Thewaiterreappeared。
　　`Lookhere，yousir。Youquiteunderstandthattheyoungladydon'trideto-day，andthatIdineattheyounglady's？'
　　`Quiteso，sir！'
　　Whenthewaiterhadfeltmyfastcoolingtea-potwiththepalmofhishand，andhadlookedimploringlyatme，andhadgoneout，Drummle，carefulnottomovetheshouldernextme，tookacigarfromhispocketandbittheendoff，butshowednosignofstirring。ChokingandboilingasIwas，Ifeltthatwecouldnotgoawordfurther，withoutintroducingEstella'sname，whichIcouldnotenduretohearhimutter；andthereforeIlookedstonilyattheoppositewall，asiftherewerenoonepresent，andforcedmyselftosilence。Howlongwemighthaveremainedinthisridiculouspositionitisimpossibletosay，butfortheincursionofthreethrivingfarmers-laidonbythewaiter，Ithink-whocameintothecoffee-roomunbuttoningtheirgreat-coatsandrubbingtheirhands，andbeforewhom，astheychargedatthefire，wewereobligedtogiveway。
　　Isawhimthroughthewindow，seizinghishorse'smane，andmountinginhisblunderingbrutalmanner，andsidlingandbackingaway。Ithoughthewasgone，whenhecameback，callingforalightforthecigarinhismouth，whichhehadforgotten。Amaninadustcoloureddressappearedwithwhatwaswanted-Icouldnothavesaidfromwhere:whetherfromtheinnyard，orthestreet，orwherenot-andasDrummleleaneddownfromthesaddleandlightedhiscigarandlaughed，withajerkofhisheadtowardsthecoffee-roomwindows，theslouchingshouldersandraggedhairofthisman，whosebackwastowardsme，remindedmeofOrlick。
　　Tooheavilyoutofsortstocaremuchatthetimewhetheritwereheorno，orafteralltotouchthebreakfast，Iwashedtheweatherandthejourneyfrommyfaceandhands，andwentouttothememorableoldhousethatitwouldhavebeensomuchthebetterformenevertohaveentered，nevertohaveseen。
　　Chapter44
　　INtheroomwherethedressing-tablestood，andwherethewaxcandlesburntonthewall，IfoundMissHavishamandEstella；MissHavishamseatedonasetteenearthefire，andEstellaonacushionatherfeet。Estellawasknitting，andMissHavishamwaslookingon。TheybothraisedtheireyesasIwentin，andbothsawanalterationinme。Iderivedthat，fromthelooktheyinterchanged。
　　`Andwhatwind，'saidMissHavisham，`blowsyouhere，Pip？'
　　Thoughshelookedsteadilyatme，Isawthatshewasratherconfused。
　　Estella，pausingamomentinherknittingwithhereyesuponme，andthengoingon，IfanciedthatIreadintheactionofherfingers，asplainlyasifshehadtoldmeinthedumbalphabet，thatsheperceivedIhaddiscoveredmyrealbenefactor。
　　`MissHavisham，'saidI，`IwenttoRichmondyesterday，tospeaktoEstella；andfindingthatsomewindhadblownherhere，Ifollowed。'
　　MissHavishammotioningtomeforthethirdorfourthtimetositdown，Itookthechairbythedressing-table，whichIhadoftenseenheroccupy。
　　Withallthatruinatmyfeetandaboutme，itseemedanaturalplaceforme，thatday。
　　`WhatIhadtosaytoEstella，MissHavisham，Iwillsaybeforeyou，presently-inafewmoments。Itwillnotsurpriseyou，itwillnotdispleaseyou。Iamasunhappyasyoucaneverhavemeantmetobe。'
　　MissHavishamcontinuedtolooksteadilyatme。IcouldseeintheactionofEstella'sfingersastheyworked，thatsheattendedtowhatIsaid:
　　butshedidnotlookup。
　　`Ihavefoundoutwhomypatronis。Itisnotafortunatediscovery，andisnotlikelyevertoenrichmeinreputation，station，fortune，anything。
　　TherearereasonswhyImustsaynomoreofthat。Itisnotmysecret，butanother's。'
　　AsIwassilentforawhile，lookingatEstellaandconsideringhowtogoon，MissHavishamrepeated，`Itisnotyoursecret，butanother's。
　　Well？'
　　`Whenyoufirstcausedmetobebroughthere，MissHavisham；whenI
　　belongedtothevillageoveryonder，thatIwishIhadneverleft；IsupposeIdidreallycomehere，asanyotherchanceboymighthavecome-asakindofservant，togratifyawantorawhim，andtobepaidforit？'
　　`Ay，Pip，'repliedMissHavisham，steadilynoddingherhead；`youdid。'
　　`AndthatMrJaggers——'
　　`MrJaggers，'saidMissHavisham，takingmeupinafirmtone，`hadnothingtodowithit，andknewnothingofit。Hisbeingmylawyer，andhisbeingthelawyerofyourpatron，isacoincidence。Heholdsthesamerelationtowardsnumbersofpeople，anditmighteasilyarise。Bethatasitmay，itdidarise，andwasnotbroughtaboutbyanyone。'
　　Anyonemighthaveseeninherhaggardfacethattherewasnosuppressionorevasionsofar。
　　`ButwhenIfellintothemistakeIhavesolongremainedin，atleastyouledmeon？'saidI。
　　`Yes，'shereturned，againnodding，steadily，`Iletyougoon。'
　　`Wasthatkind？'
　　`WhoamI，'criedMissHavisham，strikingherstickuponthefloorandflashingintowrathsosuddenlythatEstellaglancedupatherinsurprise，`whoamI，forGod'ssake，thatIshouldbekind？'
　　Itwasaweakcomplainttohavemade，andIhadnotmeanttomakeit。
　　Itoldherso，asshesatbroodingafterthisoutburst。
　　`Well，well，well！'shesaid。`Whatelse？'
　　`Iwasliberallypaidformyoldattendancehere，'Isaid，tosootheher，`inbeingapprenticed，andIhaveaskedthesequestionsonlyformyowninformation。WhatfollowshasanotherandIhopemoredisinterested
　　purpose。Inhumouringmymistake，MissHavisham，youpunished-practisedon-perhapsyouwillsupplywhatevertermexpressesyourintention，withoutoffence-yourself-seekingrelations？'
　　`Idid。Why，theywouldhaveitso！Sowouldyou。Whathasbeenmyhistory，thatIshouldbeatthepainsofentreatingeitherthem，oryou，nottohaveitso！Youmadeyourownsnares。Inevermadethem。'
　　Waitinguntilshewasquietagain-forthis，too，flashedoutofherinawildandsuddenway-Iwenton。
　　`Ihavebeenthrownamongonefamilyofyourrelations，MissHavisham，andhavebeenconstantlyamongthemsinceIwenttoLondon。IknowthemtohavebeenashonestlyundermydelusionasImyself。AndIshouldbefalseandbaseifIdidnottellyou，whetheritisacceptabletoyouorno，andwhetheryouareinclinedtogivecredencetoitorno，thatyoudeeplywrongbothMrMatthewPocketandhissonHerbert，ifyousupposethemtobeotherwisethangenerous，upright，open，andincapableofanythingdesigningormean。'
　　`Theyareyourfriends，'saidMissHavisham。
　　`Theymadethemselvesmyfriends，'saidI，`whentheysupposedmetohavesupersededthem；andwhenSarahPocket，MissGeorgiana，andMistressCamilla，werenotmyfriends，Ithink。'
　　Thiscontrastingofthemwiththerestseemed，Iwasgladtosee，todothemgoodwithher。Shelookedatmekeenlyforalittlewhile，andthensaidquietly:
　　`Whatdoyouwantforthem？'
　　`Only，'saidI，`thatyouwouldnotconfoundthemwiththeothers。Theymaybeofthesameblood，but，believeme，theyarenotofthesamenature。'
　　Stilllookingatmekeenly，MissHavishamrepeated:
　　`Whatdoyouwantforthem？'
　　`Iamnotsocunning，yousee，'Isaid，inanswer，consciousthatI
　　reddenedalittle，`asthatIcouldhidefromyou，evenifIdesired，thatIdowantsomething。MissHavisham，ifyouwouldsparethemoneytodomyfriendHerbertalastingserviceinlife，butwhichfromthenatureofthecasemustbedonewithouthisknowledge，Icouldshowyouhow。'
　　`Whymustitbedonewithouthisknowledge？'sheasked，settlingherhandsuponherstick，thatshemightregardmethemoreattentively。
　　`Because，'saidI，`Ibegantheservicemyself，morethantwoyearsago，withouthisknowledge，andIdon'twanttobebetrayed。WhyIfailinmyabilitytofinishit，Icannotexplain。Itisapartofthesecretwhichisanotherperson'sandnotmine。'
　　Shegraduallywithdrewhereyesfromme，andturnedthemonthefire。
　　Afterwatchingitforwhatappearedinthesilenceandbythelightoftheslowlywastingcandlestobealongtime，shewasrousedbythecollapseofsomeoftheredcoals，andlookedtowardsmeagain-atfirst，vacantly-then，withagraduallyconcentratingattention。Allthistime，Estellaknittedon。WhenMissHavishamhadfixedherattentiononme，shesaid，speakingasiftherehadbeennolapseinourdialogue:
　　`Whatelse？'
　　`Estella，'saidI，turningtohernow，andtryingtocommandmytremblingvoice，`youknowIloveyou。YouknowthatIhavelovedyoulonganddearly。'
　　Sheraisedhereyestomyface，onbeingthusaddressed，andherfingerspiledtheirwork，andshelookedatmewithanunmovedcountenance。IsawthatMissHavishamglancedfrommetoher，andfromhertome。
　　`Ishouldhavesaidthissooner，butformylongmistake。ItinducedmetohopethatMissHavishammeantusforoneanother。WhileIthoughtyoucouldnothelpyourself，asitwere，Irefrainedfromsayingit。ButImustsayitnow。'
　　Preservingherunmovedcountenance，andwithherfingersstillgoing，Estellashookherhead。
　　`Iknow，'saidI，inanswertothataction；`Iknow。IhavenohopethatIshallevercallyoumine，Estella。Iamignorantwhatmaybecomeofmeverysoon，howpoorImaybe，orwhereImaygo。Still，Iloveyou。
　　IhavelovedyoueversinceIfirstsawyouinthishouse。'
　　Lookingatmeperfectlyunmovedandwithherfingersbusy，sheshookherheadagain。
　　`ItwouldhavebeencruelinMissHavisham，horriblycruel，topractiseonthesusceptibilityofapoorboy，andtotorturemethroughalltheseyearswithavainhopeandanidlepursuit，ifshehadreflectedonthegravityofwhatshedid。ButIthinkshedidnot。Ithinkthatintheenduranceofherowntrial，sheforgotmine，Estella。'
　　IsawMissHavishamputherhandtoherheartandholditthere，asshesatlookingbyturnsatEstellaandatme。
　　`Itseems，'saidEstella，verycalmly，`thattherearesentiments，fancies-Idon'tknowhowtocallthem-whichIamnotabletocomprehend。Whenyousayyouloveme，Iknowwhatyoumean，asaformofwords；butnothingmore。Youaddressnothinginmybreast，youtouchnothingthere。Idon'tcareforwhatyousayatall。Ihavetriedtowarnyouofthis；now，haveInot？'
　　Isaidinamiserablemanner，`Yes。'
　　`Yes。Butyouwouldnotbewarned，foryouthoughtIdidnotmeanit。
　　Now，didyounotthinkso？'
　　`Ithoughtandhopedyoucouldnotmeanit。You，soyoung，untried，andbeautiful，Estella！SurelyitisnotinNature。'
　　`Itisinmynature，'shereturned。Andthensheadded，withastressuponthewords，`Itisinthenatureformedwithinme。ImakeagreatdifferencebetweenyouandallotherpeoplewhenIsaysomuch。
　　Icandonomore。'
　　`Isitnottrue，'saidI，`thatBentleyDrummleisintownhere，andpursuingyou？'
　　`Itisquitetrue，'shereplied，referringtohimwiththeindifferenceofuttercontempt。
　　`Thatyouencouragehim，andrideoutwithhim，andthathedineswithyouthisveryday？'
　　SheseemedalittlesurprisedthatIshouldknowit，butagainreplied，`Quitetrue。'
　　`Youcannotlovehim，Estella！'
　　Herfingersstoppedforthefirsttime，assheretortedratherangrily，`WhathaveItoldyou？Doyoustillthink，inspiteofit，thatIdonotmeanwhatIsay？'
　　`Youwouldnevermarryhim，Estella？'
　　ShelookedtowardsMissHavisham，andconsideredforamomentwithherworkinherhands。Thenshesaid，`Whynottellyouthetruth？Iamgoingtobemarriedtohim。'
　　Idroppedmyfaceintomyhands，butwasabletocontrolmyselfbetterthanIcouldhaveexpected，consideringwhatagonyitgavemetohearhersaythosewords。WhenIraisedmyfaceagain，therewassuchaghastlylookuponMissHavisham's，thatitimpressedme，eveninmypassionatehurryandgrief。
　　`Estella，dearestdearestEstella，donotletMissHavishamleadyouintothisfatalstep。Putmeasideforever-youhavedoneso，Iwellknow-butbestowyourselfonsomeworthierpersonthanDrummle。MissHavishamgivesyoutohim，asthegreatestslightandinjurythatcouldbedonetothemanyfarbettermenwhoadmireyou，andtothefewwhotrulyloveyou。Amongthosefew，theremaybeonewholovesyouevenasdearly，thoughhehasnotlovedyouaslong，asI。Takehim，andIcanbearitbetter，foryoursake！'
　　Myearnestnessawokeawonderinherthatseemedasifitwouldhavebeentouchedwithcompassion，ifshecouldhaverenderedmeatallintelligibletoherownmind。
　　`Iamgoing，'shesaidagain，inagentlervoice，`tobemarriedtohim。Thepreparationsformymarriagearemaking，andIshallbemarriedsoon。Whydoyouinjuriouslyintroducethenameofmymotherbyadoption？
　　Itismyownact。'
　　`Yourownact，Estella，toflingyourselfawayuponabrute？'
　　`OnwhomshouldIflingmyselfaway？'sheretorted，withasmile。`ShouldIflingmyselfawayuponthemanwhowouldthesoonestfeelifpeopledofeelsuchthingsthatItooknothingtohim？There！Itisdone。Ishalldowellenough，andsowillmyhusband。Astoleadingmeintowhatyoucallthisfatalstep，MissHavishamwouldhavehadmewait，andnotmarryyet；butIamtiredofthelifeIhaveled，whichhasveryfewcharmsforme，andIamwillingenoughtochangeit。Saynomore。Weshallneverunderstandeachother。'
　　`Suchameanbrute，suchastupidbrute！'Iurgedindespair。
　　`Don'tbeafraidofmybeingablessingtohim，'saidEstella；`Ishallnotbethat。Come！Hereismyhand。Dowepartonthis，youvisionaryboy-orman？'
　　`OEstella！'Ianswered，asmybittertearsfellfastonherhand，dowhatIwouldtorestrainthem；`evenifIremainedinEnglandandcouldholdmyheadupwiththerest，howcouldIseeyouDrummle'swife？'
　　`Nonsense，'shereturned，`nonsense。Thiswillpassinnotime。'
　　`Never，Estella！'
　　`Youwillgetmeoutofyourthoughtsinaweek。'
　　`Outofmythoughts！Youarepartofmyexistence，partofmyself。YouhavebeenineverylineIhaveeverread，sinceIfirstcamehere，theroughcommonboywhosepoorheartyouwoundedeventhen。YouhavebeenineveryprospectIhaveeverseensince-ontheriver，onthesailsoftheships，onthemarshes，intheclouds，inthelight，inthedarkness，inthewind，inthewoods，inthesea，inthestreets。Youhavebeentheembodimentofeverygracefulfancythatmymindhaseverbecomeacquaintedwith。ThestonesofwhichthestrongestLondonbuildingsaremade，arenotmorereal，ormoreimpossibletobedisplacedbyyourhands，thanyourpresenceandinfluencehavebeentome，thereandeverywhere，andwillbe。Estella，tothelasthourofmylife，youcannotchoosebutremainpartofmycharacter，partofthelittlegoodinme，partoftheevil。
　　But，inthisseparationIassociateyouonlywiththegood，andIwillfaithfullyholdyoutothatalways，foryoumusthavedonemefarmoregoodthanharm，letmefeelnowwhatsharpdistressImay。OGodblessyou，Godforgiveyou！'
　　InwhatecstasyofunhappinessIgotthesebrokenwordsoutofmyself，Idon'tknow。Therhapsodywelledupwithinme，likebloodfromaninwardwound，andgushedout。Iheldherhandtomylipssomelingeringmoments，andsoIlefther。Buteverafterwards，Iremembered-andsoonafterwardswithstrongerreason-thatwhileEstellalookedatmemerelywithincredulouswonder，thespectralfigureofMissHavisham，herhandstillcoveringherheart，seemedallresolvedintoaghastlystareofpityandremorse。
　　Alldone，allgone！Somuchwasdoneandgone，thatwhenIwentoutatthegate，thelightofthedayseemedofadarkercolourthanwhenI
　　wentin。Forawhile，Ihidmyselfamongsomelanesandby-paths，andthenstruckofftowalkallthewaytoLondon。For，Ihadbythattimecometomyselfsofar，astoconsiderthatIcouldnotgobacktotheinnandseeDrummlethere；thatIcouldnotbeartosituponthecoachandbespokento；thatIcoulddonothinghalfsogoodformyselfastiremyselfout。
　　ItwaspastmidnightwhenIcrossedLondonBridge。PursuingthenarrowintricaciesofthestreetswhichatthattimetendedwestwardneartheMiddlesexshoreoftheriver，myreadiestaccesstotheTemplewasclosebytheriver-side，throughWhitefriars。Iwasnotexpectedtillto-morrow，butIhadmykeys，and，ifHerbertweregonetobed，couldgettobedmyselfwithoutdisturbinghim。
　　AsitseldomhappenedthatIcameinatthatWhitefriarsgateaftertheTemplewasclosed，andasIwasverymuddyandweary，Ididnottakeitillthatthenight-porterexaminedmewithmuchattentionasheheldthegatealittlewayopenformetopassin。TohelphismemoryImentionedmyname。
　　`Iwasnotquitesure，sir，butIthoughtso。Here'sanote，sir。Themessengerthatbroughtit，saidwouldyoubesogoodasreaditbymylantern？'
　　Muchsurprisedbytherequest，Itookthenote。ItwasdirectedtoPhilipPip，Esquire，andonthetopofthesuperscriptionwerethewords，`PLEASE
　　READTHIS，HERE。'Iopenedit，thewatchmanholdinguphislight，andreadinside，inWemmick'swriting:
　　`DON'TGOHOME。'
　　Chapter45
　　TURNINGfromtheTemplegateassoonasIhadreadthewarning，ImadethebestofmywaytoFleet-street，andtheregotalatehackneychariotanddrovetotheHummumsinCoventGarden。Inthosetimesabedwasalwaystobegotthereatanyhourofthenight，andthechamberlain，lettingmeinathisreadywicket，lightedthecandlenextinorderonhisshelf，andshowedmestraightintothebedroomnextinorderonhislist。Itwasasortofvaultonthegroundfloorattheback，withadespoticmonsterofafour-postbedsteadinit，straddlingoverthewholeplace，puttingoneofhisarbitrarylegsintothefire-placeandanotherintothedoorway，andsqueezingthewretchedlittlewashing-standinquiteaDivinelyRighteousmanner。
　　AsIhadaskedforanight-light，thechamberlainhadbroughtmein，beforeheleftme，thegoodoldconstitutionalrush-lightofthosevirtuousdays-anobjectliketheghostofawalking-cane，whichinstantlybrokeitsbackifitweretouched，whichnothingcouldeverbelightedat，andwhichwasplacedinsolitaryconfinementatthebottomofahightintower，perforatedwithroundholesthatmadeastaringlywide-awakepatternonthewalls。WhenIhadgotintobed，andlaytherefootsore，weary，andwretched，IfoundthatIcouldnomoreclosemyowneyesthanIcouldclosetheeyesofthisfoolishArgus。Andthus，inthegloomanddeathofthenight，westaredatoneanother。
　　Whatadolefulnight！Howanxious，howdismal，howlong！Therewasaninhospitablesmellintheroom，ofcoldsootandhotdust；and，asIlookedupintothecornersofthetesterovermyhead，Ithoughtwhatanumberofblue-bottlefliesfromthebutchers'，andearwigsfromthemarket，andgrubsfromthecountry，mustbeholdingonupthere，lyingbyfornextsummer。Thisledmetospeculatewhetheranyofthemevertumbleddown，andthenIfanciedthatIfeltlightfallsonmyface-disagreeableturnofthought，suggestingotherandmoreobjectionableapproachesupmyback。
　　WhenIhadlainawakealittlewhile，thoseextraordinaryvoiceswithwhichsilenceteems，begantomakethemselvesaudible。Theclosetwhispered，thefireplacesighed，thelittlewashing-standticked，andoneguitar-stringplayedoccasionallyinthechestofdrawers。Ataboutthesametime，theeyesonthewallacquiredanewexpression，andineveryoneofthosestaringroundsIsawwritten，DON'TGOHOME。
　　Whatevernight-fanciesandnight-noisescrowdedonme，theyneverwardedoffthisDON'TGOHOME。ItplaiteditselfintowhateverIthoughtof，asabodilypainwouldhavedone。Notlongbefore，Ihadreadinthenewspapers，howagentlemanunknownhadcometotheHummumsinthenight，andhadgonetobed，andhaddestroyedhimself，andhadbeenfoundinthemorningwelteringinblood。Itcameintomyheadthathemusthaveoccupiedthisveryvaultofmine，andIgotoutofbedtoassuremyselfthattherewerenoredmarksabout；thenopenedthedoortolookoutintothepassages，andcheermyselfwiththecompanionshipofadistantlight，nearwhichIknewthechamberlaintobedozing。Butallthistime，whyIwasnottogohome，andwhathadhappenedathome，andwhenIshouldgohome，andwhetherProviswassafeathome，werequestionsoccupyingmymindsobusily，thatonemighthavesupposedtherecouldbenomoreroominitforanyothertheme。EvenwhenIthoughtofEstella，andhowwehadpartedthatdayforever，andwhenIrecalledallthecircumstancesofourparting，andallherlooksandtones，andtheactionofherfingerswhilesheknitted-eventhenIwaspursuing，hereandthereandeverywhere，thecautionDon'tgohome。WhenatlastIdozed，insheerexhaustionofmindandbody，itbecameavastshadowyverbwhichIhadtoconjugate。Imperativemood，presenttense:
　　Donotthougohome，lethimnotgohome，letusnotgohome，donotyeoryougohome，letnotthemgohome。Then，potentially:ImaynotandIcannotgohome；andImightnot，couldnot，wouldnot，andshouldnotgohome；untilIfeltthatIwasgoingdistracted，androlledoveronthepillow，andlookedatthestaringroundsuponthewallagain。
　　IhadleftdirectionsthatIwastobecalledatseven；foritwasplainthatImustseeWemmickbeforeseeinganyoneelse，andequallyplainthatthiswasacaseinwhichhisWalworthsentiments，only，couldbetaken。
　　Itwasarelieftogetoutoftheroomwherethenighthadbeensomiserable，andIneedednosecondknockingatthedoortostartlemefrommyuneasybed。
　　TheCastlebattlementsaroseuponmyviewateighto'clock。Thelittleservanthappeningtobeenteringthefortresswithtwohotrolls，Ipassedthroughtheposternandcrossedthedrawbridge，inhercompany，andsocamewithoutannouncementintothepresenceofWemmickashewasmakingteaforhimselfandtheAged。AnopendooraffordedaperspectiveviewoftheAgedinbed。
　　`Halloa，MrPip！'saidWemmick。`Youdidcomehome，then？'
　　`Yes，'Ireturned；`butIdidn'tgohome。'
　　`That'sallright，'saidhe，rubbinghishands。`IleftanoteforyouateachoftheTemplegates，onthechance。Whichgatedidyoucometo？'
　　Itoldhim。
　　`I'llgoroundtotheothersinthecourseofthedayanddestroythenotes，'saidWemmick；`it'sagoodrulenevertoleavedocumentaryevidenceofyoucanhelpit，becauseyoudon'tknowwhenitmaybeputin。I'mgoingtotakealibertywithyou-WouldyoumindtoastingthissausagefortheAgedP。？'
　　IsaidIshouldbedelightedtodoit。
　　`Thenyoucangoaboutyourwork，MaryAnne，'saidWemmicktothelittleservant；`whichleavesustoourselves，don'tyousee，MrPip？'headded，winking，asshedisappeared。
　　Ithankedhimforhisfriendshipandcaution，andourdiscourseproceededinalowtone，whileItoastedtheAged'ssausageandhebutteredthecrumboftheAged'sroll。
　　`Now，MrPip，youknow，'saidWemmick，`youandIunderstandoneanother。
　　Weareinourprivateandpersonalcapacities，andwehavebeenengagedinaconfidentialtransactionbeforetoday。Officialsentimentsareonething。Weareextraofficial。'
　　Icordiallyassented。Iwassoverynervous，thatIhadalreadylightedtheAged'ssausagelikeatorch，andbeenobligedtoblowitout。
　　`Iaccidentallyheard，yesterdaymorning，'saidWemmick，`beinginacertainplacewhereIoncetookyou-evenbetweenyouandme，it'saswellnottomentionnameswhenavoidable——'
　　`Muchbetternot，'saidI。`Iunderstandyou。'
　　`Iheardtherebychance，yesterdaymorning，'saidWemmick，`thatacertainpersonnotaltogetherofuncolonialpursuits，andnotunpossessedofportableproperty-Idon'tknowwhoitmayreallybe-wewon'tnamethisperson——'
　　`Notnecessary，'saidI。
　　`-hadmadesomelittlestirinacertainpartoftheworldwhereagoodmanypeoplego，notalwaysingratificationoftheirowninclinations，andnotquiteirrespectiveofthegovernmentexpense——'
　　Inwatchinghisface，ImadequiteafireworkoftheAged'ssausage，andgreatlydiscomposedbothmyownattentionandWemmick's；forwhichIapologized。
　　`-bydisappearingfromsuchplace，andbeingnomoreheardofthereabouts。
　　Fromwhich，'saidWemmick，`conjectureshadbeenraisedandtheoriesformed。
　　IalsoheardthatyouatyourchambersinGarden-court，Temple，hadbeenwatched，andmightbewatchedagain。'
　　`Bywhom？'saidI。
　　`Iwouldn'tgointothat，'saidWemmick，evasively，`itmightclashwithofficialresponsibilities。Iheardit，asIhaveinmytimeheardothercuriousthingsinthesameplace。Idon'ttellityouoninformationreceived。Iheardit。'
　　Hetookthetoasting-forkandsausagefrommeashespoke，andsetforththeAged'sbreakfastneatlyonalittletray。Previoustoplacingitbeforehim，hewentintotheAged'sroomwithacleanwhitecloth，andtiedthesameundertheoldgentleman'schin，andproppedhimup，andputhisnightcapononeside，andgavehimquitearakishair。Then，heplacedhisbreakfastbeforehimwithgreatcare，andsaid，`Allright，ain'tyou，AgedP。？'
　　TowhichthecheerfulAgedreplied，`Allright，John，myboy，allright！'
　　AsthereseemedtobeatacitunderstandingthattheAgedwasnotinapresentablestate，andwasthereforetobeconsideredinvisible，Imadeapretenceofbeingincompleteignoranceoftheseproceedings。
　　`ThiswatchingofmeatmychamberswhichIhaveoncehadreasontosuspect，'IsaidtoWemmickwhenhecameback，`isinseparablefromthepersontowhomyouhaveadverted；isit？'
　　Wemmicklookedveryserious。`Icouldn'tundertaketosaythat，ofmyownknowledge。Imean，Icouldn'tundertaketosayitwasatfirst。Butiteitheris，oritwillbe，orit'singreatdangerofbeing。'
　　AsIsawthathewasrestrainedbyfealtytoLittleBritainfromsayingasmuchashecould，andasIknewwiththankfulnesstohimhowfaroutofhiswayhewenttosaywhathedid，Icouldnotpresshim。ButItoldhim，afteralittlemeditationoverthefire，thatIwouldliketoaskhimaquestion，subjecttohisansweringornotanswering，ashedeemedright，andsurethathiscoursewouldberight。Hepausedinhisbreakfast，andcrossinghisarms，andpinchinghisshirt-sleeveshisnotionofindoorcomfortwastositwithoutanycoat，henoddedtomeonce，toputmyquestion。
　　`Youhaveheardofamanofbadcharacter，whosetruenameisCompeyson？'
　　Heansweredwithoneothernod。
　　`Isheliving？'
　　Oneothernod。
　　`IsheinLondon？'
　　Hegavemeoneothernod，compressedthepost-officeexceedingly，gavemeonelastnod，andwentonwithhisbreakfast。
　　`Now，'saidWemmick，`questioningbeingover；'whichheemphasizedandrepeatedformyguidance；`IcometowhatIdid，afterhearingwhatIheard。
　　IwenttoGarden-courttofindyou；notfindingyou，IwenttoClarriker'stofindMrHerbert。'
　　`Andhimyoufound？'saidI，withgreatanxiety。
　　`AndhimIfound。Withoutmentioninganynamesorgoingintoanydetails，Igavehimtounderstandthatifhewasawareofanybody-Tom，Jack，orRichard-beingaboutthechambers，orabouttheimmediateneighbourhood，hehadbettergetTom，Jack，orRichard，outofthewaywhileyouwereoutoftheway。'
　　`Hewouldbegreatlypuzzledwhattodo？'
　　`Hewaspuzzledwhattodo；nottheless，becauseIgavehimmyopinionthatitwasnotsafetotrytogetTom，Jack，orRichard，toofaroutofthewayatpresent。MrPip，I'lltellyousomething。Underexistingcircumstancesthereisnoplacelikeagreatcitywhenyouareonceinit。Don'tbreakcovertoosoon。Lieclose。Waittillthingsslacken，beforeyoutrytheopen，evenforforeignair。'
　　Ithankedhimforhisvaluableadvice，andaskedhimwhatHerberthaddone？
　　`MrHerbert，'saidWemmick，`afterbeingallofaheapforhalfanhour，struckoutaplan。Hementionedtomeasasecret，thatheiscourtingayoungladywhohas，asnodoubtyouareaware，abedriddenPa。WhichPa，havingbeeninthePurserlineoflife，liesa-bedinabow-windowwherehecanseetheshipssailupanddowntheriver。Youareacquaintedwiththeyounglady，mostprobably？'
　　`Notpersonally，'saidI。
　　Thetruthwas，thatshehadobjectedtomeasanexpensivecompanionwhodidHerbertnogood，andthat，whenHerberthadfirstproposedtopresentmetoher，shehadreceivedtheproposalwithsuchverymoderatewarmth，thatHerberthadfelthimselfobligedtoconfidethestateofthecasetome，withaviewtothelapseofalittletimebeforeImadeheracquaintance。
　　WhenIhadbeguntoadvanceHerbert'sprospectsbyStealth，Ihadbeenabletobearthiswithcheerfulphilosophy；heandhisaffianced，fortheirpart，hadnaturallynotbeenveryanxioustointroduceathirdpersonintotheirinterviews；andthus，althoughIwasassuredthatIhadriseninClara'sesteem，andalthoughtheyoungladyandIhadlongregularlyinterchangedmessagesandremembrancesbyHerbert，Ihadneverseenher。However，I
　　didnottroubleWemmickwiththeseparticulars。
　　`Thehousewiththebow-window，'saidWemmick，`beingbytheriver-side，downthePooltherebetweenLimehouseandGreenwich，andbeingkept，itseems，byaveryrespectablewidowwhohasafurnishedupperfloortolet，MrHerbertputittome，whatdidIthinkofthatasatemporarytenementforTom，Jack，orRichard？Now，Ithoughtverywellofit，forthreereasonsI'llgiveyou。Thatistosay。Firstly。It'saltogetheroutofallyourbeats，andiswellawayfromtheusualheapofstreetsgreatandsmall。
　　Secondly。Withoutgoingnearityourself，youcouldalwayshearofthesafetyofTom，Jack，orRichard，throughMrHerbert。Thirdly。Afterawhileandwhenitmightbeprudent，ifyoushouldwanttoslipTom，Jack，orRichard，onboardaforeignpacket-boat，thereheis-ready。'
　　Muchcomfortedbytheseconsiderations，IthankedWemmickagainandagain，andbeggedhimtoproceed。
　　`Well，sir！MrHerbertthrewhimselfintothebusinesswithawill，andbynineo'clocklastnighthehousedTom，Jack，orRichard-whicheveritmaybe-youandIdon'twanttoknow-quitesuccessfully。AttheoldlodgingsitwasunderstoodthathewassummonedtoDover，andinfacthewastakendowntheDoverroadandcorneredoutofit。Now，anothergreatadvantageofallthis，is，thatitwasdonewithoutyou，andwhen，ifanyonewasconcerninghimselfaboutyourmovements，youmustbeknowntobeeversomanymilesoffandquiteotherwiseengaged。Thisdivertssuspicionandconfusesit；andforthesamereasonIrecommendedthatevenifyoucamebacklastnight，youshouldnotgohome。Itbringsinmoreconfusion，andyouwantconfusion。'
　　Wemmick，havingfinishedhisbreakfast，herelookedathiswatch，andbegantogethiscoaton。
　　`Andnow，MrPip，'saidhe，withhishandsstillinthesleeves，`I
　　haveprobablydonethemostIcando；butifIcaneverdomore-fromaWalworthpointofview，andinastrictlyprivateandpersonalcapacity-Ishallbegladtodoit。Here'stheaddress。Therecanbenoharminyourgoinghereto-nightandseeingforyourselfthatalliswellwithTom，Jack，orRichard，beforeyougohome-whichisanotherreasonforyournotgoinghomelastnight。Butafteryouhavegonehome，don'tgobackhere。Youareverywelcome，Iamsure，MrPip；'hishandswerenowoutofhissleeves，andIwasshakingthem；`andletmefinallyimpressoneimportantpointuponyou。'Helaidhishandsuponmyshoulders，andaddedinasolemnwhisper:`Availyourselfofthiseveningtolayholdofhisportableproperty。Youdon'tknowwhatmayhappentohim。Don'tletanythinghappentotheportableproperty。'
　　QuitedespairingofmakingmymindcleartoWemmickonthispoint，I
　　forboretotry。
　　`Time'sup，'saidWemmick，`andImustbeoff。Ifyouhadnothingmorepressingtodothantokeepheretilldark，that'swhatIshouldadvise。
　　Youlookverymuchworried，anditwoulddoyougoodtohaveaperfectlyquietdaywiththeAged-he'llbeuppresently-andalittlebitof-
　　yourememberthepig？'
　　`Ofcourse，'saidI。
　　`Well；andalittlebitofhim。Thatsausageyoutoastedwashis，andhewasinallrespectsafirst-rater。Dotryhim，ifitisonlyforoldacquaintancesake。Good-bye，AgedParent！'inacheeryshout。
　　`Allright，John；allright，myboy！'pipedtheoldmanfromwithin。
　　IsoonfellasleepbeforeWemmick'sfire，andtheAgedandIenjoyedoneanother'ssocietybyfallingasleepbeforeitmoreorlessallday。
　　Wehadloinofporkfordinner，andgreensgrownontheestate，andInoddedattheAgedwithagoodintentionwheneverIfailedtodoitdrowsily。
　　Whenitwasquitedark，IlefttheAgedpreparingthefirefortoast；andIinferredfromthenumberofteacups，aswellasfromhisglancesatthetwolittledoorsinthewall，thatMissSkiffinswasexpected。
　　Chapter46
　　EIGHTo'clockhadstruckbeforeIgotintotheairthatwasscented，notdisagreeably，bythechipsandshavingsofthelong-shoreboatbuilders，andmastoarandblockmakers。Allthatwater-sideregionoftheupperandlowerPoolbelowBridge，wasunknowngroundtome，andwhenIstruckdownbytheriver，IfoundthatthespotIwantedwasnotwhereIhadsupposedittobe，andwasanythingbuteasytofind。ItwascalledMillPondBank，Chinks'sBasin；andIhadnootherguidetoChinks'sBasinthantheOldGreenCopperRope-Walk。
　　ItmattersnotwhatstrandedshipsrepairingindrydocksIlostmyselfamong，whatoldhullsofshipsincourseofbeingknockedtopieces，whatoozeandslimeandotherdregsoftide，whatyardsofship-buildersandship-breakers，whatrustyanchorsblindlybitingintothegroundthoughforyearsoffduty，whatmountainouscountryofaccumulatedcasksandtimber，howmanyrope-walksthatwerenottheOldGreenCopper。Afterseveraltimesfallingshortofmydestinationandasoftenover-shootingit，Icameunexpectedlyroundacorner，uponMillPondBank。Itwasafreshkindofplace，allcircumstancesconsidered，wherethewindfromtheriverhadroomtoturnitselfround；andthereweretwoorthreetreesinit，andtherewasthestumpofaruinedwindmill，andtherewastheOldGreenCopperRope-Walk-whoselongandnarrowvistaIcouldtraceinthemoonlight，alongaseriesofwoodenframessetintheground，thatlookedlikesuperannuatedhaymaking-rakeswhichhadgrownoldandlostmostoftheirteeth。
　　SelectingfromthefewqueerhousesuponMillPondBank，ahousewithawoodenfrontandthreestoriesofbow-windownotbay-window，whichisanotherthing，Ilookedattheplateuponthedoor，andreadthere，MrsWhimple。ThatbeingthenameIwanted，Iknocked，andanelderlywomanofapleasantandthrivingappearanceresponded。Shewasimmediatelydeposed，however，byHerbert，whosilentlyledmeintotheparlourandshutthedoor。Itwasanoddsensationtoseehisveryfamiliarfaceestablishedquiteathomeinthatveryunfamiliarroomandregion；andIfoundmyselflookingathim，muchasIlookedatthecorner-cupboardwiththeglassandchina，theshellsuponthechimney-piece，andthecolouredengravingsonthewall，representingthedeathofCaptainCook，aship-launch，andhisMajestyKingGeorgetheThirdinastate-coachman'swig，leather-breeches，andtop-boots，ontheterraceatWindsor。
　　`Alliswell，Handel，'saidHerbert，`andheisquitesatisfied，thougheagertoseeyou。Mydeargirliswithherfather；andifyou'llwaittillshecomesdown，I'llmakeyouknowntoher，andthenwe'llgoup-stairs-
　　That'sherfather。'
　　Ihadbecomeawareofanalarminggrowlingoverhead，andhadprobablyexpressedthefactinmycountenance。
　　`Iamafraidheisasadoldrascal，'saidHerbert，smiling，`butI
　　haveneverseenhim。Don'tyousmellrum？Heisalwaysasit。'
　　`Atrum？'saidI。
　　`Yes，'returnedHerbert，`andyoumaysupposehowmilditmakeshisgout。Hepersists，too，inkeepingalltheprovisionsupstairsinhisroom，andservingthemout。Hekeepsthemonshelvesoverhishead，andwillweighthemall。Hisroommustbelikeachandler'sshop。'
　　Whilehethusspoke，thegrowlingnoisebecameaprolongedroar，andthendiedaway。
　　`Whatelsecanbetheconsequence，'saidHerbert，inexplanation，`ifhewillcutthecheese？Amanwiththegoutinhisrighthand-
　　andeverywhereelse-can'texpecttogetthroughaDoubleGloucesterwithouthurtinghimself。'
　　Heseemedtohavehurthimselfverymuch，forhegaveanotherfuriousroar。
　　`TohaveProvisforanupperlodgerisquiteagodsendtoMrsWhimple，'
　　saidHerbert，`forofcoursepeopleingeneralwon'tstandthatnoise。
　　Acuriousplace，Handel；isn'tit？'
　　Itwasacuriousplace，indeed；butremarkablywellkeptandclean。
　　`MrsWhimple，'saidHerbert，whenItoldhimso，`isthebestofhousewives，andIreallydonotknowwhatmyClarawoulddowithouthermotherlyhelp。
　　For，Clarahasnomotherofherown，Handel，andnorelationintheworldbutoldGruffandgrim。'
　　`Surelythat'snothisname，Herbert？'
　　`No，no，'saidHerbert，`that'smynameforhim。HisnameisMrBarley。
　　Butwhatablessingitisforthesonofmyfatherandmother，toloveagirlwhohasnorelations，andwhocanneverbotherherself，oranybodyelse，aboutherfamily！'
　　Herberthadtoldmeonformeroccasions，andnowremindedme，thathefirstknewMissClaraBarleywhenshewascompletinghereducationatanestablishmentatHammersmith，andthatonherbeingrecalledhometonurseherfather，heandshehadconfidedtheiraffectiontothemotherlyMrsWhimple，bywhomithadbeenfosteredandregulatedwithequalkindnessanddiscretion，eversince。ItwasunderstoodthatnothingofatendernaturecouldpossiblybeconfidedtooldBarley，byreasonofhisbeingtotallyunequaltotheconsiderationofanysubjectmorepsychologicalthanGout，Rum，andPurser'sstores。
　　AswewerethusconversinginalowtonewhileOldBarley'ssustainedgrowlvibratedinthebeamthatcrossedtheceiling，theroomdooropened，andaveryprettyslightdark-eyedgirloftwentyorso，cameinwithabasketinherhand:whomHerberttenderlyrelievedofthebasket，andpresentedblushing，as`Clara。'Shereallywasamostcharminggirl，andmighthavepassedforacaptivefairy，whomthattruculentOgre，OldBarley，hadpressedintohisservice。
　　`Lookhere，'saidHerbert，showingmethebasket，withacompassionateandtendersmileafterwehadtalkedalittle；`here'spoorClara'ssupper，servedouteverynight。Here'sherallowanceofbread，andhere'shersliceofcheese，andhere'sherrum-whichIdrink。ThisisMrBarley'sbreakfastforto-morrow，servedouttobecooked。Twomuttonchops，threepotatoes，somesplitpeas，alittleflour，twoouncesofbutter，apinchofsalt，andallthisblackpepper。It'ssteweduptogether，andtakenhot，andit'sanicethingforthegout，Ishouldthink！'
　　TherewassomethingsonaturalandwinninginClara'sresignedwayoflookingatthesestoresindetail，asHerbertpointedthemout，-andsomethingsoconfiding，loving，andinnocent，inhermodestmannerofyieldingherselftoHerbert'sembracingarm-andsomethingsogentleinher，somuchneedingprotectiononMillPondBank，byChinks'sBasin，andtheOldGreenCopperRope-Walk，withOldBarleygrowinginthebeam-thatIwouldnothaveundonetheengagementbetweenherandHerbert，forallthemoneyinthepocket-bookIhadneveropened。
　　Iwaslookingatherwithpleasureandadmiration，whensuddenlythegrowlswelledintoaroaragain，andafrightfulbumpingnoisewasheardabove，asifagiantwithawoodenlegweretryingtoboreitthroughtheceilingtocometous。UponthisClarasaidtoHerbert，`Papawantsme，darling！'andranaway。
　　`Thereisanunconscionableoldsharkforyou！'saidHerbert。`Whatdoyousupposehewantsnow，Handel！？'
　　`Idon'tknow，'saidI。`Somethingtodrink？'
　　`That'sit！'criedHerbert，asifIhadmadeaguessofextraordinarymerit。`Hekeepshisgrogready-mixedinalittletubonthetable。Waitamoment，andyou'llhearClaralifthimuptotakesome-Therehegoes！'
　　Anotherroar，withaprolongedshakeattheend。`Now，'saidHerbert，asitwassucceededbysilence，`he'sdrinking。Now，'saidHerbert，asthegrowlresoundedinthebeamoncemore，`he'sdownagainonhisback！'
　　Clarareturnedsoonafterwards，andHerbertaccompaniedmeup-stairstoseeourcharge。AswepassedMrBarley'sdoor，hewasheardhoarselymutteringwithin，inastrainthatroseandfelllikewind，thefollowingRefrain；inwhichIsubstitutegoodwishesforsomethingquitethereverse。
　　`Ahoy！Blessyoureyes，here'soldBillBarley。Here'soldBillBarley，blessyoureyes。Here'soldBillBarleyontheflatofhisback，bytheLord。Lyingontheflatofhisback，likeadriftingolddeadflounder，here'syouroldBillBarley，blessyoureyes。Ahoy！Blessyou。'
　　Inthisstrainofconsolation，HerbertinformedmetheinvisibleBarleywouldcommunewithhimselfbythedayandnighttogether；oftenwhileitwaslight，having，atthesametime，oneeyeatatelescopewhichwasfittedonhisbedfortheconvenienceofsweepingtheriver。
　　Inhistwocabinroomsatthetopofthehouse，whichwerefreshandairy，andinwhichMrBarleywaslessaudiblethanbelow，IfoundProviscomfortablysettled。Heexpressednoalarm，andseemedtofeelnonethatwasworthmentioning；butitstruckmethathewassoftened-indefinably，forIcouldhavesaidhow，andcouldneverafterwardsrecallhowwhenI
　　tried；butcertainly。
　　Theopportunitythattheday'sresthadgivenmeforreflection，hadresultedinmyfullydeterminingtosaynothingtohimrespectingCompeyson。
　　ForanythingIknew，hisanimositytowardsthemanmightotherwiseleadtohisseekinghimoutandrushingonhisowndestruction。Therefore，whenHerbertandIsatdownwithhimbyhisfire，IaskedhimfirstofallwhetherhereliedonWemmick'sjudgmentandsourcesofinformation？
　　`Ay，ay，dearboy！'heanswered，withagravenod，`Jaggersknows。'
　　`Then，IhavetalkedwithWemmick，'saidI，`andhavecometotellyouwhatcautionhegavemeandwhatadvice。'
　　ThisIdidaccurately，withthereservationjustmentioned；andItoldhimhowWemmickhadheard，inNewgateprisonwhetherfromofficersorprisonersIcouldnotsay，thathewasundersomesuspicion，andthatmychambershadbeenwatched；howWemmickhadrecommendedhiskeepingcloseforatime，andmykeepingawayfromhim；andwhatWemmickhadsaidaboutgettinghimabroad。Iadded，thatofcourse，whenthetimecame，Ishouldgowithhim，orshouldfollowcloseuponhim，asmightbesafestinWemmick'sjudgment。Whatwastofollowthat，Ididnottouchupon；neitherindeedwasIatallclearorcomfortableaboutitinmyownmind，nowthatIsawhiminthatsoftercondition，andindeclaredperilformysake。Astoalteringmywayofliving，byenlargingmyexpenses，Iputittohimwhetherinourpresentunsettledanddifficultcircumstances，itwouldnotbesimplyridiculous，ifitwerenoworse？
　　Hecouldnotdenythis，andindeedwasveryreasonablethroughout。Hiscomingbackwasaventure，hesaid，andhehadalwaysknownittobeaventure。Hewoulddonothingtomakeitadesperateventure，andhehadverylittlefearofhissafetywithsuchgoodhelp。
　　Herbert，whohadbeenlookingatthefireandpondering，heresaidthatsomethinghadcomeintohisthoughtsarisingoutofWemmick'ssuggestion，whichitmightbeworthwhiletopursue。`Wearebothgoodwatermen，Handel，andcouldtakehimdowntheriverourselveswhentherighttimecomes。
　　Noboatwouldthenbehiredforthepurpose，andnoboatmen；thatwouldsaveatleastachanceofsuspicion，andanychanceisworthsaving。Nevermindtheseason；don'tyouthinkitmightbeagoodthingifyoubeganatoncetokeepaboatattheTemplestairs，andwereinthehabitofrowingupanddowntheriver？Youfallintothathabit，andthenwhonoticesorminds？Doittwentyorfiftytimes，andthereisnothingspecialinyourdoingitthetwenty-firstorfifty-first。'
　　Ilikedthisscheme，andProviswasquiteelatedbyit。Weagreedthatitshouldbecarriedintoexecution，andthatProvisshouldneverrecognizeusifwecamebelowBridgeandrowedpastMillPondBank。But，wefurtheragreedthatheshouldpulldowntheblindinthatpartofhiswindowwhichgaveupontheeast，wheneverhesawusandallwasright。
　　Ourconferencebeingnowended，andeverythingarranged，Irosetogo；
　　remarkingtoHerbertthatheandIhadbetternotgohometogether，andthatIwouldtakehalfanhour'sstartofhim。`Idon'tliketoleaveyouhere，'IsaidtoProvis，`thoughIcannotdoubtyourbeingsaferherethannearme。Good-bye！'
　　`Dearboy，'heanswered，claspingmyhands，`Idon'tknowwhenwemaymeetagain，andIdon'tlikeGood-bye。SayGoodNight！'
　　`Goodnight！Herbertwillgoregularlybetweenus，andwhenthetimecomesyoumaybecertainIshallbeready。Goodnight，Goodnight！'
　　Wethoughtitbestthatheshouldstayinhisownrooms，andwelefthimonthelandingoutsidehisdoor，holdingalightoverthestair-railtolightusdownstairs。Lookingbackathim，Ithoughtofthefirstnightofhisreturnwhenourpositionswerereversed，andwhenIlittlesupposedmyheartcouldeverbeasheavyandanxiousatpartingfromhimasitwasnow。
　　OldBarleywasgrowlingandswearingwhenwerepassedhisdoor，withnoappearanceofhavingceasedorofmeaningtocease。Whenwegottothefootofthestairs，IaskedHerbertwhetherhehadpreservedthenameofProvis。Hereplied，certainlynot，andthatthelodgerwasMrCampbell。
　　HealsoexplainedthattheutmostknownofMrCampbellthere，was，thatheHerberthadMrCampbellconsignedtohim，andfeltastrongpersonalinterestinhisbeingwellcaredfor，andlivingasecludedlife。So，whenwewentintotheparlourwhereMrsWhimpleandClarawereseatedatwork，IsaidnothingofmyowninterestinMrCampbell，butkeptittomyself。
　　WhenIhadtakenleaveoftheprettygentledark-eyedgirl，andofthemotherlywomanwhohadnotoutlivedherhonestsympathywithalittleaffairoftruelove，IfeltasiftheOldGreenCopperRope-Walkhadgrownquiteadifferentplace。OldBarleymightbeasoldasthehills，andmightswearlikeawholefieldoftroopers，buttherewereredeemingyouthandtrustandhopeenoughinChinks'sBasintofillittooverflowing。AndthenI
　　thoughtofEstella，andofourparting，andwenthomeverysadly。
　　AllthingswereasquietintheTempleaseverIhadseenthem。Thewindowsoftheroomsofthatside，latelyoccupiedbyProvis，weredarkandstill，andtherewasnoloungerinGarden-court。IwalkedpastthefountaintwiceorthricebeforeIdescendedthestepsthatwerebetweenmeandmyrooms，butIwasquitealone。Herbertcomingtomybedsidewhenhecamein-forIwentstraighttobed，dispiritedandfatigued-madethesamereport。Openingoneofthewindowsafterthat，helookedoutintothemoonlight，andtoldmethatthepavementwasasolemnlyemptyasthepavementofanyCathedralatthatsamehour。
　　Nextday，Isetmyselftogettheboat。Itwassoondone，andtheboatwasbroughtroundtotheTemplestairs，andlaywhereIcouldreachherwithinaminuteortwo。Then，Ibegantogooutasfortrainingandpractice:
　　sometimesalone，sometimeswithHerbert。Iwasoftenoutincold，rain，andsleet，butnobodytookmuchnoteofmeafterIhadbeenoutafewtimes。
　　Atfirst，IkeptaboveBlackfriarsBridge；butasthehoursofthetidechanged，ItooktowardsLondonBridge。ItwasOldLondonBridgeinthosedays，andatcertainstatesofthetidetherewasaraceandfallofwatertherewhichgaveitabadreputation。ButIknewwellenoughhowto`shoot'
　　thebridgeafterseeingitdone，andsobegantorowaboutamongtheshippinginthePool，anddowntoErith。ThefirsttimeIpassedMillPondBank，HerbertandIwerepullingapairofoars；and，bothingoingandreturning，wesawtheblindtowardstheeastcomedown。Herbertwasrarelytherelessfrequentlythanthreetimesinaweek，andheneverbroughtmeasinglewordofintelligencethatwasatallalarming。Still，Iknewthattherewascauseforalarm，andIcouldnotgetridofthenotionofbeingwatched。
　　Oncereceived，itisahauntingidea；howmanyundesigningpersonsIsuspectedofwatchingme，itwouldbehardtocalculate。
　　Inshort，Iwasalwaysfulloffearsfortherashmanwhowasinhiding。
　　Herberthadsometimessaidtomethathefounditpleasanttostandatoneofourwindowsafterdark，whenthetidewasrunningdown，andtothinkthatitwasflowing，witheverythingitbore，towardsClara。ButIthoughtwithdreadthatitwasflowingtowardsMagwitch，andthatanyblackmarkonitssurfacemightbehispursuers，goingswiftly，silently，andsurely，totakehim。
　　Chapter47
　　SOMEweekspassedwithoutbringinganychange。WewaitedforWemmick，andhemadenosign。IfIhadneverknownhimoutofLittleBritain，andhadneverenjoyedtheprivilegeofbeingonafamiliarfootingattheCastle，Imighthavedoubtedhim；notsoforamoment，knowinghimasIdid。
　　Myworldlyaffairsbegantowearagloomyappearance，andIwaspressedformoneybymorethanonecreditor。EvenImyselfbegantoknowthewantofmoneyImeanofreadymoneyinmyownpocket，andtorelieveitbyconvertingsomeeasilysparedarticlesofjewelleryintocash。ButIhadquitedeterminedthatitwouldbeaheartlessfraudtotakemoremoneyfrommypatronintheexistingstateofmyuncertainthoughtsandplans。
　　Therefore，Ihadsenthimtheunopenedpocket-bookbyHerbert，toholdinhisownkeeping，andIfeltakindofsatisfaction-whetheritwasafalsekindoratrue，Ihardlyknow-innothavingprofitedbyhisgenerositysincehisrevelationofhimself。
　　Asthetimeworeon，animpressionsettledheavilyuponmethatEstellawasmarried。Fearfulofhavingitconfirmed，thoughitwasallbutaconviction，Iavoidedthenewspapers，andbeggedHerberttowhomIhadconfidedthecircumstancesofourlastinterviewnevertospeakofhertome。WhyI
　　hoardedupthislastwretchedlittleragoftherobeofhopethatwasrentandgiventothewinds，howdoIknow！Whydidyouwhoreadthis，committhatnotdissimilarinconsistencyofyourown，lastyear，lastmonth，lastweek？
　　ItwasanunhappylifethatIlived，anditsonedominantanxiety，toweringoverallitsotheranxietieslikeahighmountainabovearangeofmountains，neverdisappearedfrommyview。Still，nonewcauseforfeararose。LetmestartfrommybedasIwould，withtheterrorfreshuponmethathewasdiscovered；letmesitlisteningasIwould，withdread，forHerbert'sreturningstepatnight，lestitshouldbefleeterthanordinary，andwingedwithevilnews；forallthat，andmuchmoretolikepurpose，theroundofthingswenton。Condemnedtoinactionandastateofconstantrestlessnessandsuspense，Irowedaboutinmyboat，andwaited，waited，waited，asIbestcould。
　　Therewerestatesofthetidewhen，havingbeendowntheriver，Icouldnotgetbackthroughtheeddy-chafedarchesandstarlingsofoldLondonBridge；then，IleftmyboatatawharfneartheCustomHouse，tobebroughtupafterwardstotheTemplestairs。Iwasnotaversetodoingthis，asitservedtomakemeandmyboatacommonerincidentamongthewater-sidepeoplethere。Fromthisslightoccasion，sprangtwomeetingsthatIhavenowtotellof。
　　Oneafternoon，lateinthemonthofFebruary，Icameashoreatthewharfatdusk。IhadpulleddownasfarasGreenwichwiththeebbtide，andhadturnedwiththetide。Ithadbeenafinebrightday，buthadbecomefoggyasthesundropped，andIhadhadtofeelmywaybackamongtheshipping，prettycarefully。Bothingoingandreturning，Ihadseenthesignalinhiswindow，Allwell。
　　AsitwasaraweveningandIwascold，IthoughtIwouldcomfortmyselfwithdinneratonce；andasIhadhoursofdejectionandsolitudebeforemeifIwenthometotheTemple，IthoughtIwouldafterwardsgototheplay。ThetheatrewhereMrWopslehadachievedhisquestionabletriumph，wasinthatwatersideneighbourhooditisnowherenow，andtothattheatreIresolvedtogo。IwasawarethatMrWopslehadnotsucceededinrevivingtheDrama，but，onthecontrary，hadratherpartakenofitsdecline。Hehadbeenominouslyheardof，throughtheplaybills，asafaithfulBlack，inconnexionwithalittlegirlofnoblebirth，andamonkey。AndHerberthadseenhimasapredatoryTartarofcomicpropensities，withafacelikearedbrick，andanoutrageoushatalloverbells。
　　IdinedatwhatHerbertandIusedtocallaGeographicalchop-house-wherethereweremapsoftheworldinporter-potrimsoneveryhalf-yardofthetable-cloths，andchartsofgravyoneveryoneoftheknives-tothisdaythereisscarcelyasinglechop-housewithintheLordMayor'sdominionswhichisnotGeographical-andworeoutthetimeindozingovercrumbs，staringatgas，andbakinginahotblastofdinners。By-and-by，Irousedmyselfandwenttotheplay。
　　There，IfoundavirtuousboatswaininhisMajesty'sservice-amostexcellentman，thoughIcouldhavewishedhistrousersnotquitesotightinsomeplacesandnotquitesolooseinothers-whoknockedallthelittlemen'shatsovertheireyes，thoughhewasverygenerousandbrave，andwhowouldn'thearofanybody'spayingtaxes，thoughhewasverypatriotic。
　　Hehadabagofmoneyinhispocket，likeapuddinginthecloth，andonthatpropertymarriedayoungpersoninbed-furniture，withgreatrejoicings；
　　thewholepopulationofPortsmouthnineinnumberatthelastCensus
　　turningoutonthebeach，torubtheirownhandsandshakeeverybodyelse's，andsing`Fill，fill！'Acertaindark-complexionedSwab，however，whowouldn'tfill，ordoanythingelsethatwasproposedtohim，andwhoseheartwasopenlystatedbytheboatswaintobeasblackashisfigure-head，proposedtotwootherSwabstogetallmankindintodifficulties；whichwassoeffectuallydonetheSwabfamilyhavingconsiderablepoliticalinfluencethatittookhalftheeveningtosetthingsright，andthenitwasonlybroughtaboutthroughanhonestlittlegrocerwithawhitehat，blackgaiters，andrednose，gettingintoaclock，withagridiron，andlistening，andcomingout，andknockingeverybodydownfrombehindwiththegridironwhomhecouldn'tconfutewithwhathehadoverheard。ThisledtoMrWopsle'swhohadneverbeenheardofbeforecominginwithastarandgarteron，asaplenipotentiaryofgreatpowerdirectfromtheAdmiralty，tosaythattheSwabswerealltogotoprisononthespot，andthathehadbroughttheboatswaindowntheUnionJack，asaslightacknowledgmentofhispublicservices。Theboatswain，unmannedforthefirsttime，respectfullydriedhiseyesontheJack，andthencheeringupandaddressingMrWopsleasYourHonour，solicitedpermissiontotakehimbythefin。MrWopsleconcedinghisfinwithagraciousdignity，wasimmediatelyshovedintoadustycornerwhileeverybodydancedahornpipe；andfromthatcorner，surveyingthepublicwithadiscontentedeye，becameawareofme。
　　ThesecondpiecewasthelastnewgrandcomicChristmaspantomime，inthefirstsceneofwhich，itpainedmetosuspectthatIdetectedMrWopslewithredworstedlegsunderahighlymagnifiedphosphoriccountenanceandashockofredcurtain-fringeforhishair，engagedinthemanufactureofthunderboltsinamine，anddisplayinggreatcowardicewhenhisgiganticmastercamehomeveryhoarsetodinner。Buthepresentlypresentedhimselfunderworthiercircumstances；for，theGeniusofYouthfulLovebeinginwantofassistance-onaccountoftheparentalbrutalityofanignorantfarmerwhoopposedthechoiceofhisdaughter'sheart，bypurposelyfallingupontheobject，inafloursack，outofthefirstfloorwindow-summonedasententiousEnchanter；andhe，comingupfromtheantipodesratherunsteadily，afteranapparentlyviolentjourney，provedtobeMrWopsleinahigh-crownedhat，withanecromanticworkinonevolumeunderhisarm。Thebusinessofthisenchanteronearth，beingprincipallytobetalkedat，sungat，buttedat，dancedat，andflashedatwithfiresofvariouscolours，hehadagooddealoftimeonhishands。AndIobservedwithgreatsurprise，thathedevotedittostaringinmydirectionasifhewerelostinamazement。
　　TherewassomethingsoremarkableintheincreasingglareofMrWopsle'seye，andheseemedtobeturningsomanythingsoverinhismindandtogrowsoconfused，thatIcouldnotmakeitout。Isatthinkingofit，longafterhehadascendedtothecloudsinalargewatch-case，andstillI
　　couldnotmakeitout。IwasstillthinkingofitwhenIcameoutofthetheatreanhourafterwards，andfoundhimwaitingformenearthedoor。
　　`Howdoyoudo？'saidI，shakinghandswithhimasweturneddownthestreettogether。`Isawthatyousawme。'
　　`Sawyou，Mr。Pip！'hereturned。`Yes，ofcourseIsawyou。Butwhoelsewasthere？'
　　`Whoelse？'
　　`Itisthestrangestthing，'saidMrWopsle，driftingintohislostlookagain；`andyetIcouldsweartohim。'
　　Becomingalarmed，IentreatedMrWopsletoexplainhismeaning。
　　`WhetherIshouldhavenoticedhimatfirstbutforyourbeingthere，'
　　saidMrWopsle，goingoninthesamelostway，`Ican'tbepositive；yetIthinkIshould。'
　　InvoluntarilyIlookedroundme，asIwasaccustomedtolookroundmewhenIwenthome；for，thesemysteriouswordsgavemeachill。
　　`Oh！Hecan'tbeinsight，'saidMrWopsle。`Hewentout，beforeIwentoff，Isawhimgo。'
　　HavingthereasonthatIhad，forbeingsuspicious，Ievensuspectedthispooractor。Imistrustedadesigntoentrapmeintosomeadmission。
　　Therefore，Iglancedathimaswewalkedontogether，butsaidnothing。
　　`Ihadaridiculousfancythathemustbewithyou，MrPip，tillIsawthatyouwerequiteunconsciousofhim，sittingbehindyouthere，likeaghost。'
　　Myformerchillcreptovermeagain，butIwasresolvednottospeakyet，foritwasquiteconsistentwithhiswordsthathemightbesetontoinducemetoconnectthesereferenceswithProvis。Ofcourse，IwasperfectlysureandsafethatProvishadnotbeenthere。
　　`Idaresayyouwonderatme，MrPip；indeedIseeyoudo。Butitissoverystrange！You'llhardlybelievewhatIamgoingtotellyou。Icouldhardlybelieveitmyself，ifyoutoldme。'
　　`Indeed？'saidI。
　　`No，indeed。MrPip，yourememberinoldtimesacertainChristmasDay，whenyouwerequiteachild，andIdinedatGargery's，andsomesoldierscametothedoortogetapairofhandcuffsmended？'
　　`Irememberitverywell。'
　　`Andyourememberthattherewasachaseaftertwoconvicts，andthatwejoinedinit，andthatGargerytookyouonhisback，andthatItooktheleadandyoukeptupwithmeaswellasyoucould？'
　　`Irememberitallverywell。'Betterthanhethought-exceptthelastclause。
　　`Andyourememberthatwecameupwiththetwoinaditch，andthattherewasascufflebetweenthem，andthatoneofthemhadbeenseverelyhandledandmuchmauledabouttheface，bytheother？'
　　`Iseeitallbeforeme。'
　　`Andthatthesoldierslightedtorches，andputthetwointhecentre，andthatwewentontoseethelastofthem，overtheblackmarshes，withthetorchlightshiningontheirfaces-Iamparticularaboutthat；withthetorchlightshiningontheirfaces，whentherewasanouterringofdarknightallaboutus？'
　　`Yes，'saidI。`Irememberallthat。'
　　`Then，MrPip，oneofthosetwoprisonerssatbehindyoutonight。I
　　sawhimoveryourshoulder。'
　　`Steady！'Ithought。Iaskedhimthen，`Whichofthetwodoyousupposeyousaw？'
　　`Theonewhohadbeenmauled，'heansweredreadily，`andI'llswearIsawhim！ThemoreIthinkofhim，themorecertainIamofhim。'
　　`Thisisverycurious！'saidI，withthebestassumptionIcouldputon，ofitsbeingnothingmoretome。`Verycuriousindeed！'
　　Icannotexaggeratetheenhanceddisquietintowhichthisconversationthrewme，orthespecialandpeculiarterrorIfeltatCompeyson'shavingbeenbehindme`likeaghost。'For，ifhehadeverbeenoutofmythoughtsforafewmomentstogethersincethehidinghadbegun，itwasinthoseverymomentswhenhewasclosesttome；andtothinkthatIshouldbesounconsciousandoffmyguardafterallmycare，wasasifIhadshutanavenueofahundreddoorstokeephimout，andthenhadfoundhimatmyelbow。Icouldnotdoubteitherthathewasthere，becauseIwasthere，andthathoweverslightanappearanceofdangertheremightbeaboutus，dangerwasalwaysnearandactive。
　　IputsuchquestionstoMrWopsleas，Whendidthemancomein？Hecouldnottellmethat；hesawme，andovermyshoulderhesawtheman。Itwasnotuntilhehadseenhimforsometimethathebegantoidentifyhim；
　　buthehadfromthefirstvaguelyassociatedhimwithme，andknownhimassomehowbelongingtomeintheoldvillagetime。Howwashedressed？
　　Prosperously，butnotnoticeablyotherwise；hethought，inblack。Washisfaceatalldisfigured？No，hebelievednot。Ibelievednot，too，for，althoughinmybroodingstateIhadtakennoespecialnoticeofthepeoplebehindme，Ithoughtitlikelythatafaceatalldisfiguredwouldhaveattractedmyattention。
　　WhenMrWopslehadimpartedtomeallthathecouldrecallorIextract，andwhenIhadtreatedhimtoalittleappropriaterefreshmentafterthefatiguesoftheevening，weparted。Itwasbetweentwelveandoneo'clockwhenIreachedtheTemple，andthegateswereshut。NoonewasnearmewhenIwentinandwenthome。
　　Herberthadcomein，andweheldaveryseriouscouncilbythefire。
　　Buttherewasnothingtobedone，savingtocommunicatetoWemmickwhatIhadthatnightfoundout，andtoremindhimthatwewaitedforhishint。
　　AsIthoughtthatImightcompromisehimifIwenttoooftentotheCastle，Imadethiscommunicationbyletter。IwroteitbeforeIwenttobed，andwentoutandpostedit；andagainnoonewasnearme。HerbertandIagreedthatwecoulddonothingelsebutbeverycautious。Andwewereverycautiousindeed-morecautiousthanbefore，ifthatwerepossible-andIformypartneverwentnearChinks'sBasin，exceptwhenIrowedby，andthenI
　　onlylookedatMillPondBankasIlookedatanythingelse。