Chapter16
　　WITHmyheadfullofGeorgeBarnwell，IwasatfirstdisposedtobelievethatImusthavehadsomehandintheattackuponmysister，oratalleventsthatashernearrelation，popularlyknowntobeunderobligationstoher，Iwasamorelegitimateobjectofsuspicionthananyoneelse。
　　Butwhen，intheclearerlightofnextmorning，Ibegantoreconsiderthematterandtohearitdiscussedaroundmeonallsides，Itookanotherviewofthecase，whichwasmorereasonable。
　　JoehadbeenattheThreeJollyBargemen，smokinghispipe，fromaquarteraftereighto'clocktoaquarterbeforeten。Whilehewasthere，mysisterhadbeenseenstandingatthekitchendoor，andhadexchangedGoodNightwithafarm-labourergoinghome。Themancouldnotbemoreparticularastothetimeatwhichhesawherhegotintodenseconfusionwhenhetriedtobe，thanthatitmusthavebeenbeforenine。WhenJoewenthomeatfiveminutesbeforeten，hefoundherstruckdownonthefloor，andpromptlycalledinassistance。Thefirehadnotthenburntunusuallylow，norwasthesnuffofthecandleverylong；thecandle，however，hadbeenblownout。
　　Nothinghadbeentakenawayfromanypartofthehouse。Neither，beyondtheblowingoutofthecandle-whichstoodonatablebetweenthedoorandmysister，andwasbehindherwhenshestoodfacingthefireandwasstruck-wasthereanydisarrangementofthekitchen，exceptingsuchassheherselfhadmade，infallingandbleeding。But，therewasoneremarkablepieceofevidenceonthespot。Shehadbeenstruckwithsomethingbluntandheavy，ontheheadandspine；aftertheblowsweredealt，somethingheavyhadbeenthrowndownatherwithconsiderableviolence，asshelayonherface。Andonthegroundbesideher，whenJoepickedherup，wasaconvict'sleg-ironwhichhadbeenfiledasunder。
　　Now，Joe，examiningthisironwithasmith'seye，declaredittohavebeenfiledasundersometimeago。ThehueandcrygoingofftotheHulks，andpeoplecomingthencetoexaminetheiron，Joe'sopinionwascorroborated。
　　Theydidnotundertaketosaywhenithadlefttheprison-shipstowhichitundoubtedlyhadoncebelonged；buttheyclaimedtoknowforcertainthatthatparticularmanaclehadnotbeenwornbyeitheroftwoconvictswhohadescapedlastnight。Further，oneofthosetwowasalreadyre-taken，andhadnotfreedhimselfofhisiron。
　　KnowingwhatIknew，Isetupaninferenceofmyownhere。Ibelievedtheirontobemyconvict'siron-theironIhadseenandheardhimfilingat，onthemarshes-butmyminddidnotaccusehimofhavingputittoitslatestuse。For，Ibelievedoneoftwootherpersonstohavebecomepossessedofit，andtohaveturnedittothiscruelaccount。EitherOrlick，orthestrangemanwhohadshownmethefile。
　　Now，astoOrlick；hehadgonetotownexactlyashetolduswhenwepickedhimupattheturnpike，hehadbeenseenabouttownalltheevening，hehadbeenindiverscompaniesinseveralpublic-houses，andhehadcomebackwithmyselfandMrWopsle。Therewasnothingagainsthim，savethequarrel；andmysisterhadquarrelledwithhim，andwitheverybodyelseabouther，tenthousandtimes。Astothestrangeman；ifhehadcomebackforhistwobank-notestherecouldhavebeennodisputeaboutthem，becausemysisterwasfullypreparedtorestorethem。Besides，therehadbeennoaltercation；theassailanthadcomeinsosilentlyandsuddenly，thatshehadbeenfelledbeforeshecouldlookround。
　　ItwashorribletothinkthatIhadprovidedtheweapon，howeverundesignedly，butIcouldhardlythinkotherwise。IsufferedunspeakabletroublewhileIconsideredandreconsideredwhetherIshouldatlastdissolvethatspellofmychildhood，andtellJoeallthestory。Formonthsafterwards，Ieverydaysettledthequestionfinallyinthenegative，andreopenedandreargueditnextmorning。Thecontentioncame，afterall，tothis；-thesecretwassuchanoldonenow，hadsogrownintomeandbecomeapartofmyself，thatIcouldnottearitaway。Inadditiontothedreadthat，havingleduptosomuchmischief，itwouldbenowmorelikelythanevertoalienateJoefrommeifhebelievedit，Ihadafurtherrestrainingdreadthathewouldnotbelieveit，butwouldassortitwiththefabulousdogsandveal-cutletsasamonstrousinvention。However，Itemporizedwithmyself，ofcourse-for，wasInotwaveringbetweenrightandwrong，whenthethingisalwaysdone？-andresolvedtomakeafulldisclosureifIshouldseeanysuchnewoccasionasanewchanceofhelpinginthediscoveryoftheassailant。
　　TheConstables，andtheBowStreetmenfromLondon-for，thishappenedinthedaysoftheextinctred-waistcoatedpolice-wereaboutthehouseforaweekortwo，anddidprettymuchwhatIhaveheardandreadoflikeauthoritiesdoinginothersuchcases。Theytookupseveralobviouslywrongpeople，andtheyrantheirheadsveryhardagainstwrongideas，andpersistedintryingtofitthecircumstancestotheideas，insteadoftryingtoextractideasfromthecircumstances。Also，theystoodaboutthedooroftheJollyBargemen，withknowingandreservedlooksthatfilledthewholeneighbourhoodwithadmiration；andtheyhadamysteriousmanneroftakingtheirdrink，thatwasalmostasgoodastakingtheculprit。Butnotquite，fortheyneverdidit。
　　Longaftertheseconstitutionalpowershaddispersed，mysisterlayveryillinbed。Hersightwasdisturbed，sothatshesawobjectsmultiplied，andgraspedatvisionaryteacupsandwine-glassesinsteadoftherealities；
　　herhearingwasgreatlyimpaired；hermemoryalso；andherspeechwasunintelligible。
　　When，atlast，shecameroundsofarastobehelpeddown-stairs，itwasstillnecessarytokeepmyslatealwaysbyher，thatshemightindicateinwritingwhatshecouldnotindicateinspeech。Asshewasverybadhandwritingapartamorethanindifferentspeller，andasJoewasamorethanindifferentreader，extraordinarycomplicationsarosebetweenthem，whichIwasalwayscalledintosolve。Theadministrationofmuttoninsteadofmedicine，thesubstitutionofTeaforJoe，andthebakerforbacon，wereamongthemildestofmyownmistakes。
　　However，hertemperwasgreatlyimproved，andshewaspatient。Atremulousuncertaintyoftheactionofallherlimbssoonbecameapartofherregularstate，andafterwards，atintervalsoftwoorthreemonths，shewouldoftenputherhandstoherhead，andwouldthenremainforaboutaweekatatimeinsomegloomyaberrationofmind。Wewereatalosstofindasuitableattendantforher，untilacircumstancehappenedconvenientlytorelieveus。MrWopsle'sgreat-auntconqueredaconfirmedhabitoflivingintowhichshehadfallen，andBiddybecameapartofourestablishment。
　　Itmayhavebeenaboutamonthaftermysister'sreappearanceinthekitchen，whenBiddycametouswithasmallspeckledboxcontainingthewholeofherworldlyeffects，andbecameablessingtothehousehold。Aboveall，shewasablessingtoJoe，forthedearoldfellowwassadlycutupbytheconstantcontemplationofthewreckofhiswife，andhadbeenaccustomed，whileattendingonherofanevening，toturntomeeverynowandthenandsay，withhisblueeyesmoistened，`Suchafinefigureofawomanassheoncewere，Pip！'Biddyinstantlytakingthecleverestchargeofherasthoughshehadstudiedherfrominfancy，Joebecameableinsomesorttoappreciatethegreaterquietofhislife，andtogetdowntotheJollyBargemennowandthenforachangethatdidhimgood。ItwascharacteristicofthepolicepeoplethattheyhadallmoreorlesssuspectedpoorJoethoughheneverknewit，andthattheyhadtoamanconcurredinregardinghimasoneofthedeepestspiritstheyhadeverencountered。
　　Biddy'sfirsttriumphinhernewoffice，wastosolveadifficultythathadcompletelyvanquishedme。Ihadtriedhardatit，buthadmadenothingofit。Thusitwas:
　　Againandagainandagain，mysisterhadtracedupontheslate，acharacterthatlookedlikeacuriousT，andthenwiththeutmosteagernesshadcalledourattentiontoitassomethingsheparticularlywanted。IhadinvaintriedeverythingproduciblethatbeganwithaT，fromtartotoastandtub。Atlengthithadcomeintomyheadthatthesignlookedlikeahammer，andonmylustilycallingthatwordinmysister'sear，shehadbeguntohammeronthetableandhadexpressedaqualifiedassent。Thereupon，I
　　hadbroughtinallourhammers，oneafteranother，butwithoutavail。ThenIbethoughtmeofacrutch，theshapebeingmuchthesame，andIborrowedoneinthevillage，anddisplayedittomysisterwithconsiderableconfidence。
　　Butsheshookherheadtothatextentwhenshewasshownit，thatwewereterrifiedlestinherweakandshatteredstatesheshoulddislocateherneck。
　　WhenmysisterfoundthatBiddywasveryquicktounderstandher，thismysterioussignreappearedontheslate。Biddylookedthoughtfullyatit，heardmyexplanation，lookedthoughtfullyatmysister，lookedthoughtfullyatJoewhowasalwaysrepresentedontheslatebyhisinitialletter，andranintotheforge，followedbyJoeandme。
　　`Why，ofcourse！'criedBiddy，withanexultantface。`Don'tyousee？
　　It'shim！'
　　Orlick，withoutadoubt！Shehadlosthisname，andcouldonlysignifyhimbyhishammer。Wetoldhimwhywewantedhimtocomeintothekitchen，andheslowlylaiddownhishammer，wipedhisbrowwithhisarm，tookanotherwipeatitwithhisapron，andcameslouchingout，withacuriousloosevagabondbendinthekneesthatstronglydistinguishedhim。
　　IconfessthatIexpectedtoseemysisterdenouncehim，andthatI
　　wasdisappointedbythedifferentresult。Shemanifestedthegreatestanxietytobeongoodtermswithhim，wasevidentlymuchpleasedbyhisbeingatlengthproduced，andmotionedthatshewouldhavehimgivensomethingtodrink。Shewatchedhiscountenanceasifshewereparticularlywishfultobeassuredthathetookkindlytohisreception，sheshowedeverypossibledesiretoconciliatehim，andtherewasanairofhumblepropitiationinallshedid，suchasIhaveseenpervadethebearingofachildtowardsahardmaster。Afterthatday，adayrarelypassedwithoutherdrawingthehammeronherslate，andwithoutOrlick'sslouchinginandstandingdoggedlybeforeher，asifheknewnomorethanIdidwhattomakeofit。
　　Chapter17
　　INOWfellintoaregularroutineofapprenticeshiplife，whichwasvaried，beyondthelimitsofthevillageandthemarshes，bynomoreremarkablecircumstancethanthearrivalofmybirthdayandmypayinganothervisittoMissHavisham。IfoundMissSarahPocketstillondutyatthegate，IfoundMissHavishamjustasIhadlefther，andshespokeofEstellaintheverysameway，ifnotintheverysamewords。Theinterviewlastedbutafewminutes，andshegavemeaguineawhenIwasgoing，andtoldmetocomeagainonmynextbirthday。Imaymentionatoncethatthisbecameanannualcustom。Itriedtodeclinetakingtheguineaonthefirstoccasion，butwithnobettereffectthancausinghertoaskmeveryangrily，ifI
　　expectedmore？Then，andafterthat，Itookit。
　　Sounchangingwasthedulloldhouse，theyellowlightinthedarkenedroom，thefadedspectreinthechairbythedressing-tableglass，thatIfeltasifthestoppingoftheclockshadstoppedTimeinthatmysteriousplace，and，whileIandeverythingelseoutsideitgrewolder，itstoodstill。Daylightneverenteredthehouseastomythoughtsandremembrancesofit，anymorethanastotheactualfact。Itbewilderedme，andunderitsinfluenceIcontinuedathearttohatemytradeandtobeashamedofhome。
　　ImperceptiblyIbecameconsciousofachangeinBiddy，however。Hershoescameupattheheel，herhairgrewbrightandneat，herhandswerealwaysclean。Shewasnotbeautiful-shewascommon，andcouldnotbelikeEstella-butshewaspleasantandwholesomeandsweet-tempered。ShehadnotbeenwithusmorethanayearIrememberherbeingnewlyoutofmourningatthetimeitstruckme，whenIobservedtomyselfoneeveningthatshehadcuriouslythoughtfulandattentiveeyes；eyesthatwereveryprettyandverygood。
　　ItcameofmyliftingupmyowneyesfromataskIwasporingat-writingsomepassagesfromabook，toimprovemyselfintwowaysatoncebyasortofstratagem-andseeingBiddyobservantofwhatIwasabout。Ilaiddownmypen，andBiddystoppedinherneedleworkwithoutlayingitdown。
　　`Biddy，'saidI，`howdoyoumanageit？EitherIamverystupid，oryouareveryclever。'
　　`WhatisitthatImanage？Idon'tknow，'returnedBiddy，smiling。
　　Shemanagedourwholedomesticlife，andwonderfullytoo；butIdidnotmeanthat，thoughthatmadewhatIdidmean，moresurprising。
　　`Howdoyoumanage，Biddy，'saidI，`tolearneverythingthatIlearn，andalwaystokeepupwithme？'Iwasbeginningtoberathervainofmyknowledge，forIspentmybirthdayguineasonit，andsetasidethegreaterpartofmypocket-moneyforsimilarinvestment；thoughIhavenodoubt，now，thatthetitleIknewwasextremelydearattheprice。
　　`Imightaswellaskyou，'saidBiddy，`howyoumanage？'
　　`No；becausewhenIcomeinfromtheforgeofanight，anyonecanseemeturningtoatit。Butyouneverturntoatit，Biddy。'
　　`IsupposeImustcatchit-likeacough，'saidBiddy，quietly；andwentonwithhersewing。
　　PursuingmyideaasIleanedbackinmywoodenchairandlookedatBiddysewingawaywithherheadononeside，Ibegantothinkherratheranextraordinarygirl。For，Icalledtomindnow，thatshewasequallyaccomplishedinthetermsofourtrade，andthenamesofourdifferentsortsofwork，andourvarioustools。Inshort，whateverIknew，Biddyknew。Theoretically，shewasalreadyasgoodablacksmithasI，orbetter。
　　`Youareoneofthose，Biddy，'saidI，`whomakethemostofeverychance。
　　Youneverhadachancebeforeyoucamehere，andseehowimprovedyouare！'
　　Biddylookedatmeforaninstant，andwentonwithhersewing。`Iwasyourfirstteacherthough；wasn'tI？'saidshe，asshesewed。
　　`Biddy！'Iexclaimed，inamazement。`Why，youarecrying！'
　　`NoIamnot，'saidBiddy，lookingupandlaughing。`Whatputthatinyourhead？'
　　Whatcouldhaveputitinmyhead，buttheglisteningofatearasitdroppedonherwork？Isatsilent，recallingwhatadrudgeshehadbeenuntilMrWopsle'sgreat-auntsuccessfullyovercamethatbadhabitofliving，sohighlydesirabletobegotridofbysomepeople。Irecalledthehopelesscircumstancesbywhichshehadbeensurroundedinthemiserablelittleshopandthemiserablelittlenoisyeveningschool，withthatmiserableoldbundleofincompetencealwaystobedraggedandshouldered。IreflectedthateveninthoseuntowardtimestheremusthavebeenlatentinBiddywhatwasnowdeveloping，for，inmyfirstuneasinessanddiscontentIhadturnedtoherforhelp，asamatterofcourse。Biddysatquietlysewing，sheddingnomoretears，andwhileIlookedatherandthoughtaboutitall，itoccurredtomethatperhapsIhadnotbeensufficientlygratefultoBiddy。Imighthavebeentooreserved，andshouldhavepatronizedhermorethoughIdidnotusethatprecisewordinmymeditations，withmyconfidence。
　　`Yes，Biddy，'Iobserved，whenIhaddoneturningitover，`youweremyfirstteacher，andthatatatimewhenwelittlethoughtofeverbeingtogetherlikethis，inthiskitchen。'
　　`Ah，poorthing！'repliedBiddy。Itwaslikeherself-forgetfulness，totransfertheremarktomysister，andtogetupandbebusyabouther，makinghermorecomfortable；`that'ssadlytrue！'
　　`Well！'saidI，`wemusttalktogetheralittlemore，asweusedtodo。AndImustconsultyoualittlemore，asIusedtodo。LetushaveaquietwalkonthemarshesnextSunday，Biddy，andalongchat。'
　　Mysisterwasneverleftalonenow；butJoemorethanreadilyundertookthecareofheronthatSundayafternoon，andBiddyandIwentouttogether。
　　Itwassummer-time，andlovelyweather。Whenwehadpassedthevillageandthechurchandthechurchyard，andwereoutonthemarshesandbegantoseethesailsoftheshipsastheysailedon，IbegantocombineMissHavishamandEstellawiththeprospect，inmyusualway。Whenwecametotheriver-sideandsatdownonthebank，withthewaterripplingatourfeet，makingitallmorequietthanitwouldhavebeenwithoutthatsound，IresolvedthatitwasagoodtimeandplacefortheadmissionofBiddyintomyinnerconfidence。
　　`Biddy，'saidI，afterbindinghertosecrecy，`Iwanttobeagentleman。'
　　`Oh，Iwouldn't，ifIwasyou！'shereturned。`Idon'tthinkitwouldanswer。'
　　`Biddy，'saidI，withsomeseverity，`Ihaveparticularreasonsforwantingtobeagentleman。'
　　`Youknowbest，Pip；butdon'tyouthinkyouarehappierasyouare？'
　　`Biddy，'Iexclaimed，impatiently，`IamnotatallhappyasIam。I
　　amdisgustedwithmycallingandwithmylife。Ihavenevertakentoeither，sinceIwasbound。Don'tbeabsurd。'
　　`WasIabsurd？'saidBiddy，quietlyraisinghereyebrows；`Iamsorryforthat；Ididn'tmeantobe。Ionlywantyoutodowell，andtobecomfortable。'
　　`Wellthen，understandonceforallthatInevershallorcanbecomfortable-oranythingbutmiserable-there，Biddy！-unlessIcanleadaverydifferentsortoflifefromthelifeIleadnow。'
　　`That'sapity！'saidBiddy，shakingherheadwithasorrowfulair。
　　Now，Itoohadsooftenthoughtitapity，that，inthesingularkindofquarrelwithmyselfwhichIwasalwayscarryingon，IwashalfinclinedtoshedtearsofvexationanddistresswhenBiddygaveutterancetohersentimentandmyown。Itoldhershewasright，andIknewitwasmuchtoberegretted，butstillitwasnottobehelped。
　　`IfIcouldhavesettleddown，'IsaidtoBiddy，pluckinguptheshortgrasswithinreach，muchasIhadonceuponatimepulledmyfeelingsoutofmyhairandkickedthemintothebrewerywall:`ifIcouldhavesettleddownandbeenbuthalfasfondoftheforgeasIwaswhenIwaslittle，Iknowitwouldhavebeenmuchbetterforme。YouandIandJoewouldhavewantednothingthen，andJoeandIwouldperhapshavegonepartnerswhenIwasoutofmytime，andImightevenhavegrownuptokeepcompanywithyou，andwemighthavesatonthisverybankonafineSunday，quitedifferentpeople。Ishouldhavebeengoodenoughforyou；shouldn'tI，Biddy？'
　　Biddysighedasshelookedattheshipssailingon，andreturnedforanswer，`Yes；Iamnotover-particular。'Itscarcelysoundedflattering，butIknewshemeantwell。
　　`Insteadofthat，'saidI，pluckingupmoregrassandchewingabladeortwo，`seehowIamgoingon。Dissatisfied，anduncomfortable，and-
　　whatwoulditsignifytome，beingcoarseandcommon，ifnobodyhadtoldmeso！'
　　Biddyturnedherfacesuddenlytowardsmine，andlookedfarmoreattentivelyatmethanshehadlookedatthesailingships。
　　`Itwasneitheraverytruenoraverypolitethingtosay，'sheremarked，directinghereyestotheshipsagain。`Whosaidit？'
　　Iwasdisconcerted，forIhadbrokenawaywithoutquiteseeingwhereIwasgoingto。Itwasnottobeshuffledoffnow，however，andIanswered，`ThebeautifulyoungladyatMissHavisham's，andshe'smorebeautifulthananybodyeverwas，andIadmireherdreadfully，andIwanttobeagentlemanonheraccount。'Havingmadethislunaticconfession，Ibegantothrowmytorn-upgrassintotheriver，asifIhadsomethoughtsoffollowingit。
　　`Doyouwanttobeagentleman，tospiteherortogainherover？'Biddyquietlyaskedme，afterapause。
　　`Idon'tknow，'Imoodilyanswered。
　　`Because，ifitistospiteher，'Biddypursued，`Ishouldthink-butyouknowbest-thatmightbebetterandmoreindependentlydonebycaringnothingforherwords。Andifitistogainherover，Ishouldthink-
　　butyouknowbest-shewasnotworthgainingover。'
　　ExactlywhatImyselfhadthought，manytimes。Exactlywhatwasperfectlymanifesttomeatthemoment。ButhowcouldI，apoordazedvillagelad，avoidthatwonderfulinconsistencyintowhichthebestandwisestofmenfalleveryday？
　　`Itmaybeallquitetrue，'saidItoBiddy，`butIadmireherdreadfully。'
　　Inshort，IturnedoveronmyfacewhenIcametothat，andgotagoodgrasponthehaironeachsideofmyhead，andwrencheditwell。Allthewhileknowingthemadnessofmyhearttobesoverymadandmisplaced，thatIwasquiteconsciousitwouldhaveservedmyfaceright，ifIhadlifteditupbymyhair，andknockeditagainstthepebblesasapunishmentforbelongingtosuchanidiot。
　　Biddywasthewisestofgirls，andshetriedtoreasonnomorewithme。Sheputherhand，whichwasacomfortablehandthoughroughenedbywork，uponmyhands，oneafteranother，andgentlytookthemoutofmyhair。Thenshesoftlypattedmyshoulderinasoothingway，whilewithmyfaceuponmysleeveIcriedalittle-exactlyasIhaddoneinthebreweryyard-andfeltvaguelyconvincedthatIwasverymuchill-usedbysomebody，orbyeverybody；Ican'tsaywhich。
　　`Iamgladofonething，'saidBiddy，`andthatis，thatyouhavefeltyoucouldgivemeyourconfidence，Pip。AndIamgladofanotherthing，andthatis，thatofcourseyouknowyoumaydependuponmykeepingitandalwayssofardeservingit。Ifyourfirstteacherdear！suchapoorone，andsomuchinneedofbeingtaughtherself！hadbeenyourteacheratthepresenttime，shethinkssheknowswhatlessonshewouldset。ButItwouldbeahardonetolearn，andyouhavegotbeyondher，andit'sofnousenow。'So，withaquietsighforme，Biddyrosefromthebank，andsaid，withafreshandpleasantchangeofvoice，`Shallwewalkalittlefurther，orgohome？'
　　`Biddy，'Icried，gettingup，puttingmyarmroundherneck，andgivingherakiss，`Ishallalwaystellyoueverything。'
　　`Tillyou'reagentleman，'saidBiddy。
　　`YouknowInevershallbe，sothat'salways。NotthatIhaveanyoccasiontotellyouanything，foryouknoweverythingIknow-asItoldyouathometheothernight。'
　　`Ah！'saidBiddy，quiteinawhisper，asshelookedawayattheships。
　　Andthenrepeated，withherformerpleasantchange；`shallwewalkalittlefurther，orgohome？'
　　IsaidtoBiddywewouldwalkalittlefurther，andwedidso，andthesummerafternoontoneddownintothesummerevening，anditwasverybeautiful。
　　IbegantoconsiderwhetherIwasnotmorenaturallyandwholesomelysituated，afterall，inthesecircumstances，thanplayingbeggarmyneighbourbycandlelightintheroomwiththestoppedclocks，andbeingdespisedbyEstella。IthoughtitwouldbeverygoodformeifIcouldgetheroutofmyhead，withalltherestofthoseremembrancesandfancies，andcouldgotoworkdeterminedtorelishwhatIhadtodo，andsticktoit，andmakethebestofit。IaskedmyselfthequestionwhetherIdidnotsurelyknowthatifEstellawerebesidemeatthatmomentinsteadofBiddy，shewouldmakememiserable？IwasobligedtoadmitthatIdidknowitforacertainty，andIsaidtomyself，`Pip，whatafoolyouare！'
　　Wetalkedagooddealaswewalked，andallthatBiddysaidseemedright。
　　Biddywasneverinsulting，orcapricious，orBiddyto-dayandsomebodyelseto-morrow；shewouldhavederivedonlypain，andnopleasure，fromgivingmepain；shewouldfarratherhavewoundedherownbreastthanmine。
　　Howcoulditbe，then，thatIdidnotlikehermuchthebetterofthetwo？
　　`Biddy，'saidI，whenwewerewalkinghomeward，`Iwishyoucouldputmeright。'
　　`IwishIcould！'saidBiddy。
　　`IfIcouldonlygetmyselftofallinlovewithyou-youdon'tmindmyspeakingsoopenlytosuchanoldacquaintance？'
　　`Ohdear，notatall！'saidBiddy。`Don'tmindme。'
　　`IfIcouldonlygetmyselftodoit，thatwouldbethethingforme。'
　　`Butyouneverwill，yousee，'saidBiddy。
　　Itdidnotappearquitesounlikelytomethatevening，asitwouldhavedoneifwehaddiscusseditafewhoursbefore。IthereforeobservedIwasnotquitesureofthat。ButBiddysaidshewas，andshesaiditdecisively。InmyheartIbelievedhertoberight；andyetItookitratherill，too，thatsheshouldbesopositiveonthepoint。
　　Whenwecamenearthechurchyard，wehadtocrossanembankment，andgetoverastilenearasluicegate。Therestartedup，fromthegate，orfromtherushes，orfromtheoozewhichwasquiteinhisstagnantway，OldOrlick。
　　`Halloa！'hegrowled，`whereareyoutwogoing？'
　　`Whereshouldwebegoing，buthome？'
　　`Wellthen，'saidhe，`I'mjiggeredifIdon'tseeyouhome！'
　　Thispenaltyofbeingjiggeredwasafavouritesupposititiouscaseofhis。HeattachednodefinitemeaningtothewordthatIamawareof，butusedit，likehisownpretendedChristianname，toaffrontmankind，andconveyanideaofsomethingsavagelydamaging。WhenIwasyounger，Ihadhadageneralbeliefthatifhehadjiggeredmepersonally，hewouldhavedoneitwithasharpandtwistedhook。
　　Biddywasmuchagainsthisgoingwithus，andsaidtomeinawhisper，`Don'tlethimcome；Idon'tlikehim。'AsIdidnotlikehimeither，I
　　tookthelibertyofsayingthatwethankedhim，butwedidn'twantseeinghome。Hereceivedthatpieceofinformationwithayelloflaughter，anddroppedback，butcameslouchingafterusatalittledistance。
　　CurioustoknowwhetherBiddysuspectedhimofhavinghadahandinthatmurderousattackofwhichmysisterhadneverbeenabletogiveanyaccount，Iaskedherwhyshedidnotlikehim。
　　`Oh！'shereplied，glancingoverhershoulderasheslouchedafterus，`becauseI-Iamafraidhelikesme。'
　　`Didheevertellyouhelikedyou？'Iasked，indignantly。
　　`No，'saidBiddy，glancingoverhershoulderagain，`henevertoldmeso；buthedancesatme，wheneverhecancatchmyeye。'
　　Howevernovelandpeculiarthistestimonyofattachment，Ididnotdoubttheaccuracyoftheinterpretation。IwasveryhotindeeduponOldOrlick'sdaringtoadmireher；ashotasifitwereanoutrageonmyself。
　　`Butitmakesnodifferencetoyou，youknow，'saidBiddy，calmly。
　　`No，Biddy，itmakesnodifferencetome；onlyIdon'tlikeit；Idon'tapproveofit。'
　　`NorIneither，'saidBiddy。`Thoughthatmakesnodifferencetoyou。'
　　`Exactly，'saidI；`butImusttellyouIshouldhavenoopinionofyou，Biddy，ifhedancedatyouwithyourownconsent。'
　　IkeptaneyeonOrlickafterthatnight，and，whenevercircumstanceswerefavourabletohisdancingatBiddy，gotbeforehim，toobscurethatdemonstration。HehadstruckrootinJoe'sestablishment，byreasonofmysister'ssuddenfancyforhim，orIshouldhavetriedtogethimdismissed。
　　Hequiteunderstoodandreciprocatedmygoodintentions，asIhadreasontoknowthereafter。
　　Andnow，becausemymindwasnotconfusedenoughbefore，Icomplicateditsconfusionfiftythousand-fold，byhavingstatesandseasonswhenI
　　wasclearthatBiddywasimmeasurablybetterthanEstella，andthattheplainhonestworkinglifetowhichIwasborn，hadnothinginittobeashamedof，butofferedmesufficientmeansofself-respectandhappiness。
　　Atthosetimes，IwoulddecideconclusivelythatmydisaffectiontodearoldJoeandtheforge，wasgone，andthatIwasgrowingupinafairwaytobepartnerswithJoeandtokeepcompanywithBiddy-whenallinamomentsomeconfoundingremembranceoftheHavishamdayswouldfalluponme，likeadestructivemissile，andscattermywitsagain。Scatteredwitstakealongtimepickingup；andoften，beforeIhadgotthemwelltogether，theywouldbedispersedinalldirectionsbyonestraythought，thatperhapsafterallMissHavishamwasgoingtomakemyfortunewhenmytimewasout。
　　Ifmytimehadrunout，itwouldhaveleftmestillattheheightofmyperplexities，Idaresay。Itneverdidrunout，however，butwasbroughttoaprematureend，asIproceedtorelate。
　　Chapter18
　　ITwasinthefourthyearofmyapprenticeshiptoJoe，anditwasaSaturdaynight。TherewasagroupassembledroundthefireattheThreeJollyBargemen，attentivetoMrWopsleashereadthenewspaperaloud。
　　OfthatgroupIwasone。
　　Ahighlypopularmurderhadbeencommitted，andMrWopslewasimbruedinbloodtotheeyebrows。Hegloatedovereveryabhorrentadjectiveinthedescription，andidentifiedhimselfwitheverywitnessattheInquest。
　　Hefaintlymoaned，`Iamdonefor，'asthevictim，andhebarbarouslybellowed，`I'llserveyouout，'asthemurderer。Hegavethemedicaltestimony，inpointedimitationofourlocalpractitioner；andhepipedandshook，astheagedturnpike-keeperwhohadheardblows，toanextentsoveryparalyticastosuggestadoubtregardingthementalcompetencyofthatwitness。
　　Thecoroner，inMrWopsle'shands，becameTimonofAthens；thebeadle，Coriolanus。Heenjoyedhimselfthoroughly，andweallenjoyedourselves，andweredelightfullycomfortable。InthiscozystateofmindwecametotheverdictWilfulMurder。
　　Then，andnotsooner，Ibecameawareofastrangegentlemanleaningoverthebackofthesettleoppositeme，lookingon。Therewasanexpressionofcontemptonhisface，andhebitthesideofagreatforefingerashewatchedthegroupoffaces。
　　`Well！'saidthestrangertoMrWopsle，whenthereadingwasdone，`youhavesettleditalltoyourownsatisfaction，Ihavenodoubt？'
　　Everybodystartedandlookedup，asifitwerethemurderer。Helookedateverybodycoldlyandsarcastically。
　　`Guilty，ofcourse？'saidhe。`Outwithit。Come！'
　　`Sir，'returnedMrWopsle，`withouthavingthehonourofyouracquaintance，IdosayGuilty。'Uponthis，wealltookcouragetouniteinaconfirmatorymurmur。
　　`Iknowyoudo，'saidthestranger；`Iknewyouwould。Itoldyouso。
　　ButnowI'llaskyouaquestion。Doyouknow，ordoyounotknow，thatthelawofEnglandsupposeseverymantobeinnocent，untilheisproved-proved-tobeguilty？'
　　`Sir，'MrWopslebegantoreply，`asanEnglishmanmyself，I——'
　　`Come！'saidthestranger，bitinghisforefingerathim。`Don'tevadethequestion。Eitheryouknowit，oryoudon'tknowit。Whichisittobe？'
　　Hestoodwithhisheadononesideandhimselfononeside，inabullyinginterrogativemanner，andhethrewhisforefingeratMrWopsle-asitweretomarkhimout-beforebitingitagain。
　　`Now！'saidhe。`Doyouknowit，ordon'tyouknowit？'
　　`CertainlyIknowit，'repliedMrWopsle。
　　`Certainlyyouknowit。Thenwhydidn'tyousaysoatfirst？Now，I'llaskyouanotherquestion；'takingpossessionofMrWopsle，asifhehadarighttohim。`Doyouknowthatnoneofthesewitnesseshaveyetbeencross-examined？'
　　MrWopslewasbeginning，`Icanonlysay——'whenthestrangerstoppedhim。
　　`What？Youwon'tanswerthequestion，yesorno？Now，I'lltryyouagain。'
　　Throwinghisfingerathimagain。`Attendtome。Areyouaware，orareyounotaware，thatnoneofthesewitnesseshaveyetbeencross-examined？
　　Come，Ionlywantonewordfromyou。Yes，orno？'
　　MrWopslehesitated，andweallbegantoconceiveratherapooropinionofhim。
　　`Come！'saidthestranger，`I'llhelpyou。Youdon'tdeservehelp，butI'llhelpyou。Lookatthatpaperyouholdinyourhand。Whatisit？'
　　`Whatisit？'repeatedMrWopsle，eyeingit，muchataloss。
　　`Isit，'pursuedthestrangerinhismostsarcasticandsuspiciousmanner，`theprintedpaperyouhavejustbeenreadingfrom？'
　　`Undoubtedly。'
　　`Undoubtedly。Now，turntothatpaper，andtellmewhetheritdistinctlystatesthattheprisonerexpresslysaidthathislegaladvisersinstructedhimaltogethertoreservehisdefence？'
　　`Ireadthatjustnow，'MrWopslepleaded。
　　`Nevermindwhatyoureadjustnow，sir；Idon'taskyouwhatyoureadjustnow。YoumayreadtheLord'sPrayerbackwards，ifyoulike-and，perhaps，havedoneitbeforeto-day。Turntothepaper。No，no，nomyfriend；
　　nottothetopofthecolumn；youknowbetterthanthat；tothebottom，tothebottom。'WeallbegantothinkMrWopslefullofsubterfuge。`Well？
　　Haveyoufoundit？'
　　`Hereitis，'saidMrWopsle。
　　`Now，followthatpassagewithyoureye，andtellmewhetheritdistinctlystatesthattheprisonerexpresslysaidthathewasinstructedbyhislegaladviserswhollytoreservehisdefence？Come！Doyoumakethatofit？'
　　MrWopsleanswered，`Thosearenottheexactwords。'
　　`Nottheexactwords！'repeatedthegentleman，bitterly。`Isthattheexactsubstance？'
　　`Yes，'saidMrWopsle。
　　`Yes，'repeatedthestranger，lookingroundattherestofthecompanywithhisrighthandextendedtowardsthewitness，Wopsle。`AndnowIaskyouwhatyousaytotheconscienceofthatmanwho，withthatpassagebeforehiseyes，canlayhisheaduponhispillowafterhavingpronouncedafellow-creatureguilty，unheard？'
　　WeallbegantosuspectthatMrWopslewasnotthemanwehadthoughthim，andthathewasbeginningtobefoundout。
　　`Andthatsameman，remember，'pursuedthegentleman，throwinghisfingeratMrWopsleheavily；`thatsamemanmightbesummonedasajurymanuponthisverytrial，and，havingthusdeeplycommittedhimself，mightreturntothebosomofhisfamilyandlayhisheaduponhispillow，afterdeliberatelyswearingthathewouldwellandtrulytrytheissuejoinedbetweenOurSovereignLordtheKingandtheprisoneratthebar，andwouldatrueverdictgiveaccordingtotheevidence，sohelphimGod！'
　　WewerealldeeplypersuadedthattheunfortunateWopslehadgonetoofar，andhadbetterstopinhisrecklesscareerwhiletherewasyettime。
　　Thestrangegentleman，withanairofauthoritynottobedisputed，andwithamannerexpressiveofknowingsomethingsecretabouteveryoneofusthatwouldeffectuallydoforeachindividualifhechosetodiscloseit，leftthebackofthesettle，andcameintothespacebetweenthetwosettles，infrontofthefire，whereheremainedstanding:hislefthandinhispocket，andhebitingtheforefingerofhisright。
　　`FrominformationIhavereceived，'saidhe，lookingroundatusasweallquailedbeforehim，`Ihavereasontobelievethereisablacksmithamongyou，bynameJoseph-orJoe-Gargery。Whichistheman？'
　　`Hereistheman，'saidJoe。
　　Thestrangegentlemanbeckonedhimoutofhisplace，andJoewent。
　　`Youhaveanapprentice，'pursuedthestranger，`commonlyknownasPip？
　　Ishehere？'
　　`Iamhere！'Icried。
　　Thestrangerdidnotrecognizeme，butIrecognizedhimasthegentlemanIhadmetonthestairs，ontheoccasionofmysecondvisittoMissHavisham。
　　IhadknownhimthemomentIsawhimlookingoverthesettle，andnowthatIstoodconfrontinghimwithhishanduponmyshoulder，Icheckedoffagainindetail，hislargehead，hisdarkcomplexion，hisdeep-seteyes，hisbushyblackeyebrows，hislargewatch-chain，hisstrongblackdotsofbeardandwhisker，andeventhesmellofscentedsoaponhisgreathand。
　　`Iwishtohaveaprivateconferencewithyoutwo，'saidhe，whenhehadsurveyedmeathisleisure。`Itwilltakealittletime。Perhapswehadbettergotoyourplaceofresidence。Iprefernottoanticipatemycommunicationhere；youwillimpartasmuchoraslittleofitasyoupleasetoyourfriendsafterwards；Ihavenothingtodowiththat。'
　　Amidstawonderingsilence，wethreewalkedoutoftheJollyBargemen，andinawonderingsilencewalkedhome。Whilegoingalong，thestrangegentlemanoccasionallylookedatme，andoccasionallybitthesideofhisfinger。Aswenearedhome，Joevaguelyacknowledgingtheoccasionasanimpressiveandceremoniousone，wentonaheadtoopenthefrontdoor。Ourconferencewasheldinthestateparlour，whichwasfeeblylightedbyonecandle。
　　Itbeganwiththestrangegentleman'ssittingdownatthetable，drawingthecandletohim，andlookingoversomeentriesinhispocket-book。Hethenputupthepocket-bookandsetthecandlealittleaside:afterpeeringrounditintothedarknessatJoeandme，toascertainwhichwaswhich。
　　`Myname，'hesaid，`isJaggers，andIamalawyerinLondon。Iamprettywellknown。Ihaveunusualbusinesstotransactwithyou，andIcommencebyexplainingthatitisnotofmyoriginating。Ifmyadvicehadbeenasked，Ishouldnothavebeenhere。Itwasnotasked，andyouseemehere。WhatIhavetodoastheconfidentialagentofanother，Ido。Noless，nomore。'
　　Findingthathecouldnotseeusverywellfromwherehesat，hegotup，andthrewonelegoverthebackofachairandleaneduponit；thushavingonefootontheseatofthechair，andonefootontheground。
　　`Now，JosephGargery，Iamthebearerofanoffertorelieveyouofthisyoungfellowyourapprentice。Youwouldnotobjecttocancelhisindentures，athisrequestandforhisgood？Youwouldwantnothingforsodoing？'
　　`LordforbidthatIshouldwantanythingfornotstandinginPip'sway，'
　　saidJoe，staring。
　　`Lordforbiddingispious，butnottothepurpose，'returnedMrJaggers。
　　`Thequestionis，Wouldyouwantanything？Doyouwantanything？'
　　`Theansweris，'returnedJoe，sternly，`No。'
　　IthoughtMrJaggersglancedatJoe，asifheconsideredhimafoolforhisdisinterestedness。ButIwastoomuchbewilderedbetweenbreathlesscuriosityandsurprise，tobesureofit。
　　`Verywell，'saidMrJaggers。`Recollecttheadmissionyouhavemade，anddon'ttrytogofromitpresently。'
　　`Who'sa-goingtotry？'retortedJoe。
　　`Idon'tsayanybodyis。Doyoukeepadog？'
　　`Yes，Idokeepadog。'
　　`Bearinmindthen，thatBragisagooddog，butHoldfastisabetter。
　　Bearthatinmind，willyou？'repeatedMrJaggers，shuttinghiseyesandnoddinghisheadatJoe，asifhewereforgivinghimsomething。`Now，I
　　returntothisyoungfellow。AndthecommunicationIhavegottomakeis，thathehasgreatexpectations。'
　　JoeandIgasped，andlookedatoneanother。
　　`Iaminstructedtocommunicatetohim，'saidMrJaggers，throwinghisfingeratmesideways，`thathewillcomeintoahandsomeproperty。Further，thatitisthedesireofthepresentpossessorofthatproperty，thathebeimmediatelyremovedfromhispresentsphereoflifeandfromthisplace，andbebroughtupasagentleman-inaword，asayoungfellowofgreatexpectations。'
　　Mydreamwasout；mywildfancywassurpassedbysoberreality；MissHavishamwasgoingtomakemyfortuneonagrandscale。
　　`Now，MrPip，'pursuedthelawyer，`IaddresstherestofwhatIhavetosay，toyou。Youaretounderstand，first，thatitistherequestofthepersonfromwhomItakemyinstructions，thatyoualwaysbearthenameofPip。Youwillhavenoobjection，Idaresay，toyourgreatexpectationsbeingencumberedwiththateasycondition。Butifyouhaveanyobjection，thisisthetimetomentionit。'
　　Myheartwasbeatingsofast，andtherewassuchasinginginmyears，thatIcouldscarcelystammerIhadnoobjection。
　　`Ishouldthinknot！Nowyouaretounderstand，secondly，MrPip，thatthenameofthepersonwhoisyourliberalbenefactorremainsaprofoundsecret，untilthepersonchoosestorevealit。Iamempoweredtomentionthatitistheintentionofthepersontorevealitatfirsthandbywordofmouthtoyourself。Whenorwherethatintentionmaybecarriedout，Icannotsay；noonecansay。Itmaybeyearshence。Now，youaredistinctlytounderstandthatyouaremostpositivelyprohibitedfrommakinganyinquiryonthishead，oranyallusionorreference，howeverdistant，toanyindividualwhomsoeverastheindividual，inallthecommunicationsyoumayhavewithme。Ifyouhaveasuspicioninyourownbreast，keepthatsuspicioninyourownbreast。Itisnottheleasttothepurposewhatthereasonsofthisprohibitionare；theymaybethestrongestandgravestreasons，ortheymaybemerewhim。Thisisnotforyoutoinquireinto。Theconditionislaiddown。Youracceptanceofit，andyourobservanceofitasbinding，istheonlyremainingconditionthatIamchargedwith，bythepersonfromwhomItakemyinstructions，andforwhomIamnototherwiseresponsible。
　　Thatpersonisthepersonfromwhomyouderiveyourexpectations，andthesecretissolelyheldbythatpersonandbyme。Again，notaverydifficultconditionwithwhichtoencumbersuchariseinfortune；butifyouhaveanyobjectiontoit，thisisthetimetomentionit。Speakout。'
　　Oncemore，IstammeredwithdifficultythatIhadnoobjection。
　　`Ishouldthinknot！Now，MrPip，Ihavedonewithstipulations。'ThoughhecalledmeMrPip，andbeganrathertomakeuptome，hestillcouldnotgetridofacertainairofbullyingsuspicion；andevennowheoccasionallyshuthiseyesandthrewhisfingeratmewhilehespoke，asmuchastoexpressthatheknewallkindsofthingstomydisparagement，ifheonlychosetomentionthem。`Wecomenext，tomeredetailsofarrangement。Youmustknowthat，althoughIhaveusedtheterm"expectations"morethanonce，youarenotendowedwithexpectationsonly。Thereisalreadylodgedinmyhands，asumofmoneyamplysufficientforyoursuitableeducationandmaintenance。Youwillpleaseconsidermeyourguardian。Oh！'forI
　　wasgoingtothankhim，`Itellyouatonce，Iampaidformyservices，orIshouldn'trenderthem。Itisconsideredthatyoumustbebettereducated，inaccordancewithyouralteredposition，andthatyouwillbealivetotheimportanceandnecessityofatonceenteringonthatadvantage。'
　　IsaidIhadalwayslongedforit。
　　`Nevermindwhatyouhavealwayslongedfor，MrPip，'heretorted；`keeptotherecord。Ifyoulongforitnow，that'senough。AmIansweredthatyouarereadytobeplacedatonce，undersomepropertutor？Isthatit？'
　　Istammeredyes，thatwasit。
　　`Good。Now，yourinclinationsaretobeconsulted。Idon'tthinkthatwise，mind，butit'smytrust。Haveyoueverheardofanytutorwhomyouwouldprefertoanother？'
　　IhadneverheardofanytutorbutBiddyandMrWopsle'sgreataunt；
　　so，Irepliedinthenegative。
　　`Thereisacertaintutor，ofwhomIhavesomeknowledge，whoIthinkmightsuitthepurpose，'saidMrJaggers。`Idon'trecommendhim，observe；
　　becauseIneverrecommendanybody。ThegentlemanIspeakof，isoneMrMatthewPocket。'
　　Ah！Icaughtatthenamedirectly。MissHavisham'srelation。TheMatthewwhomMrandMrsCamillahadspokenof。TheMatthewwhoseplacewastobeatMissHavisham'shead，whenshelaydead，inherbride'sdressonthebride'stable。
　　`Youknowthename？'saidMrJaggers，lookingshrewdlyatme，andthenshuttinguphiseyeswhilehewaitedformyanswer。
　　Myanswerwas，thatIhadheardofthename。
　　`Oh！'saidhe。`Youhaveheardofthename。Butthequestionis，whatdoyousayofit？'
　　Isaid，ortriedtosay，thatIwasmuchobligedtohimforhisrecommendation——
　　`No，myyoungfriend！'heinterrupted，shakinghisgreatheadveryslowly。
　　`Recollectyourself！'
　　Notrecollectingmyself，IbeganagainthatIwasmuchobligedtohimforhisrecommendation——
　　`No，myyoungfriend，'heinterrupted，shakinghisheadandfrowningandsmilingbothatonce；`no，no，no；it'sverywelldone，butitwon'tdo；youaretooyoungtofixmewithit。Recommendationisnottheword，MrPip。Tryanother。'
　　Correctingmyself，IsaidthatIwasmuchobligedtohimforhismentionofMrMatthewPocket——
　　`That'smorelikeit！'criedMrJaggers-
　　AndIadded，Iwouldgladlytrythatgentleman。
　　`Good。Youhadbettertryhiminhisownhouse。Thewayshallbepreparedforyou，andyoucanseehimsonfirst，whoisinLondon。WhenwillyoucometoLondon？'
　　IsaidglancingatJoe，whostoodlookingon，motionless，thatIsupposedIcouldcomedirectly。
　　`First，'saidMrJaggers，`youshouldhavesomenewclothestocomein，andtheyshouldnotbeworkingclothes。Saythisdayweek。You'llwantsomemoney。ShallIleaveyoutwentyguineas？'
　　Heproducedalongpurse，withthegreatestcoolness，andcountedthemoutinthetableandpushedthemovertome。Thiswasthefirsttimehehadtakenhislegfromthechair。Hesatastrideofthechairwhenhehadpushedthemoneyover，andsatswinginghispurseandeyeingJoe。
　　`Well，JosephGargery？Youlookdumbfoundered？'
　　`Iam！'saidJoe，inaverydecidedmanner。
　　`Itwasunderstoodthatyouwantednothingforyourself，remember？'
　　`Itwereunderstood，'saidJoe。`Anditareunderstood。Anditeverwillbesimilaraccording。'
　　`Butwhat，'saidMrJaggers，swinginghispurse，`whatifitwasinmyinstructionstomakeyouapresent，ascompensation？'
　　`Ascompensationwhatfor？'Joedemanded。
　　`Forthelossofhisservices。'
　　Joelaidhishanduponmyshoulderwiththetouchofawoman。Ihaveoftenthoughthimsince，likethesteam-hammer，thatcancrushamanorpatanegg-shell，inhiscombinationofstrengthwithgentleness。`Pipisthatheartywelcome，'saidJoe，`togofreewithhisservices，tohonourandfortun'，asnowordscantellhim。ButifyouthinkasMoneycanmakecompensationtomeforthelossofthelittlechild-whatcometotheforge-andeverthebestoffriends！——'
　　OdeargoodJoe，whomIwassoreadytoleaveandsounthankfulto，Iseeyouagain，withyourmuscularblacksmith'sarmbeforeyoureyes，andyourbroadchestheaving，andyourvoicedyingaway。OdeargoodfaithfultenderJoe，Ifeelthelovingtrembleofyourhanduponmyarm，assolemnlythisdayasifithadbeentherustleofanangel'swing！
　　ButIencouragedJoeatthetime。Iwaslostinthemazesofmyfuturefortunes，andcouldnotretracetheby-pathswehadtroddentogether。I
　　beggedJoetobecomforted，forashesaidwehadeverbeenthebestoffriends，andasIsaidweeverwouldbeso。Joescoopedhiseyeswithhisdisengagedwrist，asifhewerebentongouginghimself，butsaidnotanotherword。
　　MrJaggershadlookedonatthis，asonewhorecognizedinJoethevillageidiot，andinmehiskeeper。Whenitwasover，hesaid，weighinginhishandthepursehehadceasedtoswing:
　　`Now，JosephGargery，Iwarnyouthisisyourlastchance。Nohalfmeasureswithme。IfyoumeantotakeapresentthatIhaveitinchargetomakeyou，speakout，andyoushallhaveit。Ifonthecontraryyoumeantosay——'
　　Here，tohisgreatamazement，hewasstoppedbyJoe'ssuddenlyworkingroundhimwitheverydemonstrationofafellpugilisticpurpose。
　　`WhichImeantersay，'criedJoe，`thatifyoucomeintomyplacebull-baitingandbadgeringme，comeout！WhichImeantersayassechifyou'reaman，comeon！WhichImeantersaythatwhatIsay，Imeantersayandstandorfallby！'
　　IdrewJoeaway，andheimmediatelybecameplacable；merelystatingtome，inanobligingmannerandasapoliteexpostulatorynoticetoanyonewhomitmighthappentoconcern，thathewerenotagoingtobebull-baitedandbadgeredinhisownplace。MrJaggershadrisenwhenJoedemonstrated，andhadbackednearthedoor。Withoutevincinganyinclinationtocomeinagain，hetheredeliveredhisvaledictoryremarks。Theywerethese:
　　`Well，MrPip，Ithinkthesooneryouleavehere-asyouaretobeagentleman-thebetter。Letitstandforthisdayweek，andyoushallreceivemyprintedaddressinthemeantime。Youcantakeahackney-coachatthestage-coachofficeinLondon，andcomestraighttome。Understand，thatIexpressnoopinion，onewayorother，onthetrustIundertake。
　　Iampaidforundertakingit，andIdoso。Now，understandthat，finally。
　　Understandthat！'
　　Hewasthrowinghisfingeratbothofus，andIthinkwouldhavegoneon，butforhisseemingtothinkJoedangerous，andgoingoff。
　　Somethingcameintomyheadwhichinducedmetorunafterhim，ashewasgoingdowntotheJollyBargemenwherehehadleftahiredcarriage。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，MrJaggers。'
　　`Halloa！'saidhe，facinground，`what'sthematter？'
　　`Iwishtobequiteright，MrJaggers，andtokeeptoyourdirections；
　　soIthoughtIhadbetterask。WouldtherebeanyobjectiontomytakingleaveofanyoneIknow，abouthere，beforeIgoaway？'
　　`No，'saidhe，lookingasifhehardlyunderstoodme。
　　`Idon'tmeaninthevillageonly，butup-town？'
　　`No，'saidhe。`Noobjection。'
　　Ithankedhimandranhomeagain，andthereIfoundthatJoehadalreadylockedthefrontdoorandvacatedthestateparlour，andwasseatedbythekitchenfirewithahandoneachknee，gazingintentlyattheburningcoals。Itoosatdownbeforethefireandgazedatthecoals，andnothingwassaidforalongtime。
　　Mysisterwasinhercushionedchairinhercorner，andBiddysatatherneedleworkbeforethefire，andJoesatnextBiddy，andIsatnextJoeinthecorneroppositemysister。ThemoreIlookedintotheglowingcoals，themoreincapableIbecameoflookingatJoe；thelongerthesilencelasted，themoreunableIfelttospeak。
　　AtlengthIgotout，`Joe，haveyoutoldBiddy？'
　　`No，Pip，'returnedJoe，stilllookingatthefire，andholdinghiskneestight，asifhehadprivateinformationthattheyintendedtomakeoffsomewhere，`whichIleftittoyourself，Pip。'
　　`Iwouldratheryoutold，Joe。'
　　`Pip'sagentlemanoffortun'then，'saidJoe，`andGodblesshiminit！'
　　Biddydroppedherwork，andlookedatme。Joeheldhiskneesandlookedatme。Ilookedatbothofthem。Afterapause，theybothheartilycongratulatedme；buttherewasacertaintouchofsadnessintheircongratulations，thatIratherresented。
　　ItookituponmyselftoimpressBiddyandthroughBiddy，JoewiththegraveobligationIconsideredmyfriendsunder，toknownothingandsaynothingaboutthemakerofmyfortune。Itwouldallcomeoutingoodtime，Iobserved，andinthemeanwhilenothingwastobesaid，savethatIhadcomeintogreatexpectationsfromamysteriouspatron。Biddynoddedherheadthoughtfullyatthefireasshetookupherworkagain，andsaidshewouldbeveryparticular；andJoe，stilldetaininghisknees，said，`Ay，ay，I'llbeekervallypartickler，Pip；'andthentheycongratulatedmeagain，andwentontoexpresssomuchwonderatthenotionofmybeingagentleman，thatIdidn'thalflikeit。
　　InfinitepainswerethentakenbyBiddytoconveytomysistersomeideaofwhathadhappened。Tothebestofmybelief，thoseeffortsentirelyfailed。Shelaughedandnoddedherheadagreatmanytimes，andevenrepeatedafterBiddy，thewords`Pip'and`Property。'ButIdoubtiftheyhadmoremeaninginthemthananelectioncry，andIcannotsuggestadarkerpictureofherstateofmind。
　　Inevercouldhavebelieveditwithoutexperience，butasJoeandBiddybecamemoreattheircheerfuleaseagain，Ibecamequitegloomy。Dissatisfiedwithmyfortune，ofcourseIcouldnotbe；butitispossiblethatImayhavebeen，withoutquiteknowingit，dissatisfiedwithmyself。
　　Anyhow，Isatwithmyelbowonmykneeandmyfaceuponmyhand，lookingintothefire，asthosetwotalkedaboutmygoingaway，andaboutwhattheyshoulddowithoutme，andallthat。AndwheneverIcaughtoneofthemlookingatme，thoughneversopleasantlyandtheyoftenlookedatme-particularlyBiddy，Ifeltoffended:asiftheywereexpressingsomemistrustofme。ThoughHeavenknowstheyneverdidbywordorsign。
　　AtthosetimesIwouldgetupandlookoutatthedoor；for，ourkitchendooropenedatonceuponthenight，andstoodopenonsummereveningstoairtheroom。TheverystarstowhichIthenraisedmyeyes，IamafraidItooktobebutpoorandhumblestarsforglitteringontherusticobjectsamongwhichIhadpassedmylife。
　　`Saturdaynight，'saidI，whenwesatatoursupperofbread-and-cheeseandbeer。`Fivemoredays，andthenthedaybeforetheday！They'llsoongo。'
　　`Yes，Pip，'observedJoe，whosevoicesoundedhollowinhisbeermug。
　　`They'llsoongo。'
　　`Soon，soongo，'saidBiddy。
　　`Ihavebeenthinking，Joe，thatwhenIgodownonMonday，andordermynewclothes，IshalltellthetailorthatI'llcomeandputthemonthere，orthatI'llhavethemsenttoMrPumblechook's。Itwouldbeverydisagreeabletobestaredatbyallthepeoplehere。'
　　`MrandMrsHubblemightliketoseeyouinyournewgenteelfiguretoo，Pip，'saidJoe，industriouslycuttinghisbread，withhischeeseonit，inthepalmofhislefthand，andglancingatmyuntastedsupperasifhethoughtofthetimewhenweusedtocompareslices。`SomightWopsle。
　　AndtheJollyBargemenmighttakeitasacompliment。'
　　`That'sjustwhatIdon'twant，Joe。Theywouldmakesuchabusinessofit-suchacoarseandcommonbusiness-thatIcouldn'tbearmyself。'
　　`Ah，thatindeed，Pip！'saidJoe。`Ifyoucouldn'tabearyourself——'
　　Biddyaskedmehere，asshesatholdingmysister'splate，`Haveyouthoughtaboutwhenyou'llshowyourselftoMrGargery，andyoursister，andme？Youwillshowyourselftous；won'tyou？'
　　`Biddy，'Ireturnedwithsomeresentment，`youaresoexceedinglyquickthatit'sdifficulttokeepupwithyou。'
　　`Shealwayswerequick，'observedJoe。
　　`Ifyouhadwaitedanothermoment，Biddy，youwouldhaveheardmesaythatIshallbringmyclotheshereinabundleoneevening-mostlikelyontheeveningbeforeIgoaway。'
　　Biddysaidnomore。Handsomelyforgivingher，Isoonexchangedanaffectionategood-nightwithherandJoe，andwentuptobed。WhenIgotintomylittleroom，Isatdownandtookalonglookatit，asameanlittleroomthatIshouldsoonbepartedfromandraisedabove，forever，Itwasfurnishedwithfreshyoungremembrancestoo，andevenatthesamemomentIfellintomuchthesameconfuseddivisionofmindbetweenitandthebetterroomstowhichIwasgoing，asIhadbeeninsooftenbetweentheforgeandMissHavisham's，andBiddyandEstella。
　　Thesunhadbeenshiningbrightlyalldayontheroofofmyattic，andtheroomwaswarm。AsIputthewindowopenandstoodlookingout，IsawJoecomeslowlyforthatthedarkdoorbelow，andtakeaturnortwointheair；andthenIsawBiddycome，andbringhimapipeandlightitforhim。Heneversmokedsolate，anditseemedtohinttomethathewantedcomforting，forsomereasonorother。
　　Hepresentlystoodatthedoorimmediatelybeneathme，smokinghispipe，andBiddystoodtheretoo，quietlytalkingtohim，andIknewthattheytalkedofme，forIheardmynamementionedinanendearingtonebybothofthemmorethanonce。Iwouldnothavelistenedformore，ifIcouldhaveheardmore:so，Idrewawayfromthewindow，andsatdowninmyonechairbythebedside，feelingitverysorrowfulandstrangethatthisfirstnightofmybrightfortunesshouldbetheloneliestIhadeverknown。
　　Lookingtowardstheopenwindow，IsawlightwreathsfromJoe'spipefloatingthere，andIfancieditwaslikeablessingfromJoe-notobtrudedonmeorparadedbeforeme，butpervadingtheairwesharedtogether。I
　　putmylightout，andcreptintobed；anditwasanuneasybednow，andIneverslepttheoldsoundsleepinitanymore。
　　Chapter19
　　MORNINGmadeaconsiderabledifferenceinmygeneralprospectofLife，andbrighteneditsomuchthatitscarcelyseemedthesame。Whatlayheaviestonmymind，was，theconsiderationthatsixdaysintervenedbetweenmeandthedayofdeparture；for，IcouldnotdivestmyselfofamisgivingthatsomethingmighthappentoLondoninthemeanwhile，andthat，whenIgotthere，itwouldbeeithergreatlydeterioratedorcleangone。
　　JoeandBiddywereverysympatheticandpleasantwhenIspokeofourapproachingseparation；buttheyonlyreferredtoitwhenIdid。Afterbreakfast，Joebroughtoutmyindenturesfromthepressinthebestparlour，andweputtheminthefire，andIfeltthatIwasfree。Withallthenoveltyofmyemancipationonme，IwenttochurchwithJoe，andthought，perhapstheclergymanwouldn'thavereadthatabouttherichmanandthekingdomofHeaven，ifhehadknownall。
　　AfterourearlydinnerIstrolledoutalone，purposingoffinishoffthemarshesatonce，andgetthemdonewith。AsIpassedthechurch，I
　　feltasIhadfeltduringserviceinthemorningasublimecompassionforthepoorcreatureswhoweredestinedtogothere，SundayafterSunday，alltheirlivesthrough，andtolieobscurelyatlastamongthelowgreenmounds。IpromisedmyselfthatIwoulddosomethingforthemoneofthesedays，andformedaplaninoutlineforbestowingadinnerofroast-beefandplumpudding，apintofale，andagallonofcondescension，uponeverybodyinthevillage。
　　IfIhadoftenthoughtbefore，withsomethingalliedtoshame，ofmycompanionshipwiththefugitivewhomIhadonceseenlimpingamongthosegraves，whatweremythoughtsonthisSunday，whentheplacerecalledthewretch，raggedandshivering，withhisfelonironandbadge！Mycomfortwas，thatithappenedalongtimeago，andthathehaddoubtlessbeentransportedalongwayoff，andthathewasdeadtome，andmightbeveritablydeadintothebargain。
　　Nomorelowwetgrounds，nomoredykesandsluices，nomoreofthesegrazingcattle-thoughtheyseemed，intheirdullmanner，towearamorerespectfulairnow，andtofaceround，inorderthattheymightstareaslongaspossibleatthepossessorofsuchgreatexpectations-farewell，monotonousacquaintancesofmychildhood，henceforthIwasforLondonandgreatness:notforsmith'sworkingeneralandforyou！ImademyexultantwaytotheoldBattery，and，lyingdowntheretoconsiderthequestionwhetherMissHavishamintendedmeforEstella，fellasleep。
　　WhenIawoke，IwasmuchsurprisedtofindJoesittingbesideme，smokinghispipe。Hegreetedmewithacheerfulsmileonmyopeningmyeyes，andsaid:
　　`Asbeingthelasttime，Pip，IthoughtI'dfoller。'
　　`AndJoe，Iamverygladyoudidso。'
　　`Thankee，Pip。'
　　`Youmaybesure，dearJoe，'Iwenton，afterwehadshakenhands，`thatIshallneverforgetyou。'
　　`No，no，Pip！'saidJoe，inacomfortabletone，`I'msureofthat。Ay，ay，oldchap！Blessyou，itwereonlynecessarytogetitwellroundinaman'smind，tobecertainonit。Butittookabitoftimetogetitwellround，thechangecomesooncommonplump；didn'tit？'
　　Somehow，IwasnotbestpleasedwithJoe'sbeingsomightilysecureofme。Ishouldhavelikedhimtohavebetrayedemotion，ortohavesaid，`Itdoesyoucredit，Pip，'orsomethingofthatsort。Therefore，ImadenoremarkonJoe'sfirsthead:merelysayingastohissecond，thatthetidingshadindeedcomesuddenly，butthatIhadalwayswantedtobeagentleman，andhadoftenandoftenspeculatedonwhatIwoulddo，ifI
　　wereone。
　　`Haveyouthough？'saidJoe。`Astonishing！'
　　`It'sapitynow，Joe，'saidI，`thatyoudidnotgetonalittlemore，whenwehadourlessonshere；isn'tit？'
　　`Well，Idon'tknow，'returnedJoe。`I'msoawfuldull。I'monlymasterofmyowntrade。ItwerealwaysapityasIwassoawfuldull；butit'snomoreofapitynow，thanitwas-thisdaytwelvemonth-don'tyousee？'
　　WhatIhadmeantwas，thatwhenIcameintomypropertyandwasabletodosomethingforJoe，itwouldhavebeenmuchmoreagreeableifhehadbeenbetterqualifiedforariseinstation。Hewassoperfectlyinnocentofmymeaning，however，thatIthoughtIwouldmentionittoBiddyinpreference。
　　So，whenwehadwalkedhomeandhadhadtea，ItookBiddyintoourlittlegardenbythesideofthelane，and，afterthrowingoutinageneralwayforelevationofherspirits，thatIshouldneverforgether，saidIhadafavourtoaskofher。
　　`Anditis，Biddy，'saidI，`thatyouwillnotomitanyopportunityofhelpingJoeon，alittle。'
　　`Howhelpinghimon？'askedBiddy，withasteadysortofglance。
　　`Well！Joeisadeargoodfellow-infact，Ithinkheisthedearestfellowthateverlived-butheisratherbackwardinsomethings。Forinstance，Biddy，inhislearningandhismanners。'