetogetherinLondon；noryetanywhereselsebutwhatisprivate，andbeknown，andunderstoodamongfriends。Itain\'tthatIamproud，butthatIwanttoberight，asyoushallneverseemenomoreintheseclothes。I\'mwrongintheseclothes。I\'mwrongoutoftheforge，thekitchen，oroffth\'meshes。Youwon\'tfindhalfsomuchfaultinmeifyouthinkofmeinmyforgedress，withmyhammerinmyhand，orevenmypipe。Youwon\'tfindhalfsomuchfaultinmeif，supposingasyoushouldeverwishtoseeme，youcomeandputyourheadinattheforgewindowandseeJoetheblacksmith，there，attheoldanvil，intheoldburntapron，stickingtotheoldwork。I\'mawfuldull，butIhopeI\'vebeatoutsomethingnightherightsofthisatlast。AndsoGODblessyou，dearoldPip，oldchap，GODblessyou！\'
Ihadnotbeenmistakeninmyfancythattherewasasimpledignityinhim。Thefashionofhisdresscouldnomorecomeinitswaywhenhespokethesewords，thanitcouldcomeinitswayinHeaven。Hetouchedmegentlyontheforehead，andwentout。AssoonasIcouldrecovermyselfsufficiently，Ihurriedoutafterhimandlookedforhimintheneighbouringstreets；buthewasgone。
Chapter28
ItwasclearthatImustrepairtoourtownnextday，andinthefirstflowofmyrepentanceitwasequallyclearthatImuststayatJoe\'s。But，whenIhadsecuredmybox-placebyto-morrow\'scoachandhadbeendowntoMrPocket\'sandback，Iwasnotbyanymeansconvincedonthelastpoint，andbegantoinventreasonsandmakeexcusesforputtingupattheBlueBoar。IshouldbeaninconvenienceatJoe\'s；Iwasnotexpected，andmybedwouldnotbeready；IshouldbetoofarfromMissHavisham\'s，andshewasexactingandmightn\'tlikeit。Allotherswindlersuponeartharenothingtotheself-swindlers，andwithsuchpretencesdidIcheatmyself。Surelyacuriousthing。ThatIshouldinnocentlytakeabadhalf-crownofsomebodyelse\'smanufacture，isreasonableenough；butthatIshouldknowinglyreckonthespuriouscoinofmyownmake，asgoodmoney！Anobligingstranger，underpretenceofcompactlyfoldingupmybank-notesforsecurity\'ssake，abstractsthenotesandgivesmenutshells；butwhatishissleightofhandtomine，whenIfoldupmyownnutshellsandpassthemonmyselfasnotes！
HavingsettledthatImustgototheBlueBoar，mymindwasmuchdisturbedbyindecisionwhetherornototaketheAvenger。ItwastemptingtothinkofthatexpensiveMercenarypubliclyairinghisbootsinthearchwayoftheBlueBoar\'sposting-yard；itwasalmostsolemntoimaginehimcasuallyproducedinthetailor\'sshopandconfoundingthedisrespectfulsensesofTrabb\'sboy。Ontheotherhand，Trabb\'sboymightwormhimselfintohisintimacyandtellhimthings；or，recklessanddesperatewretchasIknewhecouldbe，mighthoothimintheHigh-street，Mypatroness，too，mighthearofhim，andnotapprove。Onthewhole，IresolvedtoleavetheAvengerbehind。
ItwastheafternooncoachbywhichIhadtakenmyplace，and，aswinterhadnowcomeround，Ishouldnotarriveatmydestinationuntiltwoorthreehoursafterdark。OurtimeofstartingfromtheCrossKeyswastwoo\'clock。Iarrivedonthegroundwithaquarterofanhourtospare，attendedbytheAvenger-ifImayconnectthatexpressionwithonewhoneverattendedonmeifhecouldpossiblyhelpit。
AtthattimeitwascustomarytocarryConvictsdowntothedockyardsbystage-coach。AsIhadoftenheardoftheminthecapacityofoutsidepassengers，andhadmorethanonceseenthemonthehighroaddanglingtheirironedlegsoverthecoachroof，IhadnocausetobesurprisedwhenHerbert，meetingmeintheyard，cameupandtoldmethereweretwoconvictsgoingdownwithme。ButIhadareasonthatwasanoldreasonnow，forconstitutionallyfalteringwheneverIheardtheworldconvict。
`Youdon\'tmindthem，Handel？\'saidHerbert。
`Ohno！\'
`Ithoughtyouseemedasifyoudidn\'tlikethem？\'
`Ican\'tpretendthatIdolikethem，andIsupposeyoudon\'tparticularly。
ButIdon\'tmindthem。\'
`See！Theretheyare，\'saidHerbert，`comingoutoftheTap。Whatadegradedandvilesightitis！\'
Theyhadbeentreatingtheirguard，Isuppose，fortheyhadagaolerwiththem，andallthreecameoutwipingtheirmouthsontheirhands。Thetwoconvictswerehandcuffedtogether，andhadironsontheirlegs-ironsofapatternthatIknewwell。TheyworethedressthatIlikewiseknewwell。Theirkeeperhadabraceofpistols，andcarriedathick-knobbedbludgeonunderhisarm；buthewasontermsofgoodunderstandingwiththem，andstood，withthembesidehim，lookingonattheputting-toofthehorses，ratherwithanairasiftheconvictswereaninterestingExhibitionnotformallyopenatthemoment，andhetheCurator。Onewasatallerandstoutermanthantheother，andappearedasamatterofcourse，accordingtothemysteriouswaysoftheworldbothconvictandfree，tohavehadallottedtohimthesmallersuitofclothes。Hisarmsandlegswerelikegreatpincushionsofthoseshapes，andhisattiredisguisedhimabsurdly；
butIknewhishalf-closedeyeatoneglance。TherestoodthemanwhomIhadseenonthesettleattheThreeJollyBargemenonaSaturdaynight，andwhohadbroughtmedownwithhisinvisiblegun！
Itwaseasytomakesurethatasyetheknewmenomorethanifhehadneverseenmeinhislife。Helookedacrossatme，andhiseyeappraisedmywatch-chain，andthenheincidentallyspatandsaidsomethingtotheotherconvict，andtheylaughedandsluedthemselvesroundwithaclinkoftheircouplingmanacle，andlookedatsomethingelse。Thegreatnumbersontheirbacks，asiftheywerestreetdoors；theircoarsemangyungainlyoutersurface，asiftheywereloweranimals；theirironedlegs，apologeticallygarlandedwithpocket-handkerchiefs；andthewayinwhichallpresentlookedatthemandkeptfromthem；madethemasHerberthadsaidamostdisagreeableanddegradedspectacle。
Butthiswasnottheworstofit。ItcameoutthatthewholeofthebackofthecoachhadbeentakenbyafamilyremovingfromLondon，andthattherewerenoplacesforthetwoprisonersbutontheseatinfront，behindthecoachman。Hereupon，acholericgentleman，whohadtakenthefourthplaceonthatseat，flewintoamostviolentpassion，andsaidthatitwasabreachofcontracttomixhimupwithsuchvillainouscompany，andthatitwaspoisonousandperniciousandinfamousandshameful，andIdon\'tknowwhatelse。Atthistimethecoachwasreadyandthecoachmanimpatient，andwewereallpreparingtogetup，andtheprisonershadcomeoverwiththeirkeeper-bringingwiththemthatcuriousflavourofbread-poultice，baize，rope-yarn，andhearthstone，whichattendstheconvictpresence。
`Don\'ttakeitsomuchamiss。sir，\'pleadedthekeepertotheangrypassenger；`I\'llsitnextyoumyself。I\'llput\'emontheoutsideoftherow。Theywon\'tinterferewithyou，sir。Youneedn\'tknowthey\'rethere。\'
`Anddon\'tblameme，\'growledtheconvictIhadrecognized。`Idon\'twanttogo。Iamquitereadytostaybehind。AsfurasIamconcernedanyone\'swelcometomyplace。\'
`Ormine，\'saidtheother，gruffly。`Iwouldn\'thaveincommodednoneofyou，ifI\'dhadmyway。\'Then，theybothlaughed，andbegancrackingnuts，andspittingtheshellsabout-AsIreallythinkIshouldhavelikedtodomyself，ifIhadbeenintheirplaceandsodespised。
Atlength，itwasvotedthattherewasnohelpfortheangrygentleman，andthathemusteithergoinhischancecompanyorremainbehind。So，hegotintohisplace，stillmakingcomplaints，andthekeepergotintotheplacenexthim，andtheconvictshauledthemselvesupaswellastheycould，andtheconvictIhadrecognizedsatbehindmewithhisbreathonthehairofmyhead。
`Good-bye，Handel！\'Herbertcalledoutaswestarted。Ithoughtwhatablessedfortuneitwas，thathehadfoundanothernameformethanPip。
ItisimpossibletoexpresswithwhatacutenessIfelttheconvict\'sbreathing，notonlyonthebackofmyhead，butallalongmyspine。Thesensationwaslikebeingtouchedinthemarrowwithsomepungentandsearchingacid，itsetmyveryteethonedge。Heseemedtohavemorebreathingbusinesstodothananotherman，andtomakemorenoiseindoingit；andIwasconsciousofgrowinghigh-shoulderdononeside，inmyshrinkingendeavourstofendhimoff。
Theweatherwasmiserablyraw，andthetwocursedthecold。Itmadeusalllethargicbeforewehadgonefar，andwhenwehadlefttheHalf-wayHousebehind，wehabituallydozedandshiveredandweresilent。Idozedoff，myself，inconsideringthequestionwhetherIoughttorestoreacoupleofpoundssterlingtothiscreaturebeforelosingsightofhim，andhowitcouldbestbedone。IntheactofdippingforwardasifIweregoingtobatheamongthehorses，Iwokeinafrightandtookthequestionupagain。
ButImusthavelostitlongerthanIhadthought，since，althoughI
couldrecognizenothinginthedarknessandthefitfullightsandshadowsofourlamps，Itracedmarshcountryinthecolddampwindthatblewatus。Coweringforwardforwarmthandtomakemeascreenagainstthewind，theconvictswereclosertomethanbefore。TheyveryfirstwordsIheardtheminterchangeasIbecameconsciouswerethewordsofmyownthought，`TwoOnePoundnotes。\'
`Howdidheget\'em？\'saidheconvictIhadneverseen。
`HowshouldIknow？\'returnedtheother。`Hehad\'emstowedawaysomehows。
Givhimbyfriends，Iexpect。\'
`Iwish，\'saidtheother，withabittercurseuponthecold，`thatI
had\'emhere。\'
`Twoonepoundnotes，orfriends？\'
`Twoonepoundnotes。I\'dsellallthefriendsIeverhad，forone，andthinkitablessedgoodbargain。Well？Sohesays-？\'
`Sohesays，\'resumedtheconvictIhadrecognized-`itwasallsaidanddoneinhalfaminute，behindapileoftimberintheDockyard-\"You\'reagoingtobedischarged？\"Yes，Iwas。WouldIfindoutthatboythathadfedhimandkephissecret，andgivehimthemtwoonepoundnotes？Yes，Iwould。AndIdid。\'
`Morefoolyou，\'growledtheother。`I\'dhavespent\'emonaMan，inwittlesanddrink。Hemusthavebeenagreenone。Meantosayheknowednothingofyou？\'
`Notaha\'porth。Differentgangsanddifferentships。Hewastriedagainforprisonbreaking，andgotmadeaLifer。\'
`Andwasthat-Honour！-theonlytimeyouworkedout，inthispartofthecountry？\'
`Theonlytime。\'
`Whatmighthavebeenyouropinionoftheplace？\'
`Amostbeastlyplace。Mudbank，mist，swamp，andwork；work，swamp，mist，andmudbank。\'
Theybothexecratedtheplaceinverystronglanguage，andgraduallygrowledthemselvesout，andhadnothinglefttosay。
Afteroverhearingthisdialogue，Ishouldassuredlyhavegotdownandbeenleftinthesolitudeanddarknessofthehighway，butforfeelingcertainthatthemanhadnosuspicionofmyidentity。Indeed，Iwasnotonlysochangedinthecourseofnature，butsodifferentlydressedandsodifferentlycircumstanced，thatitwasnotatalllikelyhecouldhaveknownmewithoutaccidentalhelp。Still，thecoincidenceofourbeingtogetheronthecoach，wassufficientlystrangetofillmewithadreadthatsomeothercoincidencemightatanymomentconnectme，inhishearing，withmyname。Forthisreason，Iresolvedtoalightassoonaswetouchedthetown，andputmyselfoutofhishearing。ThisdeviceIexecutedsuccessfully。
Mylittleportmanteauwasinthebootundermyfeet；Ihadbuttoturnahingetogetitout:Ithrewitdownbeforeme，gotdownafterit，andwasleftatthefirstlamponthefirststonesofthetownpavement。Astotheconvicts，theywenttheirwaywiththecoach，andIknewatwhatpointtheywouldbespiritedofftotheriver。Inmyfancy，Isawtheboatwithitsconvictcrewwaitingforthemattheslime-washedstairs，-againheardthegruff`Giveway，you！\'likeandordertodogs-againsawthewickedNoah\'sArklyingoutontheblackwater。
IcouldnothavesaidwhatIwasafraidof，formyfearwasaltogetherundefinedandvague，buttherewasgreatfearuponme。AsIwalkedontothehotel，Ifeltthatadread，muchexceedingthemereapprehensionofapainfulofdisagreeablerecognition，mademetremble。Iamconfidentthatittooknodistinctnessofshape，andthatitwastherevivalforafewminutesoftheterrorofchildhood。
Thecoffee-roomattheBlueBoarwasempty，andIhadnotonlyorderedmydinnerthere，buthadsatdowntoit，beforethewaiterknewme。Assoonashehadapologizedfortheremissnessofhismemory，heaskedmeifheshouldsendBootsforMrPumblechook？
`No，\'saidI，`certainlynot。\'
ThewaiteritwashewhohadbroughtuptheGreatRemonstrancefromtheCommercials，onthedaywhenIwasboundappearedsurprised，andtooktheearliestopportunityofputtingadirtyoldcopyofalocalnewspapersodirectlyinmyway，thatItookitupandreadthisparagraph:
Ourreaderswilllearn，notaltogetherwithoutinterest，inreferencetotherecentromanticriseinfortuneofayoungartificerinironofthisneighbourhoodwhatatheme，bytheway，forthemagicpenofourasyetnotuniversallyacknowledgedtownsmanTOOBY，thepoetofourcolumns！
thattheyouth\'searliestpatron，companion，andfriend，wasahighly-respectedindividualnotentirelyunconnectedwiththecornandseedtrade，andwhoseeminentlyconvenientandcommodiousbusinesspremisesaresituatewithinahundredmilesoftheHigh-street。ItisnotwhollyirrespectiveofourpersonalfeelingsthatwerecordHIMastheMentorofouryoungTelemachus，foritisgoodtoknowthatourtownproducedthefounderofthelatter\'sfortunes。DoesthethoughtcontractedbrowofthelocalSageorthelustrouseyeoflocalBeautyinquirewhosefortunes？WebelievethatQuintinMatsyswastheBLACKSMITHofAntwerp。VERB。SAP。
Ientertainaconviction，baseduponlargeexperience，thatifinthedaysofmyprosperityIhadgonetotheNorthPole，Ishouldhavemetsomebodythere，wanderingEsquimauxorcivilizedman，whowouldhavetoldmethatPumblechookwasmyearliestpatronandthefounderofmyfortunes。
Chapter29
BETIMESinthemorningIwasupandout。ItwastooearlyyettogotoMissHavisham\'s，soIloiteredintothecountryonMissHavisham\'ssideoftown-whichwasnotJoe\'sside；Icouldgothereto-morrow-thinkingaboutmypatroness，andpaintingbrilliantpicturesofherplansforme。
ShehadadoptedEstella，shehasasgoodasadoptedme，anditcouldnotfailtobeherintentiontobringustogether。Shereserveditformetorestorethedesolatehouse，admitthesunshineintothedarkrooms，settheclocksagoingandthecoldhearthsablazing，teardownthecobwebs，destroythevermin-inshort，doalltheshiningdeedsoftheyoungKnightofromance，andmarrythePrincess。IhadstoppedtolookatthehouseasIpassed；anditssearedredbrickwalls，blockedwindows，andstronggreenivyclaspingeventhestacksofchimneyswithitstwigsandtendons，asifwithsinewyoldarms，hadmadeuparichattractivemystery，ofwhichIwasthehero。Estellawastheinspirationofit，andtheheartofit，ofcourse。But，thoughshehadtakensuchstrongpossessionofme，thoughmyfancyandmyhopeweresosetuponher，thoughherinfluenceonmyboyishlifeandcharacterhadbeenall-powerful，Ididnot，eventhatromanticmorning，investherwithanyattributessavethoseshepossessed。Imentionthisinthisplace，ofafixedpurpose，becauseitisthecluebywhichIamtobefollowedintomypoorlabyrinth。Accordingtomyexperience，theconventionalnotionofalovercannotbealwaystrue。Theunqualifiedtruthis，thatwhenIlovedEstellawiththeloveofman，IlovedhersimplybecauseIfoundherirresistible。Onceforall；Iknewtomysorrow，oftenandoften，ifnotalways，thatIlovedheragainstreason，againstpromise，againstpeace，againsthope，againsthappiness，againstalldiscouragementthatcouldbe。Onceforall；IlovedhernonethelessbecauseIknewit，andithadnomoreinfluenceinrestrainingme，thanifIhaddevoutlybelievedhertobehumanperfection。
Isoshapedoutmywalkastoarriveatthegateatmyoldtime。WhenIhadrungatthebellwithanunsteadyhand，Iturnedmybackuponthegate，whileItriedtogetmybreathandkeepthebeatingofmyheartmoderatelyquiet。Iheardthesidedooropen，andstepscomeacrossthecourt-yard；
butIpretendednottohear，evenwhenthegateswungonitsrustyhinges。
Beingatlasttouchedontheshoulder，Istartedandturned。Istartedmuchmorenaturallythen，tofindmyselfconfrontedbyamaninasobergreydress。ThelastmanIshouldhaveexpectedtoseeinthatplaceofporteratMissHavisham\'sdoor。
`Orlick！\'
`Ah，youngmaster，there\'smorechangesthanyours。Butcomein，comein。It\'sopposedtomyorderstoholdthegateopen。\'
Ienteredandheswungit，andlockedit，andtookthekeyout。`Yes！\'
saidhe，facinground，afterdoggedlyprecedingmeafewstepstowardsthehouse。`HereIam！\'
`Howdidyoucomehere？\'
`Icomeher，\'heretorted，`onmylegs。Ihadmyboxbroughtalongsidemeinabarrow。\'
`Areyouhereforgood？\'
`Iain\'therforharm，youngmaster，Isuppose？\'
Iwasnotsosureofthat。Ihadleisuretoentertaintheretortinmymind，whileheslowlyliftedhisheavyglancefromthepavement，upmylegsandarms，tomyface。
`Thenyouhavelefttheforge？\'Isaid。
`Dothislooklikeaforge？\'repliedOrlick，sendinghisglanceallroundhimwithanairofinjury。`Now，doitlooklikeit？\'
IaskedhimhowlonghehadleftGargery\'sforge？
`Onedayissolikeanotherhere，\'hereplied，`thatIdon\'tknowwithoutcastingitup。However，Icomehersometimesinceyouleft。\'
`Icouldhavetoldyouthat，Orlick。\'
`Ah！\'saidhe，drily。`Butthenyou\'vegottobeascholar。\'
Bythistimewehadcometothehouse，whereIfoundhisroomtobeonejustwithinthesidedoor，withalittlewindowinitlookingonthecourt-yard。Initssmallproportions，itwasnotunlikethekindofplaceusuallyassignedtoagate-porterinParis。Certainkeyswerehangingonthewall，towhichhenowaddedthegatekey；andhispatchwork-coveredbedwasinalittleinnerdivisionorrecess。Thewholehadaslovenlyconfinedandsleepylook，likeacageforahumandormouse:whilehe，loomingdarkandheavyintheshadowofacornerbythewindow，lookedlikethehumandormouseforwhomitwasfittedup-asindeedhewas。
`Ineversawthisroombefore，\'Iremarked；`butthereusedtobenoPorterhere。\'
`No，\'saidhe；`nottillitgotaboutthattherewasnoprotectiononthepremises，anditcometobeconsidereddangerous，withconvictsandTagandRagandBobtailgoingupanddown。AndthenIwasrecommendedtotheplà；ceasamanwhocouldgiveanothermanasgoodashebrought，andItookit。It\'seasierthanbellowsingandhammering-That\'sloaded，thatis。\'
Myeyehadbeencaughtbyagunwithabrassboundstockoverthechimney-piece，andhiseyehadfollowedmine。
`Well，\'saidI，notdesirousofmoreconversation，`shallIgouptoMissHavisham？\'
`Burnme，ifIknow！\'heretorted，firststretchinghimselfandthenshakinghimself；`myordersendshere，youngmaster。Igivethisherebellarapwiththisherehammer，andyougoonalongthepassagetillyoumeetsomebody。\'
`Iamexpected，Ibelieve？\'
`Burnmetwiceover，ifIcansay！\'saidhe。
Uponthat，IturneddownthelongpassagewhichIhadfirsttroddeninmythickboots，andhemadehisbellsound。Attheendofthepassage，whilethebellwasstillreverberating，IfoundSarahPocket:whoappearedtohavenowbecomeconstitutionallygreenandyellowbyreasonofme。
`Oh！\'saidshe。`You，isit，MrPip？\'
`Itis，MissPocket。IamgladtotellyouthatMrPocketandfamilyareallwell。\'
`Aretheyanywiser？\'saidSarah，withadismalshakeofthehead；`theyhadbetterbewiser，thanwell。Ah，Matthew，Matthew！Youknowyourway，sir？\'
Tolerably，forIhadgoneupthestaircaseinthedark，manyatime。
Iascendeditnow，inlighterbootsthanofyore，andtappedinmyoldwayatthedoorofMissHavisham\'sroom。`Pip\'srap，\'Iheardhersay，immediately；`comein，Pip。\'
Shewasinherchairneartheoldtable，intheolddress，withhertwohandscrossedonherstick，herchinrestingonthem，andhereyesonthefire。Sittingnearher，withthewhiteshoethathadneverbeenworn，inherhand，andherheadbentasshelookedatit，wasanelegantladywhomIhadneverseen。
`Comein，Pip，\'MissHavishamcontinuedtomutter，withoutlookingroundorup；`comein，Pip，howdoyoudo，Pip？soyoukissmyhandasifIwereaqueen，eh？-Well？\'
Shelookedupatmesuddenly，onlymovinghereyes，andrepeatedinagrimlyplayfulmanner，`Well？\'
`Iheard，MissHavisham，\'saidI，ratherataloss，`thatyouweresokindastowishmetocomeandseeyou，andIcamedirectly。\'
`Well？\'
TheladywhomIhadneverseenbefore，lifteduphereyesandlookedarchlyatme，andthenIsawthattheeyeswereEstella\'seyes。Butshewassomuchchanged，wassomuchmorebeautiful，somuchmorewomanly，inallthingswinningadmirationhadmadesuchwonderfuladvance，thatIseemedtohavemadenone。Ifancied，asIlookedather，thatIslippedhopelesslybackintothecoarseandcommonboyagain。Othesenseofdistanceanddisparitythatcameuponme，andtheinaccessibilitythatcameabouther！
Shegavemeherhand。IstammeredsomethingaboutthepleasureIfeltinseeingheragain，andaboutmyhavinglookedforwardtoitforalong，longtime。
`Doyoufindhermuchchanged，Pip？\'askedMissHavisham，withhergreedylook，andstrikingherstickuponachairthatstoodbetweenthem，asasigntometositdownthere。
`WhenIcamein，MissHavisham，IthoughttherewasnothingofEstellainthefaceorfigure；butnowitallsettlesdownsocuriouslyintotheold——\'
`What？YouarenotgoingtosayintotheoldEstella？\'MissHavishaminterrupted。`Shewasproudandinsulting，andyouwantedtogoawayfromher。Don\'tyouremember？\'
Isaidconfusedlythatthatwaslongago，andthatIknewnobetterthen，andthelike。Estellasmiledwithperfectcomposure，andsaidshehadnodoubtofmyhavingbeenquiteright，andofherhavingbeenverydisagreeable。
`Ishechanged？\'MissHavishamaskedher。
`Verymuch，\'saidEstella，lookingatme。
`Lesscoarseandcommon？\'saidMissHavisham，playingwithEstella\'shair。
Estellalaughed，andlookedattheshoeinherhand，andlaughedagain，andlookedatme，andputtheshoedown。Shetreatedmeasaboystill，butsheluredmeon。
Wesatinthedreamyroomamongtheoldstrangeinfluenceswhichhadsowroughtuponme，andIlearntthatshehadbutjustcomehomefromFrance，andthatshewasgoingtoLondon。Proudandwilfulasofold，shehadbroughtthosequalitiesintosuchsubjectiontoherbeautythatitwasimpossibleandoutofnature-orIthoughtso-toseparatethemfromherbeauty。
Trulyitwasimpossibletodissociateherpresencefromallthosewretchedhankeringsaftermoneyandgentilitythathaddisturbedmyboyhood-fromallthoseill-regulatedaspirationsthathadfirstmademeashamedofhomeandJoe-fromallthosevisionsthathadraisedherfaceintheglowingfire，struckinoutoftheironontheanvil，extracteditfromthedarknessofnighttolookinatthewoodenwindowoftheforgeandflitaway。Inaword，itwasimpossibleformetoseparateher，inthepastorinthepresent，fromtheinnermostlifeofmylife。
ItwassettledthatIshouldstaytherealltherestoftheday，andreturntothehotelatnight，andtoLondonto-morrow。Whenwehadconversedforawhile，MissHavishamsentustwoouttowalkintheneglectedgarden:
onourcominginby-and-by，shesaid，Ishouldwheelheraboutalittleasintimesofyore。
So，EstellaandIwentoutintothegardenbythegatethroughwhichIhadstrayedtomyencounterwiththepaleyounggentleman，nowHerbert；
I，tremblinginspiritandworshippingtheveryhemofherdress；she，quitecomposedandmostdecidedlynotworshippingthehemofmine。Aswedrewneartotheplaceofencounter，shestoppedandsaid:
`Imusthavebeenasingularlittlecreaturetohideandseethatfightthatday:butIdid，andIenjoyeditverymuch。\'
`Yourewardedmeverymuch。\'
`DidI？\'shereplied，inanincidentalandforgetfulway。`IrememberIentertainedagreatobjectiontoyouradversary，becauseItookitillthatheshouldbebroughtheretopestermewithhiscompany。\'
`HeandIaregreatfriendsnow。\'
`Areyou？IthinkIrecollectthough，thatyoureadwithhisfather？\'
`Yes。\'
Imadetheadmissionwithreluctance，foritseemedtohaveaboyishlook，andshealreadytreatedmemorethanenoughlikeaboy。
`Sinceyourchangeoffortuneandprospects，youhavechangedyourcompanions，\'
saidEstella。
`Naturally，\'saidI。
`Andnecessarily，\'sheadded，inahaughtytone；`whatwasfitcompanyforyouonce，wouldbequiteunfitcompanyforyounow。\'
Inmyconscience，IdoubtverymuchwhetherIhadanylingeringintentionleft，ofgoingtoseeJoe；butifIhad，thisobservationputittoflight。
`Youhadnoideaofyourimpendinggoodfortune，inthosetimes？\'saidEstella，withaslightwaveofherhand，signifyinginthefightingtimes。
`Nottheleast。\'