Having thought of the matter with care, I approached my subject as if I

had never hinted at it before. I informed Wemmick that I was anxious in

behalf of Herbert Pocket, and I told him how we had first met, and how

we had fought. I glanced at Herbert's home, and at his character, and

at his having no means but such as he was dependent on his father for;

those, uncertain and unpunctual. I alluded to the advantages I had

derived in my first rawness and ignorance from his society, and I

confessed that I feared I had but ill repaid them, and that he might

have done better without me and my expectations. Keeping Miss Havisham

in the background at a great distance, I still hinted at the possibility

of my having competed with him in his prospects, and at the certainty of

his possessing a generous soul, and being far above any mean distrusts,

retaliations, or designs. For all these reasons (I told Wemmick),

and because he was my young companion and friend, and I had a great

affection for him, I wished my own good fortune to reflect some rays

upon him, and therefore I sought advice from Wemmick's experience and

knowledge of men and affairs, how I could best try with my resources to

help Herbert to some present income,--say of a hundred a year, to keep

him in good hope and heart,--and gradually to buy him on to some small

partnership. I begged Wemmick, in conclusion, to understand that my help

must always be rendered without Herbert's knowledge or suspicion, and

that there was no one else in the world with whom I could advise. I

wound up by laying my hand upon his shoulder, and saying, "I can't help

confiding in you, though I know it must be troublesome to you; but that

is your fault, in having ever brought me here."

Wemmick was silent for a little while, and then said with a kind of

start, "Well you know, Mr. Pip, I must tell you one thing. This is

devilish good of you."

"Say you'll help me to be good then," said I.

"Ecod," replied Wemmick, shaking his head, "that's not my trade."

"Nor is this your trading-place," said I.

"You are right," he returned. "You hit the nail on the head. Mr. Pip,

I'll put on my considering-cap, and I think all you want to do may be

done by degrees. Skiffins (that's her brother) is an accountant and

agent. I'll look him up and go to work for you."




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