Chapter48
　　THEsecondofthetwomeetingsreferredtointhelastchapter，occurredaboutaweekafterthefirst。IhadagainleftmyboatatthewharfbelowBridge；thetimewasanhourearlierintheafternoon；and，undecidedwheretodine，IhadstrolledupintoCheapside，andwasstrollingalongit，surelythemostunsettledpersoninallthebusyconcourse，whenalargehandwaslaiduponmyshoulder，bysomeoneovertakingme。ItwasMrJaggers'shand，andhepasseditthroughmyarm。
　　`Aswearegoinginthesamedirection，Pip，wemaywalktogether。Whereareyouboundfor？'
　　`FortheTemple，Ithink，'saidI。
　　`Don'tyouknow？'saidMrJaggers。
　　`Well，'Ireturned，gladforoncetogetthebetterofhimincross-examination，`Idonotknow，forIhavenotmadeupmnmind。'
　　`Youaregoingtodine？'saidMrJaggers。`Youdon'tmindadmittingthat，Isuppose？'
　　`No，'Ireturned，`Idon'tmindadmittingthat。'
　　`Andarenotengaged？'
　　`Idon'tmindadmittingalso，thatIamnotengaged。'
　　`Then，'saidMrJaggers，`comeanddinewithme。'
　　Iwasgoingtoexcusemyself，whenheadded，`Wemmick'scoming。'So，Ichangedmyexcuseintoanacceptance-thefewwordsIhaduttered，servingforthebeginningofeither-andwewentalongCheapsideandslantedofftoLittleBritain，whilethelightswerespringingupbrilliantlyintheshopwindows，andthestreetlamp-lighters，scarcelyfindinggroundenoughtoplanttheirladdersoninthemidstoftheafternoon'sbustle，wereskippingupanddownandrunninginandout，openingmoreredeyesinthegatheringfogthanmyrushlighttowerattheHummumshadopenedwhiteeyesintheghostlywall。
　　AttheofficeinLittleBritaintherewastheusualletter-writing，hand-washing，candle-snuffing，andsafe-locking，thatclosedthebusinessoftheday。AsIstoodidlebyMrJagger'sfire，itsrisingandfallingflamemadethetwocastsontheshelflookasiftheywereplayingadiabolicalgameatbo-peepwithme；whilethepairofcoarsefatofficecandlesthatdimlylightedMrJaggersashewroteinacorner，weredecoratedwithdirtywinding-sheets，asifinremembranceofahostofhangedclients。
　　WewenttoGerrard-street，allthreetogether，inahackneycoach:andassoonaswegotthere，dinnerwasserved。AlthoughIshouldnothavethoughtofmaking，inthatplace，themostdistantreferencebysomuchasalooktoWemmick'sWalworthsentiments，yetIshouldhavehadnoobjectiontocatchinghiseyenowandtheninafriendlyway。Butitwasnottobedone。HeturnedhiseyesonMrJaggerswheneverheraisedthemfromthetable，andwasasdryanddistanttomeasifthereweretwinWemmicksandthiswasthewrongone。
　　`DidyousendthatnoteofMissHavisham'stoMrPip，Wemmick？'MrJaggersasked，soonafterwebegandinner。
　　`No，sir，'returnedWemmick；`itwasgoingbypost，whenyoubroughtMrPipintotheoffice。Hereitis。'Hehandedittohisprincipal，insteadoftome。
　　`It'sanoteoftwolines，Pip，'saidMrJaggers，handingiton，`sentuptomebyMissHavisham，onaccountofhernotbeingsureofyouraddress。
　　Shetellsmethatshewantstoseeyouonalittlematterofbusinessyoumentionedtoher。You'llgodown？'
　　`Yes，'saidI，castingmyeyesoverthenote，whichwasexactlyinthoseterms。
　　`Whendoyouthinkofgoingdown？'
　　`Ihaveanimpendingengagement，'saidI，glancingatWemmick，whowasputtingfishintothepost-office，`thatrendersmeratheruncertainofmytime。Atonce，Ithink。'
　　`IfMrPiphastheintentionofgoingatonce，'saidWemmicktoMrJaggers，`heneedn'twriteananswer，youknow。'
　　Receivingthisasanintimationthatitwasbestnottodelay，IsettledthatIwouldgoto-morrow，andsaidso。WemmickdrankaglassofwineandlookedwithagrimlysatisfiedairatMrJaggers，butnotatme。
　　`So，Pip！OurfriendtheSpider，'saidMrJaggers，`hasplayedhiscards。
　　Hehaswonthepool。'
　　ItwasasmuchasIcoulddotoassent。
　　`Hah！Heisapromisingfellow-inhisway-buthemaynothaveitallhisownway。Thestrongerwillwinintheend，butthestrongerhastobefoundoutfirst。Ifheshouldturnto，andbeather——'
　　`Surely，'Iinterrupted，withaburningfaceandheart，`youdonotseriouslythinkthatheisscoundrelenoughforthat，MrJaggers？'
　　`Ididn'tsayso，Pip。Iamputtingacase。Ifheshouldturntoandbeather，hemaypossiblygetthestrengthonhisside；ifitshouldbeaquestionofintellect，hecertainlywillnot。Itwouldbechanceworktogiveanopinionhowafellowofthatsortwillturnoutinsuchcircumstances，becauseit'satoss-upbetweentworesults。'
　　`MayIaskwhattheyare？'
　　`AfellowlikeourfriendtheSpider，'answeredMrJaggers，`eitherbeats，orcringes。Hemaycringeandgrowl，orcringeandnotgrowl；butheeitherbeatsorcringes。AskWemmickhisopinion。'
　　`Eitherbeatsorcringes，'saidWemmick，notatalladdressinghimselftome。
　　`So，here'stoMrsBentleyDrummle，'saidMrJaggers，takingadecanterofchoicerwinefromhisdumb-waiter，andfilingforeachofusandforhimself，`andmaythequestionofsupremacybesettledtothelady'ssatisfaction！
　　Tothesatisfactionoftheladyandthegentleman，itneverwillbe。Now，Molly，Molly，Molly，Molly，howslowyouareto-day！'
　　Shewasathiselbowwhenheaddressedher，puttingadishuponthetable。Asshewithdrewherhandsfromit，shefellbackasteportwo，nervouslymutteringsomeexcuse。Andacertainactionofherfingersasshespokearrestedmyattention。
　　`What'sthematter？'saidMrJaggers。
　　`Nothing。Onlythesubjectwewerespeakingof，'saidI，`wasratherpainfultome。'
　　Theactionofherfingerswasliketheactionofknitting。Shestoodlookingathermaster，notunderstandingwhethershewasfreetogo，orwhetherhehadmoretosaytoherandwouldcallherbackifshedidgo。
　　Herlookwasveryintent。Surely，Ihadseenexactlysucheyesandsuchhands，onamemorableoccasionverylately！
　　Hedismissedher，andsheglidedoutoftheroom。Butsheremainedbeforeme，asplainlyasifshewerestillthere。Ilookedatthosehands，Ilookedatthoseeyes，Ilookedatthatflowinghair；andIcomparedthemwithotherhands，othereyes，otherhair，thatIknewof，andwithwhatthosemightbeaftertwentyyearsofabrutalhusbandandastormylife。Ilookedagainatthosehandsandeyesofthehousekeeper，andthoughtoftheinexplicablefeelingthathadcomeovermewhenIlastwalked-notalone-intheruinedgarden，andthroughthedesertedbrewery。IthoughthowthesamefeelinghadcomebackwhenIsawafacelookingatme，andahandwavingtome，fromastage-coachwindow；andhowithadcomebackagainandhadflashedaboutmelikeLightning，whenIhadpassedinacarriage-notalone-
　　throughasuddenglareoflightinadarkstreet。Ithoughthowonelinkofassociationhadhelpedthatidentificationinthetheatre，andhowsuchalink，wantingbefore，hadbeenrivetedformenow，whenIhadpassedbyachanceswiftfromEstella'snametothefingerswiththeirknittingaction，andtheattentiveeyes。AndIfeltabsolutelycertainthatthiswomanwasEstella'smother。
　　MrJaggershadseenmewithEstella，andwasnotlikelytohavemissedthesentimentsIhadbeenatnopainstoconceal。HenoddedwhenIsaidthesubjectwaspainfultome，clappedmeontheback，putroundthewineagain，andwentonwithhisdinner。
　　Onlytwicemore，didthehousekeeperreappear，andthenherstayintheroomwasveryshort，andMrJaggerswassharpwithher。ButherhandswereEstella'shands，andhereyeswereEstella'seyes，andifshehadreappearedahundredtimesIcouldhavebeenneithermoresurenorlesssurethatmyconvictionwasthetruth。
　　Itwasadullevening，forWemmickdrewhiswinewhenitcameround，quiteasamatterofbusiness-justashemighthavedrawnhissalarywhenthatcameround-andwithhiseyesonhischief，satinastateofperpetualreadinessforcross-examination。Astothequantityofwine，hispost-officewasasindifferentandreadyasandotherpost-officeforitsquantityofletters。Frommypointofview，hewasthewrongtwinallthetime，andonlyexternallyliketheWemmickofWalworth。
　　Wetookourleaveearly，andlefttogether。EvenwhenweweregropingamongMrJaggers'sstockofbootsforourhats，Ifeltthattherighttwinwasonhiswayback；andwehadnotgonehalfadozenyardsdownGerrard-streetintheWalworthdirectionbeforeIfoundthatIwaswalkingarm-in-armwiththerighttwin，andthatthewrongtwinhadevaporatedintotheeveningair。
　　`Well！'saidWemmick，`that'sover！He'sawonderfulman，withouthislivinglikeness；butIfeelthatIhavetoscrewmyselfupwhenIdinewithhim-andIdinemorecomfortablyunscrewed。'
　　Ifeltthatthiswasagoodstatementofthecase，andtoldhimso。
　　`Wouldn'tsayittoanybodybutyourself，'heanswered。`Iknowthatwhatissaidbetweenyouandme，goesnofurther。'
　　IaskedhimifhehadeverseenMissHavisham'sadopteddaughter，MrsBentleyDrummle？Hesaidno。Toavoidbeingtooabrupt，IthenspokeoftheAged，andofMissSkiffins。HelookedratherslywhenImentionedMissSkiffins，andstoppedinthestreettoblowhisnose，witharolloftheheadandaflourishnotquitefreefromlatentboastfulness。
　　`Wemmick，'saidI，`doyouremembertellingmebeforeIfirstwenttoMrJaggers'sprivatehouse，tonoticethathousekeeper？'
　　`DidI？'hereplied。`Ah，IdaresayIdid。Deucetakeme，'headded，suddenly，`IknowIdid。IfindIamnotquiteunscrewedyet。'
　　`Awildbeasttamed，youcalledher。'
　　`Andwhatdoyoucallher？'
　　`Thesame。HowdidMrJaggerstameher，Wemmick？'
　　`That'shissecret。Shehasbeenwithhimmanyalongyear。'
　　`Iwishyouwouldtellmeherstory。Ifeelaparticularinterestinbeingacquaintedwithit。Youknowthatwhatissaidbetweenyouandmegoesnofurther。'
　　`Well！'Wemmickreplied，`Idon'tknowherstory-thatis，Idon'tknowallofit。ButwhatIdoknow，I'lltellyou。Weareinourprivateandpersonalcapacities，ofcourse。'
　　`Ofcourse。'
　　`Ascoreorsoofyearsago，thatwomanwastriedattheOldBaileyformurder，andwasacquitted。Shewasaveryhandsomeyoungwoman，andIbelievehadsomegipsybloodinher。Anyhow，iwashotenoughwhenitwasup，asyoumaysuppose。'
　　`Butshewasacquitted。'
　　`MrJaggerswasforher，'pursuedWemmick，withalookfullofmeaning，`andworkedthecaseinawayquiteastonishing。Itwasadesperatecase，anditwascomparativelyearlydayswithhimthen，andheworkedittogeneraladmiration；infact，itmayalmostbesaidtohavemadehim。Heworkedithimselfatthepolice-office，dayafterdayformanydays，contendingagainstevenacommittal；andatthetrialwherehecouldn'tworkithimself，satunderCounsel，and-everyoneknew-putinallthesaltandpepper。
　　Themurderedpersonwasawoman；awoman，agoodtenyearsolder，verymuchlarger，andverymuchstronger。Itwasacaseofjealousy。Theybothledtrampinglives，andthiswomaninGerrard-streetherehadbeenmarriedveryyoung，overthebroomstickaswesay，toatrampingman，andwasaperfectfuryinpointofjealousy。Themurderedwoman-moreamatchfortheman，certainly，inpointofyears-wasfounddeadinabarnnearHounslowHeath。Therehadbeenaviolentstruggle，perhapsafight。Shewasbruisedandscratchedandtorn，andhadbeenheldbythethroatatlastandchoked。Now，therewasnoreasonableevidencetoimplicateanypersonbutthiswoman，and，ontheimprobabilitiesofherhavingbeenabletodoit，MrJaggersprincipallyrestedhiscase。Youmaybesure，'saidWemmick，touchingmeonthesleeve，`thatheneverdweltuponthestrengthofherhandsthen，thoughhesometimesdoesnow。'
　　IhadtoldWemmickofhisshowingusherwrists，thatdayofthedinnerparty。
　　`Well，sir！'Wemmickwenton；`ithappened-happened，don'tyousee？-
　　thatthiswomanwassoveryartfullydressedfromthetimeofherapprehension，thatshelookedmuchslighterthanshereallywas；inparticular，hersleevesarealwaysrememberedtohavebeensoskilfullycontrivedthatherarmshadquiteadelicatelook。Shehadonlyabruiseortwoabouther-nothingforatramp-butthebacksofherhandswerelacerated，andthequestionwas，wasitwithfinger-nails？Now，MrJaggersshowedthatshehadstruggledthroughagreatlotofbrambleswhichwerenotashighasherface；butwhichshecouldnothavegotthroughandkeptherhandsoutof；andbitsofthosebrambleswereactuallyfoundinherskinandputinevidence，aswellasthefactthatthebramblesinquestionwerefoundonexaminationtohavebeenbrokenthrough，andtohavelittleshredsofherdressandlittlespotsofblooduponthemhereandthere。Buttheboldestpointhemade，wasthis。Itwasattemptedtobesetupinproofofherjealousy，thatshewasunderstrongsuspicionofhaving，ataboutthetimeofthemurder，franticallydestroyedherchildbythisman-somethreeyearsold-torevengeherselfuponhim。MrJaggersworkedthat，inthisway。
　　"Wesaythesearenotmarksoffinger-nails，butmarksofbrambles，andweshowyouthebrambles。Yousaytheyaremarksoffinger-nails，andyousetupthehypothesisthatshedestroyedherchild。Youmustacceptallconsequencesofthathypothesis。Foranythingweknow，shemayhavedestroyedherchild，andthechildinclingingtohermayhavescratchedherhands。
　　Whatthen？Youarenottryingherforthemurderofherchild；whydon'tyou？Astothiscase，ifyouwillhavescratches，wesaythat，foranythingweknow，youmayhaveaccountedforthem，assumingforthesakeofargumentthatyouhavenotinventedthem？"Tosumup，sir，'saidWemmick，`MrJaggerswasaltogethertoomanyfortheJury，andtheygavein。'
　　`Hasshebeeninhisserviceeversince？'
　　`Yes；butnotonlythat，'saidWemmick。`Shewentintohisserviceimmediatelyafterheracquittal，tamedassheisnow。Shehassincebeentaughtonethingandanotherinthewayofherduties，butshewastamedfromthebeginning。'
　　`Doyourememberthesexofthechild？'
　　`Saidtohavebeenagirl。'
　　`Youhavenothingmoretosaytometo-night？'
　　`Nothing。Igotyourletteranddestroyedit。Nothing。'
　　WeexchangedacordialGoodNight，andIwenthome，withnewmatterformythoughts，thoughwithnorelieffromtheold。
　　Chapter49
　　PUTTINGMissHavisham'snoteinmypocket，thatitmightserveasmycredentialsforsosoonreappearingatSatisHouse，incaseherwaywardnessshouldleadhertoexpressanysurpriseatseeingme，Iwentdownagainbythecoachnextday。ButIalightedattheHalfwayHouse，andbreakfastedthere，andwalkedtherestofthedistance；for，Isoughttogetintothetownquietlybytheunfrequentedways，andtoleaveitinthesamemanner。
　　ThebestlightofthedaywasgonewhenIpassedalongthequietechoingcourtsbehindtheHigh-street。Thenooksofruinwheretheoldmonkshadoncehadtheirrefectoriesandgardens，andwherethestrongwallswerenowpressedintotheserviceofhumbleshedsandstables，werealmostassilentastheoldmonksintheirgraves。Thecathedralchimeshadatonceasadderandamoreremotesoundtome，asIhurriedonavoidingobservation，thantheyhadeverhadbefore；so，theswelloftheoldorganwasbornetomyearslikefuneralmusic；andtherooks，astheyhoveredaboutthegreytowerandswunginthebarehightreesofthepriory-garden，seemedtocalltomethattheplacewaschanged，andthatEstellawasgoneoutofitforever。
　　AnelderlywomanwhomIhadseenbeforeasoneoftheservantswholivedinthesupplementaryhouseacrossthebackcourt-yard，openedthegate。
　　Thelightedcandlestoodinthedarkpassagewithin，asofold，andItookitupandascendedthestaircasealone。MissHavishamwasnotinherownroom，butwasinthelargerroomacrossthelanding。Lookinginatthedoor，afterknockinginvain，Isawhersittingonthehearthinaraggedchair，closebefore，andlostinthecontemplationof，theashyfire。
　　DoingasIhadoftendone，Iwentin，andstood，touchingtheoldchimney-piece，whereshecouldseemewhensheraisedhereyes。Therewasanairorutterlonelinessuponher，thatwouldhavemovedmetopitythoughshehadwilfullydonemeadeeperinjurythanIcouldchargeherwith。AsIstoodcompassionatingher，andthinkinghowintheprogressoftimeItoohadcometobeapartofthewreckedfortunesofthathouse，hereyesrestedonme。Shestared，andsaidinalowvoice，`Isitreal？'
　　`ItisI，Pip。MrJaggersgavemeyournoteyesterday，andIhavelostnotime。'
　　`Thankyou。Thankyou。'
　　AsIbroughtanotheroftheraggedchairstothehearthandsatdown，Iremarkedanewexpressiononherface，asifshewereafraidofme。
　　`Iwant，'shesaid，`topursuethatsubjectyoumentionedtomewhenyouwerelasthere，andtoshowyouthatIamnotallstone。Butperhapsyoucanneverbelieve，now，thatthereisanythinghumaninmyheart？'
　　WhenIsaidsomereassuringwords，shestretchedouthertremulousrighthand，asthoughshewasgoingtotouchme；butsherecalleditagainbeforeIunderstoodtheaction，orknewhowtoreceiveit。
　　`Yousaid，speakingforyourfriend，thatyoucouldtellmehowtodosomethingusefulandgood。Somethingthatyouwouldlikedone，isitnot？'
　　`SomethingthatIwouldlikedoneverymuch。'
　　`Whatisit？'
　　Ibeganexplainingtoherthatsecrethistoryofthepartnership。I
　　hadnotgotfarintoit，whenIjudgedfromherlooksthatshewasthinkinginadiscursivewayofme，ratherthanofwhatIsaid。Itseemedtobeso，for，whenIstoppedspeaking，manymomentspassedbeforesheshowedthatshewasconsciousofthefact。
　　`Doyoubreakoff，'sheaskedthen，withherformerairofbeingafraidofme，`becauseyouhatemetoomuchtobeartospeaktome？'
　　`No，no，'Ianswered，`howcanyouthinkso，MissHavisham！IstoppedbecauseIthoughtyouwerenotfollowingwhatIsaid。'
　　`PerhapsIwasnot，'sheanswered，puttingahandtoherhead。`Beginagain，andletmelookatsomethingelse。Stay！Nowtellme。'
　　Shesetherhanduponherstick，intheresolutewaythatsometimeswashabitualtoher，andlookedatthefirewithastrongexpressionofforcingherselftoattend。Iwentonwithmyexplanation，andtoldherhowIhadhopedtocompletethetransactionoutofmymeans，buthowinthisIwasdisappointed。ThatpartofthesubjectIremindedherinvolvedmatterswhichcouldformnopartofmyexplanation，fortheyweretheweightysecretsofanother。
　　`So！'saidshe，assentingwithherhead，butnotlookingatme。`Andhowmuchmoneyiswantingtocompletethepurchase？'
　　Iwasratherafraidofstatingit，foritsoundedalargesum。`Ninehundredpounds。'
　　`IfIgiveyouthemoneyforthispurpose，willyoukeepmysecretasyouhavekeptyourown？'
　　`Quiteasfaithfully。'
　　`Andyourmindwillbemoreatrest？'
　　`Muchmoreatrest。'
　　`Areyouveryunhappynow？'
　　Sheaskedthisquestion，stillwithoutlookingatme，butinanunwontedtoneofsympathy。Icouldnotreplyatthemoment，formyvoicefailedme。Sheputherleftarmacrosstheheadofherstick，andsoftlylaidherforeheadonit。
　　`Iamfarfromhappy，MissHavisham；butIhaveothercausesofdisquietthananyyouknowof。TheyarethesecretsIhavementioned。'
　　Afteralittlewhile，sheraisedherheadandlookedatthefireagain。
　　`Itisnobleinyoutotellmethatyouhaveothercausesofunhappiness，Isittrue？'
　　`Tootrue。'
　　`CanIonlyserveyou，Pip，byservingyourfriend？Regardingthatasdone，istherenothingIcandoforyouyourself？'
　　`Nothing。Ithankyouforthequestion。Ithankyouevenmoreforthetoneofthequestion。But，thereisnothing。'
　　Shepresentlyrosefromherseat，andlookedabouttheblightedroomforthemeansofwriting。Therewerenonthere，andshetookfromherpocketayellowsetofivorytablets，mountedintarnishedgold，andwroteuponthemwithapencilinacaseoftarnishedgoldthathungfromherneck。
　　`YouarestillonfriendlytermswithMrJaggers？'
　　`Quite。Idinedwithhimyesterday。'
　　`Thisisanauthoritytohimtopayyouthatmoney，tolayoutatyourirresponsiblediscretionforyourfriend。Ikeepnomoneyhere；butifyouwouldratherMrJaggersknewnothingofthematter，Iwillsendittoyou。'
　　`Thankyou，MissHavisham；Ihavenottheleastobjectiontoreceivingitfromhim。'
　　Shereadmewhatshehadwritten，anditwasdirectandclear，andevidentlyintendedtoabsolvemefromanysuspicionofprofitingbythereceiptofthemoney。Itookthetabletsfromherhand，andittrembledagain，andittrembledmoreasshetookoffthechaintowhichthepencilwasattached，andputitinmine。Allthisshedid，withoutlookingatme。
　　`Mynameisonthefirstleaf。Ifyoucaneverwriteundermyname，"Iforgiveher，"thougheversolongaftermybrokenheartisdust-praydoit！'
　　`OMissHavisham，'saidI，`Icandoitnow。Therehavebeensoremistakes；
　　andmylifehasbeenablindandthanklessone；andIwantforgivenessanddirectionfartoomuch，tobebitterwithyou。'
　　Sheturnedherfacetomeforthefirsttimesinceshehadavertedit，and，tomyamazement，Imayevenaddtomyterror，droppedonherkneesatmyfeet；withherfoldedhandsraisedtomeinthemannerinwhich，whenherpoorheartwasyoungandfreshandwhole，theymustoftenhavebeenraisedtoheavenfromhermother'sside。
　　Toseeherwithherwhitehairandherwornfacekneelingatmyfeet，gavemeashockthroughallmyframe。Ientreatedhertorise，andgotmyarmsabouthertohelpherup；butsheonlypressedthathandofminewhichwasnearesttohergrasp，andhungherheadoveritandwept。Ihadneverseenhershedatearbefore，and，inthehopethatthereliefmightdohergood，Ibentoverherwithoutspeaking。Shewasnotkneelingnow，butwasdownupontheground。
　　`O！'shecried，despairingly。`WhathaveIdone！WhathaveIdone！'
　　`Ifyoumean，MissHavisham，whathaveyoudonetoinjureme，letmeanswer。Verylittle。Ishouldhavelovedherunderanycircumstances-
　　Isshemarried？'
　　`Yes。'
　　Itwasaneedlessquestion，foranewdesolationinthedesolatehousehadtoldmeso。
　　`WhathaveIdone！WhathaveIdone！'Shewrungherhands，andcrushedherwhitehair，andreturnedtothiscryoverandoveragain。`WhathaveIdone！'
　　Iknewnothowtoanswer，orhowtocomforther。Thatshehaddoneagrievousthingintakinganimpressionablechildtomouldintotheformthatherwildresentment，spurnedaffection，andwoundedpride，foundvengeancein，Iknewfullwell。Butthat，inshuttingoutthelightofday，shehadshutoutinfinitelymore；that，inseclusion，shehadsecludedherselffromathousandnaturalandhealinginfluences；that，hermind，broodingsolitary，hadgrowndiseased，asallmindsdoandmustandwillthatreversetheappointedorderoftheirMaker；Iknewequallywell。AndcouldIlookuponherwithoutcompassion，seeingherpunishmentintheruinshewas，inherprofoundunfitnessforthisearthonwhichshewasplaced，inthevanityofsorrowwhichhadbecomeamastermania，likethevanityofpenitence，thevanityofremorse，thevanityofunworthiness，andothermonstrousvanitiesthathavebeencursesinthisworld？
　　`Untilyouspoketohertheotherday，anduntilIsawinyoualooking-glassthatshowedmewhatIoncefeltmyself，IdidnotknowwhatIhaddone。
　　WhathaveIdone！WhathaveIdone！'Andsoagain，twenty，fiftytimesover，Whathadshedone！
　　`MissHavisham，'Isaid，whenhercryhaddiedaway，`youmaydismissmefromyourmindandconscience。ButEstellaisadifferentcase，andifyoucaneverundoanyscrapofwhatyouhavedoneamissinkeepingapartofherrightnatureawayfromher，itwillbebettertodothat，thantobemoanthepastthroughahundredyears。'
　　`Yes，yes，Iknowit。But，Pip-myDear！'Therewasanearnestwomanlycompassionformeinhernewaffection。`MyDear！Believethis:whenshefirstcametome，Imeanttosaveherfrommiserylikemyown。AtfirstImeantnomore。'
　　`Well，well！'saidI。`Ihopeso。'
　　`Butasshegrew，andpromisedtobeverybeautiful，Igraduallydidworse，andwithmypraises，andwithmyjewels，andwithmyteachings，andwiththisfigureofmyselfalwaysbeforeherawarningtobackandpointmylessons，Istoleherheartawayandputiceinitsplace。'
　　`Better，'Icouldnothelpsaying，`tohaveleftheranaturalheart，eventobebruisedorbroken。'
　　Withthat，MissHavishamlookeddistractedlyatmeforawhile，andthenburstoutagain，Whathadshedone！
　　`Ifyouknewallmystory，'shepleaded，`youwouldhavesomecompassionformeandabetterunderstandingofme。'
　　`MissHavisham，'Ianswered，asdelicatelyasIcould，`IbelieveI
　　maysaythatIdoknowyourstory，andhaveknowniteversinceIfirstleftthisneighbourhood。Ithasinspiredmewithgreatcommiseration，andIhopeIunderstanditanditsinfluences。DoeswhathaspassedbetweenusgivemeanyexcuseforaskingyouaquestionrelativetoEstella？Notassheis，butasshewaswhenshefirstcamehere？'
　　Shewasseatedontheground，withherarmsontheraggedchair，andherheadleaningonthem。ShelookedfullatmewhenIsaidthis，andreplied，`Goon。'
　　`WhosechildwasEstella？'
　　Sheshookherhead。
　　`Youdon'tknow？'
　　Sheshookherheadagain。
　　`ButMrJaggersbroughtherhere，orsentherhere？'
　　`Broughtherhere。'
　　`Willyoutellmehowthatcameabout？'
　　Sheansweredinalowwhisperandwithcaution:`IhadbeenshutupintheseroomsalongtimeIdon'tknowhowlong；youknowwhattimetheclockskeephere，whenItoldhimthatIwantedalittlegirltorearandlove，andsavefrommyfate。IhadfirstseenhimwhenIsentforhimtolaythisplacewasteforme；havingreadofhiminthenewspapers，beforeIandtheworldparted。Hetoldmethathewouldlookabouthimforsuchanorphanchild。Onenighthebroughtherhereasleep，andIcalledherEstella。'
　　`MightIaskheragethen？'
　　`Twoorthree。Sheherselfknowsnothing，butthatshewasleftanorphanandIadoptedher。'
　　SoconvincedIwasofthatwoman'sbeinghermother，thatIwantednoevidencetoestablishthefactinmyownmind。But，toanymind，Ithought，theconnectionherewasclearandstraight。
　　WhatmorecouldIhopetodobyprolongingtheinterview？IhadsucceededonbehalfofHerbert，MissHavishamhadtoldmeallsheknewofEstella，IhadsaidanddonewhatIcouldtoeasehermind。Nomatterwithwhatotherwordsweparted；weparted。
　　TwilightwasclosinginwhenIwentdownstairsintothenaturalair。
　　IcalledtothewomanwhohadopenedthegatewhenIentered，thatIwouldnottroubleherjustyet，butwouldwalkroundtheplacebeforeleaving。
　　For，IhadapresentimentthatIshouldneverbethereagain，andIfeltthatthedyinglightwassuitedtomylastviewofit。
　　BythewildernessofcasksthatIhadwalkedonlongago，andonwhichtherainofyearshadfallensince，rottingtheminmanyplaces，andleavingminiatureswampsandpoolsofwateruponthosethatstoodonend，Imademywaytotheruinedgarden。Iwentallroundit；roundbythecornerwhereHerbertandIhadfoughtourbattle；roundbythepathswhereEstellaandIhadwalked。Socold，solonely，sodrearyall！
　　Takingthebreweryonmywayback，Iraisedtherustylatchofalittledooratthegardenendofit，andwalkedthrough。Iwasgoingoutattheoppositedoor-noteasytoopennow，forthedampwoodhadstartedandswelled，andthehingeswereyielding，andthethresholdwasencumberedwithagrowthoffungus-whenIturnedmyheadtolookback。Achildishassociationrevivedwithwonderfulforceinthemomentoftheslightaction，andIfanciedthatIsawMissHavishamhangingtothebeam。Sostrongwastheimpression，thatIstoodunderthebeamshudderingfromheadtofootbeforeIknewitwasafancy-thoughtobesureIwasthereinaninstant。
　　Themournfulnessoftheplaceandtime，andthegreatterrorofthisillusion，thoughitwasbutmomentary，causedmetofeelanindescribableaweasIcameoutbetweentheopenwoodengateswhereIhadoncewrungmyhairafterEstellahadwrungmyheart。Passingonintothefrontcourt-yard，Ihesitatedwhethertocallthewomantoletmeoutatthelockedgateofwhichshehadthekey，orfirsttogoup-stairsandassuremyselfthatMissHavishamwasassafeandwellasIhadlefther。Itookthelattercourseandwentup。
　　IlookedintotheroomwhereIhadlefther，andIsawherseatedintheraggedchairuponthehearthclosetothefire，withherbacktowardsme。InthemomentwhenIwaswithdrawingmyheadtogoquietlyaway，I
　　sawagreatflaminglightspringup。Inthesamemoment，Isawherrunningatme，shrieking，withawhirloffireblazingallabouther，andsoaringatleastasmanyfeetaboveherheadasshewashigh。
　　Ihadadouble-capedgreat-coaton，andovermyarmanotherthickcoat。
　　ThatIgotthemoff，closedwithher，threwherdown，andgotthemoverher；thatIdraggedthegreatclothfromthetableforthesamepurpose，andwithitdraggeddowntheheapofrottennessinthemidst，andalltheuglythingsthatshelteredthere；thatwewereonthegroundstrugglinglikedesperateenemies，andthatthecloserIcoveredher，themorewildlysheshriekedandtriedtofreeherself；thatthisoccurredIknewthroughtheresult，butnotthroughanythingIfelt，orthought，orknewIdid。
　　IknewnothinguntilIknewthatwewereonthefloorbythegreattable，andthatpatchesoftinderyetalightwerefloatinginthesmokyair，which，amomentago，hadbeenherfadedbridaldress。
　　Then，Ilookedroundandsawthedisturbedbeetlesandspidersrunningawayoverthefloor，andtheservantscominginwithbreathlesscriesatthedoor。Istillheldherforciblydownwithallmystrength，likeaprisonerwhomightescape；andIdoubtifIevenknewwhoshewas，orwhywehadstruggled，orthatshehadbeeninflames，orthattheflameswereout，untilIsawthepatchesoftinderthathadbeenhergarments，nolongeralightbutfallinginablackshoweraroundus。
　　Shewasinsensible，andIwasafraidtohavehermoved，oreventouched。
　　AssistancewassentforandIheldheruntilitcame，asifIunreasonablyfanciedIthinkIdidthatifIlethergo，thefirewouldbreakoutagainandconsumeher。WhenIgotup，onthesurgeon'scomingtoherwithotheraid，Iwasastonishedtoseethatbothmyhandswereburnt；for，Ihadnoknowledgeofitthroughthesenseoffeeling。
　　Onexaminationitwaspronouncedthatshehadreceivedserioushurts，butthattheyofthemselveswerefarfromhopeless；thedangerlaymainlyinthenervousshock。Bythesurgeon'sdirections，herbedwascarriedintothatroomandlaiduponthegreattable:whichhappenedtobewellsuitedtothedressingofherinjuries。WhenIsawheragain，anhourafterwards，shelayindeedwhereIhadseenherstrikeherstick，andhadheardhersaythatshewouldlieoneday。
　　Thougheveryvestigeofherdresswasburnt，astheytoldme，shestillhadsomethingofheroldghastlybridalappearance；for，theyhadcoveredhertothethroatwithwhitecotton-wool，andasshelaywithawhitesheetlooselyoverlyingthat，thephantomairofsomethingthathadbeenandwaschanged，wasstilluponher。
　　Ifound，onquestioningtheservants，thatEstellawasinParis，andIgotapromisefromthesurgeonthathewouldwritetoherbythenextpost。MissHavisham'sfamilyItookuponmyself；intendingtocommunicatewithMrMatthewPocketonly，andleavehimtodoashelikedaboutinformingtherest。ThisIdidnextday，throughHerbert，assoonasIreturnedtotown。
　　Therewasastage，thatevening，whenshespokecollectedlyofwhathadhappened，thoughwithacertainterriblevivacity。Towardsmidnightshebegantowanderinherspeech，andafterthatitgraduallysetinthatshesaidinnumerabletimesinalowsolemnvoice，`WhathaveIdone！'Andthen，`Whenshefirstcame，Imeanttosaveherfrommiserylikemine。'
　　Andthen，`Takethepencilandwriteundermyname，"Iforgiveher！"'Sheneverchangedtheorderofthesethreesentences，butshesometimesleftoutawordinoneorotherofthem；neverputtinginanotherword，butalwaysleavingablankandgoingontothenextword。
　　AsIcoulddonoservicethere，andasIhad，nearerhome，thatpressingreasonforanxietyandfearwhichevenherwanderingscouldnotdriveoutofmymind，IdecidedinthecourseofthenightthatIwouldreturnbytheearlymorningcoach:walkingonamileorso，andbeingtakenupclearofthetown。Ataboutsixo'clockofthemorning，therefore，Ileanedoverherandtouchedherlipswithmine，justastheysaid，notstoppingforbeingtouched，`Takethepencilandwriteundermyname，"Iforgiveher。"'
　　Chapter50
　　MYhandshadbeendressedtwiceorthriceinthenight，andagaininthemorning。Myleftarmwasagooddealburnedtotheelbow，and，lessseverely，ashighastheshoulder；itwasverypainful，buttheflameshadsetinthatdirection，andIfeltthankfulitwasnoworse。MyrighthandwasnotsobadlyburntbutthatIcouldmovethefingers。Itwasbandaged，ofcourse，butmuchlessinconvenientlythanmylefthandandarm；thoseIcarriedinasling；andIcouldonlywearmycoatlikeacloak，looseovermyshouldersandfastenedattheneck。Myhairhadbeencaughtbythefire，butnotmyheadorface。
　　WhenHerberthadbeendowntoHammersmithandseenhisfather，hecamebackmeatourchambers，anddevotedthedaytoattendingonme。Hewasthekindestofnurses，andatstatedtimestookoffthebandages，andsteepedtheminthecoolingliquidthatwaskeptready，andputthemonagain，withapatienttendernessthatIwasdeeplygratefulfor。
　　Atfirst，asIlayquietonthesofa，Ifounditpainfullydifficult，Imightsayimpossible，togetridoftheimpressionoftheglareoftheflames，theirhurryandnoise，andthefierceburningsmell。IfIdozedforaminute，IwasawakenedbyMissHavisham'scries，andbyherrunningatmewithallthatheightoffireaboveherhead。ThispainofthemindwasmuchhardertostriveagainstthananybodilypainIsuffered；andHerbert，seeingthat，didhisutmosttoholdmyattentionengaged。
　　Neitherofusspokeoftheboat，butweboththoughtofit。Thatwasmadeapparentbyouravoidanceofthesubject，andbyouragreeing-withoutagreement-tomakemyrecoveryoftheuseofmyhands，aquestionofsomanyhours，notofsomanyweeks。
　　MyfirstquestionwhenIsawHerberthadbeenofcourse，whetherallwaswelldowntheriver？Asherepliedintheaffirmative，withperfectconfidenceandcheerfulness，wedidnotresumethesubjectuntilthedaywaswearingaway。Butthen，asHerbertchangedthebandages，morebythelightofthefirethanbytheouterlight，hewentbacktoitspontaneously。
　　`IsatwithProvislastnight，Handel，twogoodhours。'
　　`WherewasClara？'
　　`Dearlittlething！'saidHerbert。`ShewasupanddownwithGruffandgrimalltheevening。Hewasperpetuallypeggingatthefloor，themomentshelefthissight。Idoubtifhecanholdoutlongthough。Whatwithrumandpepper-andpepperandrum-Ishouldthinkhispeggingmustbenearlyover。'
　　`Andthenyouwillbemarried，Herbert？'
　　`HowcanItakecareofthedearchildotherwise？-Layyourarmoutuponthebackofthesofa，mydearboy，andI'llsitdownhere，andgetthebandageoffsograduallythatyoushallnotknowwhenitcomes。IwasspeakingofProvis。Doyouknow，Handel，heimproves？'
　　`IsaidtoyouIthoughthewassoftenedwhenIlastsawhim。'
　　`Soyoudid。Andsoheis。Hewasverycommunicativelastnight，andtoldmemoreofhislife。Yourememberhisbreakingoffhereaboutsomewomanthathehadhadgreattroublewith-DidIhurtyou？'
　　Ihadstarted，butnotunderhistouch。Hiswordshadgivenmeastart。
　　`Ihadforgottenthat，Herbert，butIrememberitnowyouspeakofit。'
　　`Well！Hewentintothatpartofhislife，andadarkwildpartitis。
　　ShallItellyou？Orwoulditworryyoujustnow？'
　　`Tellmebyallmeans。Everyword。'
　　Herbertbentforwardtolookatmemorenearly，asifmyreplyhadbeenrathermorehurriedormoreeagerthanhecouldquiteaccountfor。`Yourheadiscool？'hesaid，touchingit。
　　`Quite，'saidI。`TellmewhatProvissaid，mydearHerbert。'
　　`Itseems，'saidHerbert，`-there'sabandageoffmostcharmingly，andnowcomesthecoolone-makesyoushrinkatfirst，mypoordearfellow，don'tit？butitwillbecomfortablepresently-itseemsthatthewomanwasayoungwoman，andajealouswoman，andarevengefulwoman；revengeful，Handel，tothelastdegree。'
　　`Towhatlastdegree？'
　　`Murder-Doesitstriketoocoldonthatsensitiveplace？'
　　`Idon'tfeelit。Howdidshemurder？Whomdidshemurder？'`Why，thedeedmaynothavemeritedquitesoterribleaname，'saidHerbert，`but，shewastriedforit，andMrJaggersdefendedher，andthereputationofthatdefencefirstmadehisnameknowntoProvis。Itwasanotherandastrongerwomanwhowasthevictim，andtherehadbeenastruggle-inabarn。Whobeganit，orhowfairitwas，orhowunfair，maybedoubtful；
　　buthowitended，iscertainlynotdoubtful，forthevictimwasfoundthrottled。'
　　`Wasthewomanbroughtinguilty？'
　　`No；shewasacquitted-MypoorHandel，Ihurtyou！'
　　`Itisimpossibletobegentler，Herbert。Yes？Whatelse？'
　　`ThisacquittedyoungwomanandProvishadalittlechild:alittlechildofwhomProviswasexceedinglyfond。OntheeveningoftheverynightwhentheobjectofherjealousywasstrangledasItellyou，theyoungwomanpresentedherselfbeforeProvisforonemoment，andsworethatshewoulddestroythechildwhichwasinherpossession，andheshouldneverseeitagain；then，shevanished-There'stheworstarmcomfortablyintheslingoncemore，andnowthereremainsbuttherighthand，whichisafareasierjob。Icandoitbetterbythislightthanbyastronger，formyhandissteadiestwhenIdon'tseethepoorblisteredpatchestoodistinctly-Youdon'tthinkyourbreathingisaffected，mydearboy？
　　Youseemtobreathequickly。'
　　`PerhapsIdo，Herbert。Didthewomankeepheroath？'
　　`TherecomesthedarkestpartofProvis'slife。Shedid。'
　　`Thatis，hesaysshedid。'
　　`Why，ofcourse，mydearboy，'returnedHerbert，inatoneofsurprise，andagainbendingforwardtogetanearerlookatme。`Hesaysitall。
　　Ihavenootherinformation。'
　　`No，tobesure。'
　　`Now，whether，'pursuedHerbert，`hehadusedthechild'smotherill，orwhetherhehadusedthechild'smotherwell，Provisdoesn'tsay；but，shehadsharedsomefourorfiveyearsofthewretchedlifehedescribedtousatthisfireside，andheseemstohavefeltpityforher，andforbearancetowardsher。Therefore，fearingheshouldbecalledupontodeposeaboutthisdestroyedchild，andsobethecauseofherdeath，hehidhimselfmuchashegrievedforthechild，kepthimselfdark，ashesays，outofthewayandoutofthetrial，andwasonlyvaguelytalkedofasacertainmancalledAbel，outofwhomthejealousyarose。Aftertheacquittalshedisappeared，andthushelostthechildandthechild'smother。'
　　`Iwanttoask——'
　　`Amoment，mydearboy，andIhavedone。Thatevilgenius，Compeyson，theworstofscoundrelsamongmanyscoundrels，knowingofhiskeepingoutofthewayatthattime，andofhisreasonsfordoingso，ofcourseafterwardsheldtheknowledgeoverhisheadasameansofkeepinghimpoorer，andworkinghimharder。ItwasclearlastnightthatthisbarbedthepointofProvis'sanimosity。'
　　`Iwanttoknow，'saidI，`andparticularly，Herbert，whetherhetoldyouwhenthishappened？'
　　`Particularly？Letmeremember，then，whathesaidastothat。Hisexpressionwas，"aroundscoreo'yearago，anda'mostdirectlyafterItookupwi'
　　Compeyson。"Howoldwereyouwhenyoucameuponhiminthelittlechurchyard？'
　　`Ithinkinmyseventhyear。'
　　`Ay。Ithadhappenedsomethreeorfouryearsthen，hesaid，andyoubroughtintohismindthelittlegirlsotragicallylost，whowouldhavebeenaboutyourage。'
　　`Herbert，'saidI，afterashortsilence，inahurriedway，`canyouseemebestbythelightofthewindow，orthelightofthefire？'
　　`Bythefirelight，'answeredHerbert，comingcloseagain。
　　`Lookatme。'
　　`Idolookatyou，mydearboy。'
　　`Touchme。'
　　`Idotouchyou，mydearboy。'
　　`YouarenotafraidthatIaminanyfever，orthatmyheadismuchdisorderedbytheaccidentoflastnight？'
　　`N-no，mydearboy，'saidHerbert，aftertakingtimetoexamineme。
　　`Youareratherexcited，butyouarequiteyourself。'
　　`IknowIamquitemyself。Andthemanwehaveinhidingdowntheriver，isEstella'sFather。'
　　Chapter51
　　WHATpurposeIhadinviewwhenIwashotontracingoutandprovingEstella'sparentage，Icannotsay。Itwillpresentlybeseenthatthequestionwasnotbeforemeinadistinctshape，untilitwasputbeforemebyawiserheadthanmyown。
　　But，whenHerbertandIhadheldourmomentousconversation，IwasseizedwithafeverishconvictionthatIoughttohuntthematterdown-thatIoughtnottoletitrest，butthatIoughttoseeMrJaggers，andcomeatthebaretruth。IreallydonotknowwhetherIfeltthatIdidthisforEstella'ssake，orwhetherIwasgladtotransfertothemaninwhosepreservationIwassomuchconcerned，someraysoftheromanticinterestthathadsolongsurroundedher。Perhapsthelatterpossibilitymaybethenearertothetruth。
　　Anyway，IcouldscarcelybewithheldfromgoingouttoGerrard-streetthatnight。Herbert'srepresentationsthatifIdid，Ishouldprobablybelaidupandstrickenuseless，whenourfugitive'ssafetywoulddependuponme，alonerestrainedmyimpatience。Ontheunderstanding，againandagainreiterated，thatcomewhatwould，IwastogotoMrJaggersto-morrow，Iatlengthsubmittedtokeepquiet，andtohavemyhurtslookedafter，andtostayathome。Earlynextmorningwewentouttogether，andatthecornerofGiltspur-streetbySmithfield，IleftHerberttogohiswayintotheCity，andtookmywaytoLittleBritain。
　　TherewereperiodicaloccasionswhenMrJaggersandWemmickwentovertheofficeaccounts，andcheckedoffthevouchers，andputallthingsstraight。
　　OntheseoccasionsWemmicktookhisbooksandpapersintoMrJaggers'sroom，andoneoftheup-stairsclerkscamedownintotheouteroffice。
　　FindingsuchclerkonWemmick'spostthatmorning，Iknewwhatwasgoingon；but，IwasnotsorrytohaveMrJaggersandWemmicktogether，asWemmickwouldthenhearforhimselfthatIsaidnothingtocompromisehim。
　　Myappearancewithmyarmbandagedandmycoatlooseovermyshoulders，favouredmyobject。AlthoughIhadsentMrJaggersabriefaccountoftheaccidentassoonasIhadarrivedintown，yetIhadtogivehimallthedetailsnow；andthespecialityoftheoccasioncausedourtalktobelessdryandhard，andlessstrictlyregulatedbytherulesofevidence，thanithadbeenbefore。WhileIdescribedthedisaster，MrJaggersstood，accordingtohiswont，beforethefire。Wemmickleanedbackinhischair，staringatme，withhishandsinthepocketsofhistrousers，andhispenputhorizontallyintothepost。Thetwobrutalcasts，alwaysinseparableinmymindfromtheofficialproceedings，seemedtobecongestivelyconsideringwhethertheydidn'tsmellfireatthepresentmoment。
　　Mynarrativefinished，andtheirquestionsexhausted，IthenproducedMissHavisham'sauthoritytoreceivetheninehundredpoundsforHerbert。
　　MrJaggers'seyesretiredalittledeeperintohisheadwhenIhandedhimthetablets，buthepresentlyhandedthemovertoWemmick，withinstructionstodrawthechequeforhissignature。Whilethatwasincourseofbeingdone，IlookedonatWemmickashewrote，andMrJaggers，poisingandswayinghimselfonhiswell-polishedboots，lookedonatme。`Iamsorry，Pip，'
　　saidhe，asIputthechequeinmypocket，whenhehadsignedit，`thatwedonothingforyou。'
　　`MissHavishamwasgoodenoughtoaskme，'Ireturned，`whethershecoulddonothingforme，andItoldherNo。'
　　`Everybodyshouldknowhisownbusiness，'saidMrJaggers。AndIsawWemmick'slipsformthewords`portableproperty。'
　　`IshouldnothavetoldherNo，ifIhadbeenyou，'saidMrJaggers；
　　`buteverymanoughttoknowhisownbusinessbest。'
　　`Everyman'sbusiness，'saidWemmick，ratherreproachfullytowardsme，`isportableproperty。'
　　AsIthoughtthetimewasnowcomeforpursuingthethemeIhadatheart，Isaid，turningonMrJaggers:
　　`IdidasksomethingofMissHavisham，however，sir。Iaskedhertogivemesomeinformationrelativetoheradopteddaughter，andshegavemeallshepossessed。'
　　`Didshe？'saidMrJaggers，bendingforwardtolookathisbootsandthenstraighteninghimself。`Hah！Idon'tthinkIshouldhavedoneso，ifIhadbeenMissHavisham。Butsheoughttoknowherownbusinessbest。'
　　`IknowmoreofthehistoryofMissHavisham'sadoptedchild，thanMissHavishamherselfdoes，sir。Iknowhermother。'
　　MrJaggerslookedatmeinquiringly，andrepeated`Mother？'
　　`Ihaveseenhermotherwithinthesethreedays。'
　　`Yes？'saidMrJaggers。
　　`Andsohaveyou，sir。Andyouhaveseenherstillmorerecently。'
　　`Yes？'saidMrJaggers。
　　`PerhapsIknowmoreofEstella'shistorythanevenyoudo，'saidI。
　　`Iknowherfathertoo。'
　　AcertainstopthatMrJaggerscametoinhismanner-hewastooself-possessedtochangehismanner，buthecouldnothelpitsbeingbroughttoanindefinablyattentivestop-assuredmethathedidnotknowwhoherfatherwas。ThisIhadstronglysuspectedfromProvis'saccountasHerberthadrepeateditofhishavingkepthimselfdark；whichIpiecedontothefactthathehimselfwasnotMrJaggers'sclientuntilsomefouryearslater，andwhenhecouldhavenoreasonforclaiminghisidentity。But，IcouldnotbesureofthisunconsciousnessonMrJaggers'spartbefore，thoughIwasquitesureofitnow。
　　`So！Youknowtheyounglady'sfather，Pip？'saidMrJaggers。
　　`Yes，'Ireplied，`andhisnameisProvis-fromNewSouthWales。'
　　EvenMrJaggersstartedwhenIsaidthosewords。Itwastheslighteststartthatcouldescapeaman，themostcarefullyrepressedandthesoonestchecked，buthedidstart，thoughhemadeitapartoftheactionoftakingouthispocket-handkerchief。HowWemmickreceivedtheannouncementIamunabletosay，forIwasafraidtolookathimjustthen，lestMrJaggers'ssharpnessshoulddetectthattherehadbeensomecommunicationunknowntohimbetweenus。
　　`Andonwhatevidence，Pip，'askedMr。Jaggers，verycoolly，ashepausedwithhishandkerchiefhalfwaytohisnose，`doesProvismakethisclaim？'
　　`Hedoesnotmakeit，'saidI，`andhasnevermadeit，andhasnoknowledgeorbeliefthathisdaughterisinexistence。'
　　Foronce，thepowerfulpocket-handkerchieffailed。MyreplywassounexpectedthatMrJaggersputthehandkerchiefbackintohispocketwithoutcompletingtheusualperformance，foldedhisarms，andlookedwithsternattentionatme，thoughwithanimmovableface。
　　ThenItoldhimallIknew，andhowIknewit；withtheonereservationthatIlefthimtoinferthatIknewfromMissHavishamwhatIinfactknewfromWemmick。Iwasverycarefulindeedastothat。Nor，didIlooktowardsWemmickuntilIhadfinishedallIhadtotell，andhadbeenforsometimesilentlymeetingMrJaggers'slook。WhenIdidatlastturnmyeyesinWemmick'sdirection，Ifoundthathehadunpostedhispen，andwasintentuponthetablebeforehim。
　　`Hah！'saidMrJaggersatlast，ashemovedtowardsthepapersonthetable，`-Whatitemwasityouwereat，Wemmick，whenMr。Pipcamein？'
　　ButIcouldnotsubmittobethrownoffinthatway，andImadeapassionate，almostanindignant，appealtohimtobemorefrankandmanlywithme。
　　IremindedhimofthefalsehopesintowhichIhadlapsed，thelengthoftimetheyhadlasted，andthediscoveryIhadmade:andIhintedatthedangerthatweigheduponmyspirits。Irepresentedmyselfasbeingsurelyworthyofsomelittleconfidencefromhim，inreturnfortheconfidenceIhadjustnowimparted。IsaidthatIdidnotblamehim，orsuspecthim，ormistrusthim，butIwantedassuranceofthetruthfromhim。AndifheaskedmewhyIwanteditandwhyIthoughtIhadanyrighttoit，Iwouldtellhim，littleashecaredforsuchpoordreams，thatIhadlovedEstelladearlyandlong，andthat，althoughIhadlostherandmustliveabereavedlife，whateverconcernedherwasstillneareranddearertomethananythingelseintheworld。AndseeingthatMrJaggersstoodquitestillandsilent，andapparentlyquiteobdurate，underthisappeal，IturnedtoWemmick，andsaid，`Wemmick，Iknowyoutobeamanwithagentleheart。Ihaveseenyourpleasanthome，andyouroldfather，andalltheinnocentcheerfulplayfulwayswithwhichyourefreshyourbusinesslife。AndIentreatyoutosayawordformetoMrJaggers，andtorepresenttohimthat，allcircumstancesconsidered，heoughttobemoreopenwithme！'
　　IhaveneverseentwomenlookmoreoddlyatoneanotherthanMrJaggersandWemmickdidafterthisapostrophe。Atfirst，amisgivingcrossedmethatWemmickwouldbeinstantlydismissedfromhisemployment；but，itmeltedasIsawMrJaggersrelaxintosomethinglikeasmile，andWemmickbecomebolder。
　　`What'sallthis？'saidMrJaggers。`Youwithanoldfather，andyouwithpleasantandplayfulways？'
　　`Well！'returnedWemmick。`IfIdon'tbring'emhere，whatdoesitmatter？'
　　`Pip，'saidMrJaggers，layinghishanduponmyarm，andsmilingopenly，`thismanmustbethemostcunningimpostorinallLondon。'
　　`Notabitofit，'returnedWemmick，growingbolderandbolder。`Ithinkyou'reanother。'
　　Againtheyexchangedtheirformeroddlooks，eachapparentlystilldistrustfulthattheotherwastakinghimin。
　　`Youwithapleasanthome？'saidMrJaggers。
　　`Sinceitdon'tinterferewithbusiness，'returnedWemmick，`letitbeso。Now，Ilookatyou，sir，Ishouldn'twonderifyoumightbeplanningandcontrivingtohaveapleasanthomeofyourown，oneofthesedays，whenyou'retiredofallthiswork。'
　　MrJaggersnoddedhisheadretrospectivelytwoorthreetimes，andactuallydrewasigh。`Pip，'saidhe，`wewon'ttalkabout"poordreams；"youknowmoreaboutsuchthingsthanI，havingmuchfresherexperienceofthatkind。
　　Butnow，aboutthisothermatter。I'llputacasetoyou。Mind！Iadmitnothing。'
　　HewaitedformetodeclarethatIquiteunderstoodthatheexpresslysaidthatheadmittednothing。
　　`Now，Pip，'saidMrJaggers，`putthiscase。Putthecasethatawoman，undersuchcircumstancesasyouhavementioned，heldherchildconcealed，andwasobligedtocommunicatethefacttoherlegaladviser，onhisrepresentingtoherthathemustknow，withaneyetothelatitudeofhisdefence，howthefactstoodaboutthatchild。Putthecasethatatthesametimeheheldatrusttofindachildforaneccentricrichladytoadoptandbringup。'
　　`Ifollowyou，sir。'
　　`Putthecasethathelivedinanatmosphereofevil，andthatallhesawofchildren，was，theirbeinggeneratedingreatnumbersforcertaindestruction。Putthecasethatheoftensawchildrensolemnlytriedatacriminalbar，wheretheywerehelduptobeseen；putthecasethathehabituallyknewoftheirbeingimprisoned，whipped，transported，neglected，castout，qualifiedinallwaysforthehangman，andgrowinguptobehanged。
　　Putthecasethatprettynighallthechildrenhesawinhisdailybusinesslife，hehadreasontolookuponassomuchspawn，todevelopintothefishthatweretocometohisnet-tobeprosecuted，defended，forsworn，madeorphans，bedevilledsomehow。'
　　`Ifollowyou，sir。'
　　`Putthecase，Pip，thatherewasoneprettylittlechildoutoftheheap，whocouldbesaved；whomthefatherbelieveddead，anddaredmakenostirabout；astowhom，overthemother，thelegaladviserhadthispower:"Iknowwhatyoudid，andhowyoudidit。Youcamesoandso，thiswasyourmannerofattackandthisthemannerofresistance，youwentsoandso，youdidsuchandsuchthingstodivertsuspicion。Ihavetrackedyouthroughitall，andItellityouall。Partwiththechild，unlessitshouldbenecessarytoproduceittoclearyou，andthenitshallbeproduced。Givethechildintomyhands，andIwilldomybesttobringyouoff。Ifyouaresaved，yourchildissavedtoo；ifyouarelost，yourchildisstillsaved。"Putthecasethatthiswasdone，andthatthewomanwascleared。'
　　`Iunderstandyouperfectly。'
　　`ButthatImakenoadmissions？'
　　`Thatyoumakenoadmissions。'AndWemmickrepeated，`Noadmissions。'
　　`Putthecase，Pip，thatpassionandtheterrorofdeathhadalittleshakenthewoman'sintellects，andthatwhenshewassetatliberty，shewasscaredoutofthewaysoftheworldandwenttohimtobesheltered。
　　Putthecasethathetookherin，andthathekeptdowntheoldwildviolentnaturewheneverhesawaninklingofitsbreakingout，byassertinghispoweroverherintheoldway。Doyoucomprehendtheimaginarycase？'
　　`Quite。'
　　`Putthecasethatthechildgrewup，andwasmarriedformoney。Thatthemotherwasstillliving。Thatthefatherwasstillliving。Thatthemotherandfatherunknowntooneanother，weredwellingwithinsomanymiles，furlongs，yardsifyoulike，ofoneanother。Thatthesecretwasstillasecret，exceptthatyouhadgotwindofit。Putthatlastcasetoyourselfverycarefully。'
　　`Ido。'
　　`IaskWemmicktoputittohimselfverycarefully。'
　　AndWemmicksaid，`Ido。'
　　`Forwhosesakewouldyourevealthesecret？Forthefather's？Ithinkhewouldnotbemuchthebetterforthemother。Forthemother's？Ithinkifshehaddonesuchadeedshewouldbesaferwhereshewas。Forthedaughter's？
　　Ithinkitwouldhardlyserveher，toestablishherparentagefortheinformationofherhusband，andtodragherbacktodisgrace，afteranescapeoftwentyyears，prettysecuretolastforlife。But，addthecasethatyouhadlovedher，Pip，andhadmadeherthesubjectofthose"poordreams"whichhave，atonetimeoranother，beenintheheadsofmorementhanyouthinklikely，thenItellyouthatyouhadbetter-andwouldmuchsoonerwhenyouhadthoughtwellofit-chopoffthatbandagedlefthandofyourswithyourbandagedrighthand，andthenpassthechopperontoWemmickthere，tocutthatoff，too。'
　　IlookedatWemmick，whosefacewasverygrave。Hegravelytouchedhislipswithhisforefinger。Ididthesame。MrJaggersdidthesame。`Now，Wemmick，'saidthelatterthen，resuminghisusualmanner，`whatitemwasityouwereat，whenMrPipcamein？'
　　Standingbyforalittle，whiletheywereatwork，Iobservedthattheoddlookstheyhadcastatoneanotherwererepeatedseveraltimes:withthisdifferencenow，thateachofthemseemedsuspicious，nottosayconscious，ofhavingshownhimselfinaweakandunprofessionallighttotheother。
　　Forthisreason，Isuppose，theywerenowinflexiblewithoneanother；
　　MrJaggersbeinghighlydictatorial，andWemmickobstinatelyjustifyinghimselfwhenevertherewasthesmallestpointinabeyanceforamoment。
　　Ihadneverseenthemonsuchillterms；forgenerallytheygotonverywellindeedtogether。
　　But，theywerebothhappilyrelievedbytheopportuneappearanceofMike，theclientwiththefurcapandthehabitofwipinghisnoseonhissleeve，whomIhadseenontheveryfirstdayofmyappearancewithinthosewalls。Thisindividual，who，eitherinhisownpersonorinthatofsomememberofhisfamily，seemedtobealwaysintroublewhichinthatplacemeantNewgate，calledtoannouncethathiseldestdaughterwastakenuponsuspicionofshop-lifting。AsheimpartedthismelancholycircumstancetoWemmick，MrJaggersstandingmagisteriallybeforethefireandtakingnoshareintheproceedings，Mike'seyehappenedtotwinklewithatear。
　　`Whatareyouabout？'demandedWemmick，withtheutmostindignation。
　　`Whatdoyoucomesnivellingherefor？'
　　`Ididn'tgotodoit，MrWemmick。'
　　`Youdid，'saidWemmick。`Howdareyou？You'renotinafitstatetocomehere，ifyoucan'tcomeherewithoutsplutteringlikeabadpen。Whatdoyoumeanbyit？'
　　`Amancan'thelphisfeelings，MrWemmick，'pleadedMike。
　　`Hiswhat？'demandedWemmick，quitesavagely。`Saythatagain！'
　　`Now，lookheremyman，'saidMrJaggers，advancingastep，andpointingtothedoor。`Getoutofthisoffice。I'llhavenofeelingshere。Getout。'
　　`Itservesyouright，'saidWemmick，`Getout。'
　　SotheunfortunateMikeveryhumblywithdrew，andMrJaggersandWemmickappearedtohavere-establishedtheirgoodunderstanding，andwenttoworkagainwithanairofrefreshmentuponthemasiftheyhadjusthadlunch。
　　Chapter52
　　FROMLittleBritain，Iwent，withmychequeinmypocket，toMissSkiffins'sbrother，theaccountant；andMissSkiffins'sbrother，theaccountant，goingstraighttoClarriker'sandbringingClarrikertome，Ihadthegreatsatisfactionofconcludingthatarrangement。ItwastheonlygoodthingIhaddone，andtheonlycompletedthingIhaddone，sinceIwasfirstapprisedofmygreatexpectations。
　　ClarrikerinformingmeonthatoccasionthattheaffairsoftheHouseweresteadilyprogressing，thathewouldnowbeabletoestablishasmallbranch-houseintheEastwhichwasmuchwantedfortheextensionofthebusiness，andthatHerbertinhisnewpartnershipcapacitywouldgooutandtakechargeofit，IfoundthatImusthavepreparedforaseparationfrommyfriend，eventhoughmyownaffairshadbeenmoresettled。AndnowindeedIfeltasifmylastanchorwerelooseningitshold，andIshouldsoonbedrivingwiththewindsandwaves。