`WouldyougivemetheTime？'saidthesergeant，addressinghimselftoMrPumblechook，astoamanwhoseappreciativepowersjustifiedtheinferencethathewasequaltothetime。
　　`It'sjustgonehalf-pasttwo。'
　　`That'snotsobad，'saidthesergeant，reflecting；`evenifIwasforcedtohaltherenightwohours，that'lldo。Howfarmightyoucallyourselvesfromthemarshes，hereabouts？Notaboveamile，Ireckon？'
　　`Justamile，'saidMrsJoe。
　　`That'lldo。Webegintocloseinupon'emaboutdusk。Alittlebeforedusk，myordersare。That'lldo。'
　　`Convicts，sergeant？'askedMrWopsle，inamatter-of-courseway。
　　`Ay！'returnedthesergeant，`two。They'reprettywellknowntobeoutonthemarshesstill，andtheywon'ttrytogetclearof'embeforedusk。
　　Anybodyhereseenanythingofanysuchgame？'
　　Everybody，myselfexcepted，saidno，withconfidence。Nobodythoughtofme。
　　`Well！'saidthesergeant，`they'llfindthemselvestrappedinacircle，Iexpect，soonerthantheycounton。Now，blacksmith！Ifyou'reready，hisMajestytheKingis。'
　　Joehadgothiscoatandwaistcoatandcravatoff，andhisleatherapronon，andpassedintotheforge。Oneofthesoldiersopeneditswoodenwindows，anotherlightenedthefire，anotherturnedtoatthebellows，thereststoodroundtheblaze，whichwassoonroaring。ThenJoebegantohammerandclink，hammerandclink，andwealllookedon。
　　Theinterestoftheimpendingpursuitnotonlyabsorbedthegeneralattention，butevenmademysisterliberal。Shedrewapitcherofbeerfromthecask，forthesoldiers，andinvitedthesergeanttotakeaglassofbrandy。ButMrPumblechooksaid，sharply，`Givehimwine，Mum。I'llengagethere'snoTarinthat:'so，thesergeantthankedhimandsaidthatashepreferredhisdrinkwithouttar，hewouldtakewine，ifitwasequallyconvenient。Whenitwasgivenhim，hedrankhisMajesty'shealthandComplimentsoftheSeason，andtookitallatamouthfulandsmackedhislips。
　　`Goodstuff，eh，sergeant？'saidMrPumblechook。
　　`I'lltellyousomething，'returnedthesergeant；`Isuspectthatstuff'sofyourproviding。'
　　Mr。Pumblechook，withafatsortoflaugh，said，`Ay，ay？Why？'
　　`Because，'returnedthesergeant，clappinghimontheshoulder，`you'reamanthatknowswhat'swhat。'
　　`D'yethinkso？'saidMrPumblechook，withhisformerlaugh。`Haveanotherglass！'
　　`Withyou。Hobandnob，'returnedthesergeant。`Thetopofminetothefootofyours-thefootofyourstothetopofmine-Ringonce，ringtwice-thebesttuneontheMusicalGlasses！Yourhealth。Mayyouliveathousandyears，andneverbeaworsejudgeoftherightsortthanyouareatthepresentmomentofyourlife！'
　　Thesergeanttossedoffhisglassagainandseemedquitereadyforanotherglass。InoticedthatMrPumblechookinhishospitalityappearedtoforgetthathehadmadeapresentofthewine，buttookthebottlefromMrsJoeandhadallthecreditofhandingitaboutinagushofjoviality。EvenIgotsome。Andhewassoveryfreeofthewinethatheevencalledfortheotherbottle，andhandedthataboutwiththesameliberality，whenthefirstwasgone。
　　AsIwatchedthemwhiletheyallstoodclusteringabouttheforge，enjoyingthemselvessomuch，Ithoughtwhatterriblegoodsauceforadinnermyfugitivefriendonthemarsheswas。Theyhadnotenjoyedthemselvesaquartersomuch，beforetheentertainmentwasbrightenedwiththeexcitementhefurnished。Andnow，whentheywereallinlivelyanticipationof`thetwovillains'beingtaken，andwhenthebellowsseemedtoroarforthefugitives，thefiretoflareforthem，thesmoketohurryawayinpursuitofthem，Joetohammerandclinkforthem，andallthemurkyshadowsonthewalltoshakeattheminmenaceastheblazeroseandsankandthered-hotsparksdroppedanddied，thepaleafter-noonoutside，almostseemedinmypityingyoungfancytohaveturnedpaleontheiraccount，poorwretches。
　　Atlast，Joe'sjobwasdone，andtheringingandroaringstopped。AsJoegotonhiscoat，hemusteredcouragetoproposethatsomeofusshouldgodownwiththesoldiersandseewhatcameofthehunt。MrPumblechookandMrHubbledeclined，onthepleaofapipeandladies'society；butMrWopslesaidhewouldgo，ifJoewould。Joesaidhewasagreeable，andwouldtakeme，ifMrsJoeapproved。Wenevershouldhavegotleavetogo，Iamsure，butforMrsJoe'scuriositytoknowallaboutitandhowitended。Asitwas，shemerelystipulated，`Ifyoubringtheboybackwithhisheadblowntobitsbyamusket，don'tlooktometoputittogetheragain。'
　　Thesergeanttookapoliteleaveoftheladies，andpartedfromMrPumblechookasfromacomrade；thoughIdoubtifhewerequiteasfullysensibleofthatgentleman'smeritsunderaridconditions，aswhensomethingmoistwasgoing。Hismenresumedtheirmusketsandfellin。MrWopsle，Joe，andI，receivedstrictchargetokeepintherear，andtospeaknowordafterwereachedthemarshes。Whenwewerealloutintherawairandweresteadilymovingtowardsourbusiness，ItreasonablywhisperedtoJoe，`Ihope，Joe，weshan'tfindthem。'andJoewhisperedtome，`I'dgiveashillingiftheyhadcutandrun，Pip。'
　　Wewerejoinedbynostragglersfromthevillage，fortheweatherwascoldandthreatening，thewaydreary，thefootinghad，darknesscomingon，andthepeoplehadgoodfiresin-doorsandwerekeepingtheday。A
　　fewfaceshurriedtoglowingwindowsandlookedafterus，butnonecameout。Wepassedthefinger-post，andheldstraightontothechurchyard。
　　There，wewerestoppedafewminutesbyasignalfromthesergeant'shand，whiletwoorthreeofhismendispersedthemselvesamongthegraves，andalsoexaminedtheporch。Theycameinagainwithoutfindinganything，andthenwestruckoutontheopenmarshes，throughthegateatthesideofthechurchyard。Abittersleetcamerattlingagainstushereontheeastwind，andJoetookmeonhisback。
　　NowthatweareoutuponthedismalwildernesswheretheylittlethoughtIhadbeenwithineightorninehoursandhadseenbothmenhiding，Iconsideredforthefirsttime，withgreatdread，ifweshouldcomeuponthem，wouldmyparticularconvictsupposethatitwasIwhohadbroughtthesoldiersthere？HehadaskedmeifIwasadeceivingimp，andhehadsaidIshouldbeafierceyounghoundifIjoinedthehuntagainsthim。WouldhebelievethatIwasbothimpandhoundintreacherousearnest，andhadbetrayedhim？
　　Itwasofnouseaskingmyselfthisquestionnow。ThereIwas，onJoe'sback，andtherewasJoebeneathme，chargingattheditcheslikeahunter，andstimulatingMrWopslenottotumbleonhisRomannose，andtokeepupwithus。Thesoldierswereinfrontofus，extendingintoaprettywidelinewithanintervalbetweenmanandman。WeweretakingthecourseI
　　hadbegunwith，andfromwhichIhaddivergedinthemist。Eitherthemistwasnotoutagainyet，orthewindhaddispelledit。Underthelowredglareofsunset，thebeacon，andthegibbet，andthemoundoftheBattery，andtheoppositeshoreoftheriver，wereplain，thoughallofawateryleadcolour。
　　WithmyheartthumpinglikeablacksmithatJoe'sbroadshoulder，I
　　lookedallaboutforanysignoftheconvicts。Icouldseenone，Icouldhearnone。MrWopslehadgreatlyalarmedmemorethanonce，byhisblowingandhardbreathing；butIknewthesoundsbythistime，andcoulddissociatethemfromtheobjectofpursuit。Igotadreadfulstart，whenIthoughtIheardthefilestillgoing；butitwasonlyasheepbell。Thesheepstoppedintheireatingandlookedtimidlyatus；andthecattle，theirheadsturnedfromthewindandsleet，staredangrilyasiftheyheldusresponsibleforbothannoyances；but，exceptthesethings，andtheshudderofthedyingdayineverybladeofgrass，therewasnobreakinthebleakstillnessofthemarshes。
　　ThesoldiersweremovingoninthedirectionoftheoldBattery，andweweremovingonalittlewaybehindthem，when，allofasudden，weallstopped。For，therehadreachedusonthewingsofthewindandrain，alongshout。Itwasrepeated。Itwasatadistancetowardstheeast，butitwaslongandloud。Nay，thereseemedtobetwoormoreshoutsraisedtogether-ifonemightjudgefromaconfusioninthesound。
　　Tothiseffectthesergeantandthenearestmenwerespeakingundertheirbreath，whenJoeandIcameup。Afteranothermoment'slistening，Joewhowasagoodjudgeagreed，andMrWopslewhowasabadjudge
　　agreed。Thesergeant，adecisiveman，orderedthatthesoundshouldnotbeanswered，butthatthecourseshouldbechanged，andthathismenshouldmaketowardsit`atthedouble。'SoweslantedtotherightwheretheEastwas，andJoepoundedawaysowonderfully，thatIhadtoholdontighttokeepmyseat。
　　Itwasarunindeednow，andwhatJoecalled，intheonlytwowordshespokeallthetime，`aWinder。'Downbanksandupbanks，andovergates，andsplashingintodykes，andbreakingamongcoarserushes:nomancaredwherehewent。Aswecamenearertotheshouting，itbecamemoreandmoreapparentthatitwasmadebymorethanonevoice。Sometimes，itseemedtostopaltogether，andthenthesoldiersstopped。Whenitbrokeoutagain，thesoldiersmadeforitatagreaterratethanever，andweafterthem。
　　Afterawhile，wehadsorunitdown，thatwecouldhearonevoicecalling`Murder！'andanothervoice，`Convicts！Runaways！Guard！Thiswayfortherunawayconvicts！'Thenbothvoiceswouldseemtobestifledinastruggle，andthenwouldbreakoutagain。Andwhenithadcometothis，thesoldiersranlikedeer，andJoetoo。
　　Thesergeantraninfirst，whenwehadrunthenoisequitedown，andtwoofhismenranincloseuponhim。Theirpieceswerecockedandlevelledwhenweallranin。
　　`Herearebothmen！'pantedthesergeant，strugglingatthebottomofaditch。`Surrender，youtwo！andconfoundyoufortwowildbeasts！Comeasunder！'
　　Waterwassplashing，andmudwasflying，andoathswerebeingsworn，andblowswerebeingstruck，whensomemoremenwentdownintotheditchtohelpthesergeant，anddraggedout，separately，myconvictandtheotherone。Bothwerebleedingandpantingandexecratingandstruggling；butofcourseIknewthembothdirectly。
　　`Mind！'saidmyconvict，wipingbloodfromhisfacewithhisraggedsleeves，andshakingtornhairfromhisfingers:`Itookhim！Igivehimuptoyou！Mindthat！'
　　`It'snotmuchtobeparticularabout，'aidthesergeant；`it'lldoyousmallgood，myman，beinginthesameplightyourself。Handcuffsthere！'
　　`Idon'texpectittodomeanygood。Idon'twantittodomemoregoodthanitdoesnow，'saidmyconvict，withagreedylaugh。`Itookhim。
　　Heknowsit。That'senoughforme。'
　　Theotherconvictwaslividtolookat，and，inadditiontotheoldbruisedleftsideofhisface，seemedtobebruisedandtornallover。
　　Hecouldnotsomuchasgethisbreathtospeak，untiltheywerebothseparatelyhandcuffed，butleaneduponasoldiertokeephimselffromfalling。
　　`Takenotice，guard-hetriedtomurderme，'werehisfirstwords。
　　`Triedtomurderhim？'saidmyconvict，disdainfully。`Try，andnotdoit？Itookhim，andgiv'himup；that'swhatIdone。Inotonlypreventedhimgettingoffthemarshes，butIdraggedhimhere-draggedhimthisfaronhiswayback。He'sagentleman，ifyouplease，thisvillain。Now，theHulkshasgotitsgentlemanagain，throughme。Murderhim？Worthmywhile，too，tomurderhim，whenIcoulddoworseanddraghimback！'
　　Theotheronestillgasped，`Hetried-hetried-to-murderme。Bear-bearwitness。'
　　`Lookeehere！'saidmyconvicttothesergeant。`Single-handedIgotclearoftheprison-ship；ImadeadashandIdoneit。Icouldha'gotclearofthesedeath-coldflatslikewise-lookatmyleg:youwon'tfindmuchirononit-ifIhadn'tmadediscoverythathewashere。Lethimgofree？LethimprofitbythemeansasIfoundout？
　　Lethimmakeatoolofmeafreshandagain？Oncemore？No，no，no。
　　IfIhaddiedatthebottomthere；'andhemadeanemphaticswingattheditchwithhismanacledhands；`I'dhaveheldtohimwiththatgrip，thatyoushouldhavebeensafetofindhiminmyhold。'
　　Theotherfugitive，whowasevidentlyinextremehorrorofhiscompanion，repeated，`Hetriedtomurderme。Ishouldhavebeenadeadmanifyouhadnotcomeup。'
　　`Helies！'saidmyconvict，withfierceenergy。`He'saliarborn，andhe'lldiealiar。Lookathisface；ain'titwrittenthere？Lethimturnthoseeyesofhisonme。Idefyhimtodoit。'
　　Theother，withaneffortatascornfulsmile-whichcouldnot，however，collectthenervousworkingofhismouthintoanysetexpression-lookedatthesoldiers，andlookedaboutatthemarshesandatthesky，butcertainlydidnotlookatthespeaker。
　　`Doyouseehim？'pursuedmyconvict。`Doyouseewhatavillainheis？Doyouseethosegrovellingandwanderingeyes？That'showhelookedwhenweweretriedtogether。Heneverlookedatme。'
　　Theother，alwaysworkingandworkinghisdrylipsandturninghiseyesrestlesslyabouthimfarandnear，didatlastturnthemforamomentonthespeaker，withthewords，`Youarenotmuchtolookat，'andwithahalf-tauntingglanceattheboundhands。Atthatpoint，myconvictbecamesofranticallyexasperated，thathewouldhaverusheduponhimbutfortheinterpositionofthesoldiers。`Didn'tItellyou，'saidtheotherconvictthen，`thathewouldmurderme，ifhecould？'Andanyonecouldseethatheshookwithfear，andthattherebrokeoutuponhislips，curiouswhiteflakes，likethinsnow。
　　`Enoughofthisparley，'saidthesergeant。`Lightthosetorches。'
　　Asoneofthesoldiers，whocarriedabasketinlieuofagun，wentdownonhiskneetoopenit，myconvictlookedroundhimforthefirsttime，andsawme。IhadalightedfromJoe'sbackonthebrinkoftheditchwhenwecameup，andhadnotmovedsince。Ilookedathimeagerlywhenhelookedatme，andslightlymovedmyhandsandshookmyhead。Ihadbeenwaitingforhimtoseeme，thatImighttrytoassurehimofmyinnocence。
　　Itwasnotatallexpressedtomethatheevencomprehendedmyintention，forhegavemealookthatIdidnotunderstand，anditallpassedinamoment。Butifhehadlookedatmeforanhourorforaday，Icouldnothaverememberedhisfaceeverafterwards，ashavingbeenmoreattentive。
　　Thesoldierwiththebasketsoongotalight，andlightedthreeorfourtorches，andtookonehimselfanddistributedtheothers。Ithadbeenalmostdarkbefore，butnowitseemedquitedark，andsoonafterwardsverydark。
　　Beforewedepartedfromthatspot，foursoldiersstandinginaring，firedtwiceintotheair。Presentlywesawothertorcheskindledatsomedistancebehindus，andothersonthemarshesontheoppositebankoftheriver。
　　`Allright，'saidthesergeant。`March。'
　　Wehadnotgonefarwhenthreecannonwerefiredaheadofuswithasoundthatseemedtoburstsomethinginsidemyear。`Youareexpectedonboard，'saidthesergeanttomyconvict；`theyknowyouarecoming。Don'tstraggle，myman。Closeuphere。'
　　Thetwowerekeptapart，andeachwalkedsurroundedbyaseparateguard。
　　IhadholdofJoe'shandnow，andJoecarriedoneofthetorches。MrWopslehadbeenforgoingback，butJoewasresolvedtoseeitout，sowewentonwiththeparty。Therewasareasonablygoodpathnow，mostlyontheedgeoftheriver，withadivergencehereandtherewhereadykecame，withaminiaturewindmillonitandamuddysluice-gate。WhenIlookedround，Icouldseetheotherlightscominginafterus。Thetorcheswecarried，droppedgreatblotchesoftheuponthetrack，andIcouldseethose，too，lyingsmokingandflaring。Icouldseenothingelsebutblackdarkness。Ourlightswarmedtheairaboutuswiththeirpitchyblaze，andthetwoprisonersseemedrathertolikethat，astheylimpedalonginthemidstofthemuskets。Wecouldnotgofast，becauseoftheirlameness；
　　andtheyweresospent，thattwoorthreetimeswehadtohaltwhiletheyrested。
　　Afteranhourorsoofthistravelling，wecametoaroughwoodenhutandalanding-place。Therewasaguardinthehut，andtheychallenged，andthesergeantanswered。Then，wewentintothehutwheretherewasasmelloftobaccoandwhitewash，andabrightfire，andalamp，andastandofmuskets，andadrum，andalowwoodenbedstead，likeanovergrownmanglewithoutthemachinery，capableofholdingaboutadozensoldiersallatonce。Threeorfoursoldierswholayuponitintheirgreat-coats，werenotmuchinterestedinus，butjustliftedtheirheadsandtookasleepystare，andthenlaydownagain。Thesergeantmadesomekindofreport，andsomeentryinabook，andthentheconvictwhomIcalltheotherconvictwasdraftedoffwithhisguard，togoonboardfirst。
　　Myconvictneverlookedatme，exceptthatonce。Whilewestoodinthehut，hestoodbeforethefirelookingthoughtfullyatit，orputtinguphisfeetbyturnsuponthehob，andlookingthoughtfullyatthemasifhepitiedthemfortheirrecentadventures。Suddenly，heturnedtothesergeant，andremarked:
　　`Iwishtosaysomethingrespectingthisescape。Itmaypreventsomepersonslayingundersuspicionalongerme。'
　　`Youcansaywhatyoulike，'returnedthesergeant，standingcoollylookingathimwithhisarmsfolded，`butyouhavenocalltosayithere。
　　You'llhaveopportunityenoughtosayaboutit，andhearaboutit，beforeit'sdonewith，youknow。'
　　`Iknow，butthisisanotherpint，aseparatematter。Amancan'tstarve；
　　atleastIcan't。Itooksomewittles，upatthewillageoveryonder-wherethechurchstandsa'mostoutonthemarshes。'
　　`Youmeanstole，'saidthesergeant。
　　`AndI'lltellyouwherefrom。Fromtheblacksmith's。'
　　`Halloa！'saidthesergeant，staringatJoe。
　　`Halloa，Pip！'saidJoe，staringatme。
　　`Itwassomebrokenwittles-that'swhatitwas-andadramofliquor，andapie。'
　　`Haveyouhappenedtomisssuchanarticlesasapie，blacksmith？'askedthesergeant，confidentially。
　　`Mywifedid，attheverymomentwhenyoucamein。Don'tyouknow，Pip？'
　　`So，'saidmyconvict，turninghiseyesonJoeinamoodymanner，andwithouttheleastglanceatme；`soyou'retheblacksmith，areyou？ThanI'msorrytosay，I'veeatyourpie。'
　　`Godknowsyou'rewelcometoit-sofarasitwasevermine，'returnedJoe，withasavingremembranceofMrsJoe。`Wedon'tknowwhatyouhavedone，butwewouldn'thaveyoustarvedtodeathforit，poormiserablefellow-creatur-Wouldus，Pip？'
　　ThesomethingthatIhadnoticedbefore，clickedintheman'sthroatagain，andheturnedhisback。Theboathadreturned，andhisguardwereready，sowefollowedhimtothelanding-placemadeofroughstakesandstones，andsawhimputintotheboat，whichwasrowedbyacrewofconvictslikehimself。Nooneseemedsurprisedtoseehim，orinterestedinseeinghim，orgladtoseehim，orsorrytoseehim，orspokeaword，exceptthatsomebodyintheboatgrowledasiftodogs，`Giveway，you！'whichwasthesignalforthedipoftheoars。Bythelightoftorches，wewastheblackHulklyingoutalittlewayfromthemudoftheshore，likeawickedNoah'sark。Cribbedandbarredandmooredbymassiverustychains，theprison-shipseemedinmyyoungeyestobeironedliketheprisoners。Wesawtheboatgoalongside，andwesawhimtakenupthesideanddisappear。
　　Then，theendsofthetorcheswereflunghissingintothewater，andwentout，asifitwerealloverwithhim。
　　Chapter6
　　MYstateofmindregardingthepilferingfromwhichIhadbeensounexpectedlyexonerated，didnotimpelmetofrankdisclosure；butIhopeithadsomedregsofgoodatthebottomofit。
　　IdonotrecallthatIfeltanytendernessofconscienceinreferencetoMrsJoe，whenthefearofbeingfoundoutwasliftedoffme。ButIlovedJoe-perhapsfornobetterreasoninthoseearlydaysthanbecausethedearfellowletmelovehim-and，astohim，myinnerselfwasnotsoeasilycomposed。ItwasmuchuponmymindparticularlywhenIfirstsawhimlookingaboutforhisfilethatIoughttotellJoethewholetruth。
　　YetIdidnot，andforthereasonthatImistrustedthatifIdid，hewouldthinkmeworsethanIwas。ThefearoflosingJoe'sconfidence，andofthenceforthsittinginthechimney-corneratnightstaringdrearilyatmyforeverlostcompanionandfriend，tiedupmytongue。ImorbidlyrepresentedtomyselfthatifJoeknewit，Ineverafterwardscouldseehimatthefiresidefeelinghisfairwhisker，withoutthinkingthathewasmeditatingonit。That，ifJoeknewit，Ineverafterwardscouldseehimglance，howevercasually，atyesterday'smeatorpuddingwhenitcameonto-day'stable，withoutthinkingthathewasdebatingwhetherIhadbeeninthepantry。
　　That，ifJoeknewit，andatanysubsequentperiodofourjointdomesticliferemarkedthathisbeerwasflatorthick，theconvictionthathesuspectedTarinit，wouldbringarushofbloodtomyface。Inaword，IwastoocowardlytodowhatIknewtoberight，asIhadbeentoocowardlytoavoiddoingwhatIknewtobewrong。Ihadhadnointercoursewiththeworldatthattime，andIimitatednoneofitsmanyinhabitantswhoactinthismanner。Quiteanuntaughtgenius，Imadethediscoveryofthelineofactionformyself。
　　AsIwassleepybeforewewerefarawayfromtheprison-ship，Joetookmeonhisbackagainandcarriedmehome。Hemusthavehadatiresomejourneyofit，forMrWopsle，beingknockedup，wasinsuchaverybadtemperthatiftheChurchhadbeenthrownopen，hewouldprobablyhaveexcommunicatedthewholeexpedition，beginningwithJoeandmyself。Inhislaycapacity，hepersistedinsittingdowninthedamptosuchaninsaneextent，thatwhenhiscoatwastakenofftobedriedatthekitchenfire，thecircumstantialevidenceonhistrouserswouldhavehangedhimifithadbeenacapitaloffence。
　　Bythattime，Iwasstaggeringonthekitchenfloorlikealittledrunkard，throughhavingbeennewlysetuponmyfeet，andthroughhavingbeenfastasleep，andthroughwakingintheheatandlightsandnoiseoftongues。
　　AsIcametomyselfwiththeaidofaheavythumpbetweentheshoulders，andtherestorativeexclamation`Yah！Wasthereeversuchaboyasthis！'
　　frommysister，IfoundJoetellingthenabouttheconvict'sconfession，andallthevisitorssuggestingdifferentwaysbywhichhehadgotintothepantry。MrPumblechookmadeout，aftercarefullysurveyingthepremises，thathehadfirstgotupontheroofoftheforge，andhadthengotupontheroofofthehouse，andhadthenlethimselfdownthekitchenchimneybyaropemadeofhisbeddingcutintostrips；andasMrPumblechookwasverypositiveanddrovehisownchaise-cart-overeverybody-itwasagreedthatitmustbeso。MrWopsle，indeed，wildlycriedout`No！'withthefeeblemaliceofatriedman；but，ashehadnotheory，andnocoaton，hewasunanimouslysetatnought-nottomentionhissmokinghardbehind，ashestoodwithhisbacktothekitchenfiretodrawthedampout:whichwasnotcalculatedtoinspireconfidence。
　　ThiswasallIheardthatnightbeforemysisterclutchedme，asaslumberousoffencetothecompany'seyesight，andassistedmeuptobedwithsuchastronghandthatIseemedtohavefiftybootson，andtobedanglingthemallagainsttheedgesofthestairs。Mystateofmind，asIhavedescribedit，beganbeforeIwasupinthemorning，andlastedlongafterthesubjecthaddiedout，andhadceasedtobementionedsavingonexceptionaloccasions。
　　Chapter7
　　ATthetimewhenIstoodinthechurchyard，readingthefamilytombstones，Ihadjustenoughlearningtobeabletospellthemout。Myconstructionevenoftheirsimplemeaningwasnotverycorrect，forIread`wifeoftheAbove'asacomplimentaryreferencetomyfather'sexaltationtoabetterworld；andifanyoneofmydeceasedrelationshadbeenreferredtoas`Below，'IhavenodoubtIshouldhaveformedtheworstopinionsofthatmemberofthefamily。Neither，weremynotionsofthetheologicalpositionstowhichmyCatechismboundme，atallaccurate；for，IhavealivelyremembrancethatIsupposedmydeclarationthatIwasto`walkinthesameallthedaysofmylife，'laidmeunderanobligationalwaystogothroughthevillagefromourhouseinoneparticulardirection，andnevertovaryitbyturningdownbythewheelwright'sorupbythemill。
　　WhenIwasoldenough，IwastobeapprenticedtoJoe，anduntilIcouldassumethatdignityIwasnottobewhatMrsJoecalled`Pompeyed，'orasIrenderitpampered。Therefore，Iwasnotonlyodd-boyabouttheforge，butifanyneighbourhappenedtowantanextraboytofrightenbirds，orpickupstones，ordoanysuchjob，Iwasfavouredwiththeemployment。
　　Inorder，however，thatoursuperiorpositionmightnotbecompromisedthereby，amoney-boxwaskeptonthekitchenmantel-shelf，intowhichitwaspubliclymadeknownthatallmyearningsweredropped。IhaveanimpressionthattheyweretobecontributedeventuallytowardstheliquidationoftheNationalDebt，butIknowIhadnohopeofanypersonalparticipationinthetreasure。
　　MrWopsle'sgreat-auntkeptaneveningschoolinthevillage；thatistosay，shewasaridiculousoldwomanoflimitedmeansandunlimitedinfirmity，whousedtogotosleepfromsixtoseveneveryevening，inthesocietyofyouthwhopaidtwopenceperweekeach，fortheimprovingopportunityofseeingherdoit。Sherentedasmallcottage，andMrWopslehadtheroomup-stairs，wherewestudentsusedtooverhearhimreadingaloudinamostdignifiedandterrificmanner，andoccasionallybumpingontheceiling。
　　TherewasafictionthatMrWopsle`examined'thescholars，onceaquarter。
　　Whathedidonthoseoccasionswastoturnuphiscuffs，stickuphishair，andgiveusMarkAntony'sorationoverthebodyofCaesar。ThiswasalwaysfollowedbyCollins'sOdeonthePassions，whereinIparticularlyveneratedMrWopsleasRevenge，throwinghisblood-stainedswordinthunderdown，andtakingtheWar-denouncingtrumpetwithawitheringlook。Itwasnotwithmethen，asitwasinlaterlife，whenIfellintothesocietyofthePassions，andcomparedthemwithCollinsandWopsle，rathertothedisadvantageofbothgentlemen。
　　Mr。Wopsle'sgreat-aunt，besideskeepingthisEducationalInstitution，kept-inthesameroom-alittlegeneralshop。Shehadnoideawhatstockshehad，orwhatthepriceofanythinginitwas；buttherewasalittlegreasymemorandum-bookkeptinadrawer，whichservedasaCatalogueofPrices，andbythisoracleBiddyarrangedalltheshoptransaction。BiddywasMrWopsle'sgreat-aunt'sgranddaughter；Iconfessmyselfquietunequaltotheworkingoutoftheproblem，whatrelationshewastoMrWopsle。
　　Shewasanorphanlikemyself；likeme，too，hadbeenbroughtupbyhand。
　　Shewasmostnoticeable，Ithought，inrespectofherextremities；for，herhairalwayswantedbrushing，herhandsalwayswantedwashing，andhershoesalwayswantedmendingandpullingupatheel。Thisdescriptionmustbereceivedwithaweek-daylimitation。OnSundays，shewenttochurchelaborated。
　　Muchofmyunassistedself，andmorebythehelpofBiddythanofMrWopsle'sgreat-aunt，Istruggledthroughthealphabetasifithadbeenabramble-bush；gettingconsiderablyworriedandscratchedbyeveryletter。
　　Afterthat，Ifellamongthosethieves，theninefigures，whoseemedeveryeveningtodosomethingnewtodisguisethemselvesandbafflerecognition。
　　But，atlastIbegan，inapurblindgropingway，toread，write，andcipher，ontheverysmallestscale。
　　Onenight，Iwassittinginthechimney-cornerwithmyslate，expendinggreateffortsontheproductionofalettertoJoe。Ithinkitmusthavebeenafullyyearafterourhuntuponthemarshes，foritwasalongtimeafter，anditwaswinterandahardfrost。Withanalphabetonthehearthatmyfeetforreference，Icontrivedinanhourortwotoprintandsmearthisepistle:`MIDEERJOiOPEURKRWITEWELLiOPEiSHALSONBHABELL
　　42TEEDGEUJOANTHENWESHORLBSOGLODDANWENiMPRENGTD2UJOWOT
　　LARXANBLEVEMEINFXNPIP。'TherewasnoindispensablenecessityformycommunicatingwithJoebyletter，inasmuchashesatbesidemeandwewerealone。But，Ideliveredthiswrittencommunicationslateandallwithmyownhand，andJoereceiveditasamiracleoferudition。
　　`Isay，Pip，oldchap！'criedJoe，openinghisblueeyeswide，`whatascholaryouare！An'tyou？'
　　`Ishouldliketobe，'saidI，glancingattheslateasheheldit:
　　withamisgivingthatthewritingwasratherhilly。
　　`Why，here'saJ，'saidJoe，`andaOequaltoanythink！Here'saJ
　　andaO，Pip，andaJ-O，Joe。'
　　IhadneverheardJoereadaloudtoanygreaterextentthanthismonosyllable，andIhadobservedatchurchlastSundaywhenIaccidentallyheldourPrayer-Bookupsidedown，thatitseemedtosuithisconveniencequiteaswellasifithadbeenright。WishingtoembracethepresentoccasionoffindingoutwhetherinteachingJoe，Ishouldhavetobeginquiteatthebeginning，Isaid，`Ah！Butreadtherest，Jo。'
　　`Therest，eh，Pip？'saidJoe，lookingatitwithaslowlysearchingeye，`One，two，three。Why，here'sthreeJs，andthreeOs，andthreeJ-O，Joesinit，Pip！'
　　IleanedoverJoe，and，withtheaidofmyforefinger，readhimthewholeletter。
　　`Astonishing！'saidJoe，whenIhadfinished。`YouAREascholar。'
　　`HowdoyouspellGargery，Joe？'Iaskedhim，withamodestpatronage。
　　`Idon'tspellitatall，'saidJoe。
　　`Butsupposingyoudid？'
　　`Itcan'tbesupposed，'saidJoe。`Tho'I'moncommonfondofreading，too。'
　　`Areyou，Joe？'
　　`On-common。Giveme，'saidJoe，`agoodbook，oragoodnewspaper，andsitmedownaforeagoodfire，andIasknobetter。Lord！'hecontinued，afterrubbinghiskneesalittle，`whenyoudocometoaJandaO，andsaysyou，"Here，atlast，isaJ-O，Joe，"howinterestingreadingis！'
　　Iderivedfromthislast，thatJoe'seducation，likeSteam，wasyetinitsinfancy，Pursuingthesubject，Iinquired:
　　`Didn'tyouevergotoschool，Joe，whenyouwereaslittleasme？'
　　`No，Pip。'
　　`Whydidn'tyouevergotoschool，Joe，whenyouwereaslittleasme？'
　　`Well，Pip，'saidJoe，takingupthepoker，andsettlinghimselftohisusualoccupationwhenhewasthoughtful，ofslowlyrakingthefirebetweenthelowerbars:`I'lltellyou。Myfather，Pip，heweregiventodrink，andwhenhewereovertookwithdrink，hehammeredawayatmymother，mostonmerciful。Itwerea'mosttheonlyhammeringhedid，indeed，'xceptingatmyself。Andhehammeredatmewithawigouronlytobeequalledbythewigourwithwhichhedidn'thammerathisanwil-You'relisteningandunderstanding，Pip？'
　　`Yes，Joe。'
　　`'Consequence，mymotherandmeweranawayfrommyfather，severaltimes；andthenmymothershe'dgoouttowork，andshe'dsay，"Joe，"she'dsay，"now，pleaseGod，youshallhavesomeschooling，child，"andshe'dputmetoschool。Butmyfatherwerethatgoodinhishartthathecouldn'tabeartobewithoutus。So，he'dcomewithamosttremenjouscrowdandmakesucharowatthedoorsofthehouseswherewewas，thattheyusedtobeobligatedtohavenomoretodowithusandtogiveusuptohim。
　　Andthenhetookushomeandhammeredus。Which，yousee，Pip，'saidJoe，pausinginhismeditativerakingofthefire，andlookingatme，`wereadrawbackonmylearning。'
　　`Certainly，poorJoe！'
　　`Thoughmindyou，Pip，'saidJoe，withajudicialtouchortwoofthepokeronthetopbar，`renderinguntoalltheirdoo，andmaintainingequaljusticebetwixtmanandman，myfatherwerethatgoodinhishart，don'tyousee？'
　　Ididn'tsee；butIdidn'tsayso。
　　`Well！'Joepursued，`somebodymustkeepthepotabiling，Pip，orthepotwon'tbile，don'tyouknow？'
　　Isawthat，andsaidso。
　　`'Consequence，myfatherdidn'tmakeobjectionstomygoingtowork；
　　soIwenttoworktoworkatmypresentcalling，whichwerehistoo，ifhewouldhavefollowedit，andIworkedtolerablehard，Iassureyou，Pip。IntimeIwereabletokeephim，andIkepthimtillhewentoffinapurplelepticfit。AnditweremyintentionstohavehadputuponhistombstonethatWhatsume'erthefailingsonhispart，Rememberreaderhewerethatgoodinhishart。'
　　Joerecitedthiscoupletwithsuchmanifestprideandcarefulperspicuity，thatIaskedhimifhehadmadeithimself。
　　`Imadeit，'saidJoe，`myownself。Imadeitinamoment。Itwaslikestrikingoutahorseshoecomplete，inasingleblow。Ineverwassomuchsurprisedinallmylife-couldn'tcreditmyowned-totellyouthetruth，hardlybelieveditweremyowned。AsIwassaying，Pip，itweremyintentionstohavehaditcutoverhim；butpoetrycostsmoney，cutithowyouwill，smallorlarge，anditwerenotdone。Nottomentionbearers，allthemoneythatcouldbesparedwerewantedformymother。
　　Shewereinpoorelth，andquitebroke。Sheweren'tlongoffollowing，poorsoul，andhershareofpeacecomeroundatlast。'
　　Joe'sblueeyesturnedalittlewatery；herubbed，firstoneofthem，andthentheother，inamostuncongenialanduncomfortablemanner，withtheroundknobonthetopofthepoker。
　　`Itwerebutlonesomethen，'saidJoe，`livingherealone，andIgotacquaintedwithyoursister。Now，Pip；'Joelookedfirmlyatme，asifheknewIwasnotgoingtoagreewithhim；`yoursisterisafinefigureofawoman。'
　　Icouldnothelplookingatthefire，inanobviousstateofdoubt。
　　`Whateverfamilyopinions，orwhatevertheworld'sopinions，onthatsubjectmaybe，Pip，yoursisteris，'Joetappedthetopbarwiththepokeraftereverywordfollowing，`a-fine-figure-of-a-woman！'
　　Icouldthinkofnothingbettertosaythan`Iamgladyouthinkso，Joe。'
　　`SoamI，'returnedJoe，catchingmeup。`IamgladIthinkso，Pip。AlittlerednessoralittlematterofBone，hereorthere，whatdoesitsignifytoMe？'
　　Isagaciouslyobserved，ifitdidn'tsignifytohim，towhomdiditsignify？
　　`Certainly！'assentedJoe。`That'sit。You'reright，oldchap！WhenI
　　gotacquaintedwithyoursister，itwerethetalkhowshewasbringingyouupbyhand。Verykindofhertoo，allthefolkssaid，andIsaid，alongwithallthefolks。Astoyou，'Joepursuedwithacountenanceexpressiveofseeingsomethingverynastyindeed:`ifyoucouldhavebeenawarehowsmallandflabbyandmeanyouwas，dearme，you'dhaveformedthemostcontemptibleopinionsofyourself！'
　　Notexactlyrelishingthis，Isaid，`Nevermindme，Joe。'
　　`ButIdidmindyou，Pip，'hereturnedwithtendersimplicity。`WhenIofferedtoyoursistertokeepcompany，andtobeaskedinchurchatsuchtimesasshewaswillingandreadytocometotheforge，Isaidtoher，"Andbringthepoorlittlechild。Godblessthepoorlittlechild，"
　　Isaidtoyoursister，"there'sroomforhimattheforge！"'
　　Ibrokeoutcryingandbeggingpardon，andhuggedJoeroundtheneck:
　　whodroppedthepokertohugme，andtosay，`Everthebestoffriends；
　　an'tus，Pip？Don'tcry，oldchap！'
　　Whenthislittleinterruptionwasover，Joeresumed:
　　`Well，yousee，Pip，andhereweare！That'saboutwhereitlights；
　　hereweare！Now，whenyoutakemeinhandinmylearning，PipandItellyoubeforehandIamawfuldull，mostawfuldull，MrsJoemustn'tseetoomuchofwhatwe'reupto。Itmustbedone，asImaysay，onthesly。Andwhyonthesly？I'lltellyouwhy，Pip。'
　　Hehadtakenupthepokeragain；withoutwhich，Idoubtifhecouldhaveproceededinhisdemonstration。
　　`Yoursisterisgiventogovernment。'
　　`Giventogovernment，Joe？'Iwasstartled，forIhadsomeshadowyideaandIamafraidImustadd，hopethatJoehaddivorcedherinafavouroftheLordsoftheAdmiralty，orTreasury。
　　`Giventogovernment，'saidJoe。`WhichImeantersaythegovernmentofyouandmyself。'
　　`Oh！'
　　`Andshean'toverpartialtohavingscholarsonthepremises，'Joecontinued，`andinparticklerwouldnotbeoverpartialtomybeingascholar，forfearasImightrise。Likeasortorrebel，don'tyousee？'
　　Iwasgoingtoretortwithaninquiry，andhadgotasfaras`Why——'
　　whenJoestoppedme。
　　`Stayabit。Iknowwhatyou'rea-goingtosay，Pip；stayabit！Idon'tdenythatyoursistercomestheMo-guloverus，nowandagain。Idon'tdenythatshedothrowusback-falls，andthatshedodropdownuponusheavy。AtsuchtimesaswhenyoursisterisontheRam-page，Pip，'Joesankhisvoicetoawhisperandglancedatthedoor，`candourcompelsfurtoadmitthatsheisaBuster。'
　　Joepronouncedthisword，asifitbeganwithatleasttwelvecapitalBs。
　　`Whydon'tIrise？ThatwereyourobservationwhenIbrokeitoff，Pip？'
　　`Yes，Joe。'
　　`Well，'saidJoe，passingthepokerintohislefthand，thathemightfeelhiswhisker；andIhadnohopeofhimwheneverhetooktothatplacidoccupation；`yoursister'samaster-mind。Amaster-mind。'
　　`What'sthat？'Iasked，insomehopeofbringinghimtoastand。But，JoewasreadierwithhisdefinitionthanIhadexcepted，andcompletelystoppedmebyarguingcircularly，andansweringwithafixedlook，`Her。'
　　`AndIan'tamaster-mind，'Joeresumed，whenhehadunfixedhislook，andgotbacktohiswhisker。`Andlastofall，Pip-andthisIwanttosayveryseroustoyou，oldchap-Iseesomuchinmypoormother，ofawomandrudgingandslavingandbreakingherhonesthartandnevergettingnopeaceinhermortaldays，thatI'mdeadafeerdofgoingwronginthewayofnotdoingwhat'srightbyawoman，andI'dfurratherofthetwogowrongthet'otherway，andbealittleill-conweniencedmyself。Iwishitwasonlymethatgotputout，Pip；Iwishtherewarn'tnoTicklerforyou，oldchap；IwishIcouldtakeitallonmyself；butthisistheup-and-down-and-straightonit，Pip，andIhopeyou'lloverlookshortcomings。'
　　YoungasIwas，IbelievethatIdatedanewadmirationofJoefromthatnight。Wewereequalsafterwards，aswehadbeenbefore；but，afterwardsatquiettimeswhenIsatlookingatJoeandthinkingabouthim，IhadanewsensationoffeelingconsciousthatIwaslookinguptoJoeinmyheart。
　　`However，'saidJoe，risingtoreplenishthefire；`here'stheDutch-clockaworkinghimselfuptobeingequaltostrikeEightof'em，andshe'snotcomehomeyet！IhopeUnclePumblechook'smaremayn'thavesetafore-footonapieceo'ice，andgonedown。'
　　MrsJoemadeoccasionaltripswithUnclePumblechookonmarket-days，toassisthiminbuyingsuchhouseholdstuffsandgoodsasrequiredawoman'sjudgment；UnclePumblechookbeingabachelorandreposingnoconfidencesinhisdomesticservant。Thiswasmarket-day，andMrsJoewasoutononeoftheseexpeditions。
　　Joemadethefireandsweptthehearth，andthenwewenttothedoortolistenforthechaise-cart。Itwasadrycoldnight，andthewindblewkeenly，andthefrostwaswhiteandhard。Amanwoulddieto-nightoflyingoutonthemarshes，Ithought。AndthenIlookedatthestars，andconsideredhowawfulifwouldbeforamantoturnhisfaceuptothemashefrozetodeath，andseenohelporpityinalltheglitteringmultitude。
　　`Herecomesthemare，'saidJoe，`ringinglikeapealofbells！'
　　Thesoundofherironshoesuponthehardroadwasquitemusical，asshecamealongatamuchbriskertrotthanusual。Wegotachairout，readyforMrsJoe'salighting，andstirredupthefirethattheymightseeabrightwindow，andtookafinalsurveyofthekitchenthatnothingmightbeoutofitsplace。Whenwehadcompletedthesepreparations，theydroveup，wrappedtotheeyes。MrsJoewassoonlanded，andUnclePumblechookwassoondowntoo，coveringthemarewithacloth，andweweresoonallinthekitchen，carryingsomuchcoldairinwithusthatitseemedtodrivealltheheatoutofthefire。
　　`Now，'saidMrsJoe，unwrappingherselfwithhasteandexcitement，andthrowingherbonnetbackonhershoulderswhereithungbythestrings:
　　`ifthisboyan'tgratefulthisnight，heneverwillbe！'
　　Ilookedasgratefulasanyboypossiblycould，whowaswhollyuninformedwhyheoughttoassumethatexpression。
　　`It'sonlytobehoped，'saidmysister，`thathewon'tbePomp-eyed。
　　ButIhavemyfears。'
　　`Shean'tinthatline，Mum，'saidMrPumblechook。`Sheknowsbetter。'
　　She？IlookedatJoe，makingthemotionwithmylipsandeyebrows，`She？'
　　Joelookedatme，makingthemotionwithhislipsandeyebrows，`She？'Mysistercatchinghimintheact，hedrewthebackofhishandacrosshisnosewithhisusualconciliatoryaironsuchoccasions，andlookedather。
　　`Well？'saidmysister，inhersnappishway。`Whatareyoustaringat？
　　Isthehousea-fire？'
　　`-Whichsomeindividual，'Joepolitelyhinted，`mentioned-she。'
　　`Andsheisashe，Isuppose？'saidmysister。`UnlessyoucallMissHavishamahe。AndIdoubtifevenyou'llgosofarasthat。'
　　`MissHavisham，uptown？'saidJoe。
　　`IsthereanyMissHavishamdowntown？'returnedmysister。
　　`Shewantsthisboytogoandplaythere。Andofcoursehe'sgoing。
　　Andhehadbetterplaythere，'saidmysister，shakingherheadatmeasanencouragementtobeextremelylightandsportive，`orI'llworkhim。'
　　IhadheardofMissHavishamuptown-everybodyformilesround，hadheardofMissHavishamuptown-asanimmenselyrichandgrimladywholivedinalargeanddismalhousebarricadedagainstrobbers，andwholedalifeofseclusion。
　　`Welltobesure！'saidJoe，astounded。`IwonderhowshecometoknowPip！'
　　`Noodle！'criedmysister。`Whosaidsheknewhim？'
　　`-Whichsomeindividual，'Joeagainpolitelyhinted，`mentionedthatshewantedhimtogoandplaythere。'
　　`Andcouldn'tsheaskUnclePumblechookifheknewofaboytogoandplaythere？Isn'titjustbarelypossiblethatUnclePumblechookmaybeatenantofhers，andthathemaysometimes-wewon'tsayquarterlyorhalf-yearly，forthatwouldberequiringtoomuchofyou-butsometimes-gotheretopayhisrent？Andcouldn'tshethenaskUnclePumblechookifheknewofaboytogoandplaythere？Andcouldn'tUnclePumblechook，beingalwaysconsiderateandthoughtfulforus-thoughyoumaynotthinkit，Joseph，'inatoneofthedeepestreproach，asifhewerethemostcallousofnephews，`thenmentionthisboy，standingPrancinghere'-whichIsolemnlydeclareIwasnotdoing-`thatIhaveforeverbeenawillingslaveto？'
　　`Goodagain！'criedUnclePumblechook。`Wellput！Prettilypointed！
　　Goodindeed！NowJoseph，youknowthecase。'
　　`No，Joseph，'saidmysister，stillinareproachfulmanner，whileJoeapologeticallydrewthebackofhishandacrossandacrosshisnose，`youdonotyet-thoughyoumaynotthinkit-knowthecase。Youmayconsiderthatyoudo，butyoudonot，Joseph。ForyoudonotknowthatUnclePumblechook，beingsensiblethatforanythingwecantell，thisboy'sfortunemaybemadebyhisgoingtoMissHavisham's，hasofferedtotakehimintotownto-nightinhisownchaise-cart，andtokeephimto-night，andtotakehimwithhisownhandstoMissHavisham'sto-morrowmorning。AndLor-a-mussyme！'criedmysister，castingoffherbonnetinsuddendesperation，`hereIstandtalkingtomereMooncalfs，withUnclePumblechookwaiting，andthemarecatchingcoldatthedoor，andtheboygrimedwithcrockanddirtfromthehairofhisheadtothesoleofhisfoot！'
　　Withthat，shepounceduponme，likeaneagleonalamb，andmyfacewassqueezedintowoodenbowlsinsinks，andmyheadwasputundertapsofwater-butts，andIwassoaped，andkneaded，andtowelled，andthumped，andharrowed，andrasped，untilIreallywasquitebesidemyself。ImayhereremarkthatIsupposemyselftobebetteracquaintedthananylivingauthority，withtheridgyeffectofawedding-ring，passingunsympatheticallyoverthehumancountenance。
　　Whenmyablutionswerecompleted，Iwasputintocleanlinenofthestiffestcharacter，likeayoungpenitentintosackcloth，andwastrussedupinmytightestandfearfullestsuit。IwasthendeliveredovertoMrPumblechook，whoformallyreceivedmeasifheweretheSheriff，andwholetoffuponmethespeechthatIknewhehadbeendyingtomakeallalong:
　　`Boy，beforevergratefultoallfriends，butespeciallyuntothemwhichbroughtyouupbyhand！'
　　`Good-bye，Joe！'
　　`Godblessyou，Pip，oldchap！'
　　Ihadneverpartedfromhisbefore，andwhatwithmyfeelingsandwhatwithsoap-suds，Icouldatfirstseenostarsfromthechaise-cart。Buttheytwinkledoutonebyone，withoutthrowinganylightonthequestionswhyonearthIwasgoingtoplayatMissHavisham's，andwhatonearthIwasexpectedtoplayat。
　　Chapter8
　　MRPUMBLECHOOK'SpremisesintheHigh-streetofthemarkettown，wereofapeppercornyandfarinaceouscharacter，asthepremisesofacorn-chandlerandseedsmanshouldbe。Itappearedtomethathemustbeaveryhappymanindeed，tohavesomanylittledrawersinhisshop；andIwonderedwhenIpeepedintooneortwoonthelowertiers，andsawthetied-upbrownpaperpacketsinside，whethertheflower-seedsandbulbseverwantedofafinedaytobreakoutofthosejails，andbloom。
　　ItwasintheearlymorningaftermyarrivalthatIentertainedthisspeculation。Onthepreviousnight，Ihadbeensentstraighttobedinanatticwithaslopingroof，whichwassolowinthecornerwherethebedsteadwas，thatIcalculatedthetilesasbeingwithinafootofmyeyebrows。Inthesameearlymorning，Idiscoveredasingularaffinitybetweenseedsandcorduroys。MrPumblechookworecorduroys，andsodidhisshopman；
　　andsomehow，therewasageneralairandflavouraboutthecorduroys，somuchinthenatureofseeds，andageneralairandflavourabouttheseeds，somuchinthenatureofcorduroys，thatIhardlyknewwhichwaswhich。
　　ThesameopportunityservedmefornoticingthatMrPumblechookappearedtoconducthisbusinessbylookingacrossthestreetatthesaddler，whoappearedtotransacthisbusinessbykeepinghiseyeonthecoach-maker，whoappearedtogetoninlifebyputtinghishandsinhispocketsandcontemplatingthebaker，whoinhisturnfoldedhisarmsandstaredatthegrocer，whostoodathisdoorandyawnedatthechemist。Thewatch-maker，alwaysporingoveralittledeskwithamagnifyingglassathiseye，andalwaysinspectedbyagroupofsmock-frocksporingoverhimthroughtheglassofhisshop-window，seemedtobeabouttheonlypersonintheHigh-streetwhosetradeengagedhisattention。
　　MrPumblechookandIbreakfastedateighto'clockintheparlourbehindtheshop，whiletheshopmantookhismugofteaandhunchofbread-and-butteronasackofpeasinthefrontpremises。IconsideredMrPumblechookwretchedcompany。Besidesbeingpossessedbymysister'sideathatamortifyingandpenitentialcharacteroughttobeimpartedtomydiet-besidesgivingmeasmuchcrumbaspossibleincombinationwithaslittlebutter，andputtingsuchaquantityofwarmwaterintomymilkthatitwouldhavebeenmorecandidtohaveleftthemilkoutaltogether-hisconversationconsistedofnothingbutarithmetic。OnmypolitelybiddinghimGoodmorning，hesaid，pompously，`Seventimesnine，boy？'AndhowshouldIbeabletoanswer，dodgedinthatway，inastrangeplace，onanemptystomach！
　　Iwashungry，butbeforeIhadswallowedamorsel，hebeganarunningsumthatlastedallthroughthebreakfast。`Seven？'`Andfour？'`Andeight？'
　　`Andsix？'`Andtwo？'`Andten？'Andsoon。Andaftereachfigurewasdisposedof，itwasasmuchasIcoulddotogetabiteorasup，beforethenextcame；whilehesatathiseaseguessingnothing，andeatingbaconandhotroll，inifImaybeallowedtheexpressionagorgingandgormandisingmanner。
　　ForsuchreasonsIwasverygladwhenteno'clockcameandwestartedforMissHavisham's；thoughIwasnotatallatmyeaseregardingthemannerinwhichIshouldacquitmyselfunderthatlady'sroof。WithinaquarterofanhourwecametoMissHavisham'shouse，whichwasofoldbrick，anddismal，andhadagreatmanyironbarstoit。Someofthewindowshadbeenwalledup；ofthosethatremained，allthelowerwererustilybarred。Therewasacourt-yardinfront，andthatwasbarred；so，wehadtowait，afterringingthebell，untilsomeoneshouldcometoopenit。Whilewewaitedatthegate，IpeepedineventhenMrPumblechooksaid，`Andfourteen？'
　　butIpretendednottohearhim，andsawthatatthesideofhousetherewasalargebrewery。Nobrewingwasgoingoninit，andnoneseemedtohavegoneonforalonglongtime。
　　Awindowwasraised，andaclearvoicedemanded`Whatname？'Towhichmyconductorreplied，`Pumblechook。'Thevoicereturned，`Quiteright，'
　　andthewindowwasshutagain，andayoungladycameacrossthecourt-yard，withkeysinherhand。
　　`This，'saidMrPumblechook，`isPip。'
　　`ThisisPip，isit？'returnedtheyounglady，whowasveryprettyandseemedveryproud；`comein，Pip。'
　　MrPumblechookwascominginalso，whenshestoppedhimwiththegate。
　　`Oh！'shesaid。`DidyouwishtoseeMissHavisham？'
　　`IfMissHavishamwishedtoseeme，'returnedMrPumblechook，discomfited。
　　`Ah！'saidthegirl；`butyouseeshedon't。'
　　Shesaiditsofinally，andinsuchanundiscussibleway，thatMrPumblechook，thoughinaconditionofruffleddignity，couldnotprotest。Butheeyedmeseverely-asifIhaddoneanythingtohim！-anddepartedwiththewordsreproachfullydelivered:`Boy！Letyourbehaviourherebeacredituntothemwhichbroughtyouupbyhand！'Iwasnotfreefromapprehensionthathewouldcomebacktopropoundthroughthegate，`Andsixteen？'Buthedidn't。
　　Myyoungconductresslockedthegate，andwewentacrossthecourt-yard。
　　Itwaspavedandclean，butgrasswasgrowingineverycrevice。Thebrewerybuildingshadalittlelaneofcommunicationwithit，andthewoodengatesofthatlanestoodopen，andallthebrewerybeyond，stoodopen，awaytothehighenclosingwall；andallwasemptyanddisused。Thecoldwindseemedtoblowcolderthere，thanoutsidethegate；anditmadeashrillnoiseinhowlinginandoutattheopensidesofthebrewery，likethenoiseofwindintheriggingofashipatsea。
　　Shesawmelookingatit，andshesaid，`Youcoulddrinkwithouthurtallthestrongbeerthat'sbrewedtherenow，boy。'
　　`IshouldthinkIcould，miss'saidI，inashyway。
　　`Betternottrytobrewbeertherenow，oritwouldturnoutsour，boy；
　　don'tyouthinkso？'
　　`Itlookslikeit，miss。'
　　`Notthatanybodymeanstotry，'sheadded，`forthat'salldonewith，andtheplacewillstandasidleasitis，tillitfalls。Astostrongbeer，there'senoughofitinthecellarsalready，todrowntheManorHouse。'
　　`Isthatthenameofthishouse，miss？'
　　`Oneofitsnames，boy。'
　　`Ithasmorethanone，then，miss？'
　　`Onemore。ItsothernamewasSatis；whichisGreek，orLatin，orHebrew，orallthree-orallonetome-forenough。'
　　`EnoughHouse，'saidI；`that'sacuriousname，miss。'
　　`Yes，'shereplied；`butitmeantmorethanitsaid。Itmeant，whenitwasgiven，thatwhoeverhadthishouse，couldwantnothingelse。Theymusthavebeeneasilysatisfiedinthosedays，Ishouldthink。Butdon'tloiter，boy。'
　　Thoughshecalledme`boy'sooften，andwithacarelessnessthatwasfarfromcomplimentary，shewasofaboutmyownage。SheseemedmucholderthanI，ofcourse，beingagirl，andbeautifulandself-possessed；andshewasanscornfulofmeasifshehadbeenone-and-twenty，andaqueen。
　　Wewentintothehousebyasidedoor-thegreatfrontentrancehadtwochainsacrossitoutside-andthefirstthingInoticedwas，thatthepassageswerealldark，andthatshehadleftacandleburningthere。
　　Shetookitup，andwewentthroughmorepassagesandupastaircase，andstillitwasalldark，andonlythecandlelightedus。
　　Atlastwecametothedoorofaroom，andshesaid，`Goin。'
　　Ianswered，moreinshynessthanpoliteness，`Afteryou，miss。'
　　Tothis，shereturned:`Don'tberidiculous，boy；Iamnotgoingin。'
　　Andscornfullywalkedaway，and-whatwasworse-tookthecandlewithher。
　　Thiswasveryuncomfortable，andIwashalfafraid。However，theonlythingtobedonebeingtoknockatthedoor，Iknocked，andwastoldfromwithintoenter。Ientered，therefore，andfoundmyselfinaprettylargeroom，welllightedwithwaxcandles。Noglimpseofdaylightwastobeseeninit。Itwasadressing-room，asIsupposedfromthefurniture，thoughmuchofitwasofformsandusesthenquiteunknowntome。Butprominentinitwasadrapedtablewithagildedlooking-glass，andthatImadeoutatfirstsighttobeafinelady'sdressing-table。
　　WhetherIshouldhavemadeoutthisobjectsosoon，iftherehadbeennofineladysittingatit，Icannotsay。Inanarm-chair，withanelbowrestingonthetableandherheadleaningonthathand，satthestrangestladyIhaveeverseen，orshalleversee。
　　Shewasdressedinrichmaterials-satins，andlace，andsilks-allofwhite。Hershoeswerewhite。Andshehadalongwhileveildependentfromherhair，andshehadbridalflowersinherhair，butherhairwaswhite。Somebrightjewelssparkledonherneckandonherhands，andsomeotherjewelslaysparklingonthetable。Dresses，lesssplendidthanthedressshewore，andhalf-packedtrunks，werescatteredabout。Shehadnotquitefinisheddressing，forshehadbutoneshoeon-theotherwasonthetablenearherhand-herveilwasbuthalfarranged，herwatchandchainwerenotputon，andsomelaceforherbosomlaywiththosetrinkets，andwithherhandkerchief，andgloves，andsomeflowers，andaprayer-book，allconfusedlyheapedaboutthelooking-glass。
　　ItwasnotinthefirstfewmomentstheIsawallthesethings，thoughIsawmoreoftheminthefirstmomentsthanmightbesupposed。But，I
　　sawthateverythingwithinmyviewwhichoughttobewhite，hadbeenwhitelongago，andhadlostitslustre，andwasfadedandyellow。Isawthatthebridewithinthebridaldresshadwitheredlikethedress，andliketheflowers，andhadnobrightnessleftbutthebrightnessofhersunkeneyes。Isawthatthedresshadbeenputupontheroundedfigureofayoungwoman，andthatthefigureuponwhichitnowhungloose，hadshrunktoskinandbone。Once，IhadbeentakentoseesomeghastlywaxworkattheFair，representingIknownotwhatimpossiblepersonagelyinginstate。
　　Once，Ihadbeentakentooneofouroldmarshchurchestoseeaskeletonintheashesofarichdress，thathadbeendugoutofavaultunderthechurchpavement。Now，waxworkandskeletonseemedtohavedarkeyesthatmovedandlookedatme。Ishouldhavecriedout，ifIcould。
　　`Whoisit？'saidtheladyatthetable。
　　`Pip，ma'am。'
　　`Pip？'
　　`MrPumblechook'sboy，ma'am。Come-toplay。'
　　`Comenearer；letmelookatyou。Comeclose。'
　　ItwaswhenIstoodbeforeher，avoidinghereyes，thatItooknoteofthesurroundingobjectsindetail，andsawthatherwatchhadstoppedattwentyminutestonine，andthataclockintheroomhadstoppedattwentyminutestonine。
　　`Lookatme，'saidMissHavisham。`Youarenotafraidofawomanwhohasneverseenthesunsinceyouwereborn？'
　　IregardtostatethatIwasnotafraidoftellingtheenormousliecomprehendedintheanswer`No。'
　　`DoyouknowwhatItouchhere？'shesaid，layingherhands，oneupontheother，onherleftside。
　　`Yes，ma'am。'Itmademethinkoftheyoungman。
　　`WhatdoItouch？'
　　`Yourheart。'
　　`Broken！'
　　Sheutteredthewordwithaneagerlook，andwithstrongemphasis，andwithaweirdsmilethathadakindofboastinit。Afterwards，shekeptherhandsthereforalittlewhile，andslowlytookthemawayasiftheywereheavy。
　　`Iamtired，'saidMissHavisham。`Iwantdiversion，andIhavedonewithmenandwomen。Play。'
　　Ithinkitwillbeconcededbymymostdisputatiousreader，thatshecouldhardlyhavedirectedanunfortunateboytodoanythinginthewideworldmoredifficulttobedoneunderthecircumstances。
　　`Isometimeshavesickfancies，'shewenton，`andIhaveasickfancythatIwanttoseesomeplay。Therethere！'withanimpatientmovementofthefingersofherrighthand；`play，play，play！'
　　Foramoment，withthefearofmysister'sworkingmebeforemyeyes，IhadadesperateideaofstartingroundtheroomintheassumedcharacterofMrPumblechook'schaise-cart。But，IfeltmyselfsounequaltotheperformancethatIgaveitup，andstoodlookingatMissHavishaminwhatIsupposeshetookforadoggedmanner，inasmuchasshesaid，whenwehadtakenagoodlookateachother:
　　`Areyousullenandobstinate？'
　　`No，ma'am，Iamverysorryforyou，andverysorryIcan'tplayjustnow。IfyoucomplainofmeIshallgetintotroublewithmysister，soIwoulddoitifIcould；butit'ssonewhere，andsostrange，andsofine-andmelancholy——'Istopped，fearingImightsaytoomuch，orhadalreadysaidit，andwetookanotherlookateachother。
　　Beforeshespokeagain，sheturnedhereyesfromme，andlookedatthedressshewore，andatthedressing-table，andfinallyatherselfinthelooking-glass。
　　`Sonewtohim，'shemuttered，`sooldtome；sostrangetohim，sofamiliartome；somelancholytobothofus！CallEstella。'
　　Asshewasstilllookingatthereflectionofherself，Ithoughtshewasstilltalkingtoherself，andkeptquiet。
　　`CallEstella，'sherepeated，flashingalookatme。`Youcandothat。
　　CallEstella。Atthedoor。'
　　Tostandinthedarkinamysteriouspassageofanunknownhouse，bawlingEstellatoascornfulyoungladyneithervisiblenorresponsive，andfeelingitadreadfullibertysotoroarouthername，wasalmostasbadasplayingtoorder。But，sheansweredatlast，andherlightcamealongthedarkpassagelikeastar。
　　MissHavishambeckonedhertocomeclose，andtookupajewelfromthetable，andtrieditseffectuponherfairyoungbosomandagainstherprettybrownhair。`Yourown，oneday，mydear，andyouwilluseitwell。Letmeseeyouplaycardswiththisboy。'
　　`Withthisboy？Why，heisacommonlabouring-boy！'
　　IthoughtIoverheardMissHavishamanswer-onlyitseemedsounlikely-`Well？Youcanbreakhisheart。'
　　`Whatdoyouplay，boy？'askedEstellaofmyself，withthegreatestdisdain。
　　`Nothingbutbeggarmyneighbour，miss。'
　　`Beggarhim，'saidMissHavishamtoEstella。Sowesatdowntocards。
　　ItwasthenIbegantounderstandthateverythingintheroomhadstopped，likethewatchandtheclock，alongtimeago。InoticedthatMissHavishamputdownthejewelexactlyonthespotformwhichshehadtakenitup。
　　AsEstelladealtthecards，Iglancedatthedressing-tableagain，andsawthattheshoeuponit，oncewhite，nowyellow，hadneverbeenworn。
　　Iglanceddownatthefootfromwhichtheshoewasabsent，andsawthatthesilkstockingonit，oncewhite，nowyellow，hadbeentroddenragged。
　　Withoutthisarrestofeverything，thisstandingstillofallthepaledecayedobjects，noteventhewitheredbridaldressonthecollapsedfromcouldhavelookedsolikegrave-clothes，orthelongveilsolikeashroud。
　　Soshesat，corpse-like，asweplayedatcards；thefrillingsandtrimmingsonherbridaldress，lookinglikeearthypaper。Iknewnothingthen，ofthediscoveriesthatareoccasionallymadeofbodiesburiedinancienttimes，whichfalltopowderinthemomentofbeingdistinctlyseen；but，Ihaveoftenthoughtsince，thatshemusthavelookedasiftheadmissionofthenaturallightofdaywouldhavestruckhertodust。
　　`Hecallstheknaves，Jacks，thisboy！'saidEstellawithdisdain，beforeourfirstgamewasout。`Andwhatcoarsehandshehas！Andwhatthickboots！'
　　Ihadneverthoughtofbeingashamedofmyhandsbefore；butIbegantoconsiderthemaveryindifferentpair。Hercontemptformewassostrong，thatitbecameinfectious，andIcaughtit。