Great Expectations

"Herbert, my dear friend," said I, shutting the double doors, while

Herbert stood staring and wondering, "something very strange has

happened. This is--a visitor of mine."

"It's all right, dear boy!" said Provis coming forward, with his little

clasped black book, and then addressing himself to Herbert. "Take it in

your right hand. Lord strike you dead on the spot, if ever you split in

any way sumever! Kiss it!"

"Do so, as he wishes it," I said to Herbert. So, Herbert, looking at

me with a friendly uneasiness and amazement, complied, and Provis

immediately shaking hands with him, said, "Now you're on your oath, you

know. And never believe me on mine, if Pip shan't make a gentleman on

you!"