Ibecameimbuedwiththenotiononthatfirstoccasionbeforewesatdowntodinner，butIcannotdefinebywhatmeans。
Hewasstillapaleyounggentleman，andhadacertainconqueredlanguorabouthiminthemidstofhisspiritsandbriskness，thatdidnotseemindicativeofnaturalstrength。Hehadnotahandsomeface，butitwasbetterthanhandsome:beingextremelyamiableandcheerful。Hisfigurewasalittleungainly，asinthedayswhenmyknuckleshadtakensuchlibertieswithit，butitlookedasifitwouldalwaysbelightandyoung。WhetherMrTrabb'slocalworkwouldhavesatmoregracefullyonhimthanonme，maybeaquestion；butIamconsciousthathecarriedoffhisratheroldclothes，muchbetterthanIcarriedoffmynewsuit。
Ashewassocommunicative，Ifeltthatreserveonmypartwouldbeabadreturnunsuitedtoouryears。Ithereforetoldhimmysmallstory，andlaidstressonmybeingforbiddentoinquirewhomybenefactorwas。
IfurthermentionedthatasIhadbeenbroughtupablacksmithinacountryplace，andknewverylittleofthewaysofpoliteness，Iwouldtakeitasagreatkindnessinhimifhewouldgivemeahintwheneverhesawmeatalossorgoingwrong。
`Withpleasure，'saidhe，`thoughIventuretoprophesythatyou'llwantveryfewhints。Idaresayweshallbeoftentogether，andIshouldliketobanishanyneedlessrestraintbetweenus。Willyoudomethefavourtobeginatoncetocallmebymychristianname，Herbert？'
Ithankedhim，andsaidIwould。IinformedhiminexchangethatmychristiannamewasPhilip。
`Idon'ttaketoPhilip，'saidhe，smiling，`foritsoundslikeamoralboyoutofthespelling-book，whowassolazythathefellintoapond，orsofatthathecouldn'tseeoutofhiseyes，orsoavariciousthathelockeduphiscaketillthemiceateit，orsodeterminedtogoabird's-nestingthathegothimselfeatenbybearswholivedhandyintheneighbourhood。
ItellyouwhatIshouldlike。Wearesoharmonious，andyouhavebeenablacksmith-wouldyoumindit？'
`Ishouldn'tmindanythingthatyoupropose，'Ianswered，`butIdon'tunderstandyou。'
`WouldyoumindHandelforafamiliarname？There'sacharmingpieceofmusicbyHandel，calledtheHarmoniousBlacksmith。'
`Ishouldlikeitverymuch。'
`Then，mydearHandel，'saidhe，turningroundasthedooropened，`hereisthedinner，andImustbegofyoutotakethetopofthetable，becausethedinnerisofyourproviding。'
ThisIwouldnothearof，sohetookthetop，andIfacedhim。Itwasanicelittledinner-seemedtomethen，averyLordMayor'sFeast-anditacquiredadditionalrelishfrombeingeatenunderthoseindependentcircumstances，withnooldpeopleby，andwithLondonallaroundus。Thisagainwasheightenedbyacertaingipsycharacterthatsetthebanquetoff；for，whilethetablewas，asMrPumblechookmighthavesaid，thelapofluxury-beingentirelyfurnishedforthfromthecoffee-house-thecircumjacentregionofsitting-roomwasofacomparativelypasturelessandshiftycharacter:imposingonthewaiterthewanderinghabitsofputtingthecoversonthefloorwherehefelloverthem，themeltedbutterinthearmchair，thebreadonthebookshelves，thecheeseinthecoalscuttle，andtheboiledfowlintomybedinthenextroom-whereIfoundmuchofitsparsleyandbutterinastateofcongelationwhenIretiredforthenight。Allthismadethefeastdelightful，andwhenthewaiterwasnottheretowatchme，mypleasurewaswithoutalloy。
Wehadmadesomeprogressinthedinner，whenIremindedHerbertofhispromisetotellmeaboutMissHavisham。
`True，'hereplied。`I'llredeemitatonce。Letmeintroducethetopic，Handel，bymentioningthatinLondonitisnotthecustomtoputtheknifeinthemouth-forfearofaccidents-andthatwhiletheforkisreservedforthatuse，itisnotputfurtherinthannecessary。Itisscarcelyworthmentioning，onlyit'saswelltodoasotherpeopledo。Also，thespoonisnotgenerallyusedover-hand，butunder。Thishastwoadvantages。Yougetatyourmouthbetterwhichafterallistheobject，andyousaveagooddealoftheattitudeofopeningoysters，onthepartoftherightelbow。'
Heofferedthesefriendlysuggestionsinsuchalivelyway，thatwebothlaughedandIscarcelyblushed。
`Now，'hepursued，`concerningMissHavisham。MissHavisham，youmustknow，wasaspoiltchild。Hermotherdiedwhenshewasababy，andherfatherdeniedhernothing。Herfatherwasacountrygentlemandowninyourpartoftheworld，andwasabrewer。Idon'tknowwhyitshouldbeacrackthingtobeabrewer；butitisindisputablethatwhileyoucannotpossiblybegenteelandbake，youmaybeasgenteelasneverwasandbrew。Youseeiteveryday。'
`Yetagentlemanmaynotkeepapublic-house；mayhe？'saidI。
`Notonanyaccount，'returnedHerbert；`butapublic-housemaykeepagentleman。Well！MrHavishamwasveryrichandveryproud。Sowashisdaughter。'
`MissHavishamwasanonlychild？'Ihazarded。
`Stopamoment，Iamcomingtothat。No，shewasnotanonlychild；
shehadahalf-brother。Herfatherprivatelymarriedagain-hiscook，Iratherthink。'
`Ithoughthewasproud，'saidI。
`MygoodHandel，sohewas。Hemarriedhissecondwifeprivately，becausehewasproud，andincourseoftimeshedied。Whenshewasdead，Iapprehendhefirsttoldhisdaughterwhathehaddone，andthenthesonbecameapartofthefamily，residinginthehouseyouareacquaintedwith。
Asthesongrewayoungman，heturnedoutriotous，extravagant，undutiful-altogetherbad。Atlasthisfatherdisinheritedhim；buthesoftenedwhenhewasdying，andlefthimwelloff，thoughnotnearlysowelloffasMissHavisham-Takeanotherglassofwine，andexcusemymentioningthatsocietyasabodydoesnotexpectonetobesostrictlyconscientiousinemptyingone'sglass，astoturnitbottomupwardswiththerimonone'snose。'
Ihadbeendoingthis，inanexcessofattentiontohisrecital。Ithankedhim，andapologized。Hesaid，`Notatall，'andresumed。
`MissHavishamwasnowanheiress，andyoumaysupposewaslookedafterasagreatmatch。Herhalf-brotherhadnowamplemeansagain，butwhatwithdebtsandwhatwithnewmadnesswastedthemmostfearfullyagain。
Therewerestrongerdifferencesbetweenhimandher，thantherehadbeenbetweenhimandhisfather，anditissuspectedthathecherishedadeepandmortalgrudgeagainsther，ashavinginfluencedthefather'sanger。
Now，Icometothecruelpartofthestory-merelybreakingoff，mydearHandel，toremarkthatadinner-napkinwillnotgointoatumbler。'
WhyIwastryingtopackmineintomytumbler，Iamwhollyunabletosay。IonlyknowthatIfoundmyself，withaperseveranceworthyofamuchbettercause，makingthemoststrenuousexertionstocompressitwithinthoselimits。AgainIthankedhimandapologized，andagainhesaidinthecheerfullestmanner，`Notatall，Iamsure！'andresumed。
`Thereappeareduponthescene-sayattheraces，orthepublicballs，oranywhereelseyoulike-acertainman，whomadelovetoMissHavisham。
Ineversawhim，forthishappenedfive-and-twentyyearsagobeforeyouandIwere，Handel，butIhaveheardmyfathermentionthathewasashowy-man，andthekindofmanforthepurpose。Butthathewasnottobe，withoutignoranceorprejudice，mistakenforagentleman，myfathermoststronglyasseverates；becauseitisaprincipleofhisthatnomanwhowasnotatruegentlemanatheart，everwas，sincetheworldbegan，atruegentlemaninmanner。Hesays，novarnishcanhidethegrainofthewood；andthatthemorevarnishyouputon，themorethegrainwillexpressitself。Well！
ThismanpursuedMissHavishamclosely，andprofessedtobedevotedtoher。Ibelieveshehadnotshownmuchsusceptibilityuptothattime；butallthesusceptibilityshepossessed，certainlycameoutthen，andshepassionatelylovedhim。Thereisnodoubtthatsheperfectlyidolizedhim。
Hepractisedonheraffectioninthatsystematicway，thathegotgreatsumsofmoneyfromher，andheinducedhertobuyherbrotheroutofashareinthebrewerywhichhadbeenweaklylefthimbyhisfatheratanimmenseprice，onthepleathatwhenhewasherhusbandhemustholdandmanageitall。YourguardianwasnotatthattimeinMissHavisham'scouncils，andshewastoohaughtyandtoomuchinlove，tobeadvisedbyanyone。Herrelationswerepoorandscheming，withtheexceptionofmyfather；hewaspoorenough，butnottime-servingorjealous。Theonlyindependentoneamongthem，hewarnedherthatshewasdoingtoomuchforthisman，andwasplacingherselftoounreservedlyinhispower。Shetookthefirstopportunityofangrilyorderingmyfatheroutofthehouse，inhispresence，andmyfatherhasneverseenhersince。'
Ithoughtofherhavingsaid，`MatthewwillcomeandseemeatlastwhenIamlaiddeaduponthattable；'andIaskedHerbertwhetherhisfatherwassoinveterateagainsther？
`It'snotthat，'saidhe，`butshechargedhim，inthepresenceofherintendedhusband，withbeingdisappointedinthehopeoffawninguponherforhisownadvancement，and，ifheweretogotohernow，itwouldlooktrue-eventohim-andeventoher。Toreturntothemanandmakeanendofhim。Themarriagedaywasfixed，theweddingdresseswerebought，theweddingtourwasplannedout，theweddingguestswereinvited。Thedaycame，butnotthebridegroom。Hewroteheraletter——'
`Whichshereceived，'Istruckin，`whenshewasdressingforhermarriage？
Attwentyminutestonine？'
`Atthehourandminute，'saidHerbert，nodding，`atwhichsheafterwardsstoppedalltheclocks。Whatwasinit，furtherthanthatitmostheartlesslybrokethemarriageoff，Ican'ttellyou，becauseIdon'tknow。Whensherecoveredfromabadillnessthatshehad，shelaidthewholeplacewaste，asyouhaveseenit，andshehasneversincelookeduponthelightofday。'
`Isthatallthestory？'Iasked，afterconsideringit。
`AllIknowofit；andindeedIonlyknowsomuch，throughpiecingitoutformyself；formyfatheralwaysavoidsit，and，evenwhenMissHavishaminvitedmetogothere，toldmenomoreofitthanitwasabsolutelyrequisiteIshouldunderstand。ButIhaveforgottenonething。Ithasbeensupposedthatthemantowhomshegavehermisplacedconfidence，actedthroughoutinconcertwithherhalf-brother；thatitwasaconspiracybetweenthem；
andthattheysharedtheprofits。'
`Iwonderhedidn'tmarryherandgetalltheproperty，'saidI。
`Hemayhavebeenmarriedalready，andhercruelmortificationmayhavebeenapartofherhalf-brother'sscheme，'saidHerbert。
`Mind！Idon'tknowthat。'
`Whatbecameofthetwomen？'Iasked，afteragainconsideringthesubject。
`Theyfellintodeepershameanddegradation-iftherecanbedeeper-andruin。'
`Aretheyalivenow？'
`Idon'tknow。'
`Yousaidjustnow，thatEstellawasnotrelatedtoMissHavisham，butadopted。Whenadopted？'
Herbertshruggedhisshoulders。`TherehasalwaysbeenanEstella，sinceIhaveheardofaMissHavisham。Iknownomore。Andnow，Handel，'saidhe，finallythrowingoffthestoryasitwere，`thereisaperfectlyopenunderstandingbetweenus。AllthatIknowaboutMissHavisham，youknow。'
`AndallthatIknow，'Iretorted，`youknow。'
`Ifullybelieveit。Sotherecanbenocompetitionorperplexitybetweenyouandme。Andastotheconditiononwhichyouholdyouradvancementinlife-namely，thatyouarenottoinquireordiscusstowhomyouoweit-youmaybeverysurethatitwillneverbeencroachedupon，orevenapproached，byme，orbyanyonebelongingtome。'
Intruth，hesaidthiswithsomuchdelicacy，thatIfeltthesubjectdonewith，eventhoughIshouldbeunderhisfather'sroofforyearsandyearstocome。Yethesaiditwithsomuchmeaning，too，thatIfeltheasperfectlyunderstoodMissHavishamtobemybenefactress，asIunderstoodthefactmyself。
Ithadnotoccurredtomebefore，thathehadleduptothethemeforthepurposeofclearingitoutofourway；butweweresomuchthelighterandeasierforhavingbroachedit，thatInowperceivedthistobethecase。Wewereverygayandsociable，andIaskedhim，inthecourseofconversation，whathewas？Hereplied，`Acapitalist-anInsurerofShips。'
IsupposehesawmeglancingabouttheroominsearchofsometokensofShipping，orcapital，forheadded，`IntheCity。'
IhadgrandideasofthewealthandimportanceofInsurersofShipsintheCity，andIbegantothinkwithawe，ofhavinglaidayoungInsureronhisback，blackenedhisenterprisingeye，andcuthisresponsibleheadopen。But，again，therecameuponme，formyrelief，thatoddimpressionthatHerbertPocketwouldneverbeverysuccessfulorrich。
`Ishallnotrestsatisfiedwithmerelyemployingmycapitalininsuringships。IshallbuyupsomegoodLifeAssuranceshares，andcutintotheDirection。Ishallalsodoalittleintheminingway。Noneofthesethingswillinterferewithmycharteringafewthousandtonsonmyownaccount。
IthinkIshalltrade，'saidhe，leaningbackinhischair，`totheEastIndies，forsilks，shawls，spices，dyes，drugs，andpreciouswoó；ds。
It'saninterestingtrade。'
`Andtheprofitsarelarge？'saidI。
`Tremendous！'saidhe。
Iwaveredagain，andbegantothinkhereweregreaterexpectationsthanmyown。
`IthinkIshalltrade，also，'saidhe，puttinghisthumbsinhiswaistcoatpockets，`totheWestIndies，forsugar，tobacco，andrum。AlsotoCeylon，speciallyforelephants'tusks。'
`Youwillwantagoodmanyships，'saidI。
`Aperfectfleet，'saidhe。
Quiteoverpoweredbythemagnificenceofthesetransactions，Iaskedhimwheretheshipsheinsuredmostlytradedtoatpresent？
`Ihaven'tbeguninsuringyet，'hereplied。`Iamlookingaboutme。'
Somehow，thatpursuitseemedmoreinkeepingwithBarnard'sInn。Isaidinatoneofconviction，`Ah-h！'
`Yes。Iaminacounting-house，andlookingaboutme。'
`Isacounting-houseprofitable？'Iasked。
`To-doyoumeantotheyoungfellowwho'sinit？'heasked，inreply。
`Yes；toyou。'
`Why，n-no:nottome。'Hesaidthiswiththeairofonecarefullyreckoningupandstrikingabalance。`Notdirectlyprofitable。Thatis，itdoesn'tpaymeanything，andIhaveto-keepmyself。'
Thiscertainlyhadnotaprofitableappearance，andIshookmyheadasifIwouldimplythatitwouldbedifficulttolaybymuchaccumulativecapitalfromsuchasourceofincome。
`Butthethingis，'saidHerbertPocket，`thatyoulookaboutyou。That'sthegrandthing。Youareinacounting-house，youknow，andyoulookaboutyou。'
Itstruckmeasasingularimplicationthatyoucouldn'tbeoutofacounting-house，youknow，andlookaboutyou；butIsilentlydeferredtohisexperience。
`Thenthetimecomes，'saidHerbert，`whenyouseeyouropening。Andyougoin，andyouswoopuponitandyoumakeyourcapital，andthenthereyouare！Whenyouhaveoncemadeyourcapital，youhavenothingtodobutemployit。'
Thiswasverylikehiswayofconductingthatencounterinthegarden；
verylike。Hismannerofbearinghispoverty，too，exactlycorrespondedtohismannerofbearingthatdefeat。Itseemedtomethathetookallblowsandbuffetsnow，withjustthesameairashehadtakenminethen。
Itwasevidentthathehadnothingaroundhimbutthesimplestnecessaries，foreverythingthatIremarkeduponturnedouttohavebeensentinonmyaccountfromthecoffee-houseorsomewhereelse。
Yet，havingalreadymadehisfortuneinhisownmind，hewassounassumingwithitthatIfeltquitegratefultohimfornotbeingpuffedup。Itwasapleasantadditiontohisnaturallypleasantways，andwegotonfamously。
Intheeveningwewentoutforawalkinthestreets，andwenthalf-pricetotheTheatre；andnextdaywewenttochurchatWestminsterAbbey，andintheafternoonwewalkedintheParks；andIwonderedwhoshodallthehorsesthere，andwishedJoedid。
Onamoderatecomputation，itwasmanymonths，thatSunday，sinceI
hadleftJoeandBiddy。Thespaceinterposedbetweenmyselfandthem，partookofthatexpansion，andourmarsheswereanydistanceoff。ThatIcouldhavebeenatouroldchurchinmyoldchurch-goingclothes，ontheverylastSundaythateverwas，seemedacombinationofimpossibilities，geographicalandsocial，solarandlunar。YetintheLondonstreets，socrowdedwithpeopleandsobrilliantlylightedintheduskofevening，thereweredepressinghintsofreproachesforthatIhadputthepooroldkitchenathomesofaraway；andinthedeadofnight，thefootstepsofsomeincapableimpostorofaportermooningaboutBarnard'sInn，underpretenceofwatchingit，fellhollowonmyheart。
OntheMondaymorningataquarterbeforenine，Herbertwenttothecounting-housetoreporthimself-tolookabouthim，too，Isuppose-
andIborehimcompany。HewastocomeawayinanhourortwotoattendmetoHammersmith，andIwastowaitaboutforhim。ItappearedtomethattheeggsfromwhichyoungInsurerswerehatched，wereincubatedindustandheat，liketheeggsofostriches，judgingfromtheplacestowhichthoseincipientgiantsrepairedonaMondaymorning。Nordidthecounting-housewhereHerbertassisted，showinmyeyesasatallagoodObservatory；beingabacksecondfloorupayard，ofagrimypresenceinallparticulars，andwithalookintoanotherbacksecondfloor，ratherthanalookout。
Iwaitedaboutuntilitwasnoon，andIwentupon'Change，andIsawflueymensittingthereunderthebillsaboutshipping，whomItooktobegreatmerchants，thoughIcouldn'tunderstandwhytheyshouldallbeoutofspirits。WhenHerbertcame，wewentandhadlunchatacelebratedhousewhichIthenquitevenerated，butnowbelievetohavebeenthemostabjectsuperstitioninEurope，andwhereIcouldnothelpnoticing，eventhen，thattherewasmuchmoregravyonthetableclothsandknivesandwaiters'clothes，thaninthesteaks。Thiscollationdisposedofatamoderatepriceconsideringthegrease:whichwasnotchargedfor，wewentbacktoBarnard'sInnandgotmylittleportmanteau，andthentookcoachforHammersmith。Wearrivedthereattwoorthreeo'clockintheafternoon，andhadverylittlewaytowalktoMrPocket'shouse。Liftingthelatchofagate，wepasseddirectintoalittlegardenoverlookingtheriver，whereMrPocket'schildrenwereplayingabout。AndunlessIdeceivemyselfonapointwheremyinterestsorprepossessionsarecertainlynotconcerned，IsawthatMrandMrsPocket'schildrenwerenotgrowinguporbeingbroughtup，butweretumblingup。
MrsPocketwassittingonagardenchairunderatree，reading，withherlegsuponanothergardenchair；andMrsPocket'stwonursemaidswerelookingaboutthemwhilethechildrenplayed。`Mamma，'saidHerbert，`thisisyoungMrPip。'UponwhichMrsPocketreceivedmewithanappearanceofamiabledignity。
`MasterAlickandMissJane，'criedoneofthenursestotwoofthechildren，`ifyougoabouncingupagainstthembushesyou'llfalloverintotheriverandbedrownded，andwhat'llyourpasaythen？'
AtthesametimethisnursepickedupMrsPocket'shandkerchief，andsaid，`Ifthatdon'tmakesixtimesyou'vedroppedit，Mum！'UponwhichMrsPocketlaughedandsaid，`Thankyou，Flopson，'andsettlingherselfinonechaironly，resumedherbook。Hercountenanceimmediatelyassumedaknittedandintentexpressionasifshehadbeenreadingforaweek，butbeforeshecouldhavereadhalfadozenlines，shefixedhereyesuponme，andsaid，`Ihopeyourmammaisquitewell？'ThisunexpectedinquiryputmeintosuchadifficultythatIbegansayingintheabsurdestwaythatiftherehadbeenanysuchpersonIhadnodoubtshewouldhavebeenquitewellandwouldhavebeenverymuchobligedandwouldhavesenthercompliments，whenthenursecametomyrescue。
`Well！'shecried，pickingupthepockethandkerchief，`ifthatdon'tmakeseventimes！WhatAREyouadoingofthisafternoon，Mum！'MrsPocketreceivedherproperty，atfirstwithalookofunutterablesurpriseasifshehadneverseenitbefore，andthenwithalaughofrecognition，andsaid，`Thankyou，Flopson，'andforgotme，andwentonreading。
Ifound，nowIhadleisuretocountthem，thattherewerenofewerthansixlittlePocketspresent，invariousstagesoftumblingup。Ihadscarcelyarrivedatthetotalwhenaseventhwasheard，asintheregionofair，wailingdolefully。
`Ifthereain'tBaby！'saidFlopson，appearingtothinkitmostsurprising。
`Makehasteup，Millers。'
Millers，whowastheothernurse，retiredintothehouse，andbydegreesthechild'swailingwashushedandstopped，asifitwereayoungventriloquistwithsomethinginitsmouth。MrsPocketreadallthetime，andIwascurioustoknowwhatthebookcouldbe。
Wewerewaiting，Isupposed，forMrPockettocomeouttous；atanyratewewaitedthere，andsoIhadanopportunityofobservingtheremarkablefamilyphenomenonthatwheneveranyofthechildrenstrayednearMrsPocketintheirplay，theyalwaystrippedthemselvesupandtumbledoverher-
alwaysverymuchtohermomentaryastonishment，andtheirownmoreenduringlamentation。Iwasatalosstoaccountforthissurprisingcircumstance，andcouldnothelpgivingmymindtospeculationsaboutit，untilby-and-byMillerscamedownwiththebaby，whichbabywashandedtoFlopson，whichFlopsonwashandingittoMrsPocket，whenshetoowentfairlyheadforemostoverMrsPocket，babyandall，andwascaughtbyHerbertandmyself。
`Graciousme，Flopson！'saidMrsPocket，lookingoffherbookforamoment，`everybody'stumbling！'
`Graciousyou，indeed，Mum！'returnedFlopson，veryredintheface；
`whathaveyougotthere？'
`Igothere，Flopson？'askedMrsPocket。
`Why，ifitain'tyourfootstool！'criedFlopson。`Andifyoukeepitunderyourskirtslikethat，who'stohelptumbling？Here！Takethebaby，Mum，andgivemeyourbook。'
MrsPocketactedontheadvice，andinexpertlydancedtheinfantalittleinherlap，whiletheotherchildrenplayedaboutit。Thishadlastedbutaveryshorttime，whenMrsPocketissuedsummaryordersthattheywerealltobetakenintothehouseforanap。ThusImadetheseconddiscoveryonthatfirstoccasion，thatthenurtureofthelittlePocketsconsistedofalternatelytumblingupandlyingdown。
Underthesecircumstances，whenFlopsonandMillershadgotthechildrenintothehouse，likealittleflockofsheep，andMrPocketcameoutofittomakemyacquaintance，IwasnotmuchsurprisedtofindthatMrPocketwasagentlemanwitharatherperplexedexpressionofface，andwithhisverygreyhairdisorderedonhishead，asifhedidn'tquiteseehiswaytoputtinganythingstraight。
Chapter23
MRPOCKETsaidhewasgladtoseeme，andhehopedIwasnotsorrytoseehim。`For，Ireallyamnot，'headded，withhisson'ssmile，`analarmingpersonage。'Hewasayoung-lookingman，inspiteofhisperplexitiesandhisverygreyhair，andhismannerseemedquitenatural。Iusethewordnatural，inthesenseofitsbeingunaffected；therewassomethingcomicinhisdistraughtway，asthoughitwouldhavebeendownrightludicrousbutforhisownperceptionthatitwasverynearbeingso。Whenhehadtalkedwithmealittle，hesaidtoMrsPocket，witharatheranxiouscontractionofhiseyebrows，whichwereblackandhandsome，`Belinda，IhopeyouhavewelcomedMrPip？'Andshelookedupfromherbook，andsaid，`Yes。'Shethensmileduponmeinanabsentstateofmind，andaskedmeifIlikedthetasteoforange-flowerwater？Asthequestionhadnobearing，nearorremote，onanyforegoneorsubsequenttransaction，Iconsiderittohavebeenthrownout，likeherpreviousapproaches，ingeneralconversationalcondescension。
Ifoundoutwithinafewhours，andmaymentionatonce，thatMrsPocketwastheonlydaughterofacertainquiteaccidentaldeceasedKnight，whohadinventedforhimselfaconvictionthathisdeceasedfatherwouldhavebeenmadeaBaronetbutforsomebody'sdeterminedoppositionarisingoutofentirelypersonalmotives-Iforgetwhose，ifIeverknew-theSovereign's，thePrimeMinister's，theLordChancellor's，theArchbishopofCanterbury's，anybody's-andhadtackedhimselfontothenoblesoftheearthinrightofthisquitesupposititiousfact。IbelievehehadbeenknightedhimselfforstormingtheEnglishgrammaratthepointofthepen，inadesperateaddressengrossedonvellum，ontheoccasionofthelayingofthefirststoneofsomebuildingorother，andforhandingsomeRoyalPersonageeitherthetrowelorthemortar。Bethatasitmay，hehaddirectedMrsPockettobebroughtupfromhercradleasonewhointhenatureofthingsmustmarryatitle，andwhowastobeguardedfromtheacquisitionofplebeiandomesticknowledge。
Sosuccessfulawatchandwardhadbeenestablishedovertheyoungladybythisjudiciousparent，thatshehadgrownuphighlyornamental，butperfectlyhelplessanduseless。Withhercharacterthushappilyformed，inthefirstbloomofheryouthshehadencounteredMrPocket:whowasalsointhefirstbloomofyouth，andnotquitedecidedwhethertomounttotheWoolsack，ortoroofhimselfinwithamitre。Ashisdoingtheoneortheotherwasamerequestionoftime，heandMrsPockethadtakenTimebytheforelockwhen，tojudgefromitslength，itwouldseemtohavewantedcutting，andhadmarriedwithouttheknowledgeofthejudiciousparent。Thejudiciousparent，havingnothingtobestoworwithholdbuthisblessing，hadhandsomelysettledthatdoweruponthemafterashortstruggle，andhadinformedMrPocketthathiswifewas`atreasureforaPrince。'MrPockethadinvestedthePrince'streasureinthewaysoftheworldeversince，anditwassupposedtohavebroughthiminbutindifferentinterest。Still，MrsPocketwasingeneraltheobjectofaqueersortofrespectfulpity，becauseshehadnotmarriedatitle；whileMrPocketwastheobjectofaqueersortofforgivingreproach，becausehehadnevergotone。
MrPockettookmeintothehouseandshowedmemyroom:whichwasapleasantone，andsofurnishedasthatIcoulduseitwithcomfortformyownprivatesitting-room。Hethenknockedatthedoorsoftwoothersimilarrooms，andintroducedmetotheiroccupants，bynameDrummleandStartop。Drummle，anold-lookingyoungmanofaheavyorderofarchitecture，waswhistling。Startop，youngerinyearsandappearance，wasreadingandholdinghishead，asifhethoughthimselfindangerofexplodingitwithtoostrongachargeofknowledge。
BothMrandMrsPockethadsuchanoticeableairofbeinginsomebodyelse'shands，thatIwonderedwhoreallywasinpossessionofthehouseandletthemlivethere，untilIfoundthisunknownpowertobetheservants。
Itwasasmoothwayofgoingon，perhaps，inrespectofsavingtrouble；
butithadtheappearanceofbeingexpensive，fortheservantsfeltitadutytheyowedtothemselvestobeniceintheireatinganddrinking，andtokeepadealofcompanydownstairs。TheyallowedaveryliberaltabletoMrandMrsPocket，yetitalwaysappearedtomethatbyfarthebestpartofthehousetohaveboardedin，wouldhavebeenthekitchen-alwayssupposingtheboardercapableofself-defence，for，beforeIhadbeenthereaweek，aneighbouringladywithwhomthefamilywerepersonallyunacquainted，wroteintosaythatshehadseenMillersslappingthebaby。
ThisgreatlydistressedMrsPocket，whoburstintotearsonreceivingthenote，andsaidthatitwasanextraordinarythingthattheneighbourscouldn'tmindtheirownbusiness。
BydegreesIlearnt，andchieflyfromHerbert，thatMrPockethadbeeneducatedatHarrowandatCambridge，wherehehaddistinguishedhimself；
butthatwhenhehadhadthehappinessofmarryingMrsPocketveryearlyinlife，hehadimpairedhisprospectsandtakenupthecallingofaGrinder。
Aftergrindinganumberofdullblades-ofwhomitwasremarkablethattheirfathers，wheninfluential，werealwaysgoingtohelphimtopreferment，butalwaysforgottodoitwhenthebladeshadlefttheGrindstone-hehadweariedofthatpoorworkandhadcometoLondon。Here，aftergraduallyfailinginloftierhopes，hehad`read'withdiverswhohadlackedopportunitiesorneglectedthem，andhadrefurbisheddiversothersforspecialoccasions，andhadturnedhisacquirementstotheaccountofliterarycompilationandcorrection，andonsuchmeans，addedtosomeverymoderateprivateresources，stillmaintainedthehouseIsaw。
MrandMrsPockethadatoadyneighbour；awidowladyofthathighlysympatheticnaturethatsheagreedwitheverybody，blessedeverybody，andshedsmilesandtearsoneverybody，accordingtocircumstances。Thislady'snamewasMrsCoiler，andIhadthehonouroftakingherdowntodinneronthedayofmyinstallation。Shegavemetounderstandonthestairs，thatitwasablowtodearMrsPocketthatdearMrPocketshouldbeunderthenecessityofreceivinggentlementoreadwithhim。Thatdidnotextendtome，shetoldmeinagushofloveandconfidenceatthattime，Ihadknownhersomethinglessthanfiveminutes；iftheywerealllikeMe，itwouldbequiteanotherthing。
`ButdearMrsPocket，'saidMrsCoiler，`afterherearlydisappointmentnotthatdearMrPocketwastoblameinthat，requiressomuchluxuryandelegance——'
`Yes，ma'am，'Isaid，tostopher，forIwasafraidshewasgoingtocry。
`Andsheisofsoaristocraticadisposition——'
`Yes，ma'am，'Isaidagain，withthesameobjectasbefore。
`-thatitishard，'saidMrsCoiler，`tohavedearMrPocket'stimeandattentiondivertedfromdearMrsPocket。'
Icouldnothelpthinkingthatitmightbeharderifthebutcher'stimeandattentionweredivertedfromdearMrsPocket；butIsaidnothing，andindeedhadenoughtodoinkeepingabashfulwatchuponmycompany-manners。
Itcametomyknowledge，throughwhatpassedbetweenMrsPocketandDrummlewhileIwasattentivetomyknifeandfork，spoon，glasses，andotherinstrumentsofself-destruction，thatDrummle，whosechristiannamewasBentley，wasactuallythenextheirbutonetoabaronetcy。ItfurtherappearedthatthebookIhadseenMrsPocketreadinginthegarden，wasallabouttitles，andthatsheknewtheexactdateatwhichhergrandpapawouldhavecomeintothebook，ifheeverhadcomeatall。Drummledidn'tsaymuch，butinhislimitedwayhestruckmeasasulkykindoffellow
hespokeasoneoftheelect，andrecognizedMrsPocketasawomanandasister。NoonebutthemselvesandMrsCoilerthetoadyneighbourshowedanyinterestinthispartoftheconversation，anditappearedtomethatitwaspainfultoHerbert；butitpromisedtolastalongtime，whenthepagecameinwiththeannouncementofadomesticaffliction。Itwas，ineffect，thatthecookhadmislaidthebeef。Tomyunutterableamazement，Inow，forthefirsttime，sawMrPocketrelievehismindbygoingthroughaperformancethatstruckmeasveryextraordinary，butwhichmadenoimpressiononanybodyelse，andwithwhichIsoonbecameasfamiliarastherest。
Helaiddownthecarving-knifeandfork-beingengagedincarving，atthemoment-puthistwohandsintohisdisturbedhair，andappearedtomakeanextraordinaryefforttolifthimselfupbyit。Whenhehaddonethis，andhadnotliftedhimselfupatall，hequietlywentonwithwhathewasabout。
MrsCoilerthenchangedthesubject，andbegantoflatterme。Ilikeditforafewmoments，butsheflatteredmesoverygrosslythatthepleasurewassoonover。ShehadaserpentinewayofcomingcloseatmewhenshepretendedtobevitallyinterestedinthefriendsandlocalitiesIhadleft，whichwasaltogethersnakyandfork-tongued；andwhenshemadeanoccasionalbounceuponStartopwhosaidverylittletoher，oruponDrummlewhosaidless，Iratherenviedthemforbeingontheoppositesideofthetable。
Afterdinnerthechildrenwereintroduced，andMrsCoilermadeadmiringcommentsontheireyes，noses，andlegs-asagaciouswayofimprovingtheirminds。Therewerefourlittlegirls，andtwolittleboys，besidesthebabywhomighthavebeeneither，andthebaby'snextsuccessorwhowasasyetneither。TheywerebroughtinbyFlopsonandMillers，muchasthoughthosetwononcommissionedofficershadbeenrecruitingsomewhereforchildrenandhadenlistedthese:whileMrsPocketlookedattheyoungNoblesthatoughttohavebeen，asifsheratherthoughtshehadhadthepleasureofinspectingthembefore，butdidn'tquiteknowwhattomakeofthem。
`Here！Givemeyourfork，Mum，andtakethebaby，'saidFlopson。`Don'ttakeitthatway，oryou'llgetitsheadunderthetable。'
Thusadvised，MrsPockettookittheotherway，andgotitsheaduponthetable；whichwasannouncedtoallpresentbyaprodigiousconcussion。
`Dear，dear！Giveitmeback，Mum，'saidFlopson；`andMissJane，comeanddancetobaby，do！'
Oneofthelittlegirls，ameremitewhoseemedtohaveprematurelytakenuponherselfsomechargeoftheothers，steppedoutofherplacebyme，anddancedtoandfromthebabyuntilitleftoffcrying，andlaughed。
Then，allthechildrenlaughed，andMrPocketwhointhemeantimehadtwiceendeavouredtolifthimselfupbythehairlaughed，andwealllaughedandwereglad。
Flopson，bydintofdoublingthebabyatthejointslikeaDutchdoll，thengotitsafelyintoMrsPocket'slap，andgaveitthenutcrackerstoplaywith:atthesametimerecommendingMrsPockettotakenoticethatthehandlesofthatinstrumentwerenotlikelytoagreewithitseyes，andsharplychargingMissJanetolookafterthesame。Then，thetwonurseslefttheroom，andhadalivelyscuffleonthestaircasewithadissipatedpagewhohadwaitedatdinner，andwhohadclearlylosthalfhisbuttonsatthegamingtable。
IwasmadeveryuneasyinmymindbyMrsPocket'sfallingintoadiscussionwithDrummlerespectingtwobaronetcies，whilesheateaslicedorangesteepedinsugarandwine，andforgettingallaboutthebabyonherlap:
whodidmostappallingthingswiththenutcrackers。Atlength，littleJaneperceivingitsyoungbrainstobeimperilled，softlyleftherplace，andwithmanysmallartificescoaxedthedangerousweaponaway。MrsPocketfinishingherorangeataboutthesametime，andnotapprovingofthis，saidtoJane:
`Younaughtychild，howdareyou？Goandsitdownthisinstant！'
`Mammadear，'lispedthelittlegirl，`babyoodhaveputhitheyethout。'
`Howdareyoutellmeso？'retortedMrsPocket。`Goandsitdowninyourchairthismoment！'
MrsPocket'sdignitywassocrushing，thatIfeltquiteabashed:asifImyselfhaddonesomethingtorouseit。
`Belinda，'remonstratedMrPocket，fromtheotherendofthetable，`howcanyoubesounreasonable？Janeonlyinterferedfortheprotectionofbaby。'
`Iwillnotallowanybodytointerfere，'saidMrsPocket。`Iamsurprised，Matthew，thatyoushouldexposemetotheaffrontofinterference。'
`GoodGod！'criedMrPocket，inanoutbreakofdesolatedesperation。
`Areinfantstobenutcrackeredintotheirtombs，andisnobodytosavethem？'
`IwillnotbeinterferedwithbyJane，'saidMrsPocket，withamajesticglanceatthatinnocentlittleoffender。`IhopeIknowmypoorgrandpapa'sposition。Jane，indeed！'
MrPocketgothishandsinhishairagain，andthistimereallydidlifthimselfsomeinchesoutofhischair。`Hearthis！'hehelplesslyexclaimedtotheelements。`Babiesaretobenutcrackereddead，forpeople'spoorgrandpapa'spositions！'Thenhelethimselfdownagain，andbecamesilent。
Wealllookedawkwardlyatthetable-clothwhilethiswasgoingon。
Apausesucceeded，duringwhichthehonestandirrepressiblebabymadeaseriesofleapsandcrowsatlittleJane，whoappearedtometobetheonlymemberofthefamilyirrespectiveofservantswithwhomithadanydecidedacquaintance。
`MrDrummle，'saidMrsPocket，`willyouringforFlopson？Jane，youundutifullittlething，goandliedown。Now，babydarling，comewithma！'
Thebabywasthesoulofhonour，andprotestedwithallitsmight。ItdoubleditselfupthewrongwayoverMrsPocket'sarm，exhibitedapairofknittedshoesanddimpledanklestothecompanyinlieuofitssoftface，andwascarriedoutinthehigheststateofmutiny。Anditgaineditspointafterall，forIsawitthroughthewindowwithinafewminutes，beingnursedbylittleJane。
Ithappenedthattheotherfivechildrenwereleftbehindatthedinner-table，throughFlopson'shavingsomeprivateengagement，andtheirnotbeinganybodyelse'sbusiness。IthusbecameawareofthemutualrelationsbetweenthemandMrPocket，whichwereexemplifiedinthefollowingmanner。MrPocket，withthenormalperplexityofhisfaceheightenedandhishairrumpled，lookedatthemforsomeminutes，asifhecouldn'tmakeouthowtheycametobeboardingandlodginginthatestablishment，andwhytheyhadn'tbeenbilletedbyNatureonsomebodyelse。Then，inadistant，Missionarywayheaskedthemcertainquestions-aswhylittleJoehadthatholeinhisfrill:whosaid，Pa，Flopsonwasgoingtomenditwhenshehadtime-andhowlittleFannycamebythatwhitlow:whosaid，Pa，Millerswasgoingtopoulticeitwhenshedidn'tforget。Then，hemeltedintoparentaltenderness，andgavethemashillingapieceandtoldthemtogoandplay；andthenastheywentout，withoneverystrongefforttolifthimselfupbythehairhedismissedthehopelesssubject。
Intheeveningtherewasrowingontheriver。AsDrummleandStartophadeachaboat，Iresolvedtosetupmine，andtocutthembothout。I
wasprettygoodatmostexercisesinwhichcountryboysareadepts，but，asIwasconsciousofwantingeleganceofstylefortheThames-nottosayforotherwaters-Iatonceengagedtoplacemyselfunderthetuitionofthewinnerofaprizewherrywhopliedatourstairs，andtowhomIwasintroducedbymynewallies。Thispracticalauthorityconfusedmeverymuch，bysayingIhadthearmofablacksmith。Ifhecouldhaveknownhownearlythecomplimentlosthimhispupil，Idoubtifhewouldhavepaidit。
Therewasasupper-trayafterwegothomeatnight，andIthinkweshouldallhaveenjoyedourselves，butforaratherdisagreeabledomesticoccurrence。
MrPocketwasingoodspirits，whenahousemaidcamein，andsaid，`Ifyouplease，sir，Ishouldwishtospeaktoyou。'
`Speaktoyourmaster？'saidMrsPocket，whosedignitywasrousedagain。
`Howcanyouthinkofsuchathing？GoandspeaktoFlopson。Orspeaktome-atsomeothertime。'
`Beggingyourpardon，ma'am，'returnedthehousemaid，`Ishouldwishtospeakatonce，andtospeaktomaster。'
Hereupon，MrPocketwentoutoftheroom，andwemadethebestofourselvesuntilhecameback。
`Thisisaprettything，Belinda！'saidMrPocket，returningwithacountenanceexpressiveofgriefanddespair。`Here'sthecooklyinginsensiblydrunkonthekitchenfloor，withalargebundleoffreshbuttermadeupinthecupboardreadytosellforgrease！'
MrsPocketinstantlyshowedmuchamiableemotion，andsaid，`ThisisthatodiousSophia'sdoing！'
`Whatdoyoumean，Belinda？'demandedMrPocket。
`Sophiahastoldyou，'saidMrsPocket。`DidInotseeherwithmyowneyesandhearherwithmyownears，comeintotheroomjustnowandasktospeaktoyou？'
`Buthasshenottakenmedownstairs，Belinda，'returnedMrPocket，`andshownmethewoman，andthebundletoo？'
`Anddoyoudefendher，Matthew，'saidMrsPocket，`formakingmischief？'
MrPocketutteredadismalgroan。
`AmI，grandpapa'sgranddaughter，tobenothinginthehouse？'saidMrsPocket。`Besides，thecookhasalwaysbeenaverynicerespectfulwoman，andsaidinthemostnaturalmannerwhenshecametolookafterthesituation，thatshefeltIwasborntobeaDuchess。'
TherewasasofawhereMrPocketstood，andhedroppeduponitintheattitudeoftheDyingGladiator。Stillinthatattitudehesaid，withahollowvoice，`Goodnight，MrPip，'whenIdeemeditadvisabletogotobedandleavehim。
Chapter24
AFTERtwoorthreedays，whenIhadestablishedmyselfinmyroomandhadgonebackwardsandforwardstoLondonseveraltimes，andhadorderedallIwantedofmytradesmen，MrPocketandIhadalongtalktogether。
HeknewmoreofmyintendedcareerthanIknewmyself，forthereferredtohishavingbeentoldbyMrJaggersthatIwasnotdesignedforanyprofession，andthatIshouldbewellenougheducatedformydestinyifIcould`holdmyown'withtheaverageofyoungmeninprosperouscircumstances。Iacquiesced，ofcourse，knowingnothingtothecontrary。
HeadvisedmyattendingcertainplacesinLondon，fortheacquisitionofsuchmererudimentsasIwanted，andmyinvestinghimwiththefunctionsofexplaineranddirectorofallmystudies。HehopedthatwithintelligentassistanceIshouldmeetwithlittletodiscourageme，andshouldsoonbeabletodispensewithanyaidbuthis。Throughhiswayofsayingthis，andmuchmoretosimilarpurpose，heplacedhimselfonconfidentialtermswithmeinanadmirablemanner；andImaystateatoncethathewasalwayssozealousandhonourableinfulfillinghiscompactwithme，thathemademezealousandhonourableinfulfillingminewithhim。Ifhehadshownindifferenceasamaster，IhavenodoubtIshouldhavereturnedthecomplimentasapupil；hegavemenosuchexcuse，andeachofusdidtheotherjustice。
Nor，didIeverregardhimashavinganythingludicrousabouthim-oranythingbutwhatwasserious，honest，andgood-inhistutorcommunicationwithme。
Whenthesepointsweresettled，andsofarcarriedoutasthatIhadbeguntoworkinearnest，itoccurredtomethatifIcouldretainmybedroominBarnard'sInn，mylifewouldbeagreeablyvaried，whilemymannerswouldbenonetheworseforHerbert'ssociety。MrPocketdidnotobjecttothisarrangement，buturgedthatbeforeanystepcouldpossiblybetakeninit，itmustbesubmittedtomyguardian。IfeltthatthisdelicacyaroseoutoftheconsiderationthattheplanwouldsaveHerbertsomeexpense，soIwentofftoLittleBritainandimpartedmywishtoMrJaggers。
`IfIcouldbuythefurniturenowhiredforme，'saidI，`andoneortwootherlittlethings，Ishouldbequiteathomethere。'
`Goit！'saidMrJaggers，withashortlaugh。`Itoldyouyou'dgeton。Well！Howmuchdoyouwant？'
IsaidIdidn'tknowhowmuch。
`Come！'retortedMrJaggers。`Howmuch？Fiftypounds？'
`Oh，notnearlysomuch。'
`Fivepounds？'saidMrJaggers。
Thiswassuchagreatfall，thatIsaidindiscomfiture，`Oh！morethanthat。'
`Morethanthat，eh！'retortedMrJaggers，lyinginwaitforme，withhishandsinhispockets，hisheadononeside，andhiseyesonthewallbehindme；`howmuchmore？'
`Itissodifficulttofixasum，'saidI，hesitating。
`Come！'saidMrJaggers。`Let'sgetatit。Twicefive；willthatdo？
Threetimesfive；willthatdo？Fourtimesfive；willthatdo？'
IsaidIthoughtthatwoulddohandsomely。
`Fourtimesfivewilldohandsomely，willit？'saidMrJaggers，knittinghisbrows。`Now，whatdoyoumakeoffourtimesfive？'
`WhatdoImakeofit？'
`Ah！'saidMrJaggers；`howmuch？'
`Isupposeyoumakeittwentypounds，'saidI，smiling。
`NevermindwhatImakeit，myfriend，'observedMrJaggers，withaknowingandcontradictorytossofhishead。`Iwanttoknowwhatyoumakeit。'
`Twentypounds，ofcourse。'
`Wemmick！'saidMrJaggers，openinghisofficedoor。`TakeMrPip'swrittenorder，andpayhimtwentypounds。'
Thisstronglymarkedwayofdoingbusinessmadeastronglymarkedimpressiononme，andthatnotofanagreeablekind。MrJaggersneverlaughed；butheworegreatbrightcreakingboots，and，inpoisinghimselfontheseboots，withhislargeheadbentdownandhiseyebrowsjoinedtogether，awaitingananswer，hesometimescausedthebootstocreak，asiftheylaughedinadryandsuspiciousway。Ashehappenedtogooutnow，andasWemmickwasbriskandtalkative，IsaidtoWemmickthatIhardlyknewwhattomakeofMrJaggers'smanner。
`Tellhimthat，andhe'lltakeitasacompliment，'answeredWemmick；
`hedon'tmeanthatyoushouldknowwhattomakeofit-Oh！'forIlookedsurprised，`it'snotpersonal；it'sprofessional:onlyprofessional。'
Wemmickwasathisdesk，lunching-andcrunching-onadryhardbiscuit；
piecesofwhichhethrewfromtimetotimeintohisslitofamouth，asifhewerepostingthem。
`Alwaysseemstome，'saidWemmick，`asifhehadsetamantrapandwaswatchingit。Suddenly-click-you'recaught！'
Withoutremarkingthatman-trapswerenotamongtheamenitiesoflife，IsaidIsupposedhewasveryskilful？
`Deep，'saidWemmick，`asAustralia。'Pointingwithhispenattheofficefloor，toexpressthatAustraliawasunderstood，forthepurposesofthefigure，tobesymmetricallyontheoppositespotoftheglobe。`Iftherewasanythingdeeper，'addedWemmick，bringinghispentopaper，`he'dbeit。'
Then，IsaidIsupposedhehadafinebusiness，andWemmicksaid，`Ca-pi-tal！'
ThenIaskedifthereweremanyclerks？towhichhereplied:
`Wedon'trunmuchintoclerks，becausethere'sonlyoneJaggers，andpeoplewon'thavehimatsecond-hand。Thereareonlyfourofus。Wouldyouliketosee'em？Youareoneofus，asImaysay。'
Iacceptedtheoffer。WhenMrWemmickhadputallthebiscuitintothepost，andhadpaidmemymoneyfromacash-boxinasafe，thekeyofwhichsafehekeptsomewheredownhisbackandproducedfromhiscoat-collarlikeanironpigtail，wewentup-stairs。Thehousewasdarkandshabby，andthegreasyshouldersthathadlefttheirmarkinMrJaggers'sroom，seemedtohavebeenshufflingupanddownthestaircaseforyears。Inthefrontfirstfloor，aclerkwholookedsomethingbetweenapublicanandarat-catcher-alargepalepuffedswollenman-wasattentivelyengagedwiththreeorfourpeopleofshabbyappearance，whomhetreatedasunceremoniouslyaseverybodyseemedtobetreatedwhocontributedtoMrJaggers'scoffers。
`Gettingevidencetogether，'saidMrWemmick，aswecameout，`fortheBailey。'Intheroomoverthat，alittleflabbyterrierofaclerkwithdanglinghairhiscroppingseemedtohavebeenforgottenwhenhewasapuppywassimilarlyengagedwithamanwithweakeyes，whomMrWemmickpresentedtomeasasmelterwhokepthispotalwaysboiling，andwhowouldmeltmeanythingIpleased-andwhowasinanexcessivewhite-perspiration，asifhehadbeentryinghisartonhimself。Inabackroom，ahigh-shoulderedmanwithafaceachetiedupindirtyflannel，whowasdressedinoldblackclothesthatboretheappearanceofhavingbeenwaxed，wasstoopingoverhisworkofmakingfaircopiesofthenotesoftheothertwogentlemen，forMrJaggers'sownuse。
Thiswasalltheestablishment。Whenwewentdown-stairsagain，Wemmickledmeintomyguardian'sroom，andsaid，`Thisyou'veseenalready。'
`Pray，'saidI，asthetwoodiouscastswiththetwitchyleeruponthemcaughtmysightagain，`whoselikenessesarethose？'
`These？'saidWemmick，gettinguponachair，andblowingthedustoffthehorribleheadsbeforebringingthemdown。`Thesearetwocelebratedones。Famousclientsofoursthatgotusaworldofcredit。Thischapwhyyoumusthavecomedowninthenightandbeenpeepingintotheinkstand，togetthisblotuponyoureyebrow，youoldrascal！murderedhismaster，and，consideringthathewasn'tbroughtuptoevidence，didn'tplanitbadly。'
`Isitlikehim？'Iasked，recoilingfromthebrute，asWemmickspatuponhiseyebrowandgaveitarubwithhissleeve。
`Likehim？It'shimself，youknow。ThecastwasmadeinNewgate，directlyafterhewastakendown。Youhadaparticularfancyforme，hadn'tyou，OldArtful？'saidWemmick。Hethenexplainedthisaffectionateapostrophe，bytouchinghisbroochrepresentingtheladyandtheweepingwillowatthetombwiththeurnuponit，andsaying，`Haditmadeforme，express！'
`Istheladyanybody？'saidI。
`No，'returnedWemmick。`Onlyhisgame。Youlikedyourbitofgame，didn'tyou？No；deuceabitofaladyinthecase，MrPip，exceptone-andshewasn'tofthisslenderladylikesort，andyouwouldn'thavecaughtherlookingafterthisurn-unlesstherewassomethingtodrinkinit。'Wemmick'sattentionbeingthusdirectedtohisbrooch，heputdownthecast，andpolishedthebroochwithhispocket-handkerchief。
`Didthatothercreaturecometothesameend？'Iasked。`Hehasthesamelook。'
`You'reright，'saidWemmick；`it'sthegenuinelook。Muchasifonenostrilwascaughtupwithahorsehairandalittlefish-hook。Yes，hecametothesameend；quitethenaturalendhere，Iassureyou。Heforgedwills，thisbladedid，ifhedidn'talsoputthesupposedtestatorstosleeptoo。YouwereagentlemanlyCove，though'MrWemmickwasagainapostrophizing，`andyousaidyoucouldwriteGreek。Yah，Bounceable！Whataliaryouwere！I
nevermetsuchaliarasyou！'Beforeputtinghislatefriendonhisshelfagain，Wemmicktouchedthelargestofhismourningringsandsaid，`Sentouttobuyitforme，onlythedaybefore。'
Whilehewasputtinguptheothercastandcomingdownfromthechair，thethoughtcrossedmymindthatallhispersonaljewellerywasderivedfromlikesources。Ashehadshownnodiffidenceonthesubject，Iventuredonthelibertyofaskinghimthequestion，whenhestoodbeforeme，dustinghishands。
`Ohyes，'hereturned，`theseareallgiftsofthatkind。Onebringsanother，yousee；that'sthewayofit。Ialwaystake'em。They'recuriosities。
Andthey'reproperty。Theymaynotbeworthmuch，but，afterall，they'repropertyandportable。Itdon'tsignifytoyouwithyourbrilliantlook-out，butastomyself，myguidingstaralwaysis，"Getholdofportableproperty"。'
WhenIhadrenderedhomagetothislight，hewentontosay，inafriendlymanner:
`Ifatanyoddtimewhenyouhavenothingbettertodo，youwouldn'tmindcomingovertoseemeatWalworth，Icouldofferyouabed，andI
shouldconsideritanhonour。Ihavenotmuchtoshowyou；butsuchtwoorthreecuriositiesasIhavegot，youmightliketolookover；andI
amfondofabitofgardenandasummer-house。'
IsaidIshouldbedelightedtoaccepthishospitality。
`Thankee，'saidhe；`thenwe'llconsiderthatit'stocomeoff，whenconvenienttoyou。HaveyoudinedwithMrJaggersyet？'
`Notyet。'
`Well，'saidWemmick，`he'llgiveyouwine，andgoodwine。I'llgiveyoupunch，andnotbadpunch。andnowI'lltellyousomething。WhenyougotodinewithMrJaggers，lookathishousekeeper。'
`ShallIseesomethingveryuncommon？'
`Well，'saidWemmick，`you'llseeawildbeasttamed。Notsoveryuncommon，you'lltellme。Ireply，thatdependsontheoriginalwildnessofthebeast，andtheamountoftaming。Itwon'tloweryouropinionofMrJaggers'spowers。
Keepyoureyeonit。'
ItoldhimIwoulddoso，withalltheinterestandcuriositythathispreparationawakened。AsIwastakingmydeparture，heaskedmeifIwouldliketodevotefiveminutestoseeingMrJaggers`atit？'
Forseveralreasons，andnotleastbecauseIdidn'tclearlyknowwhatMrJaggerswouldbefoundtobe`at，'Irepliedintheaffirmative。WedivedintotheCity，andcameupinacrowdedpolicecourt，whereablood-relationinthemurderoussenseofthedeceasedwiththefancifultasteinbrooches，wasstandingatthebar，uncomfortablychewingsomething；whilemyguardianhadawomanunderexaminationorcross-examination-Idon'tknowwhich-andwasstrikingher，andthebench，andeverybodypresent，withawe。
Ifanybody，ofwhatsoeverdegree，saidawordthathedidn'tapproveof，heinstantlyrequiredtohaveit`takendown。'Ifanybodywouldn'tmakeanadmission，hesaid，`I'llhaveitoutofyou！'andifanybodymadeanadmission，hesaid，`NowIhavegotyou！'themagistratesshiveredunderasinglebiteofhisfinger。Thievesandthieftakershungindreadraptureonhiswords，andshrankwhenahairofhiseyebrowsturnedintheirdirection。
Whichsidehewason，Icouldn'tmakeout，forheseemedtometobegrindingthewholeplaceinamill；IonlyknowthatwhenIstoleoutontiptoe，hewasnotonthesideofthebench；for，hewasmakingthelegsoftheoldgentlemanwhopresided，quiteconvulsiveunderthetable，byhisdenunciationsofhisconductastherepresentativeofBritishlawandjusticeinthatchairthatday。
Chapter25
BENTLEYDRUMMLE，whowassosulkyafellowthatheeventookupabookasifitswriterhaddonehimaninjury，didnottakeupanacquaintanceinamoreagreeablespirit。Heavyinfigure，movement，andcomprehension-inthesluggishcomplexionofhisface，andinthelargeawkwardtonguethatseemedtolollaboutinhismouthashehimselflolledaboutinaroom-hewasidle，proud，niggardly，reserved，andsuspicious。HecameofrichpeopledowninSomersetshire，whohadnursedthiscombinationofqualitiesuntiltheymadethediscoverythatitwasjustofageandablockhead。
Thus，BentleyDrummlehadcometoMrPocketwhenhewasaheadtallerthanthatgentleman，andhalfadozenheadsthickerthanmostgentlemen。
Startophadbeenspoiltbyaweakmotherandkeptathomewhenheoughttohavebeenatschool，buthewasdevotedlyattachedtoher，andadmiredherbeyondmeasure。Hehadawoman'sdelicacyoffeature，andwas-`asyoumaysee，thoughyouneversawher，'saidHerberttome-exactlylikehismother。ItwasbutnaturalthatIshouldtaketohimmuchmorekindlythantoDrummle，andthat，evenintheearliesteveningsofourboating，heandIshouldpullhomewardabreastofoneanother，conversingfromboattoboat，whileBentleyDrummlecameupinourwakealone，undertheoverhangingbanksandamongtherushes。Hewouldalwayscreepin-shorelikesomeuncomfortableamphibiouscreature，evenwhenthetidewouldhavesenthimfastuponhisway；andIalwaysthinkofhimascomingafterusinthedarkorbytheback-water，whenourowntwoboatswerebreakingthesunsetorthemoonlightinmid-stream。
Herbertwasmyintimatecompanionandfriend。Ipresentedhimwithahalf-shareinmyboat，whichwastheoccasionofhisoftencomingdowntoHammersmith；andmypossessionofahalfshareinhischambersoftentookmeuptoLondon。Weusedtowalkbetweenthetwoplacesatallhours。
Ihaveanaffectionfortheroadyetthoughitisnotsopleasantaroadasitwasthen，formedintheimpressibilityofuntriedyouthandhope。
WhenIhadbeeninMrPocket'sfamilyamonthortwo，MrandMrsCamillaturnedup。CamillawasMrPocket'ssister。Georgiana，whomIhadseenatMissHavisham'sonthesameoccasion，alsoturnedup。shewasacousin-anindigestivesinglewoman，whocalledherrigidityreligion，andherliverlove。Thesepeoplehatedmewiththehatredofcupidityanddisappointment。
Asamatterofcourse，theyfawneduponmeinmyprosperitywiththebasestmeanness。TowardsMrPocket，asagrown-upinfantwithnonotionofhisowninterests，theyshowedthecomplacentforbearanceIhadheardthemexpress。MrsPockettheyheldincontempt；buttheyallowedthepoorsoultohavebeenheavilydisappointedinlife，becausethatshedafeeblereflectedlightuponthemselves。
ThesewerethesurroundingsamongwhichIsettleddown，andappliedmyselftomyeducation。Isooncontractedexpensivehabits，andbegantospendanamountofmoneythatwithinafewshortmonthsIshouldhavethoughtalmostfabulous；butthroughgoodandevilIstucktomybooks。Therewasnoothermeritinthis，thanmyhavingsenseenoughtofeelmydeficiencies。
BetweenMrPocketandHerbertIgotonfast；and，withoneortheotheralwaysatmyelbowtogivemethestartIwanted，andclearobstructionsoutofmyroad，ImusthavebeenasgreatadoltasDrummleifIhaddoneless。
IhadnotseenMrWemmickforsomeweeks，whenIthoughtIwouldwritehimanoteandproposetogohomewithhimonacertainevening。Herepliedthatitwouldgivehimmuchpleasure，andthathewouldexpectmeattheofficeatsixo'clock。ThitherIwent，andthereIfoundhim，puttingthekeyofhissafedownhisbackastheclockstruck。
`DidyouthinkofwalkingdowntoWalworth？'saidhe。
`Certainly，'saidI，`ifyouapprove。'
`Verymuch，'wasWemmick'sreply，`forIhavehadmylegsunderthedeskallday，andshallbegladtostretchthem。Now，I'lltellyouwhatIhavegotforsupper，MrPip。Ihavegotastewedsteak-whichisofhomepreparation-andacoldroastfowl-whichisfromthecook's-shop。
Ithinkit'stender，becausethemasteroftheshopwasaJurymaninsomecasesofourstheotherday，andwelethimdowneasy。IremindedhimofitwhenIboughtthefowl，andIsaid，"Pickusoutagoodone，oldBriton，becauseifwehadchosentokeepyouintheboxanotherdayortwo，wecouldeasilyhavedoneit。"Hesaidtothat，"Letmemakeyouapresentofthebestfowlintheshop。"Ilethim，ofcourse。Asfarasitgoes，it'spropertyandportable。Youdon'tobjecttoanagedparent，Ihope？'
Ireallythoughthewasstillspeakingofthefowl，untilheadded，`BecauseIhavegotanagedparentatmyplace。'Ithensaidwhatpolitenessrequired。
`So，youhaven'tdinedwithMrJaggersyet？'hepursued，aswewalkedalong。
`Notyet。'
`Hetoldmesothisafternoonwhenheheardyouwerecoming。Iexpectyou'llhaveaninvitationto-morrow。He'sgoingtoaskyourpals，too。
Threeof'em；ain'tthere？'
AlthoughIwasnotinthehabitofcountingDrummleasoneofmyintimateassociates，Ianswered，`Yes。'
`Well，he'sgoingtoaskthewholegang；'Ihardlyfeltcomplimentedbytheword；`andwhateverhegivesyou，he'llgiveyougood。Don'tlookforwardtovariety，butyou'llhaveexcellence。Andthere'sanotherrumthinginhishouse，'proceededWemmick，afteramoment'spause，asiftheremarkfollowedonthehousekeeperunderstood；`heneverletsadoororwindowbefastenedatnight。'
`Isheneverrobbed？'
`That'sit！'returnedWemmick。`Hesays，andgivesitoutpublicly，"Iwanttoseethemanwho'llrobme。"Lordblessyou，Ihaveheardhim，ahundredtimesifIhaveheardhimonce，saytoregularcracksmeninourfrontoffice，"YouknowwhereIlive；now，noboltiseverdrawnthere；whydon'tyoudoastrokeofbusinesswithme？Come；can'tItemptyou？"Notamanofthem，sir，wouldbeboldenoughtotryiton，forloveormoney。'
`Theydreadhimsomuch？'saidI。
`Dreadhim，'saidWemmick。`Ibelieveyoutheydreadhim。Notbutwhathe'sartful，eveninhisdefianceofthem。Nosilver，sir。Britanniametal，everyspoon。'
`Sotheywouldn'thavemuch，'Iobserved，`evenifthey——'
`Ah！Buthewouldhavemuch，'saidWemmick，cuttingmeshort，`andtheyknowit。He'dhavetheirlives，andthelivesofscoresof'em。
He'dhaveallhecouldget。Andit'simpossibletosaywhathecouldn'tget，ifhegavehismindtoit。'
Iwasfallingintomeditationonmyguardian'sgreatness，whenWemmickremarked:
`Astotheabsenceofplate，that'sonlyhisnaturaldepth，youknow。
Ariver'sitsnaturaldepth，andhe'shisnaturaldepth。Lookathiswatch-chain。
That'srealenough。'
`It'sverymassive，'saidI。
`Massive？'repeatedWemmick。`Ithinkso。Andhiswatchisagoldrepeater，andworthahundredpoundifit'sworthapenny。MrPip，thereareaboutsevenhundredthievesinthistownwhoknowallaboutthatwatch；there'snotaman，awoman，orachild，amongthem，whowouldn'tidentifythesmallestlinkinthatchain，anddropitasifitwasred-hot，ifinveigledintotouchingit。'
Atfirstwithsuchdiscourse，andafterwardswithconversationofamoregeneralnature，didMrWemmickandIbeguilethetimeandtheroad，untilhegavemetounderstandthatwehadarrivedinthedistrictofWalworth。
Itappearedtobeacollectionofbacklanes，ditches，andlittlegardens，andtopresenttheaspectofaratherdullretirement。Wemmick'shousewasalittlewoodencottageinthemidstofplotsofgarden，andthetopofitwascutoutandpaintedlikeabatterymountedwithguns。
`Myowndoing，'saidWemmick。`Lookspretty；don'tit？'
Ihighlycommendedit，IthinkitwasthesmallesthouseIeversaw；
withthequeerestgothicwindowsbyfarthegreaterpartofthemsham，andagothicdoor，almosttoosmalltogetinat。
`That'sarealflagstaff，yousee，'saidWemmick，`andonSundaysI
runuparealflag。Thenlookhere。AfterIhavecrossedthisbridge，I
hoistitup-so-andcutoffthecommunication。'
Thebridgewasaplank，anditcrossedachasmaboutfourfeetwideandtwodeep。Butitwasverypleasanttoseethepridewithwhichhehoisteditupandmadeitfast；smilingashedidso，witharelishandnotmerelymechanically。
`Atnineo'clockeverynight，Greenwichtime，'saidWemmick，`thegunfires。Thereheis，yousee！Andwhenyouhearhimgo，Ithinkyou'llsayhe'saStinger。'
Thepieceofordnancereferredto，wasmountedinaseparatefortress，constructedoflattice-work。Itwasprotectedfromtheweatherbyaningeniouslittletarpaulincontrivanceinthenatureofanumbrella。
`Then，attheback，'saidWemmick，`outofsight，soasnottoimpedetheideaoffortifications-forit'saprinciplewithme，ifyouhaveanidea，carryitoutandkeepitup-Idon'tknowwhetherthat'syouropinion——'
Isaid，decidedly。
`-Attheback，there'sapig，andtherearefowlsandrabbits；then，Iknocktogethermyownlittleframe，yousee，andgrowcucumbers；andyou'lljudgeatsupperwhatsortofasaladIcanraise。So，sir，'saidWemmick，smilingagain，butseriouslytoo，asheshookhishead，`ifyoucansupposethelittleplacebesieged，itwouldholdoutadevilofatimeinpointofprovisions。'
Then，heconductedmetoaboweraboutadozenyardsoff，butwhichwasapproachedbysuchingenioustwistsofpaththatittookquitealongtimetogetat；andinthisretreatourglasseswerealreadysetforth。
Ourpunchwascoolinginanornamentallake，onwhosemarginthebowerwasraised。Thispieceofwaterwithanislandinthemiddlewhichmighthavebeenthesaladforsupperwasofacircularform，andhehadconstructedafountaininit，which，whenyousetalittlemillgoingandtookacorkoutofapipe，playedtothatpowerfulextentthatitmadethebackofyourhandquitewet。