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