Estella，forherpart，likewisetreatedmeasbefore；exceptthatshedidnotcondescendtospeak。Whenwehadplayedsomehalfdozengames，adaywasappointedformyreturn，andIwastakendownintotheyardtobefedintheformerdog-likemanner。There，too，IwasagainlefttowanderaboutasIliked。
ItisnotmuchtothepurposewhetheragateinthatgardenwallwhichIhadscrambleduptopeepoveronthelastoccasionwas，onthatlastoccasion，openorshut。EnoughthatIsawnogatethem，andthatIsawonenow。Asitstoodopen，andasIknewthatEstellahadletthevisitorsout-for，shehadreturnedwiththekeysinherhand-Istrolledintothegardenandstrolledalloverit。Itwasquiteawilderness，andtherewereoldmelon-framesandcucumber-framesinit，whichseemedintheirdeclinetohaveproducedaspontaneousgrowthofweakattemptsatpiecesofoldhatsandboots，withnowandthenaweedyoffshootintothelikenessofabatteredsaucepan。
WhenIhadexhaustedthegarden，andagreenhousewithnothinginitbutafallen-downgrape-vineandsomebottles，IfoundmyselfinthedismalcorneruponwhichIhadlookedoutofwindow。Neverquestioningforamomentthatthehousewasnowempty，Ilookedinatanotherwindow，andfoundmyself，tomygreatsurprise，exchangingabroadstarewithapaleyounggentlemanwithredeyelidsandlighthair。
Thispaleyounggentlemanquicklydisappeared，andre-appearedbesideme。HehadbeenathisbookswhenIhadfoundmyselfstaringathim，andInowsawthathewasinky。
`Halloa！'saidhe，`youngfellow！'
HalloabeingageneralobservationwhichIhadusuallyobservedtobebestansweredbyitself，Isaid，`Halloa！'politelyomittingyoungfellow。
`Wholetyouin？'saidhe。
`MissEstella。'
`Whogaveyouleavetoprowlabout？'
`MissEstella。'
`Comeandfight，'saidthepaleyounggentleman。
WhatcouldIdobutfollowhim？Ihaveoftenaskedmyselfthequestionsince:but，whatelsecouldIdo？HismannerwassofinalandIwassoastonished，thatIfollowedwhereheled，asifIhadbeenunderaspell。
`Stopaminute，though，'hesaid，wheelingroundbeforewehadgonemanypaces。`Ioughttogiveyouareasonforfighting，too。Thereitis！'
Inamostirritatingmannerheinstantlyslappedhishandsagainstoneanother，daintilyflungoneofhislegsupbehindhim，pulledmyhair，slappedhishandsagain，dippedhishead，andbutteditintomystomach。
Thebull-likeproceedinglastmentioned，besidesthatitwasunquestionablytoberegardedinthelightofaliberty，wasparticularlydisagreeablejustafterbreadandmeat。Ithereforehitoutathimandwasgoingtohitoutagain，whenhesaid，`Aha！Wouldyou？'andbegandancingbackwardsandforwardsinamannerquiteunparalleledwithinmylimitedexperience。
`Lawsofthegame！'saidhe。Here，heskippedfromhisleftlegontohisright。`Regularrules！'Here，heskippedfromhisrightlegontohisleft。`Cometotheground，andgothroughthepreliminaries！'Here，hedodgedbackwardsandforwards，anddidallsortsofthingswhileIlookedhelplesslyathim。
IwassecretlyafraidofhimwhenIsawhimsodexterous；but，Ifeltmorallyandphysicallyconvincedthathislightheadofhaircouldhavehadnobusinessinthepitofmystomach，andthatIhadarighttoconsideritirrelevantwhensoobtrudedonmyattention。Therefore，Ifollowedhimwithoutaword，toaretirednookofthegarden，formedbythejunctionoftwowallsandscreenedbysomerubbish。OnhisaskingmeifIwassatisfiedwiththeground，andonmyreplyingYes，hebeggedmyleavetoabsenthimselfforamoment，andquicklyreturnedwithabottleofwaterandaspongedippedinvinegar。`Availableforboth，'hesaid，placingtheseagainstthewall。Andthenfelltopullingoff，notonlyhisjacketandwaistcoat，buthisshirttoo，inamanneratoncelight-hearted，businesslike，andbloodthirsty。
Althoughhedidnotlookveryhealthy-havingpimplesonhisface，andabreakingoutathismouth-thesedreadfulpreparationsquiteappalledme。Ijudgedhimtobeaboutmyownage，buthewasmuchtaller，andhehadawayofspinninghimselfaboutthatwasfullofappearance。Fortherest，hewasayounggentlemaninagreysuitwhennotdenudedforbattle，withhiselbows，knees，wrists，andheels，considerablyinadvanceoftherestofhimastodevelopment。
MyheartfailedmewhenIsawhimsquaringatmewitheverydemonstrationofmechanicalnicety，andeyeingmyanatomyasifhewereminutelychoosinghisbone。Ineverhavebeensosurprisedinmylife，asIwaswhenIletoutthefirstblow，andsawhimlyingonhisback，lookingupatmewithabloodynoseandhisfaceexceedinglyfore-shortened。
But，hewasonhisfeetdirectly，andaftersponginghimselfwithagreatshowofdexteritybegansquaringagain。ThesecondgreatestsurpriseIhaveeverhadinmylifewasseeinghimonhisbackagain，lookingupatmeoutofablackeye。
Hisspiritinspiredmewithgreatrespect。Heseemedtohavenostrength，andheneveroncehitmehard，andhewasalwaysknockeddown；but，hewouldbeupagaininamoment，sponginghimselfordrinkingoutofthewater-bottle，withthegreatestsatisfactioninsecondinghimselfaccordingtoform，andthencameatmewithanairandashowthatmademebelievehereallywasgoingtodoformeatlast。Hegotheavilybruised，forI
amsorrytorecordthatthemoreIhithim，theharderIhithim；but，hecameupagainandagainandagain，untilatlasthegotabadfallwiththebackofhisheadagainstthewall。Evenafterthatcrisisinouraffairs，hegotupandturnedroundandroundconfusedlyafewtimes，notknowingwhereIwas；butfinallywentonhiskneestohisspongeandthrewitup:
atthesametimepantingout，`Thatmeansyouhavewon。'
Heseemedtobraveandinnocent，thatalthoughIhadnotproposedthecontestIfeltbutagloomysatisfactioninmyvictory。Indeed，IgosofarastohopethatIregardedmyselfwhiledressing，asaspeciesofsavageyoungwolf，orotherwildbeast。However，Igotdressed，darklywipingmysanguinaryfaceatintervals，andIsaid，`CanIhelpyou？'andhesaid`Nothankee，'andIsaid`Goodafternoon，'andhesaid`Sametoyou。'
WhenIgotintothecourt-yard，IfoundEstellawaitingwiththekeys。
But，sheneitheraskedmewhereIhadbeen，norwhyIhadkeptherwaiting；
andtherewasabrightflushuponherface，asthoughsomethinghadhappenedtodelighther。Insteadofgoingstraighttothegate，too，shesteppedbackintothepassage，andbeckonedme。
`Comehere！Youmaykissme，ifyoulike。'
Ikissedhercheekassheturnedittome。IthinkIwouldhavegonethroughagreatdealtokisshercheek。But，Ifeltthatthekisswasgiventothecoarsecommonboyasapieceofmoneymighthavebeen，andthatitwasworthnothing。
Whatwiththebirthdayvisitors，andwhatwiththecards，andwhatwiththefight，mystayhadlastedsolong，thatwhenInearedhomethelightonthespitofsandoffthepointonthemarsheswasgleamingagainstablacknight-sky，andJoe'sfurnacewasflingingapathoffireacrosstheroad。
Chapter12
MYmindgrewveryuneasyonthesubjectofthepaleyounggentleman。
ThemoreIthoughtofthefight，andrecalledthepaleyounggentlemanonhisbackinvariousstagesofpuffyandincrimsonedcountenance，themorecertainitappearedthatsomethingwouldbedonetome。Ifeltthatthepaleyounggentleman'sbloodwasonmyhead，andthattheLawwouldavengeit。WithouthavinganydefiniteideaofthepenaltiesIhadincurred，itwascleartomethatvillageboyscouldnotgostalkingaboutthecountry，ravagingthehousesofgentlefolksandpitchingintothestudiousyouthofEngland，withoutlayingthemselvesopentoseverepunishment。Forsomedays，Ievenkeptcloseathome，andlookedoutatthekitchendoorwiththegreatestcautionandtrepidationbeforegoingonanerrand，lesttheofficersoftheCountyJailshouldpounceuponme。Thepaleyounggentleman'snosehadstainedmytrousers，andItriedtowashoutthatevidenceofmyguiltinthedeadofnight。Ihadcutmyknucklesagainstthepaleyounggentleman'steeth，andItwistedmyimaginationintoathousandtangles，asIdevisedincrediblewaysofaccountingforthatdamnatorycircumstancewhenIshouldbehaledbeforetheJudges。
Whenthedaycameroundformyreturntothesceneofthedeedofviolence，myterrorsreachedtheirheight。WhethermyrmidonsofJustice，speciallysentdownfromLondon，wouldbelyinginambushbehindthegate？WhetherMissHavisham，preferringtotakepersonalvengeanceforanoutragedonetoherhouse，mightriseinthosegrave-clothesofhers，drawapistol，andshootmedead？Whethersubornedboys-anumerousbandofmercenaries-mightbeengagedtofalluponmeinthebrewery，andcuffmeuntilI
wasnomore？Itwashightestimonytomyconfidenceinthespiritofthepaleyounggentleman，thatIneverimaginedhimaccessorytotheseretaliations；theyalwayscameintomymindastheactsofinjudiciousrelativesofhis，goadedonbythestateofhisvisageandanindignantsympathywiththefamilyfeatures。
However，gotoMissHavisham'sImust，andgoIdid。Andbehold！nothingcameofthelatestruggle。Itwasnotalludedtoinanyway，andnopaleyounggentlemanwastobediscoveredonthepremises。Ifoundthesamegateopen，andIexploredthegarden，andevenlookedinatthewindowsofthedetachedhouse；but，myviewwassuddenlystoppedbytheclosedshutterswithin，andallwaslifeless。Onlyinthecornerwherethecombathadtakenplace，couldIdetectanyevidenceoftheyounggentleman'sexistence。
Thereweretracesofhisgoreinthatspot，andIcoveredthemwithgarden-mouldfromtheeyeofman。
OnthebroadlandingbetweenMissHavisham'sownroomandthatotherroominwhichthelongtablewaslaidout，Isawagarden-chair-alightchaironwheels，thatyoupushedfrombehind。Ithadbeenplacedtheresincemylastvisit，andIentered，thatsameday，onaregularoccupationofpushingMissHavishaminthischairwhenshewastiredofwalkingwithherhanduponmyshoulderroundherownroom，andacrossthelanding，androundtheotherroom。Overandoverandoveragain，wewouldmakethesejourneys，andsometimestheywouldlastaslongasthreehoursatastretch。
Iinsensiblyfallintoageneralmentionofthesejourneysasnumerous，becauseitwasatoncesettledthatIshouldreturneveryalternatedayatnoonforthesepurposes，andbecauseIamnowgoingtosumupaperiodofatleasteightortenmonths。
Aswebegantobemoreusedtooneanother，MissHavishamtalkedmoretome，andaskedmesuchquestionsaswhathadIlearntandwhatwasI
goingtobe？ItoldherIwasgoingtobeapprenticedtoJoe，Ibelieved；
andIenlargeduponmyknowingnothingandwantingtoknoweverything，inthehopethatshemightoffersomehelptowardsthatdesirableend。
But，shedidnot；onthecontrary，sheseemedtoprefermybeingignorant。
Neitherdidsheevergivemeanymoney-oranythingbutmydailydinner-norevenstipulatethatIshouldbepaidformyservices。
Estellawasalwaysabout，andalwaysletmeinandout，butnevertoldmeImightkissheragain。Sometimes，shewouldcoldlytolerateme；sometimes，shewouldcondescendtome；sometimes，shewouldbequitefamiliarwithme；sometimes，shewouldtellmeenergeticallythatshehatedme。MissHavishamwouldoftenaskmeinawhisper，orwhenwewerealone，`Doesshegrowprettierandprettier，Pip？'AndwhenIsaidyesforindeedshedid，wouldseemtoenjoyitgreedily。Also，whenweplayedatcardsMissHavishamwouldlookon，withamiserlyrelishofEstella'smoods，whatevertheywere。Andsometimes，whenhermoodsweresomanyandsocontradictoryofoneanotherthatIwaspuzzledwhattosayordo，MissHavishamwouldembraceherwithlavishfondness，murmuringsomethinginherearthatsoundedlike`Breaktheirheartsmyprideandhope，breaktheirheartsandhavenomercy！'
TherewasasongJoeusedtohumfragmentsofattheforge，ofwhichtheburdenwasOldClem。Thiswasnotaveryceremoniouswayofrenderinghomagetoapatronsaint；but，IbelieveOldClemstoodinthatrelationtowardssmiths。Itwasasongthatimitatedthemeasureofbeatinguponiron，andwasamerelyricalexcusefortheintroductionofOldClem'srespectedname。Thus，youweretohammerboysround-OldClem！Withathumpandasound-OldClem！Beatitout，beatitout-OldClem！Withaclinkforthestout-OldClem！Blowthefire，blowthefire-OldClem！
Roaringdryer，soaringhigher-OldClem！Onedaysoonaftertheappearanceofthechair，MissHavishamsuddenlysayingtome，withtheimpatientmovementofherfingers，`There，there，there！Sing！'IwassurprisedintocrooningthisdittyasIpushedheroverthefloor。Ithappenedsotocatchherfancy，thatshetookitupinalowbroodingvoiceasifsheweresinginginhersleep。Afterthat，itbecamecustomarywithustohaveitaswemovedabout，andEstellawouldoftenjoinin；thoughthewholestrainwassosubdued，evenwhentherewerethreeofus，thatitmadelessnoiseinthegrimoldhousethanthelightestbreathofwind。
WhatcouldIbecomewiththesesurroundings？Howcouldmycharacterfailtobeinfluencedbythem？Isittobewonderedatifmythoughtsweredazed，asmyeyeswere，whenIcameoutintothenaturallightfromthemistyyellowrooms？
Perhaps，ImighthavetoldJoeaboutthepaleyounggentleman，ifI
hadnotpreviouslybeenbetrayedintothoseenormousinventionstowhichIhadconfessed。Underthecircumstances，IfeltthatJoecouldhardlyfailtodiscerninthepaleyounggentleman，anappropriatepassengertobeputintotheblackvelvetcoach；therefore，Isaidnothingofhim。Besides:
thatshrinkingfromhavingMissHavishamandEstelladiscussed，whichhadcomeuponmeinthebeginning，grewmuchmorepotentastimewenton。I
reposedcompleteconfidenceinnoonebutBiddy；but，ItoldpoorBiddyeverything。Whyitcamenaturaltometodoso，andwhyBiddyhadadeepconcernineverythingItoldher，Ididnotknowthen，thoughIthinkI
knownow。
Meanwhile，councilswentoninthekitchenathome，fraughtwithalmostinsupportableaggravationtomyexasperatedspirit。Thatass，Pumblechook，usedoftentocomeoveranightforthepurposeofdiscussingmyprospectswithmysister；andIreallydobelievetothishourwithlesspenitencethanIoughttofeel，thatifthesehandscouldhavetakenalinchpinoutofhischaise-cart，theywouldhavedoneit。Themiserablemanwasamanofthatconfinedstolidityofmind，thathecouldnotdiscussmyprospectswithouthavingmebeforehim-asitwere，tooperateupon-
andhewoulddragmeupfrommystoolusuallybythecollarwhereIwasquietinacorner，and，puttingmebeforethefireasifIweregoingtobecooked，wouldbeginbysaying，`Now，Mum，hereisthisboy！Hereisthisboywhichyoubroughtupbyhand。Holdupyourhead，boy，andbeforevergratefuluntothemwhichsodiddo。Now，Mum，withrespectionstothisboy！'Andthenhewouldrumplemyhairthewrongway-whichfrommyearliestremembrance，asalreadyhinted，Ihaveinmysouldeniedtherightofanyfellow-creaturetodo-andwouldholdmebeforehimbythesleeve:aspectacleofimbecilityonlytobeequalledbyhimself。
Then，heandmysisterwouldpairoffinsuchnonsensicalspeculationsaboutMissHavisham，andaboutwhatshewoulddowithmeandforme，thatIusedtowant-quitepainfully-toburstintospitefultears，flyatPumblechook，andpummelhimallover。Inthesedialogues，mysisterspoketomeasifsheweremorallywrenchingoneofmyteethoutateveryreference；
whilePumblechookhimself，self-constitutedmypatron，wouldsitsupervisingmewithadepreciatoryeye，likethearchitectofmyfortuneswhothoughthimselfengagedonaveryunremunerativejob。
Inthesediscussions，Joeborenopart。Buthewasoftentalkedat，whiletheywereinprogress，byreasonofMrsJoe'sperceivingthathewasnotfavourabletomybeingtakenfromtheforge。Iwasfullyoldenoughnow，tobeapprenticedtoJoe；andwhenJoesatwiththepokeronhiskneesthoughtfullyrakingouttheashesbetweenthelowerbars，mysisterwouldsodistinctlyconstruethatinnocentactionintooppositiononhispart，thatshewoulddiveathim，takethepokeroutofhishands，shakehim，andputitaway。Therewasamostirritatingendtoeveryoneofthesedebates。Allinamoment，withnothingtoleaduptoit，mysisterwouldstopherselfinayawn，andcatchingsightofmeasitwereincidentally，wouldswoopuponmewith，`Come！there'senoughofyou！Yougetalongtobed；you'vegiventroubleenoughforonenight，Ihope！'
AsifIhadbesoughtthemasafavourtobothermylifeout。
Wewentoninthiswayforalongtime，anditseemedlikelythatweshouldcontinuetogooninthiswayforalongtime，when，oneday，MissHavishamstoppedshortassheandIwerewalking，sheleaningonmyshoulder；
andsaidwithsomedispleasure:
`Youaregrowingtall，Pip！'
Ithoughtitbesttohint，throughthemediumofameditativelook，thatthismightbeoccasionedbycircumstancesoverwhichIhadnocontrol。
Shesaidnomoreatthetime；but，shepresentlystoppedandlookedatmeagain；andpresentlyagain；andafterthat，lookedfrowningandmoody。
Onthenextdayofmyattendancewhenourusualexercisewasover，andIhadlandedheratherdressingtable，shestayedmewithamovementofherimpatientfingers:
`Tellmethenameagainofthatblacksmithofyours。'
`JoeGargery，ma'am。'
`Meaningthemasteryouweretobeapprenticedto？'
`Yes，MissHavisham。'
`Youhadbetterbeapprenticedatonce。WouldGargerycomeherewithyou，andbringyourindentures，doyouthink？'
IsignifiedthatIhadnodoubthewouldtakeitasanhonourtobeasked。
`Thenlethimcome。'
`Atanyparticulartime，MissHavisham？'
`There，there！Iknownothingabouttimes。Lethimcomesoon，andcomealonewithyou。'
WhenIgothomeatnight，anddeliveredthismessageforJoe，mysister`wentontheRampage，'inamorealarmingdegreethanatanypreviousperiod。
SheaskedmeandJoewhetherwesupposedshewasdoor-matsunderourfeet，andhowwedaredtouseherso，andwhatcompanywegraciouslythoughtshewasfitfor？Whenshehadexhaustedatorrentofsuchinquiries，shethrewacandlestickatJoe，burstintoaloudsobbing，gotoutthedustpan-whichwasalwaysaverybadsign-putonhercoarseapron，andbegancleaninguptoaterribleextent。Notsatisfiedwithadrycleaning，shetooktoapailandscrubbing-brush，andcleanedusoutofhouseandhome，sothatwestoodshiveringintheback-yard。Itwasteno'clockatnightbeforeweventuredtocreepinagain，andthensheaskedJoewhyhehadn'tmarriedaNegressSlaveatonce？Joeofferednoanswer，poorfellow，butstoodfeelinghiswhiskerandlookingdejectedlyatme，asifhethoughtitreallymighthavebeenabetterspeculation。
Chapter13
ITwasatrialtomyfeelings，onthenextdaybutone，toseeJoearrayinghimselfinhisSundayclothestoaccompanymetoMissHavisham's。
However，ashethoughthiscourt-suitnecessarytotheoccasion，itwasnotformetellhimthathelookedfarbetterinhisworkingdress；therather，becauseIknewhemadehimselfsodreadfullyuncomfortable，entirelyonmyaccount，andthatitwasformehepulleduphisshirt-collarsoveryhighbehind，thatitmadethehaironthecrownofhisheadstanduplikeatuftoffeathers。
Atbreakfasttimemysisterdeclaredherintentionofgoingtotownwithus，andbeingleftatUnclePumblechook'sandcalledfor`whenwehaddonewithourfineladies'-awayofputtingthecase，fromwhichJoeappearedinclinedtoaugurtheworst。Theforgewasshutupfortheday，andJoeinscribedinchalkuponthedoorasitwashiscustomtodoontheveryrareoccasionswhenhewasnotatworkthemonosyllableHOUT，accompaniedbyasketchofanarrowsupposedtobeflyinginthedirectionhehadtaken。
Wewalkedtotown，mysisterleadingthewayinaverylargebeaverbonnet，andcarryingabasketliketheGreatSealofEnglandinplaitedstraw，apairofpattens，aspareshawl，andanumbrella，thoughitwasafinebrightday。Iamnotquiteclearwhetherthesearticleswerecarriedpenitentiallyorostentatiously；but，Iratherthinktheyweredisplayedasarticlesofproperty-muchasCleopatraoranyothersovereignladyontheRampagemightexhibitherwealthinapageantorprocession。
WhenwecametoPumblechook's，mysisterbouncedinandleftus。Asitwasalmostnoon，JoeandIheldstraightontoMissHavisham'shouse。
Estellaopenedthegateasusual，and，themomentsheappeared，Joetookhishatoffandstoodweighingitbythebriminbothhishands:asifhehadsomeurgentreasoninhismindforbeingparticulartohalfaquarterofanounce。
Estellatooknonoticeofeitherofus，butledusthewaythatIknewsowell。Ifollowednexttoher，andJoecamelast。WhenIlookedbackatJoeinthelongpassage，hewasstillweighinghishatwiththegreatestcare，andwascomingafterusinlongstridesonthetipsofhistoes。
Estellatoldmewewerebothtogoin，soItookJoebythecoat-cuffandconductedhimintoMissHavisham'spresence。Shewasseatedatherdressing-table，andlookedroundatusimmediately。
`Oh！'saidshetoJoe。`Youarethehusbandofthesisterofthisboy？'
IcouldhardlyhaveimagineddearoldJoelookingsounlikehimselforsolikesomeextraordinarybird；standing，ashedid，speechless，withhistuftoffeathersruffled，andhismouthopen，asifhewantedaworm。
`Youarethehusband，'repeatedMissHavisham，`ofthesisterofthisboy？'
Itwasveryaggravating；but，throughouttheinterviewJoepersistedinaddressingMeinsteadofMissHavisham。
`WhichImeantersay，Pip，'Joenowobservedinamannerthatwasatonceexpressiveofforcibleargumentation，strictconfidence，andgreatpoliteness，`asIhupandmarriedyoursister，andIwereatthetimewhatyoumightcallifyouwasanywaysinclinedasingleman。'
`Well！'saidMissHavisham。`Andyouhaverearedtheboy，withtheintentionoftakinghimforyourapprentice；isthatso，MrGargery？'
`Youknow，Pip，'repliedJoe，`asyouandmewereeverfriends，anditwerelookedfor'ardtobetwixtus，asbeingcalc'latedtoleadtolarks。
Notbutwhat，Pip，ifyouhadevermadeobjectionstothebusiness-suchasitsbeingopentoblackandsut，orsuch-like-notbutwhattheywouldhavebeenattendedto，don'tyousee？'
`Hastheboy，'saidMissHavisham，`evermadeanyobjection？Doeshelikethetrade？'
`Whichitiswellbeknowntoyourself，Pip，'returnedJoe，strengtheninghisformermixtureofargumentation，confidence，andpoliteness，`thatitwerethewishofyourownhart。'Isawtheideasuddenlybreakuponhimthathewouldadapthisepitaphtotheoccasion，beforehewentontosay`Andthereweren'tnoobjectiononyourpart，andPipitwerethegreatwishofyourhart！'
ItwasquiteinvainformetoendeavourtomakehimsensiblethatheoughttospeaktoMissHavisham。ThemoreImadefacesandgesturestohimtodoit，themoreconfidential，argumentative，andpolite，hepersistedinbeingtoMe。
`Haveyoubroughthisindentureswithyou？'askedMissHavisham。
`Well，Pip，youknow，'repliedJoe，asifthatwerealittleunreasonable，`youyourselfseemeput'eminmy'at，andthereforeyouknowastheyarehere。'Withwhichhetookthemout，andgavethem，nottoMissHavisham，buttome。IamafraidIwasashamedofthedeargoodfellow-IknowIwasashamedofhim-whenIsawthatEstellastoodatthebackofMissHavisham'schair，andthathereyeslaughedmischievously。ItooktheindenturesoutofhishandandgavethemtoMissHavisham。
`Youexpected，'saidMissHavisham，asshelookedthemover，`nopremiumwiththeboy？'
`Joe！'Iremonstrated；forhemadenoreplyatall。`Whydon'tyouanswer——'
`Pip，'returnedJoe，cuttingmeshortasifhewerehurt，`whichImeantersaythatwerenotaquestionrequiringaanswerbetwixtyourselfandme，andwhichyouknowtheanswertobefullwellNo。YouknowittobeNo，Pip，andwhereforeshouldIsayit？'
MissHavishamglancedathimasifsheunderstoodwhathereallywas，betterthanIhadthoughtpossible，seeingwhathewasthere；andtookupalittlebagfromthetablebesideher。
`Piphasearnedapremiumhere，'shesaid，`andhereitis。Therearefive-and-twentyguineasinthisbag。Giveittoyourmaster，Pip。'
Asifhewereabsolutelyoutofhismindwiththewonderawakenedinhimbyherstrangefigureandthestrangeroom，Joe，evenatthispass，persistedinaddressingme。
`Thisisweryliberalonyourpart，Pip，'saidJoe，`anditisassuchreceivedandgratefulwelcome，thoughneverlookedfor，farnornearnornowheres。Andnow，oldchap，'saidJoe，conveyingtomeasensation，firstofburningandthenoffreezing，forIfeltasifthatfamiliarexpressionwereappliedtoMissHavisham；`andnow，oldchap，maywedoourduty！
Mayyouandmedoourduty，bothonusbyoneandanother，andbythemwhichyourliberalpresent-have-conweyed-tobe-forthesatisfactionofmind-of-themasnever——'hereJoeshowedthathefelthehadfallenintofrightfuldifficulties，untilhetriumphantlyrescuedhimselfwiththewords，`andfrommyselffarbeit！'Thesewordshadsucharoundandconvincingsoundforhimthathesaidthemtwice。
`Good-bye，Pip！'saidMissHavisham。`Letthemout，Estella。'
`AmItocomeagain，MissHavisham？'Iasked。
`No。Gargeryisyourmasternow。Gargery！Oneword！'
ThuscallinghimbackasIwentoutofthedoor，IheardhersaytoJoe，inadistinctemphaticvoice，`Theboyhasbeenagoodboyhere，andthatishisreward。Ofcourse，asanhonestman，youwillexpectnootherandnomore。'
HowJoegotoutoftheroom，Ihaveneverbeenabletodetermine；but，Iknowthatwhenhedidgetouthewassteadilyproceedingup-stairsinsteadofcomingdown，andwasdeaftoallremonstrancesuntilIwentafterhimandlaidholdofhim。Inanotherminutewewereoutsidethegate，anditwaslocked，andEstellawasgone。
Whenwestoodinthedaylightaloneagain，Joebackedupagainstawall，andsaidtome，`Astonishing！'Andthereheremainedsolong，saying`Astonishing'
atintervals，sooften，thatIbegantothinkhissenseswerenevercomingback。Atlengthheprolongedhisremarkinto`Pip，Idoassureyouthisisas-TONishing！'andso，bydegrees，becameconversationalandabletowalkaway。
IhavereasontothinkthatJoe'sintellectswerebrightenedbytheencountertheyhadpassedthrough，andthatonourwaytoPumblechook'sheinventedasubtleanddeepdesign。MyreasonistobefoundinwhattookplaceinMrPumblechook'sparlour:where，onourpresentingourselves，mysistersatinconferencewiththatdetestedseedsman。
`Well？'criedmysister，addressingusbothatonce。`Andwhat'shappenedtoyou？Iwonderyoucondescendtocomebacktosuchpoorsocietyasthis，IamsureIdo！'
`MissHavisham，'saidJoe，withafixedlookatme，likeaneffortofremembrance，`madeitwerypartick'lerthatweshouldgiveher-wereitcomplimentsorrespects，Pip？'
`Compliments，'Isaid。
`Whichthatweremyownbelief，'answeredJoe-`hercomplimentstoMrsJ。Gargery——'
`Muchgoodthey'lldome！'observedmysister；butrathergratifiedtoo。
`Andwishing，'pursuedJoe，withanotherfixedlookatme，likeanotherefforttoremembrance，`thatthestateofMissHavisham'selthweresitchaswouldhave-allowed，wereit，Pip？'
`Ofherhavingthepleasure，'Iadded。
`Ofladies'company，'saidJoe。Anddrewalongbreath。
`Well！'criedmysister，withamollifiedglanceatMrPumblechook。
`Shemighthavehadthepolitenesstosendthatmessageatfirst，butit'sbetterlatethannever。AndwhatdidshegiveyoungRantipolehere？'
`Shegiv'him，'saidJoe，`nothing。'
MrsJoewasgoingtobreakout，butJoewenton。
`Whatshegiv'，'saidJoe，`shegiv'tohisfriends。"Andbyhisfriends，"
wereherexplanation，"ImeanintothehandsofhissisterMrsJ。Gargery。"
Themwereherwords；"MrsJ。Gargery。"Shemayn'thaveknow'd，'addedJoe，withanappearanceofreflection，`whetheritwereJoe，orJorge。'
MysisterlookedatPumblechook:whosmoothedtheelbowsofhiswoodenarmchair，andnoddedatherandatthefire，asifhehadknownallaboutitbeforehand。
`Andhowmuchhaveyougot？'askedmysister，laughing。Positively，laughing！
`Whatwouldpresentcompanysaytotenpound？'demandedJoe。
`They'dsay，'returnedmysister，curtly，`prettywell。Nottoomuch，butprettywell。'
`It'smorethanthat，then，'saidJoe。
ThatfearfulImpostor，Pumblechook，immediatelynodded，andsaid，asherubbedthearmsofhischair:`It'smorethanthat，Mum。'
`Why，youdon'tmeantosay——'beganmysister。
`YesIdo，Mum，'saidPumblechook；`butwaitabit。Goon，Joseph。Goodinyou！Goon！'
`Whatwouldpresentcompanysay，'proceededJoe，`totwentypound？'
`Handsomewouldbetheword，'returnedmysister。
`Well，then，'saidJoe，`It'smorethantwentypound。'
Thatabjecthypocrite，Pumblechook，noddedagain，andsaid，withapatronizinglaugh，`It'smorethanthat，Mum。Goodagain！Followherup，Joseph！'
`Thentomakeanendofit，'saidJoe，delightedlyhandingthebagtomysister；`it'sfive-and-twentypound。'
`It'sfive-and-twentypound，Mum，'echoedthatbasestofswindlers，Pumblechook，risingtoshakehandswithher；`andit'snomorethanyourmeritsasIsaidwhenmyopinionwasasked，andIwishyoujoyofthemoney！'
Ifthevillainhadstoppedhere，hiscasewouldhavebeensufficientlyawful，butheblackenedhisguiltbyproceedingtotakemeintocustody，witharightofpatronagethatleftallhisformercriminalityfarbehind。
`Nowyousee，Josephandwife，'saidPumblechook，ashetookmebythearmabovetheelbow，`Iamoneofthemthatalwaysgorightthroughwithwhatthey'vebegun。Thisboymustbebound，outofhand。That'smyway。Boundoutofhand。'
`Goodnessknows，UnclePumblechook，'saidmysistergraspingthemoney，`we'redeeplybeholdentoyou。'
`Nevermindme，Mum，returnedthatdiabolicalcorn-chandler。`Apleasure'sapleasure，alltheworldover。Butthisboy，youknow；wemusthavehimbound。IsaidI'dseetoit-totellyouthetruth。'
TheJusticesweresittingintheTownHallnearathand，andweatoncewentovertohavemeboundapprenticetoJoeintheMagisterialpresence。
Isay，wewentover，butIwaspushedoverbyPumblechook，exactlyasifIhadthatmomentpickedapocketorfiredarick；indeed，itwasthegeneralimpressioninCourtthatIhadbeentakenred-handed，for，asPumblechookshovedmebeforehimthroughthecrowd，Iheardsomepeoplesay，`What'shedone？'andothers，`He'sayoung'un，too，butlooksbad，don'the？
Onepersonofmildandbenevolentaspectevengavemeatractornamentedwithawoodcutofamalevolentyoungmanfittedupwithaperfectsausage-shopoffetters，andentitled，TOBEREADINMYCELL。
TheHallwasaqueerplace，Ithought，withhigherpewsinitthanachurch-andwithpeoplehangingoverthepewslookingon-andwithmightyJusticesonewithapowderedheadleaningbackinchairs，withfoldedarms，ortakingsnuff，orgoingtosleep，orwriting，orreadingthenewspapers-andwithsomeshiningblackportraitsonthewalls，whichmyunartisticeyeregardedasacompositionofhardbakeandsticking-plaister。Here，inacorner，myindenturesweredulysignedandattested，andIwas`bound；'
MrPumblechookholdingmeallthewhileasifwehadlookedinonourwaytothescaffold，tohavethoselittlepreliminariesdisposedof。
Whenwehadcomeoutagain，andhadgotridoftheboyswhohadbeenputintogreatspiritsbytheexpectationofseeingmepubliclytortured，andwhoweremuchdisappointedtofindthatmyfriendsweremerelyrallyingroundme，wewentbacktoPumblechook's。Andtheremysisterbecamesoexcitedbythetwenty-fiveguineas，thatnothingwouldserveherbutwemusthaveadinneroutofthatwindfall，attheBlueBoar，andthatPumblechookmustgooverinhischaise-cart，andbringtheHubblesandMrWopsle。
Itwasagreedtobedone；andamostmelancholydayIpassed。For，itinscrutablyappearedtostandtoreason，inthemindsofthewholecompany，thatIwasanexcrescenceontheentertainment。Andtomakeitworse，theyallaskedmefromtimetotime-inshort，whenevertheyhadnothingelsetodo-whyIdidn'tenjoymyself。AndwhatcouldIpossiblydothen，butsayIwasenjoyingmyself-whenIwasn't？
However，theyweregrownupandhadtheirownway，andtheymadethemostofit。ThatswindlingPumblechook，exaltedintothebeneficentcontriverofthewholeoccasion，actuallytookthetopofthetable；and，whenheaddressedthemonthesubjectofmybeingbound，andhadfiendishlycongratulatedthemonmybeingliabletoimprisonmentifIplayedatcards，drankstrongliquors，keptlatehoursorbadcompany，orindulgedinothervagarieswhichtheformofmyindenturesappearedtocontemplateasnexttoinevitable，heplacedmestandingonachairbesidehim，toillustratehisremarks。
Myonlyotherremembrancesofthegreatfestivalare，Thattheywouldn'tletmegotosleep，butwhenevertheysawmedroppingoff，wokemeupandtoldmetoenjoymyself。That，ratherlateintheeveningMrWopslegaveusCollins'sode，andthrewhisbloodstain'dswordinthunderdown，withsucheffect，thatawaitercameinandsaid，`TheCommercialsunderneathsentuptheircompliments，anditwasn'ttheTumblers'Arms。'That，theywereallinexcellentspiritsontheroadhome，andsangOLadyFair！MrWopsletakingthebass，andassertingwithatremendouslystrongvoiceinreplytotheinquisitiveborewholeadsthatpieceofmusicinamostimpertinentmanner，bywantingtoknowallabouteverybody'sprivateaffairs
thathewasthemanwithhiswhitelocksflowing，andthathewasuponthewholetheweakestpilgrimgoing。
Finally，IrememberthatwhenIgotintomylittlebedroomIwastrulywretched，andhadastrongconvictiononmethatIshouldneverlikeJoe'strade。Ihadlikeditonce，butoncewasnotnow。
Chapter14
ITisamostmiserablethingtofeelashamedofhome。Theremaybeblackingratitudeinthething，andthepunishmentmayberetributiveandwelldeserved；but，thatitisamiserablething，Icantestify。
Homehadneverbeenaverypleasantplacetome，becauseofmysister'stemper。But，Joehadsanctifiedit，andIhadbelievedinit。Ihadbelievedinthebestparlourasamostelegantsaloon；Ihadbelievedinthefrontdoor，asamysteriousportaloftheTempleofStatewhosesolemnopeningwasattendedwithasacrificeofroastfowls；Ihadbelievedinthekitchenasachastethoughnotmagnificentapartment；Ihadbelievedintheforgeastheglowingroadtomanhoodandindependence。Withinasingleyear，allthiswaschanged。Now，itwasallcoarseandcommon，andIwouldnothavehadMissHavishamandEstellaseeitonanyaccount。
Howmuchofmyungraciousconditionofmindmayhavebeenmyownfault，howmuchMissHavisham's，howmuchmysister's，isnowofnomomenttomeortoanyone。Thechangewasmadeinme；thethingwasdone。Wellorilldone，excusablyorinexcusably，itwasdone。
Once，ithadseemedtomethatwhenIshouldatlastrollupmyshirt-sleevesandgointotheforge，Joe's'prentice，Ishouldbedistinguishedandhappy。
Nowtherealitywasinmyhold，IonlyfeltthatIwasdustywiththedustofsmallcoal，andthatIhadaweightuponmydailyremembrancetowhichtheanvilwasafeather。TherehavebeenoccasionsinmylaterlifeI
supposeasinmostliveswhenIhavefeltforatimeasifathickcurtainhadfallenonallitsinterestandromance，toshutmeoutfromanythingsavedullenduranceanymore。Neverhasthatcurtaindroppedsoheavyandblank，aswhenmywayinlifelaystretchedoutstraightbeforemethroughthenewly-enteredroadofapprenticeshiptoJoe。
Irememberthatatalaterperiodofmy`time，'IusedtostandaboutthechurchyardonSundayeveningswhennightwasfalling，comparingmyownperspectivewiththewindymarshview，andmakingoutsomelikenessbetweenthembythinkinghowflatandlowbothwere，andhowonboththerecameanunknownwayandadarkmistandthenthesea。Iwasquiteasdejectedonthefirstworking-dayofmyapprenticeshipasinthatafter-time；butIamgladtoknowthatIneverbreathedamurmurtoJoewhilemyindentureslasted。ItisabouttheonlythingIamgladtoknowofmyselfinthatconnection。
For，thoughitincludeswhatIproceedtoadd，allthemeritofwhatIproceedtoaddwasJoe's。ItwasnotbecauseIwasfaithful，butbecauseJoewasfaithful，thatIneverranawayandwentforasoldierorasailor。
ItwasnotbecauseIhadastrongsenseofthevirtueofindustry，butbecauseJoehadastrongsenseofthevirtueofindustry，thatIworkedwithtolerablezealagainstthegrain。Itisnotpossibletoknowhowfartheinfluenceofanyamiablehonest-heartedduty-doingmanfliesoutintotheworld；butitisverypossibletoknowhowithastouchedone'sselfingoingby，andIknowrightwell，thatanygoodthatintermixeditselfwithmyapprenticeshipcameofplaincontentedJoe，andnotofrestlesslyaspiringdiscontentedme。
WhatIwanted，whocansay？HowcanIsay，whenIneverknew？
WhatIdreadedwas，thatinsomeunluckyhourI，beingatmygrimiestandcommonest，shouldliftupmyeyesandseeEstellalookinginatoneofthewoodenwindowsoftheforge。Iwashauntedbythefearthatshewould，soonerorlater，findmeout，withablackfaceandhands，doingthecoarsestpartofmywork，andwouldexultovermeanddespiseme。Oftenafterdark，whenIwaspullingthebellowsforJoe，andweweresingingOldClem，andwhenthethoughthowweusedtosingitatMissHavisham'swouldseemtoshowmeEstella'sfaceinthefire，withherprettyhairflutteringinthewindandhereyesscorningme，-oftenatsuchatimeIwouldlooktowardsthosepanelsofblacknightinthewallwhichthewoodenwindowsthenwere，andwouldfancythatIsawherjustdrawingherfaceaway，andwouldbelievethatshehadcomeatlast。
Afterthat，whenwewentintosupper，theplaceandthemealwouldhaveamorehomelylookthanever，andIwouldfeelmoreashamedofhomethanever，inmyownungraciousbreast。
Chapter15
ASIwasgettingtoobigforMrWopsle'sgreat-aunt'sroom，myeducationunderthatpreposterousfemaleterminated。Not，however，untilBiddyhadimpartedtomeeverythingsheknew，fromthelittlecatalogueofprices，toacomicsongshehadonceboughtforahalfpenny。Althoughtheonlycoherentpartofthelatterpieceofliteratureweretheopeninglines，WhenIwenttoLunnontownsirs，ToorulloorulToorulloorulWasn'tIdoneverybrownsirs？
ToorulloorulToorulloorul-still，inmydesiretobewiser，Igotthiscompositionbyheartwiththeutmostgravity；nordoIrecollectthatIquestioneditsmerit，exceptthatIthoughtasIstilldotheamountofToorulsomewhatinexcessofthepoetry。Inmyhungerforinformation，ImadeproposalstoMrWopsletobestowsomeintellectualcrumbsuponme；withwhichhekindlycomplied。
Asitturnedout，however，thatheonlywantedmeforadramaticlay-figure，tobecontradictedandembracedandweptoverandbulliedandclutchedandstabbedandknockedaboutinavarietyofways，Isoondeclinedthatcourseofinstruction；thoughnotuntilMrWopsleinhispoeticfuryhadseverelymauledme。
WhateverIacquired，ItriedtoimparttoJoe。Thisstatementsoundssowell，thatIcannotinmyconscienceletitpassunexplained。IwantedtomakeJoelessignorantandcommon，thathemightbeworthierofmysocietyandlessopentoEstella'sreproach。
TheoldBatteryoutonthemarsheswasourplaceofstudy，andabrokenslateandashortpieceofslatepencilwereoureducationalimplements:
towhichJoealwaysaddedapipeoftobacco。IneverknewJoetorememberanythingfromoneSundaytoanother，ortoacquire，undermytuition，anypieceofinformationwhatever。YethewouldsmokehispipeattheBatterywithafarmoresagaciousairthananywhereelse-evenwithalearnedair-asifheconsideredhimselftobeadvancingimmensely。Dearfellow，Ihopehedid。
Itwaspleasantandquiet，outtherewiththesailsontheriverpassingbeyondtheearthwork，andsometimes，whenthetidewaslow，lookingasiftheybelongedtosunkenshipsthatwerestillsailingonatthebottomofthewater。WheneverIwatchedthevesselsstandingouttoseawiththeirwhitesailsspread，IsomehowthoughtofMissHavishamandEstella；andwheneverthelightstruckaslant，afaroff，uponacloudorsailorgreenhill-sideorwater-line，itwasjustthesame-MissHavishamandEstellaandthestrangehouseandthestrangelifeappearedtohavesomethingtodowitheverythingthatwaspicturesque。
OneSundaywhenJoe，greatlyenjoyinghispipe，hadsoplumedhimselfonbeing`mostawfuldull，'thatIhadgivenhimupfortheday，Ilayontheearthworkforsometimewithmychinonmyhand，descryingtracesofMissHavishamandEstellaallovertheprospect，intheskyandinthewater，untilatlastIresolvedtomentionathoughtconcerningthemthathadbeenmuchinmyhead。
`Joe，'saidI；`don'tyouthinkIoughttomakeMissHavishamavisit？'
`Well，Pip，'returnedJoe，slowlyconsidering。`Whatfor？'
`Whatfor，Joe？Whatisanyvisitmadefor？'
`Thereissomewisits，p'r'aps，'saidJoe，`asforeverremainsopentothequestion，Pip。ButinregardtowisitingMissHavisham。Shemightthinkyouwantedsomething-expectedsomethingofher。'
`Don'tyouthinkImightsaythatIdidnot，Joe？'
`Youmight，oldchap，'saidJoe。`Andshemightcreditit。Similarlyshemightn't。'
Joefelt，asIdid，thathehadmadeapointthere，andhepulledhardathispipetokeephimselffromweakeningitbyrepetition。
`Yousee，Pip，'Joepursued，assoonashewaspastthatdanger，`MissHavishamdonethehandsomethingbyyou。WhenMissHavishamdonethehandsomethingbyyou，shecalledmebacktosaytomeasthatwereall。'
`Yes，Joe。Iheardher。'
`ALL，'Joerepeated，veryemphatically。
`Yes，Joe。Itellyou，Iheardher。'
`WhichImeantersay，Pip，itmightbethathermeaningwere-Makeaendonit！-Asyouwas！-MetotheNorth，andyoutotheSouth！-Keepinsunders！'
Ihadthoughtofthattoo，anditwasveryfarfromcomfortingtometofindthathehadthoughtofit；foritseemedtorenderitmoreprobable。
`But，Joe。'
`Yes，oldchap。'
`HereamI，gettingoninthefirstyearofmytime，and，sincethedayofmybeingbound，IhaveneverthankedMissHavisham，oraskedafterher，orshownthatIrememberher。'
`That'strue，Pip；andunlessyouwastoturnheroutasetofshoesallfourround-andwhichImeantersayasevenasetofshoesallfourroundmightnotactacceptableasapresent，inatotalwacancyofhoofs——'
`Idon'tmeanthatsortofremembrance，Joe；Idon'tmeanapresent。'
ButJoehadgottheideaofapresentinhisheadandmustharpuponit。`Oreven，'saidhe，`ifyouwashelpedtoknockingherupanewchainforthefrontdoor-orsayagrossortwoofsharkheadedscrewsforgeneraluse-orsomelightfancyarticle，suchasatoasting-forkwhenshetookhermuffins-oragridironwhenshetookaspratorsuchlike——'
`Idon'tmeananypresentatall，Joe，'Iinterposed。
`Well，'saidJoe，stillharpingonitasthoughIhadparticularlypressedit，`ifIwasyourself，Pip，Iwouldn't。No，Iwouldnot。Forwhat'sadoor-chainwhenshe'sgotonealwaysup？Andsharkheadersisopentomisrepresentations。Andifitwasatoasting-fork，you'dgointobrassanddoyourselfnocredit。Andtheoncommonestworkmancan'tshowhimselfoncommoninagridiron-foragridironISagridiron，'saidJoe，steadfastlyimpressingituponme，asifhewereendeavouringtorousemefromafixeddelusion，`andyoumayhaimatwhatyoulike，butagridironitwillcomeout，eitherbyyourleaveoragainyourleave，andyoucan'thelpyourself——'
`MydearJoe，'Icried，indesperation，takingholdofhiscoat，`don'tgooninthatway。IneverthoughtofmakingMissHavishamanypresent。'
`No，Pip，'Joeassented，asifhehadbeencontendingforthat，allalong；`andwhatIsaytoyouis，youareright，Pip。'
`Yes，Joe；butwhatIwantedtosay，was，thatasweareratherslackjustnow，ifyouwouldgivemeahalf-holidayto-morrow，IthinkIwouldgoup-townandmakeacallonMissEst-Havisham。'
`Whichhername，'saidJoe，gravely，`ain'tEstavisham，Pip，unlessshehavebeenrechris'ened。'
`Iknow，Joe，Iknow。Itwasslipofmine。Whatdoyouthinkofit，Joe？'
Inbrief，JoethoughtthatifIthoughtwellofit，hethoughtwellofit。But，hewasparticularinstipulatingthatifIwerenotreceivedwithcordiality，orifIwerenotencouragedtorepeatmyvisitasavisitwhichhadnoulteriorobjectbutwassimplyoneofgratitudeforafavourreceived，thenthisexperimentaltripshouldhavenosuccessor。BytheseconditionsIpromisedtoabide。
Now，JoekeptajourneymanatweeklywageswhosenamewasOrlick。HepretendedthathischristiannamewasDolge-aclearimpossibility-buthewasafellowofthatobstinatedispositionthatIbelievehimtohavebeenthepreyofnodelusioninthisparticular，butwilfullytohaveimposedthatnameuponthevillageasanaffronttoitsunderstanding。Hewasabroadshoulderedloose-limbedswarthyfellowofgreatstrength，neverinahurry，andalwaysslouching。Heneverevenseemedtocometohisworkonpurpose，butwouldslouchinasifbymereaccident；andwhenhewenttotheJollyBargementoeathisdinner，orwentawayatnight，hewouldslouchout，likeCainortheWanderingJew，asifhehadnoideawherehewasgoingandnointentionofevercomingback。Helodgedatasluice-keeper'soutonthemarshes，andonworkingdayswouldcomeslouchingfromhishermitage，withhishandsinhispocketsandhisdinnerlooselytiedinabundleroundhisneckanddanglingonhisback。OnSundayshemostlylayalldayonsluice-gates，orstoodagainstricksandbarns。Healwaysslouched，locomotively，withhiseyesontheground；and，whenaccostedorotherwiserequiredtoraisethem，helookedupinahalfresentful，halfpuzzledway，asthoughtheonlythoughtheeverhad，was，thatitwasratheranoddandinjuriousfactthatheshouldneverbethinking。
Thismorosejourneymanhadnolikingforme。WhenIwasverysmallandtimid，hegavemetounderstandthattheDevillivedinablackcorneroftheforge，andthatheknewthefiendverywell:alsothatitwasnecessarytomakeupthefire，onceinsevenyears，withaliveboy，andthatImightconsidermyselffuel。WhenIbecameJoe's'prentice，OrlickwasperhapsconfirmedinsomesuspicionthatIshoulddisplacehim；howbeit，helikedmestillless。Notthatheeversaidanything，ordidanything，openlyimportinghostility；Ionlynoticedthathealwaysbeathissparksinmydirection，andthatwheneverIsangOldClem，hecameinoutoftime。
DolgeOrlickwasatworkandpresent，nextday，whenIremindedJoeofmyhalf-holiday。Hesaidnothingatthemoment，forheandJoehadjustgotapieceofhotironbetweenthem，andIwasatthebellows；butby-and-byhesaid，leaningonhishammer:
`Now，master！Sureyou'renotagoingtofavouronlyoneofus。IfYoungPiphasahalf-holiday，doasmuchforOldOrlick。'Isupposehewasaboutfive-and-twenty，butheusuallyspokeofhimselfasanancientperson。
`Why，what'llyoudowithahalf-holiday，ifyougetit？'saidJoe。
`What'llIdowithit！What'llhedowithit？I'lldoasmuchwithitashim，'saidOrlick。
`AstoPip，he'sgoingup-town，'saidJoe。
`Wellthen，astoOldOrlick，he'sagoingup-town，'retortedthatworthy。`Twocangoup-town。Tan'tonlyonewotcangoup-town。
`Don'tloseyourtemper，'saidJoe。
`ShallifIlike，'growledOrlick。`Someandtheirup-towning！Now，master！
Come。Nofavouringinthisshop。Beaman！'
Themasterrefusingtoentertainthesubjectuntilthejourneymanwasinabettertemper，Orlickplungedatthefurnace，drewoutared-hotbar，madeatmewithitasifheweregoingtorunitthroughmybody，whiskeditroundmyhead，laiditontheanvil，hammereditout-asifitwereI，Ithought，andthesparksweremyspirtingblood-andfinallysaid，whenhehadhammeredhimselfhotandtheironcold，andheagainleanedonhishammer:
`Now，master！'
`Areyouallrightnow？'demandedJoe。
`Ah！Iamallright，'saidgruffOldOrlick。
`Then，asingeneralyousticktoyourworkaswellasmostmen，'saidJoe，`letitbeahalf-holidayforall。'
Mysisterhadbeenstandingsilentintheyard，withinhearing-shewasamostunscrupulousspyandlistener-andsheinstantlylookedinatoneofthewindows。
`Likeyou，youfool！'saidshetoJoe，`givingholidaystogreatidlehulkerslikethat。Youarearichman，uponmylife，towastewagesinthatway。IwishIwashismaster！'
`You'dbeeverybody'smaster，ifyoudurst，'retortedOrlick，withanill-favouredgrin。
`Letheralone，'saidJoe。
`I'dbeamatchforallnoodlesandallrogues，'returnedmysister，beginningtoworkherselfintoamightyrage。`AndIcouldn'tbeamatchforthenoodles，withoutbeingamatchforyourmaster，who'sthedunder-headedkingofthenoodles。AndIcouldn'tbeamatchfortherogues，withoutbeingamatchforyou，whoaretheblackest-lookingandtheworstroguebetweenthisandFrance。Now！'
`You'reafoulshrew，MotherGargery，growledthejourneyman。`Ifthatmakesajudgeofrogues，yououghttobeagood'un。'
`Letheralone，willyou？'saidJoe。
`Whatdidyousay？'criedmysister，beginningtoscream。`Whatdidyousay？WhatdidthatfellowOrlicksaytome，Pip？Whatdidhecallme，withmyhusbandstandingby？O！O！O！'Eachoftheseexclamationswasashriek；andImustremarkofmysister，whatisequallytrueofalltheviolentwomenIhaveeverseen，thatpassionwasnoexcuseforher，becauseitisundeniablethatinsteadoflapsingintopassion，sheconsciouslyanddeliberatelytookextraordinarypainstoforceherselfintoit，andbecameblindlyfuriousbyregularstages；`whatwasthenamehegavemebeforethebasemanwhosworetodefendme？O！Holdme！O！'
`Ah-h-h！'growledthejourneyman，betweenhisteeth，`I'dholdyou，ifyouwasmywife。I'dholdyouunderthepump，andchokeitoutofyou。'
`Itellyou，letheralone，'saidJoe。
`Oh！Tohearhim！'criedmysister，withaclapofherhandsandascreamtogether-whichwashernextstage。`Tohearthenameshe'sgivingme！
ThatOrlick！Inmyownhouse！Me，amarriedwoman！Withmyhusbandstandingby！O！O！'Heremysister，afterafitofclappingsandscreamings，beatherhandsuponherbosomanduponherknees，andthrewhercapoff，andpulledherhairdown-whichwerethelaststagesonherroadtofrenzy。
BeingbythistimeaperfectFuryandacompletesuccess，shemadeadashatthedoor，whichIhadfortunatelylocked。
WhatcouldthewretchedJoedonow，afterhisdisregardedparentheticalinterruptions，butstanduptohisjourneyman，andaskhimwhathemeantbyinterferingbetwixthimselfandMrsJoe；andfurtherwhetherhè；
wasmanenoughtocomeon？OldOrlickfeltthatthesituationadmittedofnothinglessthancomingon，andwasonhisdefencestraightway；so，withoutsomuchaspullingofftheirsingedandburntaprons，theywentatoneanother，liketwogiants。But，ifanymaninthatneighbourhoodcouldstanduplongagainstJoe，Ineversawtheman。Orlick，asifhehadbeenofnomoreaccountthanthepaleyounggentleman，wasverysoonamongthecoal-dust，andinnohurrytocomeoutofit。Then，Joeunlockedthedoorandpickedupmysister，whohaddroppedinsensibleatthewindowbutwhohadseenthefightfirst，Ithink，andwhowascarriedintothehouseandlaiddown，andwhowasrecommendedtorevive，andwoulddonothingbutstruggleandclenchherhandsinJoe'shair。Then，camethatsingularcalmandsilencewhichsucceedalluproars；andthen，withthevaguesensationwhichIhavealwaysconnectedwithsuchalull-namely，thatitwasSunday，andsomebodywasdead-Iwentup-stairstodressmyself。
WhenIcamedownagain，IfoundJoeandOrlicksweepingup，withoutanyothertracesofdiscomposurethanaslitinoneofOrlick'snostrils，whichwasneitherexpressivenorornamental。ApotofbeerhadappearedfromtheJollyBargemen，andtheyweresharingitbyturnsinapeaceablemanner。ThelullhadasedativeandphilosophicalinfluenceonJoe，whofollowedmeoutintotheroadtosay，asapartingobservationthatmightdomegood，`OntheRampage，Pip，andofftheRampage，Pip-suchisLife！'
Withwhatabsurdemotionsfor，wethinkthefeelingsthatareveryseriousinamanquitecomicalinaboyIfoundmyselfagaingoingtoMissHavisham's，matterslittlehere。Nor，howIpassedandrepassedthegatemanytimesbeforeIcouldmakeupmymindtoring。Nor，howIdebatedwhetherIshouldgoawaywithoutringing；nor，howIshouldundoubtedlyhavegone，ifmytimehadbeenmyown，tocomeback。
MissSarahPocketcametothegate。NoEstella。
`How，then？Youhereagain？'saidMissPocket。`Whatdoyouwant？'
WhenIsaidthatIonlycametoseehowMissHavishamwas，Sarahevidentlydeliberatedwhetherornosheshouldsendmeaboutmybusiness。But，unwillingtohazardtheresponsibility，sheletmein，andpresentlybroughtthesharpmessagethatIwasto`comeup。'
Everythingwasunchanged，andMissHavishamwasalone。
`Well？'saidshe，fixinghereyesuponme。`Ihopeyouwantnothing？
You'llgetnothing。'
`No，indeed，MissHavisham。IonlywantedyoutoknowthatIamdoingverywellinmyapprenticeship，andamalwaysmuchobligedtoyou。'
`There，there！'withtheoldrestlessfingers。`Comenowandthen；comeonyourbirthday-Ay！'shecriedsuddenly，turningherselfandherchairtowardsme，`YouarelookingroundforEstella？Hey？'
Ihadbeenlookinground-infact，forEstella-andIstammeredthatIhopedshewaswell。
`Abroad，'saidMissHavisham；`educatingforalady；faroutofreach；
prettierthanever；admiredbyallwhoseeher。Doyoufeelthatyouhavelosther？'
Therewassuchamalignantenjoymentinherutteranceofthelastwords，andshebrokeintosuchadisagreeablelaugh，thatIwasatalosswhattosay。Shesparedmethetroubleofconsidering，bydismissingme。WhenthegatewascloseduponmebySarahofthewalnut-shellcountenance，I
feltmorethaneverdissatisfiedwithmyhomeandwithmytradeandwitheverything；andthatwasallItookbythatmotion。
AsIwasloiteringalongtheHigh-street，lookingindisconsolatelyattheshopwindows，andthinkingwhatIwouldbuyifIwereagentleman，whoshouldcomeoutofthebookshopbutMrWopsle。MrWopslehadinhishandtheaffectingtragedyofGeorgeBarnwell，inwhichhehadthatmomentinvestedsixpence，withtheviewofheapingeverywordofitontheheadofPumblechook，withwhomhewasgoingtodrinktea。Nosoonerdidheseeme，thanheappearedtoconsiderthataspecialProvidencehadputa'prenticeinhiswaytobereadat；andhelaidholdofme，andinsistedonmyaccompanyinghimtothePumblechookianparlour。AsIknewitwouldbemiserableathome，andasthenightsweredarkandthewaywasdreary，andalmostanycompanionshipontheroadwasbetterthannone，Imadenogreatresistance；consequently，weturnedintoPumblechook'sjustasthestreetandtheshopswerelightingup。
AsIneverassistedatanyotherrepresentationofGeorgeBarnwell，Idon'tknowhowlongitmayusuallytake；butIknowverywellthatittookuntilhalf-pastnineo'clockthatnight，andthatwhenMrWopslegotintoNewgate，Ithoughtheneverwouldgotothescaffold，hebecamesomuchslowerthanatanyformerperiodofhisdisgracefulcareer。Ithoughtitalittletoomuchthatheshouldcomplainofbeingcutshortinhisflowerafterall，asifhehadnotbeenrunningtoseed，leafafterleaf，eversincehiscoursebegan。This，however，wasamerequestionoflengthandwearisomeness。Whatstungme，wastheidentificationofthewholeaffairwithmyunoffendingself。WhenBarnwellbegantogowrong，IdeclarethatIfeltpositivelyapologetic，Pumblechook'sindignantstaresotaxedmewithit。Wopsle，too，tookpainstopresentmeintheworstlight。Atonceferociousandmaudlin，Iwasmadetomurdermyunclewithnoextenuatingcircumstanceswhatever；Millwoodputmedowninargument，oneveryoccasion；
itbecamesheermonomaniainmymaster'sdaughtertocareabuttonforme；andallIcansayformygaspingandprocrastinatingconductonthefatalmorning，is，thatitwasworthyofthegeneralfeeblenessofmycharacter。
EvenafterIwashappilyhangedandWopslehadclosedthebook，Pumblechooksatstaringatme，andshakinghishead，andsaying，`Takewarning，boy，takewarning！'asifitwereawell-knownfactthatIcontemplatedmurderinganearrelation，providedIcouldonlyinduceonetohavetheweaknesstobecomemybenefactor。
Itwasaverydarknightwhenitwasallover，andwhenIsetoutwithMr。Wopsleonthewalkhome。Beyondtown，wefoundaheavymistout，anditfellwetandthick。Theturnpikelampwasablur，quiteoutofthelamp'susualplaceapparently，anditsrayslookedsolidsubstanceonthefog。
Wewerenoticingthis，andsayinghowthatthemistrosewithachangeofwindfromacertainquarterofourmarshes，whenwecameuponaman，slouchingundertheleeoftheturnpikehouse。
`Halloa！'wesaid，stopping。`Orlick，there？'
`Ah！'heanswered，slouchingout。`Iwasstandingby，aminute，onthechanceofcompany。'
`Youarelate，'Iremarked。
Orlicknotunnaturallyanswered，`Well？Andyou'relate。'
`Wehavebeen，'saidMrWopsle，exaltedwithhislateperformance，`wehavebeenindulging，MrOrlick，inanintellectualevening。'
OldOrlickgrowled，asifhehadnothingtosayaboutthat，andweallwentontogether。Iaskedhimpresentlywhetherhehadbeenspendinghishalf-holidayupanddowntown？
`Yes，'saidhe，`allofit。Icomeinbehindyourself。Ididn'tseeyou，butImusthavebeenprettyclosebehindyou。By-the-bye，thegunsisgoingagain。'
`AttheHulks？'saidI。
`Ay！There'ssomeofthebirdsflownfromthecages。Thegunshavebeengoingsincedark，about。You'llhearonepresently。'
Ineffect，wehadnotwalkedmanyyardsfurther，whenthewellrememberedboomcametowardsus，deadenedbythemist，andheavilyrolledawayalongthelowgroundsbytheriver，asifitwerepursuingandthreateningthefugitives。
`Agoodnightforcuttingoffin，'saidOrlick。`We'dbepuzzledhowtobringdownajail-birdonthewing，to-night。'
Thesubjectwasasuggestiveonetome，andIthoughtaboutitinsilence。
MrWopsle，astheill-requiteduncleoftheevening'stragedy，felltomeditatingaloudinhisgardenatCamberwell。Orlick，withhishandsinhispockets，slouchedheavilyatmyside。Itwasverydark，verywet，verymuddy，andsowesplashedalong。Nowandthen，thesoundofthesignalcannonbrokeuponusagain，andagainrolledsulkilyalongthecourseoftheriver。Ikeptmyselftomyselfandmythoughts。MrWopslediedamiablyatCamberwell，andexceedinglygameonBosworthField，andinthegreatestagoniesatGlastonbury。Orlicksometimesgrowled，`Beatitout，beatitout-OldClem！Withaclinkforthestout-OldClem！'Ithoughthehadbeendrinking，buthewasnotdrunk。
Thus，wecametothevillage。Thewaybywhichweapproachedit，tookuspasttheThreeJollyBargemen，whichweweresurprisedtofind-itbeingeleveno'clock-inastateofcommotion，withthedoorwideopen，andunwontedlightsthathadbeenhastilycaughtupandputdown，scatteredabout。MrWopsledroppedintoaskwhatwasthemattersurmisingthataconvicthadbeentaken，butcamerunningoutinagreathurry。
`There'ssomethingwrong，'saidhe，withoutstopping，`upatyourplace，Pip。Runall！'
`Whatisit？'Iasked，keepingupwithhim。SodidOrlick，atmyside。
`Ican'tquiteunderstand。ThehouseseemstohavebeenviolentlyenteredwhenJoeGargerywasout。Supposedbyconvicts。Somebodyhasbeenattackedandhurt。'
Wewererunningtoofasttoadmitofmorebeingsaid，andwemadenostopuntilwegotintoourkitchen。Itwasfullofpeople；thewholevillagewasthere，orintheyard；andtherewasasurgeon，andtherewasJoe，andtherewasagroupofwomen，allonthefloorinthemidstofthekitchen。
Theunemployedbystandersdrewbackwhentheysawme，andsoIbecameawareofmysister-lyingwithoutsenseormovementonthebareboardswhereshehadbeenknockeddownbyatremendousblowonthebackofthehead，dealtbysomeunknownhandwhenherfacewasturnedtowardsthefire-
destinednevertobeontheRampageagain，whileshewasthewifeofJoe。