`Iammyownengineer，andmyowncarpenter，andmyownplumber，andmyowngardener，andmyownJackofallTrades，'saidWemmick，inacknowledgingmycompliments。`Well；it'sagoodthing，youknow。ItbrushestheNewgatecobwebsaway，andpleasestheAged。Youwouldn'tmindbeingatonceintroducedtotheAged，wouldyou？Itwouldn'tputyouout？'
　　IexpressedthereadinessIfelt，andwewentintothecastle。There，wefound，sittingbyafire，averyoldmaninaflannelcoat:clean，cheerful，comfortable，andwellcaredfor，butintenselydeaf。
　　`Wellagedparent，'saidWemmick，shakinghandswithhiminacordialandjocoseway，`howamyou？'
　　`Allright，John；allright！'repliedtheoldman。
　　`Here'sMrPip，agedparent，'saidWemmick，`andIwishyoucouldhearhisname。Nodawayathim，MrPip；that'swhathelikes。Nodawayathim，ifyouplease，likewinking！'
　　`Thisisafineplaceofmyson's，sir，'criedtheoldman，whileI
　　noddedashardasIpossiblycould。`Thisisaprettypleasureground，sir。
　　ThisspotandthesebeautifulworksuponitoughttobekepttogetherbytheNation，aftermyson'stime，forthepeople'senjoyment。'
　　`You'reasproudofitasPunch；ain'tyou，Aged？'saidWemmick，contemplatingtheoldman，withhishardfacereallysoftened；`there'sanodforyou；'givinghimatremendousone；`there'sanotherforyou；'
　　givinghimastillmoretremendousone；`youlikethat，don'tyou？Ifyou'renottired，MrPip-thoughIknowit'stiringtostrangers-willyoutiphimonemore？Youcan'tthinkhowitpleaseshim。'
　　Itippedhimseveralmore，andhewasingreatspirits。Welefthimbestirringhimselftofeedthefowls，andwesatdowntoourpunchinthearbour；whereWemmicktoldmeashesmokedapipethatithadtakenhimagoodmanyyearstobringthepropertyuptoitspresentpitchofperfection。
　　`Isityourown，MrWemmick？'
　　`Oyes，'saidWemmick，`Ihavegotholdofit，abitatatime。It'safreehold，byGeorge！'
　　`Isit，indeed？IhopeMrJaggersadmiresit？'
　　`Neverseenit，'saidWemmick。`Neverheardofit。NeverseentheAged。
　　Neverheardofhim。No；theofficeisonething，andprivatelifeisanother。
　　WhenIgointotheoffice，IleavetheCastlebehindme，andwhenIcomeintotheCastle，Ileavetheofficebehindme。Ifit'snotinanywaydisagreeabletoyou，you'llobligemebydoingthesame。Idon'twishitprofessionallyspokenabout。'
　　OfcourseIfeltmygoodfaithinvolvedintheobservanceofhisrequest。
　　Thepunchbeingverynice，wesattheredrinkingitandtalking，untilitwasalmostnineo'clock。`Gettingneargun-fire，'saidWemmickthen，ashelaiddownhispipe；`it'stheAged'streat。'
　　ProceedingintotheCastleagain，wefoundtheAgedheatingthepoker，withexpectanteyes，asapreliminarytotheperformanceofthisgreatnightlyceremony。Wemmickstoodwithhiswatchinhishand，untilthemomentwascomeforhimtotakethered-hotpokerfromtheAged，andrepairofthebattery。Hetookit，andwentout，andpresentlytheStingerwentoffwithaBangthatshookthecrazylittleboxofacottageasifitmustfalltopieces，andmadeeveryglassandteacupinitring。Uponthis，theAged-whoIbelievewouldhavebeenblownoutofhisarm-chairbutforholdingonbytheelbows-criedoutexultingly，`He'sfired！Iheerdhim！'andInoddedattheoldgentlemanuntilitisnofigureofspeechtodeclarethatIabsolutelycouldnotseehim。
　　Theintervalbetweenthattimeandsupper，Wemmickdevotedtoshowingmehiscollectionofcuriosities。Theyweremostlyofafeloniouscharacter；
　　comprisingthepenwithwhichacelebratedforgeryhadbeencommitted，adistinguishedrazorortwo，somelocksofhair，andseveralmanuscriptconfessionswrittenundercondemnation-uponwhichMrWemmicksetparticularvalueasbeing，tousehisownwords，`everyoneof'emLies，sir。'Thesewereagreeablydispersedamongsmallspecimensofchinaandglass，variousneattriflesmadebytheproprietorofthemuseum，andsometobacco-stopperscarvedbytheAged。TheywerealldisplayedinthatchamberoftheCastleintowhichIhadbeenfirstinducted，andwhichserved，notonlyasthegeneralsitting-roombutasthekitchentoo，ifImightjudgefromasaucepanonthehob，andabrazenbijouoverthefireplacedesignedforthesuspensionofaroasting-jack。
　　Therewasaneatlittlegirlinattendance，wholookedaftertheAgedintheday。Whenshehadlaidthesupper-cloth，thebridgewasloweredtogivehermeansofegress，andshewithdrewforthenight。Thesupperwasexcellent；andthoughtheCastlewasrathersubjecttodry-rotinsomuchthatittastedlikeabadnut，andthoughthepigmighthavebeenfartheroff，Iwasheartilypleasedwithmywholeentertainment。Norwasthereanydrawbackonmylittleturretbedroom，beyondtherebeingsuchaverythinceilingbetweenmeandtheflagstaff，thatwhenIlaydownonmybackinbed，itseemedasifIhadtobalancethatpoleonmyforeheadallnight。
　　Wemmickwasupearlyinthemorning，andIamafraidIheardhimcleaningmyboots。Afterthat，hefelltogardening，andIsawhimfrommygothicwindowpretendingtoemploytheAged，andnoddingathiminamostdevotedmanner。Ourbreakfastwasasgoodasthesupper，andathalf-pasteightpreciselywestartedforLittleBritain。Bydegrees，Wemmickgotdryerandharderaswewentalong，andhismouthtightenedintoapost-officeagain。Atlast，whenwegottohisplaceofbusinessandhepulledouthiskeyfromhiscoat-collar，helookedasunconsciousofhisWalworthpropertyasiftheCastleandthedrawbridgeandthearbourandthelakeandthefountainandtheAged，hadallbeenblownintospacetogetherbythelastdischargeoftheStinger。
　　Chapter26
　　ITfelloutasWemmickhadtoldmeitwould，thatIhadanearlyopportunityofcomparingmyguardian'sestablishmentwiththatofhiscashierandclerk。
　　Myguardianwasinhisroom，washinghishandswithhisscentedsoap，whenIwentintotheofficefromWalworth；andhecalledmetohim，andgavemetheinvitationformyselfandfriendswhichWemmickhadpreparedmetoreceive。`Noceremony，'hestipulated，`andnodinnerdress，andsaytomorrow。'IaskedhimwhereweshouldcometoforIhadnoideawherehelived，andIbelieveitwasinhisgeneralobjectiontomakeanythinglikeanadmission，thathereplied，`Comehere，andI'lltakeyouhomewithme。'Iembracethisopportunityofremarkingthathewashedhisclientsoff，asifhewereasurgeonoradentist。Hehadaclosetinhisroom，fittedupforthepurpose，whichsmeltofthescentedsoaplikeaperfumer'sshop。Ithadanunusuallylargejack-towelonarollerinsidethedoor，andhewouldwashhishands，andwipethemanddrythemalloverthistowel，wheneverhecameinfromapolice-courtordismissedaclientfromhisroom。WhenIandmyfriendsrepairedtohimatsixo'clocknextday，heseemedtohavebeenengagedonacaseofadarkercomplexionthanusual，for，wefoundhimwithhisheadbuttedintothiscloset，notonlywashinghishands，butlavinghisfaceandgarglinghisthroat。Andevenwhenhehaddoneallthat，andhadgoneallroundthejack-towel，hetookouthispenknifeandscrapedthecaseoutofhisnailsbeforeheputhiscoaton。
　　Thereweresomepeopleslinkingaboutasusualwhenwepassedoutintothestreet，whowereevidentlyanxioustospeakwithhim；buttherewassomethingsoconclusiveinthehaloofscentedsoapwhichencircledhispresence，thattheygaveitupforthatday。Aswewalkedalongwestward，hewasrecognizedeverandagainbysomefaceinthecrowdofthestreets，andwheneverthathappenedhetalkedloudertome；butheneverotherwiserecognizedanybody，ortooknoticethatanybodyrecognizedhim。
　　HeconductedustoGerrard-street，Soho，toahouseonthesouthsideofthatstreet。Ratherastatelyhouseofitskind，butdolefullyinwantofpainting，andwithdirtywindows。Hetookouthiskeyandopenedthedoor，andweallwentintoastonehall，bare，gloomy，andlittleused。
　　So，upadarkbrownstaircaseintoaseriesofthreedarkbrownroomsonthefirstfloor。Therewerecarvedgarlandsonthepanelledwalls，andashestoodamongthemgivinguswelcome，IknowwhatkindofloopsIthoughttheylookedlike。
　　Dinnerwaslaidinthebestoftheserooms；thesecondwashisdressing-room；
　　thethird，hisbedroom。Hetoldusthatheheldthewholehouse，butrarelyusedmoreofitthanwesaw。Thetablewascomfortablylaid-nosilverintheservice，ofcourse-andatthesideofhischairwasacapaciousdumb-waiter，withavarietyofbottlesanddecantersonit，andfourdishesoffruitfordessert。Inoticedthroughout，thathekepteverythingunderhisownhand，anddistributedeverythinghimself。
　　Therewasabookcaseintheroom；Isaw，fromthebacksofthebooks，thattheywereaboutevidence，criminallaw，criminalbiography，trials，actsofparliament，andsuchthings。Thefurniturewasallverysolidandgood，likehiswatch-chain。Ithadanofficiallook，however，andtherewasnothingmerelyornamentaltobeseen。Inacorner，wasalittletableofpaperswithashadedlamp:sothatheseemedtobringtheofficehomewithhiminthatrespecttoo，andtowheelitoutofaneveningandfalltowork。
　　Ashehadscarcelyseenmythreecompanionsuntilnow-for，heandIhadwalkedtogether-hestoodonthehearth-rug，afterringingthebell，andtookasearchinglookatthem。Tomysurprise，heseemedatoncetobeprincipallyifnotsolelyinterestedinDrummle。
　　`Pip，'saidhe，puttinghislargehandonmyshoulderandmovingmetothewindow，`Idon'tknowonefromtheother。Who'stheSpider？'
　　`Thespider？'saidI。
　　`Theblotchy，sprawly，sulkyfellow。'
　　`That'sBentleyDrummle，'Ireplied；`theonewiththedelicatefaceisStartop。'
　　Notmakingtheleastaccountof`theonewiththedelicateface，'hereturned，`BentleyDrummleishisname，isit？Ilikethelookofthatfellow。'
　　HeimmediatelybegantotalktoDrummle:notatalldeterredbyhisreplyinginhisheavyreticentway，butapparentlyledonbyittoscrewdiscourseoutofhim。Iwaslookingatthetwo，whentherecamebetweenmeandthem，thehousekeeper，withthefirstdishforthetable。
　　Shewasawomanofaboutforty，Isupposed-butImayhavethoughtheryoungerthanshewas。Rathertall，ofalithenimblefigure，extremelypale，withlargefadedeyes，andaquantityofstreaminghair。Icannotsaywhetheranydiseasedaffectionoftheheartcausedherlipstobepartedasifshewerepanting，andherfacetobearacuriousexpressionofsuddennessandflutter；butIknowthatIhadbeentoseeMacbethatthetheatre，anightortwobefore，andthatherfacelookedtomeasifitwerealldisturbedbyfieryair，likethefacesIhadseenriseoutoftheWitches'
　　caldron。
　　Shesetthedishon，touchedmyguardianquietlyonthearmwithafingertonotifythatdinnerwasready，andvanished。Wetookourseatsattheroundtable，andmyguardiankeptDrummleononesideofhim，whileStartopsatontheother。Itwasanobledishoffishthatthehousekeeperhadputontable，andwehadajointofequallychoicemuttonafterwards，andthenanequallychoicebird。Sauces，wines，alltheaccessorieswewanted，andallofthebest，weregivenoutbyourhostfromhisdumb-waiter；andwhentheyhadmadethecircuitofthetable，healwaysputthembackagain。
　　Similarly，hedealtuscleanplatesandknivesandforks，foreachcourse，anddroppedthosejustdisusedintotwobasketsonthegroundbyhischair。
　　Nootherattendantthanthehousekeeperappeared。Shesetoneverydish；
　　andIalwayssawinherface，afacerisingoutofthecaldron。Yearsafterwards，Imadeadreadfullikenessofthatwoman，bycausingafacethathadnoothernaturalresemblancetoitthanitderivedfromflowinghair，topassbehindabowlofflamingspiritsinadarkroom。
　　Inducedtotakeparticularnoticeofthehousekeeper，bothbyherownstrikingappearanceandbyWemmick'spreparation，Iobservedthatwhenevershewasintheroom，shekepthereyesattentivelyonmyguardian，andthatshewouldremoveherhandsfromanydishsheputbeforehim，hesitatingly，asifshedreadedhiscallingherback，andwantedhimtospeakwhenshewasnigh，ifhehadanythingtosay。IfanciedthatIcoulddetectinhismanneraconsciousnessofthis，andapurposeofalwaysholdingherinsuspense。
　　Dinnerwentoffgaily，and，althoughmyguardianseemedtofollowratherthanoriginatesubjects，Iknewthathewrenchedtheweakestpartofourdispositionsoutofus。Formyself，IfoundthatIwasexpressingmytendencytolavishexpenditure，andtopatronizeHerbert，andtoboastofmygreatprospects，beforeIquiteknewthatIhadopenedmylips。Itwassowithallofus，butwithnoonemorethanDrummle:thedevelopmentofwhoseinclinationtogirdinagrudgingandsuspiciouswayattherest，wasscrewedoutofhimbeforethefishwastakenoff。
　　Itwasnotthen，butwhenwehadgottothecheese，thatourconversationturneduponourrowingfeats，andthatDrummlewasralliedforcomingupbehindofanightinthatslowamphibiouswayofhis。Drummleuponthis，informedourhostthathemuchpreferredourroomtoourcompany，andthatastoskillhewasmorethanourmaster，andthatastostrengthhecouldscatteruslikechaff。Bysomeinvisibleagency，myguardianwoundhimuptoapitchlittleshortofferocityaboutthistrifle；andhefelltobaringandspanninghisarmtoshowhowmuscularitwas，andweallfelltobaringandspanningourarmsinaridiculousmanner。
　　Now，thehousekeeperwasatthattimeclearingthetable；myguardian，takingnoheedofher，butwiththesideofhisfaceturnedfromher，wasleaningbackinhischairbitingthesideofhisforefingerandshowinganinterestinDrummle，that，tome，wasquiteinexplicable。Suddenly，heclappedhislargehandonthehousekeeper's，likeatrap，asshestretcheditacrossthetable。Sosuddenlyandsmartlydidhedothis，thatweallstoppedinourfoolishcontention。
　　`Ifyoutalkofstrength，'saidMrJaggers，`I'llshowyouawrist。Molly，letthemseeyourwrist。'
　　Herentrappedhandwasonthetable，butshehadalreadyputherotherhandbehindherwaist。`Master，'shesaid，inalowvoice，withhereyesattentivelyandentreatinglyfixeduponhim。`Don't。'
　　`I'llshowyouawrist，'repeatedMrJaggers，withanimmovabledeterminationtoshowit。`Molly，letthemseeyourwrist。'
　　`Master，'sheagainmurmured。`Please！'
　　`Molly，'saidMrJaggers，notlookingather，butobstinatelylookingattheoppositesideoftheroom，`letthemseebothyourwrists。
　　Showthem。Come！'
　　Hetookhishandfromhers，andturnedthatwristuponthetable。Shebroughtherotherhandfrombehindher，andheldthetwooutsidebyside。
　　Thelastwristwasmuchdisfigured-deeplyscarredandscarredacrossandacross。Whensheheldherhandsout，shetookhereyesfromMrJaggers，andturnedthemwatchfullyoneveryoneoftherestofusinsuccession。
　　`There'spowerhere，'saidMrJaggers，coollytracingoutthesinewswithhisforefinger。`Veryfewmenhavethepowerofwristthatthiswomanhas。It'sremarkablewhatmereforceofgripthereisinthesehands。I
　　havehadoccasiontonoticemanyhands；butIneversawstrongerinthatrespect，man'sorwoman's，thanthese。'
　　Whilehesaidthesewordsinaleisurelycriticalstyle，shecontinuedtolookateveryoneofusinregularsuccessionaswesat。Themomentheceased，shelookedathimagain。`That'lldo，Molly，'saidMrJaggers，givingheraslightnod；`youhavebeenadmired，andcango。'Shewithdrewherhandsandwentoutoftheroom，andMrJaggers，puttingthedecantersonfromhisdumbwaiter，filledhisglassandpassedroundthewine。
　　`Athalf-pastnine，gentlemen，'saidhe，`wemustbreakup。Praymakethebestuseofyourtime。Iamgladtoseeyouall。MrDrummle，Idrinktoyou。'
　　IfhisobjectinsinglingoutDrummleweretobringhimoutstillmore，itperfectlysucceeded。Inasulkytriumph，Drummleshowedhismorosedepreciationoftherestofus，inamoreandmoreoffensivedegreeuntilhebecamedownrightintolerable。Throughallhisstages，MrJaggersfollowedhimwiththesamestrangeinterest。HeactuallyseemedtoserveasazesttoMrJaggers'swine。
　　InourboyishwantofdiscretionIdaresaywetooktoomuchtodrink，andIknowwetalkedtoomuch。webecameparticularlyhotuponsomeboorishsneerofDrummle's，totheeffectthatweweretoofreewithourmoney。
　　Itledtomyremarking，withmorezealthandiscretion，thatitcamewithabadgracefromhim，towhomStartophadlentmoneyinmypresencebutaweekorsobefore。
　　`Well，'retortedDrummle；`he'llbepaid。'
　　`Idon'tmeantoimplythathewon't，'saidI，`butitmightmakeyouholdyourtongueaboutusandourmoney，Ishouldthink。'
　　`Youshouldthink！'retortedDrummle。`OhLord！'
　　'Idaresay，'Iwenton，meaningtobeverysevere，`thatyouwouldn'tlendmoneytoanyofus，ifwewantedit。'
　　`Youareright，'saidDrummle。`Iwouldn'tlendoneofyouasixpence。
　　Iwouldn'tlendanybodyasixpence。'
　　`Rathermeantoborrowunderthosecircumstances，Ishouldsay。'
　　`Youshouldsay，'repeatedDrummle。`OhLord！'
　　Thiswassoveryaggravating-themoreespeciallyasIfoundmyselfmakingnowayagainsthissurlyobtuseness-thatIsaid，disregardingHerbert'seffortstocheckme:
　　`Come，MrDrummle，sinceweareonthesubject，I'lltellyouwhatpassedbetweenHerberthereandme，whenyouborrowedthatmoney。'
　　`Idon'twanttoknowwhatpassedbetweenHerbertthereandyou，'
　　growledDrummle。AndIthinkheaddedinalowergrowl，thatwemightbothgotothedevilandshakeourselves。
　　`I'lltellyou，however，'saidI，`whetheryouwanttoknowornot。
　　Wesaidthatasyouputitinyourpocketverygladtogetit，youseemedtobeimmenselyamusedathisbeingsoweakastolendit。'
　　Drummlelaughedoutright，andsatlaughinginourfaces，withhishandsinhispocketsandhisroundshouldersraised:plainlysignifyingthatitwasquitetrue，andthathedespisedus，asassesall。
　　HereuponStartoptookhiminhand，thoughwithamuchbettergracethanIhadshown，andexhortedhimtobealittlemoreagreeable。Startop，beingalivelybrightyoungfellow，andDrummlebeingtheexactopposite，thelatterwasalwaysdisposedtoresenthimasadirectpersonalaffront。
　　Henowretortedinacoarselumpishway，andStartoptriedtoturnthediscussionasidewithsomesmallpleasantrythatmadeusalllaugh。Resentingthislittlesuccessmorethananything，Drummle，withoutanythreatorwarning，pulledhishandsoutofhispockets，droppedhisroundshoulders，swore，tookupalargeglass，andwouldhaveflungitathisadversary'shead，butforourentertainer'sdexterouslyseizingitattheinstantwhenitwasraisedforthatpurpose。
　　`Gentlemen，'saidMrJaggers，deliberatelyputtingdowntheglass，andhaulingouthisgoldrepeaterbyitsmassivechain，`Iamexceedinglysorrytoannouncethatit'shalf-pastnine。'
　　Onthishintweallrosetodepart。Beforewegottothestreetdoor，StartopwascheerilycallingDrummle`oldboy，'asifnothinghadhappened。
　　Buttheoldboywassofarfromresponding，thathewouldnotevenwalktoHammersmithonthesamesideoftheway；so，HerbertandI，whoremainedintown，sawthemgoingdownthestreetonoppositesides；Startopleading，andDrummlelaggingbehindintheshadowofthehouses，muchashewaswonttofollowinhisboat。
　　Asthedoorwasnotyetshut，IthoughtIwouldleaveHerbertthereforamoment，andrunup-stairsagaintosayawordtomyguardian。Ifoundhiminhisdressing-roomsurroundedbyhisstockofboots，alreadyhardatit，washinghishandsofus。
　　ItoldhimIhadcomeupagaintosayhowsorryIwasthatanythingdisagreeableshouldhaveoccurred，andthatIhopedhewouldnotblamememuch。
　　`Pooh！'saidhe，sluicinghisface，andspeakingthroughthewater-drops；
　　`it'snothing，Pip。IlikethatSpiderthough。'
　　Hehadturnedtowardsmenow，andwasshakinghishead，andblowing，andtowellinghimself。
　　`Iamgladyoulikehim，sir，'saidI-`butIdon't。'
　　`No，no，'myguardianassented；`don'thavetoomuchtodowithhim。
　　Keepasclearofhimasyoucan。ButIlikethefellow，Pip；heisoneofthetruesort。Why，ifIwasafortune-teller——'
　　Lookingoutofthetowel，hecaughtmyeye。
　　`ButIamnotafortune-teller，'hesaid，lettinghisheaddropintoafestoonoftowel，andtowellingawayathistwoears。`YouknowwhatIam，don'tyou？Good-night，Pip。'
　　`Good-night，sir。'
　　Inaboutamonthafterthat，theSpider'stimewithMrPocketwasupforgood，and，tothegreatreliefofallthehousebutMrsPocket，hewenthometothefamilyhole。
　　Chapter27`MYDEARMRPIP，`IwritethisbyrequestofMrGargery，fortoletyouknowthatheisgoingtoLondonincompanywithMrWopsleandwouldbegladifagreeabletobeallowedtoseeyou。HewouldcallatBarnard'sHotelTuesdaymorningatnineo'clock，whenifnotagreeablepleaseleaveword。Yourpoorsisterismuchthesameaswhenyouleft。Wetalkofyouinthekitcheneverynight，andwonderwhatyouaresayinganddoing。Ifnowconsideredinthelightofaliberty，excuseitfortheloveofpoorolddays。Nomore，dearMrPip，from`Youreverobliged，andaffectionateservant，`BIDDY。'
　　`P。S。Hewishesmemostparticulartowritewhatlarks。Hesaysyouwillunderstand。Ihopeanddonotdoubtitwillbeagreeabletoseehimeventhoughagentleman，foryouhadeveragoodheart，andheisaworthyworthyman。Ihavereadhimallexceptingonlythelastlittlesentence，andhewishesmemostparticulartowriteagainwhatlarks。'IreceivedthisletterbypostonMondaymorning，andthereforeitsappointmentwasfornextday。Letmeconfessexactly，withwhatfeelingsIlookedforwardtoJoe'scoming。
　　Notwithpleasure，thoughIwasboundtohimbysomanyties；no；withconsiderabledisturbance，somemortification，andakeensenseofincongruity。
　　IfIcouldhavekepthimawaybypayingmoney，Icertainlywouldhavepaidmoney。Mygreatestreassurancewas，thathewascomingtoBarnard'sInn，nottoHammersmith，andconsequentlywouldnotfallinBentleyDrummle'sway。IhadlittleobjectiontohisbeingseenbyHerbertorhisfather，forbothofwhomIhadarespect；butIhadthesharpestsensitivenessastohisbeingseenbyDrummle，whomIheldincontempt。So，throughoutlife，ourworstweaknessesandmeannessesareusuallycommittedforthesakeofthepeoplewhomwemostdespise。
　　Ihadbeguntobealwaysdecoratingthechambersinsomequiteunnecessaryandinappropriatewayorother，andveryexpensivethosewrestleswithBarnardprovedtobe。Bythistime，theroomswerevastlydifferentfromwhatIhadfoundthem，andIenjoyedthehonourofoccupyingafewprominentpagesinthebooksofaneighbouringupholsterer。Ihadgotonsofastoflate，thatIhadevenstartedaboyinboots-topboots-inbondageandslaverytowhomImighthavebeensaidtopassmydays。For，afterIhadmadethemonsteroutoftherefuseofmywasherwoman'sfamilyandhadclothedhimwithabluecoat，canarywaistcoat，whitecravat，creamybreeches，andthebootsalreadymentioned，Ihadtofindhimalittletodoandagreatdealtoeat；andwithbothofthosehorriblerequirementshehauntedmyexistence。
　　ThisavengingphantomwasorderedtobeondutyateightonTuesdaymorninginthehallitwastwofeetsquare，aschargedforfloorcloth，andHerbertsuggestedcertainthingsforbreakfastthathethoughtJoewouldlike。WhileIfeltsincerelyobligedtohimforbeingsointerestedandconsiderate，Ihadanoddhalf-provokedsenseofsuspicionuponme，thatifJoehadbeencomingtoseehim，hewouldn'thavebeenquitesobriskaboutit。
　　However，IcameintotownontheMondaynighttobereadyforJoe，andIgotupearlyinthemorning，andcausedthesittingroomandbreakfast-tabletoassumetheirmostsplendidappearance。Unfortunatelythemorningwasdrizzly，andanangelcouldnothaveconcealedthefacttheBarnardwassheddingsootytearsoutsidethewindow，likesomeweakgiantofaSweep。
　　AsthetimeapproachedIshouldhavelikedtorunaway，buttheAvengerpursuanttoorderswasinthehall，andpresentlyIheardJoeonthestaircase。
　　IknewitwasJoe，byhisclumsymannerofcomingup-stairs-hisstatebootsbeingalwaystoobigforhim-andbythetimeittookhimtoreadthenamesontheotherfloorsinthecourseofhisascent。Whenatlasthestoppedoutsideourdoor，Icouldhearhisfingertracingoverthepaintedlettersofmyname，andIafterwardsdistinctlyheardhimbreathinginatthekeyhole。Finallyhegaveafaintsinglerap，andPepper-suchwasthecompromisingnameoftheavengingboy-announced`MrGargery！'Ithoughtheneverwouldhavedonewipinghisfeet，andthatImusthavegoneouttolifthimoffthemat，butatlasthecamein。
　　`Joe，howareyou，Joe？'
　　`Pip，howAIRyou，Pip？'
　　Withhisgoodhonestfaceallglowingandshining，andhishatputdownonthefloorbetweenus，hecaughtbothmyhandsandworkedthemstraightupanddown，asifIhadbeenthelastpatentedPump。
　　`Iamgladtoseeyou，Joe。Givemeyourhat。'
　　ButJoe，takingitupcarefullywithbothhands，likeabird's-nestwitheggsinit，wouldn'thearofpartingwiththatpieceofproperty，andpersistedinstandingtalkingoveritinamostuncomfortableway。
　　`Whichyouhavethatgrowed，'saidJoe，`andthatswelled，andthatgentle-folked；'Joeconsideredalittlebeforehediscoveredthisword；
　　`astobesureyouareahonourtoyourkingandcountry。'
　　`Andyou，Joe，lookwonderfullywell。'
　　`ThankGod，'saidJoe，`I'mekervaltomost。Andyoursister，she'snoworsethanshewere。AndBiddy，she'severrightandready。Andallfriendsisnobackerder，ifnotnoforarder。'Ceptin'Wopsle；he'shadadrop。'
　　Allthistimestillwithbothhandstakinggreatcareofthebird's-nest，Joewasrollinghiseyesroundandroundtheroom，androundandroundthefloweredpatternofmydressing-gown。
　　`Hadadrop，Joe？'
　　`Whyyes，'saidJoe，loweringhisvoice，`he'slefttheChurch，andwentintotheplayacting。WhichtheplayactinghavelikewaysbroughthimtoLondonalongwithme。Andhiswishwere，'saidJoe，gettingthebird's-nestunderhisleftarmforthemomentandgropinginitforaneggwithhisright；`ifnooffence，asIwould'andyouthat。'
　　ItookwhatJoegaveme，andfoundittobethecrumpledplaybillofasmallmetropolitantheatre，announcingthefirstappearance，inthatveryweek，of`thecelebratedProvincialAmateurofRoscianrenown，whoseuniqueperformanceinthehighesttragicwalkofourNationalBardhaslatelyoccasionedsogreatasensationinlocaldramaticcircles。'
　　`Wereyouathisperformance，Joe？'Iinquired。
　　`Iwere，'saidJoe，withemphasisandsolemnity。
　　`Wasthereagreatsensation？'
　　`Why，'saidJoe，`yes，therecertainlywereapeckoforangepeel。Partickler，whenheseetheghost。ThoughIputittoyourself，sir，whetheritwerecalc'latedtokeepamanuptohisworkwithagoodhart，tobecontiniwallycuttinginbetwixthimandtheGhostwithMqq>Amen！"Amanmayhavehadamisfortun'andbeenintheChurch，'saidJoe，loweringhisvoicetoanargumentativeandfeelingtone，`butthatisnoreasonwhyyoushouldputhimoutatsuchatime。WhichImeantersay，iftheghostofaman'sownfathercannotbeallowedtoclaimhisattention，whatcan，Sir？Stillmore，whenhismourning`atisunfortunatelymadesosmallasthattheweightoftheblackfeathersbringsitoff，trytokeepitonhowyoumay。'
　　Aghost-seeingeffectinJoe'sowncountenanceinformedmethatHerberthadenteredtheroom。So，IpresentedJoetoHerbert，whoheldouthishand；butJoebackedfromit，andheldonbythebird's-nest。
　　`Yourservant，Sir，'saidJoe，`whichIhopeasyouandPip'-herehiseyefellontheAvenger，whowasputtingsometoastontable，andsoplainlydenotedanintentiontomakethatyounggentlemanoneofthefamily，thatIfrowneditdownandconfusedhimmore-`Imeantersay，youtwogentlemen-whichIhopeasyougetyourelthsinthisclosespot？Forthepresentmaybeawerrygoodinn，accordingtoLondonopinions，'saidJoe，confidentially，`andIbelieveitscharacterdostandi；butIwouldn'tkeepapiginitmyself-notinthecasethatIwishedhimtofattenwholesomeandtoeatwithamellerflavouronhim。'
　　Havingbornethisflatteringtestimonytothemeritsofourdwelling-place，andhavingincidentallyshownthistendencytocallme`sir，'Joe，beinginvitedtositdowntotable，lookedallroundtheroomforasuitablespotonwhichtodeposithishat-asifitwereonlyonsomeveryfewraresubstancesinnaturethatitcouldfindarestingplace-andultimatelystooditonanextremecornerofthechimney-piece，fromwhichiteverafterwardsfelloffatintervals。
　　`Doyoutaketea，orcoffee，MrGargery？'askedHerbert，whoalwayspresidedofamorning。
　　`Thankee，Sir，'saidJoe，stifffromheadtofoot，`I'lltakewhicheverismostagreeabletoyourself。'
　　`Whatdoyousaytocoffee？'
　　`Thankee，Sir，'returnedJoe，evidentlydispiritedbytheproposal，`sinceyouaresokindasmakechiceofcoffee，Iwillnotruncontrairytoyourownopinions。Butdon'tyouneverfinditalittle'eating？'
　　`Sayteathen，'saidHerbert，pouringitout。
　　HereJoe'shattumbledoffthemantel-piece，andhestartedoutofhischairandpickeditup，andfittedittothesameexactspot。Asifitwereanabsolutepointofgoodbreedingthatitshouldtumbleoffagainsoon。
　　`Whendidyoucometotown，MrGargery？'
　　`Wereityesterdayafternoon？'saidJoe，aftercoughingbehindhishand，asifhehadhadtimetocatchthewhooping-coughsincehecame。`Noitwerenot。Yesitwere。Yes。Itwereyesterdayafternoon'withanappearanceofmingledwisdom，relief，andstrictimpartiality。
　　`HaveyouseenanythingofLondon，yet？'
　　`Why，yes，Sir，'saidJoe，`meandWopslewentoffstraighttolookattheBlackingWare'us。Butwedidn'tfindthatitcomeuptoitslikenessintheredbillsattheshopdoors；whichImeantersay，'addedJoe，inanexplanatorymanner，`asitistheredrawdtooarchitectooralooral。'
　　IreallybelieveJoewouldhaveprolongedthiswordmightilyexpressivetomymindofsomearchitecturethatIknowintoaperfectChorus，butforhisattentionbeingprovidentiallyattractedbyhishat，whichwastoppling。Indeed，itdemandedfromhimaconstantattention，andaquicknessofeyeandhand，verylikethatexactedbywicket-keeping。Hemadeextraordinaryplaywithit，andshowedthegreatestskill；now，rushingatitandcatchingitneatlyasitdropped；now，merelystoppingitmidway，beatingitup，andhumouringitinvariouspartsoftheroomandagainstagooddealofthepatternofthepaperonthewall，beforehefeltitsafetoclosewithit；finally，splashingitintotheslop-basin，whereItookthelibertyoflayinghandsuponit。
　　Astohisshirt-collar，andhiscoat-collar，theywereperplexingtoreflectupon-insolublemysteriesboth。Whyshouldamanscrapehimselftothatextent，beforehecouldconsiderhimselffulldressed？Whyshouldhesupposeitnecessarytobepurifiedbysufferingforhisholidayclothes？
　　Thenhefellintosuchunaccountablefitsofmeditation，withhisforkmidwaybetweenhisplateandhismouth；hadhiseyesattractedinsuchstrangedirections；wasafflictedwithsuchremarkablecoughs；satsofarfromthetable，anddroppedsomuchmorethanheate，andpretendedthathehadn'tdroppedit；thatIwasheartilygladwhenHerbertleftusforthecity。
　　Ihadneitherthegoodsensenorthegoodfeelingtoknowthatthiswasallmyfault，andthatifIhadbeeneasierwithJoe，Joewouldhavebeeneasierwithme。Ifeltimpatientofhimandoutoftemperwithhim；
　　inwhichconditionheheapedcoalsoffireonmyhead。
　　`Ustwobeingnowalone，Sir，'-beganJoe。
　　`Joe，'Iinterrupted，pettishly，`howcanyoucallme，Sir？'
　　Joelookedatmeforasingleinstantwithsomethingfaintlylikereproach。
　　Utterlypreposterousashiscravatwas，andashiscollarswere，Iwasconsciousofasortofdignityinthelook。
　　`Ustwobeingnowalone，'resumedJoe，`andmehavingtheintentionsandabilitiestostaynotmanyminutesmore，Iwillnowconclude-leastwaysbegin-tomentionwhathaveledtomyhavinghadthepresenthonour。Forwasitnot，'saidJoe，withhisoldairoflucidexposition，`thatmyonlywishweretobeusefultoyou，Ishouldnothavehadthehonourofbreakingwittlesinthecompanyandabodeofgentlemen。'
　　Iwassounwillingtoseethelookagain，thatImadenoremonstranceagainstthistone。
　　`Well，Sir，'pursuedJoe，`thisishowitwere。IwereattheBargement'othernight，Pip；'wheneverhesubsidedintoaffection，hecalledmePip，andwheneverherelapsedintopolitenesshecalledmeSir；`whentherecomeupinhisshay-cart，Pumblechook。Whichthatsameidentical，'saidJoe，goingdownanewtrack，`docombmy'airthewrongwaysometimes，awful，bygivingoutupanddowntownasitwerehimwhicheverhadyourinfantcompanionationandwerelookeduponasaplayfellowbyyourself。'
　　`Nonsense。Itwasyou，Joe。'
　　`WhichIfullybelieveditwere，Pip，'saidJoe，slightlytossinghishead，`thoughitsignifylittlenow，Sir。Well，Pip；thissameidentical，whichhismannersisgiventoblusterous，cometomeattheBargemenwotapipeandapintofbeerdogiverefreshmenttotheworking-man，Sir，anddonotoverstimilate，andhiswordwere，"Joseph，MissHavishamshewishtospeaktoyou。"'
　　`MissHavisham，Joe？'
　　`"Shewish，"werePumblechook'sword，"tospeaktoyou。"'Joesatandrolledhiseyesattheceiling。
　　`Yes，Joe？Goon，please。'
　　`Nextday，Sir，'saidJoe，lookingatmeasifIwerealongwayoff，`havingcleanedmyself，IgoandIseeMissA。'
　　`MissA。，Joe？MissHavisham？'
　　`WhichIsay，Sir，'repliedJoe，withanairoflegalformality，asifheweremakinghiswill，`MissA。，orotherwaysHavisham。Herexpressionairthenasfollering:"MrGargery。YouairincorrespondencewithMrPip？"
　　Havinghadaletterfromyou，Iwereabletosay"Iam。"WhenImarriedyoursister，Sir，Isaid"Iwill；"andwhenIansweredyourfriend，Pip，Isaid"Iam。""Wouldyoutellhim，then，"saidshe，"thatwhichEstellahascomehomeandwouldbegladtoseehim。"'
　　IfeltmyfacefireupasIlookedatJoe。Ihopeoneremotecauseofitsfiring，mayhavebeenmyconsciousnessthatifIhadknownhiserrand，Ishouldhavegivenhimmoreencouragement。
　　`Biddy，'pursuedJoe，`whenIgothomeandaskedherfurtowritethemessagetoyou，alittlehungback。Biddysays，"Iknowhewillbeverygladtohaveitbywordofmouth，itisholidaytime，youwanttoseehim，go！"Ihavenowconcluded，Sir，'saidJoe，risingfromhischair，`and，Pip，Iwishyoueverwellandeverprosperingtoagreaterandagreaterheighth。'
　　`Butyouarenotgoingnow，Joe？'
　　`YesIam，'saidJoe。
　　`Butyouarecomingbacktodinner，Joe？'
　　`NoIamnot，'saidJoe。
　　Oureyesmet，andallthe`Sir'meltedoutofthatmanlyheartashegavemehishand。
　　`Pip，dearoldchap，lifeismadeofeversomanypartingsweldedtogether，asImaysay，andoneman'sablacksmith，andone'sawhitesmith，andone'sagoldsmith，andone'sacoppersmith。Diwisionsamongsuchmustcome，andmustbemetastheycome。Ifthere'sbeenanyfaultatallto-day，it'smine。YouandmeisnottwofigurestobetogetherinLondon；noryetanywhereselsebutwhatisprivate，andbeknown，andunderstoodamongfriends。Itain'tthatIamproud，butthatIwanttoberight，asyoushallneverseemenomoreintheseclothes。I'mwrongintheseclothes。I'mwrongoutoftheforge，thekitchen，oroffth'meshes。Youwon'tfindhalfsomuchfaultinmeifyouthinkofmeinmyforgedress，withmyhammerinmyhand，orevenmypipe。Youwon'tfindhalfsomuchfaultinmeif，supposingasyoushouldeverwishtoseeme，youcomeandputyourheadinattheforgewindowandseeJoetheblacksmith，there，attheoldanvil，intheoldburntapron，stickingtotheoldwork。I'mawfuldull，butIhopeI'vebeatoutsomethingnightherightsofthisatlast。AndsoGODblessyou，dearoldPip，oldchap，GODblessyou！'
　　Ihadnotbeenmistakeninmyfancythattherewasasimpledignityinhim。Thefashionofhisdresscouldnomorecomeinitswaywhenhespokethesewords，thanitcouldcomeinitswayinHeaven。Hetouchedmegentlyontheforehead，andwentout。AssoonasIcouldrecovermyselfsufficiently，Ihurriedoutafterhimandlookedforhimintheneighbouringstreets；buthewasgone。
　　Chapter28
　　ItwasclearthatImustrepairtoourtownnextday，andinthefirstflowofmyrepentanceitwasequallyclearthatImuststayatJoe's。But，whenIhadsecuredmybox-placebyto-morrow'scoachandhadbeendowntoMrPocket'sandback，Iwasnotbyanymeansconvincedonthelastpoint，andbegantoinventreasonsandmakeexcusesforputtingupattheBlueBoar。IshouldbeaninconvenienceatJoe's；Iwasnotexpected，andmybedwouldnotbeready；IshouldbetoofarfromMissHavisham's，andshewasexactingandmightn'tlikeit。Allotherswindlersuponeartharenothingtotheself-swindlers，andwithsuchpretencesdidIcheatmyself。Surelyacuriousthing。ThatIshouldinnocentlytakeabadhalf-crownofsomebodyelse'smanufacture，isreasonableenough；butthatIshouldknowinglyreckonthespuriouscoinofmyownmake，asgoodmoney！Anobligingstranger，underpretenceofcompactlyfoldingupmybank-notesforsecurity'ssake，abstractsthenotesandgivesmenutshells；butwhatishissleightofhandtomine，whenIfoldupmyownnutshellsandpassthemonmyselfasnotes！
　　HavingsettledthatImustgototheBlueBoar，mymindwasmuchdisturbedbyindecisionwhetherornototaketheAvenger。ItwastemptingtothinkofthatexpensiveMercenarypubliclyairinghisbootsinthearchwayoftheBlueBoar'sposting-yard；itwasalmostsolemntoimaginehimcasuallyproducedinthetailor'sshopandconfoundingthedisrespectfulsensesofTrabb'sboy。Ontheotherhand，Trabb'sboymightwormhimselfintohisintimacyandtellhimthings；or，recklessanddesperatewretchasIknewhecouldbe，mighthoothimintheHigh-street，Mypatroness，too，mighthearofhim，andnotapprove。Onthewhole，IresolvedtoleavetheAvengerbehind。
　　ItwastheafternooncoachbywhichIhadtakenmyplace，and，aswinterhadnowcomeround，Ishouldnotarriveatmydestinationuntiltwoorthreehoursafterdark。OurtimeofstartingfromtheCrossKeyswastwoo'clock。Iarrivedonthegroundwithaquarterofanhourtospare，attendedbytheAvenger-ifImayconnectthatexpressionwithonewhoneverattendedonmeifhecouldpossiblyhelpit。
　　AtthattimeitwascustomarytocarryConvictsdowntothedockyardsbystage-coach。AsIhadoftenheardoftheminthecapacityofoutsidepassengers，andhadmorethanonceseenthemonthehighroaddanglingtheirironedlegsoverthecoachroof，IhadnocausetobesurprisedwhenHerbert，meetingmeintheyard，cameupandtoldmethereweretwoconvictsgoingdownwithme。ButIhadareasonthatwasanoldreasonnow，forconstitutionallyfalteringwheneverIheardtheworldconvict。
　　`Youdon'tmindthem，Handel？'saidHerbert。
　　`Ohno！'
　　`Ithoughtyouseemedasifyoudidn'tlikethem？'
　　`Ican'tpretendthatIdolikethem，andIsupposeyoudon'tparticularly。
　　ButIdon'tmindthem。'
　　`See！Theretheyare，'saidHerbert，`comingoutoftheTap。Whatadegradedandvilesightitis！'
　　Theyhadbeentreatingtheirguard，Isuppose，fortheyhadagaolerwiththem，andallthreecameoutwipingtheirmouthsontheirhands。Thetwoconvictswerehandcuffedtogether，andhadironsontheirlegs-ironsofapatternthatIknewwell。TheyworethedressthatIlikewiseknewwell。Theirkeeperhadabraceofpistols，andcarriedathick-knobbedbludgeonunderhisarm；buthewasontermsofgoodunderstandingwiththem，andstood，withthembesidehim，lookingonattheputting-toofthehorses，ratherwithanairasiftheconvictswereaninterestingExhibitionnotformallyopenatthemoment，andhetheCurator。Onewasatallerandstoutermanthantheother，andappearedasamatterofcourse，accordingtothemysteriouswaysoftheworldbothconvictandfree，tohavehadallottedtohimthesmallersuitofclothes。Hisarmsandlegswerelikegreatpincushionsofthoseshapes，andhisattiredisguisedhimabsurdly；
　　butIknewhishalf-closedeyeatoneglance。TherestoodthemanwhomIhadseenonthesettleattheThreeJollyBargemenonaSaturdaynight，andwhohadbroughtmedownwithhisinvisiblegun！
　　Itwaseasytomakesurethatasyetheknewmenomorethanifhehadneverseenmeinhislife。Helookedacrossatme，andhiseyeappraisedmywatch-chain，andthenheincidentallyspatandsaidsomethingtotheotherconvict，andtheylaughedandsluedthemselvesroundwithaclinkoftheircouplingmanacle，andlookedatsomethingelse。Thegreatnumbersontheirbacks，asiftheywerestreetdoors；theircoarsemangyungainlyoutersurface，asiftheywereloweranimals；theirironedlegs，apologeticallygarlandedwithpocket-handkerchiefs；andthewayinwhichallpresentlookedatthemandkeptfromthem；madethemasHerberthadsaidamostdisagreeableanddegradedspectacle。
　　Butthiswasnottheworstofit。ItcameoutthatthewholeofthebackofthecoachhadbeentakenbyafamilyremovingfromLondon，andthattherewerenoplacesforthetwoprisonersbutontheseatinfront，behindthecoachman。Hereupon，acholericgentleman，whohadtakenthefourthplaceonthatseat，flewintoamostviolentpassion，andsaidthatitwasabreachofcontracttomixhimupwithsuchvillainouscompany，andthatitwaspoisonousandperniciousandinfamousandshameful，andIdon'tknowwhatelse。Atthistimethecoachwasreadyandthecoachmanimpatient，andwewereallpreparingtogetup，andtheprisonershadcomeoverwiththeirkeeper-bringingwiththemthatcuriousflavourofbread-poultice，baize，rope-yarn，andhearthstone，whichattendstheconvictpresence。
　　`Don'ttakeitsomuchamiss。sir，'pleadedthekeepertotheangrypassenger；`I'llsitnextyoumyself。I'llput'emontheoutsideoftherow。Theywon'tinterferewithyou，sir。Youneedn'tknowthey'rethere。'
　　`Anddon'tblameme，'growledtheconvictIhadrecognized。`Idon'twanttogo。Iamquitereadytostaybehind。AsfurasIamconcernedanyone'swelcometomyplace。'
　　`Ormine，'saidtheother，gruffly。`Iwouldn'thaveincommodednoneofyou，ifI'dhadmyway。'Then，theybothlaughed，andbegancrackingnuts，andspittingtheshellsabout-AsIreallythinkIshouldhavelikedtodomyself，ifIhadbeenintheirplaceandsodespised。
　　Atlength，itwasvotedthattherewasnohelpfortheangrygentleman，andthathemusteithergoinhischancecompanyorremainbehind。So，hegotintohisplace，stillmakingcomplaints，andthekeepergotintotheplacenexthim，andtheconvictshauledthemselvesupaswellastheycould，andtheconvictIhadrecognizedsatbehindmewithhisbreathonthehairofmyhead。
　　`Good-bye，Handel！'Herbertcalledoutaswestarted。Ithoughtwhatablessedfortuneitwas，thathehadfoundanothernameformethanPip。
　　ItisimpossibletoexpresswithwhatacutenessIfelttheconvict'sbreathing，notonlyonthebackofmyhead，butallalongmyspine。Thesensationwaslikebeingtouchedinthemarrowwithsomepungentandsearchingacid，itsetmyveryteethonedge。Heseemedtohavemorebreathingbusinesstodothananotherman，andtomakemorenoiseindoingit；andIwasconsciousofgrowinghigh-shoulderdononeside，inmyshrinkingendeavourstofendhimoff。
　　Theweatherwasmiserablyraw，andthetwocursedthecold。Itmadeusalllethargicbeforewehadgonefar，andwhenwehadlefttheHalf-wayHousebehind，wehabituallydozedandshiveredandweresilent。Idozedoff，myself，inconsideringthequestionwhetherIoughttorestoreacoupleofpoundssterlingtothiscreaturebeforelosingsightofhim，andhowitcouldbestbedone。IntheactofdippingforwardasifIweregoingtobatheamongthehorses，Iwokeinafrightandtookthequestionupagain。
　　ButImusthavelostitlongerthanIhadthought，since，althoughI
　　couldrecognizenothinginthedarknessandthefitfullightsandshadowsofourlamps，Itracedmarshcountryinthecolddampwindthatblewatus。Coweringforwardforwarmthandtomakemeascreenagainstthewind，theconvictswereclosertomethanbefore。TheyveryfirstwordsIheardtheminterchangeasIbecameconsciouswerethewordsofmyownthought，`TwoOnePoundnotes。'
　　`Howdidheget'em？'saidheconvictIhadneverseen。
　　`HowshouldIknow？'returnedtheother。`Hehad'emstowedawaysomehows。
　　Givhimbyfriends，Iexpect。'
　　`Iwish，'saidtheother，withabittercurseuponthecold，`thatI
　　had'emhere。'
　　`Twoonepoundnotes，orfriends？'
　　`Twoonepoundnotes。I'dsellallthefriendsIeverhad，forone，andthinkitablessedgoodbargain。Well？Sohesays-？'
　　`Sohesays，'resumedtheconvictIhadrecognized-`itwasallsaidanddoneinhalfaminute，behindapileoftimberintheDockyard-"You'reagoingtobedischarged？"Yes，Iwas。WouldIfindoutthatboythathadfedhimandkephissecret，andgivehimthemtwoonepoundnotes？Yes，Iwould。AndIdid。'
　　`Morefoolyou，'growledtheother。`I'dhavespent'emonaMan，inwittlesanddrink。Hemusthavebeenagreenone。Meantosayheknowednothingofyou？'
　　`Notaha'porth。Differentgangsanddifferentships。Hewastriedagainforprisonbreaking，andgotmadeaLifer。'
　　`Andwasthat-Honour！-theonlytimeyouworkedout，inthispartofthecountry？'
　　`Theonlytime。'
　　`Whatmighthavebeenyouropinionoftheplace？'
　　`Amostbeastlyplace。Mudbank，mist，swamp，andwork；work，swamp，mist，andmudbank。'
　　Theybothexecratedtheplaceinverystronglanguage，andgraduallygrowledthemselvesout，andhadnothinglefttosay。
　　Afteroverhearingthisdialogue，Ishouldassuredlyhavegotdownandbeenleftinthesolitudeanddarknessofthehighway，butforfeelingcertainthatthemanhadnosuspicionofmyidentity。Indeed，Iwasnotonlysochangedinthecourseofnature，butsodifferentlydressedandsodifferentlycircumstanced，thatitwasnotatalllikelyhecouldhaveknownmewithoutaccidentalhelp。Still，thecoincidenceofourbeingtogetheronthecoach，wassufficientlystrangetofillmewithadreadthatsomeothercoincidencemightatanymomentconnectme，inhishearing，withmyname。Forthisreason，Iresolvedtoalightassoonaswetouchedthetown，andputmyselfoutofhishearing。ThisdeviceIexecutedsuccessfully。
　　Mylittleportmanteauwasinthebootundermyfeet；Ihadbuttoturnahingetogetitout:Ithrewitdownbeforeme，gotdownafterit，andwasleftatthefirstlamponthefirststonesofthetownpavement。Astotheconvicts，theywenttheirwaywiththecoach，andIknewatwhatpointtheywouldbespiritedofftotheriver。Inmyfancy，Isawtheboatwithitsconvictcrewwaitingforthemattheslime-washedstairs，-againheardthegruff`Giveway，you！'likeandordertodogs-againsawthewickedNoah'sArklyingoutontheblackwater。
　　IcouldnothavesaidwhatIwasafraidof，formyfearwasaltogetherundefinedandvague，buttherewasgreatfearuponme。AsIwalkedontothehotel，Ifeltthatadread，muchexceedingthemereapprehensionofapainfulofdisagreeablerecognition，mademetremble。Iamconfidentthatittooknodistinctnessofshape，andthatitwastherevivalforafewminutesoftheterrorofchildhood。
　　Thecoffee-roomattheBlueBoarwasempty，andIhadnotonlyorderedmydinnerthere，buthadsatdowntoit，beforethewaiterknewme。Assoonashehadapologizedfortheremissnessofhismemory，heaskedmeifheshouldsendBootsforMrPumblechook？
　　`No，'saidI，`certainlynot。'
　　ThewaiteritwashewhohadbroughtuptheGreatRemonstrancefromtheCommercials，onthedaywhenIwasboundappearedsurprised，andtooktheearliestopportunityofputtingadirtyoldcopyofalocalnewspapersodirectlyinmyway，thatItookitupandreadthisparagraph:
　　Ourreaderswilllearn，notaltogetherwithoutinterest，inreferencetotherecentromanticriseinfortuneofayoungartificerinironofthisneighbourhoodwhatatheme，bytheway，forthemagicpenofourasyetnotuniversallyacknowledgedtownsmanTOOBY，thepoetofourcolumns！
　　thattheyouth'searliestpatron，companion，andfriend，wasahighly-respectedindividualnotentirelyunconnectedwiththecornandseedtrade，andwhoseeminentlyconvenientandcommodiousbusinesspremisesaresituatewithinahundredmilesoftheHigh-street。ItisnotwhollyirrespectiveofourpersonalfeelingsthatwerecordHIMastheMentorofouryoungTelemachus，foritisgoodtoknowthatourtownproducedthefounderofthelatter'sfortunes。DoesthethoughtcontractedbrowofthelocalSageorthelustrouseyeoflocalBeautyinquirewhosefortunes？WebelievethatQuintinMatsyswastheBLACKSMITHofAntwerp。VERB。SAP。
　　Ientertainaconviction，baseduponlargeexperience，thatifinthedaysofmyprosperityIhadgonetotheNorthPole，Ishouldhavemetsomebodythere，wanderingEsquimauxorcivilizedman，whowouldhavetoldmethatPumblechookwasmyearliestpatronandthefounderofmyfortunes。
　　Chapter29
　　BETIMESinthemorningIwasupandout。ItwastooearlyyettogotoMissHavisham's，soIloiteredintothecountryonMissHavisham'ssideoftown-whichwasnotJoe'sside；Icouldgothereto-morrow-thinkingaboutmypatroness，andpaintingbrilliantpicturesofherplansforme。
　　ShehadadoptedEstella，shehasasgoodasadoptedme，anditcouldnotfailtobeherintentiontobringustogether。Shereserveditformetorestorethedesolatehouse，admitthesunshineintothedarkrooms，settheclocksagoingandthecoldhearthsablazing，teardownthecobwebs，destroythevermin-inshort，doalltheshiningdeedsoftheyoungKnightofromance，andmarrythePrincess。IhadstoppedtolookatthehouseasIpassed；anditssearedredbrickwalls，blockedwindows，andstronggreenivyclaspingeventhestacksofchimneyswithitstwigsandtendons，asifwithsinewyoldarms，hadmadeuparichattractivemystery，ofwhichIwasthehero。Estellawastheinspirationofit，andtheheartofit，ofcourse。But，thoughshehadtakensuchstrongpossessionofme，thoughmyfancyandmyhopeweresosetuponher，thoughherinfluenceonmyboyishlifeandcharacterhadbeenall-powerful，Ididnot，eventhatromanticmorning，investherwithanyattributessavethoseshepossessed。Imentionthisinthisplace，ofafixedpurpose，becauseitisthecluebywhichIamtobefollowedintomypoorlabyrinth。Accordingtomyexperience，theconventionalnotionofalovercannotbealwaystrue。Theunqualifiedtruthis，thatwhenIlovedEstellawiththeloveofman，IlovedhersimplybecauseIfoundherirresistible。Onceforall；Iknewtomysorrow，oftenandoften，ifnotalways，thatIlovedheragainstreason，againstpromise，againstpeace，againsthope，againsthappiness，againstalldiscouragementthatcouldbe。Onceforall；IlovedhernonethelessbecauseIknewit，andithadnomoreinfluenceinrestrainingme，thanifIhaddevoutlybelievedhertobehumanperfection。
　　Isoshapedoutmywalkastoarriveatthegateatmyoldtime。WhenIhadrungatthebellwithanunsteadyhand，Iturnedmybackuponthegate，whileItriedtogetmybreathandkeepthebeatingofmyheartmoderatelyquiet。Iheardthesidedooropen，andstepscomeacrossthecourt-yard；
　　butIpretendednottohear，evenwhenthegateswungonitsrustyhinges。
　　Beingatlasttouchedontheshoulder，Istartedandturned。Istartedmuchmorenaturallythen，tofindmyselfconfrontedbyamaninasobergreydress。ThelastmanIshouldhaveexpectedtoseeinthatplaceofporteratMissHavisham'sdoor。
　　`Orlick！'
　　`Ah，youngmaster，there'smorechangesthanyours。Butcomein，comein。It'sopposedtomyorderstoholdthegateopen。'
　　Ienteredandheswungit，andlockedit，andtookthekeyout。`Yes！'
　　saidhe，facinground，afterdoggedlyprecedingmeafewstepstowardsthehouse。`HereIam！'
　　`Howdidyoucomehere？'
　　`Icomeher，'heretorted，`onmylegs。Ihadmyboxbroughtalongsidemeinabarrow。'
　　`Areyouhereforgood？'
　　`Iain'therforharm，youngmaster，Isuppose？'
　　Iwasnotsosureofthat。Ihadleisuretoentertaintheretortinmymind，whileheslowlyliftedhisheavyglancefromthepavement，upmylegsandarms，tomyface。
　　`Thenyouhavelefttheforge？'Isaid。
　　`Dothislooklikeaforge？'repliedOrlick，sendinghisglanceallroundhimwithanairofinjury。`Now，doitlooklikeit？'
　　IaskedhimhowlonghehadleftGargery'sforge？
　　`Onedayissolikeanotherhere，'hereplied，`thatIdon'tknowwithoutcastingitup。However，Icomehersometimesinceyouleft。'
　　`Icouldhavetoldyouthat，Orlick。'
　　`Ah！'saidhe，drily。`Butthenyou'vegottobeascholar。'
　　Bythistimewehadcometothehouse，whereIfoundhisroomtobeonejustwithinthesidedoor，withalittlewindowinitlookingonthecourt-yard。Initssmallproportions，itwasnotunlikethekindofplaceusuallyassignedtoagate-porterinParis。Certainkeyswerehangingonthewall，towhichhenowaddedthegatekey；andhispatchwork-coveredbedwasinalittleinnerdivisionorrecess。Thewholehadaslovenlyconfinedandsleepylook，likeacageforahumandormouse:whilehe，loomingdarkandheavyintheshadowofacornerbythewindow，lookedlikethehumandormouseforwhomitwasfittedup-asindeedhewas。
　　`Ineversawthisroombefore，'Iremarked；`butthereusedtobenoPorterhere。'
　　`No，'saidhe；`nottillitgotaboutthattherewasnoprotectiononthepremises，anditcometobeconsidereddangerous，withconvictsandTagandRagandBobtailgoingupanddown。AndthenIwasrecommendedtotheplà；ceasamanwhocouldgiveanothermanasgoodashebrought，andItookit。It'seasierthanbellowsingandhammering-That'sloaded，thatis。'
　　Myeyehadbeencaughtbyagunwithabrassboundstockoverthechimney-piece，andhiseyehadfollowedmine。
　　`Well，'saidI，notdesirousofmoreconversation，`shallIgouptoMissHavisham？'
　　`Burnme，ifIknow！'heretorted，firststretchinghimselfandthenshakinghimself；`myordersendshere，youngmaster。Igivethisherebellarapwiththisherehammer，andyougoonalongthepassagetillyoumeetsomebody。'
　　`Iamexpected，Ibelieve？'
　　`Burnmetwiceover，ifIcansay！'saidhe。
　　Uponthat，IturneddownthelongpassagewhichIhadfirsttroddeninmythickboots，andhemadehisbellsound。Attheendofthepassage，whilethebellwasstillreverberating，IfoundSarahPocket:whoappearedtohavenowbecomeconstitutionallygreenandyellowbyreasonofme。
　　`Oh！'saidshe。`You，isit，MrPip？'
　　`Itis，MissPocket。IamgladtotellyouthatMrPocketandfamilyareallwell。'
　　`Aretheyanywiser？'saidSarah，withadismalshakeofthehead；`theyhadbetterbewiser，thanwell。Ah，Matthew，Matthew！Youknowyourway，sir？'
　　Tolerably，forIhadgoneupthestaircaseinthedark，manyatime。
　　Iascendeditnow，inlighterbootsthanofyore，andtappedinmyoldwayatthedoorofMissHavisham'sroom。`Pip'srap，'Iheardhersay，immediately；`comein，Pip。'
　　Shewasinherchairneartheoldtable，intheolddress，withhertwohandscrossedonherstick，herchinrestingonthem，andhereyesonthefire。Sittingnearher，withthewhiteshoethathadneverbeenworn，inherhand，andherheadbentasshelookedatit，wasanelegantladywhomIhadneverseen。
　　`Comein，Pip，'MissHavishamcontinuedtomutter，withoutlookingroundorup；`comein，Pip，howdoyoudo，Pip？soyoukissmyhandasifIwereaqueen，eh？-Well？'
　　Shelookedupatmesuddenly，onlymovinghereyes，andrepeatedinagrimlyplayfulmanner，`Well？'
　　`Iheard，MissHavisham，'saidI，ratherataloss，`thatyouweresokindastowishmetocomeandseeyou，andIcamedirectly。'
　　`Well？'
　　TheladywhomIhadneverseenbefore，lifteduphereyesandlookedarchlyatme，andthenIsawthattheeyeswereEstella'seyes。Butshewassomuchchanged，wassomuchmorebeautiful，somuchmorewomanly，inallthingswinningadmirationhadmadesuchwonderfuladvance，thatIseemedtohavemadenone。Ifancied，asIlookedather，thatIslippedhopelesslybackintothecoarseandcommonboyagain。Othesenseofdistanceanddisparitythatcameuponme，andtheinaccessibilitythatcameabouther！
　　Shegavemeherhand。IstammeredsomethingaboutthepleasureIfeltinseeingheragain，andaboutmyhavinglookedforwardtoitforalong，longtime。
　　`Doyoufindhermuchchanged，Pip？'askedMissHavisham，withhergreedylook，andstrikingherstickuponachairthatstoodbetweenthem，asasigntometositdownthere。
　　`WhenIcamein，MissHavisham，IthoughttherewasnothingofEstellainthefaceorfigure；butnowitallsettlesdownsocuriouslyintotheold——'
　　`What？YouarenotgoingtosayintotheoldEstella？'MissHavishaminterrupted。`Shewasproudandinsulting，andyouwantedtogoawayfromher。Don'tyouremember？'
　　Isaidconfusedlythatthatwaslongago，andthatIknewnobetterthen，andthelike。Estellasmiledwithperfectcomposure，andsaidshehadnodoubtofmyhavingbeenquiteright，andofherhavingbeenverydisagreeable。
　　`Ishechanged？'MissHavishamaskedher。
　　`Verymuch，'saidEstella，lookingatme。
　　`Lesscoarseandcommon？'saidMissHavisham，playingwithEstella'shair。
　　Estellalaughed，andlookedattheshoeinherhand，andlaughedagain，andlookedatme，andputtheshoedown。Shetreatedmeasaboystill，butsheluredmeon。
　　Wesatinthedreamyroomamongtheoldstrangeinfluenceswhichhadsowroughtuponme，andIlearntthatshehadbutjustcomehomefromFrance，andthatshewasgoingtoLondon。Proudandwilfulasofold，shehadbroughtthosequalitiesintosuchsubjectiontoherbeautythatitwasimpossibleandoutofnature-orIthoughtso-toseparatethemfromherbeauty。
　　Trulyitwasimpossibletodissociateherpresencefromallthosewretchedhankeringsaftermoneyandgentilitythathaddisturbedmyboyhood-fromallthoseill-regulatedaspirationsthathadfirstmademeashamedofhomeandJoe-fromallthosevisionsthathadraisedherfaceintheglowingfire，struckinoutoftheironontheanvil，extracteditfromthedarknessofnighttolookinatthewoodenwindowoftheforgeandflitaway。Inaword，itwasimpossibleformetoseparateher，inthepastorinthepresent，fromtheinnermostlifeofmylife。
　　ItwassettledthatIshouldstaytherealltherestoftheday，andreturntothehotelatnight，andtoLondonto-morrow。Whenwehadconversedforawhile，MissHavishamsentustwoouttowalkintheneglectedgarden:
　　onourcominginby-and-by，shesaid，Ishouldwheelheraboutalittleasintimesofyore。
　　So，EstellaandIwentoutintothegardenbythegatethroughwhichIhadstrayedtomyencounterwiththepaleyounggentleman，nowHerbert；
　　I，tremblinginspiritandworshippingtheveryhemofherdress；she，quitecomposedandmostdecidedlynotworshippingthehemofmine。Aswedrewneartotheplaceofencounter，shestoppedandsaid:
　　`Imusthavebeenasingularlittlecreaturetohideandseethatfightthatday:butIdid，andIenjoyeditverymuch。'
　　`Yourewardedmeverymuch。'
　　`DidI？'shereplied，inanincidentalandforgetfulway。`IrememberIentertainedagreatobjectiontoyouradversary，becauseItookitillthatheshouldbebroughtheretopestermewithhiscompany。'
　　`HeandIaregreatfriendsnow。'
　　`Areyou？IthinkIrecollectthough，thatyoureadwithhisfather？'
　　`Yes。'
　　Imadetheadmissionwithreluctance，foritseemedtohaveaboyishlook，andshealreadytreatedmemorethanenoughlikeaboy。
　　`Sinceyourchangeoffortuneandprospects，youhavechangedyourcompanions，'
　　saidEstella。
　　`Naturally，'saidI。
　　`Andnecessarily，'sheadded，inahaughtytone；`whatwasfitcompanyforyouonce，wouldbequiteunfitcompanyforyounow。'
　　Inmyconscience，IdoubtverymuchwhetherIhadanylingeringintentionleft，ofgoingtoseeJoe；butifIhad，thisobservationputittoflight。
　　`Youhadnoideaofyourimpendinggoodfortune，inthosetimes？'saidEstella，withaslightwaveofherhand，signifyinginthefightingtimes。
　　`Nottheleast。'